nu:life Magazine Issue 19

Issue No.19 2011

FREE to a good home

The Official voice of Northumbria Students’ Union www.mynsu.co.uk

Your Monthly Student Magazine Filled with News and Gossip from around Northumbria campus.

NORTHUMBRIA STUDENTS’ UNION Crowned NUS Students’ Union of the Year 2011!

Have Geordie TV programmes ruined Newcastle?

Plus Fashion, Advice, Gigs and loads more!

Your Union, Your University, Your Magazine!

Working on behalf of Newcastle and North Tyneside Primary Care Trusts and Northumberland Care Trust

Choose well Get the right treatment while you are at university If you are injured or unwell there are a number of different local NHS services that you can use. Depending on the nature and severity of your illness some health services will be more appropriate for you than others.

Self-care A well stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest can help you take care of very minor ailments.

NHS Direct For absolutely any health questions, around the clock, and to find local services choose NHS Direct. Contact them on 0845 46 47 or go on-line to www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.

Pharmacist For common colds, sickly stomachs and everything between, choose a pharmacist. For details of your nearest pharmacist please call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47

GP Make sure you register at a local GP practice when you arrive at university.

Find out about all your local GP practices at www.nhs.uk. Make an appointment with your GP practice for medical advice, examinations and prescriptions for illnesses you just can’t shake off.

NHS Walk-in Centre / Minor Injuries Unit For treatment of minor illnesses or injuries without an appointment, choose an NHS Walk-in Centre or Minor Injuries Unit. To find opening times and location of local walk-in and minor injuries services, please go to: www.northoftyne.nhs.uk/services/out-ofhours-services

Using A&E departments or calling 999 The A&E department is at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle City Centre. You should only use A&E or call 999 for symptoms of serious illnesses and major accidents.

Self-care www.nhs.uk or NHS Direct 0845 46 47 Pharmacy GP NHS walk-in centre A&E or 999

contents NSU NEWS Northumbria Crowned SU of the Year! 4 - 5 Sabb Banter 6 - 7 Oh! What’s Occurring? 9 How Much Can You Take? 10 RAG Week Application! 11 Page of Praise 12

editors words Hey Everyone!

FEATURES Welcome to nu:life! The Stay Safe in Welcome Week! 13 Students’ Unions monthly Hot Topic! - Welcome Week; for Returners? 14 -15 Magazine, written by Students for you to enjoy!

Academic Advice 16 If you are a new student then welcome to Discuss - Phone Hacking Scandal 17 GET INVOLVED Volunteer Northumbria 18 Garden Makeover Project 19

Northumbria from the nu:life team. We have all been in your shoes and have plenty of great advice for you from surviving Welcome Week on page 13 to how to make the most of this great city from page 26 to 29!

LIGHT RELIEF Spotted 20 - 21 WriSoc Serial - Part 1 22 The Agony Aunt Team 23 Erasmus 25

For all you returners, even though we have a new look never fear, all the usual stuff is still here with the Sabb Banter on page 6, and you could win a pack of Chewits if you’ve been Spotted in the Centre fold.

STUDENT CULTURE Geordie Survival Guide 26 Newcastle in Reality 27 Your North East Check List 28 - 29 Fashion & Beauty 31 Gig Goers 32 September Flicks 33

Whatever your interests we’ve got it covered. But if you think there’s something missing and fancy trying your hand at writing an article or feature then just email me at holly.seabrook@northumbria. ac.uk with your ideas, and you could be part of our team very soon.

I hope you enjoy Issue 19 and a massive thank you to all the writers this month!

TEAM NORTHUMBRIA Netball 34 - 35 Football 36 - 37 Want to Be a Sports Writer? 38

Holly x

Contributors SU Of The Year Carmel Lawless RAG Article & Newcastle in Reality Michael Potter Staying Safe in WW!/Garden Makeover Kate Taylor Hot Topic! Kate Taylor & Callum Gibson Discuss Errin Kerr The Agony Aunt Team Amy Terry & Anna Scatchard North East Check List Peter Kerr Geordie Survival Guide Lauren Vamplew Erasmus Danni Mustarde Fashion & Beauty Carly Brown Gig Goers Patrick Walsh

September Flicks Callum Gibson Netball/Sports Writer Simon Rushworth Football Jaime Durent Special Thank you to; Steven Chester for Photography, Kim Buffery for Academic Advice, Lucy Pritchard & Vikki Myerscough for sorting my dreadful spelling!

Editor Holly Seabrook - holly.seabrook@northumbria.ac.uk Twitter: NSUCommsOfficer Design www.ellenlonghorn.co.uk

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NSU News Northumbria Crowned SU of the Year!

Northumbria officially has the BEST Students’ Union in the UK. Nominated in four categories at the NUS Awards 2011, Northumbria walked away with the title of Best Higher Education Students’ Union.

Here’s just some of the ways YOUR Students’ Union wowed the judges...

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• We invested £7 million in modernising YOUR Students’ Union. The new facilities include our chilled out lounge Escape on the First Floor, extensive IT facilities in The Base and a professional standard theatre in Stage 2 as well as much more!

• We’ve also made services such as Advice and Representation easier to find • A new record was set for participation in societies with a whopping 2,100 students getting involved • Our RAG teams raised a record-breaking £27,000 for various charities • Over 600 students supported more than 40 volunteer projects, including PhD student Xirong He, who was nominated for a Shine Award for her Sense project.

• Nearly 2000 students took part in our hard-hitting campaign against Hidden Feess with innovative photo and postcard petitions. As a result, the University has agreed to remove hidden fees wherever it is practical to do so.

• We raised the number of schools with Anonymous Marking from a measly 2 to an impressive 7 out of 9

NSU News Northumbria Crowned SU of the Year!

“This award highlights the hard work that has been put it by our officers, staff and volunteers alike... and how exceptional our Students’ Union really is” Jo Rhodes, NSU President “This is a fantastic achievement and really shows that our SU is more than just a bar. With so many societies, volunteer projects and campaigns to get involved in there’s really no reason to not be a part of the best SU in the UK.” Alex Lenaghan, Criminology & Forensics

Our “Mark My Words, Not my Name” campaign was a huge success: Schools with Anonymous Marking in 2010 3 Health, Community and Education Studies 3 Law Schools with Anonymous Marking in 2011 3 Law 3 Health & Education 3 Arts & Social Sciences 3 Built Environment • 20 volunteers raised over £5000 so that 200 Northumbria students could take part in the NUS National Demo against increased tuition fees.

• Participation in our One Planet trips to famous UK destinations increased to over 1,500 students • We further developed our PGT and PGR Rep Schemes and now have over 1,300 academic reps - that’s double the average reps supported by other Students’ Unions.

NSU Nominations • HE Students Union of the Year • Equality and Diversity • Course Rep of the Year (Beth Fazackerley, Life Sciences) • Staff Member of the Year (Graham Atkinson, Director of Membership Services and HR)

“Through working with the University on community and volunteering initiatives, the Students’ Union has helped enhance the reputation of Northumbria... adding to the enviable employability that Northumbria’s graduates enjoy” Prof. Andrew Wathey, University Vice Chancellor “My congratulations go to NSU for their remarkable achievements in record breaking participation levels, modernising the Students’ Union and creating real change for its members” Liam Burns, President of the National Union of Students (NUS).

“I would like to pass my heartfelt thanks to the Union’s management team, the incredible sabbatical officers and the amazing students (past and present) whose ongoing input, commitment and drive have helped make NSU officially the best in the UK!” Martyn Williams, NSU Chief Executive Our mission statement is to “have a positive impact on the lives of all our students”. Look out for our satisfaction survey in Spring 2012 and let us know if YOU think this is being achieved.

By Carmel Lawless

Did you know...?

Every student at Northumbria University is automatically a member of NSU - just check the back of your library card Our mission statement is to “have a positive impact on the lives of all our students”. Look out for our satisfaction survey in Spring 2012 and let us know if YOU think this is being achieved.

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NSU News Sabb Banter

Your New Sabbatical Team 2011-2012!

Your NEW Sabbatical Team were elected by the Students of Northumbria in March to represent you in all different ways across the university.

They have been working tirelessly over the summer to prepare for your arrival, and make sure that you have the best year possible!

Remember to check our fortnightly sabbatical vlogs at: www.mynsu. co.uk/sabbaticals And if you have a question for us or just want to say hello, shoot us an email or pop up and say hi on the first floor of the Students’ Union, we always fancy a chat.

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JO RHODES President What is your role?

I lead the (pretty awesome) Sabb team and am the figurehead of the Union. I do my very best to represent you, our students, and help you get the best from your time at Northumbria.

What have you been up to this summer?

So much! Training, meetings and more training! It’s been quite the whirlwind but I feel like the team are ready to tackle anything and everything! We’re a hardworking bunch and I’m proud to be leading such an excellent team!

What is your biggest aim for this year?

To follow up all old campaigns and prove we’re worthy of our title as HE Students’ Union of the Year 2011. I want to make sure we are doing our best for all our students!

What is the best bit of advice for new students?

Have fun, stay safe, get involved and make the most of it!

What’s your first memory of Northumbria University?

I was excited, a little shy but not too nervous - I just wanted to get started! It was all such a blur and I loved every second!

Jo.rhodes@northumbria.ac.uk Twitter: NSUPres

HOLLY SEABROOK Vice-President Communications & Involvement What is your role?

I look after all the amazing media opportunities that you can get involved with and make sure your union really is run by students for students by ensuring a great student council!

What have you been up to this summer?

Pulling this edition of nu:life, as well as training and settling into the new team, it’s been a hectic few weeks but hopefully you will see all the differences we are going to make.

What is your biggest aim for this year?

If I can look back next July and see the beginnings of a student led radio station I will be a very happy holly! If you want to get involved give me a holla!

What is the best bit of advice for new students?

Revel in the next few weeks, you’re going to have a great time so just role with it! Get to know your roomies and course mates, you’re stuck with them for now so you may as well have fun together.

What’s your first memory of Northumbria University?

Haha! Coming into Reds on the first Friday of my welcome week and seeing all the Welcome Team (mainly boys) dresses as err... Provocative women. I think that’s the best way to put it!

Holly.seabrook@northumbria.ac.uk Twitter: NSUCommsOfficer

KATE BRADSHAW Vice President Academic Affairs What is your role?

Vice President- Academic Affairs which basically entails training and supporting the Course, School and Postgraduate Reps, being your voice on academic issues at University committees and running education related campaigns.

What have you been up to this summer?

I have been to lots of training and also started on some of my major aims including Coach Lane car parking, Reps training and promoting the Library Skills sessions.

What is your biggest aim for this year?

To get the best out of all of the Reps. They’re a fantastic group who really care and I want to make sure that they are well supported and trained but are also rewarded for their hard work.

What is the best bit of advice for new students?

Enjoy your experience in every way you can. It’s true when people say these are the best years of your life and they really do fly by.

What’s your first memory of Northumbria University?

Being taken to a bar by our lecturers for a quiz. It was great; I met lots of new friends and the team I was on won!

Kate.bradshaw@northumbria.ac.uk Twitter: NSUAcademics

ANDREW CHEUNG Vice President Activities & Development What is your role?

I look after our amazing welcome team, the infamous RAG, our fantastic societies, and volunteering in general.

What have you been up to this summer?

I have attended lots of training, organising the welcome team, planning RAG events, and thinking of better ways to make sure students get the most out of their time at uni.

What is your biggest aim for this year?

Ensure all our volunteers are well and truly rewarded and recognised, and to provide the opportunity for our volunteers to develop skills they need to enhance their employability.

What is the best bit of advice for new students?

New uni, new start, try something new, get involved! But most of all, do whatever makes you happy!

What’s your first memory of Northumbria University?

Arriving at halls and seeing friendly faces that welcomed me and helped with my stuff.

Andrew.cheung@northumbria.ac.uk Twitter: NSUActivites1

HANNAH HORNE Vice President Welfare & Equality What is your role?

I look after all things non-academic. So this can be accommodation, health, crime & safety, working in the community and much more! I also champion equality and diversity across the University.

What have you been up to this summer?

I have been on a lot of training, meeting many people in the University and in the wider community, planning and generally trying to find my feet! One big task has been to improve the ways we recruit and train the Equality, Halls, and Community Reps, and preparing some projects to start off their year as SU reps.

What is your biggest aim for this year?

For each one of my reps, to have achieved something for the students they represent, along with ticking off as many points of my manifesto as possible!

What is the best bit of advice for new students?

I have two bits of advice. First, write yourself a budget, as it may seem like that loan payment is endless but it soon runs out! And second, make the most of welcome week, have lots of fun and meet loads of new friends!

What’s your first memory of Northumbria University?

I remember my first ever night out as a student, which was a UV night at the Union. It was an awesome night with UV paint being thrown everywhere, and after feeling quite nervous when my parents had left me earlier in the day, it was just what I needed!

Hannah.horne@northumbria.ac.uk Twitter: NSUWelfare1

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‘NUS extra’ student discount card will save you loads of cash during your time at Northumbria and only costs £11! Use it in hundreds of shops and online stores in the UK for massive savings on hundreds of top brands in fashion, entertainment, travel, food plus loads more. As well as this, for an additional £1.99 you can incorporate the ISIC (International Student ID) card worth £7, which provides more than 32,000 discounts around the world!’

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can you afford not to?

You can get your NUS extra card before you arrive at Northumbria by ordering at www.nusextra. org.uk and it will be waiting for you in the Students’ Union when you arrive.

If you don’t get a chance to pre order your card, you can still pick one up when you arrive from the Welcome Desk in the Students’ Union.

EMILY REDUCED THE COST of everything for Uni, from her laptop to a new mobile, her course books, a winter coat and an alarm clock

Stay connected with your Students’ Union online at www.mynsu.co.uk mynsu northumbriasu

Or download the only of¿cial NSU App*

* Available on App Store and Android Marketplace

Please note that the option to have a dual NUS extra and ISIC card is only available to those who purchase their card online.

*

Details correct at time of print (08/11). NUS extra card is £11 and valid between 08/11 and 08/12.

Oh! What’s Occurring?

NSU News Oh! Whats’s Occurring?

Welcome Team!

A Collection of Colours and Tales Retold

You may have noticed the team of 200 strong Voluntters in yellow and red t-shirts hanging around campus during welcome week. These guys are here to help you with all your worries and can advise you whatever it is, give em a shout and say hey, they were all new to Uni once!

The Writers’ Society has launched their new anthology, collecting two years’ worth of prose, poetry and script on the themes of colour and mythology. Showcasing the talents of students from all different courses and walks of life, the anthology is also a diverse collection of genres and styles, from science fiction to surrealism.

Become A Rep! The Students’ Union is now recruiting its reps for this year!

All of our rep positions provide key skills that you can add to your CV and take away when you graduate – leadership, communication, organisation and many more.

Equality Reps, Halls Reps and Community Reps are all about your fellow students’ welfare, while School Reps and Post Graduate Taught (PGT) School Reps are there to boost the Northumbria learning experience. And every single programme will be electing at least 1 Course Rep in the first fortnight of the year. All of these roles you involve raising issues within the group you represent and making positive changes for your fellow students. For more information: Equality Reps - Election Packs from www.mynsu.co.uk deadline Tuesday September 27th - or Halls Reps / Community Reps - Nomination Packs from www.mynsu.co.uk - deadline Friday September 30th

Copies are on sale for £10 each, soon to be available at Well Read Bookshop or from members of the committee. Come along to their stall at the Welcome and Returners’ Fair to find out more about the society and suggest the theme for next year’s anthology.

Get Your NUS Extra Card Now! NUS Extra a year’s worth of savings for £11, can you afford not to? Packed full of exclusive discounts, this year’s card is an eye watering bright orange - making it un-missable in your wallet so you won’t forget to use it at every opportunity! You can enjoy more exclusive discounts than ever before from top brands like Amazon and ASOS, Animal and the AA, Accessorize and Adobe…and that’s a few of the ‘A’s for a start. Buy yours from www.nusextra.co.uk or the Students’ Union Welcome Desk now.

Any questions? Vice-President Welfare & Equality Hannah Horne hannah.horne@northumbria.ac.uk

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School Reps / PGT School Reps - Nomination Packs from www.mynsu.co.uk - deadline Friday September 30th Course Reps - e-mail su.coursereps@northumbria.ac.ukk and speak to your Programme Leader Any questions? Vice-President Academic Affairs Kate Bradshaw kate.bradshaw@northumbria.ac.uk

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NSU News How Much Can You Take?

How Much Can You Take?

12th -19th November 2011 Get Involved RAG Week (Raise & Give) is an amazing week here at Northumbria and it’s an opportunity for us as students to be able to give something back to the local community and beyond. Last year’s RAG was a

Of course the benefits for the charities go without saying, and they greatly appreciate the funds raised during the week but the team also get so much out of it too. The week is geared towards the team with activities going on such as bar crawls, cinema viewings and an amazing RAG ball which was held last year at St James Park.

record breaker raising over £27,000

RAG is an amazing opportunity to not only do your bit for charity but also to meet new people in different year groups on different courses that you may not have usually come into contact with. Within a week, your team of strangers will essentially become a family and create an everlasting bond for the rest of your uni career and beyond. It’s now pretty much impossible to walk round campus without bumping into somebody from the week.

for Action Aid, The Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust, Northumberland Wildlife Association and the Autistic Society simply because of the efforts of our 200 strong volunteer team which is co-ordinated and ran by students and the sabbatical team.

You’d definitely struggle to avoid spotting the high-spirited team running about during the week in their flattering orange t-shirts - their buckets and tins in hand in order to collect change for the different charities. Many went above and beyond, wearing amazing fancy dress for the duration of wet February week. Monkeys, sumo-wrestlers and mimes descended on Newcastle with one goal: raise cash for charity.

Although RAG is more than just a week - it’s a whole year, last year we had sponsored head shaves, gigs and quizzes running throughout the year as well as people endeavouring to sell helium balloons for our massive balloon launch, the furthest which reached Czech Republic.

This year Rag Week is in Novemeber so proves to be bigger and better than ever - but without our volunteers RAG would not happen. We need volunteers like you to get involved and I would personally recommend that nobody misses out on this amazing opportunity. So rip out and fill in the short Application opposite and hand it into the Welcome Desk in the Students’ Union.

By Michael Potter

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NSU News RAG Week Application

Week Application!

Name: Email: Term Address:

Mobile No.: Do you have any medical conditions the Students’ Union should be aware of?

Please hand in to the Welcome Desk by 12pm Friday 21st October

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Page Of Praise Each month at Northumbria, Students are doing amazing things, so this is where we give them a massive shout out!

Trent Cannon

Edinburgh Rag Raid - 13th August!

Trent’s been busy this summer, getting stuck into not one but two different Volunteer Northumbria projects.

He’s gone green and led VN’s hugely successful Garden Makeover project, getting stuck in by renovating gardens throughout Heaton with support from the council. He’s also been a fantastic volunteer in VN’s Tri Drama project where he’s played everything from a rapping polar bear to a glee club teacher, all to help children in foster care to write and perform their own play. All this whilst preparing for a busy year as Vice-President of the Writers’ Society. Trent, where do you get all the energy? We don’t know, but thank you for making such a fantastic difference to our local community – and well done!

The 13th August 2011 saw the first RAG event of the new academic year with 15 Northumbria students embarking on a trip to Edinburgh for a RAG megaraid. Fundraising for Barnardo’s charity, this was the perfect opportunity to set the ball rolling in order to beat last year’s incredible total. Travelling up on the Saturday morning at 5am was a challenge, however, when fancy dress was cracked out in true Northumbria style our spirits rose. Edinburgh saw a dalmation, wally, lion, Harry Potter and many more roaming its streets all for a good cause. It was a successful weekend with Northumbria RAG raising £1816 with top collectors being the renowned Michael Dignen and RAG committee member, Megan Blacklock. A big well done to the team!

Has your friend or group done something amazing this month; some amazing academic work or a fantastic volunteer project?

Send me a small paragraph of what they have been up to along with a picture to holly.seabrook@northumbria.ac.uk and we’ll get them in the next mag!

FEATURES Stay Safe in Welcome Week!

Stay Safe in

Welcome Week!

Welcome Week. Unless you’ve been living iving under a stone somewhere, chances are you’ve e been aware of it for a while now. But whether you’ you’ve u ve u’ v been planning it since before prom or haven’t given it a second thought it’s going to be something you can’t escape.

Despite all the hype Welcome Week can be daunting: it’s hard to make friends with people you’ve never met, not to mention it’s the first time most people have ever lived away from home. But it’s also a once in a lifetime experience and one you’ll remember forever, so it’s worth putting in a little extra effort to get to know people. Case in point, the memory that sticks out from my own Welcome week is dragging my teetotal and distinctly unimpressed new flatmate up to dance on the stage in Domain.

Oops.

Speaking of alcohol, there’s such a thing as too much of it. And as liberating as it can be to live in your own terms no one enjoys being violently sick. Make sure you spend your Welcome week on the dance floor and not hugging a toilet by knowing your limits and not being afraid to pace yourself. No one wants to look like a lightweight but I can guarantee that the person sitting out the drinking contest will stick out much less than the person who just threw up all over your shoes. They’ll also be considerably more popular the morning after.

‘Make sure you spend your Welcome week on the dance floor and not hugging a toilet...

So enjoy your Welcome week but do it in moderation. Because if there’s anything worse than a night you can’t remember it’s a night that everyone except you does.

By Kate Taylor

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FEATURES Hot Topic! - Welcome Week; for Returners?

Welcome Week; for Returners?

Welcome week is great, For Fresher’s. But among returning students feelings are considerably more mixed: the bars are full, Union events are impossible to get into and to add insult to injury the students taking up all that space barely look old enough to drink. Is Welcome week a great excuse for a party or a good reason to stay home until it’s over? Our two NU:Life writers look at what’s good and bad about being a returning student in Welcome week.

3 FOR Call me over eager but ever since my own Welcome Week I wanted to be on the Welcome Team. They were doing all the same stuff as us with a few key differences. Where we were nervously trying to make friends, they had theirs already. Where we were privately wondering whether we’d be able to deal with lectures, they were confident and relaxed. Where I was pretty much lost as soon as I got out of bed in the morning, they were at home in the city. So, when the end of my first year rolled around I signed myself up for the Welcome Team.

And it was great. The work was back breaking at times and the quantity of it (admittedly combined with drinking ‘til the early hours every night and living on Pot Noodles for a week straight) nearly killed me but honestly it was one of the best weeks of my life.

Between that, being on a society committee, involved in Volunteer Northumbria and having a recently graduated friend visiting my feet barely touched the ground and I spent the week in a haze of activity I enjoyed much more than my own Welcome week.

And guess what? The fresher’s I met weren’t the annoying, irresponsible children we often stereotype them as. Almost every single one of them was polite, mature and as ready to help us as we were them. One girl even made us tea.

By Kate Taylor

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The clue is in the title, people. It’s called Welcome Week, not Returning Students Week to Prey on the Newbies...

2

AGAINST

Much like the first level of L.A. Noire, this should be a pretty open and shut case, but like the last case that lands on Cole Phelps’ desk (can you guess what I’m playing at the minute?) there are lots of other things to consider, and before you know it you’re lost in a debate that has travelled down so many avenues of reasoning and argument that the big picture has gotten lost somewhere.

So I’ll keep it simple.

The clue is in the title, people. It’s called Welcome Week, not Returning Students Week to Prey on the Newbies. This week is set aside solely to allow the new kids to get as drunk and disorderly as possible and hopefully at the end of it – when phones, wallets, handbags and innocence have all been lost – they’ll be able to refer to their dorms and university as home.

But then, of course, it gets complicated.

Without the returning students organizing and taking part in the welcoming of these new guys, taking them around Newcastle, showing them where to go, where not to go, where to eat, where to drink, where to, y’know, buy books and stuff, Welcome Week would be no more than Lost People Week - and who wants to be a part of that (apart from maybe the orienteering club)?

Coming to university is a daunting prospect. There are massive changes going on in the lives of the people who have opted to move and study here, but this week, where they find out that they aren’t the only ones going through such things, makes it all a little bit easier. With the guidance of the Welcome Team, the noobs get to figure through the changes themselves. They get a taste of what university life is like (vodka at night, bile in the morning), they get to meet the people who they’ll be spending at least three years with, and they get to make drunken fools out of themselves in front of other people who are doing exactly the same thing.

Welcome Week, like the first time you see Star Wars or the first time you play Uncharted, is special because it happens only once. Why sully the memories (or lack of ) of an awesome week by trying to do it all over again?

And remember, if y’all want to get drunk and party then there’s always next week, and the week after, and the week after, and the...

By Callum Gibson

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FEATURES Academic Advice

Acdemic Advice Academic Problems Large or Small, Our Kim can fix them all!

Kim Buffery is your Education Caseworker, ensuring you are always well represented within academic issues.

Dear Kim,

Dear Kim,

At the weekend, a couple of us set off the fire alarms in Halls for a bit of a laugh. We were all told to leave the building while it was checked out and safe for us to return. My friend says that someone has reported him to the Halls Manager. What will happen if the Halls Manager finds out I was involved? I don’t want to get thrown out of Halls.

I was a Halls Rep last year which I really enjoyed.

As I will be living in Halls next year, I wondered if I could stay on as the Halls rep.

Chelsea Dear Chelsea, In short - it is better to come clean with your Halls Manager rather than an investigation take place.

It isn’t a good idea to state that you set off the alarms for a laugh because the University views this kind of incident very seriously. You are likely to receive a fine for a first time but for any subsequent occasions the penalty could be more severe and on a 2nd offence they’d consider throwing you out of halls. You must always ensure that you respect other students while living in University accommodation and try to avoid any behaviour that could result in disciplinary proceedings. Get in touch if you would like to talk about this.

Kim x

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Wang Ming Dear Wang I am really pleased that you enjoyed your time as Halls Rep. We are developing the scheme this year so that Reps have maximum impact and a positive experience. Collect your Nomination Pack from The Base Info Desk from Monday September 19th or download from www.mynsu.co.uk. Good luck!

Kim x

If you have an academic problem... you would like to discuss with me just shoot an email to su.advice@ northumbria.ac.uk and I will be back in touch with you within 48 hours. Alternatively pop to the base information desk on the ground floor and the staff will arrange a good meeting time for us.

If you have a problem you wish to see in these pages just email them to su.problems@ northumbria.ac.uk and you could win a packet of Chewits.

Discuss -

FEATURES Discuss - Phone Hacking Scandal

PHONE HACKING SCANDAL Many of you - OK jokes aside - some of you, may have been wondering about the ‘phone hacking scandal.’ Why was it that as soon as the story came to light all other news seemed to disappear off the radar. Why was it that as soon as the media came under attack, it was the media itself who pushed the whole thing forward, who brought it all to our attention, who filled us in on every gruesome detail of the story.

Surely other newspapers and news shows should have been keeping the whole thing hush hush. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone and all that.

Well, to work out why the Murdoch empire seemed to have so many ‘enemies’ we don’t have to look far.

Once upon a time, not that long ago Murdoch was the most powerful PR machine in the UK and across other parts of the world. Take that episode of the Simpsons, where Bart and Homer meet Murdoch in his viewing box at the Superbowl, Murdoch has the players form themselves into an eagle eye view of ‘HI RUPERT!’, remember? This is a comedic example of the very real power and influence of Murdoch, who even owns FOX itself.

Before the scandal, the Murdoch empire influenced much of day to day life in Britain. There hasn’t been an election won in this fair country for decades that didn’t have the full backing of the Murdoch press.

So is it as simple as saying that perhaps other media tycoons were jealous? That they couldn’t wait to bring Murdoch and his empire down? Perhaps.

Some would argue that yes, the ‘non-Murdoch’ press in Great Britain felt somewhat stifled by the enormous media empire of Murdoch.

However the media circus that was created around the phone hacking scandal that brought Murdock’s name into disrepute has got something to do with politics. For decades politicians have had to court Murdoch and his cronies in order to successfully win the hearts and minds of the British public.

For example, the Sun newspaper switched from supporting Labour in 2010 to Conservative in the run up to the election. David Cameron was later spotted unashamedly cracking open the bubbly on the day the announcement was made.

You see Cameron was sure that with the support of the highest selling newspaper in the UK he would win the election, he may as well have moved into number 10 then and there.

So when the phone hacking scandal broke in July, politicians and the non-Murdoch press rejoiced, delighted and celebrated their impending freedom from the media giant that had had them all tied up for decades. The real message, is that with all power comes responsibility, and accountability and even the most powerful cannot escape that fact.

By Errin Kerr

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GET INVOLVED Volunteer Northumbria

mbria teer Northu n lu o V to e uid t the facts The 5 W’s G now find ou n e re g e th h our 5 W’s You’ve seen umbria wit h rt o nteering...

N r e te n munity volu m co s behind Volu g in e into all th crash cours What? Volunteer Northumbria is NSU’s community volunteering program - which means we’re all about helping students to get out and about in Newcastle to do a bit of good. We’ve run projects like charity fashion shows, drama workshops for children and even speed dating for people with a learning disability! Whatever you want to achieve in the Toon, we can help.

Who?

We’re run by volunteers, for volunteers – so there’s always new ways to get involved. You can take charge as a Project Leader and coordinate your own project, or you can just get stuck in as a Community Volunteer to build your skills. If you really want to be the boss, why not look at our Ambassador roles and have your say in the Volunteer Northumbria committee?

How? If you’re ready to get stuck in with some community volunteering, there’s plenty of ways to get started. Watch out for ads around the Students’ Union, have a chat with a Base Info Desk Assistant, join the ‘Volunteer Northumbria’ Facebook group, or check out our website at www.mynsu.co.uk/vn

What will you do?

If you like what you’re reading, it’s never been easier to start your own volunteering project with Volunteer Northumbria. Just follow these four easy steps...

(1)

When?

We’ve got one-off events, ongoing projects and even a Give It A Go session or two, so whatever your time commitment, we’ll have something to suit you. Make sure you keep your eye out for February too – it’s Volunteering Week!

Where? Our projects take us all over Newcastle, and often let us work with other charities and organisations.

Last year we ran projects with the BBC, the Alzheimer’s Society, Gateshead Council, Foster a Future and Orange Rockcorps - to name just a few!

Why? You can build fantastic new skills and experiences to flaunt at job interviews, meet loads of new friends, earn fantastic rewards like free gig tickets, help your favourite charity, have a bit of fun - and of course, get that warm fuzzy feeling that you’re making a difference!

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(2) (3)

(4)

Pop along to the Base Info Desk and pick up a New Project form.

Fill it out and get four of your friends to sign it too.

Hand in your form to get the okay from your VP Activities and Development, Andrew.

Have your first meeting to receive everything you’ll need - and then get going!

Volunteer project... Done!

GETINVOLVED Garden Makeover Project

Garden Makeover Project Wednesday the 3rd of August marked the end of Volunteer Northumbria’s summer Garden Makeover Project, which ran for 7 weeks, involved 10 volunteers and transformed fifteen gardens in the Heaton area. To celebrate the end of the project staff and Saabs were invited to come along and get their hands dirty.

Despite many staff being on holiday or simply too busy preparing for the coming year, turnout was good with as many staff as volunteers. Project leader Trent Cannon feels that due to the emphasis given to large annual volunteer projects like RAG and Welcome Week, events like this need all the exposure they can get. Trent believes passionately that: “it’s really important for staff to come out and see what the volunteers are doing first hand, because I think so many people forget that the heart of the union is its volunteers.”

As well as getting the staff involved, the Garden Makeover Project has been making waves with the city council. Before giving a presentation on the project to the city council, project leader Trent Cannon and Volunteer Coordinator Stacy Hoare realised that the councillors had a very negative perception of students, blaming them for not maintaining their properties despite the fact that it is usually landlords and not students who are responsible for maintaining gardens, especially as students rarely have access to garden equipment.

Not only did the volunteers get a round of applause from the council after explaining their project, the properties targeted (including rental properties leased by members of the community or left empty, as well as student houses) proved that students are the solution to and not the sole cause of the problem.

The Garden Makeover Project is now over but with offers of funding already coming in for environmental projects stay tuned for plenty of similar projects in the coming year.

By Kate Taylor

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Here are some highlights from Welcome Week 2010.

Each month keep an eye out for yourself and if you have the eyes on your picture then you have won a prize! Come and collect a free packet of chewits from my office (Holly Seabrook) on the first floor of the SU! Photography by Steven Chester. nu:life 21

LIGHT RELIEF WriSoc Serial - Part 1

WriSoc Serial [part 1]

The first day of second year and I was already late.

How? This time last year I’d been early for my first class, colour coordinated stationary clutched in my nervous first year hands. Of course I’d mellowed out considerably since then, to the point where I’d woken up half an hour ago on friend’s sofa, clutching a bottle of tequila. So yeah, mystery solved.

Finally it was over and people got up to leave.

I saw the last few students trickling through the door to my lecture room, including a Goth girl I vaguely recognised. I followed them, congratulating myself on being on time. My thoughts were cut short when the lecturer came in.

He wasn’t one of my usual lecturers and I was willing to bet he wasn’t one of my new ones either. Accuse me of generalisations all you want, but history lecturers have a definite look to them. This lecture didn’t look like any history teacher I’d ever seen.

Firstly he was wearing an honest to god suit, the black and white so stark it hurt my eyes. Secondly his coal black hair was receding into a widow’s peak that was a cape away from turning him into a Hammer Horror Dracula. Lastly he was surrounded by an aura of inescapable menace which made my stomach twist nervously every time I looked at him.

Murmuring flowed through the room like a tide.

This wasn’t my lecture. I was absolutely sure of it. But at some point a group of latecomers had come in and sat down, blocking me in. If I left they’d have to stand up and the lecturer would see me. And somehow I knew without knowing that I did not want the lecturer to see me.

I had no choice to stay through the lecture. Some of it was in Latin, other bits in what sounded like Greek, but most of it in a strange dialect which was rasping and sharp at the same time and made my ears and head ache. The goth girl had wound up in the row in front of me and I could see her doodling strange symbols into the margins of her notes. At least I assume she was doodling but the way etched them with care in between taking what looked like very careful, concise notes suggested otherwise.

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‘Wait!’ The lecturer bellowed. I was more shocked by the fact he’d spoken in English than the volume. Everyone else froze as he continued in a quiet but no less ringing voice. ‘One of you has come without being asked.’

‘You!’ The lecturer roared, pointing straight at me.

‘Me?’ the goth girl asked.

‘No,’ the lecturer glowered. ‘Behind you. Alexandra Prior.’

Holy crap. That was me. I sank as low as I could into my seat as, as one, every student in the room turned to look straight at me.

LIGHT RELIEF The Agony Aunt Team

The AA Team Amy & Anna To the rescue

Dear AA Team!

“I am a continuing student at Northumbria and really enjoy my course. I got a first for the past year and even though that’s really good I am worrying that I have no work experience for when I graduate next year and that I won’ t get a job, can you help?”

Love Katy Hi Katy It is quite common to focus fully on our degree whilst at university and forget about our CV’s. Unfortunately in this current economic climate it’s proving by the number of graduates out of work that it is essential to have some other work/volunteer work to put down on our CV. This is not a problem for you though as you have plenty of time to volunteer and it is very easy for you to access through Northumbria. Volunteer Northumbria has varying opportunities for students to get involved, to find out more information head to www.mynsu.co.uk/vn alternatively you can always pop into the careers office and they will be happy to help to find you the perfect paid or unpaid work.

Hope that helps Anna & Amy x

Dear AA Team “I have just started at Northumbria and I am really worried as it is the first time I have been away from home. None of my friends are moving to Newcastle and I am really anxious about meeting new people.

I am scared I won’t make any friends and it will ruin my fresher experience.”

From Pete.

Hi Pete!

Many people are in the same boat as you when starting at uni so don’t panic. During Welcome week, the union put on many different events and activities in order to help you meet new people and make friends such as a hypnotist show, UV party and silent disco on an evening as well as Give it a Go activities during the day such as footie tours, pool competition and pole dancing for the ladies.

If you are in halls get to know your flatmates over a cup of tea and invite the other flats near you to join maximising your total number of friends and fun! Just relaxing and take things as they come and enjoy the best week of your life!

Anna & Amy x

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LIGHT RELIEF Erasmus

Erasmus You’re probably reading this while sitting in a hungover heap somewhere in the SU still trying to scrub the permanent marker and UV paint off yourself left from Fresher’s, right..? PERFECT. Now that you’ve had a taste of what university can offer I’ll let you in on another little secret – ever thought about spending time studying abroad in Europe?

Si, Ja, Oui? Well, read on because now is the time to register interest in having the time of your life…

My European adventure began a few months into my first year when I received an email advertising the chance to spend time studying in Brussels. After Googling where Brussels was, I thought, “Yeah… alright then” and replied. It was only after I received a second email that I found out it was possible to study in a whole host of other European countries.

My eyes lit up when I saw that Spain was an option, Spanish being a language I’d wanted to learn for years. I emailed straight back and that was it, interest… REGISTERED. A course change, pestering emails and a few meetings later and I’d been given the place; I was going to be studying at Malaga University for the second semester of my second year. I would be given an Erasmus grant to help with living costs but needed to save up some dolla’ for travelling (and drinking copious amounts of sangria) so spent the breaks working full time until it was time to jet off.

A seemingly endless stream of leaving parties and hangovers later, me and my flatmate were dragging the world’s HUGEST suitcase through the dark streets of Jesmond to make it in time for the first metro to the airport. Fast forward a few hours and I was on the plane to Spain with no idea of what the next few months would have in store…

I’ve been back in England for just over four weeks now after the best six months of my life so far. Words really can’t describe how great this opportunity is and I’d recommend it to EVERYONE. The chance to learn another language in the country it’s spoken, immerse yourself into another way of life with students from all over the world and to actually be given money to help you do so does not come up often, so if you’re reading this and that feeling of excitement is tingling away like it did when I read that first email, get in touch with the study abroad team through this link: www.northumbria.co.uk/ erasmus and begin what could be YOUR European adventure.

Y un momento mas… we’re also working to set up the Northumbria Erasmus Student’s Society for those who are interested in studying abroad, foreign students who are currently doing Erasmus at Northumbria or students who have already taken part in an Erasmus exchange. Think meeting people from all over Europe, the passing on of wisdom and cheap trips around the UK. For more information contact: danni.mustarde@northumbria.ac.uk

By Danni Mustarde

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STUDENT CULTURE Geordie Survival Guide

Geordie

Survival Guide Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its beautiful city, bustling streets and party scene.

So it’s no wonder students from all over the UK choose it for the best years of their lives-university.

Now you have moved into your halls, unpacked your clothes and resumed your favourite teddy’s position on the bed, it’s time to jump in to the fun.

But let me stop you right there, don’t do anything until you’ve read our Geordie Survival Guide.

From the ridiculously cold weather to the equally as ridiculous drunken nights, this guide is all you could ever wish for.

A Geordie slang book-essential if you want to understand a word of what the locals are sayingespecially taxi drivers. Otherwise there’s a good chance you’ll order a taxi for in one hours time and it will come straight away, while you’re still fake tanning your legs and downing your corner shops finest vodka.

Thermal Jacket - I can confidently say, Newcastle’s weather temperatures cannot be compared to that of the Bahamas. In fact, not even that of your flats fridge/freezer. A warm, thick and waterproof jacket would be advisable. Actually, while we’re on the topic, a scarf, hat, thermal socks and gloves would be permitted all year round.

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Taxi Numbers - whether you’re heading out for food or stumbling out of the student union drunk, keep plenty of taxi numbers in your mobile phone.

Keeping safe is the single most important thing and let’s face it, we’re too lazy to walk home - I would much rather be back in time for the Inbetweeners.

List of local services in your first week; make sure you become familiar with the student union, student services, university library, emergency services and your local walk in centre. There is plenty of support on hand for any concerns or issues you may have. Don’t let anything get in the way of you having the best university experience possible.

Wellies - these are definitely recommended if your morning plan doesn’t include sinking in 8 inches of snow. There’s nothing worse than turning up to lessons in the winter, with soaking feet, dripping legs and freezing toes. Also essential, to avoid skiing down the Northumbria University Bridge and ending up flat on your face.

By Lauren Vamplew

STUDENT CULTURE Newcastle In Reality

Newcastle in Reality Newcastle has been in the media quite a lot recently but not for the right reasons with Geordie Shore and the Geordie Finishing School for Girls painting the North East in a bad light.

Drunk and promiscuous behaviour was shown to the masses on Geordie Shore breaking records for MTV and creating outrage throughout the North and a Facebook group entitled “R.I.P Geordie Pride 24/05/2011 10:00pm (Geordie Shore)” with over 30,000 members. Of course the “stars” of the show were often overplayed but it is important to remember that the aims of the programme were to shock - which they succeeded and the complaints only drove the ratings up further.

The “sunkissed” stars were essentially given an unlimited budget to party to their hearts content - an opportunity which many may find difficult to turn down, however when a camera crew is following you round most people would probably tone down their exploits, unfortunately these people did not.

Some of the most memorable moments included sex, fights and plenty of alcohol in order to “get on it like a car bonnet” but for many people who chose to take it less seriously took it as an opportunity to play eye-spy and see if they spotted any of their friends in the background. Of course, some of the actions displayed were embarrassing but would we have reacted the same if it had been set down south?

BBC3 has recently broadcast The Geordie Finishing School for Girls where Southern Girls learn how to live on the “breadline” AKA Newcastle once again capitalising on a chance to poke full at Newcastle’s infamous dialect. The deliberate choice of the posh southerners shown in contrast to the down to earth northerners was clearly an attempt to provoke a regional divide and to heighten stereotypes further.

Both of the programmes were specifically designed to outrage the Geordie community but the public complaints have shown that the majority of Geordie culture wishes to distance themselves from the TV wannabes and have not let these two shows cloud their Geordie Pride which is a true testament to the faith of the people within our area.

Although, the programmes succeeded in their attempts to offend, it is clear that they were extreme larger than life characters and do not represent everybody from the North, anybody would be foolish to think otherwise which allowed me to enjoy the programme for what it what intended to be.

Entertainment. Bosh!

By Michael Potter

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STUDENT CULTURE Your North East Check List

Your North East Culture

CHECK LIST

You are new to the city but you to truly become one of us there are certain attractions in the North East that you must visit. From the traditional streets of Beamish to Antony Gormley’s sculptures there is a diverse range of things to see and do. Here is a list to get you started: BEAMISH (Main background image) Beamish is a living museum devoted to telling the history of the people fo the North East during the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras. Every school child has been here more times than they care to mention but each and every time any protests are muttered half-heartedly. It is a very fun place to visit. The museum takes itself very seriously there have a large cast of staff who will inform and entertain you. Highlights include the sweet shop where you can see the sweets being made fresh from the oven - It is a smell that you will never forget. The museum now also boasts a traditional coal fired Fish and Chip shop which is a must try.

Price: Student ticket £13, this will grant you entry for an entire year so you can come back as many times as you like.

The 28 bus from Eldon Square, aka ‘The Waggonway’, will take you directly to the door and if you show you bus ticket on paying entry you will even get a further 25% discount.

Not social enough for you? Keep an eye out for One Planet trips with the union during the year.

CASTLES, CASTLES AND MORE CASTLES There is a silly amount of Castles for you to visit. In total you are talking somewhere near 120+ and that is not including ruins. In a region that has traditionally been at war with Scotland this is no surprise. But the North East’s history goes back further

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than this even with us enduring invasions by everyone and their mothers at various points in history. As such we have lots of castles. There are too many to mention here but particular highlights include Alnwick Castke (Where Harry Potter was filmed), Bamburgh Castle and Durham castle.

Price: Some are free, some charge. There are generally trips to the bigger places throughout the year.

ART The culture scene in the North East is a strong and vibrant one. As such we have many art galleries. depending on how far you are able to travel will shape how much you get to experience. Right on your door step in Newcastle there is the Laing Art Gallery and the BALTIC. Moving out there are many more including the MIMA in Middlesbrough and The Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead. Ultimately there is something to meet all tastes if you look hard enough. There is even some Prehistoric Rock carvings in Northumbrtland National Park if you tastes run a couple of million years behind.

Price: Both the Laing and the Baltic are free. Other places do vary.

STUDENT CULTURE Your North East Check List

MUSEUMS We had to give Beamish its own section because it is a local institution but that does not mean it the only museum in the area. In the city centre you have the Hancock museum. I only have to really say one thing about the Hancock to make you interested: Life Size T-Rex skeleton. They also have a whole bunch of interesting exhibits covering a large range of topics.

ANGEL OF THE NORTH Built from 200 tonnes of steel the Angel of the North is one of most viewed public sculptures in the world. It is seen by 33 million people every year, quite a few of who will pull over for a close up view. Designed by Antony Gormley is a one of the most reconisable symbols of the North East.

There is also Segedunum Roman Fort. Segedunum was a gateway on Hadrian’s Wall and protectd the frontier for close to 300 years holding close to 600 soldiers. Today it is one of the longest running archaeological digs. Even today you might find something hidden beneath the ground while you are there. It is worth going on an event day as they do not stick to Roman soldiers here with Civil War re-enactments and Gladiator Schools peppered with other history events throughout the year. Not content with just the one Roman museum there is also Arbeia Roman Fort at the mouth of the Tyne as well.

HADRIAN’S WALL Hadrian’s Wall is quite possibly one of the North Easts most famous landmarks. Sadly today not a lot of it remains, especially in the city it self. Within walking distance of the city centre you can find the Temple of Antenociticus in Benwell, Antenociticus was a British God most likely worshiped in secret by soldiers on the wall. If you go out futher there are regular walks held going across the more intact portions.

Price: A lot of museums are free in the North East, specifically the Hancock, but if you decide one of the more specialised attractions such as Segedumum or the Life centre there is generally a cost. Check websites for prices.

There is a lot to see and do in the North East. As you are here for a couple of years you have plenty of time to experience it all!

By Peter Kerr

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STUDENT CULTURE Fashion & Beauty

Fashion

&Beauty So that time of year is back again, we’ve pretty much had summer and the dull days will start to come back around. As rubbish as that is, it does mean it’s a new fashion season full of fresh new trends to snap up.

With Fashion Week just around the corner, Autumn/Winter 2011 is set to be a big one in the industry, so here are just a few looks to get you started this new uni year.

The Autumn/Winter catwalks were soaked with colour, proving we don’t have to dress as bleakly as the weather. Moving on from Spring/Summers huge colour blocking trend, it’s time to branch out, be brave and embrace the top-to-toe brights. Look at the warmer colour palette of reds, oranges and yellows to take you from casual day wear to night time glamour. Designers such as Mui Mui and Dior have taken a leap into using intense golden tones, but for a more purse friendly option for us students, check out Monsoon, Topshop and Primark for some amazing statement pieces, including shirts, skirts and stockings! Another beautiful colour popping up all over the place this season is deep greens and emerald shades. It’s a flattering tint that dazzles against every skin tone making it a perfect staple colour for absolutely everyone. Marc Jacobs and Gucci are already serving up some fresh styles in this statement colour but check out Dorothy Perkins and Topshop for some amazing silk pieces at very reasonable prices.

In terms of styling, it’s back to the forties for us girls!

Longer hemlines and higher necklines may not sound like typical party wear for us students, but trust me, fashion is bringing back that Hollywood glamour that never goes out of style. Retro styles are always around, but this time, it’s the classic ladylike vintage looks that are really standing out. Wear high waisted, knee length skirts with a thin waist cinching belt and a prim cap sleeved top and closed collar.

Add a bow for the extra style points. Wherever you go, and whatever you do, this look will be an instant winner.

As for the boys, I haven’t forgotten about you. You’re also looking at using colour in a big way and jackets are the first port of call. Don’t be shy about standing out, whether it be a tailored jacket in a classic style or a Harrington style jacket with a kooky pattern on it, a blast of colour will make sure you stay ahead by starting the new term with a bang.

By Carly Brown

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STUDENT CULTURE Gig Goers

THE BLACK SPIDERS The majority of my time at the Black Spiders performance at the O2 Academy, Newcastle was spent envying the people at the front of the show.

Admittedly, I tried to be cool by not joining in with the chants, the salutes and the pits and just sat with a beer at the back of the room. Prior to the gig I had very little Black Spiders experience to go on. Youtube searches and pathetic dated laptop speakers didn’t really help.

The best thing about a Black Spiders song is the power behind it. Most songs being a mish mash of power chords, wah lead guitar and lyrics about women and booze. Without being at a live show or having the aid of a good set of speakers, a Black Spiders track loses its edge. The songs genuinely sounded better at higher volume.

The boys of the Black Spiders still made the show worth watching and took every opportunity to get the crowd involved with the show. Each member was buzzing with energy.

Some would argue that the Spiders lack originality and embody too many cliches to be taken seriously.

Who cares!? not I, and not the Black Spiders. With song titles such as ‘Kiss Tried to Kill me’ the Spiders are not paving the way a new genre of music, they play Metal, dam good Viking themed Metal to a crowd of young and old Metalheads. http://www.theblackspiders.com

By Patrick Walsh

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BOSS SOUNDS SKA & REGGAE FESTIVAL 2011 starring THE LEE THOMPSON SKA ORCHESTRA, DENNIS ALCAPONE, DAWN PENN, OWEN GREY, WINSTON FRANCIS, WINSTON REEDY & THE DUB CATS

University of Northumbria 29th October (6pm-midnight) Tickets £17.50* from Ticketline 0191 2274757 0870 2643333 www.seetickets.com *includes entry to After Show party: Ska’d For Life vs Pangea Sound System in Reds Bar, University of Northumbria 123AM

One of the UK’s greatest festivals of ska and reggae Boss Sounds returns to NewcastleGateshead on the 29th October when Madness great’s Lee Thompson and Mark Bedford will join a host of Jamaica’s finest including Dennis Alcapone, Dawn Penn and Winston Francis and Owen Grey at the University of Northumbria.

Dennis Alcapone is one of reggae musics originators, one of the first artists to “toast” or rap over songs he was a major influence on the US hip hop scene who copied his trademark style of talking over records.

Owen Grey is one of the few original ska artists still performing live, Owen was Jamaica’s first pop stars and the first Jamaican artists recorded by a young Chris Blackwell later the owner of Island Records.

This year’s festival promises to be one of the best yet bringing together great’s from the 2 Tone era with many of ska and reggae’s seminal recording artists.

Ska music is certainly centre stage at this years Boss Sounds which will appeal to fans of Madness and the Specials as well as lovers of rock-steady, roots and dancehall styles. Tickets are on sale now at outlets across the city for what promises to be one of the reggae highlights of the year when music fans from across Europe.

STUDENT CULTURE September Flicks

SEPTEMBER FLICKS FRESHER’S MOVIES Once again the summer (what little summer our indifferently grey country could muster) is over. September is upon us. A new school year, A new group of fresher’s, A new... the list goes on. But one thing that remains as constant as the heavy clouds that hung over each of my planned barbecues this year is your local cinema.

You should pay it a little visit and get reacquainted with the dark, the smell of popcorn, and the chattering kids that always manage to find the set just behind yours. Here’s what you should see:

Cowboys & Aliens (12A, August 19th)

I’ve made no secret of the fact that I have a big ol’ soft spot for westerns, and with the resurgence of the genre comes this offering from Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Swingers). It’s Indiana Jones versus James Bond versus the scum of the universe in a flick that nods seriously both to oat operas and such sci-fi fare as Independence Day and, of course, Aliens.

When Daniel Craig wakes up in a strange town, with a strange contraption on his wrist, and a strange bought of memory loss, he’s got a feeling that things are about to get...strange. And he’s right. With deep characters, a nuanced look to how the white man, with his superior technology, treat the native Americans, blockbuster effects that will turn your knuckles white, and Olivia Wilde running around in a nice white blouse, what’s not to like?

G-Stars: 4.5

Conan the Barbarian

(TBC, August 26th) Marcus Nispel (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2003) was brought in to direct this Arnie-less offering when Brett Ratner was too busy making Beverly Hills Cop IV (I know!). Anyway, the flick promises to be closer to the source material of Robert E. Howard’s book, packed with 3D special effects, and action that will get your heart racing.

That’s what they’re saying, at least, but with the 3D being added in post-production we’ll just have to wait and see. It could go either way, but here’s hoping it’s less Clash of the Titans and more, well... good. G-stars: 3

Insidious

(15, September 12th, Blu-ray/DVD) A few months ago this movie hit the cinemas and scared the pants off of anyone that saw it. Full of slow-mounting tension, old-school scares, and with an ending that’s as bravely original as it is satisfying, Insidious came out of nowhere and refused to leave.

And here it is, back again. Buy it, turn out the lights, draw the curtains, and prepare to not sleep for the rest of the week. Easily the best horror flick of the last year. G-stars: 5 nu:life 33

By Callum Gibson

TN Netball

NETBALL North East netball fans are celebrating a major victory after iNorthumbria University was granted a new four-year licence to compete in the Fiat Netball Superleague ahead of the 2012 season.

Earlier this year England Netball issued an open invitation to existing and future franchises to apply for FNSL licences. It was also announced that the nine-team competition would be reduced to eight from January.

Northumbria, who host Team Northumbria NSL fixtures at the £30m Sport Central venue in the heart of Newcastle, had been confident of retaining its presence within English netball’s top flight.

England Netball’s decision to include Tracey Neville’s TN squad in the 2012 FNSL competition is just reward for a bid team that worked around the clock to secure the franchise’s future.

“I think the award of a new FNSL licence reflects the strength of our bid and the fact that we provide the perfect platform for the development of netball in the North East,” said Northumbria University’s Performance Sport Manager Cathy Rooney.

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“Sport Central is one of the finest facilities in the country and is the natural home for televised games live on Sky Sports. In addition the University’s School of Life Sciences offers unrivalled support to our athletes in terms of providing strength and conditioning support, nutritional advice and sports science expertise.

“We have a track record of developing local young players and creating a pathway for them to progress from the NTL development squad through to the full FNSL roster.

“With the franchise now secure, we look forwards to building on our already strong foundations and providing some of the very best netballing opportunities in the country.”

Glasgow Wildcats and a fledgling Birmingham consortium missed out on a new licence after 10 franchises applied for one of the eight available berths.

England Netball chairman, Cheryl Danson said “England Netball is delighted to announce the eight franchises that we believe will support the England Netball performance objective of becoming number one in the world.

“It is regrettable that Glasgow Wildcats lose their place in the competition, and that the Birmingham based application missed out on the final eight; however, we wish all successful franchises the best of luck for the 2012 season and beyond.”

Participation levels of netball are rocketing with over 140,000 girls and women playing every week in England. The FIAT Netball Superleague will play an essential role in ensuring the player performance pathway leads to a competitive, elite structure at the very top of the game.

Chief Executive, Paul Clark added “After an intensive application and review process, England Netball firmly believes that we have the right franchises to lead us forward.

“England Netball is committed to working alongside all franchises to develop the game, the competition and most importantly the development of the athletes, who are the present and the future of the England National team.”

The eight teams will be awarded four year agreements with a review after two seasons. This review will be against set criteria within each individual franchise’s development plan.

Superleague General Manager, Andy Crook said “This is a pivotal moment in the competition. In conjunction with England Netball, all franchises will undergo a period of development and we can now move full steam ahead with other, exciting initiatives that are being put in place to ensure that Superleague 2012 is the best yet.

“To start this process, fixtures for the first stages of the league will be announced in the next couple of weeks.”

The season gets underway on the weekend of January 21st and will conclude with the Grand Final Weekend on May 19th and 20th.

By Simon Rushworth

Sport Central is one of the finest facilities in the country and is the natural home for televised games live on Sky Sports... nu:life 35

TN Football

FOOTBALL Team Northumbria boss Paul Johnson issued a rallying cry to his team ahead of the new season - stating his belief that last season’s league cup winners can clinch the league title.

“It also means I can leave some of the students out of the Northern League games and allow them to focus on BUCS competition. But having students as part of the Non-League squad is always great.”

Without an injury-ravaged start to last season’s campaign, Johnson’s men may well have been celebrating promotion to the Northern League’s First Division back in May.

There have only been a handful of additions in terms of transfers but Johnson is excited to see them in action nonetheless.

But he insists that this season the TN boys can mount a successful challenge to take top spot and is confident in his team’s ability.

“If it wasn’t for the injuries at the start of last season - I think we had 11 of our first team out - we could have been challenging for first and second place,” said Johnson.

“Peter Watlan joins from the University team and he got plenty of goals for them,” he added.

“We have signed Lee Scott, our top scorer from last season, on a permanent deal so I am looking forward to the goals those two will get between them.

“There is also a young lad we have brought in from Lincoln called Aaron Brookbanks.

“We comfortably beat the eventual winners Newton Aycliffe 4-0 at the end of last season so we’ve shown we can compete.

“He has come back from an injury and in pre-season he’s played down the left-flank and up front. He looks a fantastic talent.

“Hopefully we can manage the players better this season and avoid the injuries that hampered us at the start of last season.”

“He’s a first year student so hopefully we can get three great years out of him.”

Johnson has increased the size of the TN squad in an effort to combat any injuries and ensure a strong promotion push.

After a good pre-season, which Johnson admits is not his favourite time of year, TN are up and running in the second division of the Northern League.

“You need your entire squad to win this league, you can’t just rely on the same 11 players each week,” he added.

And Johnson is glad the phoney was over for another year.

36 nu:life

“Pre-season does my head in to be fair,” he added.

“I think people make too much of it, you’re not working towards an end product like a game on a Saturday, and sometimes it becomes a long, drawnout affair.

“Perhaps I should see if the University would pay for us to go on a three-week holiday like Manchester United!

Johnson’s side crowned last season with a penalty shoot-out victory over Chester-Le-Street in the final of the Earnest Armstrong Memorial Cup, after finishing 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes.

A continuation of strong cup performances and bigmatch victories are what the TN boss is most looking forward to.

“Obviously we want to retain the trophy we won last season, and we hope we can do that,” added Johnson.

“We want to go one better this season in the League Cup and reach the semi-finals.

“West Allotment Celtic is our big derby and I love those games. They knocked us out of the Senior Cup last season, so I obviously want to beat them.

“If you look at teams like North Shields, Hebburn and Whickham, they are building teams to win the title, and I see them as teams I have to beat.”

Johnson added that he may still look to add to his squad during the season, as there are a couple of players he would still like to bring in.

“The guys know I am interested in them, so if things don’t work out at their current clubs then they can give me a call,” he said.

“With very few players being contracted, it obviously makes it easier to bring players in, as I do not need to be concerned with what transfer fees we may be dishing out.”

With promising performances towards the end of last season, Johnson is rightly optimistic about his side’s chances this campaign.

“I am confident in my team and don’t expect to lose,” he said.

“If we can avoid injuries and suspensions, hopefully we will be champions come May next year”.

By Jamie Durent

nu:life 37

Want to be a

SPORTS WRITER?

Sport is a huge part of Northumbria University life and there’s a chance to be at the heart of the action - without ever breaking sweat!

The groundbreaking Team Northumbria Media Team is dedicated to delivering all the big match verdicts and exclusive features.

Simon mentors Northumbria students throughout the year - guiding many towards their dream job within journalism.

We report on BUCS action and National League clashes. And our words of wisdom appear everywhere from the glossy pages of NU:Life to the local media.

Former Media Team students include Dan Warburton (2011 Young Journalist of the Year and Chief Reporter on The Journal and Evening Chronicle) and Andy Fowler (currently learning his trade with NCJMedia in Newcastle).

Heading the team is veteran journalist Simon Rushworth – once described by the late, great Sir Bobby Robson as the Ernest Hemingway of the North East press pack!

Simon’s non-nonsense approach caused Sir Alex Ferguson to sever all communication with the written press - a self-imposed wall of silence he still hides behind today.

And the man who now pens weekly basketball columns for national heavyweights The Times and the Daily Star has grappled with Alan Shearer, Roy Keane and Joey Barton over the years.

Members of last year’s Media Team produced acclaimed films for Newcastle Eagles and Team Northumbria.

And the door is wide open to budding sports reporters across the campus.

If you fancy following in the footsteps of some of the brightest writing talent in the UK - and learning from a journalist with experience of covering international events across the globe then NOW is the time to get involved.

Email Simon Rushworth at simon@rushonrock.com or wander along to the Go:Café opposite Sport Central’s main entrance from 10.30am on a Monday.

More often than not you’ll see Simon and his team chewing the sporting fat and planning that week’s big exclusives.

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