Concert Review: Two Door Cinema Club @ O2 Arena, London- 13/12/2013

Two Door Cinema Club have risen to fame the good old-fashioned way, through hard work and innovative music. This is a sell-out gig at London's most famous venue, the 20,000 capacity O2 Arena that the Northern Irish threesome have been aiming for since they formed back in 2011. Two Door Cinema Club released their debut record in 2010', 'Tourist History' followed by 'Beacon', which hit UK and Irish shelves in August 2012 and peaked at number 2 in the UK Album Chart and 1 in Ireland. So it's no surprise that tonight's gig is an emotional milestone for the band and fans alike. It's also clear how grateful the band are for their progress and success in the industry.

Their irresistible sound and tone shoots to a start with one of Two Door Cinema Club's latest single 'Sleep Alone' , which rocks he crowd into submission. It's clear from the off that this night is going to be special for band and audience alike, with smoke, fireworks and confetti for the vert first song. The band have built-up their fan base and venue capacity over the last few years and this concert is a celebration of their achievements and music. Their live experience in terms of musical ability is impeccably rehearsed and tight, proving just how long the three members have known each other and the effect that childhood friendships have on work relationships too.

Lead vocalist Alex Trimble seems to lack enthusiasm to begin with, but his build-up of vigour and energy seems to multiply as the night goes on. All three members of the band have been together since their inception and all play their part with multiple instrument playing, for instance Trimble boasts lead vocals, synths, beats and rhythm guitar.

In terms of the crowd, when second track 'Undercover Martyn' begins, the enthusiasm for an old favourite is overpoweringly clear. Two Door Cinema Club's smart but straightforward use of catchy, radio-friendly rhythms and frantic melodies are embellished with wonderful stage presences from all members. 'Do You Want it All?' is the song that really gets the crowd going, with thousands of people belting out the lyrics in out of tune unison.

The band's mainstream success has been down to high street department store Debenhams August
2012 ad campaign with 'This is the Life' at the forefront. The track is full of all the brash optimism
that makes up the band's sound. What's really astounding to is the sheer diversity of  the. crowd, which is representative of the range of people who listen to Two Door Cinema Club. 

'Changing of the Seasons', which peaked at 33 in the UK Singles Chart showcases the band's electrifying use of electronics and synths in their work, which is performed in the most sleek,
professional manner imaginable. The upbeat yet contemplative track portrays lyrics that'd be at home
in any effective love song. It's soaring synths and heavily Indie hooks carry over to 'Wake Up' and
'Come Back Home', which are so full of euphoria it's astounding. And the pace of the fist-pumping,
bouncing crowd has yet to decline.

Trimble's wholesome yet powerful vocals are surprisingly dominant over the killer melodies and remarkable use of rhythms and back beats. 'Spring' is emotional without being dark, and the slick lasers and lighting. Given that this is the band's biggest show to date, they seem to be taking the
pressure utterly in their stride and using it to enhance their performance. 'Sun', pop-heavy 'I Can Talk'   
and 'Pyramid' prove just how confident the threesome are in their music now, their modest swagger is executed with as much finesse as their overall performance.

With his tranquil yet string vocals, signature red quiff and sparkly black jacket that'd be at home on a bingo caller, Alex Trimble is brimming with glee and confidence. Two Door Cinema Club's very first duet 'The World is Watching' with mediocre vocalist Valentina who fails to add much to the track live or on record. 'Next Year' and 'Something Good Can Work' illustrate a great sense of electric and energetic spirit that seem to charm the crowd into using the last of their energy up. The band keep their bubbly persona through 'Handshake' and the quirkily titled 'Eat That Up It's Good For You'. The songs bring the set to an end by proving how hard the band and their management have work on performance, sound and to please as much as the audience and critics as possible with the variety of tracks old and new.

For the inevitable encore made up of 'Someday', ' Cigarettes in the Theatre' and 'What You Know' is big and bold and everything an encore should be. With the crowd shrieking with delight and the band' s obvious happiness is something you rarely see at concerts. There was a lack of interaction with the crowd but that's not surprise given how many tracks Two Door Cinema Club had to get through. It was a special evening symbolic of the band's hard work, infectious music.

4/5

Boris Johnson- Greed is Good

At the end of last month, London’s Mayor Boris Johnson presented a speech promoting the positive value of greed combined with intelligence. He also went on it highlight the necessity for selective schools and stressed the significance of greed envy and overall inequality in our everyday lives. This has caused uproar for thousands of hard-working, successful but not necessarily academic Londoners. Consider the most intelligent person you know- are they also the most logical thinker you know with bucket-loads of common sense, a fantastic job and overall ecstatic with their life?

Johnson also went on to suggest that the most successful people are the greediest. He made the bold claim by fostering Thatcher’s stance of “the spirit of envy” as a key component in spurring on economic activity. That may be true but it cannot be denied that Boris Johnson constantly seems all too aware of his audience when speaking in public. For instance, this particular speech was held at the Annual Margaret Thatcher Lecture and logically, in order to secure more support from Tory right-wingers, Johnson did his homework so he knew the right things to say, as it were.  He even professed his adoration for Grammar Schools and pointed out that “…just 16% of our species have an IQ below 85…” and called for more to be done by governments to boost the 2% of people with an IQ over 130. 

Similarly, when running for Mayor of London originally, Eton-educated Johnson pinpointed the  importance of ticket offices and real people working on the Underground for the public’s safety and security. Yet more recently, Johnson has backed plans for ticket offices to be scrapped and some Underground services to run 24 hours a day. It seems the Mayor is either attempting to please all Londoners by going along with these plans, and consequentially causing anger and frustration from many, or simply does not know
what he’s doing. Now there’s a wasted private education.

After completing his speech, Boris Johnson informed the Centre for Policy Studies think tank, “…the harder you shake the pack the easier it will be for some cornflakes to get to the top.” Thanks Mr Johnson, but I can safety say most Londoners don’t want you anywhere near them, let alone close enough to shake them. He may pride himself on being one if the only politicians who can and will say the “unsayable”‘ but some things simply don’t need to be said because of their lack of importance, and let’s face it- truth.

In all seriousness, Boris’ use of rhetoric towards those less academically able was deeply offensive, especially the way that he referred to the uneducated and poorly educated as a kind of sub-species. The irony is, many people’s lack of opportunity in this country is down to politicians such as Johnson for not doing enough to really help education and unemployment rather than just their ‘official’ figures and statistics. So does this mean the incredibly intelligent, wealthy and powerful are to be well taken care of with little or no assistance left for the lower classes.

Education should be regarded as a right rather than a privilege and all children should be given the best start in life no matter their socioeconmic background. So rather than propose to help all 
Londoners reach their full potential, London’s Mayor disregarded the idea of giving opportunities to as many people as possible. Attempting to unlock all children’s and young people’s potential through decent education could very well helps rid the Capital of some of its current economic dilemmas, as well as those across the UK and overseas. Johnson’s current stance is likely to keep London and the UK in the rut we are in or even cause further divides between our people.

It has also recently been revealed in the press that Johnson has been writing a book whilst he has been in power, causing other MPs and PoliticIans such as Liam Bryne, the Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Great anger. Bryne said, “Every hour Boris…spent writing his book is an hour 
which be could have spent to make our streets safer and getting new investment and jobs in London.” He also stated that the Mayor is paid more than the Prime Minister. 

Despite Boris’ wacky notions, the fact is that it is straightforward enough it find the balance between greed for your business and simply remembering the fact that the business exists to make money. 
Londoners should be provided similar starts in life when it comes to education to eventually boost our economy, job market and general morale.

Immigration and Integration: Does Multiculturalism Really Exist?

As I slump into yet another underground seat on yet another tube, on yet another drizzly, dismal morning I hear the faint chatter of other passengers as my eyes become heavy and begin to close. As I doze I can’t help but notice the variety of voices in the carriage. I detect at least three different languages, two of which I couldn't even recognise. Then it hits me- London is full of diverse cultures, customs, traditions and religions, which surely make it multicultural, right?

Grounded in Our Own Realities

For some communities, cultural diversity simply does not exist. This may be because they are set in their archaic ways, but what if I said such diversity doesn’t really exist in large modern, thriving places such as Manchester, Birmingham and London. Consider those who refuse to acknowledge integration let alone get involved with it, instead sticking to their personal preferences and habits. Many appear so grounded in their own reality that they fail to recognise others’ values and beliefs. On the other hand, others are exceedingly proud about their beliefs or culture and desperately attempt to attract others to their way of life, perhaps somewhat forcefully.

By definition multiculturalism can derive from immigration but when good old-fashioned ignorance comes into play, do either even stand a chance? Although there may be more and more cultures in the UK, it’s no secret that there’s an incredible stigma attached to immigration and much debate regarding what constraints should be put into place to control immigration numbers. Some people are of the opinion that it is unfair for those not of British birth to receive somewhere to live, assistance finding employment and various benefits. Recently the Conservative Party have recently cracked down on EU immigrant benefits despite the fact that European Immigrants paid 34% more in tax than they received in benefits last year.

Immigration in History

Arguably there were no immigration or border control issues in the US pre-World War One (around 1914), instead there was a free movement in every sense of the word. After the war many countries seemed less sympathetic as many were war-torn, diseased wastelands less equip to deal with those seeking refuge. Now, immigration is just like any other permit; it allows you to live, learn and trade in another country, but it’s currently perceived by many as a plague on society’s development as immigrants ravage jobs and resources. Yet the fact is they are actually more likely to boost British economy by providing new services and goods that the current market is unable to, perhaps even forming a niche of fresh demands.

Indecisiveness with Immigration

It was recently reported in The Independent that Nick Clegg has been “scapegoating immigrants...”. The Lib Dem leader has conducted “...his most unforgivable Tory collaboration yet.” due to the fact that he spoke of an amnesty for illegal immigrants but has now jumped on the Tory bandwagon of blaming immigrants for Britain’s problems rather than the Police, Bankers, Politicians etc. It seems the Conservatives know how unlikely they are to win the next election and are consequentially playing on public fears.

The Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) suppose that immigrants contribute approximately £16.27billion to the British economy every year, despite the fact that immigration in the UK fell in June 2013 leaving the total around 182,000 compared to just over 160,000 at the same time in 2012. It seems the government simply cannot meet demand although they aim to wheedle the total down to 100,000 by 2015.

The fact is that each and every one of us is responsible for making the leap from multiculturalism to integration but the question remains whether when someone changes their country of residence, it means their sense of self (culture, religion etc) are less significant. However, BBC Radio4 reported that 80 million people are thought to not be living in the country of their birth.

Britain’s Buried Origins

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) found that over a third of asylum seekers are students, making it plain that these young people are searching for a better life and better future. Therefore, it’s disastrous to discover that ‘Islamaphobia’ is now socially acceptable on our shores. According to the Aljazeera website, white Britons may soon become a minority in Britain which has triggered terror amongst many causing them to become concerned about the future of the country. Britain is built on cultures failing to integrate, which is odd considering we’re a culture composed of a cocktail of immigrants and invaders, raising the question of what something inherently British actually is.

We are able to see how much the British government despise immigrants from our current legal system the United Kingdom Border Agency introduced a civil penalty system in February 2008 for employers who have an illegal immigrant working for them, which allows a penalty of up £10,000 per illegal employee for those committing this heinous crime. Other penalties may include the employer being downgraded on the register of sponsors or the employer’s licence being cancelled and removed from the register so they are unable to bring any workers to UK or keep any workers who are migrants.

This is the issue with population growth through immigration; on the one hand it is not possible to support a regulated immigration policy since government actions in Britain are rarely legitimate or moral. This is because the only reason we as citizens can stop people from freely moving on to land, is to prevent a violation of property rights and since our government cannot hold any land. They have no right be prevent people from entering our country, and when it does, it is committing an immoral act of violence against this person, and restricting them of their natural rights, which has led to the viewpoint of “open boarders”.

The term multiculturalism does not account for the questionable beginnings of Britain built on war and invasion, and real integration is unlikely to occur if this is not recognised. It’s a term used to excess by Western politicians to entice those living in other countries to our shores as and when they desire. But once current citizens begin complaining or someone needs to be blamed for Britain’s problems, immigrants are an easily and defenseless target.

EP Review: Amberline- ‘The Art of Reinvention’ (30/09/2013- Self-Released)

Hailing from Guildford, Surrey, Pop Punkers Amberline high-energy five piece influenced by the likes of A Day to Remember, New Found Glory and Blink-182. Their debut ‘Soundtrack of Your Life’ hit shelves back in 2011 and the quintet’s latest EP ‘The Art of Reinvention’ hit digital music stands on September 30^th and it’s no surprise they’ve caused quite a commotion in their quiet hometown by recently describing their music as “Michael Jackson two-stepping on your mum’s face”.

Right from the off, it’s obvious this EP is going to be somewhat generic both melodically and lyrically. Although the light breakdowns in ‘I’m a Grower, Not a Show-er’ are apt, the lyrics simply do not cut it. In fact, the track sounds so much like Good Charlotte’s early work it’s uncanny. But there is no denying that Amberline know what they’re doing, and perhaps have just gripped the mantra of ‘If it ain’t broke then don’t fix it.’ The track even comes to as monotone end with gang vocals chorusing “f*ck you.”

‘The Art of Reinvention’, the band claim, is a brave redefinition of old-school Pop Punk, but it actually appears there’s been very little redefining going on. ‘Years Gone By’ follows in the same fashion, with speedy yet steady drum beats driving the standard melody and breakdowns during the Bridge. With its typically Emo title, ‘The Lost and the Hopeless’ starts steadily with strikingly subtle guitaring that rapidly smashes into a blasting verse forming a monstrous chorus. With infectious hooks, big guitar solos and a typically catchy chorus, this track is certainly a stand-out song. Credit where credit’s due, Amberline have stuck like the glue to their Pop Punk genre, which is something so many bands and artists fail to do; they know how they want to come across, who they what to be as a band and what they want their sound to be.

The well-crafted melody of ‘When All Else Fails’ seamlessly blends harmonies, brashing guitars and drums and raw, punchy main vocal lines. The production quality is also clear as the song comes to a close and the gang vocals become crystal clear and well-coordinated. Although ‘Here Comes the Colonel’ is definitely the filler track of the EP, ‘Fingers Crossed’ brings a burst of solid optimism to the table to finish on.

Despite how well-crafted and energetic ‘The Art of Reinvention’ is, Amberline seem to lack individuality. They come across as passionate and hugely diligent musicians who just don’t possess the desire to be different, but you never know what they might try reinventing in theit future.

3.5/5

Revolutionaries, Radicles and Politics of the Outsider- What is Radical in the Political World?

With regards to unconventional political stances, the main aspect to consider is radical politicians and their views. Those with radical political views range from being in utter opposition to existing mainstream political system and state and seeking to hack away at it in any way possible, to regarding those in power as benevolent being compared to all other citizens. Although many members of the public believe that there is no extremism linked to modern politics and the State simply provides us with food, shelter and support, there has been a particularly noticeable build-up of alternative political views since the recession hit British shores back in 2008. As citizens have become more and more frustrated with politicians failing to meet acceptable standards of service, a more progressive and revolutionary approach to politics has been initiated.

From Ron Paul to Russell Brand- Present Political Revolutionaries

Ron Paul is a former American politician, as well as author and physician who attempted to revolutionise the American political system during his time as a Congressman in Texas, which came to an end earlier this year. He claimed that “…mainstream media is not telling the stories that Americans need to know” and that Western politics is whitewashed to protect the public from the painful truth of the world that we live in. Paul’s approach was to simply highlight the snags in mainstream politics for the public to be aware of and gain an opinion of, and then inevitably change the system as it currently stands so it actually carries out the purpose it was designed for- to provide the help that the public need for modern life.

Ron Paul

It is also important to note that politically-passionate individuals or groups do not necessarily have to be radical to make a radical change. For instance, Ron Paul’s radical hatred of the State has done more practically for the cause of liberty and freedom without ever crossing the slightly blurred boundaries between conventional and radical politics.

Even more recently, Comedian Russell Brand has been conducting recent political outbursts that lean towards fighting for more power and money for politicians to help the poor and neglected members of society. Although many may only consider the likes of Hitler and Stalin as revolutionaries, Brand has underlined the “insignificant” differences between current mainstream British political parties as the schemes they carry out are ineffective no matter whether they are left or right-wing associated. He also stated, “The only reason to vote is if the vote represents power or change. I don't think it does. I fervently believe that we deserve more from our democratic system than the few derisory tit-bits tossed from the carousel of the mighty, when they hop a few inches left or right.”

Brand also joined a million other protestors in the Million Mask March on the evening of 11^th November against financial cuts for the public, general corruption and increased surveillance. He was spotted sporting a Guy Fawkes mask. Hacktivist group Anonymous claimed the march in Whitehall and Trafalgar Square aimed to “…spark the movement back into action against the persecution of internet freedom”. In his recent Newsnight interview with Jeremy Paxman, Russell Brand claimed that the current political system is “broken” and stressed a revolutionary by the people was needed. The interview has over 9 million views on YouTube.

Russell Brand

Believe it or not, Che Guevara was a in fact, mass murdering Totalitarian Socialist who killed many black people, killed and banished many Jazz and Rock musicians because he did not enjoy those particular genres. However he still remains a symbol of pop culture for many within the Western world, most likely simply due to pure ignorance.

Anarchism, Capitalism and Communism

Anarchism is defined as “A doctrine urging the abolition of government or governmental restraint as the indispensable condition for full social and political liberty.” But the word anarchy itself simply means a lack of hierarchy. Two types of Political Anarchists are Anarco-Capitalists and Libertarians, which pretty much go hand-in-hand in terms of NAP (Non-aggression principles), held by those who follow these political systems.  These beliefs also suggest that aggressive tactics to gain more or overall political control are illegitimate as they are closely linked to people’s lives, property and liberty.

Economists such as Ludwig Von Mises, Robert P. Murphy and Murray Rothbard utterly despise the State and labelled those who are part of it as robbers, enslavers and murderers who take advantage of citizens through taxation, or even more extreme schemes such as illegal wars and executions to gain control over society. Yet the State is designed to provide a systematic, legal and orderly channel for people and their property, but Anarcho-Capitalists believe that services the state provide should benefit those who hold political power as well as the general public. Anarcho Communists however, hold the opinion that the abolition of Capitalism, wages and private property (while retaining respect for personal property) would help boost the current political methods in the West.

The line between what is conventional and therefore accepted by the general public is more blurred than many may think. Revolutionaries and radicals are more ordinary than they appear at first glance simply because there is very little extremism in middle-of-the-road Western politics. As many believe the current system is inoperative, a change in the democracy we know in Britain may just be inevitable. 

Facebook- The Relationship Wrecker

With instant communication physically within our reach, relationships are arguably harder than ever to maintain in modern society. Romantic relationships in particular can be very treacherous when Social Media gets involved, which is happening to more and more couples given the fact that Match.com claims 1 in 5 relationships now start online. The internet makes cheating far easier to carry out but not so easy to hide- unless you’re cautious with your passwords that is!

Social Media can create a false sense of intimacy between people, allow you to connect with people the world over, and cause you to compare yourself and your lifestyle with that of other people that you know. With regards to relationships between couples, a study in a recent issue of the Journal of Cyber-psychology, Behaviour and Social Networking found that people who use Facebook excessively (interpreted by the researchers as checking it more than hourly) are more likely to "...experience Facebook–related conflict with their romantic partners, which then may cause negative relationship outcomes including emotional and physical cheating, break-up and divorce.”

Some people also opt to have a true self and online self, as well as effectively lead a double life thanks to the easy access Social Media provides to such choices. In Britain, 71% of households have a broadband connection, so it’s time to face up to the fact that there’s no escape from Facebook and the like. Social Media has also been an unprecedented distraction to employees within the workplace as well as those in relationships simply because the temptation is so effortless to experience. You can add someone on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and stalk them online ‘til the sun goes down, but the question is can you really know a person based on either their physical self or online self? Because it’s no secret that Social Media users tend to exaggerate the excitement they have in their personal and professional lives.

The online dating industry is said to be worth £2 billion a year and despite it being thought that half of all marriages end in divorce, it’s staggering how much the industry has boomed over the last decade. But this is likely to have caused an amplification of paranoia, with some couples even allowing one another to log onto one another’s email accounts, blogs and Social Media pages to have a butchers at their recently activity.Digital dating is seen by some as a vital part in a society where the methods of forming relationships are grossly inefficient, according to psychologists from the University of Rochester in the U.S. “Online dating is definitely a new and much-needed twist on relationships” said Harry Reis; who worked on a report with The Daily Telegraph, along with five authors and a professor in psychology. 

Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter in particular, have changed the dating scene severely. Along with dating websites, Social Media sites mean there’s no more sitting by the phone waiting that call; you can instantly contact online and keep in touch as much or as little as you want, which can have both positive and negative effects on your relationship. For instance, talking online makes it easier, faster and cheaper to chat in between seeing each other in person, and therefore get to know one another a little more. Yet if it’s made use of too much, Social Media can have a detrimental effect on friendships and romantic relationships alike. 

It’s also interesting to note how much people take your cyber-space activity into account, especially with relationships. Say you've just nabbed yourself a new girlfriend or boyfriend; very few people are aware of it until you shove it on your Facebook profile. But the beauty of that is you can control who is aware of your personal business without editing your privacy settings online; it’s all done face-to-face.

The easy-come, easy-go mentality towards relationships make work for some, but it’s all dependant on how to use Social Media when you’re in a relationship. If you use it to simply keep in touch with each other it can be beneficial to the development of your relationship, but if it can also be the cause of severe screaming matches and even cause the relationship to end.

Film Review: Filth (18) – Lionsgate UK (04/10/2013)

A controversial Crime Comedy Drama starring James McAvoy, ‘Filth’ is based on Irvine Welsh’s 1998 novel of the same name. Directed and written by John S. Baird, this flick earned £250,000 in box office revenue during its opening weekend in Scotland, reaching number one in the film chart. It follows the breakdown of DS/Acting DI/PC Bruce Robertson (McAvoy) - a manipulative, violent, bi-polar, depressive drug user in Edinburgh.

He delights in bullying his co-workers, harassing women and sleeping with his friends’ wives. But his professional goal lies in gaining a promotion to Detective Inspector, the path to which appears to open when he is assigned to oversee the investigation into the murder of a Japanese student but slowly loses his grip on reality and suffers from a series of severe and haunting hallucinations.

As much as this film is bursting at the seams with laugh-out-loud moments, parts that you can only watch from behind your hands and edge of your seat scenes, protagonist Bruce’s problems are rooted in something far more emotionally darker than you might expect. It’s 97 minutes of jaw-dropping, stomach-churning, hilarious madness that keeps you on your toes from start to finish.

Bruce Robertson’s moral compass is so off-centre it’s no wonder he’s unrelentlessly obsessed with what he labels ‘the games’- namely, his job. ‘Filth’ is full of sadness, sex and unimaginable self-loathing and is not for the faint hearted. It also deals with shadier issues such as self-disgust cynicism and crypto-gayness. It’s for fans of films such as ‘Trainspotting’ which may be because the novel of the same title was written by the same author as ‘Filth’, Irvine Welsh, whose speciality is gritty Scottish plots are commonly ridden with drugs, danger and dark humour. So unsurprisingly, protagonist Bruce Robertson isn’t the first in line for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The film’s soundtrack is full of variety, from ironically used classical pieces, to covers of Alternative classics such as Radiohead’s ‘Creep’ and it’s formed of some unsettling rapid editing, rapid scene changes, kinetic camera work, fantasy sequences and an almost hyperactive aura. McAvoy’s performance is astonishing given his previous roles in ‘Atonement, (2007), ‘Penelope’ (2006) and ‘X Men: First Class’ (2011) and his pure talent and range of work as an actor is awesome to experience.

Jon S. Baird never lets the film’s realistic insanity become tedious; even when sentimentality creeps in to play, you know you’re only a minute or two away from someone yelling some sadistic abuse at another character, whether it’s from ‘Billy Elliot’ (2000) star Jamie Bell or Jim Broadbent. Considering the spectacularly shady source material, particularly due to its Christmas time setting, ‘Filth’ is incredibly well adapted and remains brilliantly twisted in all the right places. All the non-PC gags are presented in the most appropriate way for the film, so they simply come across as comical rather than offensive and excessive.

McAvoy’s satanic yet stunning performance is definitely a force to be reckoned with and the movie goes deeper than simply dealing with some cop’s physiological and drug driven problems. It also takes in comic corners, twists into darker spots and becomes bleaker and more mysterious as the seconds tick by. A wonderfully warped, wild ride, this really is in-your-face cinema- ‘Filth’ does exactly what it says on the tin!

4.5/5

Watch the official trailer for ‘Filth’ can be viewed here:

The Power of Pets- Can They Really Make You Happier & Healthier?

Half of Britons own pets- there are 7.3 million dogs and 7.2 million cats in Britain and the increasing popularity of pets has caused their population from 4 million to 71 million in just a decade. So there must be benefits to having pets. Studies have shown they can help children develop into sociable adults, help boost your health and help you feel connected with the world. “The general belief is that there are health benefits to owning pets, both in terms of psychological growth and development, as well as physical health benefits.” said Dr. James Griffin, a scientist at NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Healthier & Happier

There is in-depth evidence that suggests owning a pet can have a positive effect on your general health and well-being. Pet owners are (on average) healthier and happier people! Scientists such as Marc Bekoff,  Stanley Coren  and Allen McConnell  have promoted the health benefits of owning a pet in their Psychology Today blogs. The field of Anthropology started with Erika Friedmann's groundbreaking study, which illustrated that the one-year death rate of heart attack victims who were pet owners, was one fourth that of people who did not live with companion animals. Friedmann’s study lasted over 30 years and unveiled that low blood pressure, increased self-esteem, decreased loneliness and depression levels and higher levels of physical activity were all benefits of possessing a pet.

There are also numerous other benefits to having a fluffy friend about the place, including improving your relationships and interactions with your fellow human beings and can make you feel younger. According to Froma Walsh of the Chicago Centre for Family Health and Professor Emerita at the University of Chicago, pets “...bring laughter and humour into our stressful lives and encourage us in playful ways.”Other studies have shown that dog owners may get more exercise and other health benefits than the rest of us.

One investigation looked at more than 2,000 adults and found that dog owners or dog walkers were more physically active and less likely to be obese than those who didn’t own or walk a dog. Another study followed more than 2,500 older adults, ages 71-82, for 3 years. Those who regularly walked their dogs walked faster and for longer time periods each week than others who didn’t walk regularly. Some studies have also revealed that walking with a dog leads to more conversations and helps you stay socially connected- people who have more social relationships tend to live longer and are less likely to show mental and physical declines as they grow older.

Dogs over Depression

Fredrick D. Joe split up with his wife of 35 years and decided to adopt a cat called Cozy. Fredrick stated that Cozy helped him through dark times in his life, especially because he suffers with bipolar disorder. “I was by myself and I say the cat got me through my divorce...it was great to have a companion.” Yet some may argue having an animal about the place may just be a distraction from the fact that some people do not have enough human company to keep their spirits up and keep them sociable. However many people who encounter mental illness feel detached from the rest of the world and having a pet can help you converse with other pet owners and get you out of your home environment, even if you are reluctant to do so.  Pets also give people a sense of self-worth and purpose.

Fredrick & Valor

Clever Canines

Half Golden Retriever Half Great Dane, Valor is Sgt. Charles Hernandez’s four-legged friend and goes everywhere with him. Hernandez suffers with seizures and Valor learnt to nibble the side of his master’s leg before any human realised what was going on. The dog also pulls the Sergeant away from conflicts and jumps on him during anxiety or panic attacks to help calm him. Along with the medication he takes daily, Hernandez says Valor has assisted him with his post-traumatic stress disorder more than he could have ever hoped.

 The 49-year-old said “What keeps me going is my dog...I’m alive again!” He received his service dog back in 2010 through HEAL, which trains and breeds service dogs. The charity partners ex-veterans with appropriate service dogs. Hernandez still volunteers for HEAL.

Psychiatric service dogs have become increasingly popular in the States and intend to make their owners feel more secure and self-sufficient by taking attention away from their own fears and anxieties. Instead, they can focus on making sure their dog is happy and prove to themselves that they are capable of taking care of a living creature, and can therefore, look after themselves as well.

According to the RNIB, some 2 million people severely suffer with their site, which means that 1 in every 30 people suffers with sight loss. Thousands of guide dogs are trained every year to help the booming demand and start training when they are just 6 weeks old but normally retire when they’re 6 years old. They’re taught to walk in a straight line unless there is an object or obstacle blocking their path, to deal with traffic and to deal with height and width to protect their eventual owner.

Other research suggests that pet ownership may hold special benefits during childhood. “When children are asked who they talk to when they get upset, a lot of times their first answer is their pet,” says Griffin, an expert in child development and behaviour. “This points to the importance of pets as a source of comfort and developing empathy. In fact, therapists and researchers have reported that children with autism are sometimes better able to interact with pets, and this may help in their interactions with people.”

Robot-Pets and Rehab

A number of groundbreaking studies have depicted that robot pets which look, feel and act similar to the real thing, can help to rehabilitate victims of health deterioration, those with mental health problems or even natural disaster victims. One YouTube video showed elderly Tsunami victims being physically and mental assisted by robotic seals. Satsuko Yatsuzaka, an 87-year-old stated that taking care of the seal made her feel safe. Yet in 2011, The Simpsons lampooned this idea by having similar seals reprogrammed as viscous killers. Episode 5 of Season 23 of the show ‘Replaceable You’ saw Bart’s science fair project become a mechanical baby seal that outshines his sister’s entry.

 There are countless benefits to owning a pet- not only can they boost you life expectancy, improve your health and mood and social skills but can also rehabilitate those with both mental and physical complaints. Aside from that, many perceive their pet as part of the family and appreciate their companionship, loyalty and love. 

Film Review: About Time (12A) - Universal Pictures (04/09/2013)

At the age of 21, Tim Lake (Domhall Gleeson) discovers  he can time travel- and so can every male member of his family. His father (Billy Nighy) reveals the secret at yet another unsatisfactory New Years Eve party and Tim quickly goes back in time to improve his chances of getting what is really wants- a girlfriend.

As the film progresses, Tim attempts to make life better for himself and his loved ones despite the fact that he can’t change the past or make anyone fall in love. He moves from Cornwall to London to become a lawyer and meets the love of his life Mary (Rachel McAdams), but because of his dabbles with time travel, he only wins her heart after their third encounter. Tim’s life continues and he realises his gift can’t always save him from life’s ups and downs. It’s a wonderfully light-hearted flick about love, family and time travel that’s sure to appeal to families and couples alike.

‘About Time’ is written and directed by Rom-Com king Richard Curtis, who’s known for T.V. shows such as  ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ and ‘Mr. Bean’ along with films like ‘Love Actually’, ‘Notting Hill’ and ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’. The film’s soundtrack features the likes of The Cure, Ron Sexsmith, The Killers as well as a single by Ellie Goulding called ‘How Long Will I Love You’, (originally by The Waterboys).

Although the idea of time travel thrown together with romance and family has been done before (‘The Time Traveller’s Wife’, anyone? Which also happens to star McAdams in the lead female role), ‘About Time’ promises something different, more emotional and magical. There has always been something fanatical about the world that Richard Curtis creates, but ‘About Time’ takes it a step further- each character, especially members of Tim’s family are well-developed, loveable English eccentrics who flourish on the Cornish coast.

Cast in the everyman role usually reserved for Hugh Grant, Gleeson is a loveable hero and boasts brilliant screen chemistry with McAdams, and yet his family are mysteriously well-off and bookish, and it appears, particularly at the beginning of the film, that he has very little to complain about, and very little opportunity to truly make the most of his gift. Bill Nighy, however never fails to let audiences down- and his warm, witty charm really lights up the screen and creates a strong bond with the audience.

The best supporting role in ‘About Time’ has got to be Tim’s London landlord, who also happens to be a friend of his father’s, Harry (Tom Hollander). He is a hysterically sour playwright who initially greets Tim with, “What the f**k do you want?” But the bad guy act simply doesn't wash and it’s obvious there is profundity to each character. Even Harry is a big softie at heart and Hollander plays him with great intensity and fantastic comic timing.

Offering 123 minutes of laugh-out-loud moments and tear-jerking scenes, it’s clear Richard Curtis knows what cinema-goers are after. ‘About Time’ is full of love without being too over the top and Curtis’ scriptwriting skills are absolutely admirable and his jolly upper-class, charming characters come out with some hilarious stuff under pressure, “Oh my arsing god in a box!” The narrative as a whole is simple yet ingenious and full of the honest, fragile serenity of life. But as Richard Curtis has basically become the backbone of British Rom-Com cinema, it’s all expected. It may be embarrassingly English but, ‘About Time’ is a beautiful, touching tale of love and hope.

Rachel McAdams absolutely glistens on screen and merges impeccably well into the role of Mary, even as she grows into a married woman, mother and mature lady. It may not be a completely conventional Rom-Com, but the movie does sparkle with a kind of unique charm. It’s clear that Curtis and his crew have cherished it as developed it in depth from start to finish. There is just the right amount of character and plot development to get the film going before the time travel twist is unveiled and one of the final montage scenes is the single most heart-breaking scene I have ever watched. Moreover, the final protagonist voice-over to close to film, which comments on what a “remarkable ride” life is, is sentimental without being too cheesy.

‘About Time’ is the perfect combination between amusing and more serious scenes as a result of Tim Lake’s time travelling antics. Lake uses his gift for multiple attempts at sex, to numerous first encounters with people and avoiding saying the wrong thing to the wrong girl but discovers how problematic time travel becomes when used for the bigger aspects of life; choices, morals, love, life and death. The variety of scenes is also excellent, enhanced by Mark Day’s wonderful editing skills. In particular, a speedy scene of Mary and Tim travelling past the same set of buskers in an Underground station and on different days. It’s beautifully shot, full of variety and really captures the light-hearted side of the film, without coming across as too sickly sweet.

Rom-Com King Richard Curtis

The tender father/son relationship between Tim and his father is startling to see, because although it’s enviable, it’s also incredibly raw and realistic. John Guleserian’s cinematography is on par with the best Romantic Comedies out there and he forms a splendidly sunny persona for the film, that’s more of a coming-of-age movie about a not-so-heroic hero who matures into a responsible man who learns to appreciate what he has in life, especially in the here and now.

One-man brand Richard Curtis has a remarkable knack for making the ordinary, extraordinary and creating something delightfully exuberant and poignant. ‘About Time’ highlights all the ups and downs of everyday life and plays out romantic and heart-rending moments in perfect balance. ‘About Time’ is soothing, full of serenity and gives us all something to think about when it’s over.

4/5

Watch the official trailer for ‘About Time’ right here:

Is Miley Cyrus Responsible for Setting an Example to her Fans?

Just about everyone’s seen that infamous VMA video clip. In fact, Miley Cyrus’ twerk-heavy performance at this year’s VMA award ceremony has been viewed over three million times- and that’s just the official clip!  But given how constrained her childhood career was, is it reasonable to expect Miley Cyrus to consider whether her recent antics might influence younger fans? Is she completely responsible for those who freely opt to idolise her?

Starting Young

Miley Cyrus’ career began at the tender age of eight in Medical and Family Drama ‘Doc’ in 2001. She also appeared in Blockbuster ‘Big Fish’ way back in 2003, but Cyrus’ big breakthrough came in the form of Disney Channel comedy ‘Hannah Montana’ in 2006. Yet it wasn’t until ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’ was released in 2009 that the young songstress was released into more commercial and adult-associated markets, particularly with her hit Country-Pop power ballad ‘The Climb’.

Predictably, as the Nashville singer grew up her performances became increasingly risqué and therefore less appropriate for her younger fans in particular. The start of her transition into a more adult image began in 2010 with her role in ‘The Last Song’ (2010).This came alongside her final album with Hollywood Records ‘Can’t Be Tamed’ (2010) which already highlighted a racier image and sound. But it’s only this year that Cyrus has become one of the most controversial celebrities in the news.

Breakout

It began with the 20-year-old guest starring in CBS sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’ alongside Hollywood heartthrob Ashton Kutcher who replaced Charlie Sheen in the lead role in 2011 after Sheen more than dabbled in illegal drugs (amongst other things). By the time the episode starring Cyrus was aired, it was clear something had changed- she was now sporting a blonde pixie cut in place of her sweaky- clean, long brunette locks. Miley also signed a contract with RCA Records and is set to release her fourth studio album ‘Bangerz’ on 4^th October. She released her single ‘We Can’t Stop’ on 3^rd June and has provided guest vocals on a number of tracks for artists such as Will.I.Am and Snoop Dogg. So it’s safe to say it’s been a busy year!

Cyrus has also hired Britney Spears’ ex-manager Larry Rudolph and the connections between the two singers certainly don’t end there- just look at Spears’ breakdown after her childhood career came to an end. It’s no coincidence that the pair both had their childhoods utterly controlled and therefore taken away from them. It was also reported recently in the Daily Mail that Spears’ stated “I remember that age when I was just transferring into my career and...doing more controversial things and the energy that you feel and all this chaos that goes on...she is on fire right now...she's just a ball full of energy.”

Lindsay Lohan has also struggled through her adult years with drinking, drugs, an eating disorder and crime which may be as a direct result of both a controlled childhood career and the incredible pressures of fame. The 27-year-old has been in prison five times (twice for drug charges and three times for physical fights)- but is this kind of behaviour a natural reaction after having your early life utterly laid out for you? Perhaps it’s only expected that you may feel you want to break free and be as liberated as you can just to prove to yourself and others that you are capable of living your own life.

Twirking and Parenting

So perhaps Miley Cyrus’ wild child ways and jaw-dropping dance moves are understandable as such- she’s simply breaking free. But just because Cyrus’ has been guraded for so long but, that does not alter the fact that she must recognise that she may be losing fans and influencing them in a negative manner by being promiscuous and overtly sexual. However, Cyrus also still claims to have strong religious beliefs, which is incredibly hypocritical given the constant reports of the singer smoking marijuana alongside her controversial on-stage moves. No matter your opinion on Christianity and organised religion in general, the fact is Miley is giving Christians a bad name by completely contradicting her apparent beliefs in the way she acts. Grinding on a married man in his mid-thirties, despite the fact Robin Thicke’s musical morality is hardly admirable, remains a defective act.

Despite how liberated Miley Cyrus may feel given her recent antics, the fact is she is partly responsible for the influence she has over her fans. Her controversy has not only resulted in her engagement to Aussie actor Liam Hemsworth coming to an end, but also caused many to perceive her as immature and vulgar. Yet it is safe to say her father, country king Billy Ray Cyrus is still defending his daughter by suggesting she is simply reinventing herself and her sound- although it must be considered that Billy Ray does have his own reputation to protect, as well as that of his daughter.

Having your childhood inhibited is a formulaic tale as old as time and constantly seems to close in the same way- with breakdowns rather than breakouts.