DN MAGAZINE ISSUE 44 by Lee Allison

FREE MAGAZINE DEGREES NORTH* UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND STUDENTS' UNION

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issue 44

NEWCASTLE SUNDAY MARKET

music DEGREES NORTH MAGAZINE, STUDENTS’ UNION OFFICE, WEARBANK HOUSE, ST PETERS, SUNDERLAND, SR60AN

NO. 0191 515 2957 E-MAIL: dnmagazine@sunderland.ac.uk

www.dnmagazine.org editor-in-cheif Lee W Allison Deputy Editor Louise Steel Marketing Allen Humes Sub-editors Emily Kay Smith Hayli Ingram Donna Petch Natasha Steel Lewis McGinty Amy Ingram Sam Dudley Amy Mcgeorge Contributors Katy Trouble Jordan North Debbie Sykes-Waller Jamie Ryan Mitch Scollen Adam Gawne Kim Walker

special thanks Mike, finance girls , the whole exec!!! North Shore staff, Student Media, Derwentside Domestic Abuse Services and Jordan North

cover: Jordan North

editor's letter CE YOU GONE. ON YOU HER YEAR RE OT FO AN BE S, D AN CHRISTMA NTER. PAST YOU WI S R ANOTHER HE HE AS OT AN LIFE FL STEP OF HIT 23 THE DOOR YOUR ON KNOW IT ? HAVE SNOW WILL WE AN iPAD? T WINE? GE I HOT RED WILL HED, OFF TELY SLOS LE MP CO WILL I BE CERTAINTY: TIONS WITH THOSE QUES OF E ON ER , ANSW WELL I CAN LLED WINE OF HOT MU ….COFFEE A GLASS EE EN FF TH CO STMAS BETTER ! SIMPLY NOTHING OF A CHRI MILK FOAM VERSION TH EXTOUCH OF WI A ALSO MY D UP AN ILEYS, YOU WAKE G AND EN IN WH RN SHOT, BA MO LY MAS ESPECIAL U THE ON CHRIST YO K AMAZING, OC VE CL GI AT 4 O’ BUZZ TO OULD A SH TR EX OR CITEMENT . NEED THAT PRESENTS YOU UR YO EN WH OF YOU JUST GHT, OPEN ALL THAT’S RI AND THE NUMS YE ENERGY TO PRESENT, YOU BY S. I SAY 1 FE PASSES YEAR COME R AGE LI AS EACH OU SS TO LE T BE PJ’S. TS GE LL GE WI TS IT EN ES SPECT BER OF PR GET IN MY 1! I SU NO ONES . DOWN TO LONG AS COMES ON I’M NOW L AS IA LL EC SP T. WE CTOR WHO BRILLIAN DO E TH WHEN E, BUT, WAY FOR IVE ISSU OUR FEST SUE. SO IS IS TH C SI ONLY IS IS OUR MU IS E FULL TH SU . AND, NOT IS MY IS UBLE WHAM U READ TH VERSIAL RED YO AS IT’S A DO D RO RELAX, AN D A CONT U A SIT BACK VIEWS, AN D LIKE TO WISH YO IEWS, RE UL WO R. A DN E Y OF INTERV AT W HAPPY NE S TREE, WE CHRISTMA S AND A A M T S I R H RY C ISSUE, VERY MER FEBRUARY JANUARYRE INE MO TH E. R FO ISSU EYE OUT VIOLENCE ITE. BS IC WE ST KEEP AN ME E DN BE OUR DO TED VIA TH WHICH WILL KEEP UPDA , ME CO N TO -LEE FORMATIO

Contents...

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union

news!

BY KAT SYMONS Ents and Media Officer su.ents-media-officer@sunderland.ac.uk

RAG The last week in October was our first RAG week of the academic year and we raised over £1200 for the Breast Cancer Campaign and Everyman. We got involved with some great events and activities to raise money, including a street raid where we collected money from the very generous general public of Sunderland. The girls here at the Students’ Union have perfected the art of nails and were decorating students’ nails with cute designs such as the Cookie Monster, however the Halloween themed nails were the most popular. Look out for nail art coming back soon! A massive thank you to all of our volunteers for RAG and to all of you that donated to the great causes!

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DECEMBER @ NORTH SHORE We have a great line up of events at North Shore in December including U2-2 the best U2 tribute act on Saturday 3rd. Our very own university lecturers will be showing off their talents at University Rocks on Thursday 8th and we will be starting the Christmas celebrations of in style on Saturday 10th with the Split Christmas Special featuring Futureheads, B>E>A>K>, Hyde and Beast, and a dj from Frankie and the Heartstrings. It’s not all just about the music though ,as BBC Masterchef’s Stacie Stewart will be providing an amazing festive food fayre. The Christmas celebrations continue on Saturday 17th with the BunnyPunk Winter Festival, with three rooms of great music. For information on tickets check out www.sunderlandsu.co.uk/events.

XMAS WALKABOUT 2011

INTERNATIONAL EVENT AT STADIUM The Students’ Union Executive Committee went along to the International Welcome Event at the Stadium of Light to say hello to all of our new international students. It was a great event hosted by Josh and Calum, from Spark fm, who did a fantastic job and even showed off some of their dance moves. It was a chance for students to meet new people and share cultures through dancing and traditional clothing.

It is that time of year again where we all dress up the same and take over Sunderland City Centre. Walkabout is the ORIGINAL AND UNIQUE STUDENT ONLY PUB CRAWL in the city. Tickets are on sale now for JUST £5 and gets you: a tshirt, free food, santa hat (ofcourse!), exclusive cheap drinks offers, and an amazing night out!! Tickets can be bought from both Student Union Offices, get your ticket now and we will see you there!!!

STUDENTS’ UNION COUNCIL Here at the Students’ Union we are currently in the process of setting up the Union Council. This is a great opportunity for students to get involved in decision making and play an integral role in shaping the academic structure and overall experience of all students at the university. More news on that to come, conct your union for more infomation.

and... in true DN tradition, another embarrasing photo of our VP (vice president)

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ing, then it was time for Sara to go on stage and say hello to the 700 or so screaming and intoxicated Freshers. She’d done her research before hand and played with the crowd, ‘Who’s from Clanny House?’ ‘Who’s from the Precinct?’ ‘Who’s from the Forge?’ She worked the crowd into a frenzy and then introduced a new band ‘Clement Marfo & The Frontline’ who absolutely smashed it. Every single person was caught up in Marfomania as

The Great North Big Band Jazz Festival THE GREAT NORTH BIG BAND JAZZ FESTIVAL RETURNS TO SUNDERLAND FROM FRIDAY 2ND – SUNDAY 4TH MARCH 2012. THIS YEAR IS THE NINTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL AND EVERY YEAR THE FOLLOWING GROWS WITH MORE BANDS, MORE MUSICIANS AND BIGGER AUDIENCES.

im interested in!

3RD NIGHT OF FRESHERS 2011. THE DATE WAS MONDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER AND THAT NIGHTS ENTERTAINMENT WAS THE ‘SARA COX NEW MUSIC TOUR FEATURING BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT & CLEMENT MARFO & THE FRONTLINE’. EXPECTATIONS WERE HIGH; WILL SHE BE JUST AS NICE AS SHE COMES ACROSS ON THE RADIO? WILL THE BAND BE AS GOOD AS WE WERE PROMISED?

This year, once again, the whole Festival weekend is based at North Shore, The University of Sunderland Students’ Union venue at St Peter’s Campus.

The main priority was that the students would enjoy the night (and not boo Sara off stage like they did with the Geordie Shore Girls on Saturday night.) Everything was running smoothly as preparations began, sound technicians were working well with the bands, everything was set up nicely in the dressing rooms. Everything seemed to being going great!

THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME IS AS FOLLOWS: Friday 2nd March Paul Jones/Mick Donnelly Quintet and Big Band in Concert 8pm Saturday 3rd March Big Band Jazz Competition and Concert

UNTIL A CERTIN TWEET (TWITTER)

11am – 8pm Youth and Open Sections Competition followed by Big Band Jazz Concert featuring the winning bands from the Open Section from 8pm

Finally 8.15pm arrives and me (Debbie Skyes Waller, the boss lady) and Kathryn Symons (Ents & media officer on the SU exec) drove to Sunderland station to pick up Sara. There was no need to be concerned that her uncomfortable journey here was going to affect her mood, she is lovely, if rather quiet, but does ask if we can get her some chips and gravy, which we do. After giving Sara some time to settle in her room, I return to pick her up and escort her to North Shore. This time Sara is in a much brighter mood, “apologies about being moody before” (not that she was) and she starts chatting and she is EXACTLY the same as she is on the radio! She was telling me about her kids and how she had a day looking after them once she got back to London the following morning and when I apologised about the train (which I booked) she was fine and laughed it off, and pointed out she’d tweeted more later on about how excited she was to be in Sunderland. It was Sara’s second time in the city after Radio One’s BIG WEEKEND came here back in 2005 and she said people in the North East were nothing but friendly. Bright light Bright Light began the night with a bang! Brilliant performance and it really got the crowd go-

these guys, who I’d describe as a mix between Pendulum and Tinie Tempah, played an amazing set and gained a whole set of new fans! Then it was time for the DJ set, by Sara Cox herself. She played for well over an hour and to finish the night off we had a bit of ‘Never Forget’ by Take That and then ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ by Glee. Even the most hardcore indie kid after a gallon-full of jagerbombs will ‘ba-daaaahhhhh’ with the best of them! We drove Sara back to her hotel. She loved the night, the crowd was great, the bands were amazing, and she’d had a great time! She even said so on Twitter, and I got a personal tweet thanking me for getting her those chips, gravy and mushy peas. Must be doing something right ;) So roll on Christmas and more live music, U2-2, The Split Christmas Show with the Futureheads, Hyde & Beast, BEAK and Frankie & The HeartStrings, and the BunnyPunk Winter Festival, 2011 will certainly end with a musical BANG. BY DEBBIE SYKES-WALLER

Sunday 4th March Big Band Jazz Competition and Workshop 12noon – 1pm Jazz Workshop 2pm – 5pm Big Band Jazz Competition – Schools Section All at ‘North Shore’, Charles Street, SUNDERLAND SR6 0AN The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s, Sunderland Food and licensed bar at all sessions. Free car parking available. Daily admission: £7 (under 16’s free) University Students £2 (on production of Campus Card) For further information please contact Bill Watson, Festival Director on 01388 767 208.

What is

Dubstep??? DUBSTEP DUBSTEP DUBSTEP DUBSTEP DUBSTEP. At the moment you can’t currently watch an advert break, turn on the radio, or walk into a record shop without being bombarded with Dubstep. But what the hell is it? To many it just sounds like a bag of hammers being thrown about inside a washing machine, or a bagpipe player falling down the stairs; but to American’s and the new waves of kids who have now grown up and can go out clubbing it would seem that it is just an excuse to play a load of robot sounds and mosh about. However it has not always been like that. Many genres of music come and go, a hybrid of sounds accidentally put together or just someone trying to create something new. A good recent example of this would be fidget house which quickly grew in popularity but then snuck away during 2009/10. Dubstep though has been around for 10 years, slowly growing through the underground in London and other major cities around the country, but recently the former dark sweaty underground music scene has burst on headlines and shelves of not only music shops but major supermarket chains. Dubstep grew from the original dub/ reggae Soundsystems of Jamaica which grew in popularity in England in the 1970’s and 80’s, a combined this with the 2step garage movement of the late 90’s, and in the early days were released as B sides to Breakbeat and Drum & Bass tracks. Dubstep’s main characteristic and defining feature has always been its’ overwhelming deep dark basslines, this is what attracted people to it and is now the main cause of arguments between fans all over the world. It could now be argued that there are 3 main types of dubstep fans. 1) The original fans who are purists who hate the ‘new’ sound of dubstep that can be heard on the radio and claim that America is bastardising our beautiful sound. 2) The fans who have been into dubstep for years who while they love the old original sounds also enjoy the new sounds and find the evolution of the scene exciting, and 3) The trendies, these are the guys who have heard Zane Lowe play a dubstep track and scene an advert on the radio and because it’s cool go along to gigs and moshing and get into fights, (these guys are hated by numbers 1 and 2). Another point of conjecture between dubstep fans is that of ‘Brostep’. Brostep is considered the ‘harder’ form of dubstep, mainly consisting of loud quickly changing and screeching synths and robot sounds and not so much bass. This form of dubstep came about mainly from the scene starting to grow in America. (I still

(I still can’t understand why we in England can take imports from America TV, music etc, and keep it as it is, but America has to remake anything we export- again TV and music mainly. Sorry this is slightly off topic). Americans decided that the dubstep sound was good but lacked high level synths and especially in American dubstep a defining feature is the use of robot sounds, for some reason. Due to this Brostep revolution in America a high percentage of dubstep released now feature very little deep basslines and instead relies on synths fluctuating around the mids instead, detracting from what dubstep originally was and should be. Dubstep now has reached a turning point in its existence, the newer ‘brostep’ sounds of screeching synths and not deep basslines seem to be taking over and are now what dubstep seems to be known for compared to how dubstep originally came about. Soon we may see the ‘true dubheads’ and producers heading back underground to where it all began, back to a scene that is truly loved, while the more commercialised styles will carry on being exploited by music companies to make mix tapes and America carrying on its bastardisation on dubstep with robot sounds. JAMIE RYAN A.S.B.O. SUNDERLAND’S LONGEST RUNNING ELECTRONIC MUSIC HOUSE PARTY IS INDEPENDENT 1ST AND 3RD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH. PLAYING DRUM & BASS // DUBSTEP // HOUSE AND BEYOND.

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newcastle 02 acadamy

NERO. IN ONE WORD, AMAZING. HOWEVER FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE I WILL DRAG IT OUT A LITTLE LONGER. I am of course referring to the dubstep band, or as Wikipedia puts it the ‘electronic music and not the Roman emperor who played the fiddle while the entire city of Rome burned down around him. Even by Glastonbury standards, that’s a bit messy. Nero are one of the more popular groups on the dubstep scene with charting singles and albums to match, they are certainly one of the more mainstream dubstep groups, singles such as ‘crush on you’, ‘promise’, ‘guilt’ and ‘me and you’ may have ran past your ears if you have been listening to the charts recently, and they are without a doubt brilliant poptastic tunes with a dubstep undercurrent, but I was concerned whether I would enjoy the gig as I’m not particularly into the genre as a whole and some of their less known songs might not be as impressive. So I get to the gig in good time, at the O2 in Newcastle and we get the usual early acts. Rock ‘n’ roll bands are preceded by slightly less known supporting rock ‘n’ roll bands, Punk bands are supported by less known

punk bands, dance acts however are supported by a dj…. By himself, so it appears. Listened to songs I really couldn’t make out for a bit and then decided to have a wander outside. Not the most entertaining act, considering he actually was an ‘act’ and not just some dj to fill time, I was quite surprised he didn’t put more effort in than just playing some random songs anyone could have picked out, well I say anyone, I couldn’t because I couldn’t make out what the songs were he was playing, although I did hear one New Order tune…. Great. And so the night went on, then about midnight on comes the main act, mental set, absolutely brilliantly bonkers, basically it was a fully raised dj booth made out of arcade machines, old tv’s (no HD) and radios. Loads of fanfare and build up music to raise the atmosphere when they came on stage, the usual stuff. On comes the first track, and the fun literally didn’t end until they stopped, the music was mind blowing stuff, completely full on hard core material with a slight pop whip to some of their songs. Although they didn’t play an encore which was a bit of a shame, I was so impressed with the overall performances and quality they maintained on stage. Obviously being a dance band they don’t really move much on stage, but that didn’t matter as the lighting and effects were enough to keep you mesmerised for an hour and a half, besides the fact that the audience are going crazy so you can’t see much anyway. Overall I would say that the night was brilliant, and Nero are definitely one to watch for the future, hopefully they will return to our local area sooner rather than later and I will most definitely be attending. Au Revoir. MITCH SCOLLEN

CHECK OUT THE

MUSIC BLOG

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TO WORK ON, I GOT TS IN LOND T OF EXCI LO WHEN I WA E OL WH WITH A ORENCE AND FL AND MEET OM FR L TYPES, I EVEN ING MUSICA LE KICKS. E TO RIZZ ’S LIPSY TT LO THE MACHIN E XI FF’ AT PI DN’T MET ‘THE HO MOST OF THE TIME I DI Y! RATHA D HA I LAUNCH PART . GNIZE THEM ERE BOTH EVEN RECO CIDENT WH ASSING IN RR T TINCHY BA GO EM ER SELF GUE AND MY EA MUNK. HE LL IP CO CH MY TH GH. DDLED UP WI STRYDER MU O MUCH THOU TO ND MI TO DIDN’T SEEM

It was for the most part very exciting but there always felt like there was something missing. It wasn’t until I came back up North that I realised what. Now don’t get me wrong, Chinawhite in London is a lovely venue, as are many others but gosh did I miss Independent! The music scene in the Sunderland as I am sure, other writers in this issue of DN will claim is actually pretty damn good. Okay, it isn’t London or Manchester or wherever and it certainly doesn’t have an O2 Academy but what we do have here is a heck of a lot of talented people. So to name a couple of these, on October 1st I popped along to Independent to see my friends band Lilliput play. I have never seen ‘the little room’ so full! Or Joe Lilliput use as many instruments in one gig! It works though, you cannot help but tap your toe to these boys and Jamie Lilliput has one of the most impressive voices I have ever heard. There is something quite homely (even though Sunderland is not my native home) about standing listening to really good live music with a Jaeger bomb to hand. Lilliput have been described as ‘rough edge alternative folk with unadulterated soul’ (Manifesto Mag) and I am no Music Journalist nor do I claim to be an expert in the industry but what I can guarantee you is if you pop along to their next gig, you will find it really hard not to tap your toes. Another one of my favourite local acts are B>E>A>K – I first caught these boys at Plugged Inn aka The White Rooms and their instrumental rocky tunes had me at hello. Such as ‘Peck’ and ‘Only the Crow Knows,’ I knew this band were my cup of tea. So if you are looking for something to get up to these chilly November and December nights, get yourself along to Hot Rats or Plugged Inn and bag yourself the cheaper tickets (they are more expensive on the door) and support some local talent. Who knows where these guys will end up! Follow @katytrouble on twitter

WINDOW TO THE PAST/ STEP BACK IN TIME WITH US, AND READ AN ARTICLE FROM AN ISSUE OF DN MAGAZINE IN MARCH 2001!

SplitSFpeesctial

Stadium Line-up Announced

Christmas e at North Shor

CHRISTMAS IS FAST APPROACHING, SO WHY NOT START THE CELEBRATIONS EARLY BY ATTENDING SPLIT FEST CHRISTMAS SPECIAL AT NORTH SHORE?

TOO MUCH SEX COULD BE BAD FOR YOU HAVING lots of sex is good fun but it could reduce a man’s ability to father children, a new study has revealed. Researchers believe men who are sexually prolific become drained and their production quickly tails off. The theory, suggested after a study of sheep on a remote Scottish Island, proved just this. Scientists found that larger, dominant rams were so drained by the end of the mating season that they fathered the same number and sometimes less lambs, than their weaker male counterparts. Dr Ian Stevenson, of Stirling University, said: ‘It is possible this research could be applied to humans and that highly promiscuous men could become less fertile.’ JACKI HOUGHTON

On December 10th, brilliant local bands like The Futureheads, B>E>A>K, Hyde & Beast and Frankie and The Heartstrings (DJ Set) will be providing musical entertainment and for all of you food lovers out there, Masterchef finalist Stacie Stewart will be cooking up a fuss of delicious treats. By holding the Split Fest Christmas gig, North Shore is raising its profile across the city as a highly rated music venue and a non-profit charity organisation. With the help of the experienced professionals responsible for the organisation of the fantastic summer festival; this event is geared up to be one of North Shore’s highlights of the year. Debbie, North Shore’s Entertainments Coordinator is confident “Split Christmas Special would be of interest to anyone who loves good, live music. North Shore is the only venue in Sunderland made for live music with a 1000 capacity.” Get your tickets now and get yourselves down, it’s a brilliant venue, the music is excellent and there’ll be food available from Stacie Stewart in the Festive Fayre. Tickets are £12.50 advance/ £15 on the door. Tickets are available from Hot Ratz, RPM, HMV, North Shore and online at www. seetickets.com NATASHA STEEL

CHECK OUT OUR MOVIE REVIEWS BLOG: BY FIMLS EDITOR STEPHEN MACHAN

Coldplay,

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Bruce Springsteen. Its going to be a mix of pop, rock and old (Springsteen) music, next summer at the Stadium of Light. As I write this I notice an army of elderly marching outside of my office with pitchforks and Bruce Springsteen “I love you t-shirts” ….ok I take back the old comment. We at DN think its great to have such an array of diffrant music styles, personally am waiting for the day Scissor Sisters will be performing there, or Goldfrapp, or Roisin Murphy. Then again these alternative music acts aren’t always guaranteed to attract 55.000 visitors a night, which is the capacity for the stadium gigs in the summer. Sunderland is changing all the time, new developments across the city and events, which adds a cultural side to life here. The acts that perform at the stadium bring new visitors, which in turn helps the local and regional economy. The figures quoted for last year varied between 18 and £25 million. All these effective events, gigs and organisations working in unison help build the music status which this city wants, and I would say have already got. First up we have Coldplay on the 7th June, this is a part of a major European tour. Next up Bruce Springsteen 21st June ( if you’re like me and heard of him, but can’t think of his music, get the full lowdown via the DN website www. dnmagazine.org) then last but not least Red Hot Chili Peppers 24th. Again part of a major world tour. From the many people I have spoken to, even overheard, it sounds like all three of these gigs are going to go down a treat. Even though theres 55.000 tickets to be sold, I suspect there going to sell out very promptly, so I would advise you to go get tickets NOW, before its to late. LEE ALLISON

and during uni, has helped me as a person, as an artist, and ultimately help towards making me become a professional, which I like to think I am now.

graduates with jobs***

Q: TEER

WHAT WORK

TYPE HAVE

OF YOU

VOLUNDONE?

Climb Kilimanjaro for COCO

A: I used to be an art reviewer for the Weardale Gazette, Stage manager and set designer for a local drama society. I had done some teaching assistance in the past as well. Q: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE RENT JOB CRISIS, AS IN DO YOU THERE IS ONE? AND IS THIS WHY ARE SO MANY GRADUATES WITHOUT

THIS MONTH OUR GRADUATE WITH A JOB IS…. THE DN EDITOR. INTERVIEW BY LOUSISE STEEL.

Q:WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT POSITION/ JOB? A: I work as a part time editor for Degrees North magazine, although I actually work full time! Q:IS EDITING SOMETHING YOU STUDIED AS A STUDENT? AND WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BECOME AN EDITOR? A: I knew I wanted to become an editor when I first saw this job advertises two years ago, strange as it sounds, but I remember reading the requirement for the job back then, I felt I could do a good job and I was interested in magazines as I spent a lot of money per month on them, rather then buying food :s How ever I didn’t actually get interviewed for the job that year, and it wasn’t until this year when applied for it for a second time that I was able to get the job. As for my degree, I studied BA Fashion Product and promotion, it doesn’t sound like it would connect with editing a magazine, yet it actually does. As most of my course content through out the three years always at some point came back to magazine work. Whether it be producing features or editorials, to actually designing a full magazine. Also in my third year I took an elective in Editorial Design, I gained a first, when it was almost time to graduate it was then I realized that being and editor/ art director for a magazine is my calling. Q:

YOU

ENJOY

WORKING

FOR

DN?

A: Yes yes yes, even though I make way too much work for myself, it pays off in the end, as the magazine is in a better place. I have met some great people working here, who I know will be in my life for a very long time, but mostly enjoy doing a job where I get freedom of creativity; as a very creative person if I was in a job where I was sat at a desk making calls all the time, trying to sell people things, this would make me want to kill myself! Q:DID WHICH

YOU DO ANY VOLUNTEER HELPED YOU GET THIS

WORK JOB?

A: No, it was with total determination that I got this job, however the volunteer work that I have done throughout my life, before

CURTHINK THERE JOBS?

A: Obviously there is a slight crisis with there being less jobs, how ever I don’t think it’s that big a problem, by this I mean, the lack of jobs isn’t the reason graduates aren’t getting the jobs. Its actually the lack of dedication. All of a sudden we are seeing a rush of students taking up volunteer work, internships. Here at the magazine we try to offer as much as we can in in terms of work experience. But there’s still a large portion of students that aren’t doing as much as they could, to help themselves, to better themselves. Alcohol has a part to play, but self-discipline is really the back breaker. I have been there my self, but during my last year, something clicked in me, that after five years of uni (after transferring from Fine Art to Fashion) I did not want to come away from this with no job and ultimately no life. I wanted a career, I wanted to be, and still want to be, successful. My advice to students, is to adopt that same attitude, if not in your 1st or 2nd year, then in your final year! Its very important. The Students Union can help, and in fact are helping in everyway they can to give students the chance to become apart of their Union, to gain real working experience, which all helps. Q: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR SELF IN TEN YEARS? A: Either Editor or art director for a big magazine, Art/ Design based, or the editor of my own magazine. Q: HAVE YOU ENJOYED YOUR TIME AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND? A: Its been a long journey, that still isn’t over, even though I’m still taking up more courses, I like to think that my professional career has began, here at the union, as the editor of Degrees North magazine. I also hope to be here for another year as your editor for DN.

E- FEATURES

In the initial ‘Climb Kilimanjaro for COCO’ meeting, I was sat thinking to myself “I can’t climb Mt Kilimanjaro!” Laura from COCO made the whole experience sound so amazing, with the help of two girls that took part the previous year. I always wished I could take part in something like this but always managed to convince myself that I couldn’t. After the meeting I couldn’t stop thinking about climbing Kilimanjaro and how amazing it would be, but I still kept thinking “I can’t climb Kilimanjaro, I struggle with the escalators in ASDA!”, then a thought popped into my head, “but what if I could do it?” That was my mind made up really. I was going for it, I signed up for ‘COCO Student Kilimanjaro Challenge 2011’. It was the BEST decision I ever made. After signing up, we had lots of meetings to prepare us for the challenge and to help reach fundraising targets, which seemed like a mammoth task. However, once you start organising events to raise money you realise it’s very do-able and this actually ended up being one of my favourite parts of the whole experience. The COCO meetings also meant we had plenty of opportunities to meet and get to know other people before going on the trip so there were no unfamiliar faces. That day before the climb we were taken to some of COCO’s projects in Tanzania, one of which was called Uwawayaki. This is a support centre for women whose lives have been affected by HIV. It is somewhere they can go and be with other women who are in the same situation and help and support each other. Uwawayaki is also a school for children in the area and when we arrived and walked through the gates the children came running up to us. They were so excited, they just wanted us to pick them up, give them a hug, and talk to them. I met one girl called Aziada who asked me how I was and counted up to ten in English for me, not bad for a 5year old. Meeting children like Aziada was the source of my determination for the week ahead of me.

HEN AD MORE, T WANT TO RE .org dnmagazine VISIT www. -FEATURES CLICK ON E

1 in 4/ event, 25th nov

THE AIM OF THE 1 IN 4 PROJECT, IS TO BUILD AWARENESS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE. (YOU CAN KEEP UPDATED WITH EVENTS AND INFO ON THE 1 IN 4 BLOG VIA WWW.DNMAGAZINE.ORG) On the 25th Nov, Derwentside Domestic Abuse servies held an event at Durham Town hall. Through out the day there were stalls with information about abuse, support workers to help raise awareness of the work that they do and quite often saving peoples’ lives. On average, two women per week will die as a result of domestic violence. The main focus of the day was a performance, called “We have something to say” The message they wanted to make with the performance was how certain services handle a victim of domestic abuse, showing how they feel when they are been handled with a lack of sensitivity around these issues: the inhuman system they must go through to help them and in some cases save their lives. These women are trying to show Police/ child support services, and many other organisations that might be required to make risk assessments in a case of domestic violence, how they want to be spoken to, how they want to be approached. Rather then just being a number! They are people, human beings who are suffering, and there are stil services today who handle these issue in the wrong way, often resulting in the victim going back to the abuser. The play was put together in one week, wich was pretty remarkable considering how effective and eye opening it was. Also, we DN, made an appearance at the event. We had a stall, to start a large art project, based around DV. The idea is to get 100 people to paint 100 canvasses, the inspiration behind their work is the answer to the question “What does fear look like to you?” then they would paint it. Then once all canvasses are complete we put all of them together to make one large painting, to be later exhibited in DN Gallery in North Shore, which we hope to have open by late January. So if you would like any more information visit the blog, also keep an eye out for the DV issue of DN, which will be printed and be available in late January. LEE ALLISON

IN 4? IS 1 T A H W AN ME OF A N E TH ON 4 IS ICH C 1 IN ATIVE, WH NTSIDE INITI OF, DERWE RVICES E SISTS C ABUSE S Y OF I IT T S S R ’’ DOME HE UNIVE DENTS T U T S AND S ’ RLAND ON. SUNDE UNI

HERES A SMALL PREVIEW OF THE ART WORK CREATED THAT DAY

c i s mu &

reviews

great

xmas ideas gift !*

Trellic Baxter Dury I’ll be honest, I’ve never heard of Baxter Dury so went into listening to this single with a complete open mind. Baxter’s voice seems reminiscent of Charlie Fink (Noah and the Whale) My first impression was that it’s very ‘coffee shop’ style music. It’s not bad, but at the same time it’s not groundbreaking excellence.

This Isn’t Everything You Are Snow Patrol As a fan of Snow Patrol I was quite excited to listen to this. ‘Don’t keel over now, don’t keel over’ cries Gary Lightbody in this track that would be the perfect soundtrack for the series finale of a TV drama. ‘This Isn’t Everything You Are’ is very much like what you’d expect from Snow Patrol, but not in a bad way. They’ve found their niche of what works for them and what the fans like and they stick to that, occasionally breaking out of the refines. This strangely uplifting track however, sits firmly in the middle.

Sinners Never Sleep You Me At Six

Scarlet 2:54 2:54 are two sisters creating some brilliant lo-fi pop/rock with enchanting dischords and haunting lyrics. If you’re a fan of XX or Warpaint you’re going to love these girls! I can see them becoming quite well known after their support slot later this year touring with The Big Pink. There aren’t a great deal of bands around that produce music that sounds like there’s four or five members when in actual fact there’s two, for example The White Stripes and The Kills. The effort that goes into the songs certainly shows when listening to the Scarlet EP. I just wonder if they have the same energy as other two piece bands when performing live…

with ‘Cherry Tree’ stood out on my first listen. ‘I don’t look back… Why would you?’ asks Liela Moss as guitars crunch and build up behind her vocals. No two songs sound similar; The Duke Spirit are a band with lots of ideas and this certainly comes across when listening to ‘Bruiser’.

Bruiser The Duke Spirit If lots of bass, catchy guitar riffs and harmonised female vocals are something you look for in a band, then look no more! The Duke Spirit are what you’re looking for! The newest single ‘Don’t Wait’ along

“Sinners Never Sleep” feels like it has the same influences behind it as Take Off Your Colours did. Catchy pop/punk/rock with memorable lyrics and repetitive guitar riffs; Sinners Never Sleep has been very successful for You Me at Six. Tickets for their March 2012 tour have already completely sold out across a multitude of venues such as the 02 Academy in Newcastle. Josh Franceschi shows he can sing slower songs with more heartfelt lyrics just as well as the uptempo tracks like ‘Loverboy’ and ‘Reckless’. ‘Crash’ is the Sinners Never Sleep equivalent of ‘Fireworks’ (from Hold Me Down) If you’re a fan of You Me at Six you’ll love this, there’s no doubt about that. NATASHA STEEL

science & technology

tive the fes iew rev m usi c

by Dr. donna petch

Normally around Christmas you have your standard CLIFF RICHARD Christmas album released, and that is your only option. Yet this year there has been a boom in artists releasing purely seasonal albums.

“THE

BIEBS”

(or Justin Bieber if you will) has released “Mistletoe”. As you’d expect it is pure pop. Lots of riffs and key changes and “oh noooos”. You get an album that a fourteen-year old girl would die for. I went into this thinking how much I’d hate it and in all honesty I wouldn’t buy it, but it isn’t a bad album if you like that sort of thing. There are several songs I have never heard such as “Mistletoe” (track two) and “Fa La La” (track five). Both of these are classic Justin Bieber songs, aimed at the love of his life. He also reworks some traditional Christmas songs such as “Santa Claus is coming to town” (Track four) and “Silent Night” (Track eleven). Both of these versions are very different from the originals, and the way he has reworked “Santa Claus is coming to town”, makes me want to punch him. However saying that, I’m sure if you like Justin, you’ll enjoy it. “Mistletoe” flows well, with a good mix of the traditional and the new. One album I’d be more than happy to have wrapped up under the tree for me

is MICHAEL BUBLÉ’S “Christmas”. What a wonderful album. I’m completely against listening to Christmas music before the first of December, but I’d listen to this album all year round if I could. Bublé has stuck to all traditional songs and track eight is a particular favourite of mine, “Have yourself a merry little Christmas” makes me want to curl up in front of a fire with a mince pie and a glass of port, possibly with snow falling outside. That is what a Christmas album should do for you, make you picture your perfect Christmas day; this album is relaxing, soulful, and does exactly what Bublé does best; divine music. This album would be the best album to buy your mum or grandma (in fact any family member that has a taste for this kind of thing). The two albums are completely different and you get nothing unexpected from either. I liked Beib’s more than I hoped to, but Bublé’s album has buckets more Christmas for me. LOUISE STEEL

MUSIC IS YOUR REMEDY? WE ALL FIND OURSELVES EVERYDAY LISTENING TO OUR FAVOURITE KINDS OF MUSIC AND SONGS TO REFLECT OR CHANGE OUR MOODS, WHETHER THEY BE HAPPY/ROMANTIC /RELAXED/SAD ETC, BUT CAN MUSIC DO MORE FOR US? In fact music therapy is quite a large worldwide profession and can help in many health problems, particularly where communication is difficult due to illness, injury or disability e.g. strokes, epilepsy, autism, dementia, neuro-degenerative diseases and brain injuries to mental health problems and learning difficulties. Music therapists are commonly found in practices which are involved in development work (communication, motor skills). Music therapy researcher Julian O’Kelly, of the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in London, says music therapy is used at the hospital to help people whose brains have been affected by serious accidents, oxygen starvation, and strokes. How can it help children? You might have seen a recent film on Children In Need showing how funding has helped a Music Therapy group that Iain Spink, a BAMT member facilitates each week at a nursery in the UK. Olly Murrs (X-factor) also took part in the group. The group offers the opportunity for children to interact and express themselves musically with others, including parents, carers and siblings. There are two amazing videos on the BAMT website that I recommend you watch; these show how music therapy was used to improve communication skills of a girl with autism, and a boy with anxiety issues. How can it help us? As students / young adults, music can provide us with a sense of independence, individuality ,and identity! Music affects portions of our brain which can influence our emotions and social interactions. A recently-published Finnish study found depressed patients who had music therapy as well as standard counselling and medication, showed a greater reduction in anxiety and depression than those who didn’t. Professor Christian Gold, who led the research, says: “Music therapy has specific qualities that allow people to express themselves and interact in a non-verbal way, even in situations when they can’t find the words to describe their inner experiences.” Also in March this year, researchers at Japan’s Osaka University found music could lower levels of the stress hormone

cortisol, as well as blood pressure. So listening to music while you study may not be a bad thing ☺ A final few interesting facts; did you know that music was played in hospitals after World War I and II to help aid in the recovery of the injured soldiers? Also Alexandra Lamont (Keele University, UK) has discovered that a fetus can hear music in the womb and children as young as one years of age can recognise and prefer the music they were played! So your parents may be the ones responsible for your today’s taste in music? You decide!

A UNION

GAY

NIGHT?

A CAMPER UNION: IS A REGULAR GAY NIGHT AT NORTH SHORE A GOOD IDEA? DN is wondering, “Would a gay night at one of our union bars (North Shore/ Bonded), be a good idea?!”. The new night in theory would be held on a different day to the regular Tuesday gay night in Sunderland, therefore giving gay students the opportunity to experience something different. For this idea to be even considered by the exec, we need to hear from you guys, to whom the night would be for! A gay student night carries many benefits, in that it would provide an alternative gay destination as well as enabling students of the University to meet and get to know new people. Sunderland University hasn’t had a proper LGB society for a while so this a great way to get like minded people together. I recently asked members of the Union their thoughts on the concept, positive responses included: “I think it’s a good idea it would give more variety to gay nightlife in Sunderland”; “It’s great that the Union are engaging with its’ students, I think it’s an interesting concept”. However people did raise concerns about the distance of the venue from Sunderland centre as “everyone staying in the same place never happens” and also how it would compete with other big student nights in the city regarding offers, entertainment etc. Admittedly North Shore has some serious competition… For the event to materialise it needs the support from YOU! So if the concept interests you, the Students Union welcomes your ideas and input, you can get in touch with the magazine or Union directly or tweet me @lewis346 and I’ll forward the comments and thoughts on. LEWIS MCGINTY

15<

, Lumiere durham ival. st light fe

total

HAVING MISSED LAST YEARS LIGHT FESTIVAL, I WAS VERY HAPPY TO HEAR DURHAM WOULD BE DOING THIS EVENT AGAIN. So, when Saturday came, and after charging the camera all day, to make sure it wouldn’t die on me during the event, I set off for the bus. It took over an hour for the bus to get from Sunderland to Durham city centre, the traffic going into Durham was horrific! Sitting on the bus felt like being on a bus in Turkey, every seat was taken and the middle of the bus was packed with standing passengers. The weather outside was freezing, but the inside the bus felt like a sauna, so I wasn’t in the best of moods when I eventually got there. Once I got away from the steamed up windows and into the fresh air, I saw Durham like I have never seen it before. Full of thousands of people to the point you couldn’t even move, it was like a night at North Shore during the peek of Freshers. But this was throughout the market place! The bridge had that many people on it, I had visions of it collapsing, while I sat in Esquires drinking a much needed coffee, though it was more like piss-water to be completely honest…why these coffee chains cannot make a decent cup of coffee I will never know! Although the breakfast ciabatta was standard. So I began to tackle the crowds once more, to see the art work which has caused this mass gridlock of people. The fact that you had to queue to get down to the riverbank should have been my first clue. “This was going to be dangerous” and it was. All along the narrow riverbank walkway it was packed, chockablock with people going in opposite directions. It was that busy there were numerous occasions where we were all just standing still. It got to the point I wasn’t looking at anything but where I was putting my feet, as we were very close to the edge of the river, which had no barriers. How ever the ex - life guard in me (true story) was more concerned about the lady in front who was struggling with her baby’s pushchair, as three ignorant men standing side by side, and this poor lady had to carefully squeeze past them, with no effort on their behalf to move there asses out of the way so that her and her baby wouldn’t fall into the river!! To make things worse this was around 8 o’clock and pitch black.

chaos

After being stuck down there for over thirty minutes, we finally got to Prebends bridge. Which I can’t deny, looked amazing. Walking over the bridge wasn’t to bad in regards to the human traffic jam. So it was probably the only part of the whole outdoor exhibition I really got to look at and appreciate. Avoiding walking back to the city centre by having to tackle another riverbank which was suffering like the other side, I decided to walk up to the cathedral through the back roads. Which is when I came across the suspended, levitating metal meshmade men. Attempting to stop and look at these was, again, tempting fate with an oncoming stampede of human cattle, being directed through the one way system designed by the event co-ordinators. I Would like to say the background music that also was apart of the event was really adding to the atmosphere, however it was getting drowned out by again these event volunteers shouting out orders, trying to avid the inevitable, complete ,chaos. One thing that can be said about their attempts, they did try. It wasn’t their fault at all, so this isnt a bitch at them so much, however this should have been considered when the event was organized. I am very surprised there weren’t any major incidents of people getting injured. Holding this event over more than a weekend would have been much better. A full month would have allowed the mass crowd to have been broken up slightly, this in turn would have made the event much more enjoyable. Once I got back into the market place I made a quick turn to M&S, bought two bottles of red, and went straight home, well after pushing my way through more crowds that is. When I got home I sat and thought what had actually just happened! I spent a good three and a half hours being stuck, never really got to see much art work as when you’re not viewing it in a calm and collective mannor and when your in complete radge and feel an overwhelming claustrophobic sensation you really can’t be seeing Art in the way it was meant to be viewed. All that hard work, which should be look upon with inspired eyes. I came away from that night feeling uninspired and sick to death of other human beings invading my personal space. What a waste of what is undoughtbly amazing talent. What a shame! LEE ALLISON

science

WELCOME TO THE TEAM

LAUREN DEBNEY

AFTER THE RECENT STUDENT SUPPORT OFFICER ELECTIONS, WE SAY CONGRATULATIONS TO LAUREN DEBNEY AND WELCOME TO THE TEAM. WE CAUGHT UP WITH HER RECENTLY TO ASK A FEW QUESTIONS… Q: Welcome to now feel you Student new

the team, how do our you’re that Officer? Support

A: I’m really excited about this opportunity to be able to play a part in the Students’ Union. I feel completely overwhelmed by the support every one has shown me! Q: What are your goals? And what do you hope to achieve during your time here? A: I hope that I can provide the Union with a current student’s perspective and to use this to help promote the Union to students, so that they know exactly what it can do for them and where they can go to for support. Q: So far the `Union has accomplished a lot since the new Exec has come into office, there has been change almost everywhere within the Union, from the new logos to big changes at DN magazine. How do you feel about these changes? And do you think you can be as ambitious within your role and perhaps begin a project that can be carried on from one Exec to another? A: I think the changes are evidence of the direction that the Union is going in. From what I’ve seen, the changes are all positive and are really pushing the Union forward. I hope to be able to be a part of this and see what ideas I have to offer. In terms of ambition, what i want to do is help students, so if I have an idea that will benefit students then I will push it all the way. Q: And finally, what is your favorite pie? A: To be honest i’m not much of a pie fan! But i could be converted if anyone’s offering to make me one! HERE AT DN WE ARE SURE LAUREN WILL MAKE A FINE STUDENT SUPPORT OFFICER AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO FUTURE COLLABORATIONS.

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a walk al ong th e Quayside NEWCASTLE

JORDAN NORTH

FOR ND SET O REET A OING T OUR AL G Y M E ’ P I O FF HIYA H WOMAN IRST O D F L O , S G A N M I IT CHRIST NATTER HASN’T LIKE A , BUT SOUND T LITHE BUS I T R N A O E AR HIS Y YOU HE NG AGO UICK T HAT LO OUND Q SEEM T COME R HRISTT C ’ N T S S E LA DO ING MY ERALLY T I R W WAS LUMN. WHEN I MAS CO

This year I thought I would ma Christmas ke my column abou t…. the we er. Now be athfore you tu rn over le explain. I’ t me m currentl y in Flor I know al ida, l right fo r some eh the family ? But has been wa for years nting do it and this year we fin got the ch ally ance to go . I can’t re ber the fir memst couple of days co scared of s I’m flying so I got prescr some temaze ibed pam…(it’s a tranquil that calms izer you down). Like the di that I am I never fo ck llowed the tors orders doc, an hour before my I necked tw flight o pills an d downed a whiskeys. few I then go t on the and necked plane another on e a few lage followed by rs. I’m no t gunna li was smacke e I d off me tits…appar ly I was entlaughing re ally loud watching when The Hangov er 2 and saying ‘how kept small is Ch ow’s willy’ ! Anyway, be cause of my temazepam isode I ca epnt really first two da remember the ys of my ho liday but days I can the remember ha ve been am ing. All azthe parks ha and the fo ve been ac od is righ e t up my st reet. And this leads me on to mas…over he Christre in Flor ida the we er is betw atheen 26-30 degrees wh is pretty ich hot. It’s Christmas the sun is time, shining, th sunglasses e shorts an are out, d there’s a gent smell punof sun cr eam, ice lies (or po lolpsicles) ar e selling hot cakes, like and guess wh not the sa at- its ju me! No matt st er how hard try I don’ t feel ‘C I hristmassy all. I’m tr ’ at yi I am, I’ve ng to get in the mo od even watc hed the co cola adve rt on YouT ca ube twice it just ai but n’t workin g. I don’t Christmass feel y and I love Chri stmas. I’m not gl oating here but each mo ing I go fo rnr a swim in the pool, I read my then book on th e su then I have an Ice cold n lounger I know I’ root beer, m literall y American I’ve been now! wondering what root is like fo beer r years so agine how you can Im pissed off I was when tried it for the fir I st time an tasted just d it like Dandel dock. ‘Is ion & Burthat it’ I said in thick nort hern accent my a tin of ‘I could get that from the chippy ’.

All the shops and restaurants have got decorations up. Even Disney World and Orlando Studios have big, spectacular, magical Christmas trees but its just not doing it for me. And this is the point I want to make… its probably freezing in Sunderland, wait let me change that. IT IS freezing in Sunderland and snowing which isn’t nice when you’re on your way to Uni in the morning. You wake up. Its cold, wet, miserable, and dark. When you walk home it’s the same and you feel like you’ve not seen sunlight in months. But that’s what Christmas is all about I actually envy you. How I would love to travel home tonight, with it pissing it down outside, feeling like you have hypothermia, then you get home, get dry, put your joggers on and a hoodie, have your tea and nice hot brew with a mince pie, or the posh biscuits that your mums had in the cupboard since September and just sit and watch telly all night. MUM ‘don’t you dare touch them biscuits there for Christmas. Ah I would love to do that right now. To me that’s what Christmas all about I just wana put on my bobble hat and wellies and walk through the street with a smile across my face. And come on how great has it been over the past couple of years when we’ve had snow on the ground at Christmas? Its absolutely fantastic I hope we have snow again this year. I never thought Id say this but I really am missing the British weather it’s a big part of Christmas, so next time you’re moaning about the winter weather think of me sat in my pool reading my James Patterson book in the glorious sunshine not having an ounce of Christmas feeling and excitement in me! Thanks for reading my column again, I genuinely do appreciate it. Have a brilliant Christmas, and all the best for New Year. Jordan ☺ xx

SUNDERLAND PENSHAW MONUMENT WINTER SCENE

CREATIVE REVIEW'S****

DOES ART HAVE A PLACE IN EDUCATION? DOES EDUCATION HAVE A PLACE IN ART? “GALLERY EDUCATION IN THE UK IS A UNIQUELY IMPORTANT BUT UNDERVALUED RESOURCE” (MARJORIE ALTHORPE-GUTON, DIRECTOR, VISUAL ARTS, ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND). Perhaps we should not assume anything yet. What is education? What is art? How do they relate to each other? According to a study by Enquire (2006) the popularity for gallery spaces being used as learning contexts has grown exponentially in the last 25 years. Why has this been the case? What is different between learning in traditional learning contexts and learning in gallery spaces? Where does this leave our notion of an ‘art school’ or is this an oxymoron? Does ‘real’ learning go on in galleries or is it a tokenistic phenomenon secondary to the learning that goes in schools, college & universities? Are we asking the right questions? An initial response to this is we cannot assume that learning is unique to traditional school contexts. Learning happens all the time. The implication of this is that we can start to accept that learning can really happen in galleries. Enquire carried out research on learning in galleries and invited institutions to respond to an initial question of ‘what are the conditions for enabling learning in the gallery context? (Enquire, 2006, p16). Breaking the rules through creative expression was a successful learning strategy. A Gallery Educator from the South East stated that it is imperative to have an individual in learning sessions that can empower learners to break the rules (Enquire, 2006, p23). Both artists and learners can be informed anarchists and its okay! So learning in galleries might not be as didactic as the ‘chalk and talk’ model omnipresent in traditional school based learning contexts. Perhaps this would appeal to the polite anarchist voice inside all of us encouraging us to both rebel and challenge authority and orthodoxy. Asking questions is not such a bad thing after all. In the words of Josef Albers, “good teaching is more a giving of right questions than a giving of right answers”. So is ‘real’ learning happening in galleries? Let’s reflect on what learning is or what it could be. Vygotsky (1978) argued that learning is characterised by a process whereby learners construct their own meaning. If this is the case, then

then ‘meaning making’ is unequivocally happening in galleries. Educators often identify barriers to learning such as motivation, participation and engagement. What if engaging with art gave all learners independent of ability, experience, qualifications or academic ability, the opportunity to express themselves, reflect, analyse, to scaffold, take ownership, and above all engage? Checkmate usurpers and traditionalists! We can reinvent learning. Do not just take my word for it. Let’s find out what other people think. Alistair Robinson, Programme Director at the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art (NGCA) argues that “NGCA’s work is fundamentally educational. A gallery is one of the very few spaces the authority offers that can address issues of civic relevance. It is one of the very few spaces of any kind in the city that is free to enter and which asks only for your imagination and ideas” (Robinson, 2010). We cannot argue with power of imagination, freedom or ideas. They are all intrinsically meaning making tools. Vygotsy would agree. Furthermore, NGCA have space within the gallery exclusively for educational purposes, providing free materials and workshops facilitated by artists inspired by current exhibitions in order to encourage people to be creative. In a pedagogically informed manner, let’s answer the question. Does art have a place in education? Perhaps we should be asking ‘does education have a place in art?’ The answer is undoubtedly yes to both questions. Art and education are unequivocally critical friends. They are both intrinsically dynamic. They both matter. They mutually co-exist. They need each other. And we need both of them. NGCA’s current exhibition is entitled ‘The Wonders of the Visible World’ Is on now until 4 February 2012 www.ngca.co.uk/.

DN GALLERY @ NORTH SHORE Yes, that’s right, a DN gallery at North Shore. A proposal has just been passed up to the Union Exec, to turn the green bar (Balcony) into a gallery. This would then offer students, who are looking for exhibition space, for either art work or maybe even a science exhibit, or perhaps a cultural and diversity themed event, like the one we have just recently had.

at the University’s nursery St. Mary’s, and have a bit of fun making break, cards and hats embracing diversity at the very start. Wednesday raised £30 for charity with international students writing names in their own language and framing them. Thursday the film ‘Freedom Writers’ was chosen and shown to a group of students who enjoyed the film, learning about all different cultures and how we can work together, embrace each other for the better of the community. And finally the night many had been looking forward to, for many months the Celebration of Diversity Evening rounded the week off on the last night of the week.

This is a great opportunity and would be another expansion of the DN empire. Keep checking the website for updates. Fingers crossed its gets approved. Why not e-mail us and tell us what you think? dnmagazine@sunderland.ac.uk

THE TURNER PRIZE AND THE

LEE ALLISON

BALTIC

CHECK OUT

THE

CREATIVE BLOG***

MORE REVIEWS

MORE ART!

Diversity Week and

the Celebration of Diversity Evening 14th - 18th November WE CELEBRATED AND EMBRACED DIVERSITY ON CAMPUS WITH A WEEK DEDICATED TO ACTIVITIES THAT BROUGHT STAFF, STUDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER. The beginning of the week had two events which brought the young and old together as well as international students with some local characters. AgeUK in Sunderland held a welcome evening for 35 International students so they could talk to local people, learning about their lives as well as exchange stories. The evening was a great success with many of the students taking away a bit of knowledge about Sunderland and making a lasting friendship with the older community. Tuesday gave some students the chance to meet with some of our youngest students at the University’s nursery St. Mary’s, and have a bit of fun making

The Celebration of Diversity Evening has been an annual event for many years, bringing all different types of students, societies and staff together, learning a bit more about each other, where some of us come from, what we eat, how we dance and our cultural/ religious customs. The evening this year was hosted by the Students’ Union, in partnership with the University of Sunderland at North Shore. In total there were 14 performances by students who took the time to create and talk through a presentation, sing a traditional song and dance and also give us valuable information about who they are. A major part of the evening involved food from around the globe, with 6 societies cooking traditional dishes for the hungry crowd. Throughout the evening students were also invited to get their photo taken by a student photographer, taking photos of them in their best traditional dress. overall 230 students came to the evening, to share, listen and take part in the celebration, helping to secure the University of Sunderland and North Shore as a cultural hub for all. ADAM GAWNE

This event was something to look forward to, the unveiling of the first Turner prize outside of London. The decision to go early was definitely a good one being half way down the line or so I thought until I got inside and the saw the real line I don’t even know where the back of it was. The pieces where great and really creative but also beautiful and a bit thought provoking , even though I was thinking about giant sweets at one point, maybe you will get what I’m talking about if you go see it yourself. George Shaw’s paintings were somehow in-between traditional paintings and contemporary ones I could definitely relate. Martin Boyce was everywhere you looked as we entered and it was amazing to see how he had installed his piece, it is definitely something to see firsthand. The after party was lively and free drinks on entry was definitely a bonus. It was a bit strange not to see any of the artists walking around but maybe I missed them. A piece I was quite looking forward to was the piece by Mike Kelley and Michael Smith, which was described as a fantasy and a journey. Walking around the exhibit after seeing it being installed was a bit strange, not at all what I thought it would be and to be honest the light show within the exhibit kind of made it more playful than a baby against the world on a journey to the burning man festival. The footage playing on the screens was, let’s say, interesting but put the point across of a journey and was definitely amazingly put together. Matt Stokes were the words on everybody’s lips well my friends lips anyways, we loved the way he had combine video footage of 6 vocalists singing as we have called it scremo vocals with no music just vocals, it was something I wanted to dance to at times, something we all wouldn’t have minded dancing too. So all in all the Turner Prize entries and the Baltic in general were great, the queue to get in was worth it, and the after party was a great laugh but if you really want the experience then go down yourself and see it. Maybe you could debate with me on the subject? EMILY KAY SMITH

QUIZ OVERVIEW

Studying at the library,

Calling all students! Stuck for something to do on a Sunday night? Want to finish your weekend in style and prove to your mates that you do in fact have a brain rattling about inside that head of yours? North Shore has just the thing – The Big Fat Quiz of the Week! It only costs £1 to take part, and every team gets free nachos and the chance to win some great prizes. Tshirts, Frosty Jack’s, and of course, the coveted bar tab, taken from the entrance fees. All the people you thrash paying for your drinks. What more could a student ask for? So clue yourselves up, get down to North Shore every Sunday evening at half 7, and get quizzical! SAM DUDLEY

FEST

IVE COFFEE

Everyone has that one thing that gets them in the Christmas mood whether it’s the city lights going up, Christmas windows in the shops or the Coca cola advert, for me one of the most important things is the Christmas Coffees. They are actually the taste of Christmas, one sip and it feels like Christmas Eve. So I went on a search to see which of our big brand coffee shops was doing the tastiest Christmas coffees. I started with Costa coffee that had put out two Christmas coffees, Praline and cream Latte and Black Forest hot Chocolate. Both had an interesting taste, however compared to some of the other Christmas coffees tasted, they just weren’t ‘Christmas-ey’ enough. Although it has to be said that the black forest hot chocolate was absolutely gorgeous it just didn’t give the feeling of Christmas. The Praline and cream latte was overshadowed greatly by the Starbuck’s Praline Mocha, their use of chocolate drink and bitter chocolate topping gave this drink a much more ‘Christmas-ey’ edge than it’s Costa counter-part. The other Starbuck’s drinks were eggnog latte, which as a not great lover of eggnog I had to pass the tasting onto one of my coffee addicts, she commented that it captured the taste of eggnog perfectly, and it seemingly worked with the coffee. The toffee nut latte was a very sweet latte, with the warm caramelly taste that incorporates the Christmas taste, not as much as the gingerbread latte which was a perfect representation of the festive period that is upon us, the only criticism that could be made was not enough gingerbread flavour as it was so good. The final brand that was tested by myself and my coffee addicts, was Esquires coffee, they only boasted one Christmas drink so far, a spiced ginger bread hot chocolate, but one hell of a Christmas drink, the all spice added to the gingerbread to make the most Christmas tasting drink so far this year ... the only thing missing was the coffee!!!!

when all you have for friends are the vending machines.

THE WILKO

RED TREE

It’s slim, it’s red, and it’s naff. Very naff. It’s the new red Christmas tree those lovely people at Wilko are trying to sell to all us Christmas shoppers. Well, best of luck to them, because selling this thing to anyone may require a miracle. What was the designer smoking when he conceived this idea? Whatever it was, I for one don’t want any. There’s no denying it – it’s an abomination. Christmas trees should not look like this. There are a number of ways to spread Christmas cheer, but this unfortunately isn’t one of them. But maybe all that’s a bit harsh. Here’s a picture so you can decide for yourself:

AND WHILE YOU’RE TAKING THAT IN, ASK YOURSELF THIS: WOULD YOU REALLY BE WILLING TO PAY £18 FOR THAT? we did a little market research we ask students whether or not they would buy this product, and or even consider buying it

SAID THEY WOULD BUY/ CONSIDER BUYING THIS TREE

95% SAID

MOST DEFINITELY NOT! so there you have it! SAM DUDLEY

SO YOU GO TO THE LIBRARY WITH GOOD INTENTIONS, YOU HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, YES TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT THAT I’M GOING TO FINISHED/START THAT ESSAY…. BUT YOU DIDN’T BRING ANY FOOD OR A DRINK…THE CAFÉ IS CLOSED AND THE ONLY OPTION YOU HAVE IS THE VENDING MACHINE! at 70p per chocolate bar and £1.20 for a bottle of pop… I think I am in a horror film!!! A night at the library is inevitably going to be filled with munchies and fizzy drinks, so while you’re being good and getting your work done don’t be bad and get exploited by the vending machines…. Picture this… vulnerable student, its fast approaching midnight and the only thing you’ve been thinking about for the past hour is getting your hands on a bar of dairy milk, a boost, or even one of those packets of delicious shortbread covered with chocolate snacks and you get to the vending machine… wallet/ purse at the ready… you open it up, spill its contents on to your hand and then…*Scream* You don’t have enough change… there is nowhere to get change!!! If you are like me by now you’ll have broken down into a fit of despair and see no way forward, no way that it would be possible to start your work again, and you were doing so well too. Oh but how do we stop this from happening to ourselves… a little forward planning Is all you need. On your way to the library pop into home bargains or the pound shop, you can get 3-4 chocolate bars for £1 from both, and anything from 2 bottles to 3cans for £1 from both… which I think you will agree is better than paying 70p each! So instead of paying say £1.90 for one bottle of pop and a single chocolate bar you could pay £2 and get 1-2 bottles and 3-4 chocolate bars!... so you will have, for the same price, bought enough for two nights or maybe enough to use for your lunch the next day as well. So what should you do to avoid this horror story happening to you … Well simply just a little bit of forward planning, this goes for just about every situation…. Think about what you will want to buy, how much will it cost? Could you get it anywhere else for cheaper? The answer to the latter question is almost certainly yes. Yes you can get it cheaper all you have to do is think of where you will go instead before you head off to the library! Don’t get caught without your chocolate fix! Plan ahead. Save yourself some money and some heartache! AMY XXX

FOLLOW AMY VIA THE BEST BUY BLOG/

MONEY SAVING IDEAS!

Of course along with the parka, the most obvious current faux fur trend is the fur coat. A classic fashion statement, it seems to be all over campus, and best matched with a cute pair of ballerina pumps and thick pair of tights with a cute wintery day dress. If this year you’re willing to risk an online shop for your perfect little fur coat or jacket like I am, then it seems to me that there’s no better place than ASOS, who have a collaboration of the prettiest little fur jackets that I’ve seen.

TURN TO SECOND HAND FOR HIGH END! YOU ALL APPRECIATE THAT FEELING WHEN AN ENVIABLE LOOK IS SHOT TOWARDS YOUR HANDBAG IN COSTA OR CATCHING A GLIMPSE OF HOW STYLISH YOU LOOK IN THE PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW OF THE CAR PARKED OUTSIDE HALLS.

Celebrate Christmas in Faux fur! Seeing as it’s nearly Christmas and there’s a chill in the air, winter coats are back around, and fur and festive patterns are everywhere. From the campus to the catwalk, this year faux fur seems to be trimming every corner. One way that the faux fur trend seems to be creeping its way in seems to be through the parka jacket, which has made a much appreciated return to the front of our wardrobes this December. If you’re looking to pick yourself up a parka this winter, then Primark, the student’s best friend, have a range of colours for only £14 each. However, if you’re looking to go further up the high street this Christmas, Topshop’s “Borg Hooded Parka” is the right direction, especially in navy. It’s currently £100, but for comfort, style and durability, it’s the best choice for those freezing winter days.

This cute as pie leopard print faux fur hooded coat with ears is £80 from ASOS, and worth every penny. With animal ears and furry scarves being a big hit this year, this is a nice little collaboration of adorable and individual. If you’re not a fan of the fur jacket and want to keep warm this winter, then a nice alternative is the fur wrap around. £12 in H&M, the little fur neck scarves can be used to add a little touch of winter to your summer denim or leather jacket, or to customise a little black dress and keep your neck warm. Have a great Christmas guys, and keep yourself warm with a good excuse to buy accessories! AMY INGRAM

FOLLOW OUR FASHION EDITOR/ VIA THE DN FASHION

BLOG*

BUT REALISTICALLY how much does it all cost? The Debt Advice Foundation says the biggest worry faced by students is their dwindled student loan and mounting debt. It’s a concern that you haven’t had to think about until now. “It’s such a difficult transition to university where being stylish and looking good when meeting new people is essential. It’s difficult when you have to keep budgeting your finances to suit necessities which rarely include clothes” Rachael Wise, 28, an Art student from Northumbria University tells me. So girls, this is where the master plan comes in. You may not like it at first but this could be the best advice you’ve received this term. I’m not telling you how to stretch six cups of tea from one bag. Something far more important than that. How to look like you have just stepped out of the Burberry SS12 show without spending more than 20 Great British Pounds! Charity shops are the single most stylish and cost effective stores on the high street. With 129 shops in Sunderland alone, I’m certain that it’s possible to dress super chic without breaking the bank. Niamh Stewart, 18, is a fashion journalism student at Sunderland University. She has already cottoned on to what great bargains there are to be had: “I picked up a great dress for my prom in a charity shop back home.” If you need to be convinced further, Seb Howarth, Assistant Manager at the British Red Cross Shop in Whitley Bay tells me: “Donated designer wear is on the up, you can pick up a designer coat from as little as £5.” Look at the get-up sported by our model. A modest £18 was shelled out for this outfit. The coat, originally from Zara cost £6 and looks perfect with our Accessorize hat for £3. Team these with a pair of £4 Office platforms and Prada (yes Prada) bag that cost a measly yet wonderful £5 and you’ve got yourself an incredible designer look. Many shops now have their gems on one ‘vintage’ rail to save time. You’ll also find that if you are looking for something particular, the lovely dears are more than willing to have a root about in the back on your behalf. BY

KIM WALKER

DDNN

* n e d r Ga

THE DN GARDEN IS A NEW INSTALMENT TO THE DN EMPIRE. As its too late in the year to begin major projects within the planting side of things, we did plant some bulbs (tulips and daffodils) fingers crossed the frost doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t kill them off. We will be keeping a diary of the progress of the garden on the Green blog. Follow the QR link or search for the blog via the DN website www.dnmagazine.org The garden is a joint Adam Gawne (Student DNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Louise Steel itor & Deputy editor

effort, between contact officer) (Green blog edof DN magazine)

We hope to create a beautiful haven of fresh fruit and veg. Anyone who would like to get involved with the garden, can do so through the internship scheme with the magazine. Just email us at dnmagazine@sunderland.ac.uk

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON....

Christmas lights switch-on… In case you haven’t noticed (which would take lots of denial and a huge rock to hide under), Christmas is fast approaching. It’s only a month away now, and it’s starting to show. The days are getting shorter, and colder, and the heat waves of the summer seem so very long ago. Seems like it was only yesterday when the snow was falling and the masses of Christmas shoppers were emptying the shops of all their goods. How time flies. With all the Christmas lights, displays and trees all round Sunderland, you can’t help but feel festive, even if it’s only a little bit (the more the better, though). All those lights were recently switched on at one of the biggest events of the year. Live music, choirs, and as if that wasn’t enough, a breathtaking fireworks display, all to celebrate the illumination of Sunderland. It was all very impressive, and a great start to the festive season. Unfortunately there isn’t an ice rink this year, but the extravagant tree (both in size and decoration) in Mowbray Park is an impressive form of compensation. That’s not to say the rest of the lights aren’t impressive too… Steve Cram (retired athlete and chancellor of the University of this fair city we call Sunderland) and Olympic and Paralympic newcomers Alyson Dixon and Fiona Tozer joined the Mayor of Sunderland onstage to flick the switch. And as a good indicator of how popular it was, the place was absolutely packed. People of all ages were there, wrapped up nice and warm in their hats, scarves and gloves, hot drinks in hand. Parents were trying hard to keep their kids under control, while the kids were trying their absolute best not to be kept under control. One boy in particular asked his parents “is I’m a Celebrity on tonight?”, so you can tell where his priorities lay. Let it be known that the highlight was seeing one child choking another with a lightsabre. Naturally. No evening would be complete without a Star Wars-inspired fight to the death. Yes, it was fun for all the family, and everyone else too, for that matter (except perhaps the kid on the receiving end of the lightsabre sleeper hold). If you were there, then you already know how good it was. If you weren’t there, then hopefully you’ve got a good enough idea by this point. Roll on next year! SAM DUDLEY