Issue No.12 2010
FREE to a good home
The official voice of Northumbria Students’ Union www.mynsu.co.uk
OCTOBER MADNESS Your Union, Your University, Your Magazine!!! Fearne Cotton on “getting down and dirty with the fresher’s” Your President speaks out over the Browne Review Halloween festivities!!!
SAVE ELECTRICITY. Flick the switch when you are not in the room.
IONS? CAN YOU LOWER YOUR EMISS
the hall We have set a challenge for footprint. bon car ir residents to lower the nce to win a To take part and have a cha 00 log on to: party for your hall worth ÂŁ10
K .U O .C F F O S T H IG .L W W W Printed on recycled paper.
contents
NSU NEWS Editors Words & Contents 3 Sabb Banter 4-5 Union News 6 Oh! What’s Occurring? 7 Fresher’s Experiences 8 Goat vs. IPod 8 Hot or Not: Northumbria 9
EDITORS WORDS Hey guys, This month the mag is crammed with everything happening in Northumbria Students’ Union, from Mark Ronson to the Pole Dancing society. I got to interview Ferne cotton and find out what she really thinks of students and how excited she was to be coming to our Students’ Union. Your President Adam White reveals all about the recently released Browne Review and how it will affect us as an institution proving that we really do need to get our bums down to London on the 10th of November to campaign against the Education Cuts as it really will affect us. ‘We will march!!!’ It’s also rammed with cocktail ideas for Halloween as well as spooky stories from the amazing city we live in, so hopefully there’s something in here for us all. Enjoy Love Holly xxx
FEATURES Page of Praise 10 Halloween Madness 11 - 13 Browne Review - Our President’s Thoughts - 14 GET INVOLVED Northumbria On The march! 15 Rich’lll Fix It!! 17 How to: Halloween 19 LIGHT RELIEF Freshers Week Spotted 20 - 21 Horoscopes 22 Lauren West Knows Best 23 Voters Writes 25 STUDENT CULTURE Hot Topic: Cheats vs. Wags 26 - 27 Scary Flicks Review 29 Reviews 31 Fearne Cotton Dishes The Dirt 32 Mark Ronson Gig 33 TEAM NORTHUMBRIA Badminton 34 Basketball 35 New Kid on the Block: Volleyball 36 - 37 Journalism Is Experience 38 Great North Run 39 Contributors
Su news/oh! What’s occurring? Mark Ronson review - Danni Mustarde Fresher’s best bits - Jordan heath Goat vs. IPod - Fergus Mckie Hot or Not - Natalia Sawran-Smith Halloween Madness - Kate Taylor, Peter Kerr and Martyn Armstrong Northumbria on the March - Vincent Kinchley and Adam White How to: Halloween - Becky Robson and Ellie Rider Horoscopes - Erinn Kerr Lauren West Knows best - Lauren West Voters write - Trent Cannon and the Writers Society Hot topic - Emma Oakley and anonymous Scary Flicks - Callum Gibson Reviews - Jack Martin and Mikey Murray Fearne Cotton - Ellie Rider, Michael Potter and Katrina Georgiades Team Northumbria - Simon Rushworth and Tom Williams Special thanks to Richard Buckley for ‘Rich’ll fix it’.
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NSU NEWS Sabb Banter
Your Sabbatical Team 2010/2011... You may have seen the Sabbaticals around and wondered what they’re really up to, so now they’re going to tell you exactly what they’ve been doing and answer that ever daunting question... trick or treat?
Adam White President My role: I am the figure head of the Students’ Union, representing Northumbria students to the University, the NUS and wider community. I also oversee the motley crew that is the Sabb Team. What is your Highlight of this month? Seeing a team of dedicated student volunteers become keen activists, raising thousands of pounds to take students to the national demo in London campaigning against a hike in Tuition fees and Cuts to Higher Education funding. Thanks for everything guys. What is your funniest memory of welcome week? It has to be seeing Becky slapped in the face with a wet trout on the last night (sorry Bex) How have you made a difference for the students this month? Hopefully our support for the demo nationally and our lobbying of MPs locally will make a difference for thousands of current and future students when Parliament votes whether or not to increase tuition fees. Trick or Treat? Ooo tricky one (get it?) Treat obviously a.white@ northumbria.ac.uk
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Holly Seabrook Vice - President Communications & Involvement My role: Ensuring that you all know what’s going on as best as possible through the mediums of TV and the wonderful nu:life. What is your Highlight of this month? I’m not gonna lie there has been loads, getting back the first copy of nu:life then getting them on the website too, but my best thing was watching the media team during Welcome Week produce some amazing videos that truly captured the best welcome week ever. Oh and interviewing Fearne Cotton.... Wowo!! What is your funniest memory of welcome week? Watching back the footage from inside the Northumbria diary room shed, you fresher’s have no shame :D How have you made a difference for the students this month? NU:TV is really starting to form now and the students involved really will get the best experience to better themselves as producers and filmmakers. Trick or Treat? Hehe, Trick (but don’t loo roll my office) holly.seabrook@ northumbria.ac.uk
NSU NEWS Sabb Banter
Adam Wigley Vice - President Academic Affairs
Becky Warburton Vice - President Activities & Development
Pete Woodward Vice - President Welfare & Equality
My role: I represent Northumbria’s Students by sitting on university boards and committees and by working with the Advice and Representation staff to provide our brilliant Course, School, PGT and PGR Rep systems so that you get the best academic experience possible.
My role: I oversee all the activities that the union has on offer from societies to RAG, to Give It A Go and the Welcome Team, making sure that there is something for all students to get involved in.
My role: Keeping students safe and healthy in many ways, no matter who they are or what their background is
What is your Highlight of this month? Welcome Week was immense but personally I was really happy to meet all the new School Reps. What a beautiful and talented bunch they are! What is your funniest memory of welcome week? ABC (anything but clothes) fancy dress on the first night. Never seen such creative use of binbags, newspapers, magazines and the odd bed sheet before. Brilliant. How have you made a difference for the students this month? Apart from welcome week, my days have been full of induction; meetings with Associate Deans; selecting School and PGT Reps ready for their training with the help of the Advice and Representation Staff as well as the Course Rep Conference which is coming up soon. We’ve also had our first PGR Forum which was great. Trick or Treat? Treat. Why would you want to be tricked? That’s not nice. a.wigley@ northumbria.ac.uk
What is your Highlight of this month? Welcome Week of course! It was the most incredible week with the most amazing team! With those guys involved it looks to be a great year. What is your funniest memory of welcome week? Picking just one moment is too difficult so I would have to say the huge range of fancy dress that we had this year made me smile so much from human pencil cases to Avatars to Dalmatians, the list was endless. How have you made a difference for the students this month? I led the 200 strong Welcome Team who helped over 5000 students settle in to university life, through moving them in, running activities and fairs and being on hand to answer any questions. Trick or Treat? Treat! I have such a sweet tooth. becky.warburton@ northumbria.ac.uk
What is your Highlight of this month? I was really proud at the grand opening of the new SU after so much hard work by everyone. What is your funniest memory of welcome week? A guy telling me that women create semen! They need to repeat sex education How have you made a difference for the students this month? My fire safety DVD was presented to all new students, giving you the vital tips to stay safe! Trick or Treat? Pete loves treats (rhymes and everything!) pete.woodward@ northumbria.ac.uk
To find out more about what your Sabbaticals are up to check out our video blogs at http:// mynsu.northumbria. ac.uk/aboutyourunion/ sabbaticals/blogs
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NSU NEWS SU News
sunews Fresher’s Flu has been and gone; you eventually got that permanent marker masterpiece scrubbed off your forehead and the routine of getting up for lectures has finally sunk in... Congratulations! You’re now a fully fledged Northumbria Student. Looking back over the last month, Welcome Week was a great success, with the biggest group of Welcome team volunteers to date and THE best events line up since Fresher’s began. Not only did we have the classic James Bond, School Disco and UV Rave themes to name just a few but these were also mish-mashed together with performances from some of the top artists in the industry including Pendulum, Professor Green AND Zane Lowe, I think it’s fair to say, the year certainly started with a BOOM BRUV. Another thing which has had great feedback from a load of you is the newly refurbished Student’s Union which as we mentioned in the last issue of NU:Life, really does have it all. Domain’s earned its place as a top live music venue, the base has made getting involved in societies, Give It A Go and everything else the Union has to offer much easier and the bean bags in escape have already become LEGENDARY. If you haven’t already checked out these great facilities, get it on your to do list.
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Looking for accommodation next year?
A calling to all first years, although you might still be feeling the effects of Fresher’s Flu, some eager beavers have already begun looking for housing for next year. Now, although it’s a good idea not to leave it to the last minute and end up camping outside Habita for your second year, moving things too fast can be a bad idea. Although you and your flatmates may get on like an episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. at the moment, after a few months things might change and you might find you’d be better suited sharing with people off your course for example, basically take these words of wisdom and don’t rush into signing any contracts until you know you’re ready to be bffs. So, now that everything’s in full swing education wise the next event since Welcome Week which gives us all an excuse to spend horrendous amounts of money in Magic Box is of course, Halloween and this issue’s doing a bit of a spooky special on the whole shbang, so... get your bed sheets, bin bags and broomsticks out FTW. This one’s going to be a thriller.
NSU NEWS Oh! What’s Occurring?
OH!WHAT’S
OCCURRING? NATIONAL DEMO
You’ve probably seen the posters around Uni advertising the National Demo; however it’s a little bit more than just a chance for students to blag a free trip to the Capital. On the 10th November Students from all over the country will be joining forces to protest in the city where ‘it all goes down’ against cuts in funding for education something which will affect all of us. If they make 20% cuts Northumbria University will lose £14 million pounds each year... not good. Sound like something you want to stand up and fight for? Then get in touch with the Student’s Union for information on how you can contribute, WE WILL MARCH.
POLE DANCING SOCIETY
Northumbria Pole Dancing Society is working with Northern Pole Dance! The new exciting and fun way to make new friends, build confidence and keep fit! Experienced instructors, 10 poles and over 100 members already! Safety is a key aspect so there’ll be no landing on your head! Sign up at the Welcome Desk! Or email the president at Josephine.shaw@northumbria.ac.uk
COURSE REP MEETING
RAG APPLICATIONS If this is your first year and you haven’t really heard about RAG week yet, GET ON IT. RAG stands for Raise and Give and is a week where students are given the chance to dress up and have fun whilst raising money for a bunch of good causes. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, do something positive and it looks great on your CV, it would be rude not to really... get your applications online or at the info desk from Monday the 8th November 2010.
COURSE REP CONFERENCE For all you Course Reps out there, the amazing Course Rep Conference is occurring on the 27th of October. After this date all you Course Reps should be fully trained and ready to tackle the task of making your course mates have the best possible experience during their degree so well done all of you!!!! nu:life 07
NSU NEWS Sabb’s Banter
Fresher’s
Experiences/ Goat vs. IPod
A Fresher’s best bits from Fresher’s week. Jordan Heath tells us his best bits.
I hope you all had an amazing fresher’s. I went to all the events (school disco, silent disco etc) except the UV rave party (what an idiot!!) and I had probably the best time of my life. I was one of the lucky ones not to get ‘Fresher’s Flu’ enabling me to laugh at my unfortunate friends that did.
‘My favourite Fresher’s Moments’ My favourite picture:
I’ve picked a neutral one this time because all the pictures are amazing, this has myriad people in it so See if you can spot yourself in it.
My favourite moment:
Ohhh, it absolutely has to be when I got hypnotised. That was one of the weirdest feelings ever, but one of the best, remember it’s the ‘2nd best feeling in the world’ - Lo Reid ;) For those who don’t know me that were there, I was the one that sang ‘Mercy’ like the woman off X-factor and stripped off down to my boxers, while revealing my favourite Sex position... Thanks, Lo ha-ha. For those who don’t know, being hypnotised kind of feels like being below the level of tired? Think of when you wake up and all you want to do is just put your head back to your pillow, it was like that for the whole session, VERY relaxed.
08 nu:life
Goat vs. IPod
Northumbria society, Student Life proposed a moral dilemma to fresher’s this year. Students were given the opportunity to win a choice between two goats for a family in Africa or one IPod for themselves! Our very own Vice President Becky Warburton drew a winner from over 1000 entries. The winner was 1st year Law Student Jenny Walton and she chose to listen to her conscience rather than the music! So two goats were sent from her to a family in Africa to live happily ever after. Student Life was delighted with the number of students taking part in their competition this year. Member Sean Wood was amazed at some of the responses: “Some people wouldn’t enter because they said they already had too many moral dilemmas of their own. We had a few wanting a goat for themselves too.” Overall, the competition got lots of people thinking deeper into how much they value others and themselves. Student Life are holding lots of events this year ranging from poker nights to paintballing. They also look into the spiritual and moral side of things too, though not always by pushing people to choose between animals and Apple products. Though Student Life is Christian led, you don’t have to be religious to join. To find out more about Student Life visit www. mystudentlife.org.uk or search ‘Student Life Newcastle’ on Facebook.
NEWS Hot! or Not! Newcastle
Hot
We Will March We’ve all heard about the demo... it’s gonna be too hot!!! Halloween Parties The one time of the year you can act and look like a total goon and get away with it (oh and eat ridiculous amounts of sweets). Halloween Fancy Dress The one night you can look like a total Doyle, so come on be a bit more silly and fun, dressing up as something that will make people pee their pants with terror/ laughter is way more fun!! New seasons of all the best TV shows We finally have the Inbetweeners back (with the promise of a feature length film soon), Gossip Girl, 90210, Trueblood and a host of other favorites getting under way, we have lots to keep us amused during cold nights in with looming 9am lectures. Not forgetting the X-Factor live shows commencing (even though it is debatable that Cheryl Cole may actually be blind and deaf) Christmas decorations in shops HELLO! It only got cold about a week ago, we still haven’t unpacked from holidays completely, Halloween isn’t even done with yet and we still have Santa’s face prematurely leering at us down the aisles at Sainsbury. More importantly, who eats rancid old mince pies that they bought in September on Christmas day? Girls dressing like skanks on Halloween “Mean girls” was totally wrong, Halloween is not the one night of the year you can dress like a skank and get away with it, honestly, just look down into the deepest recesses of the Bigg Market the other 364 days to blow that theory wide open. Pushy shop assistants They can either smell the student loans, or there has been a significant increase in the amount of commission
Not
bonuses because it seems today you cannot walk around a shop without being asked a hundred times if you need help. A) If I needed it I would ask. B) I have dressed myself for around 15 years now; I think I have it down.
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FEATURES Page Of Praise
THE MEDIA TEAM Beside the Welcome Team were the Media Team, they helped capture the best moments from the whole week and what an amazing job they did, so a big shout out to them, they have made NU:TV bigger and better and have made the way media is viewed from Northumbria so much better!!! We always have some extra special awards given out to people who are exceptionally great during welcome week so here’s some of them and exactly what they did that made them fab.
THE WELCOME TEAM
TEAM OF THE WEEK - TEAM 8 This team really were fantastic at all the tasks they were given as well as staying upbeat and happy, even when really tired, and never failed to make us smile!
Well what can we say, we had a 250
strong team this year, the best we have ever had and they were all absolutely
TEAM LEADER OF THE WEEK JOSIE SHAW
outstanding. Fresher’s, remember when
Josie was a superb Team Leader who
you moved in, those wonderful people in the colourful red and yellow t-shirts who helped you move in and get involved (and hopefully didn’t drop your stuff) well we think they deserve a big cheer so wooooo!!! Well done all of you the University and the Union are so proud of you all.
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constantly kept her team motivated as well as making sure that they had fun whilst getting the job done, no task was ever too big for her and she really got the best out of her team at all times.
DAVE WRIGHT AWARD OF EXCELLENCE - JO RHODES Jo really stood out this year as outstanding member of the team. Whatever was asked of her she always did with a smile on face whilst keeping her team going and making sure they were ok. She did everything that was required to the best of her ability and was a pleasure to work with.
FEATURES Halloween Madness
THE TRUTH BEHIND
HALL WEEN Black cats, warty witches and skimpy costumes, these are probably what you associate with Halloween. But there’s more to this particular night than drinking and a theme for countless horror films. The term comes from All Hallows Eve, a Christian feast day which itself has roots in the pagan festival Samhain. We managed to find a modern day pagan, who turned out to be neither a warty old hag, crazy nudist or performing ritual sacrifice and who gave us some key insights into the pagan traditions surrounding Samhain. “It’s part of the cyclical route where everything has to die to be reborn. Death is not necessarily seen as a negative thing.” We researched Halloween to see if the pagan
She explained that “Samhain is one of the eight
traditions had anything in common with the
solar festivals which mark the turning points of the
popular tales of ghosts and ghoulies and were
pagan year. Paganism is a nature-based religion
surprised by the attitude our ancestors had to the
and we believe that everything comes in cycles like
dead. People used to set extra places at the dinner
the sun, moon and the seasons.”
table so that the dead might feast with them and in medieval times people would leave candles in their windows on All Hallows Eve to guide the dead on their yearly travels, a tradition carried on in part by the modern jack o’ lantern.
Halloween as we celebrate it seems far from its traditional roots but its interesting to see how it evolved from a religious festival to the excuse for a party we all know and love. We don’t expect our readers to be communing with the dead this year,
When we asked our pagan to expand on this she
although you might look like a zombie the next
said that “Samhain is a time when the barriers
day.
between the material and spiritual worlds are thinner”. She added that while communing with the dead is a big no-no in horror films, some pagans attempt to contact their ancestors or other spirits for spiritual guidance.
But when you’re there, pint in hand, we hope that knowing the roots of Halloween add a bit of spice to your night. So whether you’re viewing it as a time of spiritual dying off or just killing your liver, we hope you have a happy Halloween.
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FEATURES Halloween Madness
Ne wc ast le Now that Halloween is upon us the age old
from press-gangers and an apparition has been
question of ‘do you believe in ghosts’ may crop up
reported to have been seen in the alleyway to the
more-and-more in squabbles. Every city has its
side of the building, dressed in Edwardian clothing.
legends and tales of things that go bump in the
I always thought that those stairs reminded me of
night and Newcastle is no different in that respect,
the Exorcist, especially in winter...
or is it? Most ghost stories I am aware of occur similar more rural areas; so what are the legends
The Newcastle Keep
that haunt our city centre?
The Newcastle Keep has
at stately homes or castles in Northumberland or
several ghostly tales;
The Tyne Theatre
one manifestation is of
Located at the bottom
and the other is of a
of Westgate Road, has
small child at the Black
two reported apparition
Gate, with growling
sightings. A male-said
sounds and further odd
to have been an actor
a 4-foot tall black mass
black shapes having
called Bob Crowther-
been seen, and additional reports have been made
has been seen sitting in
of stones being thrown by an unseen presence;
his favourite seat and
can an ASBO can be given to a manifestation?
legend has it that he was killed by a stage prop that landed on him.
The last reporting has been said to have-been
The other, distraught from being dumped by
endorsed by a local ghost-walk organiser. Though,
her actor boyfriend she hopelessly watched him
I do wonder what reason a ghost would have for
perform one last time. Watching from the gallery
money made from these walks.
she reached out to try and capture a part of him but she leaned too far and fell over the side of the balcony. She has been seen waiting for her lost love around the theatre ever since.
Prior Olaf of Tynemouth Priory Weary from his life of
The Cooperage
pillaging and murder
The next interesting
this Viking raider found
sighting is said to be at
and repented for all the acts he had committed
public house, was
during his life. It is said he still stalks the grounds
that of a man named
of the Priory where he finally found himself at rest.
Henry Harwick, who was murdered when attempting to flee
12 nu:life
his way to the church
the Cooperage (R.I.P.)
FEATURES Halloween Madness
The small man of the moors at Winter’s Gibbet
Signor Rino Pepi and his dog of Darlington Civic Theatre
Two Georgian era gentlemen were hunting on the moorland near here and happened upon
The first managing
a deep stream where they
director of the theatre is said to watch over
decided to stop for lunch. One
the aisles dressed in his evening finery. A dog,
of the two washed his face and started drinking
thought to have been Pepi’s, has also been seen
from the steam when he saw an incredibly short
in the aisles looking for food that has fallen from
man on the opposite bank. The man with “frizzled
visitor’s seats.
red hair, his countenance ferocious and his eyes that he was protector of the animals on that land
The Traitor of Marsden Grotto
and it was his duty to punish any who
A criminal who was
dared hurt them. The hunter apologised.
trying to get a hand
Placated the short man invited the
up on his fellow
Hunter to his house for a meal
smugglers and turned
glowing like those of a bull...” informed the hunter
informing that he was a vegetarian and would tell
them into HM Customs
the hunter how to live as one with nature. The
but was soon found out. However simple hanging
hunter agreed and was about to
was deemed too good for him so he was hung in
follow when his friend called
a shaft to an inch of his life and was left to starve
for him and the small man
to death. It is said he still swings from his perch
vanished. The hunter
waiting for his revenge.
shook his head and let
Why not join in the fun with ‘Give it a go’: Grisly
the small man pass
tales walk organised by the students union. It’s
from his mind like a
a guided tour around Newcastle, revealing witch
dream. The two
stories, murders and grisly crimes. It starts 6pm
hunters had a good
on the 29th October and you can get a place by
days hunting and
asking at the welcome desk or going online.
returned home laden with game. However the dream came back to the young man and claimed his life several days later, after dying from food poisoning.
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FEATURES Browne Review - Our President’s Thoughts
Lord Browne
Adam White
OUR PRESIDENT’S THOUGHTS
THE PRESIDENT’S REACTION TO THE BROWNE REVIEW NSU President Adam White gives his view of the recent Higher Education Proposals by Lord Browne into the future of University funding. Unless you have been living on Mars for the past few months you will no doubt of heard that the Government review into higher education funding was released on the 12th October and has left students and academics alike shocked at the harsh proposals within. Former BP Chairman Lord Browne has recommended that universities should be given the freedom to charge what they like to students wanting to study for a degree, this could lead to a likely rise to £7,000 tuition fees per year. More than doubling what we pay now. On top of this, the funding universities receive for specific teaching provision is being slashed by up to 66%. This is simply not acceptable and the only way universities can now sustain their income under the Browne model would be from transferring that income debt onto student fees.
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On top of this, I believe that removing the cap on fees would create an unbalanced market place of higher education with universities with a higher reputation or ones offering specialist courses charging what they like simply because they can. This is unacceptable and I suspect this drastic, unaffordable rise in fees would see many students priced out of education or restrict the choice of institution they attend. It is naive to think that students from lower or middle class backgrounds would be able to have the same opportunity to access the courses and institutions they want to based on their academic ability when in reality it would be down to their ability to pay. It is hard to predict the direct impact this has on Northumbria as an institution and how the University responds to these potential cuts. But what is clear is that if students are paying more for the same service they are currently receiving then they will certainly be expecting more. I certainly couldn’t afford up to £10,000 a year fees. Could you?
GET INVOLVED Northumbria On The march!
Northumbria
on the March!!! By the time this is published, you’ll have probably at least overheard something about the upcoming National Demonstration that is scheduled to occur on the 10th November. If you haven’t, then it’s definitely something you want to start paying attention to. But, never fear! As ever, I, Vincent Kinchley, am here to hold your hand through these dark times and I refuse to leave you blind and uninformed about such crucial issues.
Why are we marching? Northumbria Student’s Union is taking part in the march as part of a large scale demonstration organised by the National Union of Students, we will be joining other Student’s Unions from across the UK in protest against not only the possible raising of tuition fees but also cuts to university funding. Both of these issues will have a massive impact on every student across the country. Ask yourself, do you want to be paying more for your time at university while receiving less in return? I didn’t think so, somehow.
How can I get involved? At first the SU was looking to share a total 200 coach places down to London with students from Newcastle in order to “fight the power”. However, time went on to prove that we at Northumbria aren’t going to take this lying down. The SU is now looking into ways in which we can raise our own funds to ensure we field as many students as we
can on the streets of London come this November. You may not count yourself as “political” enough to warrant marching, you maybe just don’t fancy tripping all the way down to London to represent, but you can still make all the difference byhelping with the raising of funds so we can show the Government how seriously we at Northumbria University are taking these issues. If you wish to join us in taking to the streets or help with the fundraising effort feel free to contact the President of the Student Union, Adam White, by email at a.white@ northumbria.ac.uk
Still unsure? It was once stated that “decisions are made by those who show up”, so let’s make sure we show up in such a number that they can’t help but listen to what we have to say. These issues will invariably hit us all in one way or another, so it may not be your duty to fight them, but it sure as hell is your prerogative. Thank you.
nu:life 15
GET INVOLVED Rich’ll Fix It!
te!or ll! I x g a
i s Lairx um F l lem F
’lProb h can h ic ic Ric
RAcadelml, Our a Sm
Dear Rich I am an international Masters student and have great difficulty in understanding the lecturers (more precisely, the small jokes they make in class). Where do I begin?! Drake
Dear Rich I’m living in Halls. Recently my flatmate set off the fire alarm after a night out. Now we’re all being charged for the fire service call-out. Surely this is unfair; I was in bed asleep at the time. Jacqui
Dear Drake Don’t let the fact English isn’t your first language knock your confidence. I studied overseas too – the Queen’s English you learned probably sounds a million miles from Geordie! You could ask your lecturers to speak slower, let you record them or forward you the PowerPoint – or sign up for ASK (Academic Skills – international) at the English Language Centre in Squires Workshop, City Campus. These sessions will help you develop the skills to communicate confidently in a range of University life situations. As for lecturer’s jokes, British ‘irony’ is a core part of British culture. However, one of the fantastic things about being at an international university like Northumbria is that you get to share banter with people from all over the world – whether India or Islington. Don’t be shy! Rich
Dear Jacqui The University charges a fixed £50 for “activating the fire alarm without reasonable cause (including not attending to food being cooked at all times)” (Student Regulations Section 3 Appendix 3: Standard Fines 8). However, you can appeal if you can show it wasn’t your fault – book an appointment with me in The Base to discuss this. In the meantime, let your flatmate know that interfering deliberately with fire safety equipment isn’t only a Northumbria disciplinary matter– it’s also a criminal offence and the University can involve the police. Rich If you’ve got a problem then Rich can fix, just email su.problems@ northumbria.ac.uk with ‘Rich’ll fix it’ in the subject line and your problem might be featured here soon. nu:life 17
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GET INVOLVED How to: Halloween
HOW2: HALLOWEEN Get into the Halloween spirit
So first things first, make sure you’ve got an outfit to wow your mates with and ward off the spirits! Anything goes, from ghouls and witches to naughty fairies and devils- it’s your chance to get creative. Why not try a little fake blood and some dark smudgy makeup to really complete your look; you could even back comb your hair. After finding a killer outfit, it’s time to think about decorations. The traditional Halloween colours are orange and black, orange is associated with harvests and black is associated with death. One thing that is fun to make and gives a creepy effect is ‘spooky fingers’ - it’s really easy, all you have to do is fill up a plastic glove with either water, or a drink of your choice, tie a knot in the end and whack it in the freezer. Let it set, peel off the glove and you’ve got an ice claw to put in your punch. Once you’ve got your iced claw, chill these cocktails with them to make them the perfect drinking temperature.
SE
Poison Apple
Like the one in Snow White this will leave you flat on your back but hopefully you’ll wake up to a prince and not a slimy toad. 1.5 shots of Sour Apple Schnapps 1.5 shots of Whiskey 2 shots of cranberry juice Method Shake all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a martini glass and serve with an apple wedge.
Mud Monster
The Mud Monster may look like sludge but up close is quite sweet. This little guy has quite a strong grip so don’t be surprised if your still drinking him come New Year. One shot of Vodka One shot of Coffee Liqueur One shot of Irish Cream Liqueur 0.5 Shot of crème de cacao dark 60 ml of milk 30 ml of cream Method Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend gently, pour in a highball glass and serve. Drink responsibly.
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LIGHT RELIEF Spotted
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LIGHT RELIEF Spotted
THIS YEAR’S FRESHER’S WEEK WAS AMAZING, AND WE TOOK SO MANY PICTURES THAT NOT ALL OF THEM COULD FIT ON OUR PAGE, BUT HERE ARE SOME OF OUR BEST, REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT WWW.MYNSU.CO.UK FOR MORE SPOTTED. With thanks for Photo’s provided by Steven Chester.
YOU’VE BEEN
@www.mynsu.co.uk
VIEW YOUR PICS
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LIGHT RELIEF Horoscopes
HOROSCOPES STAR OF THE MONTH SCORPIO
(Oct24-Nov22) Finance; Make plans to really address your finances this month; you’ve been ignoring it for too long. Love; Loyalty really counts so be careful about who you spend your time with. Work; Remember it’s not the worst thing to ask questions! Friends; Mates can be unpredictable this month so prepare to be flexible with your plans. Star with the same star: Eminem 17.10.78 SAGITTARIUS (Nov23-Dec21) Don’t make too many plans this month as you can be rather unpredictable at the minute; just try to focus on yourself! Star with the same star: Dick Van Dyke 13.12.25 CAPRICORN (Dec22-Jan21) The new moon puts you in the spotlight. Don’t be afraid to shine, you never know who might be watching. Star with the same star: Jude Law 29.12.72 AQUARIUS (Jan 21-feb19) A toxic friendship really comes to a head this month. Remember never to put all your eggs in one basket. Star with the same star: Ashton Kutcher 7.2.78 PISCES (Feb20-Mar20) You’ll really appreciate your independence and freedom this month, be careful not to offend anyone along the way though! Star with the same star: Bruce Willis 19.3.55 22 nu:life
ARIES (Mar21-Apr20) The key for you this month is honesty, both in work and love. Don’t be afraid to say what you really feel. Star with the same star: Keira Knightly 26.3.85 TAURUS (Apr21-May21) Lucky you! Your love zone really heats up this month, any previous ‘dry spells’ are a thing of the past *wink*. Star with the same star: Megan Fox 15.5.86 GEMINI (May22-June22) Ouch! Be careful Gemini, if you play with fire, it’s only a matter of time before you get burnt. Star with the same star: Johnny Depp 9.6.63 CANCER (June23-July23) If there’s something that you regret not doing before now is the perfect time to rectify it, don’t let anyone hold you back! Star with the same star: Lindsay Lohan 2.7.86 LEO (July24-Aug23) It’s time to fess up Leo, confess any secrets you’ve been keeping. Don’t worry, the dust will settle! Star with the same star: Madonna 16.8.58 VIRGO (Aug24-Sep23) You’re intense and driven this month, but try not to pass judgement too quickly, you never know who you may end up needing a favour from soon! Star with the same star: Cameron Diaz 30.8.72 LIBRA (Sep24-Oct23) Don’t let the stress get you down, it will all be worth it in the end. Star with the same star: Bob Geldolf 5.10.51
LIGHT RELIEF Lauren West Knows Best
LaurenWest knows best Lauren answers your love, lust and stress problems.
Dear Lauren, I’m a final year student living in a popular student suburb. The people upstairs are constantly loud most nights until the early hours of the morning. We tried to solve this situation calmly many times but nothing works. I can’t sleep; it’s affecting my work and attendance. I don’t want to call the police because they will know it is me although they have defaced our property a number of times. What can I do? Love from Restless Ranter. Xx Dear Restless Ranter, You sound like you’re dealing with this matter with great maturity and very calmly given the circumstances you are in. These girls are defacing your house?? What sort of animals are they? If this despicable behavior continues the only thing you can do is contact authorities, maybe not police but Community Service Officers, (CSOs). They are very useful and highly respected by students when they come out to deal with noise complaints and shut down house parties. They are really awesome. Lauren xx
Dear Lauren, I recently got with a girl in fresher’s week who said she liked me. The second time I got with her, another guy and girl came back to mine after a night out. I ended up getting with the other girl that night while the girl who liked me was downstairs. I was really drunk which is no excuse but I messed things up between me and her. I misjudged this person at first, do you think I have completely screwed things up, what should I do? J Hi J, Firstly, from what you have told me, that is foul behavior on your part and I hope you are ashamed of yourself. That poor girl must have been horrified when she knew/ heard what was going on upstairs. You are right, being drunk isn’t an excuse but if I’m being totally honest, most times, it kind of definitely is. Needless to say you screwed up quite badly but so long as you appologise to the girl and mean it, I’m sure she won’t hold a grudge against you forever. Behave. Love Lauren xx If you’ve got a problem that Lauren can help with just email su.problems@northumbria.ac.uk with ‘Lauren West’ in the subject line and see your problem here soon. nu:life 23
N O M I N AT E D ‘ B E S T L I V E A C T ’ Q A W A R D S
PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS
THURSDAY 09 DECEMBER 2010
NEWCASTLE METRO RADIO ARENA 0844 493 6666 BUY ONLINE: WWW.GIGSANDTOURS.COM | WWW.TICKETMASTER.CO.UK | 24HR CC HOTLINES: 0844 811 0051 | 0844 826 2826 THE ALBUM ‘IMMERSION’ OUT NOW | WWW.PENDULUM.COM AN SJM CONCERTS PRESENTATION BY ARRANGEMENT WITH WME & JHO MANAGEMENT
VOTERS Write
LIGHT RELIEF Voters Write
Write My Vote / Voters Writes Whether you dig Dan Brown, big up the Brontës or get rowdy over Rowling, stories have to start somewhere and here’s yours. Let the Writers’ Society do the writing, while you give us the plot: just vote for what you think should happen next. We are faced with choices everyday. Do we lie in blissful ignorance, doing what is easy and pleasing, or do we take the hard right, face the challenges before us, and do what we came to do? Life is full of choices. Some might say those decisions are all life really is. The lights were flashing. The music was playing. The bedside table shook from the vibrations my phone gave off in its attempt to rouse me from that blissful slumber. The man who invented the alarm clock, a device whose sole purpose is to startle us from our most peaceful state, possessed an unusual amount of cruelty. His malice was second only to the man who invented the nine o’clock Monday morning lecture. Somewhere in my mind, I knew what the responsible me should do. Get up. Get ready. Get into class. What did I have? Oh. Dave Harrison. But... could I be bothered to get up and go learn about computer architecture this early? Attendance counts toward the final grade and I really, really need those marks...
He would call out “Susan Gee” and no answer would come back and I would be that much closer to a resit. Ack! But that lovely pillow, with its delicate curves, soft padding, beckoned me to return my head to its gentle embrace and drift into sweet slumber. “Computers will be there this evening,” it whispered to me. “The notes are online. You’re a clever girl. You can teach yourself.” “But the attendance marks?” I replied, ignoring the fact that I was arguing with my pillow. “You’ll never miss them,” it assured me. “Just come back to bed...”
You make the choice: (A) Sleep is for the weak and tired! Get to class, girl! (B) Compromise is the way forward! Time to hit the snooze! (C) My pillow is talking to me? It’s definitely time for more sleep! To vote, just email su.writers@unn. ac.uk with ‘VOTE A’, ‘VOTE B’ or ‘VOTE C’ by Tuesday 2nd November. Find out more about the Writers’ Society by visiting nsuwrisoc.000space.com.
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STUDENT CULTURE Hot Topic: Cheats vs. WAGS
CHEATS UNITED?
Football is the most popular sport in the UK and our players get a lot of press coverage and often for the wrong reasons. The player’s sex lives are heavily documented in the media and their behaviour is controversial. But what do you think...should our nation’s footballers be allowed to enjoy themselves without negativity or do they prove a bad example with their affairs?
AGAINST CHEATING SPORTSMEN Football is about what’s on the pitch right? Recently it has been hard to escape the column inches dedicated to those playing dirty off. No I don’t know the offside rule but what I do know is that the cheating is out of hand! The stories sprawled across the tabloids don’t paint a pretty picture but one that even Jeremy Kyle couldn’t sort! The list of adulterous English players seems to grow everyday thanks to kiss and tells courtesy of The Sun. The latest to be royally named and shamed (for the second time, who could forget the charming Auld Slapper?!) is Wayne Rooney. Vice girl Jenny Thompson sold her story proudly boasting about her sordid and expensive (at £1,200 per quickie! Around what we live on for a term!) Flings with the England hero. Not only did Rooney pay for it, he paid for it while teenage sweetheart Coleen was pregnant! Doesn’t it make you proud to be British?!
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Football used to be about team spirit now players have it off with each other’s WAG’s. I mean imagine how awkward that changing room is! I think the worst thing about them being notorious cheats is that they are role models to young people. Kids spend their pocket money on the latest strips to support their team and our footballers perform poorly (we all saw the World Cup shambles) and show that you can treat women with no respect and they will still stick with you and your nice big well deserved wage (not). I think it’s about time the WAG’s had some self respect. Although her L’Oreal adverts annoy the hell out of me and she probably should have sent Gamu through I admire Cheryl Cole for getting rid of her cheating ex Ashley Cole. These men think it’s acceptable to behave like sexually charged animals. Don’t bag yourself a hot WAG to wear their ring for hello magazine and then sleep with skanky wannabes just for kicks. I thought footballers wives was risqué but in reality it’s much much worse. If you want monogamy and to not have your dirty laundry aired in public stay clear of anyone who kicks a ball. And don’t even get me started on that Tiger Woods!
STUDENT CULTURE Hot Topic: Cheats vs. WAGS
FOR CHEATING SPORTSMEN Can you remember the last time the copier broke in your office? Or the last time the fixtures you were fitting couldn’t be done because the wrong sized screw had been ordered? Or how about the last time the queue at the bar was three deep, the new kid was late back off his break, and just as you were about to get a handle on the situation the Fosters pump died and spat foam into your eye? No? I didn’t think so, and what’s more - if you don’t remember it, no one else will. Your job is your business, and people don’t really care about the ups and downs of your working week. Why then, are we subject to listen to the so-called heart breaks, marriage collapses, and wandering penis stories that seem to be coming out of Camp WAG? Being a WAG is their job. Oh, but they’re
just in love doesn’t cut it. They get paid for it, it’s a job. It makes them miserable sometimes? It’s a job. Its work, if it did anything other than suck from time to time it wouldn’t be called work. So please Wives & Girlfriends, keep your love lives to yourselves. After all, it’s only a bad day at the office - and everybody has those.
WHY THEN, ARE WE SUBJECT TO LISTEN TO THE SO-CALLED HEART BREAKS, MARRIAGE COLLAPSES, AND WANDERING PENIS STORIES THAT SEEM TO BE COMING OUT OF CAMP WAG?
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SCARY FLICKS
STUDENT CULTURE Scary Flicks
As Halloween approaches the cinema once again starts to show a slew of new horror flicks. There may be one or two decent ones but most of them will probably suck. None of them will hold a flickering candle in a dark damp cellar to these classic pant-destroyers.
Evil Dead 2 (18, 1987) As scary as it is fun. If you haven’t seen it - see it. If you have - you know you don’t need me to tell you to see it again. A classic in every way, it flagged Sam Raimi (Spiderman) as a director to watch, and catapulted Bruce Campbell into B-movie superstardom. One of my personal favourites, and the perfect horror movie. In a word, “Groovy.” G-Stars 5 5/5
The Mist (15, 2007) After collaborations on The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile - both tales of hope and, well, redemption – there was really only one place for Stephen King and director Frank Darabont to go. Into the unknown. Into The Mist. When said mist descends on a small New England town a group of locals hold up in a supermarket. When a guy turns up a little late, blood running from his face, shouting about Something in the mist, people scoff. Thomas Jane (not as bad in this as he is in everything else), concerned for his boy, aims to find out for sure. There are monsters in the mist, but are they any more dangerous than the people who are resting, scared and panicked, in the cereal aisle? With an ending that leaves you feeling as though you’ve been kicked in the guts, this tragically beautiful parable stays with you long after the credits have rolled. And here’s a tip, it’s available in black & white – watch that one. G-Stars 5
Martyrs (18, 2008) There are some movies that you have to see, and this is one of them. Two girls with a grudge, a demon that seems to stalk them, and a helluva twist in the third act makes for a flick that although harrowing. It will leave you beaten, breathless, and probably a little sick. This isn’t a date movie (it will in fact guarantee a few sexless nights to come), but if you’re looking for a truly terrifying movie, then this is it. After all, it has the scariest subject matter people who probably live right around the corner from you. G-Stars 5 5/5
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We’re behind you.
reviews LITTLE COMETS Newcastle’s answer to the Mystery Jets. Suave, energetic and unapologetically Geordie. The band have built up a fierce reputation as breaking the norm, opting to playing impromptu gigs in as many random places as possible. Lecture theatres, the Metro, bus stops and so on have all seen first hand the destructive chaos the brothers Robbie and Mickey plus friends Matt and Mark can bring. This time we have tied them down to feature live in Domain to bring with them their own brand of bluesy guitar rifts and mischievous percussion. FAVE TRACKS: New single Isles and One Night in October SOUNDS A BIT LIKE: Mystery jets, The Rakes
LISSIE On her debut tour of the UK we are proud to give you Lissie with her take on the American Folk-Rock dream. Playing tracks from her debut Album Catching a Tiger. This girl has the makings to be one of the greatest female vocalists of our generation. A Lyricist, a poet and one to watch for 2011! Look out for her cover of Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance.
STUDENT CULTURE Reviews
THE BUTTERFLY CABINET
200 Heaton Road, NE65HP - Whole Lotta Folk Whole Lotta Folk is a new night held by the Butterfly Cabinet on Heaton Road. The evening consisted of a sit down meal and live acts playing throughout the night. Now the Butterfly Cabinet is known for its great food and it didn’t disappoint. No nonsense, melt in your mouth good homely grub. It was a charity event where all proceeds from the night went to the Butterwick Hospice. All the acts playing that night were local and did it for free to help with the fundraising. The performances ranged from Mandy Lee; a beautiful singer who despite only playing the guitar for 14 months could have fooled me, to George Welsh; a fantastic entertainer and all round funny man. Other acts that had a whole lotta folk included We Steel Flyers, a great folk duo who encompassed the 21st century perfectly, Major Dawson, rocking it down to the Delta with their classic blues, Boogie Bee, a local rapper who scared a lot of old people in the audience and Kicking Up Dust, who lightened the mood with his amazing vocals and funny antics. The combination of food and music goes down easy with me and I couldn’t fault it at all. The Butterfly Cabinet is open 9-5 Mon-Sat and 10-4.30 Sun, and does a hangover breakfast to die for. More night like this : 27th November: Nove Todol Mondo £3 19th November: Comedy Night: Headliner: Kate Fox £4 adv, £5 on door.
SOUNDS LIKE; an American Duffy, KT Tunstall, Stevie Nicks. FAVE TRACKS: When I’m Alone, In sleep Book your tickets at www.mynsu.co.uk
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STUDENT CULTURE Fearne Cotton Dishes The Dirt
FEARNE COTTON DISHES THE DIRT
When Queen of the Airwaves, Fearne Cotton, rocked up in Newcastle to do her brand new DJ set live at Northumbria SU there was nothing she wanted more than to ‘get down and dirty with the fresher’s. In an exclusive interview with nu:life’s very own editor Holly Seabrook, we found out all about the Radio 1 DJ and her upcoming gig. Considering the £7 million facelift, Fearne was buzzing about performing in the brand spanking new, state-of-the-art venue. Fearne states “When I think of university I think of mouldy cheese on toast in grubby halls”. This definitely isn’t true any longer. The star never made it to university but she seems to think she’d have followed an art based degree if she had. She was presenting at the age of 17 and hit it big in 1996. However, you guys benefit as it means she loves to get in on the student action and play gigs to uni crowds. She even admitted, “I’ll have the best energy with you guys” as she’s kick starting what proves to be an exciting and memorable Radio 1 tour here at Northumbria.
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Her excitement for the tour is refreshing as it is clear that she has a great passion for music, so much so that she doesn’t think she’ll get homesick, “I spend more time out of my own bed than I do in it” due to her work, much could have been said for many of you during Fresher’s Week but your reasons probably had very little to do with work. Whilst she was here, Holly found out a few random facts about the star to keep us all entertained. Interviewing Fearne Cotton was an exciting prospect for Holly, and for those of you budding broadcasters out there, hear the advice from someone who’s done it and done it well, “the most important thing”, she says, “is to remember it’s about the other person. It’s all about putting them at ease”. Her key points were: • Make interviews as informal as possible so people feel at home • Forget about you in interviews, the inter viewees are often more nervous than you will be • Don’t try to emulate other broadcasters, establish yourself in your own right. With those inspirational words, we wish her well for the future and sincerely hope that Fearne enjoys the gig as much as we did.
STUDENT CULTURE Fearne Mark Ronson Gig
MARK RONSON GIG Northumbria was recently lucky enough to be part of BBC Radio 1’s Student tour which saw Fearne Cotton and Zane Lowe travelling to four student towns, broadcasting their shows live from each venue and bringing with them a plethora of great acts and people, we gotz a SAAAWEEET deal. Fearne kicked everything off broadcasting her show live from our very own Reds Bar to an intimate audience of lucky Northumbria students. She started the show with a bunch of even luckier students Harry Mountain, Adam Randall, Ryan Harrison and Daniel Sefton who had won the chance to “Adopt Fearne for a day”, this included Fearne visiting their student digs, interviewing them on air and challenging them to a daytime telly challenge! Then for the afternoon delight... Bleach blonde quiff at the ready, Mark Ronson performed two songs for Radio1’s Live Lounge with his never ending posse The Business International. They started the set with “The Bike Song” which included an appearance from The Views Kyle Faulkner on vocals. The second song was an amazing cover of Arcade Fire’s “We Used to Wait.” After Live Lounge we managed to nab Fearne for a cheeky interview which you can read before rushing home for a standard predrinks bowl of cereal and heading back to the SU for Zane Lowe’s show which went out live from Domain.
Darwin Deez opened up the live stuff with a fun and funky set followed by a second appearance from the so-cool-it-hurts Mark Ronson and the Business International. After pulling out some old classics including “Stop Me” and “Ooh Wee” they went on to perform tracks from the new album including the INSANE “Bang, Bang, Bang.” The gig was truly WOWZA and we, as a crowd were officially named the best audience the act had ever performed to - POLY TIL I DIE. Now for a bit of banter with the lovely Fearne Cotton who’s going to tell us how much she loves Northumbria! What if I didn’t? Oh please tell me you do..! I do..! (laughs) How do you think today went? I think today went exceedingly well, I loved meeting the students and I think Mark Ronson went down a treat. What do you think of Newcastle so far? I love Newcastle. I had one of my best nights out here when we did Top of the Pops here years ago, it’s nice to come back and see it in the daylight! You visited a Student’s house, what did you think? It was really fine; I was a bit disappointed it wasn’t grubbier! Any last words for Northumbria’s students? Northumbria students, you lovely people, thank you very much for welcoming me, I am now an unofficial student, I shall drink cider, I will try and watch some daytime TV, and yeah, thank you!
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TN Badminton
“I was speaking to someone back home who’s from Newcastle, called John Foster, a chartered surveyor who suggested I go for this course at Northumbria University. “He’d done it as a mature student when he was 40. I was working as a bricklayer and there was no work back home. I was looking for a change so I thought I would go for it. It was purely an academic decision. The badminton side of it is just a bonus. “I tended to work a 55-hour week back home, so once you’d fitted in 20 hours’ training, it didn’t leave much time for anything else. “I’ve done some training at the university and with the county. It’s a fantastic (badminton) facility here, top class.”
BADMINTON A Northumbria student is ready to pass on some ‘bad’ habits after returning from the Commonwealth Games in buoyant mood. Doug Clark is in his first year studying chartered surveying. But the multi-talented sportsman is building a reputation inside Sport Central. For the Falkland Islander has just jetted back in to Tyneside after representing the islands at badminton. And now the former bricklayer is ready to fire Northumbria to BUCS glory as he settles into the sport’s £30m state-of-the-art home. Clark moved to the Falklands aged six. “I was born in Torquay,” he explained. “My father was a Royal Marine, who ended up there between 1971 and 72, then came back for the war in 1982. We moved there when he retired in 1983.
If Clark was wowed by the North East facilities, he headed to India with trepidation. The Games has been dogged by controversy since days before the opening ceremony parts of the athletes’ village were revealed unfit for human habitation. Clark never considered pulling out. “Michael Brownlee went out there before I did,” Clark explains. “He was saying it looked plush from the outside but inside it needed a really deep clean and the electrics are a bit rudimentary. It wasn’t five-star luxury but it was clean and livable. “When somebody said there was a shooting at a bus, and when the bridge collapsed, it made you think. I saw the pictures on the BBC website. “But England, Wales and Scotland were all going so as small fry we went along with that. “Just being around all the world-class athletes was great Some of the almost retiring badminton players were brilliant (at previous Games), and happy to give you advice.” Clark carried the Falklands flag at the Games’ opening ceremony and will now fly the flag for badminton at Sport Central. “He’s been a great addition to the squad,” added team-mate Andy Fowler. “Doug’s seen it all and we’re looking forward to a great season.”
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TN Basketball
BASKETBALL Team Northumbria’s women have tipped off the new EBL campaign boosted by the return of last season’s star performer. US import Ta’Yani Clark averaged 20 points, 14 rebounds and three assists per game as TN reached the Final Fours. And head coach Deirdre Hayes fought off stiff competition to re-sign the Atlanta, Georgia star – pinning Clark down to a two-year deal. “Ta’Yani was keen to complete her master’s degree in Sports Psychology and this deal has allowed her to do that,” said Hayes. “Of course it’s a two-way thing and we wanted her back on the roster. “It’s a major lift for everyone involved with the club because Ta’yani’s and outstanding player and one of the best all-rounders we’ve seen here. “She saw what we’re trying to achieve here in the long term and wanted to be a part of that. “Returning a player of her calibre for what will be three years is a huge step forward for TN and gives us the continuity we need.
“Fab Flournoy at the Eagles always looks to return a core of players year on year and look what he’s achieved there. “Now we’re in a similar position with Ta’Yani joining three or four other familiar faces on the roster.” Check out teamnorthumnbria.com for all the latest women’s basketball fixture news at Sport Central. And with the prolific Clark on board Hayes will be hoping to match last season’s incredible run all the way to the Final Fours.
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TN New Kid on the Block: Volleyball
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK: Looking for a volley good show at Sport Central this year? Look no further than the most exciting addition to your brand new £30m multisports facility! Team Northumbria volleyball is the new kid on the block when it comes to top flight sport at the University. But a fast-paced, high octane game has made an instant impression with thrilling matches and stunning action guaranteed. TN’s men are tasting life at the highest level after launching themselves into life in the Super Eights. And our table-topping women are playing in the second tier of national league volleyball – bidding for promotion to the Super Eights in 2011. Scholarship students including John Chapman and Magda Ropiak are leading the TN charge when it comes to showcasing emerging volleyball talent. And TN’s Team GB assistant coach David Goodchild told NU:Life: “I want Northumbria to be a hub for the best in young and emerging talent.
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“Other teams are packing their rosters with foreign players but I envisage Sport central being home to an academy-style British squad. “We are chasing silverware on two fronts this season but the men’s Super Eights has been every bit as tough as we thought it would be.” Goodchild and a number of his players moved lock, stock and barrel from Teesside during the close season as the lure of Sport Central proved too great to resist. And North East volleybal’s brand new home has already witnessed a series of action-packed thrillers. TN’s men return to their home court at the end of November when they host one of several leading London sides. And by then Goodchild feels his fledgling squad will have found their feet in a punishing premier league.
TN New Kid on the Block: Volleyball
VOLLEYBALL “I feel the race for the men’s Super Eights title will be between ourselves and Leeds Carnegie,” he said.
“They’re a top domestic side and they train five times a week. We started out training once a week and we need that to change.
“And once the women get into their stride we’ll be a match for Leeds in the First Division.
“I’m coaching a team of youngsters playing at the highest level in the British game and we’re still finding our feet.
“Carnegie are our biggest threat on both fronts after investing heavily in some very talented male and female scholarship students.
“But we’ve just signed Chappers and Tom Ward and they need time to settle in too. We’ll get there sooner, rather than later.”
“But we’ve brought in some exciting talent ourselves and it should be a great season for TN.” TN suffered at the hands of title-challenging Sheffield during their last Sport Central outing. But Goodchild shrugged off that straight sets defeat as he focused on an exciting future for a sport on the up. “Sheffield have been the best team in the country for a couple of years and we shouldn’t forget that,” added Goodchild. “All of their players have been involved with GB squads at one time or another.
“But we’ve brought in some exciting talent ourselves and it should be a great season for TN.”
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TN Journalism Is Experience
JOURNALISM IS EXPERIENCE One of the keys to working in Journalism is experience. As in all jobs, employers are looking for experience but how do you get that experience when no one gives you a chance? That’s where my work for the Team Northumbria
After that first match report, I got the Hoops job full time; I followed the team through a dramatic season. The route to the playoffs came down to the last game and at one point it looked like they wouldn’t make it. However after making the playoffs the team never looked back and made it all the way through to the climax of the season, the playoff finals in Manchester.
media team comes in. For the past year I’ve
It was a thrilling match to finish my first season
been covering all different kinds of TN sport, from
following the TN side, leading for most of the
hockey to football.
game; it sadly ended in a tight defeat.
My main role however has been in covering
This season has been just as exciting already; the
the Men’s basketball team. It was my very first
team have their new home in Sports Central and
assignment last year, covering the men’s team
have been involved in a few tense finishes early in
face - and fortunately for me beat - Hull Wasps at
the season.
Coach Lane Campus. Keep an eye out for my match reports on I say fortunately beat them because I had to do
teamnorthumbria.com to keep up with how the
my very first post match interview with the coach,
Hoops team fair this season.
Greg Modzelewski. I think this is the hardest part of the job, I have to get the interview, win or lose,
Ollieie Lincoln, Chief Sports Writer,
and when it’s the latter, interviews become that
teamnorthumbria.com
much harder to get. After the match comes the second hardest part of the role, filing the match report as soon as possible. Writing that makes sense, explains the game and is fun to read is a lot harder than you might think.
38 nu:life
TN Great North Run
GREAT NORTH RUN The 30th BUPA Great North Run Sunday 19th September 2010
The Great North Run is, without a doubt, the
The last three miles are a void in my memory
hardest sporting event I have ever competed in.
when I think back to the day. The course started
I had trained but nothing would ever be enough to prepare me for the real thing. Just getting over the stress of nerves and sickness at the pressure of having to perform was hard enough. ‘Why was I even doing this?’ I asked myself. From light rain in Newcastle to a downpour in South Shields, I forced my body through immense strain and mental bullying. I gave myself blisters, bloody nipples and severe cramp so bad that I almost fell over - all to say I had done the Great North run whilst at university in the North East. Running was a completely new concept to me when I decided to take part. Aside from catching public transport on a morning, I never ran anywhere. I do however cycle frequently and compete at club level so I had some experience in endurance. Being able to put yourself in the mindset that you won’t stop giving everything you can until you have finished is a good skill to have. I managed the first half relatively ok, if anything the occasion made me run too quick. After the half way point things got harder. My miles were taking longer and the pain began to set in. I had to ignore previous distractions, before I had been clapping hands with the hundreds of children that lined the streets as I went by but now I had to focus.
to incline and I was now into unknown territory. Every last ounce of brain power was spent telling my limbs to move as they had been for the previous ten when my body was saying no. Seeing other runners collapsed on the roadside demonstrated just how physically demanding the day was. Although I felt quite upset about the awful images I was witnessing I had to carry on, a promise I made from day one - Not stopping was imperative. I felt cold at the start and was shivering at the end. The sea breeze turned into an unpleasant gale, greeting some 54,000 runners with a giant V sign as they turned onto the final stretch towards the finish we ached to reach. I had crossed the line with a time of 2 hours, 36 minutes and 24seconds. I did aim for a time better than last year’s average: 2h 30m but being able to run 13.1 miles without stopping is something I thought I’d never be able to do. Yes it was demanding but the feeling of satisfaction you get at the end is amazing. You can see why running the race is important, it’s written on the faces of people watching and on the back of race vests. When you consider that the money you raise could save lives, a light jog in the North East isn’t too much to ask. Tom Williams
nu:life 39