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Black Is The New Black

Emmabelle Nwadikwa
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Black Is The New Black

Can 2017’s talent even be summed up in better words than “mans not hot”. Michael Dapaah is an amazing example of what black comedic talent has become. If you didn’t hear the freestyle that changed the game for a lot of us then you’re missing out. Acting as his character “Big Shaq” (previously Roadman Shaq) Michael did what most UK rap artists get the opportunity to do, he went to BBC radio one Xtra to see Charlie Sloth and do a “fire in the booth”.

Now his fire in the booth (FITB) wasn’t the first to get international recognition, there are countless YouTube videos of different people all around the world reacting to FITB’s but the thing that made Big Shaq’s stand out was the dedication to the role. He didn’t break character at all, so much so that I saw people on social media platforms who believed that the person Big Shaq was hilarious, without even knowing that Michael Dapaah was the man behind the genius. The success of the fire in the booth was so much so that Michael went on to make an actual music video for the song in America because “mans international now init” . His success wasn’t only loved by black Brits but it’s been loved by people all over, we’ve seen quotes of his lyrics now used by people from Mr Jake Wood (Max Branning from eastenders) to Issa Rae (creator and actor in HBO’s Insecure) and if that wasn’t enough, the man himself, Mr Shaquille O’Neal did his own “Big Shaq” man’s not hot freestyle. I couldn’t make this up if I tried.

 

If we’re giving out crowns for dedication to comedic talent we can’t stop at Michael Dapaah. Michaela Cole (creator, writer and actor in E4’s ‘Chewing Gum’ is another black Brit who has received international success for her comedic role. As someone who’s followed Michaela on social media for a while I feel like I’ve watched the growth of her career first hand and it’s been outstanding.

Most people know Michaela from Chewing Gum (or Chewing Gum Dreams as the play version was known before TV adaption) but they don’t know that before all of that, Michaela Cole simply went by Michaela the poet. She used to write poetry and was even featured on a few songs. In her final year of drama school she knew she didn’t want to act in one of the period dramas that was usually used as a final year project in her school so she went on to write her own one woman show to perform which was Chewing Gum Dreams. Eventually, that one woman show went on to be a successful play picked up by Channel 4 to become a successful television show and since then Michaela’s life hasn’t been the same.

Michael Dapaah and Michaela Cole are fantastic examples of how systems that may not be built to showcase your talent or dreams can eventually work in your favour – if you just persevere and keep on dedicating yourself to your craft that is. In both of their cases they had been featured in popular friends’ songs or videos and still were not where they wanted to be. Instead of allowing themselves to be discouraged, they continued to work at their goals and became the versions of themselves that they are now.

The past few years we’ve started to see that to be black and talented you don’t need to be the stereotypical aggressor, or necessarily musical. You can just be yourself and make memories saying the ting goes skrr. What a time to be alive.

The Robots Will Come Back To Kill Us

Emmabelle Nwadikwa
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The Robots Will Come Back To Kill Us

Over the years we’ve seen many technological advancements, some of which we’ve been grateful for and others that we’ve been more than a little anxious about.

“The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race” -Professor Stephen Hawking in a 2014 interview with the BBC.

 

We started by adapting to using things like computers in our everyday lives and GPS became second nature, meaning we didn’t have to keep pulling over and looking at maps or asking for directions. We’ve even managed to get so comfortable trusting technology to do the small things that we’ve allowed for more than a few subtle changes to occur in our lives.  Over the past decade, we have seen actual leaps and bounds in technological developments. 10 years ago, the idea that facial recognition software could be used for social means (such as SnapChat) would have seemed like it was part of a Star Trek Fanfiction series.

In the early 2000’s we saw the introduction of robotics in toys, household appliances and such, then in 2009 Google took a giant step by creating a self-driving car. After that it was almost like seeing a domino effect of growth. We saw the introduction of infra-red detection software in games and we even saw companies like Apple, Google and Microsoft introduce software with the ability to answer questions and perform functions.Google’s self-driving car.

With all these beneficial advancements you then have to ask yourself why in 2015 an open letter to ban the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in weapons was signed by over 3000 researchers, including well known figures like Professor Stephen Hawking himself.

One major reason why scientists may be against the use of AI could be the fact that technology isn’t fool proof. One of the biggest issues with technology (aside from the post-apocalyptic fantasies seen in blockbuster movies where technology begins to fight man,) is the fact that it can be hacked. This may not seem like a huge issue when we’re looking at computers or banks (though it should) it becomes a massive issue when we start putting that same technology into military weaponry. Hackers are already offering their services via the darknet, to hack into military bot and police drones for a fee.

I wish I could say that it was complicated to hack a drone, but some sites have even laid steps out for people like me who are useless with technology. The reality of the situation is that the ability to hack military weapons is dangerous for everyone involved. It’s not only a problem if opposing sides get hold of the technology, it’s also a problem if the everyday hacker does. Someone who has no idea how to work a weapon can cause serious damage to people just by trying to prove to someone that they have the skills to take control of it.

Necessity is the mother of invention, but it seems like we’ve put so much faith in technology to do the things that we used to need humans for that we’re almost making humans obsolete. Walking, talking ‘feeling’ sex robots even exist now. Is enough finally enough? Or is this just the inevitable next step in evolution? I’m not sure I want to stick around to find out.

 

Mo Farah’s Fairytale: BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Common Sense Contributors
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By Jireh Antwi

In 1991 an 8-year-old Somalian refugee came to Britain speaking little English. Fast forward 26 years later, Sir Mohammed Farah is Britain’s most successful track athlete, winning four Olympic golds and 6 world championship titles. For these feats, he was knighted by Queen in November 2017. What he has managed to achieve is truly nothing short of spectacular. Breaking countless British records and leading the long distance track circuit, he has dominated the world stage for several years.

Despite all these accomplishments, he wasn’t favored to win the trophy. In the lead up to this event, Anthony Joshua was viewed as the favorite, especially after his win against Wladimir Klitschko. Joshua achieved a scintillating victory in front of a sell out crowd at Wembley stadium, to retain his WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles. Nonetheless, Farah defied the odds to shock viewers at home and even a few people in the crowd like the husband of world record marathon runner Paula Radcliffe. Radcliffe’s husband was spotted by various BBC viewers who argued via Twitter that he shook his head and mouthed the explicit outburst of ‘What a F**king joke’ in response to Mo Farah’s victory.

Many on Twitter claimed Lough’s mouthed a negative comment in reaction to Farah’s victory. (Source: BBC)

It’s worth noting that Paula Radcliffe was the last runner to win the award in 2002. The night didn’t go as smooth as previous years either. Millions of viewers were able to see Farah’s delighted and shocked reaction via a video link. Unfortunately, the connection was lost and the BBC proceeded to end the show.  It was quite an anticlimactic moment.

Farah was utterly shocked by the result. (Source: BBC)

After the show, Mo Farah thanked the public and the people who voted for him. Via the BBC video link Farah stated: ”To be honest, I’m kind of shocked. I didn’t prepare any speech”.

Sir Mo Farah was one of the 12 contenders for the award. He has been previously shortlisted for the award times before, and his highest placement until this year, was third place in 2011. Farah added another highlight to his 2017. He is the first runner in 15 years to win the title. This award will sit alongside his other huge feats of 2017, namely winning the World 10,000m gold medal in London.  

The Blues Keep Marching on: City Vs Spurs

Common Sense Contributors
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By Jireh Antwi

Over the weekend, Manchester City continued to show very good form against  Tottenham Hotspurs, in their premier league fixture. City’s attacking prowess which was displayed at Old Trafford and was on show again at the Etihad Stadium.

Image result for manchester city vs tottenham

Gündoğan opened Manchester City’s goal scoring account with putting them ahead at the 14th minute. ( Source: Action Images via Reuters)

Pep Guardiola’s side pressed the Tottenham players at every section of the pitch, taking advantage of  Spurs’ counter-attacking approach and Hugo Lloris’ poor distribution from the back. Spurs could barely break the first line of City’s formation. So much so, that they only managed two shots on target the whole game, compared to 11 from City. Even Spurs’ in-form Harry Kane, one of the best strikers in the league, failed to make an impact. Thus far, Tottenham has had a very good campaign in Europe; qualifying top of their Champions’ League group including defeating Real Madrid along on the way. Unfortunately, such form has not translated into their recent league games.

Europe’s rising star Kevin de Bruyne showed why he is so highly regarded. Throughout, the game he displayed hunger and desire, propelling the team forward through his intricate passing. Off the ball he also showed his work-ethic, taking on defensive duties as well. De Bruyne put on a masterclass and it heavily frustrated the opposition. Dele Alli in the 68th minute made an incredibly rash and dangerous challenge. In the slow-motion replay of the tackle, Alli’s recklessness’ was further highlighted. Guardiola’s reaction further exacerbated City’s response to the tackle. Likewise, Harry Kane made an equally careless challenge on Raheem Sterling.

After receiving treatment De Bruyne came back onto the pitch and made his presence instantly known.  Gündoğan passed it out wide to De Bruyne leading him to run towards goal and smash it past Lloris making it 2-0 at the 70th minute.

Kevin De Bruyne being congrulated on his goal, which took City two up at the 70th minute. (source: AFP)

Raheem Sterling went on to score another two goals in the last ten minutes of the game. At full time the tie ended at 4-1. This fixture could have easily witnessed six or seven goals; Gabriel Jesus missed a penalty striking the post and Fernandinho lacked composure a few yards from goal.

This win puts Manchester City 14 points clear at the top of the league table, stretching their winning streak to 16 games. Pep holds the record for the most consecutive wins in the Bundesliga (Bayern Munich) and La Liga (Barcelona) and now in the premier league with Manchester City. With no signs showing that they are going to slow down, Manchester City are in spectacular form. Pep and his side are making the premier league look like a one team competition.

The question now is, will anyone defeat this mighty side in the league and Europe?

 

 

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson for President 2020

Fidelis Olaniran
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Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson for President 2020

After a surprising presidential campaign victory from Donald Trump, doors have been opened to everyday people who now believe that they could become the most powerful man alive AND live in the most protected building in the world. Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton. Clinton,  who has years of political experience working with different presidents, notably Barack Obama and also her husband Bill Clinton didn’t do as well as the rest of the world would have liked. Hillary was sure to win this election but the Americans threw in a worldwide curveball by making Donald Trump president in an attempt to make ‘America great again’.

But I don’t want to talk about the past. Let’s talk about the future. 2020. Turn your minds to former pro-wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson, who we’ve seen in various movies over the years from joining the Fast and Furious Franchise to a remake of Baywatch. During his promotion of the new movie Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle there has been word that he will run a campaign to become the President of the United States in 2020. An A-list celeb running for office? We’re all stunned.

But the difference between Donald Trump and Dwayne Johnson is the difference between snowflakes and watermelons. Love and kindness seeps out of Dwayne and his desire to help people in any way that he can (shown mainly through his Instagram posts) reinforces his constant messages of motivation and joy. But will all these traits help him solve tough decisions that will affect millions of lives. Think of the crisis in Syria, the constant battle of words between Donald Trump and Kim Jung Un over nuclear weapons or discussions over global warming or even healthcare for lower class citizens. Would he be able to deal with the police brutality in America and create an ‘Ideal’ America for every United States citizen or engage in the constant debate on guns and the right for Americans to bare arms? Will the Rock be America’s Rock?

Johnson has already got the backing from friend and fellow co-star Kevin Hart who on the Ellen Show said:

“I’ll give you a serious answer – you know, I give you crap all the time but this is daytime TV… so I’ll keep my real opinion between us, I think the world that we’re living in today, you’re seeing the real effect that genuine people like Dwayne have, and the one thing about him is that he’s very serious when it comes to spreading that love, the laughter and just the upselling of life on a positive level. If he were to put himself in that position he would get my support, wholeheartedly. Unless it comes to my financial dollar, then we’d have to talk.”

Johnson himself even stated that he is “seriously considering it, yes”
The more important question is, if The Rock joins the White House, can we start calling it the White RockThis idea could just blow up in smoke and we could just see Donald Trump add another term to his presidency. Let’s not jinx it.

Values vs Interests : The Fight For The Next Big Politician, Continues

Common Sense Contributors
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Values vs Interests : The Fight For The Next Big Politician, Continues

by Muhammad Oleolo

There’s always been a Russell Brand-like flame of dissent within me that’s wished to torch our political class and start again from scratch. If our Politicians don’t represent our values and continually vote based on party or corporate interests, we’ll never have a candidate we can have any hope in. This week has made me swallow some of my anarchist pride and see slivers of hope shine in the political system.

It was Bernie Sanders who once said:

“In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military–industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists, and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes”.

Donald Trump, the Current President of the United States of America

As much as a lunatic lefty like myself would agree with the sentiments above, I must admit that I have just dabbled in the promoting of fake news as such a statement never came from our beloved Bernie. Nor did it come from our loveable local socialist, Jeremy Corbyn. This fair indictment of an instance of Capitalism running amok against public good came from none other than decorated war general, free market capitalist and Republican President, Dwight D. Eisenhower

* Scratches Record* Yeah. I said Republican. In a world where Roy Moore and Donald Trump are currently the popular faces of the party, Eisenhower’s farewell address could be the last Republican politician you could call a ‘good person’.

If you only mildly follow politics (let alone US politics), this might seem a horrible thing to say. And I concede that there is something deeply unfair (even as a joke) when some of us on the left conflate belief in free markets, smaller government and social conservatism with disregard for the lives of those outside their sphere of influence. Conservatives have the same capacity for compassion. Our principles may be different but values such as justice, equality and freedom should be universals that we all honour regardless of where we fall on the spectrum.

That being said, I’m old enough to only remember two Republican Presidents and two Conservative Prime ministers. I’ve seen Donald Trump close the biggest arms deal in history with the nation he accused of orchestrating 9/11. Theresa May also castigated Saudi Arabia for using the weapons Britain had sold them and David Cameron boasted about his role in Saudi arms exports, scarcely allowing his beloved EU Parliament to breathe as they casted votes to ban arms to the Gulf Nation the very same day.

Does this represent a lack of values? Democratic values are the qualities and standards that are essential for the continuation of democratic policy. I would define Political interests as the individual motivations that influence individual policies.

Some political commentators write as if it is difficult to point out which of the Islamic Kingdom’s exports poses the greatest threat to western, idealistically plural, liberal democracy. But let me tell you, it’s not camels! Saudi’s cold and unwelcoming brand of Islam backed by its oil wealth has trickled innocent bodies on to the streets of the Middle East and more increasingly on to the secular free markets (that the various centre-right parties claim they are conserving). And we are left to remember that supposed liberal parties of the west, Obama’s and Blair’s parties, fare no better in defending their values against profit-hunting policies.

Anyone who holds values such a democracy, freedom and liberty wouldn’t give a belt buckle to that nation let alone a Typhoon fighter jet. So long that is, that our elected officials really and truly represent the values that underpin democracy above any interests, be it corporate, activist, pragmatic or whatever. We’ll be ok.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats

This does mean that we have to vote for people better than the average guy. We need our Tim Farron’s, who while deeply religious and unwavering in his belief that homosexuality is a sin (probably – he’s yet to answer the media’s badgering question on the topic), advocates for LGBT rights because self-determination is the same value that allows him to identify as a Christian and practice his faith. We need more Stephen Hammond’s one of the Conservative MPs voting against his government today (losing his job as Tory Vice-Chair in the process), saying “Tonight I put country and constituency before party and voted with my principles to give Parliament a meaningful vote”. We need less of the attitude that allowed 80% of white evangelicals in Alabama to vote for Roy Moore, someone who shares their conservative interests but quite clearly, as an accused sexual predator cannot share their values.

(Embed tweet).

 

Doug Jones’ win and the Conservative rebellion in the UK Parliament gives me hope. Party politics doesn’t look to be going anywhere. The party will always have its interests, and we shall have interests as voters. We can’t let any of the various interests in the political games cloud our values; I have no reason to believe that my political opponents have different values.

Young Evangelicals were more likely to vote for the democrat in this week’s elections, again a deep source of hope and a lesson for the millennial generation, the future deciding vote. We can’t vote for individuals who won’t fight for the values that make democracy great. We can only vote for individuals who represent the best of what we are. Eventually we’ll all figure out that these kinds of people don’t always have to agree with us on the policy issues.

What Does Fury’s Return Mean For The Heavyweight Division?

Common Sense Contributors
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Tyson Fury announced his return to the sport of boxing wearing a £9,000 chinchilla fur jacket, sitting in a Range Rover singing ‘Return of the Mack’ by Mark Morrison.

It is safe to say that he has truly been missed. Tyson Fury, the self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy King’ and the former undisputed heavyweight champion, yesterday was cleared to fight again by the British Board of Boxing Control (BBBoC). But how did we end up here? And more importantly, what does this mean?

Image result for fury vs klitschkoTyson Fury outboxing the great Wladimir Klitschko back in October 2015 (Source: Getty Images) 

In October 2015, Tyson Fury defeated Wladimir Klitschko to become the unified heavyweight champion of the world. Having fought his way into a mandatory title shot, he defeated the long-reigning Klitschko in a style to earn a unanimous points decision. It was here when Fury’s life started to take a downward spiral. Within 48hrs of winning 3 of the 4 world titles available in boxing, he was stripped of the belts for not choosing to participate in his mandatory title defence. Instead, he had signed a contract to fight Klitschko again. Ironically, this is the first belt Anthony Joshua won. Next, the BBBoC charged him, alongside his fellow boxing cousin Hughie, on the grounds that they tested positive in a drug test.

The Fury’s claim that the nandrolone found in their urine samples was due to eating an uncastrated boar. In fairness, Nandrolone is a chemical which can naturally be found in boars. After this, depression and cocaine usage followed. His rematch with Klitschko was cancelled and his remaining belts were relinquished. He blew up to over 18 stone. His relevancy in the division dwindled. In the meantime, a certain Anthony Joshua rose up the ranks. 

Image result for joshua klitschkoAnthony Joshua battled against Klitschko to secure a world title in front of 80,000 at Wembley Stadium. (Source: Action Images/Andrew Couldridge) 

Joshua is well-spoken, media-conscious and an advertiser’s dream, all opposites of Fury. He has been well known for calling fellow boxers like Tony Bellew and David Price ‘gay lovers’. His views on women are vulgar. In an interview with iFL TV Tyson was caught saying  ‘a woman’s best place is in the kitchen or on her back’. Joshua is pitted to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, while Tyson has become a Twitter and Instagram cult hero for his funny videos and unrestrained tweets.

The contrasts between them are strong. If Tyson fury can return to the form he produced against Klitschko, a fight between him and Joshua would be the most competitive heavyweight fight we have seen in a generation. A true 50/50. It has shades of the classic Ali-Foreman bout. With Joshua being the powerful strong George Foreman with a knockout streak of legend. While Fury takes the role of Ali, returning for a long-term ban, donning flashy skills and light on his feet. They really form the antithesis to each other. Boxing is one sport where you need to pit a hero against a villain to truly become great. Floyd needed Pacquiao. Tyson needed Holyfield (Ear biting fight). And Joshua needs Tyson Fury. When you add Deontay Wilder, Joseph Parker, Dillian Whyte and Daniel Dubious to the equation, you realise that we have once again entered a golden generation of heavyweights who will entertain us for the next 10 years. Along the way, controversy will come. Doping tests will be failed and memories will be branded onto the minds of the masses. These are the nights I cannot wait to witness.

 

Democrat Jones defeats Moore in Alabama. Anti-Trump momentum?

Mike Omoniyi
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Democrat Jones defeats Moore in Alabama. Anti-Trump momentum?

You might be forgiven for smiling. This does sound like long awaited good news for those, all over the world, hoping Donald Trump may come down a peg. However, this democrat victory at best is a mixed bag of giveaways.

On Tuesday 12th of December 2017, Doug Jones, a Democrat, won the Alabama senate race, filling a seat vacated by Jeff Sessions, now the attorney general. This seat hadn’t been won by a democrat in over 20 years, namely because of Alabama’s deep conservative leanings.  The race reached a nail biting conclusion where the difference between the totals was just 1.5%, far above the 0.5% margin, which gives either candidate a right to request a recount if they are prepared to pay the costs.

New York Times reporting on voter share

Despite Jones being declared the winner by most of the mainstream media and a concession by Donald Trump himself, Roy Moore has refused to concede the election stating simply that “its not over”.


What are the implications?

This victory has pretty significant ramifications for the US Senate, for republicans on Capitol Hill and also Donald Trump’s post election mandate.

The divide

The victory is particularly stunning because of history. At another point in history a Republican candidate would have won in Alabama by close to 32 per cent. No Democrat has won in a statewide election in Alabama since 1992. However on Tuesday, with over 1.2 million vote cast, the election was decided by less than 10,000 votes.  According to TWP (The Washington Post) an exit poll showed  97 per cent of black women supported Democrat Doug Jones, who made his name prosecuting the murderers of four schoolgirls, killed in the infamous bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963.

At the same time 74 per cent of white men supported Republican Roy Moore, who stands accused of seducing and sexually assaulting schoolgirls in the 1970s and ’80s and believes homosexuality should be illegal.

White women were still overwhelmingly in favour of Judge Moore by 65 per cent to 33 per cent, but among women who have a daughter under 18, 65 per cent said they supported Doug Jones.

These voting lines reveal something about the conservative skew among older, white Americans, but also something about their preparedness to believe their candidate is a paedophile.

The Senate

Republicans in the senate must brace for impact. Although the victory may not have a major legislative impact, it makes life and indeed some decision making more difficult for Republicans.

The election will reduce the Republican majority in the Senate to 51-49, meaning Republicans can only afford to lose one vote – in the event of a 50-50 split, Vice-President Mike Pence will have the casting vote.

US State Senate in session

The party will still have time and majority needed to pass through controversial pieces of legislation like the tax-cut bill, however decision making after that will become considerably brittle and rigid.

Luther Strange – the Republican appointed to replace Mr Sessions as an interim senator in February – is likely to remain in the seat until early January.

What about Donald Trump? 

Perhaps the biggest impact this election has will be on Donald Trump. Now, it is probably too early to declare the coalescing or even beginning of an anti-Trump wave because Moore was in many ways a very flawed candidate.


Some have framed the election as a battle between decency and bullying, where decency won. However for Donald Trump, who threw the full weight of his support behind Moore, held campaign rallies for him, even when other leaders in his party were hesitant, this defeat has to be disheartening. The two candidates he supported in Alabama this year — first Luther Strange, and now Roy Moore — have lost, both rejected by the public.

The defeat could be seen as representing a rejection of Trumps politics and his approach in dealing with allegations made about him. It suggests that allegations of past sexually predatory behaviour cannot just be dismissed in a kind of numb, nonchallannt manner we have come to know Trump for. If Roy Moore had won the seat, it would have been a vindication of some sort that American voters don’t care about such things. This line has become harder to argue.

Whilst this is far from anti-Tump momentum, it is indicative of a shift in attitudes, at least in Alabama. If this can happen in Alabama, then it can happen anywhere. People are waking from their numbness to these issues.

Jones’ victory has evoked fresh optimism and anticipation of the congressional elections in November 2018 and even the presidential race of 2020.

It seems as if we just might make America great again after all.

Most Expensive Football Game Ever: A Review

Fidelis Olaniran
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Widely labelled as the ‘most expensive football-game ever’, Manchester City faced Manchester United at Old Trafford on December 10th 2017. Broadcasted in over 190 countries, the Manchester Derby was poised to be the most watched game in premier league history. The total worth of both teams was an estimated £650 million! Accounting for players like Paul Pogba, Eric Bailly, Benjamin Mendy and John Stones.

The game had its fair share of controversy, from penalty claims to huge defensive errors made by both sides. Manchester City took an aggressive attacking approach; Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus having a plentiful amount of shots at David De Gea’s goal. Most of City’s attacks were being orchestrated by both David Silva and in-form Kevin De Bruyne. City went in front via a set-piece, as they took advantage of a defensive error made by Romelu Lukaku, who failed to clear his lines enabling Silva to score from 6 yards out.

Above: Silva scores the game’s opening goal in the 43rd minute. (Source: Getty Images)

 

However, City’s lead didn’t last long. The young United star Marcus Rashford managed to grab the equaliser in the 47th minute. This was Rashford’s first goal in a derby since scoring the winning goal at the Etihad 2 years ago. Rashford’s goal came from another defensive error, this time made by Fabian Delph who was playing as a left back, a position he is not familiar with.

Rashford celebrates with team-mate Lingard after scoring the equaliser. ( Source: Man Utd via Getty Images)

At halftime, the game was at a stalemate. The second half saw Manchester City attack with the same intensity displayed in the first half, with United attempting to counter-attack City. Rashford saw his second chance at goal but it was saved by the strong grasp of Ederson. Both teams attempted to break down each other’s defence until Manchester City got a free-kick which led to their second goal. This was the result of another defensive error by Lukaku after his clearance hit off the back of his teammate and into the path of Nicolas Otamendi. He fired it home to grab the game-winning goal.

Nicolas Otamendi celebrates as he takes City into the lead. (source: Getty Images)

This game ended Manchester United’s 40-game unbeaten run at home. It also created a new Premier League record for Manchester City , who have won their last 14 games. This victory puts Manchester City  11 points clear of United in the league table, giving them an extremely strong chance of becoming the new champions. In the post-match interview, Mourinho criticized the referee’s decisions. Conversely, Pep Guardiola felt proud due to the fact that he proved himself to be tactically superior. The attacking strategies he implemented at Barcelona have been transferred to this Man City team. Thus far, it has proven to be a success.  

Interestingly there have been reports of a spat between the two teams in the tunnel after the game. This led to Manchester City staff Mikel Arteta, suffering a cut on his head. The City players were viewed to be excessive in their celebration of the victory, supposedly triggering the United players into a brawl.

Both teams are back in action midweek. Man City are set to take-on Swansea and hope to continue their winning form, while United try to return to winning ways, as they look to host Bournemouth.

 

What is Bitcoin and Why Does it Matter?

Common Sense Contributors
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Written by TCS Contributor, Kotei Nikoi.

We should’ve seen this coming a long time ago. Ever since banking became an online affair, the dawn of the virtual currency has been inevitable. Is this the beginning of the end for money as we know it?

Well, not anytime soon.

For starters, Bitcoin relies entirely on the traditional currencies as of 2017 – you need to purchase Bitcoin, like any other good. So you trade your hard earned cash for some matrix money. Although, this doesn’t sound too different to how we already use our money when you really think about it…

What is interesting about Bitcoin is that it has seen a sharp increase in public awareness and cost 9 years after it was launched. The interesting part is that it wasn’t the first, or the last virtual currency that popped up online, but it is by far the most popular. Why?

Well that previous statement is somewhat misleading. It isn’t the first currency online, but it is the first “decentralised” currency – The first whose price is not dictated by a bank/government. The legality of all of this is still up in arms, but like anything else that makes its way online, even money can be Rule 34’d (don’t look that up.).

The price of 1 Bitcoin rose dramatically between March 2016 and March 2017. This is a move from around $400 to near $1000. What does this mean to you? Well, if you had bought 1 Bitcoin back then, you could have sold it and made over $500 in profit 12 months later.

 

I know, this just sounds like some “in-hindsight” stock advice, but this in entirely not the case – Bitcoin is on the rise and unlike purchasing arbitrary stocks in oil that you have no use for, even if you didn’t sell the Bitcoin you bought at $400, you can actually use it to buy things online.

Even if you didn’t spend it, the price is on a constant upward average price increase.

Think of it this way: Bitcoin is still considered to be in its early days.

To get a bit more technical on this subject, a lot of studying should be done but I will keep it short – the production of Bitcoin is halving – therefore its value is increasing. (Now you know everything you need to know about macroeconomics.)

The reality as of 2017, is that Bitcoin still resides in the dark corners of the internet. As enticing as it might be to buy into a virtual currency which, we should add, can be used to buy products from forward thinking companies like Tesla (a company at the forefront of technology), it is also the currency of choice for sites that would otherwise show up as “not secure” in your URL bar. Websites like the (now defunct) Silk Road for example…(see: Modafinil.).

Buuut whatever way you look at it, the list of websites is growing. And it will keep growing as long as there is internet, because as long as there is internet there will be virtual currency.

Whether that will be Bitcoin or not in future remains to be seen. As a matter of fact, there are multiple cryptocurrencies which we will be discussing in posts to come.

You should not be surprised when cash disappears entirely. With the recent calls for dispensing of the beloved 1 and 2p coins in the UK, calls from some corners of Europe to abolish cash altogether, it’s clear dramatic changes are on the way. And if you don’t want to regret missing the “Crypto-bubble” (just like you missed out the tech bubble, and the dot-com bubble before it, only to be rewarded with the Credit Crunch of 07-08) read a little and take a gamble.

This may be one of those opportunities that you thought you would never see again.

 

This article was first posted on The YP Zone. 

Before We Change Education, We Need to Re-Think Intelligence

Common Sense Contributors
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by Claire Gillespie

Britain loves a hierarchy. If there’s one thing we do well, it’s maintaining a system of deciding who is better than who, and nowhere is this clearer than in education. The age-old competition between Russell Group universities and polytechnics, and Oxbridge and ‘the rest’ in general, has been part of university culture since time immemorial. Even as early as post-16 study, people are forced into boxes. You’re either vocational or academic, A Level or BTEC. But does this division still have any place in Britain in 2017? Does it really help our economy and workforce move forward if they’re more obsessed with where they study than what they study?

Somewhere along the way (around the time we decided polytechnic colleges needed to be renamed), we decided that it was university degrees or bust. We overloaded a system meant for a certain type of education and pushed tens of thousands of square pegs into round holes. We made subjects never meant to be constrained to libraries and lecture theatres and put them there anyway, then charged people who wanted to study them for the privilege.

With education funding contentious as ever, and barely mentioned in the Autumn 2017 Budget announcements, it’s worth looking at why we educate Britain the way we do, and the thinking behind it.

To do this we need to put away our own egos. Policy is typically made by people who are university-educated with the sorts of degrees these institutions were designed for. It is inevitable that they will want to defend the structures that gave them their privileges. It is wonderful to believe yourself intelligent, but it is not useful to have that attached to a piece of paper, or the name of an institution, especially not if you make the policies which define how other people study. So here it is: your degree does not make you smarter or better or even more qualified to do anything. What it does do is give you a set of skills and knowledge, but how you practise them is up to you, just remember that there are people without your education (bar doctors, lawyers and scientists etc.) who could probably do those things anyway.

Now that we’ve taken ourselves down a peg or two, we can get to work. The British education system is broken: it’s too expensive, too poorly funded and overburdened. We have created a society in which people do degrees they don’t want to do and have no use for, simply because they will give them the appearance of being educated. We lose people who could be busy innovating and creating because we’ve told them that studying classic French literature is the best way to show the world how smart they are. We don’t fund the institutions that could be helping them to develop entirely different skill sets which would really tap into their potential, and we tell everyone that going to these niche institutions is a marker of their inadequacy.

We want to be a country and an economy ‘fit for the future’, but we have to start by accepting that traditional forms of academic achievement have very little place in the future that technology and society are leading us towards.

Fight Night: Lomachenko Vs. Rigondeaux

Common Sense Contributors
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Written by TCS Contributor, Akwasi Appiah.

Every now and then in boxing, the best fight the best. In the early hours of Sunday morning two men with a combined record of 893 wins to 14 losses, will go head to head in what is billed to be the most competitive boxing match of the year. It is the first time in boxing history where two men who are two-time Olympic Gold medallists will come head-to-head in the ring.

2017 has been an amazing year for boxing. We saw James Degale come off the deck to earn a draw with Badou Jack. Floyd Mayweather beat Connor Mcgregor in the highest grossing fight of all time. And last but not least, who could forget that night in Wembley stadium where Anthony Joshua knocked out Wladimir Klitschko in the 11th round. Unfortunately, the Lomachenko and Rigondeaux bout doesn’t carry the same attention as the aforementioned fights. But for the boxing purists, this event comes as an early Christmas gift.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6Q4C5IuVng

Rigondeaux was the Golden boy of the Cuban boxing school until he defected in 2005. We see few pro-Cuban boxers due to the ban imposed by Castro in 1961 prohibiting professional boxing. Rigondeaux won Gold medals at both the Sydney and Athens games in the bantamweight division. After winning Gold twice, he took a speedboat through shark-infested waters to Miami to realise his dream of becoming the best pound for pound boxer of all time. On arrival, he proved his ability to adapt to the professional ranks and has amassed a clean record of 17 fights, 11 knockouts with no losses.

Lomachenko’s journey was arguably easier. Born in Ukraine he started boxing aged 5. Trained by his father he displayed natural ability for the sport. His father, recognising the importance of footwork, pulled him out of boxing and sent him to the national ballet academy to hone his skills. His sublime footwork is now on display for all to see. With only 9 professional fights, he is already a two-weight world champion. It took Floyd Mayweather double the number of fights to win one title let alone two.

This is a spectacle which will intrigue all; the coming together of the two most–skilled fighters in the world. How will two men who hit and often don’t get hit, impose their wills on each other? The edge must be given to Lomachenko. Being the younger, fresher fighter, will help him in the later rounds as will the 8lb weight advantage. However, Rigondeaux brings an experience and confidence with him into the ring. He has come off the canvas to win. He’s gone to points. He’s fought abroad. But all of this won’t matter at 2 am Sunday morning. What will matter is who has the greater will and for that display, I cannot wait.

 

Donald Trump & Theresa May: BFF’s Forever?

Emmabelle Nwadikwa
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Donald Trump & Theresa May: BFF’s Forever?

The so-called friendship between Donald Trump and Theresa May is something that confuses the majority of us. The 45TH president of the United States of America has been one of the most controversial candidates in history. During his campaign his win seemed almost impossible with all the different allegations coming out against him. This wasn’t helped by the fact that he seems to also be an extremely outspoken man, one who doesn’t necessarily think before he speaks as he often seems to respond on impulse, something we haven’t seen in other presidential candidates. Not to mention the fact that no one seems to be able to stop Trump from tweeting his every thought. Whilst his behaviour may frighten people like me, clearly enough people either loved it or found him the lesser of two evils because it didn’t stop him from achieving his goal.

If that wasn’t shocking enough, I’d like to believe the majority of the British public were shocked by pictures emerging of the Prime Minister, Theresa May holding his hand as they walked through the White House. It has since been revealed that the reason there were seen to be holding has was so that May could assist Trump but this was only the start of Theresa May’s Trump issues. After neo-nazi’s rallied in Charlottesville – a rally that resulted in death – the outspoken president made a statement to say that there was blame on both sides, as opposed to just rebuking the far-right group for their actions. When May was called upon to condemn her new friend’s actions she repeatedly avoided doing so, and so a pattern emerged. All things Trump related may as well have become off the table for any media interview.

We saw a recent change in this when May finally spoke out against his actions by saying that it wasn’t right of him to retweet various anti-Muslim videos from a British far-right group. This, of course didn’t sit so well with Mr Trump who decided to express his frustrations on twitter by tweeting

@Theresa_May, don’t focus on me, focus on the destructive Radical Islamic Terrorism that is taking place within the United Kingdom. We are doing just fine!

I, for one, had been wondering when Trump and May would finally have a public disagreement and how it would play out. Especially seeing as while it may seem that Americans are fine with Trump’s over exuberant nature, we Brits are known for having a ‘stiff upper lip’. Of course, in true British form Theresa May didn’t respond to the president’s tweet but it does beg the question, how long will Donald Trump get away with his actions? Will he continue to provoke world leaders and expect to remain consequence free? Does presidency mean that Mr Trump is suddenly untouchable? Will Theresa May be as protective of his future actions as she has been over his past actions? Or, my personal favourite question, when will Donald finally be impeached? To know the answer to any of them, we’re going to have to stick around to find out. I’ll bring the popcorn.

 

Diversity: The New Buzzword

Emmabelle Nwadikwa
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Diversity: The New Buzzword

When some people hear the word diversity, all they think about is the dance group led by Ashley Banjo that unfairly lost out in Britain’s Got Talent in 2008. For others, they picture a group of middle-aged white male executives that control the boards of their offices and for very few, they see that one person of colour, female or member of the LGBT+ community that they work with.

While diversity itself is known to mean ‘a variety of different things’ why is it that we no longer accept this at face value? We no longer look at a team of people with different skill sets and call them a diverse team. We no longer look at a panel with different backgrounds and agree that the panel is diverse, we only seem to acknowledge diversity when it is something we can see at first glance and not something we have to dig deeper to understand.

Nicki Minaj at the BET Awards

In 2016 we saw the issue become subject of popular debate when the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite arose. Interestingly, Stacey Dash went on to comment on the fact that people of colour had created exclusive spaces for themselves such as BET (Black Entertainment Television) in fact she said “Either we want to have segregation or integration. And if we don’t want segregation, then we need to get rid of channels like BET and the BET Awards and the Image Awards, where you’re only awarded if you’re Black. If it were the other way around, we would be up in arms. It’s a double standard”.
However, although people of colour are the face of BET, they are not the only people that are nominated for BET awards, nor are they the only people to have won.

Can true diversity be found in situations where everyone appears to look the same? Does diversity only exist when it’s inclusive? In what some may call a hyper-sensitive society we have seen that there is a constant desire to please everyone. Is the most qualified person the person being called for the job? Or, is it possible that the person that’s the most qualified is being passed over for someone who may not have the same qualifications but who fills some sort of quota?

Of course, both things are possibilities. However, it is getting harder and harder to tell the difference and whilst some people may see quotas as a negative thing (as it may mean that the someone is getting passed over), I for one, see them as a positive thing. Quotas have meant an increase of minorities in spaces that have formerly been closed off to them. Quotas have meant that people have a foot in the door when the same doors have formerly been closed in their faces. Quotas allow for increased representation across the board which is not only healthy for the state of society but it is also healthy for the future. By seeing people that ‘look like them’ in spaces that weren’t necessarily created for them, the next generation of young people are able to aim for things that others may not have ever thought to aim for. Quotas quite literally create hope for the hopeless and that in itself is a reason to be grateful for them.

So while diversity may just be a buzzword for some, the quotas that it brings with them literally changes lives.

 

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