w w w.pl at for m- on l ine.net
pe Fr e s h e r s P h o t o S
c ial
Editors
Novemb er 20 0 9
Reign in Spain
Feel like royalty in Madrid
on electronic evolution
The Future’s Brighton
The development of gaming
Money Games
Vampire Special
Films with bite
Talking Frank
Rock stars give advice to students
Is cash killing football?
Mind the Gap Where have all the students gone?
SOMETHING WORTH TAKING
BROADBAND WITH UPLOAD SPEEDS OF UP TO 2.5 MEG speed dependent on location
SAVE MONEY with a 9 month student contract
BROADBAND www. bethere. co.uk /9month
or call 0808 101 3423 Subject to location and availability, BT line and minimum term contract. Speeds vary depending on factors including your distance from the exchange. Fair usage policy applies. For full terms and conditions go to bethere.co.uk/terms.
www.platform-online.net Editor-in-Chief Glen Davies
platform@su.ntu.ac.uk
Designer Stephanie Combs
platform@su.ntu.ac.uk
Deputy Editor Andrew Trendell
deputy-editor@platform-online.net
Online Editor Aaron Lee
online-editor@platform-online.net
News SUB-Editor Jennifer Rosewarne
news@platform-online.net
Community SUB-Editor Nik Charity
community@platform-online.net
Music SUB-Editor Tom Warmsley
music@platform-online.net
Film SUB-Editor Becky Wojturska
film@platform-online.net
Photography SUB-Editor Stefan Ebelewicz
photos@platform-online.net
Arts SUB-Editor Position Vacant
Editor’s Letter
F
our months is a long time. Long enough for several influential music and television stars to bite the dust. Long enough for a government to fall flat on its face. And long enough for a handful of moral and medical panics to come and go. It’s also long enough for Platform Magazine to reinvent itself. Now released monthly with twice the content as before, it’s something you can be proud of to showcase the talent here at NTU. It’s also your student lifestyle bible, crammed with in-depth features, reviews and interviews.
As well as this lovingly-made beacon of publishing, we have a brand-new independent website – www.platform-online.net – where we have half a hundredweight of exciting and intriguing web-exclusive content, plus digital flash versions of the magazine. Platform is now well and truly up to date. So as the newbies settle into the routine of hangovers versus lectures, and the veterans bury themselves in the library before deadlines, take a little time out to indulge yourself in this magazine. Your magazine. After all, it’s the only publication out there that caters directly for NTU students, and now it’s better than ever. And you could, frankly, do with cheering up. Night after night, stern-faced people appear on the television and in the press, telling us that students will ruin the economy and be forced to live on the streets after graduation, jobless and broken. So, before we become clinically pessimistic, remember that there’s more to life than an ugly MP who can’t count his own expenses.
Email platform@su.ntu.ac.uk to apply
Fashion SUB-Editor Rebecca Uren
fashion@platform-online.net
Food & Drink SUB-Editor Molly Woodruff
food@platform-online.net
Travel SUB-Editor Lucia Miyashita
Glen Davies Editor-in-Chief
travel@platform-online.net
Gaming SUB-Editor Aaron Lee
gaming@platform-online.net
Health SUB-Editor Danielle Almond
health@platform-online.net
Sports SUB-Editor James Haigh
sports@platform-online.net
Platform Magazine Nottingham Trent Students Union | Byron House | Shakespeare Street | Nottingham | NG1 4GH Tel | (0115) 848 6200 Fax | (0115) 848 6201 Email | platform@su.ntu.ac.uk Editorial enquiries | Email the relevant address on the left Advertising enquiries | Contact BAM Student Marketing on (0845) 1300 667 or www.trentstudents.org/student_marketing
Cover Photo by Stefan Ebelewicz | Featuring Mark Lawrence Thanks to Hickling & Squires Print Solutions - www.hickling-squires.co.uk. This publication is printed on sustainably-sourced recycled paper (80% recycled, made up of 10% packaging waste / 10% best white waste / 60% de-inked waste fibre / 20% virgin totally chlorine free fibre) using vegetable-based inks. Platform is an independent publication and any views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the Nottingham Trent Students Union and its Elected Directors and Officers. Companies advertised in Platform are not necessarily endorsed by Nottingham Trent Students Union. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the Editor.
www.platform-online.net |
3
Contents News
Film
Travel
Cover Story
24 | Platform Interview: Dacre Stoker
44 | Madrid
5 | Mind the Gap
Why students are staying abroad
25 | Vampire Film Reviews Special
8 | Overcoming Fresher Pressure
Jennifer’s Body, The Vampire’s Assistant, The Lost Boys, Dracula, Twilight, Kiss of the Vampire
10 | Give the Gift of Life
27 | Film Reviews
12 | Union News & Events
Up, The Informant!, Harry Brown
48 | Seaside Secrets
The future of video games revealed at Develop in Brighton
50 | Gaming Reviews
Find out what’s happening this month in your students’ union
Uncharted 2, FIFA 10, Halo 3
p14
p44
p48
Community
Photos
Health
14 | Dublin Dash
30 | Freshers Photos
52 | Student Depression
56 | Saturday Antics Photos
53 | How to Look After a Drunk Person
Music
Arts & Fashion
17 | The Rise of the Machines
38 | Statement Jewellery
Platform meets: Editors
39 | Book Reviews
19 | Gig Reviews
39 | Surface Gallery’s Arts & Crafts Fair
Maccabees @ Rock City, Bombay Bicycle Club @ Rescue Rooms, Bat For Lashes @ Rock City
21 | Platform Interview: Frank Turner
Food & Drink
22| Sound Advice
40 | Robin Hood Beer Festival 42 | Restaurant Reviews Fat Cat Cafe Bar, Chiquito
4
Gaming
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
54 | Should you worry how loud your music is? 54 | Students and Dentists
Sports 60 | Is Money Ruining Football? 62 | Cycle to Uni 63 | Georgi the Great
News
Mind the Gap | Overcoming Fresher Pressure | Give the Gift of Life
Edited by Jennifer Rosewarne | news@platform-online.net
Mind the Gap Numbers of returning students all over the country have plummeted this year. Jennifer Laura Rosewarne examines one possible reason. Photos by Stefan Ebelewicz
www.platform-online.net |
5
News
E
very year we see thousands of students across the country graduate from university. Many look forward to successful future job prospects. However, this year has seen students experience something very different: the recession. Rarely avoided in the media and never far from any student or graduate’s mind, this one phrase projects many different opinions and is still a regular point of controversy.
2008 saw the first recession in the United Kingdom since 1991, after its GDP fell by 1.5%. This economic downturn was followed by serious issues of unemployment, a problem which at present is still a major concern for graduates, and rightly so, as the latest figures for youth unemployment stand at 947,000. However, students are now turning their backs on the UK’s employment crisis altogether. Established in 1991, Projects Abroad are a commercial gap year company in Britain. Offering placements ranging from two weeks to 12 months, they have received requests from over 130 students requesting to extend their gap year placements, with some requesting not to return to the UK at all. The firm’s founder, Doctor Peter Slowe, says: “The prospect of gap year travellers returning to bleak employment prospects in Britain is not particularly exciting.” He adds that the recession has seen a phenomenon in the volunteering industry rarely seen before, saying “In nearly 20 years of operation we have never seen young people not wanting to come back home.” Students who are still currently at school or university are expected to plan gap years because of the recession. Slowe also adds “ten weeks is simply not long enough for young people eager to work and make a difference.”
6
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
“
Gap year companies have seen a surge in the number of students requesting to extend their gap year placements, with some requesting not to return to the UK at all”
T
his news follows a protest at Parliament on September 16th by Youth Fight for Jobs, which was launched at the start of 2009 as the severity of the crisis became clear. Arguing that the credit crunch is resulting in our generation being unable to display their skills, Youth Fight presented a giant CV showing the potential of the unemployed.
Sean Figg, Youth Fight for Jobs organiser said: “Job losses continue, and the prospect of getting another dims. Gordon Brown and David Cameron are calling for massive cuts in public spending - this will clearly have an impact on young people, especially those unlucky enough to be unemployed.” Whilst students are still requesting to stay abroad, and with many planning gap years, another protest is planned for November 28th in central London to fight the unemployment crisis. Figg is ‘bringing together young people from universities, from the workplaces and from the job centres to fight against Brown and Cameron condemning us to become the lost generation.’ In his own very bold and forceful words, Figg adds: “We’re organising a fight back.”
www.platform-online.net |
7
News
By Jennifer Laura Rosewarne Coming to university is one of the biggest gear-changes in life. Jennifer Laura Rosewarne looks at how to overcome the stress it can cause.
A
s a new academic year at Trent begins, the atmosphere around university is one which returning students are undoubtedly familiar with. Whilst freshers arrived in their masses, keen to embark on one of the most exciting times of their lives, existing students have had the chance to re-live fresher’s week and continue with their studies. However, as charity YouthNet explains, university is not always an experience that comes easy for everyone.
Founded in 1995 by Martyn Lewis CBE, YouthNet aims to create ‘a socially inclusive environment where all young adults are engaged, informed and inspired to achieve their ambitions and dreams’. Defined as a ‘young people’s charity’, YouthNet is particularly useful in assisting university hopefuls. With a new university term imminent, thousands of students prepare to leave home for the first time every year. However, whilst some students can adapt to this transition easily, others can find it extremely challenging. YouthNet author Matt Whyman explains: “The transition from school to college or university can be one of the toughest changes a young person has to face.” He adds: “Studying a degree brings incredible opportunities and experiences, but the pressure to achieve combined with living in an entirely different environment can leave many young people feeling overwhelmed - especially in the first weeks and months.”
“T
he pressure to achieve combined with living in an entirely different environment can leave many young people feeling overwhelmed”
8
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
In order to overcome such pressures, Whyman is one of a team of experts offering advice for 16-24 year olds through YouthNets online service, TheSite.org. Advertised online as ‘your guide to the real world’, the website promises a 24 hour -a day anonymous service on subjects including drink, drugs, work, sex, travel and relationships. Its popularity is easily recognised, with over 500,000 unique users that have access to over 2,000 articles written by a series of experts and journalists. To keep the website easy to negotiate, the articles are also presented among different formats through a series of podcasts, videos and blogs. Very fitting for a society where media and the social are increasingly working together as technology develops in the 21st Century. So why is this website considered as being essential when starting or returning to university? Whyman explains that students can often feel that there is a lack of support which is intensified particularly in a new environment. He explains that: “[They’re] encouraging fresher’s to be prepared and find out what support networks are available so they know where to turn if things get too much, and hopefully settle in to a problem-free and happy university life.” Though there are thousands of students using the website, YouthNet are enthusiastic in reaching this aim, so much so that a guaranteed response is provided within three working days. As one anonymous user writes on the website: “thanks for making it so easy and thanks for making it anonymous I don’t think I would have had the courage to write otherwise - and I’d still be swirling around”
For more information on the YouthNet charity, visit www.thesite.org. In the mean time YouthNet offers the following tips for the class of 2009: • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Phone home, ask a friend, talk to your student welfare officer or send a question in, even if you feel like what you’re asking is obvious. • Consider your cash flow and make sure you set aside enough for the essentials (food/rent/bills). Fresher’s week can be a drain on your dosh, so plan ahead. • Universities and colleges have their own rules and can enforce disciplinary action, no matter how much of an adult you think you are. • It’s totally natural to miss your old life - give yourself time to get used to your new surroundings.
www.platform-online.net |
9
News
Give the Gift of Life
By Jennifer Laura Rosewarne
I
t was a typical morning: a routine indulgence of the cosmopolitan lifestyle of coffee and croissants before heading out to work.
The interruption created as the letter box opened was also no different. However, what stood to attention among all the obligatory bills was the second blood donation letter sent in a week. It’s a harsh reminder of reality and the idea that there are people out there less fortunate than us that need our help. It’s often too easy to overshadow this with our own priorities, but ten minutes of our time could actually save someone else’s life. A staggering 2.1 million donations have taken place from 1.6 million donors in the past year, however that only accounts for five percent of the British population. With eight thousand units of blood needed every day, the National Blood Service are urging new and existing donors to give the gift of life as stock levels decrease.
10
Giving blood is a simple process and anyone wanting to give blood can do so, providing they are over 17 years of age and in relatively good health. In order to establish this, a series of questions will be asked to the potential donor at any chosen location across the country, including Nottingham Trent University. The National Blood service first visited NTU on 20th November 2008 at Byron house. The first donating session at the university for over five years saw 134 people donate blood, 111 of which were first timers. This success story resulted in another blood donation session in March with more sessions planned following this. Other locations around Nottingham also offer similar services with no appointment necessary. So, there’s no excuse as donations can even take place at your own convenience. For more information or any queries on giving blood, visit blood.co.uk. To find out your nearest donation centres, call 0300 1232323. Save a life, give blood.
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
Facts about giving blood: • You must weigh at least 50kg (7st 12lbs). • You can’t give blood if you have had a piercing or tattoo less than six months before donating. • You can give blood every four months, with each donation providing just under a pint of blood (470ml) • If you have travelled abroad, specifically to an area at risk from malaria, you should wait at least six months before donating blood. • The donation process itself takes between five to ten minutes. • The process from the start to finish takes approximately an hour.
Union News & Events Initi8
Student Volunteering in the Local Community
Initi8 One Day Volunteering Projects Want to do something fun, give your CV that extra boost and help out the local community at the same time? Join initi8 volunteering! Our opportunities are organised for students by students, so that they reflect your interests and your passions, giving you the chance to make a difference. Whether you want to help restore habitats for Britain’s wildlife, host a Christmas Party for the elderly or practice drumming with primary school children, we’ll have an opportunity to interest you! And we only ask for one day of your time.
D
o you want to do something fun, give your CV an extra boost and help out in your community at the same time? Try volunteering with Initi8! There’s loads for you to get involved with, whether you’re looking to volunteer within a local organization, just for one day, or even set up your own project. One Day Challenges – Schedule looking pretty hectic? We’ll have a fantastic activity to take your fancy, without taking up too much of your time! (See article, right, for more details) Initi8oneday@su.ntu.ac.uk Volunteer Shop – Perfect if you want to volunteer with a local organization on a regular basis to develop your skills and interests, or get that vital course/work experience. Initi8volshop@ntu.ac.uk Student Led Projects – Your chance to lead your own voluntary project in the local community, making your ideas a reality! Initi8studentled@ntu.ac.uk
So, what’s in it for you? By volunteering you can learn a wealth of new skills, make fantastic new friends and get some all-important work experience. You’ll make incredible memories whilst really helping out the local community. To find out more about our volunteering events, sign up to our weekly newsletter by emailing initi8oneday@su.ntu.ac.uk with your name, student number and campus. Do you have project ideas that you want to make reality? If you’re interested in leading your own One Day volunteering projects then why not join the initi8 committee? This is your opportunity to direct the volunteering activities at NTSU – to find out more, email initi8oneday@su.ntu.ac.uk. Be quick! Places are limited. Visit us: Union Central, City Campus; above The Point, Clifton; The Orangery, Brackenhurst Phone: 0115 848 6211 Email: initi8oneday@su.ntu.ac.uk Website: www.trentstudents.org/volunteering
Volunteer Opportunity for All Chinese Students Super Chinese is an Initi8 student led volunteer project. It ran for 7 weeks in four different local schools last year, and 12 Chinese volunteers joined us. The aim of this project is to teach local school students Chinese language as well as Chinese culture and arts. We also want to let more university students have unforgettable volunteering experience. The project last year was very successful and we want to make it even better this year! We are looking for Chinese students, and students learning to speak Chinese to volunteer in our SUPER CHINESE project, which will run for 7/8 weeks in Term Two. This is a brilliant way to get some part time experience, and to give your CV that extra boost. [Emily Zhuo] To apply, please send the following information to ntuchinesevolunteer@ yahoo.co.uk by Monday 23rd November at the very latest: 1) Your name 2) Your student ID number 3) Your email address 4) Your nationality 5) Date of birth 6) Course title and year 7) List any previous experience and your hobbies
12
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
Water Coolers
Free water coolers are now in every NTU Library thanks to the Students Union.
Ruth Cannavan, Vice President Education & Representation made free access to water in the Library a key part of her successful election campaign last year.
NTSU Entertainments this month: Climax @ City - Every Saturday during term time (9:30pm) Double Vision @ Clifton - Every Friday during term time (9:30pm)
The Library has listened to Ruth and the wishes of students and now in every campus library has a source of free drinking water.
No Cars Go
Assault @ City – Fortnightly Fridays - Nov 13th & 27th (9:30pm) Tone Club @ City – Fortnightly Fridays - Nov 6th & 20th (8pm) Touch:Me @ City – Wed 11th Nov (10:30pm) Giggle @ City - Mon Nov 2nd & 30th (8pm) Giggle @ Clifton - Mon Nov 16th (8pm) See www.trentstudents.org for more info
Clifton students have begun the year in a campaigning mood. Led by Clifton Liaison Officer Firoz Bhatty Clifton students are signing a petition demanding better car parking facilities from the University in their droves. The student car park at Clifton is shoddy and in a terrible state of repair. Originally designed as a temporary solution to car parking on campus it has continually been overlooked for much needed investment, even though the staff car park hasn’t. To find out more or to sign the petition please visit www.trentstudents.org/campaigns
Free Stride Training & Development Sessions on offer in November: Sessions @ City: NEW - Self Defence: Mon 2nd November 2.30-4.30pm & Thurs 5th November 6.30-8.30pm Boosting Your Potential Programme: Essay Writing and Referencing - Tues 3rd November 4-6pm Perfect Presentations - Tues 10th November 4-6pm Handling Stress - Tues 17th November 4-6pm Revision Skills - Tues 24th November 4-6pm
Mas-on It
Business Management and Leadership Programme: Motivating Your Team - Wed 4th November 3-5pm Delegating to Your Team - Wed 11th November 3-5pm Dealing With Difficult Situations - Wed 18th November 3-5pm Managing Meetings - Wed 25th November 3-5pm
Vice President Welfare and Involvement, Sarah Mason has secured a partnership agreement with Nottingham Cars for the coming academic year. The deal not only includes the Climax Taxi Rank, but a 10% student discount, Negotiated Fixed Fares between various union sites, halls of residences and popular taxi locations such as the train station and supermarkets.
Sessions @ Clifton:
Students now have a cheap, safe option for getting home from Climax – a marshalled Taxi Rank operated by Nottingham Cars.
Look out for the fixed prices in the Union, your Halls and www.trentstudents.org/welfare
Boosting Your Potential Programme: Essay Writing and Referencing - Wed 4th November 2-4pm Perfect Presentations - Wed 11th November 2-4pm Handling Stress - Wed 18th November 2-4pm Revision Skills - Wed 25th November 2-4pm For more info and to book a place go to www.trentstudents.org/stride
www.platform-online.net |
13
Community
Road trips are a popular student activity. But one in particular lets you raise money for a very good cause. Laura Buckland explains...
14
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
S
t Patrick’s Day: Tuesday 17th March, 6.30am Getting out of bed is a struggle for me, as it usually is... but today I’ve got a bit more motivation, given that in 12 hours time I’ll be in the capital city of Ireland for the biggest party of the year. It is St Paddy’s Day and we’re hitch-hiking to Dublin for charity. After showering, throwing on my bright yellow Childreach International t-shirt and stuffing a toasted teacake into my mouth, I am out of the door: late.
8.30am I meet the rest of my team – Stacey and Dominic (who are typically disgruntled by my tardiness) – at the bus stop, ready to head into the unfamiliar territory of Nottingham University. Through a haze of sleep-deprivation we muster as much enthusiasm as 8.30am permits: “we’re going to be in Dublin in 10 hours!” 9.15am We arrive at Nottingham Uni, sign in and brave the cold, complete with our banner emblazoned ‘charity hitch-hike’ and a perfectly manicured thumb. We wait around for about 40 minutes before we get picked up by Ashley – a shaven-headed Northerner who likes to drive fast. 11am Ashley drops us at Sandbach Service Station. If we’re honest, we’re not entirely sure where we are, but we’re certain we’re on the right track. After warming our mitts with a steaming mug of hot chocolate we’re keen to get back on the road. We’re quickly picked up by ex-policeman, Pete, who unnervingly recognises Dom... 12.15pm At Chester Services, lorry after car after van after bus drives past us, spraying a little bit more dirt in our faces, tooting their horns and looking apologetically at our disappointed faces. We’re feeling dejected and worried that we won’t hit Anglesey in time... until a glistening black Jaguar X-type pulls up. We cannot believe our luck as we sink into the cream leather seats. I could get used to this... 14.30pm It’s 2.30pm and we are not yet in Wales. Panic has set in. We look at our phones and wonder whether it’s time to call the back-up vehicle – a team drive past us, tooting their horns and waving happily! We’re contemplating numerous gesticulations until they pull up and ask us if we want a lift. YES! We bundle into the Mountain Rescue vehicle and it’s onward to Anglesey! 5pm We check in at the ferry terminal just in time, board the vessel and excitedly meet up with friends on board. We are on our way to Dublin town... 6.30pm We’ve made it to Dublin in one piece; surviving our first hitch-hike and the notoriously vomit-inducing Irish Sea. Hooray! We meet Dave, the charity rep, at the hostel before hitting the town. It’s been a long day and we’re exhausted, but it is definitely time to party... 9pm Dublin City Centre is positively buzzing – women clatter down the street in their high heels, while men dressed as leprechauns, adorned with Guinness hats, stumble merrily into Temple Bar’s hottest pubs and clubs. The atmosphere is electric. We dance long into the night before heading back to the hostel to rest our bones, ready for a new day of sightseeing, soda bread and falling in love with Dublin all over again.
Interested? We’re doing the St Patrick’s Day Dublin Dash again this year – 17th March 2010. Fundraise £160 for Childreach International and pay your £29 registration for free t-shirt, free ferry travel and one night free at a Dublin Hostel! Can’t say fairer than that. To get involved, email RAG@su.ntu.ac.uk
www.platform-online.net |
15
Want to save money? Then become a regular user of NTSU services and be rewarded for your loyalty. Just pick up a loyalty card from any NTSU bar or shop on any campus and start saving today!
Free coffee when you buy 8 coffees at any NTSU coffee bar
Meal Deals Only £2.99. Buy 5 get 1 free @ any SU Express (free meal can only be claimed on Saturday / Sunday)
Music
Editors Interview | Maccabees Review | Bombay Bicycle Club Review | Bat For Lashes Review | Frank Turner Interview | Sound Advice Edited by Tom Warmsley | music@platform-online.net
Platform meets: Editors Change. Change is a funny thing. Naturally, there’s an inescapable problem with another new wave: it’s all been done before. Of course you could just play it safe and wander aimlessly into the middle of the road but then you’d be, well... Snow Patrol. Just before they kick off their UK tour and release their third album ‘In This Light And On This Evening,’ Andrew Trendell caught up with Editors’ guitarist Chris Urbanowicz to discuss evolution and bringing a little humanity to machines. Words & Photos by Andrew Trendell >
www.platform-online.net |
17
Music
“We
always thought that we were going to stay as this dark cult band. When our first single came out Zane Lowe just jumped on it and things went crazy. We sold way too many copies of our first album than we were supposed to.”
>
From there the band went on to widespread critical and commercial acclaim. After some heavy radio play and some relentless touring the band dropped their second album ‘An End Has A Start’: a more expansive and richer soundscape, but not a million miles from the guitar heavy postpunk broodings of their debut. Many bands would find themselves stuck in a rut. Chris adds: “The last thing we wanted to do was become bland. We wanted to try new things, especially after the second record. We’d just got a little bit bored of what we were doing.”
The band discovered synthesizers and attempted to implant a human heart inside the machine: “We were worried about making an electronic record that sounded too ‘clinical’. A lot of dance music, for instance, may not sound very human, it can sound very robotic. The first thing we wanted to do was to make it sound human and so we had to play these instruments live. We just needed to react to the songs to make the machines sound more alive.”
Fans of their early sound should not be too alarmed. They may have been touched by machines but they’re still recognizable as the gloom-drenched anthemic Editors: “It’s still the same four brains making the music and telling us what to do. Even if you’re playing a melody on a different instrument it sounds reminiscent of things you’ve done in the past.” Editors have always been plagued by lazy comparisons. Understandably the band now wander elsewhere to find avenues of inspiration: “We’re influenced by much less music now. We’ve been compared to a lot of bands and we just got a bit sick of that and just started taking influence from a lot more films, sci-fi and horror music and things like that. As people we’re a lot more grown up in comparison to who we were five years ago. We’ve grown a lot and that’s our biggest influence.” ‘In This Light And On This Evening’ is out now.
To read this and all other Platform interviews in full, head over to www.platform-online.net
18
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
The Maccabees @ Rock City - 5th October 2009 By Thomas Edison Warmsley
M
accabees could be perceived as a band brimming with luck. While they have no doubt earned their acclaim, touring the globe to death and making a welcome return to Reading/Leeds festival this year, they have found themselves fortunate enough to still have everyone’s aural attention. Where many bands would wilt and collapse with the pressures of the ‘sh*t, I hope they like it as much as our old stuff’ second album, Maccabees have surpassed even their own sly inhibitions. ‘Wall of Arms’ cleverly reinvented their two-a-penny indie serenades and judging by tonight, their adoring fan base has stuck close by.
Accompanying the headliners are fellow Brighton buddies Lyre Birds, a five-piece who attempt to blacken cheerful souls with their dark brooding melodies, enough gloom fit for any dark 80s dance floor. Singer Adam Day croons over Bauhaus synths and pulsating
bass lines. Subtle but effective guitar work makes songs like ‘This is the Way’ sound like Interpol but with more personality. Maccabees’ loyal fan base is easy to admire, as the band take to the stage receiving a raucous ovation. The band begin with ‘No Kind Words’, complete with excessive lightshow, which at best becomes unnecessary and annoying. Featuring on stage particularly for current songs is the band’s newly acquired horn section, giving recent single ‘Love You Better’ much greater depth. A perfect complement to vocalist Orlando Week’s chimney-sweep charm. However classic tracks like ‘Latchmere’ have a re-worked and almost muddled feel, now also featuring a brass section, which confuses the assortment of sound in their set. It is clear that album number two ‘Wall Of Arms’ has influenced the boys, but with older songs like ‘X-Ray’ and ‘First Love’ are still highlights of their set, it’s unclear if Maccabees are still clinging on to the laurels of their debut.
www.platform-online.net |
19
Music
Kick Off the Training Wheels Bombay Bicycle Club @ Rescue Rooms - 28th September 2009 By Thomas Edison Warmsley
Y
ou would be forgiven for letting some of the massive stream of new British, indie bands pass you by. The sheer amount of bands that the music press claim to be the ‘next big thing’ after one radio friendly tune about teenage feelings and heartbreak is a long list. Some aren’t worth spending your precious time exploring - others are. Bombay Bicycle Club fit into the latter category, as they are showing on their most recent tour off the back of the release of their debut album ‘I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose’.
Front man Jack Steadman’s charmingly quirky voice begins to melt the Rescue Rooms’ ears on opening track and latest single ‘Magnet’. Swooning the opening lyric ‘Now its decision time…’ to a crowd that is throbbing right from the first guitar riff, it seems the decision was instant - Bombay Bicycle Club deserve the hype.
20
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
Tagging them as a new band isn’t quite justified as despite being younger than a lot of the crowd they have been making perfect pop since 2006. These youngsters have already opened V Festival and first played Reading Festival in 2007. In high spirits with huge grins radiating from their faces the bands energy is infectious, as they run through melodic but frantically played tracks from their album that so many people here in Nottingham must own due to the raucous response to every lingering word. ‘Always Like This’ sweetly captures everyone’s hearts, as arms wave in mass union and clap to the dreamy crescendo. ‘Evening/Morning’ stabs at the audience with urgency and has everyone chanting ‘I am ready to owe you anything’ as the intense guitar echoes around the room, showing they can do sweet soundscapes and punchy pop tunes alike. Ending on the effortlessly beautiful ‘Cancel On Me’, here tonight Bombay Bicycle Club have an army of fans that would do no such thing.
Platform Interview:
The People’s Poet
Frank Turner Interview by Andy Trendell
Platform: Your songs are quite anthemic whilst also being quite articulate. How do you find the balance? Frank Turner: I really like the idea of a crowd singing along to unusual words. I’d love it if I good get an entire crowd to sing along to along to a word like ‘psychoanalytical’ or something like that. P: ‘Symbiotic’ is one of my favourite words at the moment. FT: Exactly! Just imagine ten thousand people singing “SYYYM-BIO-TIIIC.” I might even try and use that myself now. P: Wow. Can we shake a deal on that right now? FT: Yeah sure. But yeah, I guess the point you could draw from that is that I don’t think music is popular because it’s dumb, because I don’t think that people are dumb. P: Do you always approach songs in the same way since the days of ‘Million Dead’? Have any of your methods translated or are they more or less the same? FT: Things have changed a lot. Mainly because writing with Million Dead was a very creative process. We all wrote together, but at the same time we were aiming for different things. We wanted to be some kind of cross between Black Flag and
Refused and destroy the entire world with the power of hardcore. Whereas now, I kind of have this feeling that there is the platonic ideal of ‘the song’ and I think that everybody, in one way or another, is grasping towards that. I think Bob Dylan came close, I think Pete Townsend’s came very close, as has Bruce Springsteen. It’s not necessarily reinventing the wheel or trying to be progressive or radical in any new way. It’s more just trying to make something as classic as possible. So I just sit down and try to do my best to do that. That moment where you feel like you’re touching a nerve. Read this and all other Platform Music interviews in full over at www.platform-online.com
as she floats and skips across the Rock City Stage.
Bat For Lashes @ Rock City 5th October 2009 Words & Photo by Andrew Trendell
W
hat’s that? Oh, no I haven’t heard from Speech Debelle in a while. Last reported sighting of her was after the Mercury’s when she was being led into a police car for theft. She stands accused of robbing Bat For Lashes of what was rightfully hers. It makes you sick doesn’t it? Nominated twice but never the victor. Exhibit A: Bat For Lashes at Rock City.
Enigmatic wacky frontwomen have been ten a penny this year. If you would dare to put Natasha Kahn in with this bad bunch then you would be oh so sorely mistaken. Since 2006 Bat For Lashes has been perfecting her bewitching and celestial brew of fairytale pop. Without gimmickry, nostalgia or a kerrr-azy red quiff, Kahn proves to be a divine presence
BFL’s sincerity and warmth saturate her performance, as her wild child imagination explodes into the room. Her performance of ‘Pearl’s Dream’ is perfect soundtrack to something between a litany and a rave at a witch trial. ‘Daniel’ is infused with a haunting and infectious energy whilst ‘Siren Song’ is an altogether otherworldly lullaby. Stepping out for an encore armed only with a TV screen, her lungs and a whole lot of soul, Kahn does well to make the vast venue seem so intimate. With every word and gesture she tends to the audience with maternalistic tenderness. Every moment is flawlessly beautiful without exception. No Mercury this year, but one day the rest of the planet will recognise Bat For Lashes as one of the best of her generation. Always the bridesmaid, eh? Marry me. Actually forget awards. Who needs silverware when you’re born with majesty? Long live the Queen
www.platform-online.net |
21
Music
Sound Advice Words & Photos by Andrew Trendell
Welcome to all new Trent Army recruits. To ease you into the next chapter of your life, we asked a few of your favourite bands for a few words of advice on university life as well as their views on the city of Nottingham from the likes of Foals, Scouting For Girls, Frank Turner, Fightstar, The Living Daylights and Nottingham’s own Chris Urbanowicz from Editors: Chris Urbanowicz (Editors): Don’t spend too much money in the first weeks. That’s what happened to me and then I found myself struggling. Just be careful with what you do and who you do. The most commonly held misconception about Nottingham is probably the 3:1 girls to boys ratio. That’s something that was quite big in the 70s and 80s. When I first started going out when I was 17 in the era of 1998/1999, the 3:1 ratio was pretty spot on, in a good way. I think with the universities, everyone has got hold of that and it’s caused it to level out a little bit so it’s pretty equal. I don’t really go clubbing much anymore, I’m a bit old for that now. I’m always drinking and seeing bands at The Bodega Social. The food is awesome as well; I think they’ve got a new chef in recently. It’s pretty good.
Roy Stride (Scouting For Girls): Wear a condom. Don’t worry about anything too much. Just have a good time. Everybody gets ‘freshers’ flu’. It’s alright if you spend your student loan in 3 days. I bought a new guitar, a phat effects pedal, I spent the lot. I did choose my degree on the basis that I was in a band and trying to get a record deal so I chose English, because it’s only eight hours a week. I made so many friends, I’d recommend University to anyone. Also, spend a few quid of your loan on a Scouting For Girls ticket maybe? Your first year doesn’t count. Drink a lot. Yannis Phillipakkis (Foals): Arrive at uni with pot because you’ll make friends and instantly get to know everybody. My time at university was brief but sweet. I dropped out after first year so I did the freshers’ thing and that was it. I do remember that I didn’t enjoy Freshers’ Week. I found the pressure of trying to integrate myself into a big group of people quite difficult. I did make friends but I found forcing it a little bit weird. I instantly just got involved with the people who smoked cigarettes, because it was a common interest. I liked Uni though. I really like Nottingham, it’s one of our favourite UK cities to play in and go out in. I love Rock City and I love Stealth. Very sweaty. It’s quite fun.
Frank Turner: At the risk of sounding like a boring old man; if you’re going to go to University and rack up a huge debt then you might as well do some f*cking work. You know, have some fun in the first few weeks but then do some work. I worked my arse off to get my degree and I realised that there are other ways to go out every night and get p*ssed, if thats what you want to do without racking up a massive debt. Get incredibly wasted in the first few weeks, then do some work. Oh yeah and avoid crack. STAY OFF THE CRACK. Alex Westaway (Fightstar): Go Crazy. The first few weeks of university are really important. That’s the time when you get to know a lot of people. It’s important to make a group of friends as quick as you can because these things can be quite difficult to form. Just go all out first week. Lose it. Sam Cook (The Living Daylights): Leave university now. Join a band and start touring the country. Ruin your life. Definitely sort your life out. You don’t get any qualifications, you don’t get any money, you don’t get fed, but its such a better thing to do. Work yourself into the ground in every way possible: financially, physically, mentally – you’re going to be f*cked. Oh and don’t do drugs.
22
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
Film
Dacre Stoker Interview | Jennifer’s Body | The Vampire’s Assistant | The Lost Boys | Dracula | Twilight Kiss of the Vampire | Up | The Informant! | Harry Brown & Ticket Giveaway Edited by Becky Wojturska | film@platform-online.net
Film Sub-Editor | Becky Elizabeth Wojturska
F
irst off, welcome, or welcome back. We are kick-starting the new month (and uni year) by celebrating the mania that is vampirism: past, present and future. From blood suckers to vegetarians, we’ve covered them all (including Jennifer’s Body, above), both in print and online. So don’t forget to check out our reinvented website – www.platform-online.net – for all the extras we couldn’t squeeze into the magazine. We’ve even got an interview from Dacre Stoker – a living descendant of Bram Stoker.
November promises to be an exciting month, with the release of Disney Pixar’s new film Up, Soderbergh’s The Informant! and Michael Caine’s Harry Brown, just to name a few. Check out our Harry Brown ticket giveaway to go and see the film before it’s released. Enjoy. >
www.platform-online.net |
23
Film
Platform Interview:
Dacre Stoker
Platform: Firstly, did you feel daunted taking on such a huge task?
Dacre Stoker: Absolutely! People identify him through videos, literature and of course movies. Good thing I had a little foot in the door with the name up there! P: Did you have your own image of Dracula when writing? DS: Well, he wasn’t a charming Eastern European who could charm women out of their blood! Bram described him as grotesque but you need a cool leading guy. We left a lot to your imagination. P: Do you think you captured the characters in true Bram Stoker style? DS: We all interpret characters in our own way. We (Ian and myself) poured over notes and read about Bram […] and thought ‘what would happen to the characters?’ They saved the world! We interpreted as we thought Bram would have, we certainly hope his spirit is there! P: Why now? Did you predict the current obsession with vampirism? DS: If you go back six years, you couldn’t have predicted the current mania. We were blind to what was going on until two years ago and we were like – boy we better get a move on! P: Halloween must be fun! DS: Yeah, it’s always like, “what are you guys serving, is it Bloody Mary’s at the Stokers?” P: And finally, what’s your favourite vampire film? DS: The 1931 Browning version of Bram’s Dracula. The Coppola version has great costumes and erm… ok acting!
Check out more film interviews and reviews on www.platform-online.net
24
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
Film Reviews Jennifer’s Body (15)
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Megan Fox, Adam Brody Directed by: Karyn Kusama Released: 6th November 2009
With nudity, kissing and Megan Fox; vampires have never been so sexy. Or so the trailer would have you believe. Jennifer’s Body actually comes from the viewpoint of Jennifer’s (Fox) best friend Needy (Seyfried) who watches her go through a ritual change from a boy-hungry vain girl to a, well, boy-hungry vain vampire. Jennifer then begins to feast on boys in order to retain her strength, health and beauty. As Needy uncovers the truth she sets out to stop Jennifer before she claims her next victim. This film is more dark and sinister than you would expect and so reaches a wider audience whilst providing a unique twist on vampirism. However, the script is hit and miss with some embarrassingly cheesy lines but the indie-rock soundtrack more than makes up for it. Jennifer’s Body is enjoyable and clever with its symbolic insight into the corruption of beauty. And ok, maybe it’s a little sexy. Becky Elizabeth Wojturska
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant (12A)
Starring: John C. Reilly, Josh Hutcherson, Chris Massoglia Directed by: Paul Weitz Released: 23rd November 2009
Based on the first three books of the series by author Darren Shan, we follow teenager Darren (Massoglia) who, after receiving a mysterious flyer for illicit freak show the Cirque du Freak, is encouraged to attend by his rebellious best friend Steve (Hutcherson). After a series of sinister events, Darren is given little choice but to strike a life-changing deal with a vampire (Reilly). He becomes the vampire’s assistant – on the provision he becomes half-vampire himself. Fans of the books should not expect the film to be as thoroughly somber in tone. Rather, this solemnity is balanced with wry humor, action and drama. Cirque du Freak will probably appeal mostly to a teen audience. Although it is entertaining, for the most part, with distinguished interpretations of author Shan’s quirky characters and his nontraditional vampires. Melanie Ward
The Lost Boys (15)
Starring: Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Keifer Sutherland, Dianne Wiest Directed by: Joel Schumacher Released: 31st July 1987
“Sleep all day. Party all night. Never grow old. Never die. It’s fun to be a vampire.” This story centres around the son’s of a recent divorcee, Lucy (Wiest) who uproots her family to move to her father’s in the coastal town of Santa Carla - ‘murder capital of the world’. Sons Michael (Patric) and Sam (Haim), both of whom give a remarkable performance, soon find the town is plagued by a rebellious vampire biker gang. Who, led by David (Sutherland), cause a spiral of death, anguish and infatuation that plagues the boys’ lives. This teen horror flick isn’t exactly what you would label ‘scary’ (unless you bring Sutherland’s ‘80s hairdo into the equation). But then again, this film won’t let you down on the gore factor – if you can stomach it then you’re in for a treat. Combined with the comedy and music, you have a vampire classic. Sian Lomas-Morgan
Dracula (PG)
Starring: Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, David Manners, Edward Van Sloan, Francis Dade Directed by: Tod Browning Released: 14th February 1931 Based on Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula, we follow the story of Count Dracula (Lugosi) as he travels to England. After meeting the Harkers, Jonathon (Manners) and Mina (Chandler), Dracula soon becomes a terrifying presence, claiming the life of their close friend Lucy (Dade). But his unquenchable thirst takes him towards Mina, and it is up to Jonathon and his friend Van Helsing (Van Sloan) to stop him. This classic provides horror that, whilst not jumpy or indeed scary like modern films, is certainly eerie and spooky. This is the epitome of vampirism and a must-see. Becky Elizabeth Wojturska
www.platform-online.net |
25
Film
Twilight (12A)
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Cam Gigandet Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke Released: 19th December 2008
Twilight is the adaption of the best selling novel by Stephenie Meyer. It tells the story of Bella Swan (Stewart), who moves to a small, gloomy town to live with her Father after her Mother re-marries. It is in the dark, rainy Forks where she meets Edward Cullen (Pattinson), with whom she falls madly in love and also just happens to be a vampire. However, this isn’t the traditional vampire movie. Edward and his “family” aren’t the neck-munching, bloodguzzling vampires of old, but a new breed who pride themselves on being “vegetarian” – only drinking animal blood. Edward’s natural vampire instincts, though, tell him to kill Bella and things are never easy for the couple. Can they be together in such danger? The film embodies the idea that not everything condemned to be bad has to be so; there is always a choice. Sweetly idealistic, this is perfect for the romantics. Emma Breward
26
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
Kiss of the Vampire
Starring: Clifford Evans, Edward de Souza, Jennifer Daniel, Noel Willman Directed by: Don Sharp Released: 26th January 1964 Honeymooners Marianne (Daniel) and Gerald Harcourt (de Souza) end up staying in a remote village after their car breaks down, and are invited to Dr. Ravna’s (Willman) castle where they make friends with the family and locals. When Marianne goes missing after a masked party, Gerald finds out the truth about their new blood-sucking friends and with the help of vampire killer Zimmer (Evans) he sets out to save his wife. With giant bats, rituals and unfolded mysteries, this predictable but fun cult classic is sure to entertain. Becky Elizabeth Wojturska
Check out more reviews on www.platform-online.net
UP 3D (U)
Starring: Ed Asner, Jordan Nagai, Christopher Plummer Directed by: Peter Docter Released: 9th November 2009 The tenth film from Pixar takes us on a journey with old man Carl Fredricksen (Asner) as he fulfils the dream of him and his late wife Ellie by moving to South America … via attaching 20,622 balloons to his house. Interestingly this adventure provides a range of different age groups, species and personalities all interacting together, with his motley crew including Russell, the persistent eight year old Wilderness Explorer; packs of talking dogs and Kevin the snipe bird. A Dick Dastardly style villain completes this unforgettable journey. Graphically the whole thing looks stunning, with an alluring combination of colour and severe attention to detail which only serves to make the 3D look even more impressive. An original animation concept, it is life affirming, loveable and full of laughs; a pleasure for all ages that has real warmth and heart. Amy V Gathercole
The Informant! (15)
Starring: Matt Damon, Eddie Jemison, Scott Bakula Directed by: Steven Soderbergh Released: 20th November 2009
Matt Damon absolutely shines in this true story as Mark Whitacre, a smart but simple man who works for the rich and powerful agri-business ADM. After believing he has uncovered a damaging conspiracy from their Japanese rivals and finding price-fixing exploits, Whitacre starts working as an informant for the FBI
against his company, gathering hundreds of hours of video and audio tapes as evidence. Soon the stories get bigger and you don’t know what’s truth or lies. Once you think you have it figured out, a new twist develops as he delves deeper into the company’s wrong-doings. But is Whitacre as simple or innocent as he seems? This film is genius with just the right amount of secrecy and humour. Whitacre’s thoughts and nature make it hilarious which, along with the wonderfully written script, make this a five star film. Becky Elizabeth Wojturska
www.platform-online.net |
27
Film Harry Brown Tickets Up For Grabs Harry Brown was shot on location in and around London’s Elephant and Castle, and at Elstree Studios. The supporting cast includes Liam Cunningham (Hunger, The Wind That Shakes the Barley), and up-and-coming British talent like Ben Drew aka Plan B (Adulthood), Jack O’Connell (Eden Lake), Lee Oakes (Two Pints of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps), Joseph Gilgun (This Is England) and Sean Harris (24 Hour Party People). David Bradley (Harry Potter, Hot Fuzz) and Iain Glen (The Diary of Anne Frank, Kingdom of Heaven) also star.
Harry Brown (18)
Starring: Sir Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Jack O’Connell Directed by: Daniel Barber Released: 13th November 2009 “MICHAEL CAINE IS HARRY BROWN”… a widowed, ex-marine pensioner who turns vigilante after his only close friend becomes the latest victim of the vicious gang who are terrorising their council estate. Confronted with daily reminders of violence that the police have failed to stop, Harry decides he must administer his own brand of justice. Undoubtedly, the film will be compared to Eastwood’s Gran Torino, but the latter is sentimental in tone, whilst Harry Brown aspires to create the sort of gritty British drama achieved by the likes of Shane Meadows (This Is England). Due to Caine’s accomplished performance, it is easy to empathise with the title character. Yet the intensity and passion intended to be incited against such gang violence is lost, as the harsh realism conveyed from the outset somewhere transforms into an urban-style Western hero story. Having said this, the film depicts the plight of the thousands of people facing this sort of violence every day… and it’s surely worth a watch to see Michael Caine on a chav-obliterating rampage. Melanie Ward
28
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
There are going to be previews of Harry Brown around the country before it opens in cinemas on 13th November. Nottingham is holding a preview on 2nd November, and See Film First is offering 100 tickets to give away. All you have to do to claim yours is to visit their website – www.seefilmfirst.com and then enter the code: 588509. Tickets are available on first come first served basis, so get clicking! Put the details on your phone now: www.seefilmfirst.com Code: 588509 www.harrybrownthemovie.com
WIN
Enough Relentless to last all term! Break morning, noon and night with just a can... With a No Half Measures attitude and 3 variants Relentless will take you from morning to evening (ensuring you are ready to party from dawn ‘til dusk!); Relentless is an energy drink that helps give you the stamina, focus and drive you need, when you need it! Wake up and shake up the morning with Relentless Juiced Energy, a 50% juice variant that blends passion fruit, orange, guava, mango and apricot - a drink specifically made to answer your wake up call - gearing you up to break the morning! Stoke the fires of the afternoon with a Relentless Inferno, a delicious fruit flavoured energy injection. As the sky darkens and the stars come out to play, crack open a Relentless Origin to ensure you keep the pace of the party all night!
F
or a chance to win three crates of Relentless, just tell us which one of the following is a variant of Relentless:
A. Squashed Lethargy B. Juiced Energy C. Blended Insomnia Email your answer along with your name, student ID number, and postal address to platform@su.ntu.ac.uk no later than Friday 27th November. Good luck! Quarter page - Skylink1.pdf
21/10/2009
12:39:19
There’s a reason we only hired 5% of applicants last year. It takes nothing less than total dedication to handle the complexity and sheer scope of an organisation that looks after 60 million people from their very first breath. Combine this with the 1.3 million staff it takes to provide the service, and you can see why management roles really don’t come much bigger than this. After gaining further professional qualifications on placements across England, you’ll get the chance to wield real influence within one of the most innovative and forward thinking organisations in the world. To find out when we’ll be visiting your campus, or to discover more about our Graduate Management Training Scheme, just visit our website at
www.nhsgraduates.co.uk
Photos ‘Trent Army’ | 5.10.09 Photos: David Bullock
30
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
Photos ‘Freshers Ocean’ | 6.10.09 Photos: Leila Buffery & Stefan Ebelewicz
www.platform-online.net |
31
Photos ‘Freshers Oceana’ | 7.10.09 Photo: Sophie Draper
32
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
www.platform-online.net |
33
Photos ‘Freshers Oceana’ | 7.10.09 Photos: Gabriella Brooks & Sophie Draper
34
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
www.platform-online.net |
35
Photos ‘Freshers Ball’ | 19.10.09 Photos: Thomas Seager, Jodie Herbage & Lucy Greenhill
36
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
www.platform-online.net |
37
Arts&Fashion Statement Jewellery | Book Reviews | Surface Gallery’s Arts & Crafts Fair
Edited by Rebecca Uren | arts@platform-online.net | fashion@platform-online.net
S
tatement jewellery is all over the catwalks at the minute, and the latest collection from Doloris Petunia will definitely get you noticed.
The designs are a heaven to any jewellery magpie, offering a range of beautiful, jewel coloured stones to give any outfit a personality. Courtney Prince, designer of the collection, has taken inspiration from her 96 year old grandmother, with the mix of the old with the new, to create a stunning new collection. The most popular piece so far has been the Violet Statement Necklace. Purple is a popular colour for all those who want something a bit different. It also adds that luxury factor to a look with its rich tones, and this necklace is surely not one to ignore. With ten necklaces within the collection and fans including Heidi Klum, the range is available online at www.hannahzakari.co.uk, with prices starting at £45. Then again, you could visit Miss Selfridge on the high street, where they sell a cheaper alternative for the purse-friendly price of £15. Rebecca Uren
Statement Jewellery
Necklaces (left and above): www.hannahzakari.co.uk
38
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
Necklace: www.missselfridge.co.uk
Book Reviews Beyond Duty
Shannon Meehan & Roger Thompson Till death do us part, this heart touching memoir documents what the War in Iraq has been. This is the true story of one soldier’s attempt to reconcile what he has done with what he felt he had to do. Bare and devastating, it re counts first hand the reality of a new type of warfare that remains largely unspoken and forgotten on the frontlines of Iraq. The narrators voice reminds us that the bleeding commences, even after the guns have gone silent, even if we don’t realize it. This honest and painfully intense narrative is one to be read, and will always be returned to many times after. Rebecca Uren
Celebrities Behaving Badly Carol McGiffin & Mark Leigh
Co- written by one of our favourite Loose Women presenters, this book captures a tongue in cheek glimpse of the life of the stars.Read all about their diva- like demands, and ponder over their barmy behaviour. From insisting on having their tea stirred anticlockwise, to one celebrity screaming at his PA because there were too many clouds outside in the sky on his plane journey, this book really does cover it all. A gripping and entertaining read, guaranteed to leave you in stitches. Rebecca Uren
Do you enjoy creating original, handmade items? If the answer’s yes, then why not consider selling your creations to the public and stirring up a creative storm? Surface Gallery is holding an Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday 28th - Sunday 29th November 2009. Situated opposite Sneinton Market in the centre of Nottingham, the venue is an excellent place to sell anything handmade, from original artwork to ethically sourced textile products, championing the dynamic. This is an ideal opportunity for anyone, whether you aim to raise money, or to get your talent recognised with the public. Stalls will open to the public from 10am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday, and will cost £10 per pitch, per day. There are also a limited number of tables available at £5 each per day. These will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. So you’ll have to get in early to show off how your creative juices flow. For further information and to request your application form visit www.surfacegallery.org Rebecca Uren
www.platform-online.net |
39
Food&Drink Robin Hood Beer Festival | Fat Cat CafĂŠ Bar | Chiquito
Edited by Molly Woodruff | food@platform-online.net
Delicate wine lends itself to an exquisite meal. Beer, with twigs and mud in it, lends itself to a festival. Molly Woodruff went to one that’s just for the stuff.
40
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
don’t think I’ll be swapping my dainty wine glass for a big pint pot and a beer froth moustache anytime soon. The Nottingham Brewery showcased some great ales as well as Holmfirth who offered a wide selection of very light and fruity bitters. I have to say I was slightly disappointed at the amount of beers that had already sold out though especially after plucking up the courage to ask for a spanked monkey (that is a drink just to be clear) only to be told it sold out on the first day. Saying that - I was nowhere near as dismayed as some of the Saturday evening punters who had queued for more than half an hour only to be turned away because the beer had almost completely ran out. Inside, the sheer amount of people all rushing about eager to try the different ales, just added to the vibrant atmosphere of the event and made my whole experience enjoyable. There wasn’t just an abundance of stereotypical beer festival-goers with their long beards and woolly jumpers either. This event seemed to have wider appeal with a healthy mix of customers. It was also good to see a lot of students had been able to drag themselves away from the typical drinking hotspots to try something truly different. The food available at the festival was varied and reasonably priced. The curry I got from the vegetarian food stand was well worth a try. The other food varied from traditional dishes like hog roasts and homemade pork pies to freshly caught cockles or oysters.
W
hen I got told that my first assignment as Food and Drink editor was to go and review one of the biggest beer festivals in the world my eyes lit up like a child’s on Christmas morn. This would definitely be one Uni assignment that you wouldn’t have to drag me kicking and screaming to. I was so eager in fact that I was one of the first to join the queue early on the Saturday afternoon.
The event held in the beautiful grounds of Nottingham Castle spanned over four days and saw breweries from all over the UK coming together to celebrate real British ales and ciders. Not being a hardened ale drinker myself, I set to work on tasting as many different ciders as I could out of the hundreds on offer. My favourite and the one I would recommend anyone trying was Moonshine, a
very pale sweet cider from Broadoak Brewery. Maybe after my third pint of the 8.4% drink I was not only a bit biased but slightly tipsy. Others which are well worth a try are Rose Hip Perry and an orange infused cider with a distinctive luminous colour. I would however warn others to choose from the Perries wisely as according to my taste buds some of them could only be enjoyed by those who had a liking for pure vinegar. After a while I decided I needed to sample some of the wide selection of ales and I even surprised myself at how much I liked some of them. However, I
The biggest downfall for me was that the entertainment left very much to be desired. At one point I was actually stood at the bandstand listening to an ageing rock group who had quite frankly seen better days singing about a Black and Decker power tool. Tickets cost £10 which included a souvenir glass and two beer tokens in the price. The entry fee may have been slightly pricey, especially for our ever decreasing student budgets, but I would recommend it to anyone for next year if only to try something different as apposed to getting lost in Gatecrasher or sticking to the floor in our beloved Ocean. Just be sure to get there early before they drink the bar dry.
www.platform-online.net |
41
Food & Drink
Restaurant Reviews Fat Cat Cafe Bar
Chapel Quarter
The Fat Cat Cafe bar is an award winning bar located in the heart of Nottingham. It has several bars located all over the UK, from London, Wrexham, Cardiff and Derby. Fat Cat has a great atmosphere where you can go to have lunch, dinner or even breakfast and offers a wide variety of menus, offers and discounts for students. Inside there are two floors. The ground floor gives you an informal dining experience and is the perfect place to relax after a hard day of lectures. The first floor has a formal restaurant and offers the same menu has the ground floor. A wide variety of drinks is available, with cocktails being at a reasonable price and generally mixed well. Though die hard mojito fans may prefer an actual cocktail bar. Fat Cat Cafe Bar also holds events ranging from quiz nights which happen every Sunday from 8pm, where customers can win great prices, to a Student night called Cat Lovin’. Here, all students can get 20% of everything just by showing their NUS card. Interested? Visit the website www.fatcatcafe bars.co.uk/Nottingham for more details on menus, opening orders, event nights and directions. Kennice Morrison
Chiquito
The Cornerhouse If you’re like me, and Mexican food is one of your ultimate favourite meals, then look no further to get your fix for the week. You no longer have to make do with packaged fajitas or chilli con carne from a jar, thanks to Chiquito who are now offering students a two course meal and a drink for £10. Mexican Mayhem night, which runs every Thursday evening, lets you choose from a whole range of starters, mains and desserts including classic dishes like tacos or chimichangas and even their famous fruit enchiladas. They don’t even skimp on the drinks
42
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
list which includes some favourites like bottles of Corona and frozen margaritas - which I would strongly recommend anyone to try. To start, I had the flautas; rolled flour tortillas filled with cheese and refried beans, which are then fried and served with salsa and a mixed salad. This vegetarian starter was unusual but really tasty – even if it was meat-free. I then moved on to spicy chicken and tangy tomato enchiladas served with Mexican style rice with a side order of spiced fries (well who can resist). The main meal was really enjoyable, although I thought it would have had more of a kick as it was a bit bland in comparison to what was described on the menu.
I can say this was my only slight disappointment with the meal and even saying that my friend tried the citrus pork version and said that he loved it. The service was also second to none – with very friendly and helpful waiters and waitresses who were eager to make our night enjoyable. This came as quite a surprise – especially after a not so satisfying experience in another Chiquito restaurant back home in Yorkshire. The budget price of this meal plus drink makes it a perfect place to go before a night out or just as an alternative to having to cook in our messy student digs. I would highly recommend checking out this offer at one of the Chiquito restaurants round the city, but I have to say the setting of the one in the Cornerhouse is great for views of the city or a spot of people watching. Molly Woodruff
www.platform-online.net |
43
Travel Madrid
Edited by Lucia Miyashita | travel@platform-online.net
44
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
Madrid Spain’s capital isn’t exactly a minger. And, as Lucia Miyashita found out, it could fast become one of your favourites.
Words & photos by Lucia Miyashta >
www.platform-online.net |
45
Travel
“Madrid escapes the dreary traps of urban life through the green of its many parks and gardens”
46
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
S
tep into the bustling heart of Spain for a trip that will warm your senses and enlighten your spirit. Located on the country’s striking Iberian peninsula, Madrid is bound to capture you with its glistening avenues, majestic plazas, and historic marvels, all of which blend in to create a magical, almost surreal atmosphere. One of the city’s most unique characteristics is its vibrantly astonishing mix of both medieval and modern architecture, ranging from traditional fifteenth century houses on the historic calle Major, to the twentieth century bank buildings surrounding the notorious Gran Via.
“The plaza is often jampacked with tourists making their way to and from the ten major streets to which the square is connected”
To me, Madrid appeared as the city of open spaces, with its vast roads and grandiose squares which often intertwine into a maze of traditional avenues and historic districts. One of my favourite squares - which also happens to be one of Madrid’s most popular tourist destinations - is the charming and vivaciously animated Plaza Mayor. This charismatic rectangular plaza is surrounded by a row of luxurious restaurants and has now become Madrid’s central spot for all major festivities. I suggest you visit at night when the square lights up and people swarm in to enjoy the plaza’s street shows and performances – it is a spectacle not to be missed. The enchanting Plaza de Espana is also in the list of favourites. This wide stretch of green, always buzzing with tourists, is located in the centre of the city and is a perfect place where to take a break from your sightseeing. Yet Madrid’s busiest square has to be the shimmering Puerta del Sol, home to the city’s regional government headquarters. The plaza, surrounded by buildings displaying the city’s deeply cherished baroque styles, is often jam-packed with tourists making their way to and from the ten major streets to which the square is connected.
Despite being a major hotspot for Spanish business, finance, and manufacturing, Madrid escapes the dreary traps of urban life through the green of its many parks and gardens. El Retiro is probably the biggest and most beautiful park in the capital, and is well worth a stroll in. Decorated with vast flowerbeds and Frenchstyle fountain cottages, its true gem remains the glossy Crystal Palace; an exhibition edifice made entirely out of iron and glass. For those of you who know they will eventually give in to their burning shopping temptations, Madrid truly has it all. The Gran Via boasts a range of exclusive brand stores from around the world, while traditional districts such as Serrano and Castellana offer high quality boutiques and street markets. Needless to say, Madrid embodies its country’s exalted art history to the fullest, from the El Prado Museum to the Museum of Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando. Museums of weapons, carvings and antiques are also vastly popular. From street to street, and from corner to corner, Madrid displays its cultural, historic, and artistic beauty in all its splendour. It is easy to fall in love with this neat and peaceful city, embraced by the wonders of Spain’s modern world, yet still characterized by its country’s alluring past. It’ll happen before you know it. Madrid will become the journey of a lifetime.
www.platform-online.net |
47
Gaming Seaside Secrets | Uncharted 2 | FIFA 10 | Halo 3
Edited by Aaron Lee | gaming@platform-online.net
Seaside Secrets
The future of video games revealed at Develop in Brighton. By Aaron Lee
48
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
S
itting half submerged in the sea, the burnt out shell of Brighton’s West Pier is an inauspicious sight. What once was a haven for British holidaymakers and symbol of Brighton’s tourist economy is now just a decaying lattice of iron and wood. However, this prominent landmark is also situated opposite the Hilton Metropole hotel - where our rendezvous with some of the finest minds in the games industry and beyond took place this summer.
Develop in Brighton is one of the UK’s largest dedicated game development conferences. For the past two years the event has attracted developers, publishers and press from around the world, and this year was no different. Over the course of the three day conference, we witnessed prototype technologies, the inner workings of top console games and discussed, with attendees, just what it all means for the industry.
overarching impression we got was that the games industry is ready to plough millions into social networks with large user bases. In the future, games will be directly integrated into these services with friend invites, photo and video sharing, and maybe even a page chronicling all of your recent gaming achievements. In fact, some of these are already in effect. Uncharted 2 was set to have Twitter support, until comments from disgruntled fans forced developer, Naughty Dog, to tape the bird’s beak shut before its retail release. And later this month Microsoft will be welcoming Facebook and Twitter to Xbox Live. Another forward thinking game designer with a would-be success on his hands was David Jones, creator of the original Grand Theft Auto. On day two of the conference he gave attendees a glimpse of his new online-only game, All Points
tion system. It solidifies Jones’ claims about wanting APB to appeal as much to the punk crowd as the fashion designers of the world. Seriously, women will love it. Hundreds of clothing items, accessories and patterns. Jewellery, tattoos, piercings, hair extensions, you name it. Almost every facet of every clothing item, skin texture or hair styling can be customised to your complete desire. And this ideal extends to the game’s customisable licensed vehicles, as well as the in-game soundtrack which is directly controlled by your music library. APB left us so impressed that we’re already gelling our hair, recruiting a punk girl possy and practicing our intimidating walk in preparation for its launch in 2010. Motion control was the final big headliner at Develop in Brighton. All of the three major platform holders - Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony - have invested heavily in motion control technologies. The Wii now has Motion Plus. Microsoft is working on their futuristic witchcraft, Project Natal, which will apparently do away with controllers completely. We settled in for day three’s PlayStation keynote to witness the upcoming PS3 motion controller in action. Sony’s R & D team were on hand to give us a demonstration of the prototype with an archery tech demo. Using two remotes, each with a glowing ball at the end, players will be able to control the movements of ingame avatars on a one-to-one basis. The motion controller performed actions from quick movements to more precise aims, and proved to be an extremely capable device from the demonstration. This proved to be yet another piece of kit, arriving next year, to get excited about.
“Develop in Brighton is one of the UK’s largest dedicated game development conferences”
The importance of preparing for the impending ‘online revolution’ was a continual topic of debate at the conference. David Perry, accomplished game designer and creator of Earthworm Jim, presented Gaikai - an online, browser-based answer to the distribution and technology behind the next generation of video games. Without getting too technical, Gaikai is to video games what BBC iPlayer is to TV. Users will be able to login to the service from a standard web browser and play games just as you would with a PC or home console. Perry claims that almost any basic broadband-connected computer should have the power to play games far more complex than they were originally built to handle via Gaikai. So, in few years time we could potentially see Burnout 6, Crysis 3 and Spore 2 streaming on demand to homes across Britain. Of course, in this day and age, you can’t talk about the internet without mentioning social networking, the impact it’s had on consumers and, more importantly, on businesses. Google, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Bebo - the
Bulletin (APB). This contemporary action game is set in a “persistent” open world environment. Players ally themselves with a faction - criminals or enforcers - and undertake missions to benefit them and their online clan. The exciting thing about APB is that Scottish developer, Realtime Worlds, is promising an experience the goes beyond just being the best at gunning down adversaries. In the world of APB you will be able to gain creditably by perfecting the traits that appeal most to you, such as fashion, music or maybe even wooing... but we don’t recommend actively trying the last one. From what we’ve seen, there is also enormous potential in APB’s customisa-
From what we’ve seen there’s certainly a plethora of surprises in store for the future of games and those that follow them. Games are becoming more social, more personal and more user friendly. Not every idea will lead to success, but unlike the hulking skeleton of Brighton’s west pier, game developers are ready to rebuild and evolve.
For full coverage of Develop in Brighton, including interviews and in-depth reports, visit www.platform-online.net
www.platform-online.net |
49
Gaming FIFA 10 (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PC)
Publisher: EA Released: Out Now
With the football season well underway, great expectations were coming for the new FIFA. Has EA made the greatest ever football game to date?
Game Reviews Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3)
Publisher: Sony Released: Out Now
Two years ago Naughty Dog made their next gen debut with the PS3 exclusive title, Uncharted: Drakes Fortune. Now they’re back with the follow-up, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. The game brings back our hero, Nathan Drake, a witty treasure hunter who is basically the new Indiana Jones but better, along with some other familiar faces and several new ones too. Although it isn’t essential to have played the first game, you will certainly get more out of the story. A story which this time round sees Drake globetrotting in search of a mysterious new treasure, whilst trying to outsmart the devious antagonist, Lazarevic. Anyone who’s seen Indiana Jones will enjoy the adventurous theme of the story. Drake is a very personable character which is refreshing. The voice acting, cinematics and sound all come together extremely well in one of the most polished experiences this generation. Uncharted 2 offers some of the most dramatic, breathtaking set piece moments ever. The phrase ‘cinematic experience’ doesn’t do it justice. The game is so incredibly captivating throughout the entire length of its 15 hour campaign that you just won’t want to stop playing. It’s pacing is perfect. Between the tense shootouts, death defying platforming and the odd puzzle, there’s more than enough to keep you constantly entertained.
The first new key feature to FIFA 10 is the 360-degree control. After playing PES 2009 and switching over to FIFA 10, you can see a whole lot of difference to this feature in the way the players can move into space, skip pass opponents and lunge into those last minute challenges. 360-degree control is a great aspect to have as it establishes FIFA 10’s gameplay as being the most realistic to date, along with a continuous fluidity throughout the game. What makes FIFA 10 really standout is so much more than just the latest major addition, although 360-degree player movement is, admittedly, huge. Yet, the entire game has been attentively tightened up in every department. So, passing play is more reliable, shooting feels brilliantly exciting, and timing a well placed through ball brings the match defying moments which can sometimes create a lot of banter when playing with flatmates.
As if that wasn’t enough, Uncharted 2 offers an in-depth multiplayer mode with competitive and co-operative game types. The game offers five vs. five in team deathmatch, Capture the Treasure, king of the hill, turf war and so on. In co-op games - Survival and Gold Rush with up to two other players - you work together to survive waves of increasingly difficult AI enemies, while also attempting to transport a treasure from one side of the map to the other. This isn’t just a tacked on feature. There are days worth of entertainment to be had from Uncharted 2’s online multiplayer mode. Perhaps even more so than the single-player experience. If I was to point out a flaw or two, I would only state that the game could be longer and harder in certain points, but these are minor points on what is an incredible game. Uncharted 2 has to be PS3’s proudest moment yet. No other platform has matched this level of technical achievement or attention to detail. Finally, a game that shows just what the PS3 is capable of. A captivating story, mind-blowing set pieces and a quality multiplayer mode to boot. Uncharted 2 is the best adventure game so far this generation. If you own a PS3, this is the treasure you need. Stuart Kent
For more in-depth reviews, visit www.platform-online.net
50
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
With FIFA 10, it adds another level of realism, although not being graphically on par with PES it makes up for this in the matches themselves. A lot more attributes of the real players have been taken into account by EA Canada, and this is evident on the pitch. For example, FIFA 09 made pace the most important attribute for players, Ryan Giggs with the ball was a hard man to catch. Now, in FIFA 10, playing with a
Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360)
Publisher: Microsoft Released: Out Now strong, skilful forward man, like Wayne Rooney, you can see how he can outmuscle the likes of a less strengthened player, such as Jamie Carragher. Or a through ball, from Michael Carrick, ending up with a finesse shot curling into the top corner. FIFA 10 has many great and unique features, but it still has niggling floors. Playing with a few mates can sometimes turn into more of a strategic battle rather than a quick pickup and play. The soccer AM crossbar challenges (hidden from view) also need attention, as pinging the ball with a great striker ends up hitting the crossbar or post on more than one occasion. The jerky cut-scenes and replay slideshows need to disappear. Areas, such as manager mode and custom set pieces, require plenty of refinement to match the high-quality of the rest of the game. With PES 2010 just around the corner can it damage FIFA 10’s win streak? I feel that won’t be the case, as FIFA 09 stepped up the competition and EA has done it again. So, is this the greatest football game to date? No doubt. FIFA 10 stands as one of the best sports simulations ever released. The on-pitch action is convincing and, more importantly, a lot of fun. Played with friends, the game is even better. A great game for the spare hours that uni may throw your way. James Coad
Finish the fight? Bungie doesn’t seem to want to. They may have cut the bonds from their former parent company, Microsoft, but so far we haven’t seen anything except more Halo coming from the world-class FPS maker. Halo 3: ODST (originally revealed as Halo: Recon) is the first game from Bungie that doesn’t feature Master Chief - the green-armoured supersoldier found in the main trilogy. ODST may sound more like a brand of deodorant, but it actually stands for Orbital Drop Shock Troopers - an elite group of tactical warriors trained to turn the tide of battle. Set just under halfway through the events of Halo 2, you play a rookie ODST dispatched on a very special mission in the city of New Mombasa. At the start of the game, you and your fellow ODSTs are freefalling towards the city when a nearby starship causes your pod to fly off course. Hours later, you awake stranded in the abandoned city. You must discover the fate of your teammates and accomplish your original mission. As the rookie, you can use the mission map to place waypoints, check mission objectives and locate the nearest beacon. Beacons are the key to unearthing clues to your team’s fate. The bulk of ODST’s story is told through flashback. Upon reaching a beacon you might find a shattered helmet or a bent rifle. This initiates the more action orientated sections, where you play one of four other ODSTs in events leading up to that night.
These sections are filled with more traditional Halo set pieces - storm a skyscraper rooftop, blow up a bridge to slow the enemy’s advance, secure a plaza as dropships release waves of troops. Anyone who’s played Halo 3 will love every minute of these ‘fight or flight’ skirmishes. Keeping your health up is important in ODST. There’s no regenerating shield, so health must be siphoned from scattered medkits. Your troop does have stamina, which at least offers a one hit protection when you first come under fire, giving you a chance to take cover. ODST also has a new mode, Firefight. This mode is comparable to Gears of War 2’s horde mode. You, and up to three friends, fight a series of increasingly tough enemy waves in an enclosed area. Skulls, or handicaps, add to the challenge, making enemies dodge grenades or giving your less ammo generally making life difficult. Firefight is possibly the best reason to buy ODST. The action never lets up and it’s feverishly addictive with friends. Bungie are right to try new things with their million-selling franchise, but tiresome sidewalk strolls and optional stealth aren’t something many Halo fans will warm to. Then again, when the gameplay and set pieces are this good - consistently - the campaign still deserves a look. But it’s Firefight and multiplayer that truly make Halo 3: ODST a strong package. Go commando, and get ODST. Aaron Lee
www.platform-online.net |
51
Health
Student Depression | How to Look After a Drunk Person | Should you worry about how loud your music is? | Students and Dentists
Edited by Danielle Almond | health@platform-online.net
Student Depression Leaving your life behind you be a bigger jolt than most students expect. Danielle Almond looks at how you can cope.
52
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
M
oving to university and leaving your family and friends, for some, marks a new and exciting chapter in their lives, but naturally others find it hard to cope. Many students around the country may be experiencing depression with many factors increasing students vulnerability to become depressive. With the recession in full swing whilst many were making their university decision some may feel that the decision whether to go to university or not was taken out of their hands with many finding joining the job market impossible. With the highest ever number of students attending university this year, students, especially those from small villages, may begin to feel like a small fish in the ocean. Again, in links with the economy top-up fees and financial worries can also contribute. With more students having to take up part time jobs to help fund university stress can easily build up. The typical student lifestyle also does not help those who may be vulnerable to depression with excessive alcohol intake, drug use and sleep deprivation playing a role in the downward spiral. With more and more students being the first from their family to attend university those students may find it particularly difficult as it can be hard for families to guide you on how to manage a university lifestyle. Ann Heyno from the students against depression website believes that depression is a common reaction saying, “Any situation
where you are thrown out of your comfort zone and into something new, can trigger a bout of depression. At university there is no-one to get you out of bed, to keep you motivated or to feed and clothe you and for some, this can be a difficult adjustment to make.” Daniel, aged 19, is an example of a student who suffered from depression during his first year at university. After coming back after the Christmas break Daniel found himself increasingly anxious. He found dragging himself out of bed particularly difficult. After a bad break up things got even worse. Eventually Daniel told his parents how he was feeling and began to make changes to bring himself out of the downwards spiral he was stuck in. He sought help from a counsellor and now sees things a lot more positively.
More info about depression Resources that can offer help include: http://www.studentdepression.org/ http://www.thecalmzone.net/ NTU also has its own counselling service on all three campuses which can be contacted through: http://www.ntu.ac.uk/sss/counselling_service/ index.html
www.platform-online.net |
53
Health
How to Look After a Drunk Person By Danielle Almond
M
ost of us will have been there at some point in our lives. One of your mates gets wasted when you’re out and then you’re the one left with the job of carting them back home after they’ve had more than one too many. With many new students taking the opportunity whilst at uni to test their limits, many perhaps for the first time, it is quite possible that they may need the help of a good friend to look after them when they can no longer do it themselves. There’s a lot of different advice out there for these situation and a plethora of old wives tales about what you should do to help someone who’s now so drunk they’ve lost the use of their legs. The first thing to remember is that it should be a sober person, or if no one is, the least drunk person available to take charge of the inebriated friend. Even one or two drinks can have an effect on judgement so all decision making is best left up to someone sober. It is never a good idea to put a drunk person in charge of another drunk person. Next thing is to give them some water, alcohol is diuretic, meaning that you’ll be losing more water than you’re taking in. However, the water won’t sober them up but will make them feel a bit better in the morning. Despite its healing properties you must not force them to drink water, as their swallowing or gag reflex may be dulled making it easier for them to choke. Although it is commonly thought that food will make them sober up quicker this isn’t the case. The only thing that can sober them up is time which will allow the alcohol to pass through their system naturally. This is because by the time someone is drunk the alcohol has already left the stomach and
54
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
is being absorbed through the walls of the lower intestine, so putting more food in their stomach won’t make any difference. When your friend wants to take a lie down it’s important you keep them on their side with something behind their back to stop them from rolling over onto their back or stomach. If they threw up whilst on their back they could choke on it or on their front there is a risk they could drown if they breathe it in. A cause for concern is if your friend is having trouble breathing, severely ill, or unconscious. In these cases it is advisable to call an ambulance immediately. It is also wise to stay with them to continually monitor them. There are some obvious things to avoid, don’t give them any more alcohol and a cold shower will not sober them up either. The shock could cause them to pass out and injure themselves. As well as this don’t try to walk, run or exercise your drunken friend. If you’ve found your friend to be in a drunken state whilst having consumed little alcohol it is possible they are either a light weight but also remain aware that it is possible that their drink may have been spiked. If you think this is the case take them home and report the incident to the police.
Should you worry about how loud your music is? S
urveys have shown that two-thirds of us are listening to our music at dangerously high levels.
Safe levels are between 80-85 decibels but some players have been found to go up to 120 decibels which is the same amount of noise an aeroplane makes on take off. Headphones can be particularly dangerous as the noise is directed straight into the ear. The risk of developing hearing loss also increases with the length of time you spend listening as it has been discovered that any level over 85 decibels can, over time, add to the risk of hearing loss. At the moment it is suggested that up to 10 million people throughout Europe could be at risk of permanent hearing loss which is as much as 1 in 10 people. For this reason the EU has announced plans that could save millions from becoming deaf. Exact plans have not been announced yet but it is expected that MP3 players and phones that play music will be limited to 80-85 decibels. However these limits should be able to be over ridden after a warning pops up on screen. Another survey has also revealed the general ignorance of young people when it comes to what is safe for their ears. 38% did not know that loud music on personal stereos, loud concerts and machinery can cause damage to their hearing despite more than 80% of us having experienced ringing in our ears. The RNID, charity for the deaf, has set up a Don’t Lose the Music campaign to help young people understand the risks. According to the RNID’s website noise in night clubs can reach 110 decibels which is only safe for two minutes a week. It’s not just the volume but the length of time you’re exposed to it for, so it’s recommended you take a break outside where it’s quieter to reduce damage. Also if you’ve ever experienced ringing in your ears its means you’ve exposed yourself to damaging levels of noise and can lead to permanent damage. Danielle Almond
Students and Dentists W
hen first moving to university most of us will have signed up at a health centre by now but less of us will be registered with a dentist.
However finding a dentist in Britain is notoriously hard with reportedly three million people unable to find an NHS Dentist despite the government’s promises to improve services. It is recommended that you have a check up from the dentist at lease once a year. However, in Britain, most people have to pay for this but an NHS dentist will be substantially cheaper than a private one. It’s also worth noting that an emergency dental service is available from Nottingham NHS Walk-In Centre however this does still charge NHS rates. To get free dentistry you can fill in an HC1 form if you’re a full-time student and meet their requirements for income and savings. Even without any discount a check-up is only £15 from the NHS and is important to have. Other than just tooth decay regular check ups can find and treat gum disease early which cannot be prevented through brushing and flossing alone. Having regular check-ups can also prevent you from having to fork out more in the future to fix problems which regular check ups could have prevented in the first place. Danielle Almond
www.platform-online.net |
55
Photos ‘Saturday Antics’ | 10.10.09 Photo: Patrick Taylor
56
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
www.platform-online.net |
57
Photos ‘Saturday Antics’ | 10.10.09 Photos: Patrick Taylor
58
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
www.platform-online.net |
59
Sports
Is Money Ruining Football? | Cycle to Uni | Georgi the Great
Edited by James Haigh | sports@platform-online.net Sports Sub-Editor | James Haigh
I
t has been a strange summer for sport – full of highs and lows that has made even the nerdiest of fans head spin.
Notts County, the world’s oldest football club, is challenging mega-rich Chelsea and Man City for the title of England’s wealthiest team, snapping up superstar Sol Campbell – if only briefly. Meanwhile Liverpool FC have seen both Premier and Champions League title hopes crash after four straight defeats, their worst run for 22 years.
Jenson Button won his first F1 title, while one rugby player’s bleeding mouth caused such a stir that it threatened to ruin the game itself. And if that wasn’t enough, the England cricket team finally overcame that century-old curse and beat the Aussies in one of the most exciting Ashes tests yet. But back in the East Midlands, this promises to be another sport-packed year in Nottingham - and if it’s your first time at Trent, then you’re in luck. Once again we find ourselves challenging that “other university” across the city, for the most prestigious sport prizes of all - the Varsity cups.
Is Money Ruining Football?
Remember, these converted trophies are only handed out to the winning team, so if you’re a football fanatic, an ice hockey hero, a superb rugby star or just crazy about cricket, you must join a Trent sports club, take on the challenge and give our beloved neighbours a deserved battering. The rest of us will be cheering from the stands, singing that infamous song: “I’d rather be a Poly than a ...” – well, if you don’t know it by now, I’m sure you’ll pick it up in the next few months. Welcome back to Nottingham.
60
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
Football today seems to have a fresh topic of debate, revolving around the financial contribution in teams, particularly the English game. Many have deliberated about the effects of a wealthy new owner to clubs and whether the amount of money they are pumping in, is a valuable asset for a club or a derogatory one. There are examples of teams thriving under new ownership and investment such as Sunderland and more notably Chelsea. However such projects don’t necessarily go to plan in the cases of Newcastle and Liverpool, where the ventures have led to other stresses and strains on the clubs. Yet we supporters are somewhat ignorant to an element of this extra money, which is starting to ruin the game. It doesn’t seem to ever be mentioned with the new financial highs in the game. Hemal Mistry comments on the future of the ‘beautiful game.’
T
he change of footballers’ attitude due to the influx of cash, understandably, the game is made for those with an ego, but money has enhanced this predicament to a whole new level. Never has the game ever had so many egotistical players in the game before, admittedly there were colourful players in the past such as Graeme Souness, Charlie Nicholas and Paul Gascoigne. Today however there is a growing feeling among fans that players ego’s are so large that they feel they are bigger than the club. Finding examples of this are ten a penny these days, particularly this summer as Real Madrid, Manchester City and Barcelona were all determined to flex their financial muscles.
The most notable illustrations have to be the transfers of Cristiano Ronaldo and Emmanuel Adebayor. They claim that they felt a change was necessary in their career, yet neither of the clubs they joined have had any success in the past few seasons. Ronaldo always said it was his dream to move to Real, but this speculation and dealings occurred the previous summer but he ignored the callings to stay with Manchester United. What seems pretty clear is that he has moved for the money on offer at Madrid, however whether this was his main motive for leaving the best team in England over the past couple of seasons is unknown. In complete contrast to Gareth Barry who chose to leave Aston Villa who are very much in the same boat as Man City, to allegedly cement his World Cup place, surely however it made more sense to play for
a side who qualified for Europe, nonetheless it seems pretty evident that money proved a major factor in the switch. The same goes for team mate Adebayor, who, some have said, only left Arsenal for the money. He claims he was shown the door by Wenger and his ‘cronies’, begging the question, what did he expect, as he was touting for potential suitors to come in, with AC Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea all flirting with the prospect. The problem with these players’ innocent acts is that everybody can punch holes in their creditability, as at they were all first choice players, in some cases a guarantee on the team sheet, but they epitomise the changing face of football, effectively meaning money has ruined the game but not in the way we think. This will become more evident in future transfer windows as loyalty will be replaced with greed as a key attribute for a player, in actually fact there are only one losers from this situation. The fans who will become detached from the stars they see gracing the pitch, as role models in the game for the future will be those from the past, and higher prices for the average person to pay to help fund the player’s lucrative wages. For now though, the big money clubs are unfairly moving ahead of rest – buying up valuable players as assets. Who knows what the future holds for a game dominated by money and business men – particularly after they get bored and want move on.
www.platform-online.net |
61
Sports
Cycle to Uni
By Nick Calladine Like it or not, Freshers’ Week is over, and it might be time to think about putting the pint down and setting about getting rid of that rapidly growing beer gut. Well, if the gym isn’t your thing, what about cycling to uni? It might sound obvious, but every day the tram is packed full of people travelling in from all corners of Nottingham when the cycle paths are barely touched. Similarly, roads are full and parking spaces at a premium with students and staff facing a constant battle to avoid having to pay for the privilege. This has not gone unnoticed by the cities officials either, with the sustainable transport charity Sustrans now teaming up with Nottingham City Council, the NHS Trust and the two universities to try and get people cycling or walking to where they need to be. At a cost of £3 million, the two-year project aims to improve bicycle routes, provide safety training and best of all offer discounts at cycle stores and make more bikes available to hire. Sustrans Regional Director Yvonne Gilliigan said: “There is enormous potential to improve the health of staff and students – and reduce traffic congestion around universities – by encouraging them to walk or cycle more of their everyday trips.”
62
Cycling England is to put £1million in to the project with the other partners contributing a further £2million between them. Phillip Darnton, Chairman of Cycling England, said: “This initiative is a great example of how we can help people overcome the barriers to getting on their bikes, as well as creating innovative solutions to encourage existing cyclists to use two wheels as often as possible.” However, there are of course issues with cycling in Nottingham. Jacqui Pickup, third year Multimedia student (21) from Basford, said: “Theft is a problem, probably the biggest problem in Nottingham; I had my bike stolen in the first year. “But it is good exercise and it’s green, although I think most people would prefer to walk in and the lack of bike stands can be a problem.” Jacqui was however keen to point out that although Nottingham’s roads might seem daunting at first, they are actually good to cycle on. She added: “Most roads are one way and as long as you have experience of cycling on busy roads you’ll be fine.” So with training being offered and discounts available in shops, health benefits and improvements to paths and stands on their way, what more can be said then: on yer bike.
| Nottingham Trent Students Union Magazine
Georgi the Great
By Hemal Mistry
M
anchester City is a club with a patchy history of rising and falling through the leagues, and their past looks even more disastrous compared to the team up the Stretford Road.
However the man who everyone will accept as a true great, someone who would fit in to Man City’s current squad of attractive football, would be a little known Georgian player – Georgi Kinkladze.
But those days looked numbered particularly with the takeover by the new Arab owners – and their vast financial backing. A complete contrast to a decade ago where Manchester City were eking out their existence in the old Division 2 – equivalent to today’s League One. Although there was a happy ending for the Sky Blues that season after they won the playoff final against Gillingham.
The diminutive star arrived at Maine Road back in 1995 and had a number of successful seasons, despite the Sky Blues struggling for survival and then finally getting relegated. But Kinkladze battled on dazzling the crowds with his ability and audacious runs, notably the one he unearthed against Southampton when he took on the five Saints players then outrageously dummied Dave Beasant before lifting the ball over the big keepers sprawling body, in front of the Maine Road faithful. This was a common occurrence from the little genius who seemed calm despite the scoring a fantastic individual goal.
It is now a changed world for the blue half of Manchester, as Maine Road disappeared and the sudden adoption of the City of Manchester Stadium, signaling the end of Man City’s torrid past. Now life could not be rosier for Man City fans with the star acquisitions that Manchester United would be proud to have gracing the hallow turf at the Theatre of Dreams. The likes of Robinho, Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry, Nigel De Jong, Vincent Company, to name a few, are all quality signings who will provide the ability for City to battle for a top four place. This is already evident with their performances this season. The question is: do these stars see Man City as a club they love as much as the fans love them. Undoubtedly the money factor has a big influence on their desire to play at Eastlands, but the question has to be asked when more established and successful sides were touting for them. However there is one thing that will come out of this, that no matter how many class assets arrive at Eastlands and how many fans have the names printed on their shirts, there will always be one true great star for Man City in the modern game. Some may point to Naill Quinn, Nicky Summerbee or even Keith Curle.
Georgi was a true star, who no doubt Mark Hughes would relish to have at his disposal, someone who had a relax attitude to the game and his ability. It seemed when he had the ball at his feet and running past defenders, his talent was never really being stretched. He made the game look ridiculously easy, which is a significant achievement at a club like Man City where he was star in a below average team, whereas today with the many stars in the team it will be easier to make this happen as most players will have a similar ability. A lot of the new City acquisitions have big reputations, but to become a legend in the blue half of Manchester they have to show the qualities from a relatively unknown player from a distant unheard of land. If the players can show a modicum of modest like Kinkladze they will be on the right track to be following in the footsteps of Georgi the Great. Only time will tell.
www.platform-online.net |
63
The new Sony Ericsson Satio E XC L U S I V E TO T H E CA R P H O N E WA R E H O U S E
Free phone
£30 per month^
600 minutes + unlimited* texts + unlimited* mobile internet browsing only on Orange 12 Megapixel camera phone with Facebook™, Twitter#, YouTube™, Picasa™, Google Maps™
Visit carphonewarehouse.com - Call 0800 781 7975 188 The Victoria Centre, Nottingham, NG1 3QH ^All pay monthly prices are subject to subscription/recommitment and clearance/ eligibility to selected networks and tariffs for a minimum term. Due to the fast moving nature of this market, all offers, prices and availability are subject to change. Please ask your sales consultant for the latest offers. *Where unlimited is stated a fair usage policy applies. #Twitter available for download from Sony Ericsson play now - arena.com