EDITOR-IN-CHIEF André Thompson a.thompson@mdx.ac.uk MANAGING EDITOR Tyélle Render t.render@mdx.ac.uk EDITOR Rowena Kinghorn editor@mdxsu.com COPY EDITOR Laura Higgs l.higgs@mdx.ac.uk FEATURES EDITOR Rowena Kinghorn features@mdxsu.com POLITICS EDITOR Iulia Şchiopu politics@mdxsu.com NEWS EDITOR Aldo Cetrullo news@mdxsu.com LIFESTYLE EDITOR Julia Magnus-George lifestyle@mdxsu.com FASHION EDITOR Maddie Burrough fashion@mdxsu.com MUSIC EDITOR Jamie Burnett music@mdxsu.com FILM EDITOR Ludovica Uggeri film@mdxsu.com SPORTS EDITOR Vacant sport@mdxsu.com GRAPHIC DESIGN: Tyélle Render, Joran Frydenlund PHOTOGRAPHY: Vacant
POW! Magazine
If you are interested in contributing to POW! Mag please email Rowena Kinghorn at editor@mdxsu.com
COVER STORY
Find out all about the people behind POW! Mag and how you can become a “Cool Kid” of POW! PAGE 10-14
PAGE 26-27
Review of longstanding musical CATS
PAGE 30-31
Some good advice for your future career
PAGE 32-33
The beautiful Corfu
PAGE 34-35
All the apps you will need for 2016
30-31
32-33
34-35
40-42
58-61
PAGE 40-42
Confessions of a Shopaholic: What to wear in winter
PAGE 58-61
The creative collective; a look into this music scene
ADVERTISING AND CORRESPONDENCE:
POW! Mag is the independent voice of the student body. All opinions expressed are those of the individuals, not necessarily those of the Students’ Union or the Editor. We welcome articles and general submissions from all students at all times! All articles are subject to review and editing, and we cannot guarantee that submitted articles will be printed.
CONTACT: Tyélle Render E: t.render@mdx.ac.uk T: 0208 411 4797 Middlesex University Students’ Union MDX House The Burroughs, Hendon London, NW4 4BT
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www.mdxsu.com
www.facebook.com/ mdxsupowmedia
@Pow_Magazine
Editor’s letter
André Thompson Your Editor-In-Chief
“
I couldn’t be happier and more excited about revealing what’s been happening in POW! Media
”
Dear POW! Reader, I couldn’t be happier and more excited to reveal what’s been happening in POW! Media since all those sign-ups at Freshers’ Fair last year. All will be revealed with the imminent launch of the POW! Media website, but to give you a verbal sneak preview of what’s been going on and coming up... POW! TV filmed performers from POW! Showcase at the MDXmas Market, with presenters from POW! Mag interviewing merry MDX students at their stalls and wandering around the market. POW! TV have been covering society events and MDXSU campaigns, but they are in need of more team members to take up some of these opportunities, some of which are paid. If you can operate a camera get in touch! POW! Showcase are gearing up to host their first event - a talent show in April, with auditions to build up to the main event. This will also create an opportunity for them to start building up a variety of student content for the website.
POW! News have built up lots of interest and are ready to start putting out stories for the launch of the website. POW! FM are back live on the SU website and the schedule is up. We’ve linked up with the Media department and following training students can now use their radio and send us podcasts for our website, so if you don’t want to go live, no worries! POW! Mag has been full of success, so much so that they need Graphic Designers on board to keep up with speed the content is being produced, so if you’re a designer get in touch. They are also looking for writers to take over the running of the mag next year. And the best news! We have now created new paid intern roles for students within POW! Media, to help run it and make it thrive. So now you understand my excitement for what’s to come for the future of POW! Media. So stay tuned, get creative and GET INVOLVED!
André www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia
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Got an incredible taste in music that needs to be shared? Want to see your views in print, or maybe you fancy getting some experience in TV production?
POW! is your student-led media, and includes your radio station, award-shortlisted magazine and POW! TV, as well as the brand new POW! News and POW! Showcase on our digital online platform.
As well as writers and contributors, we’re also looking for designers, photographers and an advertising team, so whether you’re after a career in the media, experience for your CV, or you just want to put your talents to good use, send us an email at powmedia@mdxsu.com to get started.
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The Cool K
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Kids of
feature STORY
Meet the team behind every glorious issue...
P H
ere at POW! we’re never afraid of a quick selfie or two. You might have noticed our little faces popping up in the occasional article as we get up to some pretty cool things.
Awards, theatre shows, film events, gigs and more - there is nowhere POW! won’t investigate in the name of journalism! Now it’s time to get to know the guys and gals who work hard on every issue writing, collaborating and editing their way through each page... Written by: Rowena Kinghorn
AG www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia
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I’ve been on the Pow! train since it was the MDX TIMES. Lucky little me was voted into the position of Fashion Editor in my first year, then I graduated to be Editor of the newly branded Pow! Mag. We don’t elect our Section Editors anymore, and it’s no bad thing because I have had THE BEST team this year! As a 3rd year Fashion student I’d only written for my fashion blog before Pow! Mag. My role as Editor means I’m the one who has to make sure all of these wonderful articles you’re reading exist in the first place. I organise the meetings, deadlines and celebrate when we get the new issue in! Over the past 2 years Pow! has been my little baby and don’t feel ready to wave it off at the school gates yet. Are we sure I can’t stay one more year?
Aldo news Editor
After my first year studying Journalism, I decided to put everything I’d learnt into writing my first article for Pow! mag. Now I’m the News Editor! Working with the team has been a great first experience for my journalism career. I really enjoy writing pieces voicing student opinions. It’s great to interview students and publish their thoughts and ideas. That’s what makes Pow! Mag the best!
I have highly enjoyed working with Pow! The team is amazing, with people who have turned the complex work behind creating a magazine into something fun and exciting! As the Politics Editor, besides having the opportunity to write about what interests me, I’ve been able to test my skills in a professional environment! And to top it off, I can sincerely say not much compares with the excitement of seeing your words published in a well designed magazine.
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Rowena Editor
Iulia politics Editor
Jullia lifestyle Editor
So what’s a sociology student doing writing for her university magazine? Well, I figured if I can talk for hours about my favourite things, someone needs to read this! I had no previous experience writing articles or catchy titles but Pow! has taught me a lot and given me the opportunity to write about stuff I’m into. Working with the Pow! team is great, being invited to loads of events and opportunities, meeting and working with the coolest team and I’ve never been able to use the unicorn emoji so much! If the snazzy personalised Pow! media room wasn’t enough to make me feel like a celebrity, having my name on a two-page spread in a magazine is more than enough. I’ve gained loads of experience and I’ve enjoyed it so much I’m even considering a career in journalism!
I’ve loved working with Pow! for the past 2 years. We have a great editorial team and wonderful group of people working with us. It’s given me an amazing experience, a better knowledge about what goes into creating a magazine and how to be an Editor. It’s been so much fun to be a part of the newly branded Pow! As a fashion student it’s been fabulous to run the Fashion Section and be able to say my bit about the fashion world!
Jamie Music Editor
madd ie fashio n Edito r
There’s something cool about the word POW! It’s reminiscent of the slap stick fight scenes of the 1960s Batman series, full of onomatopoeia and charismatic villains. Thankfully the people behind Pow! are nothing like the enemies of Bruce Wayne, as far as I know! As Music Editor I have the pleasure of reviewing albums, attending gigs and having general fun. As a second year student I’m fairly new to the POW! family, but I feel right at home and as readers I think you will feel just the same.
www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia
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vica Ludo itor Ed FILm
I am a 3rd year student of Journalism and Media and I am Italian. Before I moved to London, I started watching TV series and I was fascinated by the idea of working in a student magazine. In my first two years I had written a couple of articles, but my role this year is definitely more exciting! Being the Film Editor gave me so much confidence; I had the chance to meet amazing people and to plan the magazine itself. Additionally, I got invited to a press screening, where I was treated like a proper journalist! The part that I love the most is when I see the magazine printed. It gives me so much energy and it shows how the hard work done is being paid off! I love being part of the POW! Mag community!
Wish that you could be like the cool kids? You can! We’re looking for new Section Editors for the next academic year. You’ll have the chance to work alongside our current editorial team on our next Pow! issue. Being a Section Editor is a great co-curricular addition to your CV and boosts a whole host of skills. Get in touch at editor@mdxsu.com!
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TOMORROW
www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia
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WITH TALK OF STUDENT SUCCESS, EXCLUSIVE PLANS AND BOOKSHOP DISPLAY ETIQUETTE, POW! MAG GETS TO KNOW MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY’S NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR, TIM BLACKMAN. 1 6
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FEAture story
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE VICE-CHANCELLOR TIM BLACKMAN
Written by: Rowena Kinghorn Photography by: Adam Schellenberg
On a cold Winter afternoon, POW! Mag’s Editor Rowena made her way to the elusive Executives’ Corridor that hides in the College Building. Armed with POW! Photographer Adam to snap every moment, she went on a mission to find out what the Vice-Chancellor actually does… www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia
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A lot of students will read we have a new Vice-Chancellor but not know what that role means or how it effects them and their studies. What does your job entail? It’s a great question! I’ve tried to go to as many student events and activities as I can because my role can appear quite distanced from everyday student life. But you’re the first person who has actually asked me what to I do for a living! The Vice-Chancellor is two things: The Chief Academic officer, so that means we have academic leadership from the top and I make sure we’ve always got a comprehensive range of opportunities for students who want to study here; through teaching, learning and research. The second part of my role is being a Chief Executive. We’re in a competitive environment that’s very uncertain, so the university also has to be run as a business as well as an academic institute. The Vice-Chancellor is the person where the buck stops.
You started in the Vice-Chancellor role back in July 2015. How have you found it settling into Middlesex? It’s been a really positive experience. I’ve been able to go see our campus in Dubai and I’m going to see our campus in Malta in a couple of weeks. There’s a real sense of community in all of them, so that’s been really manifested. People have been very welcoming. I’ve been really struck by the passion
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students have for what they’re learning, and the staff by what they’re teaching. I was at the Open University before I came here which is an absolutely great university to work for, but of course you don’t see students in the flesh everyday, while here one of the really uplifting things about the university as a place to work is that you are surrounded by all these young, and not so young, people who are here to change their lives. That’s what we do - we change their lives.
How is it now working at a London University? This is the first time I’ve worked in London, and its fabulous! I just think it’s amazing. It’s a world city. It’s a metropolis. It’s full of such variety and diversity. It just blows me away all the time to tell you the truth and to think that we are part of London, part of the pulse of this city. We’re a university, part of the huge knowledge and creative economy which I think is incredible. That’s been one of the biggest impressions on me, that I’m in London and running a London institution. That’s just amazing.
How different is Middlesex to other universities you’ve worked at? We are distinctive. As Vice -Chancellor, it’s one of my jobs to work on that distinctiveness. I can see the best bits from other universities here at Middlesex. At Middlesex we bring commitment to widening access and creating more opportunity to come to university, which was a very important part of my role
when I was working at Teeside University. We’ve got some great research strengths here; I spent several years as a Professor at Durham University, which is a research intensive university. I worked at the Open University which pioneers innovation especially with technology, and we’ve got some great examples of that here too. At Oxford Brookes University, I felt it was very much part of the local Oxford community and we are as well. I always say to people we [at Middlesex] hide our light under the bushel; we don’t actually say enough about all the amazing things that are happening here because we do a lot of things really well.
What have you already achieved since starting in July? Give me some time! Within a few weeks of me arriving we thought to review our strategy because the world is changing fast and we need to be ready for what’s coming down the line. We’re being very structured, by working with six main principles and six programmes covering ground from recruitment to student success, so that we can be transparent. Having a clear idea about where we’re going is driven by two things in evidence and in values. We’ve got to be values driven in what we’re doing, so we do them for a purpose. We have to remember our history that we were set up as a Polytechnic, a very special sort of higher education institution, that would be relevant to where we are in London today. Study would be for a purpose but that purpose is
now a set of social values as well as instrumental ones.
What kind of changes are you working towards now? Anything we can exclusively reveal in Pow! Mag? We’ve got Forum North, with 3,500 square metres of new space that will be available come the Autumn. I laid the last brick with the Mayor. We both laid the brick the wrong way round though, we’re not expert brick layers! However, we need more space. I know that’s what we need but it will take us time as we generate the resources and surplus we need to invest in buildings. I’m very pleased with what we are doing though. I’ve said how important the quality of teaching and learning is for me and putting our students first. So there will be an appointment of a Deputy Vice Chancellor for Learning and Innovation who will come in and lead the whole area of student success as their one single priory. We’re appointing Andrea Dlaska, who’s joining us from the University of Surrey which is a university that’s been incredibly successful in recent years in driving up student satisfaction as well as employability. It’s really important to me symbolically that we now have a whole new executive appointment (and these don’t come cheap!) to lead on this agenda. And we’ve managed to scoop somebody from a university that has a really strong story to tell us and to bring here. I think it’s exciting! www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia
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The University has a reputation for being a lower tier in the job market what are you going to do to improve us? That has become a lot better and our employment rate in recent years has been going up and up, but there’s more we need to do. I think for too many of our graduates their first job isn’t necessarily a graduate job. Some are starting out in different types of work and it takes them time to find their feet. It’s about making students feel equipped and confident, wherever they end up as their first job and any situation they’re in within life. They should feel they can learn from it, make where they’re working better, then move on. I did a Gap Year and I started in a book shop. It was a bit boring, but I made it interesting by reorganising all the shelves. I’d never done anything on marketing but I suddenly noticed that if you show the face of a book instead of the spine, people tend to buy it more. Eventually, I decided to go and work on ships, it seemed a bit more exciting than the bookshop…
‘‘
I’m really giving a lot of thought to at the moment. I hope students find this exciting.
What is your relationship like with the Students’ Union? We’ve got a fantastic Students’ Union here. There’s this commitment both the university and the Union have made to work together in partnership. We’re very much on the same page with the students first message. It’s their job to constantly push the ViceChancellor in terms of articulating the student voice. We’ve got this really great Student Voice Leader network that they put a lot of time and investment into that works to represent the student voice of all our courses.
“...I WANT TEACHING WHERE STUDENTS CAN GET THAT INFECTIOUS ENTHUSIASM FROM A LECTURER WHO IS PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT they DO ”
You talk a lot about the changes you want to bring to Middlesex - if I am a 3rd student why should I be excited? The most important principle about our ‘Strategy Refresh’ is putting our students first. If we keep that in the frame we’ll always be successful because if we are successful for our students, we’ll be successful as a university. I want teaching where students can get that infectious enthusiasm from a lecturer who is passionate about what they do. We’ll also be doing a lot of work on the prospects that our students have in the graduate labour market. The third part of the triangle? Diversity. We’re a heady mix of so much difference but we need to use that by creating different opportunities for students to learn by exploring. We should really use the diversity as a resource in terms of what we do as a university. In 2013 when Jesse Jackson was here he said, ‘Here in Middlesex, your education is the best that Britain has because you’re learning to coexist - you’ve got this diversity.’ That’s something
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They really helped me think through the importance of co-curricular activities. Clubs and societies, sports, volunteering, the Students’ Union and of course the Student Magazine! A very important agenda for all universities is how can we create those links more strongly so that the formal and informal learning are working together. I’d love a situation where we can deliver some credit on your degree course because of what you’re doing in co-curricular activities because it’s all part of the learning experience.
What was your University experience like? I went to Durham University and did a degree in Geography. I learnt a lot more from student action and student politics than I did on my degree course, which I probably neglected! I got heavily into Student Community Action and used to run Adventure Play Schemes on council estates around Durham. In those days, a university education was about sitting in a lecture to have knowledge deposited on you. Those co-curricular things were about getting out there and learning from mistakes.
What was your best/most vivid memory from being at University? University memories are about the friends you make. I made friends for life. Everything I remember about university was spending ridiculous amounts
POW! Mag Editor Rowena hanging out with Vice-Chancellor Tim
going to take your idea and not contest them. You’ve got to have evidence to back up your case. That stayed with me throughout my career, you’ve got to be able to account for yourself.
of time talking about nothing over a cup of coffee for about 5 hours, then being like, ‘Where’s the day gone? I’ve got an essay to write!’ In university you really find yourself through other people. It’s an amazing time and it stays with you. It’s a massive rite of passage. One of the most memorable things was a particular essay titled, ‘Are there too many university students in Britain? Especially on soft options’ - so nothing to do with Geography. When my lecturer handed the essays back there were no comments on it. He said simply, ‘I don’t mark polemics!’ It was a bit polemical because I was playing around with politics and student action. I got carried away with my argument. My essay was a manifesto really! What I learned from that was that the world isn’t
What advice about uni would you give ‘Fresher/First Year Tim’ who was just about to start University? (Regarding studies, social side, money, workload, what to prepare yourself for…) Apart from all the usual boring stuff ‘get organised’, it goes back to friendships. Enjoy time with other people. Use it as an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and see what’s over the hill. Try different things and make an effort to mix with people who you think aren’t like you, because they probably are. University is a place to explore. It’s such a special institution, and there are no organisations like them in terms of what they bring together. So explore and enjoy, but stay organised! Also, you must think about your future career right from the start. Don’t leave it until the last minute! POW! www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia
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Written by: Michal Lachowicz
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FEATURE STORY
IN PURSUIT OF NICOLE AND PHOTOGRAPH 51 Starring as the lead role in Photograph 51, Nicole Kidman made a triumphal return to London’s West End
P P
eople often ask me why I spend so much of my time at the theatre. I do wonder why this place attracts me in such an intense way. I think this interest began a long time ago, when I lived in my small hometown in Poland. I believed that one day I would have an opportunity to see the stars of my little television screen perform in the world’s most popular musicals and plays. Many theatres have opened their doors to me since I arrived in London two years ago. One of them in recent months has become very special to me: its name is the glorious Noel Coward Theatre.
A few days before the show, I noticed advertising posters were appearing all over tube stations. I knew that I had to act quick and buy my ticket! The presence of Nicole Kidman wasn’t the only factor that attracted my attention. I like performances that leave me with lots of thoughts, teach me something new and provide unique stories about strong characters. From what I’d heard, I was sure that this story was worth familiarising myself with.
“I like performances that leave me with lots 51 is a of thought, teaches Photograph biographical journey the life of scientist me something new and through Rosalind Franklin. She was extraordinary woman, provides unique stories...” an whose heritage will forever
When I read that after 17 years Hollywood actress and Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman was considering a come back to London’s West End, I was delighted. Her roles in movies such as ‘The Hours’, ‘Australia’ and ‘Cold Mountain’ shaped my taste and are classic examples of her unique craft. Nicole debuted her leading role in Photograph 51 on the 5th September at the Noel Coward Theatre - a very atmospheric location hidden behind Leicester Square underground station.
remain in the history of science. Her best known scientific activity oscillated around research on the structures of DNA. It was while at King’s College that Franklin, together with supervised student Raymond Gosling, discovered the legendary Photograph 51. This later allowed her to identify the double helix structure of DNA. The photograph reached the hands of fellow scientist Maurice Wilkins, who shared it with his colleagues - James Watson and Francis Crick - without Rosalind knowing. Photograph 51 contained incredibly relevant data, crucial for www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia
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Michael showing off his autograph from Nicole in front of the stage doors of the Coward Theatre in London.
further research. 1962 saw Watson, Crick and Wilkins win a Nobel Prize for their research. Unfortunately, Rosalind Franklin had been omitted as she had died from ovarian cancer in 1958, and didn’t have a chance for further research on her own. That is why it’s so important to bring her story back for other generations. After my own research about this extraordinary woman, I decided to watch the representation on the stage as soon as possible. For the first time I visited the theatre after work one day just to meet Nicole at the stage doors. Luckily (and surprisingly) it happened on my second anniversary in London! I arrived there at 9pm and when the actress left the stage, it didn’t take her long to go out and meet fans. It impressed me how friendly she was. We took a selfie and she gave me an
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autograph. I will remember this moment forever. On the 22nd of October, exactly one month after our first meeting I finally saw the play. However, it was no easy task! After searching a few sites, I noticed that the performances were almost entirely sold out, with singular tickets costing more than £100! Then I found out that many theatres, including Noel Coward, sell ‘day seats’. These tickets are reserved for people who come very early in the morning and are willing to queue in order to get them. So I did just that. It was still dark when I arrived in Leicester Square just past 6am. After queuing up for several hours, my friend and I bagged first row seats for only £10! I came back in the evening and the whole theatre was beautifully lit. No one knew how I got my seats. I just was sitting amongst other spectators, mesmerised by every moment and detail. Nicole Kidman portrayed Rosalind in a way that magnificently showed a woman who had to fight for her voice among academia dominated by men whilst discovering her own groundbreaking research. It is very optimistic that her heritage was highlighted through this play. Kidman captured Franklin’s strong work ethic but also her undiscovered, emotional side, left somewhere outside the lab. At the end, Nicole sent a kiss to the audience. We ran out from the theatre as the curtain went down, straight into chilly the October evening which was patiently waiting outside.
Listen to Michal & POW! Mag Film Editor Ludovica’s POW! FM show ‘Hollywood Evening’! Every Thursday from 10 am-12 pm get the latest lowdown on movies, actors and film events in London. You can link to the radio here: www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia/pow-fm or find them on the POW! Media app! Stay tuned!
The last show took place on the 21st of November. The next day, Nicole attended the London Evening Standard Theatre Awards at the legendary Old Vic Theatre, accompanied by her husband, Keith Urban. She won an award for Best Actress, which was a beautiful culmination of three-month effort. I was there as well, having a moment to wish them both a nice evening, while they were walking along the carpet. It was my final chance to see Nicole. POW! www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia
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CATS: THE MEOWSICAL REVIEW
The Theatre Society and the Journalism Society teamed up on a trip to the West End. But what is Cats the Musical actually about?
TT
Written by: Xinmin Han
housands of theatre fans have seen Cats since it’s premier almost 35 years ago. Those winking yellow eyes are still loved by many: they are mysterious, bizarre and motley; they are also tender, sensitive and beautiful. Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot, Andrew Lloyd Webber created the iconic musical score for the show. The stand out song from the assortment of musical numbers, is Memory - the show tune Grizabella takes centre stage for. The plot follows Jellicle Cats as they gather up one night and make ‘the Jellicle choice’ on which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn. Just as many other great works, we can also catch a glimpse of humanity from it - the underlying moral is not talking about cats; it is talking about human beings. London Palladium provided a perfect fit for the
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show. Grizabella was successfully created by Madalena Alberto, on this particular night. Soul queen Beverley Knight usually takes to the role for the show’s limited run into the New Year. Her right control of the pause and the movement, in such an atmosphere of silence and expectation, makes the character even more touching and delicate.
“It’s an experience rather than a musical. People who see the show for the first time can’t quite pin down what it is. They’ve just had a wonderful time” Cameron Mackintosh
FEATURE STORY
MDX Journalism Society and Theatre Society team up!
Cats the Musical on stage at the West End.
However, it would have been good to see her tone down the mixed anger and add more sensitivity in parts. Mr. Mistoffelees is also very impressive. The rendition by Mark John Richardson is a good mix of passion and interaction. Ultimately, excellent dance performances keep audiences in awe night after night! One of the contributions to the success of Cats is its dramatic malleability. The thin plot leaves the audience with boundless imagination and everyone can have their own understanding and interpretation. The orchestra, performance, appearances, dancing, settings and all the other fibers that together build up a unique experience - just as theatrical producer Cameron Mackintosh said: ‘It’s an experience rather than a musical. People who see the show for the first time can’t quite pin down what it is. They’ve just had a wonderful time.’ POW!
GET INVOLVED THEATRE SOCIETY
Contact the Theatre Society on mdxtheatresociety@gmail.com or find them on Facebook
JOURNALISM SOCIETY
A group of enthusiastic journalism students is waiting for you! Take part in our workshops, trips to news rooms and industry live talks. Find us on Facebook and join the MDX Journalism Society!
www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia
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INTERVIEW WITH JEREMY STOLLE Written by: Caitlyn Ebsworthy
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lifestyle story
POW! Mag writer Caitlyn spent 60 Seconds with Jeremy Stolle, here’s what she found out…
Jeremy Stolle and Caitlyn Ebsworthy after the interview
J
eremy Stolle is currently a cast member of the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera and understudies multiple principal roles, including the lead part of The Phantom. I asked him if he’d be up for a quick Q&A and here is the result! Q. I’m going to start with a challenge because since knowing you, I’ve become convinced that you think London IS the UK. Name the cities with the blue dots. DO NOT CHEAT and DO NOT ask Laird Mackintosh or James Barbour, (Jeremy’s cast mates who are clued up on their British knowledge), to help you. A. Now, this question is a little set up because the UK is made up of many territories; England, Wales, Ireland, Isle of Mann and Scotland. However! The three cities in England are, your city, Newcastle where the brown beer comes from, London where 50% of all cool rock came from, and Plymouth where I believe you sent ships from. I don’t know Scotland and Wales very well but I imagine Edinburgh might be one. I can’t believe you didn’t use Liverpool! Or Manchester! Or Glasgow! Q. Okay, okay, you win… So, I hear you’re in a Broadway show?... Describe the production in a few words. A. The Show is Big, Operatic and Timeless (as long as that time is the 90’s). Q. Is Broadway home or would you be interested in crossing the pond to old London town?
A. Broadway is home for sure. I would love to do a show in the UK for a little while but I like New York. I like Los Angeles more! Q. 2015 was a good year for you, lots of exciting things happened, you were in the Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Paper Mill Playhouse, were apart of the cast recording for the show and now you’re headlining concerts, all while maintaining your role in Phantom. I’d say that’s pretty well going, wouldn’t you? A. 2015 was a good year for sure! I also started making a solo album, built a production company and still managed to pick my two kids up from school. But really the best thing to happen is my new ukulele (which is going into my concerts). Q. Having fun with the concerts? A. Yes! Concerts are a dream for me. I have built my own from the ground and someday I may do more like it! If anything, from this interview I’ve learned not to try and sass Jeremy! A big thanks to Jeremy for his answers and his geography/history lesson. If you’re in New York be sure to pay a trip to the Majestic Theatre and say hello. Watch out for his album, coming soon too! POW! www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia
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10 LISTEN UP THIRD YEARS! HERE’S SOME REAL WORLD ADVICE ABOUT THE SCARY ‘C’ WORD… YOUR CAREER.
TRUTHS UNIVERSITY VS CAREER
Written by: Adam Schellenberg
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Feature STORY
U
niversity is a place to study and learn, where new ideas and debate are healthy and abundant. Upon graduation however, many find the working world jarring and close minded. Success can be found in this new environment as long as participants are flexible and willing to compromise. Below are 10 truths I’ve discovered in my eight years of running my own business, working with multinationals and serving on boards.
10. IT DOESN’T MATTER IF YOU’VE COME UP WITH SOMETHING BRILLIANT IF NOBODY IS WILLING TO PAY YOU FOR IT. Every project you do has to be justified by the cost. If the project doesn’t make money, maybe it makes people think, or smile, or cry. But if your project doesn’t have a unique point people can get behind, it probably won’t last for long.
9. EVERY PROJECT IS A GROUP PROJECT. Working well with others is essential for most jobs. If you find yourself at the centre of drama regularly, work out how you can alter your own approach for each situation.
8. YOU SET YOUR OWN DEADLINES. Learn to use your calendar. Schedule everything. Be honest about your weaknesses. Ask for help if needed.
7. THE WORLD IS NOT POLITICALLY CORRECT. Co-workers or clients will offend. Use the skills you’ve learned in university to explain how they’re making you feel, or speak to a higher up. If they don’t listen, be civil and move on or move out.
6. THERE’S ALWAYS ROOM FOR NEGOTIATION. Most deals you’ll make have room for negotiation. Don’t always accept the first offer and try to think win-win.
5. EVERYTHING IS UNFAIR. Promotions, pay negotiations, policies. Speak up, make yourself heard, accept decisions, move on if unsatisfied.
4. NOBODY CARES ABOUT HOW TALENTED YOU ARE; THEY CARE ABOUT HOW YOU APPLY YOUR TALENT. Realise you’ll never be known for what you’re capable of, but rather by what you’ve accomplished. Set a deadline, work on that personal project, write that blog: whatever it is, find a way to accomplish your tasks and show your talent to the world.
3. SHOWING UP LATE MEANS YOU’RE FIRED. Once you graduate, people are far more protective of their time and resources. If you’re wasting time by showing up late, your clients will go with another company and your boss with hire another employee.
2. THERE ARE NO RULES. After you graduate, you make your own path. Maybe you’ll start your own business, maybe you’ll work for a great company. You might fail, you might succeed. You’re in charge, nobody is responsible for your life but you.
1. YOUR GRADES ARE NOT THE BE ALL AND END ALL. In University an excellent grade is the ultimate reward for hard work, however, most employers won’t heavily focus on your grades. What also matters are the connections you’ve made, the projects you’ve been involved in, and the narrative of ability you’re able to demonstrate with your CV. Everyone’s experience is different, the working world can be a wonder and a horror. You define success for yourself. I pray you find it.
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THE MAGICAL ISLAND OF CORFU Thinking of booking a holiday? Let POW! Mag writer Jekaterina paint you a picture of the beautiful island of Corfu.
C
orfu is a Greek island, the second biggest of the Ionian Islands, washed by the Ionian Sea. This tiny piece of land is not only a very beautiful place to be, but also a very friendly region with its own traditions. Corfu airport’s runway is built in the water, in a bay. I thought to myself: “Are we really going to land over there?”. And, yes, we really did. The Corfu airport is very small and it feels like it is stuck somewhere in a ‘90s flashback, very oldfashioned.
experienced thunderstorms like those in Corfu. It was incredibly frightening. Thunder rumbled with the raging power, sometimes it felt like the sky was about to crack. The rain was very lingering and the raindrops were so big and heavy. Some of the regions on the island got flooded. I have never seen the waves of this size. It looked like the sea was boiling. The way the waves crushed against the cliffs, it was something extraordinary. The lightning was tremendous. The whole sky looked like it was drawn with a sparkly cobweb. Beautiful.
“Gradually the magic of the island [Corfu] settled over days later when us as gently and clingingly Three the rain stopped, it was the time of Corfu’s glory. as pollen” The nature was painted in
I chose a hotel on the west coast of the island. It Gerald Durrell, My Family and Other Animals bright colours. The contrast was a very neat and bright of the green leaves against room with a sea view from the balcony, which blue sky with pink petunia flowers on the trees was just perfect. I enjoyed spending evenings - exceptional. So, I went on tour with the guide on the balcony. It was something very special to to get to know about the history of the island. sit there on the chair, blown with the warm, fresh The first stop was Old Fortress. It covers the and clean air, to enjoy the view over the turquoise promontory that initially contained the old town of Ionian Sea, surrounded by the mountains from all Corfu that had emerged during Byzantine times. the sides, while sipping cold and refreshing Rosé In 1718, lighting struck the powder magazine in wine. Despite the fact that it was raining for the one of the twin peaks causing an explosion that first three days of my vacation, I was enjoying created a chain reaction. This destroyed most of this rainy weather. First of all, I have never the buildings inside the castle along with many
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LIFESTYLE STORY city buildings. Nowadays, the Fortress houses are used for the Public Library (British barracks). The musical faculty of Ionian University is also located here. However, the place that really took my breath away was Achilleion. It is a palace that was built in a memory of beloved son of Elizabeth of Bavaria. It is located on an altitude of 77 metres. From the eastern point of the palace you can see the Albanian coast and Greece’s mainland. It feels like you can cross this distance from shore to shore in just a few leaps. Elizabeth was a woman obsessed with beauty. The palace was designed with the mythical hero Achilles as its central theme. The beauty of the place overwhelms you. The palace was used in the James Bond movie “For Your Eyes Only” for the casino scene.
et over Ionian
enjoy the places, the nature and yourself without being disturbed by the crowds. My holiday left amazing memories with me. They bring a lot of positive feelings and emotions every time I remember them. I promised myself that I will go back there one day again, because it is a perfect place to be. It’s a heaven on Earth. Corfu makes you feel alive. POW!
Sea
Alongside beautiful landscapes there was one more thing that made me fall in love with Corfu food. I never thought that anything could compete with the Italian food, but I was wrong. Greek food can make a worthy competition. The traditional casserole dish of musaka melted in my mouth. Local olive oil enriches each dish and makes it very tender. The fruits and vegetables are sweet and juicy. It was impossible to leave the dining table. The people on island are very friendly. All the olive trees on island belong to someone. Every family must own at least a few. That way it guarantees a constant income, because the production of olive oil and its products is the main business on island. In summer they have shorter working hours, because the temperatures are so high and it is hard to work in those conditions. One evening I happened to go out for dinner in the local restaurant, and its owner told me that October is a perfect time to be there, because it is not so hot anymore. Most of the tourists have left Corfu by then, so it’s a great opportunity to
Cliffs in the sea
nastery
okos mo t o e h T t a r e w o Bell t
Written by: Jekaterina Zaiceva
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NEW
YEAR YOU APP
The top apps that will change the way you live in 2016
Like most people, I carry my whole world and best friend in my pocket. I eat with it, I sleep with it and it’s the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning. We’re in love. But to keep this love blossoming in 2016, we can improve – onwards and upwards. As we move on, so does our phone, and rather than getting a new beau, your current one can make you happy in just a few steps. Written by: Julia Magnus-George
fashion
lifestyle
New Year sales hurt your pocket? Or maybe you spent a bit too much getting the one you love a nice Valentines gift. This app will help you save up! Malaga 2016, here we come!
Wally+ [Apple +Android]
Lookbook [Apple +Android] Lookbook provides fashion inspiration from real people around the world! Almost like a blog, individuals can upload there looks for ‘hypes’. It always helps me in the morning to see how other people have matched their outfits and gives me inspiration for mine!
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I have been looking for a budgeting app for a long time, but none do it quite like Wally! You can enter the amount you’ve spent on a particular item, which will help you know where to cut back (e.g. Cheeky Nandos). It can help you keep track of expenses and you’re able to add receipts if you wish for when you need to return that item.
Lifestyle story
studying
Remember studying? As exam season approaches, apps can help you with all sorts of encouraging studying methods. Here are my two best (and favourite) studying apps, oddly enough both coffee themed.
Health & Fitness
Like many others, I join a gym in January and cancel my subscription by March. But to save you time (and money!) these are some of my best tried and tested apps to keep me healthy!
Coffitivity [+Apple +Android]
Coffitivity follows studies that show the ambient sounds of a café help with productivity, and have created an app that recreates the sounds of a coffee shop. You can choose several different coffee shop audio tracks and can even use without the use of internet. You’ll be surprised how well it works! (tip: my favourite is university undertones)
sleep better [Apple +Android] (with runtastic) This sleep better app helps you… Sleep better! It tracks your sleep and lets you know what phases of sleep you are going through, all for free! You can also use this app to set an alarm that can wake you up in your lightest phase of sleep, to ensure you wake well rested.
Zombies, Run! [Apple +Android] Want to start running again but don’t know how? There are loads of brilliant parks and green spaces around our university, and Zombies, Run! Is a really great way to get into it! This app is an audio running game, where each run is a mission to protect yourself against the zombies! You can set your own playlist as you become the hero as you’re chased by zombies!
Up Coffee [+Apple] Up Coffee is the simplest way to understand how caffeine affects your sleep. It learns your body’s reaction to caffeine and lets you know how you can drink that cup without becoming jittery! As well as interesting facts and tips, it also lets you know how your caffeine affects your sleep. www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia
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Written by: Hannah Sadler
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HEALTHY OAT APPLE CRUMBLE! W
inter is well and truly upon us, and while that may mean chilly weather and grey skies, it also gives us an excuse to bring out warming winter comfort food. This Oat Apple Crumble is as easy and healthy as a crumble can possibly be! Most of the ingredients are already sat in your cupboard, just waiting to be used. The best part is when the sugary oats caramelise into a molten chewy delight... yum.
INGREDIENTS
Directions
Makes 1 pie, approx 4 servings
1. Firstly, cut the apples into thin slices. Mix the melted butter, honey, lemon juice and half of the cinnamon in a bowl with the fruit.
Start to finish 30 mins 3
150g 50g
apples oats
sugar
1tbsp
butter
2tbsp
cinnamon
1tbsp 1tbsp 1tsp
coconut oil
honey
lemon juice
75p
12p
3p
11p
18p
15p
21p 3p
2. Lay out the apple slices in an oven proof dish and put in the oven for just under 10 minutes at 180 degrees, so the apples start to soften.
3.In a bowl mix the oats, melted coconut oil, sugar and remaining cinnamon together. Take the apple slices out of the oven and evenly lay the oat mixture over the fruit. Place back in the oven and bake for 25 minutes at 180 degrees.
Tips Don’t buy coconut oil from the health aisle. It’s a lot cheaper if brought from the International Cuisine section! etit Bon App
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Lifestyle story
SPRING CLEAN
START 2016 THE WAY YOU MEAN TO GO ON, TIDY AND WELL ORGANISED New year, new you, right? And a new you needs a new organised room ready for adulthood (and not just to make your parents proud). With growing up comes responsibility, and I’m sure the majority of you want to have that clean room that you can be proud of! Here are some tips to get there:
1. CLOTHING ORGANISATION An amazing tip I picked up from uni living is using hangers to organise clothes. Beginning with the new year, turn all hangers facing away from you. As you use items put hangers back the right way. When you’re leaving, you can give the clothes that haven’t been used to charity, freeing up some space in your closet.
2. TACKLE THE CLUTTER A good way to do this is to clear a desk, be really subjective about what you want and what you need and separate items by category. From this, you can decide what you use the most often, and get rid of what you don’t. (Also a good tip for gifts!)
3. GET A LAUNDRY BASKET This is a key tip: getting a laundry basket will stop clothes ending up on the floor (as long as you use it correctly). It’ll also help you keep track of what has been thrown on the floor in a fashion rage, and what has been worn and will be perfectly ready for laundry day!
4. CHANGING BATHROOM AND BED SHEETS Changing sheets in your bedroom can provide the illusion of a fresher room. Changing the bathroom towels will make enjoying a bath that extra bit special and purchasing a unique shower curtain or bath mat can make a rental seem more home-owned by injecting some colour and your own humour into it.
5. CLEAN OUT THE FRIDGE Every day it opens, every day it closes, and every day we don’t clean it. Cleaning the fridge can get rid of some of those weird smells and those expired products, leaving more room for your own food. Baking soda is a great tip for this one!
6. HOME FRAGRANCE Lighting a scented candle can make all the difference. Lighting some incense or even a room diffuser can bring some personality to a rental. As well as making the room smell lovely, it can also provide some nice lighting and a brilliant room decoration. Written by: Julia Magnus-George
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CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC
MY NAME IS MADDIE AND I’M A
SHOPAHOLIC Written by: Maddie Burrough
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FASHION STORY
STRAPPED FOR CASH? POW! MAG’S FASHION EDITOR, MADDIE, SPILLS HER SECRETS ON HOW TO WINTERISE YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE.
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hristmas has come and gone and funds are at an all time low. I’m itching to go shopping, dying to buy something, anything. Please let me go shopping! The feeling of having nothing to wear is one I have become accustomed to, even with a wardrobe full of clothes. I’ll spend hours deliberating over what to wear. In happier times over Summer when I was working, I was shopping and buying new clothes whenever I wanted. Now I have tons of summer clothes and it’s too cold to wear them. But you can rejuvenate your wardrobe with these hot tips on how to add summer clothes to your winter wardrobe.
Layers, layers, layers
Belt it. All of it! A black or brown, thin belt is a wardrobe essential and if you don’t have one, buy one now! It’s important to think where best to place the belt; hourglass figures stick to the waist, you are lucky enough to have one after all! Top heavy ladies wear it underneath the bust to give the impression of a waist as the fabric flows outwards after you bring it in with the belt, and pear girls wear a belt around the waist but pull the fabric so it loosely flows over the belt. Belting a shawl or blanket scarf looks fab too!
There are tons of layer options to spice up your summer wardrobe: turtle-neck under a dress, jumper over a dress, crop piece over the top (this looks great over a shirt!). Adding other items of clothing to your summer outfits is the simplest trick that ticks all the boxes, keeping you warm and looking cosy.
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Mix Up the Patterns Tights, leggings and jeans are easy additions to wear with your summer dresses to keep you warm on frosty days. Floral leggings with a black dress, patterned tights under your dress or patterned jeans can make an interesting look. Don’t shy way from your floral dresses, it brightens up your dreary day. Pair with muted colours, black jeans, a woolly cardigan, a plain scarf with a jacket and you have a great outfit!
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Accessories The classic add a hat or scarf trick will keep you warm and always look hella cute with a dress. Team with Tip 2, ‘Belt it’, and your blanket scarf will look just the part. You can also accessorise with socks when wearing heels. I love this look, but those cartoon socks your gran gave you for Christmas, will not look good. Stick with plain or frilly coloured socks.
Secret layers The editor of POW! Mag taught me this trick: invest in some thermal vest tops or leggings. Trust me, that under a dress with just tights it will keep you toasty all day long! Hiding a warm cardigan under a jacket is also a great way to stay warm and doesn’t crowd your outfit when wearing dress.
2016
LIFESTYLE STORY
THE UNUSUAL DAYS, WEEKS AND MONTHS.
Did you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah? The New Year? How about chocolate-covered-cherry day? Written by: Jennifer Igiri
ITIt
can be hard to keep up with everything worth celebrating. Every day there is at least one noteworthy occasion, or object being ‘observed’. With so many wonderful and slightly odd things in the world, it’s no wonder that there’s even an Appreciate a Dragon Day, or a day specifically for hugging. If you’re curious about what occasions you could add to your calendar, here are a few unusual days to celebrate in February and March – the months of Hot Breakfast and Cheerleading Safety, respectively:
DOODLE DAY
(5TH FEB)
The one day your tutor can’t tell you off for decorating your work with doodles. It would be rude not to celebrate!
FERRIS WHEEL DAY
(14TH FEB)
You thought it was simply the date of Valentine’s Day? You’ve been missing out on this corker of a day! See you at the fair ground!
SINGLE TASKING DAY (21ST FEB) Not the day for Multi-Tasking…
EVERY THING YOU DO IS RIGHT DAY (16TH MAR) We’re all about positivity here at POW! Mag, so we’ll definitely be celebrating this day. Start the day right with a yummy breakfast, spend the day with positive people and pay it forward by making someone else’s day great too.
TOLKIEN READING DAY
(25TH MAR)
This should be a National Bank Holidaythen we’d finally get round to finishing The Silmarillion! With what seems like so much negativity in the world at the moment, isn’t it great to have something to celebrate? If you’re looking for a reason to celebrate today, why not check out www.daysoftheyear.com for some light entertainment? Select a month and see how many events you could be celebrating. Clicking on a specific celebration will take you to a page of special occasion information, detailing when celebrating chocolate covered cherries became a thing (for example). You might just find a day that justifies whichever campaign you’re pursuing, or the secret obsession you have. POW!
Happy ‘Year of Camelids’! www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia
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Written by: Teodora Mitrovska
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FASHION STORY
The
STORY BEHIND CLOTHES FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT. BUT WHAT ARE YOUR CLOTHES SAYING TO ONLOOKERS AND PASSERS-BY?
Why do you wear the clothes that you wear? Is it because you just like the way they look, or because you’ve realised that coatigans are ‘a thing’ this season, so you decided to buy that grey one? Is it because you know that that cute girl likes guys in bomber jackets, so you started wearing one? Is it because you want to hide your insecurities so you always go for an A-line skirt to hide those ‘massive’ hips? Or you simply do not care? People often say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Yet, writers would always hire graphic designers, illustrators and artists to design covers for their books. But why? Isn’t what’s on the inside that matters most? This might be true, but what if the outside is a reflection of the inside?
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I base a lot of my judgements on how a person is dressed; sometimes even without talking to them I can get an impression of what they are like. After admitting this I get judgemental looks with a raised eyebrow, assuming that people think I am a shallow materialist who refuses to look beneath the surface. What if clothes are showing much more than just ‘the surface’? Just like those bookcovers that artists work on for weeks after thoroughly reading the book, only for the writer to ask for it to be redone as it “does not capture the essence of the narrative.”
‘‘
This is Irina. Although I know her, I am going to look merely at this photo here and try to ‘squeeze’ all the information out of it that her look gives me. It is obvious that she has a distinct style, but nothing too extreme. This tells me that she takes care about the way she looks, visual aesthetic matters to her. She might be interested in art and design. Oh, look, she has tattoos! Is she a tattoo artist? Maybe. The placement of her tattoos tells me that she is ‘into them’, as they are rather visible and quite big. Her spine tattoo tells me that she sees tattoos as a decoration, rather than just meaningful symbols.
“I base a lot of my judgements on how a person is dressed; some times even without talking to them I can get an impression of what they are like”
It’s the same thing when we go shopping. How often do you say “I ain’t feelin’ it man, these pants are just not my thing, you know?” It’s because we want our clothes to capture the essence of ‘our narrative’. This means that consciously or not, we tend to base our clothing choices on the way we feel about ourselves, but also the way we want to present ourselves to the outer world, hence the way we are.
Moving on to her clothes: she wants to be practical, a pair of shorts and a top paired with Dr. Martens is a comfortable combination. I can tell that she is quirky and has a sense of humour, because she pairs the ‘tough-girl’ look (the boots, tattoos, the skull top) with that pink bunny backpack and a hairstyle with green buns. Retrieving my memory of Irina as someone I know... She is an artist, indeed. A tattooartist. She tends to be quite shy around new people, which is why she lets her clothes speak for her. It is as if she really focuses on communicating through her clothes, which seems to work. However, once she loosens up around people her bubbly quirkiness comes to light – something that she incorporates into her look. Much like a cover cannot narrate the plot of the book on its own, the way someone looks cannot narrate their whole life and personality in-depth, but can ‘reveal’ a lot. So what did you choose to wear today? POW!
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A photo of Irina, a friend.Taken for my fashion blog www.tastemyblacktea.blogspot.co.uk
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Styling Tips for Men
WW
hen I say I’m a fashion student the biggest thing I get from guys is, ‘does this outfit work?’ To be honest the answer is a hard one. It’s your style so I can’t ridicule it. What I look for are the ‘stylish items.’ The things on trend, the colours that are working, or not. I’m here to give you a run down on essentials to remember if you want your style to make a great first impression. These things are key to how you dress, although in no way am I telling you to change your style, these things are things that will make your style flattering and fit well. I have kept it gender neutral so girls take note too!
FIRST AND FOREMOST, FIT.
The fit of something can make or break your whole outfit. You could have the most stylish garments from the most expensive shop, but if it’s the wrong fit you’ll look like one of the three blind mice dressed you that morning. One of the greatest horrors I’ve seen is a lovely white shirt that’s too small, and I mean he had a boob gape, with buttons about to pop off from the strain. Boob stretch is never good, not even when boobs are in the equation. Same goes for too big and too long, don’t hide under meters of fabric - get something that fits you right. As I say to my girly friends, you want something to just touch your curves, a hard but essential balance to find.
AVOID COLOUR CLASH.
Colour coordination is something to think about when pairing clothes together. Two patterns together is an obvious clash, it messes with the eyes causing an outfit to be ruined. I’d say this was a hard one as there is more to avoid than there is to wear! Colours opposite to each other on the colour wheel are complementary therefore more appealing, although I’m not saying you should go out wearing purple and yellow everyday. Similarly colours next to each other are
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FASHION STORY
“Fashion is the trends; Style is what you make of them” supposed to be awful together and I do agree. Pinks and reds, blues and greens, I could go on. Darker or muted colours will go well in most cases, it’s the brighter you get the harder it is to pair. Obviously if you love a Hawaiian shirt, go for it! Just pair it with a plain pair of jeans and make sure it fits properly. Style is your own, pick colours you’re comfortable with.
BACK TO BASICS.
A white shirt is my absolute wardrobe essential as it’s a classic you can’t go wrong with, and when isn’t a white shirt appropriate? You need a pair of jeans that feel like you were the only one they were ever designed for. Your perfect fit jeans! Try to have these in black and in blue so they can pretty much go with anything. You’ll know when you’ve found the right pair from all the compliments you’ll get. A wool coat is great in the colder months. Look for something with a strong structure and shape, blacks and pale browns work really well with anything or a bright colour like yellow or blue makes it a statement piece. Definitely trust your style. If you like it, get it, but remember sometimes simple pieces make the biggest statements.
Written by: Maddie Burrough
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It’s 2016
Fresh Start
After the festive party season, cold harsh winds and frozen raindrops, your face has taken a serious beating from endless layers of foundation and several smoky eyes. The New Year is the perfect time to make peace and have a fresh start with your skin care routine. Start now, and your skin will be glowing just in time for Spring.
Gimme Me Moisturiser
After exfoliating it’s important to keep your freshly clean face well moisturised. Gently rubbing moisturiser over your face and neck will keep it smooth and bright. Working the lotion in with circular, upward motion will help with skin elasticity. Chapped lips are never on trend! So try a natural beeswax lip balm to keep your pout perfect over the colder months.
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Written Writtenby: by:Rowena RowenaKinghorn Kinghorn
beauty STORY
Excellent Exfoliation
Making the time to exfoliate at least once a week will lift the dull, winter skin cells, clicking refresh on your face. It’s important to remove these dead skin cells, so new, healthy, vibrant cells can replace them. Start gentle, especially in Winter, and you can work your way up to a more intense product if you need further results.
Secret Weapon
It may not be shining outside, but that sun is still ever present and so are its UV rays. Invest in a Blemish Balm or Colour Correcting cream that has SPF built in. BB and CC creams are a lot lighter on your skin compared to foundation, which makes them the perfect addition to your rebooted winter make-up routine.
Hydrate with Happiness
Even though it’s not the hottest of temperatures right now, it is still really important to keep hydrated. Drink lots of water to boost your skin’s Spring glow. Instead of tea, start your morning with a cup of hot lemon water. This will flush your body of toxins and bacteria that can cause acne.
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TOP TEN FILMS TO WATCH IN YOUR TWENTIES
IF IT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ALREADY ACHIEVED OR LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE, IF IT HAPPENS IN YOUR TWENTIES, YOU CAN GUARANTEE THERE’S A FILM ALL ABOUT IT! Ahhh, your twenties! These are the constructive years - in these ten years, you will still make some version of a high school error, but have the bank account and be the appropriate legal age to go and have a drink afterwards to moan about it!
1) THE BREAKFAST CLUB (1985)
There are so many movies out there that somewhat truthfully and humorously deliver the feelings and experiences that happen in these crucial years of our lives. But what’s life without a good movie? There is nothing more indulgent than sitting on the sofa with a bowl of popcorn watching a good film! So, with a mixture of old and new, here are the top ten films every twenty-something needs to watch!
Real life friends Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig play besties Lillian and Annie in this comedy full of laughter, as they prepare for Lillian’s upcoming wedding and disaster follows.
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This film is one of my personal favorites! No matter how many times I watch it, it gets better and better and also because it has the Best. Ending. Ever.
2) BRIDESMAIDS (2011)
3) UP (2009)
Seventy-eight year old Carl Fredricksen and eight-year old Russell set off on a heartwarming comic adventure. This film is sure to get you to both laugh and cry.
film STORY
4) QUEEN (2014)
This Bollywood film is sure to melt your heart as a Delhi girl from a traditional family sets out on a solo honeymoon to find herself, after her marriage is broken before it’s even begun.
5) MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (2015)
Charlize Theron stars in this apocalyptic road raging thriller, where she embarks on an epic journey alongside Tom Hardy to find homeland and save a group of female prisoners from a psychotic leader.
6) CINEMA PARADISO (1988)
A filmmaker reminisces about his childhood when he first fell in love with the movies, working in his hometown village theatre and formed a deep and meaningful relationship with the theater’s projectionist.
7) PRECIOUS (2009)
In a small town called Harlem circa 1987, a young abused, illiterate teenager (Gabourey Sidibe) enrolls into an alternative school in hopes of turning her life around.
9) AMERICAN HISTORY X (1998)
In this remarkable crime drama, from an ordinary neighborhood in America, a former Neo Nazi (Edward Norton) tries to stop his younger brother from following in his footsteps
10) CASINO (1995)
Last but not least, this classic film has it all, Martin Scorsese’s Casino gives us crime, greed, power, money and betrayal. Starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, two mobster best friends and a trophy wife (Sharon Stone), gamble their lives for a casino empire. PS. Don’t forget that you can also take out DVD’s from our very own Sheppard Library. Take a look!
8) FIGHT CLUB (1999)
A hopeless office worker (Edward Norton) wanting a new way of life finds himself crossing paths with the devil (Brad Pitt), and forms an underground explicit ‘fight club’.
Written by: Raveena Assi
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POW! Mag’s very own Film & Politics Editors, Ludovica and Iulia, enjoy the RoofTop Cinema.
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NOT JUST ANY CINEMA‌
Looking for ideas for a cosy evening? Get comfortable at these alternative cinemas. Everyone likes going to the cinema, catching up with some friends and enjoying a good movie. When most people go to the big cinemas they are usually overcrowded, too expensive and not very original.
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What about trying something different? Here is a guide to the five most exciting, alternative and fun cinemas in London.
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Pillow Cinema. Tired of watching movies at home and looking for an unusual place? The Pillow Cinema offers the opportunity to lie on a massive beanbag and watch a movie. Open all year around, the cinema is in Hackney and the tickets can be booked online. pillowcinema.com
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Written by: Caitlyn Ebsworthy
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Roof Top Cinemas. If you happen to be in London in summer, you cannot miss a breath taking view of the City matched with a thrilling movie. There are four Roof Top Cinemas in London: Stratford, Kensington, Peckham and Shoreditch. Included in the ticket price are wireless headphones and blankets. You can sit on a comfortable beach chair and the movie will start as soon as the sun goes down. rooftopfilmclub.com
FILM story
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Hot Tub Cinema. Always wanted to bath in a Jacuzzi and watch a movie at the same time? Well, now you can! The Hot Tub Cinema is exactly what you are looking for. The screening is matched with drinks, songs, games and, of course, a hot tub! The organisers encourage guests to dress up for their themed parties! Dive into a bath of foam, have some drinks and have fun! hottubcinema.com
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Genesis Cinema. Are you tired of spending too much money on cinema tickets? £10 for a single ticket is way too much on a student budget! Do not worry, there is the Genesis cinema! With only £4 during the week and £7 at the weekends, you can enjoy a movie in a vintage cinema. The cinema is in Whitechapel and there is a free car park just outside! Snacks and drinks are reasonably price too. genesiscinema.co.uk
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Electric Cinema. How often do you go to the Cinema and you wish you could lay and watch the movie in an even more comfortable way? The Electric Cinemas in Portobello and Shoreditch are an amazing experience! They are the first cinemas where you can watch a movie from a sofa, a single or a double bed. Book online and do not fall asleep! electriccinema.co.uk London is a city of amazing and alternative experiences. Surprise your date, have a fun evening with friends or just go by yourself! Do not miss these opportunities! POW! Written by: Ludovica Uggeri www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia
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Written by: Jekaterina Zaiceva
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music STORY
PER ASPERA AD ASTRA What does it take to become a famous musician? Beorn Holmes reveals the secrets of success.
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he story of this very talented man started in a small town of Bala in Wales. Having been born into a musical family, Beorn had a lot of inspirational influences from his parents and the family friends, who were widely traveled. At the age of 10 he got his first musical instrument – a tiny keyboard. That is when he started to play with notes and experimented how the music might work together with his voice. His father Clyde Holmes was a drummer in the famous band The Kinks. So, he brought a lot of music into Beorn’s early life. A lot of his inspiration came from the way he was brought up. “I was brought up in the mountains with no electricity, no running water, very close to nature. A lot of melody and lyrics come directly from my upbringing.” However, the music of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Van Morrison was an inseparable part of his childhood. He says, “it does come somewhere within my music.” While in college, he met a couple of musicians and started a band called 26 Feet and decided to move to London. “We had no money, shared a very cheap house together. We came down together with this soul purpose of starting a band”. The relationship between five guys was quite intense, so after some time the band split up. The band was like a family to Beorn and he was heartbroken
by the split. That is when he decided to take a year out, away from the music. Following his time away, he looked for another guitarist who came up with the name for their new band - Lockes, which is the name of a ghost town in California, US. After the band split, Beorn carried on the name. He had a real belief in his voice, which is why he continued. He found Mike – a guitarist from Canada, who introduced him to the English producer David Dawood. They are going to record five songs in the studio. “All those five songs will be cutting edge and we’ll be presenting them to the labels,” says Beorn. “I want to get away from the folk. I want to have this global sound,” he says. “It’s great to get involved with David Dawood. He is a dance producer, coming up with something quite new that is not within the boundaries of folk or rock”. He says that good folk music must be honest and he wants to keep the honesty within the music he is creating now. He hopes that people who listen to his music can respond to the emotions in his voice. He likes to create a lyric that can bring the people together, so everyone can feel something from that. Follow Beorn Holmes and his band on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @LOCKESMUSIC POW! www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia
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THE JOLLY BOYS
OUTING, WITH GUITARS
AND OTHER
LOUD T H I N G S A look inside the creative collective that’s taking the plunge and taking the power into its own hands.
Written by: Jamie Burnett Photography by: Paolo Diaz Williams
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music STORY
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“...A WAY TO ALLOW CREATIVE PEOPLE TO COMMUNICATE AND COLLABORATE TOGETHER VIA ONE CHANNEL...”
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every corner of the city there’s a rhythm, a strained vocalist and a pounding snare drum. I found myself right in the centre of one of those corners in October, surrounded by inspiring MC’s and a handful of bands, including my own. I’m very fortunate to be part of a Londonbased creative collective of film makers, bands and artists who are united under the name Jolly Xanadu. The collectives name unfortunately isn’t inspired from the 1980 romantic musical fantasy starring Olivia Newton John. Instead it derives from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s renowned poem Kubla Khan. Accordingly, Coleridge wrote the poem after experiencing an opium-influenced dream, which could give way to the idea that Coleridge was in some way the John Lennon of the Romantic period, a pioneer of narcotic-influenced art. It’s debatable. The night was a showcase of diverse genres and musical styles filtered into the renowned Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club in East London; it was a vintage setting with noisy occupiers. These occupiers being solo artist Joe Henrik, Bubblegum (my band), Hornman and a range of DJs and hip-hop artists such as Vulcan MC, Wordsmith and DJ Mr Trout. The stage stood in front of a large wooden love heart dotted with red lights illuminating the backdrop, to say the décor was identical to that of a 1960s brothel would be a
fair comparison. Nonetheless, there was nothing 20th century about this event; it was a five-hour mash up of contemporary sound and vision. The Jolly Xanadu collective was established in early 2015 as a way to allow creative people to communicate and collaborate together via one channel. This has helped to bypass the hassle of promoters and the pressures of selling tickets giving way for the artists to have complete control. The format is very similar to Home Alone, as in the absence of parents allows the young ones to roam around and make their own rules, except Jolly Xanadu is fortunate enough to have parents that are always away. Amid the vibrancy of the night there was an underlying feeling of unity and celebration, an occasion that demonstrated the passion from those who want to perform and be recognised for their creativity. There’s nothing more rewarding than to have a crowd of people shuffle their feet to the sounds you’re playing, you succumb to the sense of euphoria and it’s so overwhelming that you forget you have an essay due in three days. I guess what I’m trying to say is that we need to encourage each other to step out of the shadows of shyness, to break the boundaries of selfassurance and throw ourselves into the limelight. The opportunities that present themselves when we push ourselves can be in our case deafening but at the end of the day incredibly rewarding. POW! www.mdxsu.com/studentmedia
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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM POLITICS IN 2016?
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hen it comes to politics and pretty much everything else - 2015 has undergone a tumultuous series of events. The end of the year left us with plenty of unresolved conflicts and a large amount of complex issues that don’t have simple solutions. But what can we hope for now, with a fresh new year ahead of us? What political resolutions should we expect in 2016? There are some key affairs, which can undoubtedly bring smaller or bigger change, be that for better or for worse.
2016’s political affairs to keep an eye on Written by:Iulia Şchiopu
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NEWS STORY
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London Mayoral Elections
On the 5th of May, the people of London will have the possibility to choose the next Mayor of London and 25 Members of the Assembly. The candidates will each pledge to tackle many of the issues Londoners face on a regular basis, such as housing, transport, pollution, and so on. Whether their promises will come true is never a certainty. However, the good news is that now is the time to get your voice heard. You can actively request the improvement of what you believe is problematic. For instance, as a cyclist, you can join the London Cycling Campaign, which will call out for reduced road danger, a Dutch style city and dedicated space for cycling.
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Scottish Parliament Elections
On the same day, 5th May, Scotland will hold its Parliament Elections. 129 members will be elected for the Scottish Parliament. Recent polls have shown the Scottish National Party leading with 30% ahead of Labour. This is worth mentioning, as it can have interesting consequences. The leader of the SNP Party, Nicola Sturgeon, has commented regarding the possibility of a second referendum for independence.
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UK EU Referendum?
Although the EU Referendum is said to happen at the end of 2017, the next year will likely bring new debates to the table. In 2016, the UK will prepare for deciding whether to stay or leave the European Union. Therefore, EU Summits, debates and campaigns are a probable course of events worth following.
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US Presidential Elections
When Donald Trump is a significant candidate for the presidency of a country with such a powerful military, the US 2016 presidential elections require our undivided attention. Therefore, we should follow the 8th of November, when Americans will elect their 45th President. Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are the three runners to have received most of the media and public attention. Some public opinion polls have shown Donald Trump at the top of the Republican Party, while Hillary Clinton is seemingly the favourite democrat.
“Our manifesto will set out what we think around the circumstances in which, and the possible timescales in which, a second referendum might be appropriate. It will then be down to people to accept whether they vote for that manifesto.” Thus if SNP is elected, it is possible that the party’s manifesto will bring about a 2016 referendum on Scottish Independence.
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sport story
HOW TO KEEP FIT AT UNI IT SOUNDS LIKE MADNESS, BUT IT CAN BE DONE! HERE’S HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE FACILITIES AVAILABLE ON AND OFF CAMPUS.
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pending time in the library and eating crisps is not the best way to enjoy your time at University. Not everyone loves going to the gym, but what about finding a different way to work out? Middlesex University is the perfect place to exercise and practice your favourite sport. The fitness pod and Sports office, stationed in the basement of MDX House, offer a range of activities to do. The Fitness Pod, open from 6.45am until 10pm, gives everyone the opportunity to join the gym and fitness classes. For £165 per academic year, every student, staff member or anybody else looking to turn their body into a temple can exercise in the gym or take part of Zumba, Aerobics or Yoga. If you visit to the Sports Office, you will find that there are plenty of competitive sports to join in with. From cheerleading, to fencing, to football, there are no particular levels of skill required. Additionally, the Sports Office organises four parties every year at MDX House- the perfect way
Written by: Ludovica Uggeri
to reward a good gym session. Another fun event to take part in is ‘Varsity’, a competition between the Middlesex University and University of East London sport teams. Last year Middlesex won and hopefully we will this year too! Unfortunately, Middlesex University does not have a swimming pool but if you do like swimming you can always go to the Copthall Pool. Just 20 minutes away on the 113 bus, you can swim for free on Tuesday and Thursday. Simply show your Middlesex ID and come on in! There are also some fun jogging and running sessions to join outside the Sheppard Library almost every day. Every November, the University organises the Healthy Campus week. During that week, there is free access to the Fitness Pod, free massages and free blood pressure testing. Do not miss the chance to join boot camp on Thursdays, join a team or just go to the gym! Need encouragement and looking for a personal trainer? Contact Adrian Rogers on his email at adrianrogersPT@gmail.com POW!
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My showcase
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VALENTINES DAY SPECIAL
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Empty Pockets for my Valentine
valentine’s Day is always a special night for my girlfriend and I, But since moving to uni and especially after Christmas & New Year I am running seriously low on funds! How can I still make the night special without needing to pay with monopoly money?
The evening can be made special if you have a date night at home. Present her with her favourite flowers, You could watch her favourite film snuggled up with her favourite chocolate and wine. Play all your special songs over a home made meal (either by you or a very willing housemate…). it’s sure to top any fancy restaurant dinner. If that isn’t working, there’s no shame in cracking out the old ‘I love you’ written in alphabet spaghetti trick.
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Over as We’ve Just Begun
Since I’ve been at uni my girlfriend and haven’t spent anywhere near as much time together as we used to. It’s hard because we’re at different uni’s and have so much work. I feel we are drifting apart and if it’s going to be like this for the next 3 years I’m not sure we’ll still have a relationship by then. Should I leave her?
going to uni is a massive change in the dynamics of a relationship. You might feel that you are losing the degree of closeness you once felt, but spending time with each other isn’t the only way to feel close. Now that you are 100’s of miles apart for months at a time, a quick WhatsApp isn’t going to cut it. Send each other letters, cute memorabilia, mix tapes. These things will stay in her uni room and always remind her of you. Being in each others thoughts is just as important as being in each others arms. Why not see if you can meet up in the middle? Have a romantic day trip and explore a place you’ve never been, but is easy for both of you to travel to.
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Mum Wars
My Ex’s Mum is a lovely woman. She’d always pass on her beauty tips, lend me books to read, let me stay over and most importantly gave me and my boyfriend space when we needed it. But my new boyfriend’s mum is SO clingy. It’s like she doesn’t realise he’s a 22-year old man. He’s a grown up! I wouldn’t be surprised if she joins us on our romantic valentine’s date! That’s a tough situation. The golden rule is to always keep his Mum on your side. She’ll be the one crying at the wedding- and we want happy tears…! Maybe you just need to get to know each other better. Sounds like it shouldn’t be too hard, if she’s always there. Find a common interest that will encourage her to go away and find out more about it. Or treat her to a special day out. Either a girls’ day where you can spend time with her, or one she can do with friends and be as far away from you as possible. I hear Australia is nice…
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NOISEY NEIGHBOURS WhatsApp with You?
really like this guy who lives opposite me in halls. We get on really well and I love spending time with him. But recently he hasn’t replied to my message to hang out more. I’m wondering if I’m over-analysing or not. Does his lack of reply mean he doesn’t care about me? The most important question to ask here is, has he Seen the Message notification come up? If he’s seen it and ignored you, that doesn’t look like the greatest start to a blossoming relationship... But perhaps he was just busy when he saw it? Send it again, but if he keeps leaving you with no reply it might be time to work on talking to his face rather than simply over text. Then you’ll already be hanging out more!
DO you have an issue or question you would like agony aunt to solve? Just drop her an email at agonyaunt@mdxsu.com
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