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What have the Editors in Chief been thinking about this week? Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé are defrosting…it’s almost the holiday season! As Isla and I eagerly await travelling home for the winter break, we thought we’d share with you some of our holiday favourites–from movies, to traditions, to our thoughts on the season all together. Our opinions on Christmas films: Molly: I can’t seem to pick a favourite Christmas movie. It’s honestly a five-or-six way tie at this point. I’m a big fan of Home Alone  (the first one, of course…) It always makes me laugh, and has great quotable lines. I also love White Christmas –an older pick for sure, but it feels very nostalgic from watching it in my childhood; there’s a great scene where the characters are on a train to Vermont and singing about snow (the song is straight-up called “Snow”.) Of course I also love Elf  and A Charlie Brown Christmas . There are too many good ones to choose from! Isla: Molly will object to me saying this, but I would like to take this moment to clarify … Die Hard  is NOT, I repeat NOT, a Christmas film. Molly: I guess we can agree to disagree. (It's totally a Christmas movie.) Isla: Now that’s out of the way, Christmas films are one of my favourite parts of the holidays. In order to avoid family arguments over the holidays, we each pick 3 Christmas films, all of which we MUST watch in the lead up to Christmas Day. It’s a lovely way to start getting into the Christmas spirit whilst you’re still at work in December. In what has become a very busy build-up period for our family, whether it’s holiday jobs, uni work, or clearing the emails, Christmas films mean we can all enjoy a longer and more relaxing holiday period. If anyone is interested, my film choices this year will be: Love Actually , Elf , and The Muppet Christmas Carol . Although my sister and I will also try to work in A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong  at some point (much to our parents’ dismay). Recently, my dad and I have started a new tradition of watching a war film over the holidays; usually on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, to give everyone else that all important after-lunch nap. Ignore how morbid it might sound, but we’re the only 2 in the family that love a war film, especially some of the classics, like last year’s The Great Escape ! Experiencing Christmas in a different way and sharing our traditions: Molly: Christmas is my favourite holiday, and I absolutely love this time of year. However, it looks a little different for me as my parents are divorced. On the one hand it means I celebrate Christmas twice, which is awesome, but it also can be difficult as it means adopting quite a divided approach of going from one parent's house to the other, back and forth. As an international student, my main priority with going home for the holidays is to spend as much time as I can with family and friends. However, this can be tricky to navigate when I’m constantly switching from Mom’s to Dad’s.  In terms of working through the moveable logistics of my holidays, there is a lot more to think about now that I'm older. The holiday spirit is still there, however, and I am lucky to have different traditions with each of my parents. With my Mom, my brother and I will spend time watching Christmas episodes from our favourite TV shows–from Seinfeld’s  “Festivus” to Downton Abbey’s  Christmas Special. With my Dad, we’ll drive up to my grandparents house out of town and have a big festive dinner there. My friends and I usually do a lot of baking, and we’ll go for walks through the snow. Mainly, we just have a lot of hot chocolate. It’s always a great time. All in all, I’m very much looking forward to heading home soon. It’s the main thing motivating me to work through my end-of-semester assessments. Isla: My family and I have many traditions which include: Mince Pies - the night we all make mince pies together is serious business - it is not fun, it is an organised military operation. That’s partly true - it is very fun. I think for my family this is when we start to get into the Christmas spirit, and it’s probably the first ‘Christmassy’ thing we do altogether; we have the Christmas playlist on and a production line of homemade mince pies. Whamaggedon - This is something we’ve started doing each year with our cousins. As don’t get to see them throughout December, and usually see them after Christmas Day itself, we play a little game on our family groupchat. If you;re unfamiliar, the aim of the game is to avoid hearing ‘Last Christmas, by Wham until 25th December. The game is based on a system of honesty - if you hear Wham you must tell the group immediately - the game loses it’s fun if you lie about it (and you cannot intentionally play it or send it to someone in order to eliminate someone - that is bad sportsmanship and it not permitted). If anyone is laughing, this is a serious game and the decision to play should never be taken lightly. I would also advise that if you suffer from anxiety, please do not play this game - I do not suffer from severe anxiety yet I was in a state of panic whilst trying to make it out of St James earlier today without hearing Wham. (If you’re interested, I made it out before it came on, so I’m not eliminated - phew!) For myself and our family, I’d say that there’s a different kind of Christmas magic you find as you get older; it’s not really the elements of magic and stories that you get excited by; it’s the pure joy of spending time with my family and really appreciating that time I have with them. The new traditions we’ve made allow us to simply be together and share things we love. As life gets a little more tricky year on year and we’re more apart from each other than previous Christmas holidays, we know that we’ll have at least the holiday period to spend with each other and simply coexist (with a Bublé-themed soundtrack). Thanks again for reading our many rambling thoughts and opinions! As this is our last spotlight until January, we wanted to thank all of you who read what we have to say every week. We hope these articles bring you a smile or brighten your day. Our challenge to you this week is to create a new December tradition just for you. You could start it with your family, your friends, your flatmates, or just yourself. Watch a holiday movie you’ve never seen before (bonus points if you’ve never heard of it…) or bake a festive dessert. Regardless of what holiday you celebrate, or if you don’t celebrate this time of year at all, we hope you have a restful winter break. See you in the new year!

Whether you prefer a silent working environment, a cafe atmosphere, or light chatter, I’m sure there will be at least one new spot on this list for you! Images from The University of Edinburgh and The National Library of Scotland With the harsh and dark Scottish winter officially underway, finals are fast approaching, with seats in Edinburgh University’s brutalist main library becoming a scarce commodity. Only in the early hours of the morning can you find a seat on the best library floor: second (in my opinion.) Even if you are lucky enough to get a seat, as the days roll by it can feel quite monotonous studying in the same space every day. Tragically, I’ve even started to recognize some of the faces in the section I usually venture to. Realizing how I had slipped into my version of Groundhog Day (1993), it was officially time to try out some different study spaces. Here’s my guide to the best spots to beat the study blues–whether you prefer a silent working environment, a cafe atmosphere, or light chatter, I’m sure there will be at least one new spot on this list for you! Firstly there are lots of other spaces on campus that are often overlooked. There is often the misconception that to study in spaces that are owned by a particular school, you have to study their subject. This isn’t the case. I often find myself wanting to study at 50 George Square, which is home to the Literatures, Languages, and Cultures building. Situated next to the very bulky and rather menacing 40 George Square, the LLC building has a very homely and cosy atmosphere. On the first floor, they have a study space with books and a small kitchen. Albeit small, this space offers a nice break from the very serious atmosphere of the library. Although beware, if you’re meaning to focus on an essay, 50 George Square may not be the best option, as the estates team have quite a relaxed attitude towards talking. If you’re looking for somewhere more serious, perhaps try the Old College Law Library, its grand arches and tall shelves provide a sophisticated place to study. Another great study spot is the School of Divinity’s New College Library, located on the mound. Although it may seem slightly far from Bristo Square, the change of scenery can definitely feel like a welcomed break from the busyness of the main campus. To enter the library you have to walk through the New College courtyard, which feels like stepping into a scene from Harry Potter. The building itself is beautiful and fulfils all of your dark academia needs. The study space is a big hall full of hidden old-fashioned desks behind bookshelves. What I love the most about the New College Library are the lavish stained glass windows, full of colourful blue and red hues. There is even a lunch hall next door, (again very Harry Potter,) with long wooden canteen tables. In case you need a quick bite to eat, the cafe food there is quite reasonable, and there are board games like Uno on the side if you and your friends want to procrastinate your work (my friends and I have done this too many times.)  Then there are some study spots off campus if you fancy escaping the Edinburgh student bubble, and exploring what more the city has to offer. The National Library of Scotland definitely deserves a mention. Situated on George IV Bridge, it is the perfect place to study if you need a less busy but quiet spot. There are plenty of floors to choose from, and if you are a fourth-year student (like me) who is desperately trying to find books for their dissertation, the National Library has a great variety of books to look at. It is also a great opportunity to study with a diverse group of people doing all kinds of academic research, instead of just Edinburgh students. Beware however, you can’t just walk in, you need a library card. These are very easy to obtain though, you just sign up online; then go in person with ID and proof of address, and a member of staff will print your card and grant you access.  If you prefer somewhere with a more relaxed atmosphere, why not walk two minutes up George IV Bridge to the National Museum of Scotland? The terraced cafe that overlooks one of the main halls in the museum is a great place to study and is very atmospheric. The cafe is perfect for people-watching and the natural light streaming through the large windows makes for a very pleasant study space.  I’ve saved the best spot for last, Waterstones Cafe on Princes Street. Upon entrance, the cafe may seem like a normal Waterstones, however, if you go upstairs you’ll find a breathtaking  view of Edinburgh Castle. There are not many views like it!  Hopefully, this list has inspired you to escape the shackles and monotony of the main library and try somewhere new. Studying can often feel quite intense, but changing your location every once in a while can do the world of good and can certainly boost your productivity.

She’s back, stronger, better, and…exactly the same. Illustration by Lydia Kempton (IG: @lydiak_arts) CONTENT WARNING: this article includes discussions of body image and discrimination. On October 15th, 2024, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show  made its return following its cancellation five years ago.  In its heyday throughout the 2010s, the show was an unmissable event, with the most popular models of the time strutting down the runway in lingerie doubled by performances on the catwalk by chart-topping artists like Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd. Even if you didn’t care, you would still have to hear about it through magazine covers, social media posts, and gossip when the event came along. There was no avoiding it, as some eagerly waited to see the images appear on the internet to know which models would grace the catwalk that year. So, why did the event get canceled in the first place, and why is it back now? Bye bye, Victoria… The brand scrapped their show in 2019 after their 2018 show had hit a record low, likely due to a series of controversies the brand faced, as well as tackling criticisms of the lack of diversity in a variety of dimensions; including race, bodies, and gender identities.  While the show did have models of different ethnicities and racial backgrounds throughout the years of runway lineups, the reality is the majority of Victoria’s Secret  ‘angels’ were overwhelmingly white, regardless of whether the show was held in New York, Paris, Shanghai, or anywhere else. The seemingly unchanging roster of models, all similar-bodied and more often than not tall, blonde, and blue-eyed, began to fuel growing criticism.  Victoria’s Secret Angels at the 2000 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show held in Cannes, France  Another recurring topic when the Victoria’s Secret  show came along was, unfortunately, a lot of different body parts: push-up bras and their sizes, the infamous thigh gap debate, and the prerequisite ‘washboard abs’. These were all said to be a display of beauty at its finest as girls of all ages would watch what may have been the event with the highest number of women with a spotlight on them, all because they matched a strict beauty standard to the tee. Audiences became increasingly frustrated at the growing societal conversation and lack of a response or acknowledgement by the Victoria’s Secret  brand, remaining loyal to the precedent they had set since their show opened in the 90s. It would have been difficult for Victoria’s Secret to argue that their show was about the lingerie when its entire appeal and success relied solely on the women they selected to walk down the stage. In fact, the brand often did not put the products they put on display during the show for sale once the show was over. This further reinforced the reality that it was about the women and bodies they carefully selected to cater to their brand rather than what products they actually had to offer.  The cherry on top to all of these brewing controversies was when former marketing chief Ed Rezak spoke to Vogue  about why he did not think transgender models had a place on their runway, and that there was ‘no TV interest for plus-size runway shows’. The CEO of Victoria’s Secret  parent company, Bath and Body Works, Inc., Les Wexner, also fueled concern on the company and its image after his friendship with convicted Jeffrey Epstein came to light.  In addition, Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty lingerie brand also launched in 2018, with the company choosing to place diversity of race and bodies at its center. After holding their first show at New York Fashion Week the very same year of their launch, the brand effectively one-upped Victoria’s Secret , demonstrating to the general public what a lingerie brand could be capable of if it was willing to commit to presenting diversity in bodies, race, gender and ability.  She’s back, stronger, better, and… exactly the same The reality is, unfortunately, that Victoria’s Secret  hasn’t changed that much to what it looked like back in 2019, or 2010, or even further back. The brand has spent the past 6 years relentlessly trying to push out the message that they’re better and different now, stating that they’ve fundamentally changed to the core. In 2021, they brought in American football player Megan Rapinoe and Indian actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas as part of the ‘VS Collective’ , a group of women from diverse backgrounds who would help shape the brands future, an attempt to show that they were moving away from their previous catering for the male gaze and were now all about empowering women.  Their big message for their return show a month ago was ‘girl power’, with only women producers and leaders taking charge of the event. They also worked in collaboration with several charities and NGOs , like PETA, to demonstrate their commitment to doing better and transformation.  So, how did Victoria’s Secret  deliver on their promise for change on the actual runway? American model Gigi Hadid opened the show, which is a great way to make a statement, especially if the message is ‘we’re back, exactly the same way we were before!’. Although, perhaps this was simply to recall the excitement and brilliance of their past, for Victoria’s Secret  to remind audiences that their brand was not all bad in the past. The producers of the show boasted one of their major triumphs this year was that they had ‘ 50 models from 25 different countries ’, but the chance to embrace all this supposed racial and ethnic diversity they seem to have worked so hard to achieve was abandoned in exchange of hailing some of ‘the greats’ of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show  they chose to bring back, like Adriana Lima or Tyra Banks, or the debut of Kate Moss and her daughter Lila Moss as VS Angels. Rather than using their return to present how they’ve turned a new page, Victoria’s Secret used their anticipated comeback to illustrate they’ve only changed at the surface, that they’re still holding on to the glory of their past as their big marketing move after spending five years trying to prove this wasn’t the case.  Plus-size models also made their first appearance on the runway this year, with Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser leading the front with other models said to be between the sizes of 14-16  in the lineup representing ‘plus-sized’. However, as noted by Nicole Dall’Asen from Allure , plus-sized models were often covered a lot more than their skinnier colleagues , and it does seem to have happened too many times for it to be a coincidence throughout the show. It is also worth noting that the average clothing size of women in America is between 16 to 18 . While it is empowering that Ashley Graham and women who size beyond the Victoria’s Secret  standard of 0 were able to walk on the stage for the first time, the plain truth is that they are not really  representative of the everyday woman in America either.  The show was closed by Tyra Banks, 90s and 00s Victoria’s Secret alum and also creator of reality television series America’s Next Top Model  (clips of which still grace the internet to this day). Banks has been hailed as a leading figure in body positivity in the world of modeling, especially since she  famously called out tabloids for commenting on her body in 2007 , as well as occasionally having plus-sized models on her television series.  She also, however, is also known for having commented cruelly  on different plus-sized competitors on the very same show, and, in general, a huge part of her post-modeling career was putting the spotlight on girls who fit a very specific criteria-meeting body type. While Victoria’s Secret  did not explicitly comment on this, it was implied that Banks was meant to be part of the body positive campaign Victoria’s Secret  has been pushing. Instead of using the opportunity to showcase their fundamental changes, their drastic transformation, Victoria’s Secret  chose to bring someone who was an emblem of their beauty standard in the past and has also made part of her later career about putting conventionally pretty people in a competition against each other. (Notably, Tyra Banks was also in a full body suit rather than in the typically frilly Victoria’s Secret  lingerie.) This is not to say the Victoria’s Secret  show was an epic miss: models Alex Consani and Valentina Sampaio were the first transgender models to walk the brand’s runway, with the latter being the first trans representative of the lingerie brand since 2019. Representation of these women as part of what has been one of the definitions of ultra-feminine beauty is significant, as young people look to the show to see what is socially acceptable and celebrated.  At the end of the day, Victoria’s Secret  did demonstrate change on the surface of their show this year: they had more inclusivity and representation of bodies, races, ethnicities, and more, directly addressing the controversies that caused their revenue and viewership to plummet five years ago. However, the brand also failed to use the one chance they had to illustrate this change in an impactful way. They prioritized bringing back the image they held before, undermining any empowerment that may have been able to come out of their return.  Ultimately, it feels like they were trying to return to their past glory days, and emphasizes the fact that they have only done the bare minimum after a decade of criticism. Perhaps Victoria’s secret is that they are unable to move away from the reality that their entire show has lived off of a strict dictation of what beautiful women worthy of strutting down a stage in lingerie look like, despite five years of trying to prove they have gone through fundamental transformation. Sometimes, Victoria, it’s better to just let things live in the past, as a mark of a different era.

What have the Editors in Chief been thinking about this week? As the semester is coming to an end and our bank accounts are depleting, it becomes much more difficult to go out (even more so if we remember the essays we’ve got to write). It goes without saying how expensive Edinburgh can be, especially as a student. So whilst the budget becomes harder to keep track of, here are some suggestions of how you can spend time with your friends without breaking the bank. Movie Night: Instead of doing a cinema trip, go to a friend’s flat and do a movie night. Yes, the cinema is more exciting, but you can recreate it just as well on your own. If you have a projector (chances are you know someone who does) you’ve got a great list of fun nights in the flat to get through; both Just Dance and Karaoke can all be done through YouTube, and surely we’ve all seen TikTok videos of Powerpoint Night. Either way, at its most basic, a movie night is always a good choice (alternatively, we’d suggest binge watching a season of Brooklyn 99). Especially as Edinburgh descends into Christmas madness, a themed movie night is a cheap way to get into the holiday mood–instead of taking out a small loan to go to the Christmas Market. We may be slightly hypocritical as we’re going to see Wicked  at the cinema tomorrow, but we’re both theatre kids, so let’s move past that and go enjoy your movie night - it’ll make you feel More Better. Cocktail Night: Having a cocktail-making night is a great alternative to going out for drinks. Even the pubs and bars with student deals can be pricey, so this is a great choice if you’re looking for a fun night (but be warned, things might get a bit messy if your only experience of mixing drinks is making a pre-Hive vodka-cranberry). This shouldn’t be too expensive, unless you’ve decided to make a super fancy or unique cocktail, so you should be able to split the cost of most ingredients between the group. There’s lots of different ways you can do a cocktail night; either make one cocktail throughout the night (Isla approves as this gives you plenty of time for gossip) or each make something different, perhaps themed or based on your degree, you can even go for mocktails. To ensure that it doesn’t get too expensive, plan what you’re making beforehand (the super organised and coordinated approach also receives Isla’s stamp of approval.) Isla recommends a Dark and Stormy or a Negroni, Molly recommends an espresso martini (insert Sabrina Carpenter joke here…) Coffee Morning: This one might require getting out of bed before midday, but it’s still a lovely way to start the day. If you’ve got a friend that lives close to uni, this is the perfect way to wake up before you hit the library. You could bring along the books you’re currently reading, and make it a reading date (Molly recommends adding a holiday themed book, her recommendation would be The Afterlife of Holly Chase  by Cynthia Hand), or perhaps you could try to teach your friends your hobbies (Isla recommends knitting). A coffee morning can be as chill as you want it to be and is much cheaper than Edinburgh’s coffee shops. No matter how cosy they are, it’s not worth the cost 7 days a week - if you want cosy, get a blanket, (although Isla is speaking as someone who doesn’t have a problem with Lidl’s instant coffee). However, once again, we’re being extremely hypocritical, as we’re writing this Spotlight while sitting in Costa. Christmas Dinner: Before everyone heads home for the holidays, it can be really nice to have an early Christmas Dinner with your uni friends. You can host it as a potluck or cook together, like Molly and her flatmates did last year–where each person covered a different aspect of the dinner. (If you ask nicely, Molly will share her maple glazed carrots recipe.) This is a great way to celebrate the end of the semester and get into the Holiday spirit, so you can go home feeling ready for the season! Make some hot chocolate, play some Holiday music (Michael Buble’s Christmas album is always a fan favourite), and watch a movie (Isla recommends The Muppet Christmas Carol. ) Baking: On a similar note, we’d always recommend a cute baking date! Isla and Molly used to always bake for their Committee Meeting snack duties last year, so of course we have to suggest baking with your friends. You can mix this one up by making something simple, trying a new recipe, or hosting a mini-Bake Off competition. If you want to turn this into an evening activity, why not try making the Hear Me Out cake which you’ve surely seen on your socials by now! For the seasoned bakers out there who are looking for a challenge, try baking at that one friend’s flat who’s entire kitchen is either broken or looks like an explosion. Make sure the kitchen has enough space for everyone or it will get that much more chaotic! Even if you never want to speak to these people again, you’ve got a sweet treat to reward yourselves with at the end. Games Night: Hosting Games Night is always a great time! You can make it into a potluck and have everyone bring their favourite board game and snack of choice. Isla and I would recommend specifying how competitive you want it to be…especially if you decide to play Monopoly  or Uno . The great thing about Games Night is that it’s never the same twice. If you bring different games each time, or host different friends, it’s going to be a unique and chaotic evening every time.  Museums/Galleries/Day Trips: Many of Edinburgh’s Museums and Galleries are free to the public! Molly recommends the National Gallery of Scotland, especially with its relatively new addition of The Scottish Galleries. The Writer’s Museum located at Lady Stairs House in Lawnmarket is also a great museum to explore. It celebrates prominent Scottish literary figures, such as Walter Scott, Robert Burns, and Robert Louis Stevenson. As they say on their website: “You don’t need to have read these writers’ works to enjoy the fascinating life stories told in the Writers’ Museum.” If you’re wanting to explore something outside of Edinburgh’s city centre, make use of that free bus travel, and head to Crammond. The beach is super peaceful and calm, but be sure to wrap up warm! Isla would recommend starting at Lauriston Castle before walking down to the beach at Cramond - it’s about a 30 minute walk and Lauriston Castle has some lovely gardens and grounds to explore. Vintage Shopping/Window Shopping Day: It can be very calming to take a day to browse through stores, and Edinburgh has so many to choose from. To make it more budget-friendly, take a day to explore the variety of vintage shops Edinburgh has to offer. Explore vintage bookstores like Armchair Books in Grassmarket, or Tills in Newington, or check out the charity shops on Nicholson street, in Morningside, and in the Meadows. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s great to wander through and take a look. Vintage shopping is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon whether it’s by yourself or with friends!  Yoga Classes with Edinburgh University Yoga Society: If you’re in need of stress relief from end-of-semester assignments, why not try a yoga class! These can typically be pretty pricey, but thankfully Edinburgh University’s Yoga Society has got you covered. You can purchase a £25 class pass for 10 classes. The society offers a variety of different kinds of classes from Ashtanga Basics to Vinyasa Flow to Molly’s personal favourite, Yin. Each week they put a class schedule on their Instagram @euyogasoc which lists the times different classes are offered and what skill level.  Attend free society events:  Many societies offer a variety of weekly and monthly free events to attend. Often you can simply turn up at, but others you’ll need to reserve a space for. Edinburgh University Feminist Society hosts a discussion group every Monday. UoE Book Club Society hosts monthly discussion groups for their monthly pick (you can get the books with a 15% discount at Lighthouse Books). To make it interesting, attend a society event for a society you have no previous experience with–why not pretend to be a biology student for the night!  Thanks again for making it this far! Isla and I really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings, and we hope you’ve enjoyed it. Our recommendation for you this week is to try something off our list or send us a suggestion of your favourite budget-friendly activities in case we’ve missed something. See you next time! (Please ignore that we’re primarily writing in the 3rd person. It really shows how mentally unstable we’ve become over this Semester. So just ignore it and pretend like everything is fine … please)

What have the Editors in Chief been thinking about this week? Molly: Don’t panic, but it’s that time of year again. As the weather gets colder, and the sun starts to set earlier and earlier, it's clear we've reached the point of the late-Semester blues. Everything feels heavier, the workload piles up, and the remaining few weeks until the start of the holiday season feel just that little bit too far out of reach. For context, Isla has been feeling really down lately. In all honesty, I haven’t been feeling 100% either.  Isla: I’ve been very busy, haven’t had a moment to stop, and I’ve not had a good night’s sleep in a while. At times like these, you know what I turn to? Molly: Brooklyn 99? Isla: True, I have recently started re-watching Brooklyn , but mainly because I've been needing a comfort show to fill the void. Molly: I’m very much the same. For me, tuning into a familiar show is a great way to unwind after a long and stressful day. I literally cannot fall asleep at night without having a comfort show playing…which is probably something I should look into, but now is not the time for that!  Isla: I mainly watch my comfort shows because the familiarity is a great change of pace to a new show. No matter how much I love a new show, the classic laughs or storylines are unbeatable. Molly: I agree completely! Same with re-reading books, it feels a bit like catching up with old friends. It’s also nice to not have to pay attention as much, as you already know what’s going to happen. Isla: See that’s the only downfall for me, I can never watch comfort shows back to back – I have a concerningly good memory for passages of dialogue so I like to have a good break in between periods of Brooklyn 99 watching. But when I do finally re-watch, I always feel a little More Better. Molly: So, for our Spotlight this week, we thought we would recommend some of our comfort watches. Isla: Of course, we have to give a brief shout out to Brooklyn 99 . If our previous mentions haven’t already convinced you to start watching, it follows a detective squad in Brooklyn’s 99th precinct, the series beginning as a new commanding officer, the serious and unsmiling Captain Raymond Holt, joins the squad. The foundation of my friendship with Molly is built over our mutual love of the show - the detective squad’s mixture of personalities played by a brilliant cast makes it the perfect comfort show. I am a big fan of the comedy-mystery type series. Brooklyn 99  combines humour with solving crimes, often tackling serious themes in a sensitive and well-meaning way, and it brings an element of relatability. The show is relatable and warm, allowing you to jump into any episode and feel comforted by the lovable characters. What makes the show even better is realising the actors’ personalities off-camera are just as fun as their characters. For me, I adore the Holt-Kevin-Cheddar family (in my opinion, the best TV family ever) and it’s so fun to see that all the characters have a fun, immature side, making the show so relatable. If there is one drawback of the show, it’s how much I quote ‘Title of Your Sex Tape’ in my daily life - I think my friends are getting tired of it! Molly: Brooklyn 99  is a very easy show to get into and to re-watch! I’ve seen the whole series several times, and it doesn’t get old. The jokes are still funny each time, and the characters' journeys are great to see, even with the knowledge of how the show will end. While the characters follow familiar archetypes, they are all multi-faced, and put their own unique spin on the tropes. Jake Peralta may be the over-confident, risk-taking protagonist, but he’s also a nerd. Amy Santiago may be the intellectual, book-smart heroine, but she’s also super competitive–especially when it comes to games and challenges the precinct puts on when they’re supposed to be working. The show may be a cop-comedy, but at its core, it is about a chosen family, made up of friends who constantly have each other’s backs. It’s a great distraction if you need something to watch that doesn’t require a lot of focus and attention; the perfect watch after a long day!  Molly's Pics: 1) Gilmore Girls: I know I’m not alone in saying that I tend to re-watch Gilmore Girls  every fall season. There’s something so autumnal about the show and the familiar banter between Rory and Lorelai is great to listen to while you're cooking dinner or winding down after a long day at the library. If you’re completely new to Gilmore Girls , the premise is: a mother and daughter who live in a small town in Connecticut called Stars Hollow. The mother, Lorelai (Lauren Graham) had her daughter, Rory (Alexis Bledel) when she was 16 and the two are very close. With a full cast of quirky characters, the show follows family dynamics, the personalities you find in a small town, and is a quintessential early 2000s series. If you’re in need of humour and dramatic plotlines to distract yourself from your own worries, this is definitely the show for you! (Image Credit: IMDB) 2) New Girl: New Girl  is a show that I’m constantly quoting lines from with friends. It follows a middle school teacher named Jessica Day (Zooey Deschanel) who breaks up with her boyfriend and moves in with three roommates who are all guys. Chaos and humour ensues! If you’re a fan of Brooklyn 99 , you’ll know that the shows do crossover, which can be expected as both are ensemble comedies. It’s got seven seasons, so there are plenty of episodes for you to binge-watch this weekend. Despite being a comedy, it has great dramatic moments as well (and possibly the best use of Lorde’s song, Green Light …if you’ve seen the show I’m sure you’ll agree?) If you’re needing humour and escapism with a bit of drama, this is definitely the show for you! (Image Credit: IMDB)   3) Gossip Girl: Evidently I’m going for a theme here and only picking shows that end in the word “girl” or “girls”...So now, onto Gossip Girl. If you’re in need of a classic early 2000s teen drama, I highly recommend it! This series follows a group of privileged teens at a prestigious private school in Manhattan. It explores their high stakes, drama-filled lives, as they’re plagued by an anonymous website “Gossip Girl” which posts their daily activities, secrets, and rumours. It almost begins to fall into the soap-opera category towards the end of the show, but regardless of genre, it’s a highly entertaining watch throughout. (Image Credit: IMDB)   4) Anne of Green Gables (1985) : Finally I’m breaking the theme! This is technically a miniseries, although I’ve also seen it categorized as movies? I’m unsure, but will absolutely recommend it anyways: the 1985 version of Anne of Green Gables ! You may be familiar with the series Anne With An E , which was cancelled far too soon. While I also love Anne With An E , I would personally consider 1985 to be the essential adaptation. Having re-watched it recently, I can say with certainty that it captures the heart and soul of the books. It’s the ultimate comfort watch for me. From the calming soundtrack to the beautiful scenery (filmed in Prince Edward Island and across Ontario), to the amazing acting from Megan Follows who embodies the character of Anne so perfectly, this series will pull you in and allow you complete distraction from all stress and anxieties. (Image Credit: IMDB)   Isla's Pics: 1) The Big Bang Theory: If you’re looking for a classic TV comedy with a little something different, then this is the one for you. The Big Bang Theory follows a group of socially awkward scientists in California; Leonard, Sheldon, Howard, and Raj. The show begins as a new neighbour, Penny, moves in across the hall from the apartment shared by Leonard and Sheldon, who introduces them to living life outside of their small world of physics and comic books. The show ran for 12 seasons and introduced 2 new main characters along the way, Amy and Bernadette. The character’s friendships are built in such a humorous way through lots of running jokes and recurring themes for you to get attached to alongside some very lovable, yet at times frustrating characters. I’d say The Big Bang Theory is one of those classic comedy shows, comparable to Friends , but with a unique twist which mainly comes in the form of the ‘nerdy’ references and social awkwardness of the characters, combining to make a lovable, humorous, addictive, and touching show. For me, I will always come back to The Big Bang Theory as I watched it when I was growing up, and became very emotionally involved with the characters. I think most people will be able to see something of themselves or their friends within the show, as each persona appears carefully built; from their wardrobe to their small mannerisms, as well as their relationships with each other. It generally feels very relatable, even if you’re not a comic book nerd or a physicist. (Image Credit: IMDB)   2) Lucifer: I’m going to open this one by saying if you like hot men, then this is the show for you! Lucifer sees Tom Ellis take on the role of the Devil, who has escaped hell to live in Los Angeles, eventually partnering with LAPD Detective Chloe Decker (Lauren German), to solve murders. Aside from the amazing casting choices, this is a classic cop show with a mythological twist. The writers certainly did their research and a lot of thought went into the portrayal of Lucifer as a character. Especially from his own perspective, there’s a lot of nuance and humour brought to the show through his regular therapy sessions with Dr Linda, an innovative feature of the show. For me, the dry, sarcastic humour, and plethora of innuendos contrasts very well with tense themes or violent scenes (although there’s nothing wrong with a fight between attractive men). Oftentimes the humour is based on references to religious stories, or simply playing on the fact that the main character is literally the Devil and son of God. Innuendos and insults aside, the show doesn’t shy away from emotion either, with plenty of plot twists and emotionally straining relationships being portrayed; what else would you expect from a show about the spiteful fallen son of God? (Image Credit: IMDB)   3) The Goes Wrong Show: You’ve probably heard of The Play The Goes Wrong  on the West End and Broadway. Well, brought to you by the same cast, Mischief Theatre, are 2 seasons of their TV show, during which The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society takes a stab at performing a new play each week in front of a live studio audience and broadcasting it live to the nation. For those unfamiliar, the Cornley cast regularly perform, but rarely does it go right. There is always something, whether improperly proportioned props, a coup from the case, fires, broken sets, or Dennis getting his lines wrong. But nevertheless, the troupe soldier on and each week perform yet another doomed to fail play; you have to admire their determination. For anyone who has already seen The Goes Wrong Show , I think we can all agree that we have a communal sympathy for Chris Bean, their Director, who seems to hold out hope every week for a flawless performance, yet is constantly stymied. Their classic hijinx are perfect for those days when you’re feeling down and never fail to make me laugh. I’ve watched each episode so many times by now, that I’m pretty sure I could quote certain passages. Fortunately, the humour never dries up - each time I always manage to spot something I’ve never noticed before. (Image Credit: IMDB)   4) Elementary: I tried to cut the list down to 3, but I had to add this as a bonus! Elementary is a wonderfully imaginative interpretation of the classic Sherlock Holmes story. In this version, Sherlock has moved to New York after leaving rehab and Dr Joan Watson is hired by his father to act as a sober companion. The two embark upon a crime solving journey together alongside Detective Marcus Bell and Captain Thomas Gregson of the NYPD over 6 seasons, becoming the crime solving duo you know and love, with a contemporary twist. I adore this show - it combines so many elements that I love; the classic detective show, brilliant casting choices for main characters, alongside some wonderfully humorous moments that seem to be key and yet unique to each Sherlock Holmes interpretation. The principal difference that most will notice upon watching Elementary is the casting of Lucy Liu as Dr Joan Watson. The new relationship between Holmes and Watson creates an intriguing new dynamic amongst the characters, becoming the core element of the show. The relationship between the two starts out as a rocky yet enthralling relationship due to their roles as sober companion and recovering addict, yet molds into a partnership and friendship in the most natural way. Ultimately, this dynamic lends a sentiment of mutual respect and family to the show. The re-interpretation of this friendship/partnership is the fundamental feature of this show which makes room for that classic humorous crime-solving duo we love to see on our screens. (Image Credit: IMDB)   Thanks again for tuning in to another spotlight. We hope you’re getting through the seasonal blues and have exciting holiday plans to look forward to. Don’t forget to take your Vitamin C and D, go for mental health walks while the sun is still out, maybe wrap up warm and treat yourself to an Uplands Roast hot chocolate and, of course, tune into a familiar show.  Our challenge to you this week is to recommend us a show (seeing as we tend to watch the same ones over and over on repeat…) Send us a message on Instagram and let us know what your preferred comfort viewing is - we will give it a watch and let you know what we think. Have a great week and we’ll see you next time!

What have the Editors in Chief been thinking about this week? Putting it bluntly, it’s been a hard week. Yes we know it’s a bit of a cop out (pun very much intended) but we promised you Brooklyn 99 and we feel the references have been lacking recently, so here’s a whole Spotlight dedicated to that one thing that can lift us up in troubled times. Here’s some of our favourite episodes you should watch to feel a little More Better! (Image Credit: Imdb) Isla's Picks: Yippie Kayak (Season 3, episode 10) If you’ve watched the show, you know Jake is a little obsessed with Die Hard, so this episode is everything you want it to be as he lives out his fantasy of becoming Bruce Willis, with a sprinkling of the squad’s typical comical antics along the way. Of course all the B99 Christmas episodes are a must for the holiday season, but for me, this episode is the perfect combination of action-packed, wholesome, and comedic. Although not the key focus of the episode, I’d say any fans of Terry are in for a treat as well. (Image Credit: Brooklyn 99 Wiki) The Safe House (Season 5, episode 12) I think we can all agree that the American Dream deserves a rebrand to include the Kevin-Holt-Cheddar family, so I’m a big fan of the wholesome Holt family dynamic we see in these episodes. To put it simply, any Kevin episode is a good episode (feel free to quote me). We see Jake and Kevin trapped in a Safe House for several weeks, leading to some interesting dynamics between the two, as well as Captain Holt. Although fair warning, if you don’t like Nicholas Cage movies, maybe this isn’t the episode for you! (Image Credit: Brooklyn 99 Wiki) The Fugitive: Part I & II (Season 4, episodes 11 & 12) The whole squad can get super competitive, but there’s something in particular about Jake & Amy’s bets that turn fugitive hunting into a game. I’d say the Jake/Terry dynamic is seriously underrated though, as we see some great comedic moments with these two. But of course, everyone’s favourite, lovable criminal Doug Judy returns during Part 2, as they team up for the first time. Nothing makes hunting fugitives more fun than a duo theme song, some classic movie references and undercover personas. Definitely a set of comfort episodes when you need a good laugh. (Image Credit: Brooklyn 99 Wiki) Molly's Picks: Halloween III (Season 3, episode 5) While all of the Halloween Heist episodes are among my favourites, I particularly enjoy the one from season 3. Following up from the first two, it manages to hold its own in the series and has some very entertaining twists and turns. In case you haven’t seen it, I won’t spoil who wins the heist, but it’s a very satisfying ending! While it’s nice to watch during Hallo-weekend, I think the Halloween Heist B99 episodes are a great comfort watch anytime of the year. (Image Credit: Brooklyn 99 Wiki) Cheddar (Season 3, episode 18) Another episode from season 3, and it’s a great one! Chaos ensues when Jake and Amy accidentally lose Captain Holt’s dog, Cheddar, and the squad attempts to find him. Any episode with Cheddar is a great time, and episodes where the full team bands together always have very funny banter and great moments. This is definitely a great pick for escapism as well. (Image Credit: Brooklyn 99 Wiki) The Night Shift (Season 4, episode 4) It’s a crossover! When Jake and Captain Holt arrive back from Florida, the squad gets placed on the night shift. Jake commandeers the car of none other than New Girl ’s Jess Day–who happens to be visiting New York City. If you’re a fan of New Girl , you’ll know that their Season 4 episode “Homecoming” is the other part of this crossover and features scenes with Jess and Jake, and Nick and Winston with Charles. Even if you haven’t seen New Girl , it’s still a fun episode and features some nice moments between Amy and Rosa–everyone’s favourite Sleuth Sister duo. (Image Credit: Brooklyn 99 Wiki) Thanks again for tuning into another EIC spotlight. Isla and I hope you’ve enjoyed it, and it’s been a light-hearted read to allow for some distraction. Our challenge to you this week is to look after yourself and engage with some escapism media. Whether that’s watching some of the B99 episodes we mentioned, or re-watching a different comfort show. (although Isla will severely judge you if it’s not Brooklyn 99). We hope you have a lovely weekend. We’ll see you next time!

What have the Editors in Chief been thinking about this week? As we both enter 4th year, myself and Molly have been talking a lot about our time at uni (get ready for some self-reflection!) We’ve mostly been thinking about how much we’ve changed over these 4 years. As the cliché goes, university is meant to be the best years of your life. But as we’ve experienced those years it’s become clear that whilst we have had some amazing moments and made memories, uni can be bloody difficult as well. Isla: Whether on a coffee shop study date with a friend or crying over your essay draft that’s 200 words over the limit, it will come as a surprise to no one that uni can be a tricky place to navigate. From flatmate drama to nightmare lecturers it’s clear that university has a million different ups and downs, it’s almost a cliché. It’s hard to believe as you’re experiencing them, and yet the late night library and passive aggressive post-it notes for your flatmates are so formative that if you confronted your first year self on graduation day, both of you would be shocked! Anyone who knows me would say that I’ve always been relatively independent, opinionated, and loud. However, moving to a city and knowing nobody at all was certainly an eye-opening experience, particularly as a student. Coming from a rural area, parties were not too common as everyone was fairly spread out, but clubbing or simply drinking at the pub after class appears to be the norm here. My first experience clubbing was certainly an eye opener, and to be totally honest here, I left after about 5 minutes. Thank god my first year accommodation wasn’t far away, so the walk back only took about 5 minutes as well. So much for my first night out as a student - it only lasted 10 minutes! Although that does lead me nicely onto my delighted surprise that I could do a grocery shop in about 10-15 minutes, or simply being able to walk to the shops. Entering into my first year of academic work, I would say my first year was okay. Nothing special in terms of grades or altering to a new structure or style of learning, but I do often reminisce about that first assignment I did which I’d completed 2 weeks before the deadline. Now that would be virtually impossible to imagine, so I’m not sure where my triumph as an academic weapon went! Although it seems that the nightmare lecturers were held in reserve for my second year, so at least I wasn’t traumatised upon arrival. The friendship side of things isn’t exactly a walk in the park either. For me, first year was mostly taken up with forming friendships - there wasn’t so much on the drama side of things until second or third year. Yet even without extensive drama, constant arguments or taking sides it can be a difficult scene to navigate. I was definitely amongst those who thought that your friendship group would be forming during Freshers Week, and although I did meet a few people I would go on to be friends with post-Freshers, looking back most of the friendships that have stuck were those I met later on, whether through classes later on in the year (I’m looking at you Molly) as well as many from second and third year. Then again, some of those friendships haven’t lasted either. You make and break friendships at every point along the road, but ultimately the ones that matter are the ones that stick around. Not the ones that drain more of your energy than your 5000-word research project. If I could say one thing to myself 4 years ago it would be that uni will not solve all of your problems. In fact the next few years contain some of the more tough experiences in your life so far. Some things may even get worse. Of course I wouldn’t say I was naïve going into student life, but it’s simply not something you think about when you’re deciding which kitchen cupboard you want to claim on that first day at your accommodation. You will have some difficult experiences to go through, but you will become stronger, wise, bolder, and all the better for it. And who knows, you may have some funny anecdotes to tell in 5 years time. You don’t have to be anything special to muddle through. Although I would say that the movies lie to you, and not everything needs to be a drama filled rom-com moment followed by a sudden rain-induced epiphany. Focus on getting through each barrier as it comes and learn to figure out what truly makes you happy. Molly: Coming from a relatively small high school in Toronto, Canada to university in Edinburgh, Scotland was a huge jump! There were so many culture shocks that came with that transition, and from my perspective as an international student, everything you experience in your first year is ever-so-slightly more challenging to navigate. Of course it’s an immense privilege to be here, and there are more positives than negatives, but first year for me certainly had its ups and downs.  Now in fourth year, I feel truly settled in this wonderful city and at the uni. I finally know my way around without needing to pull out google maps every five seconds. I have favourite cafes (Edinburgh Coffee Lounge!) and bookstores (Toppings!), can recommend great spots in the city (the west side of princes street gardens, such a nice walk), and know the fastest shortcuts to campus from my flat. I feel much more at ease and comfortable here, a far cry from my constantly-anxious first-year self.  More than learning how to live independently, manage my time wisely, and balance uni life with a social life, I’ve come to realize that over these four years I’ve gained so many life lessons; an education that you can’t find inside the walls of a classroom. In fourth year, I’m much more sure of myself and I’ve improved my self-confidence by a long shot. Self-development is a constant cycle, but I think it’s hard not to get caught up in thinking “what can I improve next?” that it’s easy to overlook how far you’ve already come.  To help with that, something I started in my first year of uni was sending emails to myself one year in the future. It’s through a website called Future Me. This is possibly the best journal exercise I've ever done and I’d recommend it to anyone. It’s the closest you can get to having a conversation with your previous self. I somehow always manage to forget when the email from the past year is due to come in and so it’s always a nice surprise. It’s a great way to check-in, to see what is different now and what is still the same. It can help to see what was on your mind then, and how far you’ve come since then. In my fourth year I’m really trying to savor everything. It being my last year here, everything feels so final a lot of the time. So, I’m really trying to appreciate everything for what it is, make the most of spending time with friends, explore new parts of Edinburgh I haven’t yet, and try new experiences. As it goes, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” (Thank you Ferris Bueller!)  Thanks for sticking around while we rambled away once again. Isla and I really hope you’ve enjoyed this installment and we’ll see you again next week, same time, same place. This week, our challenge to you is to reflect on where you were a year ago; physically, mentally, and academically. Do one thing that will make your next year self proud. Whether that’s learning a language, striking up a conversation, joining a new society, starting (or catching up on) your GoodReads reading goal. It can even be as simple as doing something you from one year ago would not have had the confidence to do. Whatever direction our weekly challenge takes you, we sincerely hope it’s a good one. Have a lovely week!

It Ends With Us , at its core, is not a romance novel; it’s a story about choosing to make different choices than those of the past to set oneself free from violence. Illustration by Kate Granholm (IG: @Katesartthings) CONTENT WARNING: This article will include discussions of representations of domestic abuse, and will contain spoilers for the book and movie. It isn’t difficult to come across the book It Ends With Us  by Colleen Hoover when you’re in a similar demographic to myself: who identifies as a woman, is between the ages of 15 and 35, and spends time reading and on social media. It was only a matter of time before the algorithm caught up to me and the book began appearing on my recommended content along with other #BookTok novels; so, like many others, out of curiosity, I read the book. It Ends With Us  has recently been a hot topic online as people discuss how the movie adaptation, directed by Justin Baldoni who also stars alongside Blake Lively, has been promoted. Actress and producer Lively chose to encourage all the girls to ‘ grab your friends and wear your florals ’ and go check out the film (along with her new hair care brand and husband Ryan Reynolds’ new film), while Baldoni opted to stick with a more careful and serious marketing narrative, shedding light on domestic abuse and expressing his hopes for the film: “I just thought if [the book] could affect me in this way, then I can only imagine what it could do for women and people who are in this situation all over the world. ‘Cause all of us have a situation or a pattern that we need to end the pattern of.” ( CBS News ) The core of the debate on who was more appropriately promoting the film goes beyond whether there was any drama between the producer and director; it instead begs the question, is It Ends With Us  even a romance? As I read every plot twist and page, I became increasingly confused as to why the novel was so insistently advertised as one of the best recent romances which revitalized the genre through #BookTok. It Ends With Us  can certainly feel  like a romance at times, but at the end of the day, Hoover wrote a contemporary story on domestic abuse; advertising it as a romance simply allowed her to gain a wider audience for a book she (or her publishers) knew may not do as well had it been promoted as a novel on domestic abuse. For a quick summary, the book focuses on Lily Bloom, who accidentally meets surgeon Ryle on a rooftop one night. As Lily comes to terms with her abusive father’s death and her mother’s inaction during the years of violence, she begins a relationship with the tall, charming, bad boy-esque, Ryle, who always seems to be in his medical scrubs no matter the setting. Everything seems to be going well until Ryle unveils a side of him Lily hadn’t noticed prior, beginning a pattern of physical abuse. Lily also runs into her first love from her high school years, Atlas, who instantly recognizes the signs of violence as a victim himself in earlier years. As Lily struggles between Ryle’s changing temperament and the feelings for Atlas she thought she had forgotten, everything falls apart when Lily realizes she is pregnant with her abuser’s child, leaving her in a position she never imagined would find herself in. (There's also a very minor side plot where Lily Bloom, in her younger years, would open her diary entries with ‘Dear Ellen’ (as in Ellen Degeneres) because she thought ‘Dear diary’ was too embarrassing, and she is also obsessed with Dory from Finding Nemo (voiced by Ellen Degeneres.) It Ends With Us , at its core, is not a romance novel; it’s a story about choosing to make different choices than those of the past to set oneself free from violence. It’s a story about how Lily Bloom, without realizing it, ended up in the same position as her mother whom she had so much resentment towards for never leaving her father, in a relationship with a figure so similar to the man she hated so much during her childhood. I am no certified expert on the romance genre, but experts have agreed upon two guidelines  which narrow down the qualities of a romance novel; first, a love story should be the main plot, where characters fall in love and struggle to make their relationship work; the second, an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending. Of course, Lily’s relationship with Ryle is at the center of the novel, but it also exists in parallel to the relationship Lily had with her father and what she witnessed in her parents’ relationship. Lily and Ryle’s relationship is used as a tool to point the reader towards how, despite witnessing violence at home throughout her life, Lily was unable to pick up on the red flags in Ryle. She fell in love with him before realizing what was unfolding in front of her, and that isn’t her fault. The central plotline is Ryle’s abuse of Lily, not Lily and Ryle’s romance. The moments readers are underlining as ‘oh so romantic’ when Ryle is charming, intelligent, and kind, are supposed to highlight how abusers can easily hide in plain sight and manipulate their image. Ryle’s character exists side by side with the character of Lily’s late abusive father, as the main character herself repeatedly notes how her father had managed to fool their whole community. Love stories can exist as a sub-plot or device by writers and creators in any genre, from horror and sci-fi to social commentaries, crime, or adventure, and that’s what Hoover attempted to do in It Ends With Us . The success of what she initially sought out to craft however, is evidently mixed considering how her main audience now hails the novel as one of the greatest romances released in recent years. Regarding the second guideline, It Ends With Us closes with Lily’s character choosing to end her relationship with Ryle and instead co-parent with him, reciting the title of the book to her newborn daughter. The domestic violence does not end with Lily and Ryle; it ends with Lily and daughter, concluding on a note that is hopeful, yet bittersweet, as the reader can understand that Lily’s journey hasn’t been an easy one, and that her final decision is also a risk, as she chooses to keep Ryle in her life. So, why does it matter if Colleen Hoover decided to slap the sticker ‘romance’ on to her novel? Beyond the fact that it greatly minimizes domestic abuse and that it is not at all a romantic experience, It Ends With Us  also utilizes to its advantage the very things used to discredit and dismiss the romance genre. The reason why many readers confuse the blurred lines between romance and manipulation by an abuser may be due to Hoover’s writing and style. While it is a page turner that keeps audiences entertained with its rapid plot and twists, the lack of subtlety and nuance within the novel causes there to be a gap between Hoover’s writing and a carefully crafted illustration of how abusers manage to blend in all while being violent at home. Hoover’s writing habits and style are much closer to the ones of the typical contemporary romance #BookTok stories (see Ali Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis,  Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation ) rather than authors such as Coco Mellors who have explored the themes of abuse as well, but in a more carefully built manner which allows there to be veritable layers and complexity in her characters. Hoover tends to have very straightforward, fast-paced, direct storytelling, and while this isn’t a bad thing, it does not necessarily complement the story she was trying to tell.  Whether it was Hoover herself or her publishers, someone picked up on this disparity: unfortunately, It Ends With Us  does not have characters and relationships which are explored with enough depth for us to have an intricate account of domestic violence. The writing style would most likely also never allow the book to be accepted as ‘serious’, leading to the decision to paint this story as a romance with a blurb on the back cover promising a story about an intense love triangle between Lily, Ryle, and Atlas. It also allowed access to a wider audience, as more people may be willing to reading a romance rather than a story on domestic abuse, and opened the door for #BookTok to pick it up, as the novels gaining the most momentum on TikTok are easy-to-read romances. So, was Blake Lively simply marketing a book adaptation in the same way as its source material, a cute contemporary story with fun promotion allowing Lively to sell her other products? Justin Baldoni attempted to put a more serious spin on the conversation by focusing on survivors of domestic abuse, yet his attempts were drowned out by speculation over disagreements between him and Lively. At the end of the day, no one was engaging in conversations about domestic violence when it came to any discussion of It Ends With Us , perhaps highlighting a deeper issue concerning what catches our attention or goes viral on social media. The novel, if remembered in a few decades, will most likely not remind most of us of the reality of domestic violence, and instead of a simple celebrity tabloid spat from the past.

What have the Editors in Chief been thinking about this week? Well, hello again! Thanks for joining us this week. Recently, myself and Molly have been hurling podcast suggestions at each other so we thought to take you all along for the ride and give you a run-down of what we’re listening to at the moment. What better way to beat the autumn blues than to dive into a new podcast! We’ve ended up with a variety of suggestions, so surely there will be something for you in the list below. We’d love to hear what recommendations our dearest gentle readers have (yes, I have watched Bridgerton recently). So, please send us a message on Instagram, and we’ll give it a listen whilst procrastinating our deadlines. Isla’s Picks: I’ve only started listening to podcasts over the summer, following several suggestions from friends, so welcome to my podcast era. I’ve come to enjoy a podcast when I’m cooking or doing some of those boring everyday chores like cleaning or grocery shopping. It makes me feel much more productive if I can tick off another episode of something whilst I’m making dinner or sorting out my laundry. As an avid reader, I often find it hard to carry on reading whilst at uni due to all of the articles and chapters I have to read for my History course. I always love to add another book to my Goodreads reading goal of the year, so listening to the odd episode of a podcast here or there makes me feel like I’m achieving something (especially as I am very far from up-to-date on podcast episodes!) Here are my top picks at the moment: More Better with Stephanie and Melissa For the Brooklyn 99  fans out there, this podcast is a must! Melissa Fumero and Stephanie Beatriz (or Amy Santigao and Rosa Diaz) share their personal experiences as they muddle through life just like everyone else in More Better . Their hilarious anecdotes mixed with moments of vulnerability and honesty make a perfect combination which makes you feel less alone and reassured that everyone else out there has similar experiences, whether they’re a celebrity or a student. Throughout the episodes, Melissa and Stephanie cover a different topic every week, from embracing your heritage, figuring out sex and relationships, understanding wine pairings, or trying to remember to floss. I find the podcast to be very relatable as both Stephanie and Melissa have experienced different ups and downs throughout their lives, both personally and professionally. The two self-proclaimed ‘amigas’ share embarrassing stories, regrets or successes they’ve experienced, such as finding time for self care whilst at the hairdressers or regretting not standing up for themselves in a previous relationship or job. Each episode is filled with fun and laughter no matter the topic, even after just one episode I always have something to think about in my own life, making me reflect on certain things. The episodes can be calming, thought-provoking, high-energy or reflective but regardless, I know that I will always feel more better. Listen to their latest episode, “Eh Whatever, I’ll Do It Later: Motivation” here .  Murder They Wrote Brought to you by the new true crime power couple Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling, Murder They Wrote  takes listeners on a journey through a selection of cases from murder to extortion, robbery to kidnapping alongside some wacky confectionary heists. This dynamic duo have certainly hacked the true crime genre. Whether you watched Iain (with two Is) and Hacker the Dog  as a kid or had an unhealthy obsession with Love Island , this podcast brings out the best from both Laura and Iain, whether it’s Laura’s love of a backstory or Iain’s accents and impressions. A few weekly highlights include messages from the show’s fans or ‘living legends’ especially the demand for pictures of listeners’ dogs and the personal anecdotes shared (particularly Iain’s embarrassing stories about his parents), which make the show a true joy to listen to. The couple have a unique take on choosing their cases each week, with a mixture of cases involving darker themes and crimes with shocking stupidity or stunning smarts. Their cases span from the 19th-century to the 21st-century so there’s a bit of something for everyone alongside a plethora of dramatic pauses. So, if you want to add a bit of humour to your regular true crime playlist, you should definitely give this one a try. You can listen to their first episode, A Deadly Honeymoon, here . Betwixt the Sheets Of course the history student in me had to put a history podcast on the list. Betwixt the Sheets  talks about all things scandalous throughout history, from episodes on the femme fatale, corsets, misogyny in medicine, and the history of the bra. Be warned, there are SO MANY episodes and you will get hooked very easily, so get ready for a lifelong commitment! Brought to you by renowned sex historian Kate Lister and History Hit, featuring guest experts during each episode to dive into the fascinating history of sex, scandal and society. Lister’s brilliant skill of cultivating a light-hearted and relaxed conversation with their guests whilst maintaining a certain sensitivity when dealing with the less cheerful elements of history. If you hadn’t already guessed, the topics can be quite scandalous (evidenced by the next episode for me being about the history of BDSM), so maybe listen with headphones unless you want some weird looks from strangers. Exploring a wide range of topics and time periods, Lister has somehow managed to get me interested in medieval history - for those who know me, this is quite a glowing endorsement! Betwixt the Sheets  will certainly expand your knowledge whether you’re a history student or simply a history fanatic, and should give you some interesting fun facts to share (although maybe not ones suitable for a dinner party!) Listen to their episode, BDSM, here .  Molly’s picks:  When I’m not listening to music first thing in the morning, I’ll usually put a motivational podcast on to ensure I’m feeling ready for the day. I typically like podcasts that fall into the self-help/educational categories or ones that have more of a conversational tone. I find these kinds of podcasts help me feel inspired before I get on with my day. Particularly as we enter the late autumn/winter season, and with it the onset of the seasonal blues, that extra spark of early morning motivation is an absolute must. I’d love to share with you a few of my favourites: Get Up and Glow  with Madison Haynes With episodes dedicated to being your best self, organizing your day, feeling more put together, and all together “levelling up” into a new era of life, Madison’s podcast is the perfect antidote to feeling overwhelmed in your early twenties. On the podcast, Madison hosts an “It Girl” series with episodes featuring characters from television and movies such as Gossip Girl’s  Blair Waldorf and Legally Blonde’s  Elle Woods. Each episode provides “glow up tips” recommending life-style swaps, organizational apps for your phone, and ways to get out of a slump. In each episode of Get Up and Glow  you can expect multiple “action steps” which are tips to improve your life in small, manageable ways. With her upbeat narration, Madison’s podcast is a great one to listen to while getting ready for the day. If you like self-help content or are looking for ways to elevate your day-to-day life, I highly recommend giving this podcast a listen. You can check out the most recent episode of Get Up and Glow:  “It Girl Winter Arc Guide” here .  I’m On Your Side  with Sierra Brittany Boudreaux Sierra Boudreaux hosts I’m On Your Side , a podcast which feels like receiving advice from a wise older sister. Sierra’s philosophy is: “Mindful living doesn’t need to be a mystery,” and with each episode she provides a personal life story in order to communicate advice relating to mental health, self-confidence, and navigating major life changes. From episodes such as “The Art of the Pivot” and “Listen Before You Impulse Shop”, Sierra’s podcast has something for everyone. While also a great podcast for early mornings, I personally find it’s best to listen to as you wind down for the evening. Maybe while doing your evening skincare routine or some evening chores. If you’re looking for some reassuring advice and need a calm voice amidst the chaos of the midterm season, I highly recommend listening to I’m On Your Side . You can check out her episode, “The S(tress) Word” here .  Gilmore to Say: A Gilmore Girls Podcast  Would a Molly podcast recommendation list be complete if I didn’t mention Gilmore to Say ? While this will really only be applicable if you’re a fan of the show, Gilmore Girls , as we’re still in the autumnal season, what a great time to start watching one of the quintessential fall shows. As a result, you’ll then be able to tune-in to the amazing podcast, Gilmore to Say ! In this podcast, the hosts Tara Llewellyn and Hayley McIntosh, deep dive into each episode, explore fan theories, and share their favourite moments from each season. Haley and Tara’s conversational approach allows you as the listener to feel like you’re with friends talking about a show you love. If you’re wanting to explore plot holes in Gilmore Girls, debate Jess vs Logan, or learn more about the show’s creation, this is definitely the podcast for you. Check out their episode, “Logan is the new and improved Lorelai” here .  Thanks again for tuning into another EIC Spotlight. Isla and I hope you’ve enjoyed our recommendations. Our challenge to you this week (other than checking out a new podcast) is to beat the midterm stress and do one thing especially for yourself today. Whether that’s getting your favourite snack (chocolate or other) during a study break, ordering in dinner for the night, or taking an afternoon break from the library to explore a part of Edinburgh you haven’t yet, we hope you have a lovely week. See you again next time!

“I have just as much of a right to be here as everyone else.” The imposter syndrome that many of us Scottish students feel at a University that has come to be synonymous with everything but Scottish students. Illustration by Lydia Kempton @lydiak_arts The Edinburgh Tab has come under fire recently for several comments – to which they define as merely “jokes” - echoing the long-standing classism and marginalization of Scottish students present at Edinburgh University. The Edinburgh Tab’s efforts at seeming lighthearted and relatable are for a target audience that excludes a massive proportion of the student population. Amongst the articles they publish many set out to humiliate or patronise, with titles like “From Londoners to Pollockers, these are the 10 most annoying people you'll meet at Edinburgh Uni”, it is apparent that singling out certain demographics of students is something The Tab thrives off of. Scottish students studying at Edinburgh are not excluded from the Tab’s attempts at humiliation, as several comments made by the Tab on TikTok have left Scottish students feeling alienated at a University in their own country. As a Scottish student, born and raised in Edinburgh, the controversy surrounding The Tab in recent weeks has only echoed the feelings I have come to possess in my time studying at Edinburgh University. As such I feel that sharing my opinions on the controversy may bring light to the imposter syndrome that many of us Scottish students feel at a University that has come to be synonymous with everything but Scottish students. It is a known fact that the population of Scottish students at Edinburgh is low; free tuition provided by SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) means little profit for the University when compared to English or international students. Education is a luxury, and while we are lucky enough to be given access to free primary and secondary schooling, capitalism has ensured that higher education comes with a price. If it wasn’t for SAAS, university would not have been possible for me. I come from a very working-class background and the high fees that go alongside studying at universities across the world meant I had to get into a Scottish university to be able to pursue my aim of higher education. The added costs of moving away from home and the absence of any financial help from my family, meant that for me Edinburgh was the only feasible shot I had at getting a degree. On my own merit and academic success, I was lucky enough to be accepted and I am now in my final year of a history degree. Throughout my time at university I have held down a full-time job, working upwards of 45 hours a week alongside studying. University for me is not just 4 years of fun and living in a new city, it is something I work incredibly hard to be able to do. I chose to study whilst having to contribute to and support my family. I am not a ‘trust fund baby’ and I wasn’t privately educated, but I have just as much of a right to be here as everyone else.  I know my situation is not unique, there will be countless students in the same position who feel alienated in a space where we are not the norm. These feelings are not merely a product of insecurity and imagination by Scottish students, they come from comments made about our accents, our education, our financial situations. Countless times throughout my four years I have been met with shock at the fact I work or simply when I open my mouth to speak in a lecture. For being in my own country, the number of students who are stunned to find out that I am Scottish baffles me. The Tab has recently consolidated the feelings that I and many others hold via a response they made to a TikTok comment. The Tab’s reply to the comment “Not a Scot in sight” was “as god intended”. Whether or not this was intended as a harmless joke it certainly hit home. It heightened that feeling of not belonging and made it seem as though being Scottish is a negative thing at this university. I still can’t fathom where this perception comes from, why is being Scottish marked with some degree of judgement? What confuses me even more is the apparent hate towards Scottish people despite the perks given to English and international students living in Edinburgh. They are entitled to free bus travel thanks to the Scottish government, receive free sanitary products in all university buildings, and enjoy the “aesthetic” of living in Edinburgh. They chose to study and live here, they make use of the free benefits Scotland provides, yet still Scottish students are treated with a degree of hostility. From my personal viewpoint, this hostility stems from classism. Scottish students often don’t fit into the narrative many English students like to create surrounding being an ‘Edinburgh Uni student’. The stereotype that the Tab itself highlights, of posh students with “daddy's money” often cosplaying as the working class. Wherever this generalisation came from it is not relatable, it is not a unifying feature of the student population, and it singles out students who do not fit within its definitions. Beyond this imagined construct of the typical ‘Edinburgh Uni student’ there is a trend in labelling Edinburgh Uni students as annoying. The Tab itself often self-criticises, with one writer from the tab stating: “As an Edinburgh Uni student, I think I can safely say, we are insufferable”. This self-deprecating narrative is boring and not relatable. You may view yourself as insufferable and you may be right when you join in the alienation of Scottish students, but I myself am not. Neither are the hundreds of other students who have worked hard to get their spot at this University. Every student at Edinburgh belongs at this university. They deserve to be able to appreciate Edinburgh as a city and what it offers, and Scottish students deserve to feel welcome in a place they call home. No one individual's life is the same, we all faced different obstacles to get here and experience ongoing challenges throughout our student lives. Rather than presenting the university as this upper-class English clique, creating content based on imagined stereotypes and excluding or looking down on Scottish students, The Tab should focus on celebrating the diversity that can be found at the University of Edinburgh, but to do so it is clear they have to drop their immature approach to content making and face a reality check. Slagging off “poshos” or Scottish students is not a resourceful use of your time and it just makes The Tab out of touch and unrelatable. With such a large platform there is a lot more good you can do like focusing on real issues rather than the presence of Scottish people in Scotland.

This conveniently located exhibition places you right in the heart of Edinburgh if you so wish to venture off Campus and further into the historic city. Image: Ulster Museum Enjoy going to museums and art galleries? Is the looming presence of midterms getting you down? Wanting to escape cloudy Edinburgh? Well look no further, the National Gallery of Scotland’s exhibition ‘An Irish Impressionist, Lavery on Location’ can send your study blues away, transporting you to the vibrant world of impressionism.   During Freshers Week, my friends and I visited ‘Lavery on Location,’ having thoroughly enjoyed previous National Gallery exhibitions such as their celebration of the ground-breaking artist Grayson Perry. In a similar fashion, the Royal Scottish Academy sought to stage an exhibition celebrating the works of Lavery, mapping out his extensive travels.   Sir John Lavery was an Irish painter born in 1856, during a time of increased immigration and imperial expansion. From a young age, Lavery was eager to see the world and travel, emulated through his decision to study in Glasgow, London, and Paris. According to the National Gallery, Lavery is often referred to as the ‘ Belfast-born Glasgow Boy .’ This nickname reflects Lavery’s affinity with the Glasgow Boys. The Glasgow Boys were a group of male artists active at the end of the 19th century, who focussed on depicting aspects of everyday life. Some of the big names you may recognise from the art world include James Guthrie, James McNeill Whistler and Jules Bastien-Lepage . Many of the Glasgow Boys enjoyed painting outdoors, and felt a strong connection to naturalism, painting the real world. This association gradually became a core part of Lavery’s identity and to learn more about the Glasgow Boys and Lavery in particular, I would highly recommend visiting the exhibition. The exhibition itself is located on the mound and is conveniently opposite Princes Street, in case you fancy some light retail therapy. The Royal Scottish Academy is also connected to the National Gallery of Scotland which is free entry for all. So, if after visiting the exhibition your thirst for art and culture has not yet been satisfied, you can always visit the Academy which houses extensive collections of Scottish Art, Impressionism, and works from the Renaissance. This conveniently located exhibition places you right in the heart of Edinburgh if you so wish to venture off Campus and further into the historic city.   As you enter the exhibition, there is an introductory video introducing Lavery and explaining his life. I hate to admit it, but sometimes I find myself (rather impatiently) wanting to skip these videos and head straight into the exhibition. However in this case the introductory video provides important context about Lavery’s life from the perspective of curators such as the Senior Curator for the National Galleries of Scotland Frances Fowle, who is also a History of Art Professor at the University of Edinburgh. The exhibition itself is well curated and spread out across seven different rooms, each focussing on either a specific time period or a theme of his life. One detail that captured my curiosity was how the colour of each room reflects the tone of the paintings on display. Lavery’s rich and vibrant paintings of North Africa are flattered by a deep burgundy red background hue. In contrast, Lavery’s earlier works of the French countryside which mirror the naturalism of the Glasgow Boys, are extenuated by a deep forest green.   We are immediately whisked away to the many interesting and faraway places Lavery visited, such as Morocco, the South of France and Florida. With each room comes a new adventure, whether that is perched by a river in Grez watching the boats go by ( The Bridge at Grez, 1990), or standing marvelling at the twinkling evening lights in Tangier ( Evening at Tangier, 1935.) A personal favourite of mine is The Blue Bay, Mr Churchill at the Riviera , 1921, where we are met with a cliff face scattered with trees arching over the shimmering dappled light of the Mediterranean Sea.  John Lavery, The Blue Bay, Mr Churchill at the Riviera, 1921. (Image Credit: Flora Gilchrist) As well as creating striking landscapes, Lavery was appointed an official artist in light of the First World War. This title meant Lavery was commissioned to paint the horrors and triumphs of the weary war days. Lavery took this challenge in his stride, adapting the events to fit his own dream-like impressionist style. Daylight Raid from my Studio Window, July 1917, captures the moment German fighter planes circle over North London. Instead of depicting the harsh and unforgiving reality of the raids, Lavery stages the scene from inside a lavish townhouse full of rich red carpets and long blue curtains. The planes seem far away and a distant fantasy. Perhaps Lavery’s quote ‘I felt nothing of the stark reality [of war]… I saw only new beauties of colour and design,’ aids our understanding of this majestic work. Lavery wished to offer a wistful escape from the severe realities of war. John Lavery,  Daylight Raid from my Studio Window, July 1917. (Image Credit: Flora Gilchrist)   The final room returns us to sombre Edinburgh, with Lavery’s Princes Street Edinburgh  and View of Edinburgh from the Castle  setting the clouded mood as I wander out of the museum filled with wanderlust and a love for Lavery’s colourful souvenirs of pastures near and wide.

What have the Editors in Chief been thinking about this week? Hello there! Thank you for joining us, we’re your Co-Editors in Chief for the year, Molly and Isla, both History students in 4th year (is it just me or does it feel so weird to say that we’re in our 4th year of uni?) We have been friends since we met during our Early Modern European History seminar in Year 1, and the rest is…history! Over these 4 years of friendship, it’s not been unusual for us to dive into a weird or concerningly profound conversation whilst pretending to read sources for a class, so we thought that as your Co-Editors in Chief this year, we’d bring you along for the ride. As the first of our EIC Spotlights, we will be sharing something that we’ve been talking about this week in the hopes that our weird and wonderful conversations (and the high possibility of several Brooklyn 99 references) might bring you a little spark of joy or simply something thought-provoking for you to ponder during a dull lecture or whilst waiting for the kettle to boil. This week we’ve been thinking about finals: Isla: Not exams of course, but the last moments, memories or events that we’ll be experiencing now we’re both in our final year as undergrads at university. To be completely honest, this is something Molly brought up in conversation, but it got me thinking about it as well. Admittedly I was mostly thinking about the cute pictures I took for the sake of a ‘last first day of Uni’ Instagram post, but Molly does have a point. Amidst all the stress of midterms, deadlines and dissertations, we are going to be having a lot of final moments this year to cap off our time at University before we have to stop living in ignorance to enter the big scary world of work. Whether the final procrastination brunch, the final Costa study date, or the final board games night, outside of weekly seminars and academic essays, it’s important to make time for the small things and embrace the art of living in the moment. It all feels so bittersweet to be truly appreciating and prioritising this time when in a few months you may have to say goodbye to your closest friends. It’s tough to have to focus on these important memories you desperately need and will treasure in 10 years time when you’re so focused on your dissertation and all of those bloody deadlines! Molly: For me, this year also represents not just the end of my university chapter, but also the end of my time living here in the UK. After graduation I plan on returning home to Canada. This is so bittersweet for me, as there is so much to look forward to back home and so many things I have missed (notably Tim Hortons Iced Capps…I mean family and friends!) However, leaving Edinburgh is going to be one of the hardest things to do. I have made so many memories in this amazing city and leaving for home without plans to return in the fall (like I have for the past few years) is going to be very surreal. I’m going to miss seeing the friends I’ve made here on a regular basis, I’ll miss the beautiful atmosphere of this wonderful city, and although I won’t miss the misty-rain and unpredictable weather, I will truly cherish this chapter of my life. Something I’m trying to work on this year is staying present throughout all of the lasts. It’s easy to get caught up in thinking about “what’s next” particularly with grad school applications. I am trying to stay in the moment and savour every second. I’ve been working on making an “Edinburgh Bucket List” to ensure I haven’t missed anything (any and all suggestions welcome!)  On a more academic note, working on my dissertation which covers Canadian First World War History has bridged a gap of being here in Edinburgh while learning more about a specific part of the history of my own country. It is fascinating to read the stories of Canadian nurses coming to Europe to do their part for the war. One of the Nursing Sisters wrote in her diary, talking about how she travelled to Scotland while on leave. Reading about their stories makes me all the more thankful that I am able to be here in Edinburgh to attend university and be able to study here.  Isla: I’m sure most of you can relate to the difficulties of flatmate drama or the breakdown of friendship groups. As someone who has recently been through a rough year in the realm of friendship and flatmate drama, I now understand how an experience like that can completely break you down and force you to re-evaluate the decisions you have made, make you question all of your actions and really consider the people you have allowed to play a big part in your life. This year feels like the perfect time to focus on prioritising the experiences that make you happy, the people that put a big smile on your face or make you laugh until your sides hurt (I’m talking about you Molly during that high stakes game of Monopoly!) What makes this epiphany so bittersweet is truly understanding who you are and what makes you happy at the time when you're reaching a finale in your life and about to experience what may turn out to be a considerably unstable period that comes after graduating. To get a little profound for a second, I’m glad that the two of us have this EIC thing to make sure we are forced to spend time together every week. It’s sometimes tricky to remember to spend time with your friends when you’re struggling through deadlines and uni work, and even just meeting up for a study date can be fun time spent with your besties (and of course the joint stress makes those pesky deadlines a little easier of a burden to bear.)  So, our challenge to you this week is to make the most of your uni experience and try to stay in the moment amidst all the chaos of being a student. Whether this is your first year or your last–or somewhere in between–it’s all too easy to get caught up in the overwhelming workload or life struggles. Take a wander through the meadows, get yourself an overpriced hot chocolate, or make the most of Edinburgh’s free galleries and museums. Enjoy experiences without worrying about posting them to whatever social media accounts you have. Try to embrace one experience this week without thinking about your Instagram story and just have fun living your life. However you choose to spend your time this week, we hope you’ve enjoyed reading this and stay tuned for more ramblings from us next time.