The Library Blog

Edinburgh Napier University Library blog. Filled with useful and fun blog articles on using the Library, the University, Edinburgh and many other fun topics.

Author: julietkinsey (Page 10 of 18)

Picture of an eye for Blog post Colour Blindness Day

Colour Blindness Day

06/09/2023 / / 0 Comments

Colour Blindness Day

Colour Blindness Awareness Day was launched in 2015 and is held on September 6th – the birthday of John Dalton. He is credited with being the first person known to realise colour blindness exists. Furthermore, he also introduced atomic theory into chemistry. As a scientist, he became aware that neither he nor his brother saw colours the same way as everyone else. He thought this was because they had blue liquid in their eyes and Dalton left his eyes to science so that research could be carried out after his death. Dalton understood that because both he and his brother were affected, their condition must be hereditary. Over 150 years later DNA proved he had inherited colour blindness. Colour blindness is also known as Daltonism in his memory.

What is Colour blindness?

We’re sure you are aware that not all disabilities are visible. Colour blindness or colour vision deficiency (CVD) is one of those that you may not realise is affecting someone. It affects roughly 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women. The effects can be mild, moderate or severe. You can be born with CVD, or it can start at any age. It can be a side effect of conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis or as a consequence of the eye disease glaucoma. Medications or exposure to certain chemicals can also cause colour deficiencies.

Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure or treatment for inherited colour blindness. Those with the condition will find that they can adapt to it to some extent but may not be able to pursue professions where accurate colour vision is required. If a colour vision deficiency is developed because of illness, injury or medication, addressing the underlying condition may help.

The main symptom of CVD is finding it hard to tell the difference between colours. There are different types of CVD – the most common being unable to fully ‘see’ red, green or blue light. Being ‘red/green colour blind’ means people with it can easily confuse any colours which have some red or green as part of the whole colour. So someone with red/green colour blindness is likely to confuse blue and purple because they can’t ‘see’ the red element of the colour purple.

 

Testing for CVD

There are 2 main tests for colour vision deficiency:

  • the Ishihara test – reading images made up of coloured dots. The Ishihara test is used to detect the most common types of colour blindness, which are categorised as red-green colour deficiencies
  • colour arrangement tests – putting coloured objects in order of what shade they are

 

Colour vision testing is not part of the routine NHS eye test, but you can ask an optician for it if you think you need it.

Effects on daily life:

Driving – More specifically identifying signal lights and colour-coded signs that are designed to stand out such as danger and warning signs.

Colour coded charts – People suffering from colour blindness can have great difficulty reading colour-coded charts and other similar types of activities.

Jobs – Certain job restrictions apply for someone with a colour vision deficiency, such as a train driver.

Education – Not being able to distinguish colours when needed to complete taught activities and assessments.

Living a life full of colour – Something most of us take for granted but it is estimated that someone who is colour blind may only see as few as 10,000 shades of colour compared to someone with normal colour vision who can see up to 1,000,000 distinct shades of colour.

CVD is just one of many disabilities that can hinder the learning experience and make daily activities like using the web difficult or impossible. The demand and need for physical and digital accessibility will only continue to rise, underscoring the critical importance of raising overall disability awareness.

Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier accessibility statement: https://my.napier.ac.uk/wellbeing-support-and-inclusion/accessibility-statement

If you would like advice about how the university can support students and staff with physical disabilities and mental health issues you can contact the Napier Wellbeing, Support and Inclusion team: https://my.napier.ac.uk/wellbeing-support-and-inclusion/disability-inclusion

Hardware available to borrow from the library

We have a range of ergonomic keyboards and mice, noise-cancelling headphones, laptop riser stands and coloured overlays available for everyone to borrow from each campus library. You can use Library Search to see what is available-it helps to select ‘Equipment’ under the Format filter options on the right-hand side.

We also have extra-large monitors and height-adjustable desks in each library, ask at the helpdesks to find out where they are situated.

Our library assistants are happy to help with all your well-being queries.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Photo by Victor Freitas on Unsplash

Image of students studying for Blog post for Welcome to the library

Welcome to the library

01/09/2023 / / 0 Comments

Welcome to the library

We would like to welcome all our new students to the library and, of course, the library blog. This is a place to keep you informed about the library, such as changes to opening hours, equipment for loan and our library spaces.  Furthermore, we will also post lots of fun items too (check out our Lego and Barbie posts), informative posts (Out and about in Scotland and International Moon Day) and posts raising awareness (World Ocean Day and Stress Awareness Month).

Opening hours

Opening hours are listed on our webpage. Hours will change during trimester 3 and at holiday periods.

Library Search

Library Search is our catalogue which lets you search for books and articles and gives you access to thousands of ebooks and articles.

Book loans

Books can be borrowed from the self-service kiosks using your student card. Loans are for up to 4 months, provided the book is not requested by another user. You will receive a borrowing activity letter each week which will let you know whether your loans have been renewed or if they should be returned.

Click and Collect Service

You can make requests for books using our Click and Collect service. You can request books from any campus library and you can collect them from whichever campus suits you best.

Study spaces

All campus libraries have group study rooms bookable through Resource Booker. Additionally, We also have individual study spaces and collaborative desks which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Laptops

All campus libraries have laptops for loan from our Lapsafes. Loans are for 2 weeks and the safes are self-service, operated using your student card.

Special events

Not only do we help you with all your studying needs, but in addition, we also run events throughout the year so keep a look out for posters and social media posts to see if booking is required. Previous events include an Easter Egg Hunt and Therapets visits.

Library tours

Want to learn about all things Library and get a head start on your studies? You can book a library tour to get all the information you need for your studies!

Get Connected

IT is offering Get Connected sessions at the beginning of term to help with connecting to university Wi-Fi, using the Napier app, multi-factor authentication and any other IT issues you may have. These are drop-in sessions at the times and places listed in the link.

Printing

Printers are available in all campus libraries-make sure that you have enough print credit to complete your job.

Relaxation Spaces

If you need to take some time out from your studies head to our Relaxation Spaces – there’s one on each campus. We have books, games, colouring sheets and suggestions to help you de-stress.

By Vivienne Hamilton

International Dog Day Bertie

International Dog Day

26/08/2023 / / 0 Comments

International Dog Day

Everyone knows Librarians love cats, but we are an open-minded and inclusive lot here at Edinburgh Napier and our homes are open to not just fluffy felines but delightful dogs too! Here we showcase some of our Librarian’s gorgeous pups.

So come meet a few of our Staff’s Dogs!

Continue reading

A photo of 2 Bridges of Scotland at Queensferry

Bridges of Scotland

14/08/2023 / / 0 Comments

Bridges of Scotland

On the 30th of August, it will be 6 years since the Queensferry Crossing opened. If you have ever travelled to Fife and beyond by car then you will have crossed it! This lifeline artery was built as a replacement for the old Forth Road Bridge which was beginning to suffer from corrosion in the suspension cables. This resulted in a loss of strength with weakening calculated to accelerate. This would result in traffic restrictions to limit loading and would impact heavily on tourism, logistics and commuting from Fife, Perth, Aberdeen, Dundee and the Highlands. In 2007 Transport Scotland decided to proceed with a replacement bridge. Known as the Forth Replacement Crossing, the bridge was finally named in 2013 following a public vote with Queensferry Crossing receiving the most votes. Scotland has many interesting and attractive bridges and here are a few you may be interested in:

Sluggan Bridge

Remote from a town or village this tall bridge over the River Dulnain seems quite out of place to modern eyes, but at one point this was part of General Wade’s military road and a vital crossing. Originally the crossing was merely a ford, but a two-arch bridge was built in the 1760s. This was swept away in a flood in 1829 and was replaced in the 1830s with the single-span bridge you can see now. Major repairs were carried out to the bridge in 2001/02 by Sustrans as part of the National Cycle Network Route 7. Sluggan Bridge is category A listed and a scheduled monument. The Wade Road is an ancient right of way.

Craigellachie Bridge

This elegant bridge spanning the River Spey is the oldest surviving iron bridge in Scotland. Built between 1812 and 1815 it was designed by the world-famous engineer Thomas Telford. Telford allowed for floods and the bridge withstood a major flood in 1829 when the Spey rose by 4.7 meters. The spandrels are formed of diamond lattice to form a delicate design. The castellated towers that decorate the abutments are hollow with false arrow slits. The bridge, with minor modifications, continued in use until 1963–64 and was bypassed and closed to vehicles in 1972 when its pre-stressed concrete replacement just downstream, was opened. Craigellachie Bridge is now an outstanding historical and scenic amenity used by pedestrians and cyclists.

Forth Bridge

This iconic bridge is sometimes referred to as the Forth Rail Bridge, but that’s not its official name. It spans the Forth estuary carrying the railway lines connecting the north and south of Scotland, and when it opened it was the world’s longest single-span cantilever bridge. The first design to be approved for a rail bridge across the Forth was by Thomas Bouch. This design was abandoned following the Tay Bridge disaster because that bridge had also been designed by Bouch. In the end, the design by John Fowler and Benjamin Baker was chosen and the bridge opened in 1890. At the busiest point in construction, 4000 men were employed; unfortunately, 57 men died. The bridge carries 200 trains each day and 3 million passengers each year. In 2015 the bridge was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in its 125th anniversary year.

Skye Bridge

The short 500m crossing between Skye and the Scottish mainland was made by ferry until the Skye Bridge opened in 1995. The bridge is a concrete arch supported by 2 piers and it is 2.4 km long with the main arch being 35m high. Although the bridge is free to cross now, this was not always the case. The bridge was built with private rather than government funding. This meant that the private company that owned the completed bridge could charge a toll to cross it. This charge applied to locals and tourists alike which meant that whenever an islander needed to access services or visit family on the mainland, they had to pay the toll. A campaign group SKAT (Skye and Kyle Against Tolls) was set up and in 2004 the Scottish Government purchased the bridge and abolished the tolls. The bridge has made Skye much more accessible and in recent years this has caused a large increase in tourism due to exposure on tv programmes promoting the outdoors and the historical fantasy series Outlander. Islanders now complain of rubbish being dumped, busy roads and erosion of paths due to the large numbers visiting Skye.

Scotland’s newest bridge-Lossiemouth East Beach Bridge

The town of Lossiemouth in Moray relied heavily on fishing and when the industry fell into decline in the 1970s the town began to rely on tourism. There are many lovely walks and interesting attractions to visit in the area, but the town’s biggest asset is the several miles long sandy East Beach. With pristine sands and a large dune system, the beach was well used by tourists and in recent years supported a surf school. But in order to get to the beach, the estuary of the River Lossie had to be crossed. Access was by an old wooden bridge and in 2019 a member of the public reported hearing a loud crack as they crossed it. The bridge was surveyed, and it was decided it was a risk to the public, so it was permanently closed. This was devastating to local tourism with shops and hospitality businesses reporting large falls in trade and cancellations of bookings. The estimated collective annual cost of closure was £1.5 million. However, help was to come from an unexpected source. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, the UK government put financial help packages in place for hotels, restaurants and shops across the country. This ensured that Lossiemouth’s businesses were protected not only from the effects of the pandemic but from the loss of its biggest tourist attraction.

Meanwhile a tendering process was carried out and eventually, preparation works for a new bridge began in November 2021. The new bridge was completed in April 2022 and was officially opened in May. If you would like to see the bridge, beach and do some people watching, then click here.

 

You can use Library Search to find books and articles on more bridges of Scotland, bridge construction and tourism pressures.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Barbie doll photo for blog post Barbie: From Iconic Fashionista to Cultural Phenomenon

Barbie: From Iconic Fashionista to Cultural Phenomenon

07/08/2023 / / 0 Comments

Barbie: From Iconic Fashionista to Cultural Phenomenon

Exploring the Fascinating History of the Doll

No one can be unaware of the new Barbie movie that was recently released and the new conversations it is bringing up. So why not read a bit about her history and Barbie’s place in the cultural Zeitgeist.

Barbie and her Impact on Popular Culture

The Barbie doll is an iconic figure that has had a profound impact on popular culture since her introduction in 1959. Created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, Barbie quickly became a beloved toy for children around the world. With her stylish outfits, glamorous lifestyle, and ever-evolving persona, Barbie captured the imaginations of generations and became a symbol of beauty, fashion, and empowerment.

The Early Years: The Birth of Barbie and her First Appearances

Barbie made her debut at the New York Toy Fair in 1959, where she instantly caught the attention of buyers and the media. With her blonde hair, blue eyes, and hourglass figure, Barbie represented a departure from the baby dolls that were popular at the time. She was marketed as a teenage fashion model, and her wardrobe consisted of stylish outfits that reflected the latest trends.

During her early years, Barbie faced some criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and perpetuating gender stereotypes. However, her popularity continued to soar, and she soon became a staple in toy stores and households across the globe. Barbie’s success paved the way for a new era of dolls and toys that focused on fashion, glamour, and self-expression.

The Evolution of Barbie’s Appearance and Fashion Choices

One of the most fascinating aspects of Barbie’s history is the evolution of her appearance and fashion choices. Over the years, Barbie has undergone numerous transformations to reflect changing beauty standards and societal preferences. From her iconic blonde hair to her signature pink outfits, Barbie has always been at the forefront of fashion trends.

In the 1960s, Barbie embraced the mod look with her stylish mini-skirts, go-go boots, and bold prints. In the 1970s, she sported a more natural look with her sun-kissed tan and bohemian-inspired outfits. The 1980s saw Barbie embrace the glitz and glamour of the era with her big hair, shoulder pads, and sparkling accessories. In recent years, Barbie has embraced diversity and inclusivity by introducing dolls with different body types, skin tones, and hairstyles.

Barbie’s fashion choices have always been a reflection of the times, and her ability to stay relevant and adapt to changing trends has played a significant role in her enduring popularity.

Barbie’s Cultural Impact and Controversies

As a cultural phenomenon, Barbie has had a significant impact on society and has sparked numerous controversies throughout her history. On one hand, Barbie has been praised for encouraging imagination, creativity, and self-expression in children. Many young girls have looked up to Barbie as a role model and have been inspired by her glamorous lifestyle and career choices.

However, Barbie has also faced criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Some argue that Barbie’s unrealistic proportions and emphasis on physical appearance can negatively impact body image and self-esteem, especially in young girls. Additionally, Barbie has been accused of perpetuating gender stereotypes by portraying women primarily in roles related to fashion and beauty.

Despite these controversies, Barbie has remained a beloved and influential figure in popular culture, inspiring countless children and adults alike.

Read more on Barbie in the book: Barbie Culture by Mary F Rodgers, available at Merchiston Library

The Iconic Barbie Cut-out Box and its Significance

One of the most recognizable aspects of Barbie’s packaging is the iconic cut-out box. Introduced in the early years, the Barbie cut-out box allowed children to play with Barbie and her accessories in a miniature world. The box featured a cardboard backdrop, furniture, and clothing that could be cut out and assembled to create various scenes.

The Barbie cut-out box not only provided an interactive and imaginative play experience but also served as a marketing tool. The box showcased Barbie’s extensive wardrobe and accessories, enticing children to collect and play with different outfits. The cut-out box became a symbol of Barbie’s fashion-forward image and added to the overall allure of the doll.

Why not head upstairs in Merchiston Library and check out some of the books on packaging design?

Barbie’s Role in Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity

In recent years, Barbie has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity. Recognizing the need for representation, Mattel introduced dolls with different body types, skin tones, and hairstyles. Barbie now comes in a range of sizes, including petite, tall, and curvy, allowing children to see themselves reflected in their toys.

Barbie has also partnered with influential figures and organizations to promote inclusivity and empower young girls. Collaborations with the likes of Olympic athletes, scientists, and artists have showcased the endless possibilities and potential that girls have. By expanding the range of dolls and highlighting diverse role models, Barbie has sought to inspire and empower children of all backgrounds.

Barbie’s Influence on Fashion and Style Trends

Barbie has long been a fashion icon, inspiring countless trends and styles over the years. Her ever-changing wardrobe, from glamorous gowns to casual chic ensembles, has captivated the imaginations of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Barbie’s influence extends beyond the toy industry, with her fashion choices often making their way onto runways, magazines, and even real-life wardrobes.

Barbie’s impact on fashion trends can be seen in her collaborations with fashion designers and brands. From high-end designers to fast-fashion labels, Barbie has partnered with renowned names to create limited-edition collections that bring her iconic style to life. These collaborations have not only elevated Barbie’s fashion status but have also cemented her position as a cultural icon with a lasting influence on the fashion industry.

Barbie’s Collaborations and Partnerships

Barbie’s collaborations and partnerships have played a significant role in shaping her image and expanding her influence. Over the years, Barbie has teamed up with various brands, celebrities, and organizations to create special editions and collections that reflect current trends and interests.

Whether collaborating with iconic fashion houses to featuring pop culture icons, Barbie has stayed relevant. By aligning herself with influential figures and brands. These collaborations have not only increased Barbie’s appeal but have also allowed her to connect with diverse audiences and expand her reach beyond the toy aisle.

The Future of Barbie: Innovations and Changes Over the Years

As Barbie celebrates over six decades of success, the future looks bright for this iconic doll. Over the years, Barbie has continued to innovate and adapt to changing times. From embracing diversity to incorporating technology into play experiences, Barbie has shown that she is not afraid to evolve and stay relevant.

In recent years, Barbie has embraced digital play experiences, allowing children to interact with her through online games, apps, and social media. This digital integration has opened up new avenues for storytelling and imaginative play, keeping Barbie at the forefront of children’s playtime.

Looking ahead, it is clear that Barbie will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the needs and desires of future generations. The enduring legacy of this fashionista doll will continue to inspire and empower children around the world.

Barbie’s Enduring Legacy and its Impact on Society

In conclusion, the Barbie doll has had a fascinating history and has left an indelible mark on popular culture. From her early appearances as a teenage fashion model to her current role as a champion of diversity and inclusivity, Barbie has continuously evolved to reflect changing times and societal values.

Despite facing controversies and criticism, Barbie’s enduring popularity is a testament to her ability to capture the imaginations of millions. Her influence on fashion, style trends, and popular culture cannot be overstated. Barbie has not only entertained generations of children but has also inspired them to dream big and embrace their individuality.

Furthermore, as we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how Barbie continues to evolve and adapt. With her rich history and enduring legacy, Barbie will undoubtedly remain a cultural phenomenon for years to come.

By Juliet Kinsey

Barbie: From Iconic Fashionista to Cultural Phenomenon. What do you think about Barbie? Let us know in the comments below. Is she new feminist Icon or a simple doll?

Loving our toy theme? Read about the History of Lego on our Blog too.

Image Source: Pezibear on PixaBay

Image of plastic bottles for blog post July is Plastic Free Month

July is Plastic Free Month

24/07/2023 / / 0 Comments

July is Plastic Free Month

Plastics what’s the big deal?

50% of plastics in the world are made up of lightweight single-use products and packaging materials. The disposal process of these synthetic non-biodegradable plastics has become a problem for the environment, animals, and people.

In 2018 it was estimated between 4.8 million and 12.7 million metric tons of plastics were discarded into the ocean annually, by countries with ocean coastlines.

The Ocean

Once in the ocean, sunlight and seawater react with the plastics. This causes it to become brittle, breaking down and turning into microplastics. These harmful by-products are then ingested by various types of wildlife, such as zooplankton, invertebrates, fish, turtles, birds, and mammals. In addition, ocean currents above and below the sea spread the debris over a wider area, and carry the waste back to the shore, where it affects land wildlife.

Cleaning the oceans is a mammoth task and would cost billions, and as such is not a viable solution. The alternative option was to reduce the use of plastics, which would reduce the amount of waste needing disposal, and so the idea of Plastic Free Month was created.

Plastic Free Month

Join the movement and become part of the solution to help reduce plastic pollution. By replacing single use plastics, you use, one step at a time. Together we can have a massive impact on the overall output of single use non-recyclable plastics. The idea has already been embraced by a million plus participants in 190 countries since Plastic Free Month’s began in 2011. By 2021 those taking part had reduced waste by 2.1 million tonnes.

The Plastic Free Foundation

Setup by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz (the founder of the Plastic Free Foundation) and a small team in local government in Western Australia, it has grown to become one of the most influential environmental campaigns in the world. Six years after its initial set up in 2011, Plastic Free July, led to the formation of the Plastic Free Foundation Ltd, an independent, not-for-profit charity that would support participants and grow the campaign. Plastic Free July has become a key initiative that allows the organisation to work towards a world free of plastic waste.

Their core mission values are:

  • Honesty and integrity
  • Inclusivity of people, ideas, visions, and approaches.
  • A focus on providing solutions.
  • Authenticity and collaboration.
  • The belief that small changes add up to a big difference.

To find out more about Plastic Free Month and some great ideas on how you can play your part in helping and improving the environment, head over to Plastic Free July – Be Part of the Plastic Pollution Solution.

Working to make a difference.

Click on the following link to see how a lab technician and technical assistant at Edinburgh Napier University pioneered a new recycling initiative that has to date (December 2022) re-routed 3,000kg of plastic from general waste to dry mixed recycling.  Lab Plastic Recycling Project (napier.ac.uk)

Or read the blog at: Solving single-use plastic waste with a dynamic duo – The School of Applied Sciences (napier.ac.uk)

By Mo Almas

Read more about the Environment and the world in our article on re-introducing animals to Scotland.

Photo by tanvi sharma on Unsplash

photo of people outside during The Edinburgh Festival

The Edinburgh Festival

10/07/2023 / / 0 Comments

The Edinburgh Festival

Everything you should know about The Edinburgh Festival

The Edinburgh Festival is one of the most famous and internationally loved festivals in the world. It boasts multiple festivals within the festival, as well as art shows and street performances around every corner.

Here’s a list of the main festivals:

There is something for everyone no matter your interest. Us Librarians of course get very excited by the Book festival and a chance to hear our favourite authors read from their work is a rare privilege. All the big names appear in our tiny city and the excitement and energy on the streets is invigorating.

History

Incredibly The first ‘International Festival of Music and Drama’ took place between 22 August and 11 September 1947 (Wikipedia). The ethos behind the creation of the festival was  “provide a platform for the flowering of the human spirit” (Source) after the horrors of the Second World War.

Beginning with the high arts of Ballet, Opera, Classical music and the Visual Arts. It has grown to encompass so much more. The Edinburgh Fringe is a place to hear some of the greatest up-and-coming comedians, as well as standard favourites from around the Globe. The Jazz and Blues festival boasts some of the best musicians in the world. Not to mention the street performances that are free for everyone. Although you will need plenty of time to get between shows as it’s hard to resist stopping constantly to see them all.

Library Resources for Edinburgh Napier members

Whether it’s Jazz musicians or film criticism you are interested in, check out librarysearch.napier.ac.uk for all our resources

Read more about different festivals here on our blog. Check out: The Cherry Festival 

By Juliet Kinsey

Happy Fourth of July American Flag

Happy Fourth of July Independence Day🎉

04/07/2023 / / 0 Comments

Happy Fourth of July Independence Day🎉

Also referred to as Independence Day, the Fourth of July marks the anniversary of the then 13 colonies declaring independence from the British crown. It has a rich history of celebrations throughout the United States.

On July 2nd 1776, the then continental congress voted for independence. Consequently, two days later the 13 colonies adopted the declaration of independence. Thomas Jefferson famously drafted the document. The Fourth of July has been celebrated ever since. Fun fact, as it was the 2nd of July that congress passed the decision on Independence, future President John Adams refused to celebrate American independence on the fourth of July and marked celebrations on the second. He would die fifty years later on July 4th 1826 (History.com).

Celebrations range from family barbecues to street parades. In addition, firework displays are notorious and have been part of celebrations since 1777, with the first reported in Philadelphia. Early celebrations included having mock funerals for King George III, and the firing of muskets and cannons.  These were followed up by a public reading of the declaration of independence (History.com). In 1870, it was recognised by Congress as a federal holiday, although it was not until 1941, that it would be a paid holiday for federal employees. It was in the late 19th century with the rise of leisure time that family get-togethers and barbecues became more common celebrations (History.com)

Whatever you are doing this year have a happy fourth of July Independence Day!

Read about other celebrations on our blog such as St.Patricks Day and Chinese New Year

Want to learn more about American History? Try Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk for all sorts of information. Need to know how to use it? Read our Guide here.

By Maya Green

Photo by Paul Weaver on Unsplash

 

 

 

Photo of a beatles sculpture for Blog Post on Global Beatles Day

Global Beatles Day

25/06/2023 / / 0 Comments

Global Beatles Day

June 25th

Good morning, Good morning, Twist and shout! it’s the 25th of June. So grab your magical mystery tour ticket to ride, because it’s Global Beatles Day. Furthermore, there’s not a blue meanie insight. So whether you’re a beautiful dreamer or day tripper. Take a swift step back in musical time to find out more about Global Beatles Day.

Can you dig it?

This unofficial holiday is an opportunity for people from all around the world to come together and celebrate the lasting impact the Beatles have had on music history, pop culture and the lives of generations of music lovers. The Band is regarded as the most influential group of all time, a leader of the era’s youth and social movements and influenced the counterculture of the 1960s.

Their experimentation with recording techniques and musical styles resulted in popular music being accepted as an art form. They revolutionised numerous areas of the music industry through pioneering recording techniques, songwriting and artistic presentation. So, if you’re a fan, or you’ve never heard of the Beatles, now’s the perfect time to delve into their work.

The back story: A beginning almost like it was Yesterday:

In 1956 the Band came to the attention of Brian Epstein, a local Liverpool record store manager. He saw their talent and potential for mass appeal. It wasn’t long before the world would be introduced to the Beatles, and the frenzy-based mania they would cause, which UK press aptly went on to call Beatlemania. But first, the band needed a recording deal, which was secured with Parlophone, a subsidiary of the giant EMI group of music labels.

Do you want to know a secret?

Once signed with Parlophone, George Martin became the band’s producer. He was referred to as the fifth Beatle, because of his in-depth involvement with each of the Beatle’s original Albums. Also, he suggested firing drummer Pete Best, who’d been part of the group since 1960. Subsequently replacing him with Ringo Starr, who was a more seasoned drummer.

The boys were also fondly referred to as the Fab 4: Though Lennon and McCartney had been performing together since 1957, with various individuals and changing band names from Quarry Men to the Silver Beatles. Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison recorded together for the first time in 1962.

I’ve got a feeling:

Try to act naturally, but the fans just couldn’t, the mayhem the band caused just by being present here, there and everywhere brought with it an unprecedented level of chaos. The band first appeared on British Television in 1963 and Brain Epstein’s hunch about the band’s mass appeal was correct. Additionally, their songs, popularity and influence made them the centre of attention and admiration for the hopes and dreams of a generation, that came of age in the 60s, and had something to say.

Getting better

A year later they took the states by storm, appearing on American Television and flying high in pop culture. The level of their popularity is encapsulated in the Beatles film A Hard Day’s Night

Here Comes The Sun:

Notably, June 25, 1967, was seen as the pinnacle of “The Summer of Love”, and saw the first-ever live global satellite television link to 26 countries worldwide, broadcasting the BBC’s Our World programme to an audience of 400 million viewers. With none other than the Beatles attending to perform “All you need is Love”. It was for this very reason the first Global Beatles Day was celebrated on June 25th 2009, by Beatles fan Faith Cohen. Faith referred to the idea as “a thank you or love letter to The Beatles”. This idea proved to be a popular means by which fans worldwide, old and new, continue to connect and celebrate the musical legacy of the Beatles.

Goodbye, the end:

I guess all things must pass, and this is where I must leave you. The band formally broke up in 1970. The group members did go on to have solo hits and collaborate with other artists. But don’t let this stop you, because, like many people worldwide, you can listen to the Beatles anytime at all. There’s a wealth of information out there on the band and its members.

If you’re a student or lecturer check out bob (Box of Broadcasts) to watch some of the Beatle’s films or documentaries like:

  • A Hard Day’s night
  • Help!
  • Magical Mystery Tour
  • The Yellow Submarine
Just for fun

If you had to pick 3 of your favourite Beatles songs which, would they be?

Having read the blog, did you spot The Beatles song titles hidden in the text, what are they? and how many are there?

By Mo Almas

——

Thinking about studying a music course, why not look at what Napier University has to offer in Music study

Read more on our blog with articles like:

Image SOurce: Photo by Fedor on Unsplash

image of The Kelpies sculpture at Falkirk for blog post International Faerie Day

International Faerie Day

24/06/2023 / / 0 Comments

International Faerie Day: A Scottish History

So, before we go any further. One thing…don’t call them Faeries! For they most certainly do not like it. Fair folk is fine but remember to show the utmost respect as they enjoy playing tricks on humans and take very badly to perceived slights. Though there is the odd kind faerie, most of them are mischievous at best, and terrifying at worst.

Scotland and Faerie History

In Scotland, Fairies are traditionally called Seelie or Unseelie from the word ‘seilie’ in Scots, which means Happy or Lucky (source). Also known by the fair folk, elevs, good people and many other names. In Gaelic they were called Daoine Sith meaning ‘people of peace’ (not because they were peaceful mind, but as an act of fearful respect).[1] In Gaidhealtachd, the Scots Gaelic oral storytelling tradition they were called the “still folk” or “silently moving people,” spelt SITH and pronounced SHEE [2].

We have mentions of them throughout the last 1000 years of recorded history, which is pretty incredible. Some of our earliest sources are from poems like Thomas the Rhymer, Tam Lin and The Elfin Knight.

Protection

Throughout Scottish History, there are many records of Faeries being blamed for people’s misfortune, from crops failing and cream curdling to lost children.

To protect themselves superstitions grew around how to protect oneself. Wearing rowan berries or decorating your home with them was one. Carrying Iron was another. There were also the acts of Saining or maistir. Saining involves the burning pine cones or metal-imbued water being sprinkled over a new mother and her child. Maistir, a rather more unpleasant choice involved stale urine. This was placed on windows and doors to keep out Faeries…and everyone else probably [3].

It was believed that every source of water from a well to a loch had its own Faerie protector. One must appease these protectors with gifts and respect. This is perhaps why we find so many precious items from the past in them.

Famous Scottish Fair Folk

Apart from Nessie, is any other creature more famous in Scotland now than The Kelpies? The stunning sculptures pay homage to a terrifying creature, half man, half horse. Said to trick the unwary into rides on his back, only to drag them into the water and drown them. Gulp!

The sad tales of Selkies are another well-spun story. Beautiful creatures who take on human form when they remove their seal-like skin. Humans would fall in love with them and trap them by hiding their skins. Preventing the Selkies from returning to their homes. These tales always end in heartbreak when the Selkie finally frees itself and returns to the water where it belongs.

A lesser-known being (I only heard about them when researching this article!) is the Scottish Faerie Vampire. Baobhan Sith. Known to devour their male victims and take their hearts [4].

Not that they were all bad! Wee sprites and Brownies would favour children and help them out in times of peril. The well-known Ghillie Dhu or Gille Dubh was thought to be a kindly sort, devoted to children.

Places to visit

One of the best places for Faerie fun in Scotland is the Isle of Skye. With its well-known Fairy Pools and  Fairy Glen. Take a brave dip in a pool and see who you might meet! or wander the glen just as dusk falls and keep your eyes open.

Although not actual Kelpies thank goodness, Scotland’s stunning sculptural artwork of them is well worth a visit. Also, whenever you are on the coast keep your eyes peeled for both Selkies and Kelpies, but don’t get too close.

No matter where you are in the Scottish countryside, you will find faerie circles hidden in woods or mystical glens to wander through. Just keep your wits about you or you could disappear into the faerie court for 100 years in the blink of an eye!

By Juliet Kinsey

Library Resources

Read more about the subject of Faeries on Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk.

How about this article by Moir Marquis, Otherworld Here: On the Ecological Possibilities of Faeries

or this book: The Virtue of Temperance in the Faerie Queene

To learn about all things fairytale and Celtic, read The Golden Bough.

Why not learn more about History in our blog post on May Day?

References

[1]Henderson, L. & Cowan, E.J., 2001. Scottish fairy belief: a history, East Linton: Tuckwell Press

[2] & [3] https://www.guide-collective.com/gc-magazine/fairies-the-still-folk-of-scotland

[4] https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15583075.scottish-myths-legends-vampire-fairies-shape-shifting-selkies-loch-ness-monster/

Sources

https://www.scotland.com/blog/faeries-in-scottish-folklore/

https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/stories/fairy-belief-fairy-tales-scotland

https://www.guide-collective.com/gc-magazine/fairies-the-still-folk-of-scotland

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15583075.scottish-myths-legends-vampire-fairies-shape-shifting-selkies-loch-ness-monster/

https://www.nordicvisitor.com/blog/mythical-scotland-exploring-the-legends/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghillie_Dhu

 

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