I'm watching the news which is showing a dashing young man, who looks like Jeremy Kyle's dream guest, justifying the rioting in Manchester by saying it was down to fighting against 'police corruption' and I wonder if he even knows the name Mark Duggan. Probably not. Can we really excuse the awful behaviour on the streets of Manchester as being generated by the unfortunate death of a young man in Tottenham that many couldn't even name?
Another lad stands brazen in Piccadilly Gardens saying that those rioting need to show the GMP whose boss. So then the residents of Manchester need to decide if these are the people who we want ruling our streets? Because truly when 10 year olds are smashing windows and setting cars on fire someone has got to place blame at the door of parents. Not police. When kids this young are rioting in the streets it shows a distinct lack of parenting skills or even interest!
Police tactics may have seemed ineffectual, is it any wonder when police brutality makes great front page news. Contradictory stories are being presented in the press today, some saying the police were too soft and others saying they were too harsh, but when images are being shown of police just standing by whilst gangs smashed the shop windows no wonder faith in the GMP has been shaken.
It seems that people are getting bogged down in the argument that this is the behaviour of feral chavs who decided they needed new trainers. That may in part be true but the argument becomes redundant when people detained by the police include teaching assistants and graphic designers aged up to 58.
The people who took part in these heinous acts of criminality, did it for a buzz. Because they thought they could get away with stealing an I phone and not getting caught. It shows a distinct lack of a moral compass when you are trashing your own local shops and businesses, and are dragging people out of cars to then set them on fire.
Some Marie Antoinette types may indignantly shout, 'let them get jobs!'. But it needs to be noted that there aren't any, and if I can't get one after wasting my time in university how is someone who hasn't been as fortunate as me? Or how are teens supposed to get there first jobs when there are so many others with more experience fighting for the same vacancies?
People may find many reasons to justify the violence on the streets of Manchester, but the main reason is undeniably opportunism and greed. Because nothing softens the blow of being a member of the "disaffected youth" then a stolen plasma T.V.
DON'T BREAK THE LAW AND YOU WONT GET ARRESTED!
Wednesday 10 August 2011
Saturday 5 March 2011
Carousel
If you are looking for an exotic and unusual gift step out of Manchester and set foot into the Orient, by visiting the fabulous Carousel (formerly Sausage Dog in Japan) which is housed in the veritable treasure trove that is Affleck’s.
The only place in Manchester where you will find a wide range of Japanese Kokeshi dolls. These beautiful wooden dolls come in all shapes and sizes and would make a great present, or a lovely piece for the home.
Continuing along the theme of dolls; Carousel also stocks ornate Russian dolls and fabulous Guatemalan worry dolls that might help you ease the stresses of the day!
Also to be found in this gorgeous shop is the fairy tale inspired art work of local artiste Naomi Von Monsta, from trinket boxes to faerie wear including hand made horns and toadstools hair pieces.
From finger puppets to fortune beads, Carousel offers shoppers a beautiful shopping experience and the opportunity to own some one of a kind pieces and you can always say hi to the fishys when you are there!
The only place in Manchester where you will find a wide range of Japanese Kokeshi dolls. These beautiful wooden dolls come in all shapes and sizes and would make a great present, or a lovely piece for the home.
Continuing along the theme of dolls; Carousel also stocks ornate Russian dolls and fabulous Guatemalan worry dolls that might help you ease the stresses of the day!
Also to be found in this gorgeous shop is the fairy tale inspired art work of local artiste Naomi Von Monsta, from trinket boxes to faerie wear including hand made horns and toadstools hair pieces.
From finger puppets to fortune beads, Carousel offers shoppers a beautiful shopping experience and the opportunity to own some one of a kind pieces and you can always say hi to the fishys when you are there!
Pink Flamingo Vintage Boutique
Currently to be found in the treasure trove that is Affleck’s or in Stockport Market Hall, Pink Flamingo Vintage Boutique is a veritable feast of vintage clothing and accessories that will bring a fabulous edge to any wardrobe.
All pieces are original vintage, hand picked and either sold in their original glory of altered by the owners of the boutique themselves to give them a more modern edge. Therefore each piece becomes individual and buying from Pink Flamingo ensures that no one else is going to own the same piece of clothing as you!
There are some great pieces to be found in this pop up boutique, and most of all they are affordable so you don’t have to break the bank to give yourself a new look. :-)
All pieces are original vintage, hand picked and either sold in their original glory of altered by the owners of the boutique themselves to give them a more modern edge. Therefore each piece becomes individual and buying from Pink Flamingo ensures that no one else is going to own the same piece of clothing as you!
There are some great pieces to be found in this pop up boutique, and most of all they are affordable so you don’t have to break the bank to give yourself a new look. :-)
Saturday 19 February 2011
AMERICAN GRAFFITTI
The To Manchester With Love Commandments:
- Thou shalt not worship at the alter of Primark
- Thou shalt not covet thy best friends Topshop floral playsuit / Topman skinny jeans.
- Thou SHALT look for fashion inspiration in Manchester and thou shalt be REWARDED :-)
In a mission to find places to shop in Manchester that can bring a little alternative glamour to your wardrobe I came across the vintage treasure trove that is American Graffitti.
With two shops, one in the amazing Afflecks and another round the corner on Hilton Street they are easy to find in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and both are a great place to go for a one of a kind purchase.
They have lovely friendly staff who are knowledgeable about different eras if you’re looking for a specific retro feel, and great displays that make it feel like you’re wandering round a clothes museum as well as a shop.
Beautiful retro clothes, fancy dress, accessories, home ware and toys mean that there is something for everyone and it is the perfect place to buy a special gift.
American Graffitti most importantly offers an EXPERIENCE; you don’t find yourself herded round the shop like you do in some high street chains, moo-ing and baa-ing and then all coming out dressed the same! It is an ideal shop for those looking to have fun with fashion and channel the greatest styles from years gone by.
- Thou shalt not worship at the alter of Primark
- Thou shalt not covet thy best friends Topshop floral playsuit / Topman skinny jeans.
- Thou SHALT look for fashion inspiration in Manchester and thou shalt be REWARDED :-)
In a mission to find places to shop in Manchester that can bring a little alternative glamour to your wardrobe I came across the vintage treasure trove that is American Graffitti.
With two shops, one in the amazing Afflecks and another round the corner on Hilton Street they are easy to find in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and both are a great place to go for a one of a kind purchase.
They have lovely friendly staff who are knowledgeable about different eras if you’re looking for a specific retro feel, and great displays that make it feel like you’re wandering round a clothes museum as well as a shop.
Beautiful retro clothes, fancy dress, accessories, home ware and toys mean that there is something for everyone and it is the perfect place to buy a special gift.
American Graffitti most importantly offers an EXPERIENCE; you don’t find yourself herded round the shop like you do in some high street chains, moo-ing and baa-ing and then all coming out dressed the same! It is an ideal shop for those looking to have fun with fashion and channel the greatest styles from years gone by.
Monday 14 February 2011
My Funny Valentine …
Valentines day has been, and you might have either been filled with HATRED >:-[ or squishy lovely thoughts of lovely love <3 but I have used this event as blog inspiration. Because I am aiming to deviate from the norm and offer up the Manchester based alternatives, here I have researched 4 fabulous artistic ladies who could provide you with a beautiful card or piece of one of a kind bespoke art to give to the one you love / like / want to fornicate with on special occasions.
So for God’s sake steer clear of the Moon Pigs and the Funky Pigeons and look at what these artists have to offer!
Naomi Von Monsta
A true Goblin Queene and friend of the faeries, Naomi Von Monsta creates beautiful pieces of art which would make great gifts for woodland creatures and fans of the forest, or just those who can appreciate the fine detail of her drawings and paintings.
With her own shop on Etsy it is easy to be the proud owner of one of these special pieces from www.etsy.com/shop/naomimonsta. And not only is Monsta’s talent a force to be reckoned with, she also channels her love of the mystical into the creation of beautiful faerie horns and hair pieces.
Check out her blog for inspiration, www.naomimonsta.blogspot.com and you can also see Naomi Von Monsta’s work in the flesh for sale in Affleck’s in the fantastic shop Sausage Dog in Japan.
So for God’s sake steer clear of the Moon Pigs and the Funky Pigeons and look at what these artists have to offer!
Sarah Gaffney
Levenshulme based artist Sarah Gaffney showcases perfectly that greetings cards don’t have to be generic and covered in the usual images of hearts, flowers and balloons.
With a strong emphasis on shape and colour, the focus on composition showcases the patterns and images on each card to great effect. As well as being suitable for those with more abstract tastes they will appeal to everyone who is bored of the limited variety of cards you can find on the high street.
Gaffney has been successful in several craft fairs around Manchester and is happy to take orders for cards in her distinct style through her email address sarah_gaffney@hotmail.co.uk.
Zygote Gifts
www.zygotegifts.co.uk is the website to click on when looking for great bespoke cards and handmade gifts.
If you are keen on helping the environment, cards with beautiful designs made from recycled woven newspaper are a must for special occasions, and with the added option to use newspaper from specific dates it means that these cards can be made extra special and with a more personal touch.
As well as the newspaper yarn designs, there are also an array of cards that come with knitted brooches attached to the front so that special gift can be worn all year round.
Take a look at the website and choose from a great selection of cards made from the best quality material, and if you want to enquire about your own designs email zygotegifts@gmail.com.
Sumi Art
Having talent by the bucket load Sumi Senthi is a great example of an artist who creates arts and crafts that would really make an impact if given as a gift.
Have a look on www.sumiart.daportfolio.com and see the range that this artist has; from intricate line drawings and illustrations, to one of a kind hand made cards.
Beautiful bespoke necklaces with hand made gift boxes are also a speciality of Sumi Art and are a sure fire way to score brownie points if given as a gift!
Also check out Sumi’s blog, www.thelinecontinuestoblur.blogspot.com
for an insight into the mind of such a talented artiste!
Naomi Von Monsta
A true Goblin Queene and friend of the faeries, Naomi Von Monsta creates beautiful pieces of art which would make great gifts for woodland creatures and fans of the forest, or just those who can appreciate the fine detail of her drawings and paintings.
With her own shop on Etsy it is easy to be the proud owner of one of these special pieces from www.etsy.com/shop/naomimonsta. And not only is Monsta’s talent a force to be reckoned with, she also channels her love of the mystical into the creation of beautiful faerie horns and hair pieces.
Check out her blog for inspiration, www.naomimonsta.blogspot.com and you can also see Naomi Von Monsta’s work in the flesh for sale in Affleck’s in the fantastic shop Sausage Dog in Japan.
It’s the Mancunian Way …
This is my second attempt at a blog and I intend to take it seriously this time. Maybe everyone will read it and then I’ll end up in magazines and make my fortune! Or maybe writing this will stop me stagnating, keep those creative juices flowing and actually be useful to people looking for a bit more information about places to go (shop) and people to know in Manchester.
Trust me.
Trust me.
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