May’s media cronyism highlights biased election coverage
Theresa May has faced new allegations of media cronyism after her interactions at a press conference in Wales. It was in this Wrexham speech, to which only select insiders and media personnel were invited, that May announced adjustments to the social care reforms that had lured such ardent criticism earlier this week. Chanting from a pre-written script, chock-full with carefully-honed soundbites, Mrs May reassured the audience that only her party held the “solution to social care” that doesn’t rely on...
Beer of the Week – Green’s Ancient Grains Dubbel Ale
Strength: 7% ABV Brewed: Ghent, Belgium Since launching their Ancient Grains range of beers in the UK last year, Green’s has become quickly renowned for a unique and complex brewing approach, which doesn’t use wheat or barley in the brewing process. As a result, the beers are naturally gluten-free, targeting a constantly growing community of experimental beer connoisseurs. In addition to being suitable for those in need of a gluten-free diet – Green’s beers are naturally gentle on the digestive system...
Parents hold national day of action in protest against funding cuts for education
By Tara Carey Fair Funding for Schools representative in Lambeth The row over school funding has taken centre stage in the general election campaign, with parents and teachers across the country rising up in protest against budget cuts put forward by the government and Department of Education. To highlight concerns, a national day of action is being planned this Friday, May 26, with events happening in parks and high streets up and down the country. Campaigners say at the heart...
Theatre Review: My World Has Exploded A Little Bit, the Ovalhouse
Stories about grief always feel unbearably pertinent to those who have lost. And those who have lost often feel an unbearable urge to document their grief. Those who are left behind can find themselves in a catch 22 of sadness. My own story is for another time, but as I sit in the audience of My World Has Exploded A Little Bit at the Ovalhouse, I completely understand why this play was written. Created and performed by Bella Heesom, with...
Sick hoaxer threatens to blow up high school just hours after Manchester attack
An investigation is underway after a sick hoaxer threatened to blow up a Scottish high school -- just hours after the terror attack in Manchester. Parents, pupils and staff were left sickened by the bomb hoax early on Tuesday morning. Youngsters remained in their classes at Barrhead High School, East Renfrewshire, as police officers carried out a two-hour search. The hoax threat came only hours after a devastating attack at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester which...
Army drafted in to key locations in London as UK threat level raised to critical
The army has been drafted in to key locations in London as the UK terror threat has been raised to critical. Soldiers have been put on guard outside Buckingham Palace and Downing Street, with 984 military personnel deployed across the country. The Changing the Guard at the Palace was cancelled and Parliament was closed to the public. The Old Bailey’s public galleries were also shut. Chelsea Football Club's victory parade, penned in for Sunday, has also been cancelled following the terrorist attack...
Sweden lists entire country on Airbnb
Sweden has listed the entire country on Airbnb in celebration of its freedom to roam principle (or Allemansrätten) which gives people the right to freely explore all public spaces across the country. From a rustic retreat in a historic and mysterious forest in western Värmland to fishing in the pools of the rugged cliffs of Sandön, there are countless fascinating spots to explore freely throughout the Scandinavian nation. And the best part is - you don’t have to officially book accommodation...
The Red Turtle: Film Review
The Red Turtle opens with the sight of a nameless man struggling to stay on-board his small boat in a huge storm. After he wakes on a deserted island, he finds water and fruit to live off, but decides to leave and builds a bamboo raft to sail away on. Each time he tries to leave his boat is destroyed by a red turtle and he is left stranded on the island once more. One night he sees the turtle...
Spark: A Space Tale – Film Review
By Linda Marric For an animation film primarily aimed at children, Spark: A Space Tale seems to spend an unusual amount of time trying to please its adult viewers. With multiple attempts at referencing anything from Stars Wars to WALL·E ( Andrew Stanton, 2008), director Aaron Wooley tries his very best to inject some much needed life into the narrative, but sadly falls short of entirely convincing. With a voice cast which includes Jessica Biel, Hilary Swank, Patrick Stewart and...