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Academic

How To: UK vs US Writing

Regional Spelling Differences We cannot properly talk about English literature without talking about the way something is written, a big part of which is spelling. A constant source of irritation with grammar snobs is the difference in dialects. Indeed, the way that the English language has developed can be very different depending on the region. Today’s post will provide a brief rundown of the most significant spelling differences between British English, American English and Australian English. Common practice is that Australian English tends to follow the rules of British English, though there are some exceptions. In all cases, the most…

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Academic

How To: Humanities Writing

In light of the circumstances, Z and I spent a lot of time thinking about how best to contribute in a productive and helpful way. We know that many schools and jobs are physically closed but are continuing online in some form or another. For this reason we thought it would be a good idea to start posting more technically helpful posts. We’re super excited to be introducing a brand new series on the blog today – How to: Humanities Writing!  Today’s post is inspired by my background in academia and literature. For a little context, I have a bachelor’s…

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Movies

Casual Racism, Sexism and Homophobia in Guy Ritchie’s ‘The Gentlemen’

The thin line between humour and offensive Guy Ritchie’s style of filming is so distinctive that it can in itself be considered an adjective.  That’s so Guy Ritchie!It’s the Guy Ritchie touch!I want to film it like Guy Ritchie! Okay, well maybe those are slight exaggerations, as frankly, I have never heard anyone say those, but it does not make the point any less true. Throughout his years in cinema, Ritchie has formed a stylistic narrative technique that is all his own. Notable for classics such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, followed by more recent, but…

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Movies

2020 Oscars Roundup: Diversity No-show Year 2

Last nights result at the Oscars were both surprising and highly predictable. Most notable of all however, and worthy of mention right from the beginning is the award for Best Picture being given to a non-English speaking film, Parasite directed by Bong Joon-ho, for the first time in Academy history. But let’s back up a minute and start from the beginning! The Academy Awards (commonly known as the Oscars) are awards given by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) at the beginning of every year for artistic merit in the film industry from the previous year. They…

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Movies

Top Favourites 2019: Movies

How does one even begin to sift through the numerous releases from 2019? Indeed this past year has been such a big one for movies! With the long-awaited final instalments of both the Star Wars and Avengers franchises, the release of two Disney live-action remakes and a slew of incredible dramas and comedies it makes it difficult to pick just a few. But I’ve managed to identify six that stick in my mind from the past year. Here are my favourite movies from 2019: John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum This may just be me because I absolutely love thrillers…

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Books

4 Biographies to Read in 2020

This January I went on a bit of a biography kick. To be honest, I have never been the biggest fan of biographies. If I were to head to a bookstore, it would be likely that I would not venture anywhere near the aisles that hold names such as the Obamas, Steve Jobs and Nelson Mandela. Though undoubtedly interesting, I generally crave losing myself to another world, not the one we are in. But by a peculiar turn of events, I found myself with a box of 13 biographies and autobiographies to read over the winter holidays.  I felt daunted…

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