Garry McLaughlin

In The Dark

Short erotica

Mobile Masculinities: Changing Representations of the Gay Male Form in Comics over Time

This article explores how representations of the gay male form in comics have changed over time in relation to shifting social and cultural contexts. It compares three works: Miss Thing, by Joe Johnson, Fabrice Neaud’s Émile, and Greek Love, by Dale Lazarov and Adam Graphite.

How to stay motivated during your PhD research

This week, resident blogger Garry McLaughlin discusses motivation in research, offering some suggestions for how to reignite that fire if you're finding things tough. Photo by LED Supermarket on Pexels.com PhD research involves years of study (anything from 3 and a half to 7 years) and during that time, you're required to self-direct that study....

What you should know before starting a PhD (and what you rarely do!)

In this (late!) article, resident blogger Garry Mac shares some of his experiences of talking with researchers at an earlier part of their journey, and how older researchers, or those at a later stage of their research, can reveal that, yes, we all worry whether we can do this or not!

SGSAH Research Showcase 2022 - Field Notes

This year, I was lucky enough to be one of the recipients of a grant from SGSAH to present my research so far in the form of a showcase that took place during the 2022 Summer School. This was an in...

Cost of Living Crisis: Managing your finances during study

Britain is currently in the grip of a three-fold cost of living crisis. The covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have driven prices up, with the real effects of our recent departure from the EU being somewhat masked behind these other global socioeconomic and political flashpoints.

Why you should consider using a reference manager

In this post, SGSAH blogger Garry Mac discusses a controversial topic - reference management software! While everyone has their own thoughts on this, if you're drowning in a sea of sources, this article might just convince you to get a little software help. PhD research requires a lot of reading and citation of sources -...

My Life in Research: Coping with Social Anxiety

In this post for Mental Health Awareness Month, current blogger Garry Mac talks about social anxiety, a condition that can be debilitating and which can have all kinds of effects on your PhD research. He'll discuss his own experiences with the condition, dig into why 'networking' events can be crisis-inducing for those with social anxiety,...

Mental Health and PhD Studies: Broad Strokes

During May, the SGSAH blog will focus on mental health in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month which runs from 1st to 31st May. In this first post, blogging intern Garry McLaughlin introduces the concept of mental health and how to look after yours while you study.

Isn't Time Queer?

This week, blogger Garry McLaughlin gives a quick overview of his research journey so far, including re-scoping practical work and allowing for methodologies to change as you encounter new scholarship. At the tender age of 39 and with roughly 10 years of illustrating, making comics and facilitating community arts under my belt, I entered academia....

General life hacks for the PhD researcher

Embarking on PhD research can be daunting. This short guide is intended to offer you a broad introduction on how to hack your life and become a better researcher. We're all different, so there's no one-size-fits-all series of tips, apps and organisational methods, and I won't tell you what to do.

Introductions...

Hello everyone! I'm Garry McLaughlin and I've just taken over the SGSAH blog. I'll be here for the next 6 months and, to kick things off, I figured it would be useful to introduce myself and my research and give you an idea of what you can expect while I'm looking after things here.

Asbestos claims in Skipsea - Accident Advice Helpline

If you need advice on how to make asbestos claims in Skipsea, look no further than Accident Advice Helpline. With over 16 years' experience in the field of personal injury claim, we can the knowledge and expertise you need to make the best possible claim.

Why cultural translation is an important as words - All Languages

Translation isn't always just about translating a body of text literally. In fact, cultural translation is perhaps even more important. Knowing how to translate the meaning and intent of a text in such a way as to ensure the message gets across is key.

The crucial difference between interpreters and translators - All Languages

Interpreters and translators have two very different jobs, but in the minds of the public, they are often confused. Many people think that they carry out the same jobs and that the only different in that between oral and written, although while both are involved with language, the skills required vary greatly.

If you're looking for a foreign language translator, you need these five essential qualities -...

Whatever industry you're in, if you plan to do business overseas, at some point you're going to need the services of a foreign language translator. While there's a wealth of freelancers and agencies out there, you need to know you're getting the best possible quality.

Instant translation is on its way thanks to Ily - All Languages

If there's a single thing that can be said to stand in the way of humanity overcoming its differences and becoming truly globalised, it's the language barrier. For that reason, instant translation technologies have long been a tool in the sci-fi writers' toolbox - from the Tardis in 'Doctor Who' and the Babelfish in 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' to 'Star Trek's aptly-named Universal Translator.

Origin of language - Genetics determines it may have begun in Africa - All Languages

The origin of language has eluded us for a long time, yet the search has driven scientists and linguists for millennia. Now, one linguist believes he has finally found the answer. Using a technique based on the study of animal genetics, he thinks that language was first invented in sub-Saharan Africa.

So, what does a freelance copywriter do all day? - Recruit Write

You've probably had that conversation before. Someone asks you what you do for a living and you say, "I'm a freelance copywriter." They scrunch their face, shrug and say, "So you just sit at home all day? Great, want to go for a coffee? I've got the day off!"

How to become a copywriter - tips & advice - Recruit Write

Now that you've got a better idea of what it means to be a freelance copywriter, let's take a look in some more detail at how to become a copywriter. This advice applies whether you're just taking your first tentative steps in copywriting, or you're looking to grow your freelance business.

China Travel Guide Taipei

The Secret to Being a Successful Freelancer

It's hard to be a freelancer. Okay, let me qualify that statement a little: it's hard to be a successful freelancer. When you made the decision to go it alone, you probably didn't know many other people who were doing the same.

Wonga

Personal injuries

Conceptual Illustration

English language course in the UK

Language learning courses

Kieron Gillen and Jaime McKelvie - on the inside with the Young Avengers - GeekChocolate

Kieron Gillen and Jaime McKelvie are respectively the writer and artist of the hit Marvel series Young Avengers. Taking part in the Edinburgh International Book Festival's Stripped programme, the pair were kind enough to speak to Geek Chocolate's Stephen Sutherland and Garry Mac the morning after their talk at the festival.

Maria Bello: "Whatever."

Maria Bello has had an interesting acting career, moving easily from sex symbol to respected dramatic roles. However, she's also known for her humanitarian work and, increasingly, her writing. Earlier in 2015 she released a book called "Whatever... Love is Love: Questioning the Labels We G

Review - WEIRD Love #2 (IDW Publishing)

Publisher: IDW Publishing Writer: Various Artist: Various Release Date: 2nd July 2014 I was all over this release when the reviews were announced for this week - 'Weird Love', I mean, who wouldn't be? This anthology collecting 'sleazy romance comics' from the 50s is presented 'as is' - that means no digital retouching, out of...

Review - Nameless #1 (Image Comics)

Publisher: Image Comics Writer: Grant Morrison Artist: Chris Burnham w/ Nathan Fairbairn Release Date: 4th February, 2015​ ZIROM TRIAM IPAM IPAMIS So opens Grant Morrison's long awaited new series, 'Nameless', and immediately what might be familiar territory is shown to be obtuse, occluded and occulted - hidden.

How can you tell if you're gay?

It's important to preface this article by saying that none of the points below, even if you experience all of them, mean you're necessarily lesbian, gay or bisexual. No one can really provide a list that you tick off and go "Yup, that's it, I'm definitely gay". Sexualit

Review - T.H.U.N.D.E.R Agents Vol 2 (IDW Publishing)

Publisher: IDW Publishing Writer: Phil Hester Artist: Roger Robinson Release Date: 2nd July 2014 T.H.U.N.D.E.R Agents (from here on, Thunder Agents, because repetitive strain injury) starts with a recap - our heroes have uncovered ancient artefacts containing cosmic entities seemingly obsessed with punishing wayward civilisations. That's us screwed then.

F@G&0T

Today, Bleeding Cool published this article on the use of a certain word being used in "Papergirls" #1, which was released by Image Comics this week, and the actions taken by Whateverstore in San Francisco. Safe to say it's garnered some attention, and we felt we would wade in with our two cents.

James Franco gets naked again

What to say about James Franco? The Hollywood star hasn't chosen the typical path of his peers. Instead, he's taken on roles (both as actor and producer) that stray from the norm.

Sharon Needles - how to glamorize a nightmare

Ghoulish glamorous Sharon Needles spoke to out.com last year for Halloween, but we think it's worth exhuming some of that interview as we get into the seasonal mood. Unless you're one of the few people left who've missed out on 'Ru Paul's Drag Race', you'll know

Review - Sex Criminals #7 (Image Comics)

Publisher: Image Comics Writer: Matt Fraction Artist: Chip Zdarsky Release Date: 13th August 2014 For shame, I read the first couple of issues of Sex Criminals but for some reason (money, time, all that stuff) I never picked up more. Reading issue 7, I'm desperate to rectify that situation.

Review - The Wicked + The Divine #3 (Image Comics)

Publisher: Image Comics Writer: Kieron Gillen Artist: Jamie McKelvie Release Date: 20th August 2014 Shit just got dark. First off, the vessel that transmits the message: the McKelvie/Wilson duad just gets better and better. It's easy to seem evangelical about McKelvie's work on WicDiv, but he's genuinely operating at the top of his game.

Review - X-Files Classics Season One Volume 1 HC (IDW Publishing)

Publisher: IDW Publishing Writer: Chris Carter, Roy Thomas (adaptation) Artist: John Van Fleet, Claude St. Aubin, Val Mayerick, Sean Scoffield Release Date: 8th October 2014 Adaptations are a tricky beast. In fact, I grabbed this for review thinking it was the classic comic series Topps published in the mid-90s, with writer Stefan Petrucha and artist...

'Jessy'

In Scotland, we use the word 'jessy' as an insult. Urban dictionary describes it as follows: "Scottish/Northern English phrase to suggest someone is a coward. (your mate wont ask a girl out) "aww come on, stop being a Jessy" (someone runs away from a fight with you)

Most delicious Pride events around the globe

We're taking a whistle-stop tour around the globe as we explore what's happening at Pride events as 2015 closes and going into 2016. Amsterdam Leather Pride zaptravel.com Let's start as we mean to go on, with Amsterdam's incredible Leather Pride.

"Imagination is the Fifth Dimension" - Garry Mac on Grant Morrison

I'm smoking a cigarette, looking out my back window at a large tree. It has a sturdy trunk and many limbs, each with their own spindly branches sprouting from it. Most of these branches terminate in leaves, some in berries. Others are withered, at the end of their lives, not hardy enough for winter.

Questions only straight guys ask gay guys

"Who's the guy and who's the girl?" gettyimages.fr You're kidding right? What is this, the 1970s? Okay, let's take this one step at a time. I'm gay. That means I'm attracted to men. And I'm a man. A man who's attracted to men. That means we&

Interstellar - GeekChocolate

Already a divisive director, Interstellar might be Christopher Nolan's most contentious film yet, partly because of the demanding complexity of its script and its intimate yet epic scale but also because of flaws throughout that make it an occasionally less than smooth ride to the stars which requires faith from the viewer that he will pull the strands together in the final act.

Sam Smith sings for gay people

Grammy Award-winning artist Sam Smith came under fire from some quarters last year when he said he wasn't "trying to be a spokesperson" for gay men. In part, this was due to his reluctance to sing gender-specific love songs, even though the singer is an out gay man. virginradio.f

5 body language moves that show he's into you

His eyebrows talk as much as he does - or you do pinterest.com You're talking to a guy at the bar you like. You're not sure if he's into you, but the conversation is flowing. You like to talk, so you're being effusive, telling him stories. He's laughing.

Review - Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland #1 (IDW Publishing)

Publisher: IDW Publishing Writer: Eric Shanower Artist: Gabriel Rodriguez Release Date: 20th August 2014 From 1905 to 1924, Windsor McCay pushed the boundaries of the early comic medium in was that are still being felt today. Little Nemo was a serialised full-page weekly strip following the adventures of a little boy in the dream world...

Gus Kenworthy, Olympic medal winner turns to be out gay

"I'm gay." It's the simplest and often hardest way to come out. No preamble, no build up - straight to the point. It's also how Olympic medal winning free-skier Gus Kenworthy came out on Twitter on Thursday morning. svt.se He also attached a photo of himse

Maria Bello: "Whatever."

Maria Bello has had an interesting acting career, moving easily from sex symbol to respected dramatic roles. However, she's also known for her humanitarian work and, increasingly, her writing. Earlier in 2015 she released a book called "Whatever... Love is Love: Questioning the Labels We G

Alexis Arquette about transgender people

Alexis Arquette comes from a famous family of Hollywood actors including siblings Patricia and David. As a young actor, she often appeared in androgynous roles, and later went on to front mainly indie and low budget films. Her acting career has been representative of her own personal journey, as she

Gillen & McKelvie's Phonogram: Immaterial Girl is coming this August!

After a teaser image in 2013 trailing the return of Phonogram, things went a bit quiet as Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie continued their quest for world comics domination with The Wicked + The Divine. Yesterday's Image Expo announcement brought good news to those of us who've been patiently awaiting 'The Immaterial Girl'.

Review - Clive Barker's Next Testament #12 (Of 12) (BOOM! Studios)

Publisher: BOOM! Studios Author: Clive Barker and Mark Miller Artist: Haemi Jang Release Date: 13th August 2014 The finale of Next Testament is impossible to discuss without a (kinda) brief overview of what's been happening so far. An obsessed man digs up God only to find that this deity, Wick, is the God of the...