WWW.PLATFORM-ONLINE.NET
ISSUE 5: NOV 2013
PEOPLE
www.platform-online.net
EDITOR’S NOTE
EDITOR
SOPHIE DAVIS
editor@platform-online.net
Morning NTU. It’s that time of the year again where all you men can don the moustaches for an entire month all in aid of cancer research. Movember is such an innovative and clever idea, which was created in order to raise awareness of the dangers of cancer in men, especially the prostate. The education community in the UK has been a great advocate of Movember over the years and this year will be no exception, staff and students supporting Movember by raising awareness and fundraising for men’s health.
Deputy EditorS
Hannah Byrne Alanna Lintin deputy-editor@platform-online.net
MARKETING & PROMOTIONS
Rhea Warren promo@platform-online.net
NEWS
William Wilson news@platform-online.net
Movember aims to change the face of men’s health and reverse this way of thinking by putting a fun twist on this serious issue. Using the moustache as a catalyst, we want to bring about change and give men the opportunity and confidence to learn and talk about their health more openly and take action. Now off the topic of Movember, we return to NTU, with the best ever Freshers’ Week out the way, we now move on to the cold winter months, assignment dates looming and various Christmas festivities. In this first edition we have a busy line up including an article on The Great British Bake Off, a review of the new EP from Wolf Alice, the infamous ‘Trent Street Style’ fashion feature and of course our brilliant cover feature article Movember that appears throughout the magazine, as we look at students of NTU getting involved and growing those ‘tashes’. If you want to get involved in our next edition in February, it is never too late to get involved in your union so keep following us through-out the year, to hear what’s going on!
MINT
Jade Cragg mint@platform-online.net
MUSIC
Robin Murray music@platform-online.net
FASHION & BEAUTY
Priya Sund fashion@platform-online.net
CULTURE
JOSHUA GILTRAP culture@platform-online.net
LIFESTYLE
Sophie Colquhoun
Sophie Davis Editor-in-Chief
lifestyle@platform-online.net
SPORTS
George Solomon sports@platform-online.net
CONTACT PLATFORM
GAMING & TECH
@
Tom Beresford gaming@platform-online.net
/platformmagazine
PHOto, art & design
CRAIG PROUD
@PlatformOnline
photos@platform-online.net
DESIGNERs freya shah frank worcester chloe morris sophie davis NATAlIE OWEN
Tel: (0115) 848 6200 www.platform-online.net
Platform Magazine, NTU Clifton Campus, Clifton Lane, Nottinghamshire, NG11 8NS
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 it’s elected directors and officers. Companies advertised in Platform are not necessarily endorsed by Nottingham Trent Students’ Union. No part of this publication maybe reproduced without the prior permission of the editor. Printed by Hickling & Squires Print Solutions www.hickling-squires.co.uk
starterblacklabel.co.uk www.trentstudents.org
facebook.com/starterblacklabel
2
Contributors: The 2013-2014 Committee , all the section writers, photographers and contributors. Many thanks.
Cover photo by Natalie Owen
@StarterBlkLabel
3
November 2013
www.platform-online.net
13-14 15 16
Changes to driving laws Stoptober: will you stop? EDL: Finaly coming to an end?
MINT GET INVOLVED WITH… Volunteering Society Profile: NTU Vegetarian Society A Tinie Rave with the Freshers New Student’s Union: What’s on offer? Get to know RAG Charity profile: CoppaFeel & JVG CRC
17 18 19 20 21 22
LIFESTYLE 23 24 25 26 27 28
Alternative Halloween Ideas Freshers: Expectations vs. Reality A lazy students guide to exercise Help! I need a boost. The race for a graduate job. Want to study abroad next year?
PHOTOGRAPHY, ART & DESIGN 29 30-31 34-35
Not Necessarily in the right order Adnan Ebo Interview What’s On: Art Guide to Nottingham
FASHION & BEAUTY 39 40 41 42
Try a Trend: Smoky Eyes Does being hairless equal being beautiful? Trent Street Style Fashion Trend Tartan
CULTURE & ENTS 45 46 47 48
Why do filmmakers… You will know her name… Again The Great British Bake Off Forgotten Heroes
MUSIC ‘3 songs that are stuck in my head’ Review: Wolf Alice Miles Kane @ Rock City Pusha T: My name is my name
49 50 51 52
GAMING & TECH 51 54-55 56
Moustaches in Gaming What’s in the box Tips for IOS 7
SPORT 59 60 61 62 63
Sporting News ‘If a sports star became a Trent student’ Rugby Varsity: Cancelled Contrasting starts for Nottingham’s big sides? Sporting profiles at NTU
www.trentstudents.org
4
CONTENTS
NEWS
From Jo... So things are a little bit busy around all the campuses right now! We have a new union in City, a new library in Brack, developments in Clifton and that’s only physical changes! 2013/2014 will be an extremely exciting year for Nottingham Trent Students Union! We are seeing such a great use of the new spaces for students, which is great! We have guest acts in the venue and the union is really gaining a credible reputation so these should keep progressing! There are a range of events, all of which are on the website… www.trentstudents.org so go and have a look and see what events you would like to attend. Each officer is trying to make sure that what you want and need is being heard. Marcus is getting
exciting acts in the venue; Liz is building on academic societies; Katie is focusing on a new mental health campaign; Libby is pushing for better feedback on assessments and Paddy is making sure we have an epic varsity this year! This is only a sample of the work that is going on in the coming year which I really exciting!
Jo Southwell-Sander, NTSU President.
PRESIDENT
Jo Southwell-Sander President@su.ntu.ac.uk
VP Services & Communication
Marcus boswell
VP Welfare & Community
Katie Wright
VP Education & Representation
Libby farrier-williams VP Activities
Liz McCluskEy VP Sports
Paddy atkinson Brackenhurst Liaison Officer
hannah nicholson Clifton Liaison Officer
chantelle farr City Liaison Officer
costa charalambous
5
November 2013
www.platform-online.net
MEET
Editor in Chief
THE
Deputy Editor
COMMITTEE
Sophie Davis
Deputy Editor
Hannah Byrnes
Alanna Lintin
Editor
Deputy Editor
Editor
Deputy Editor
Editor
Deputy Editor
Editor
Deputy Editor
William Wilson
Helena Smith
Jade Cragg
Simon Davis
Robin Murray
Harry Hammett
Priya Sund
Louisa Davies
NEWS
TRENT NEWS
MUSIC
FASHION
Editor
Deputy Editor
Editor
Deputy Editor
Editor
Deputy Editor
Editor
Deputy Editor
Tom Beresford
Daryl Baxter
Craig Proud
Sayuri Standing
Josh Giltrap
Chris Collins
Sophie Colouquon
Shara Samra
Editor
Deputy Editor
Deputy Editor
GAMING
George Solomon
www.trentstudents.org
ART & DESIGN
Simon Murfitt
SPORT
James Lewer
6
LIFESTYLE
CULTURE
CHLOE MORRIS FREYA SHAH FRANK WORCESTER SOPHIE DAVIS
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS 7
November 2013
www.platform-online.net
Trent does
MOVEMBER It’s that time of year again. The ‘taches, or in many cases, lack of, are out in force as men worldwide attempt to grow their facial hair in order to raise awareness of men’s health issues, in particular prostate and testicular cancers. The education community in the UK has been a great advocate of Movember over the years and this year will be no exception, staff and students supporting Movember by raising awareness and fundraising for men’s health. BY SOPHIE DAVIS Movember, run by the Movember Foundation, started in Melbourne, Australia in 2003 as two men trying to bring the moustache back into fashion. Movember teamed up with the Prostate Cancer Foundation in Australia the following year to become a charitable event and now takes place around the world annually, with participation nearly doubling each year. Movember aims to change the face of men’s health and reverse this way of thinking by putting a fun twist on this serious issue. Using the moustache as a catalyst, we want to bring about change and give men the opportunity and confidence to learn and talk about their health more openly and take action. The rules are simple; after registering at www.movember.com, each man or “Mo Bro” must begin on November 1st with a clean shaven face. He must then grow and groom a moustache for the duration of the month. Painter’s Brush, Hitler, Pencil or Chaplin - any style of moustache goes and is the choice of the Mo Bro , however, goatees and beards are not permitted.
Research. At the end of the month Mo Bros can compare their efforts, attend one of many Movember parties around the world, hold their own or simply celebrate by shaving the whole thing off. And let’s not leave the women out of this one. ‘Never a truer word was spoken, when it was said that behind every great man, stands a great woman. Whilst a Mo Bro may grow, it is the Mo Sista that is often the driving force.’ A Mo Sista is essentially a woman who loves a Mo. An individual that is dedicated to supporting the Mo Bros in her life through their moustache growing journey; whether it whether it be a friend, colleague, family member, partner or boyfriend. These inspirational women are committed to raising awareness of men’s health issues and much needed funds for men’s health along the way.
‘Never a truer word was spoken, when it was said that behind every great man, stands a great woman. Whilst a Mo Bro may grow, it is the Mo Sista that is often the driving force.’
Each year around 37,000 men arediagnosed with prostate cancer and around 2,100 with testicular cancer. As with all cancers, early diagnosis is key and so awareness is vital. Last year over 854,000 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the world took part, raising £79.3 million. Although big steps have been taken towards the attitudes and habits surrounding men’s health, there is still much to be done.
Robert Lilley, a third year Broadcast Journalism student at NTU took part in Movember last year he said: “I think Movember is a great cause, but I think men’s health is often overlooked. All cancers are bad, but men’s cancers are the ones you hear less of, so its great awareness is finally being given to them and the stigma attached is slowly fading away.” As always, individuals, sports teams and societies at Nottingham Trent are getting involved and need your support. You can track their progress on the official NTU Movember page http://uk.movember.com/mospace/network/NottinghamTrent.
The idea is that Mo Bros then become walking advertisements for the usually avoided topic of men’s health, as well as raising much needed funds for cancer charities. In the UK these include Prostate Cancer UK and the Institute of Cancer
www.trentstudents.org
8
9
November 2013
www.platform-online.net
NHS Nottingham Health App
Choose the right NHS service Get the right care Scan with your smartphone to download the app NOW!
Available on
Wo rkin g To get her for aH ealt hier
Not ting ham
www.nottinghamcity.nhs.uk
www.trentstudents.org
10
11
November 2013
DELIVERY
UNTIL 5AM
www.platform-online.net
NEWS CHANGES TO THE DRIVING LAWS / STOPTOBER: WILL YOU STOP? / EDL: FINALLY OVER?
Buy One Pizza, Get One
FREE 11
Available on medium and large pizzas Collection or delivery
@DominosPizzaSK
Call Call Call
DRIVING LAWS
There has been speculation over the rise of the legal driving age since 2007. This month however it has been announced the government will put forward a proposal to change driving laws before the end of this year, bringing with it much controversy. The proposed changes seem to reveal a complicated system of rules and regulations making the process of learning to drive a long ordeal. It has been backed with a statement claiming this will dramatically increase safety on the roads for the under 24’s and all road uses in general. This comes from figures released by the Transport Research Lab showing that over a fifth of deaths on the road in 2011 involved drivers under 24.
Please hand coupon to driver or member of staff. Student ID may be required. Valid at Domino’s Pizza Nottingham City Centre and West Bridgford stores only. At regular menu price. Pizza from menu or create your own up to 4 topping. Free pizza must be equal or lesser value than the first. Available on medium and large pizzas only. Not valid with any other offer. See website for full T&C’s. Offer expires 31/05/14
/Dominos Pizza Nottingham
CHANGES TO
dominos.co.uk inPopininTap the appthe dominos.co.uk dominos.co.uk Pop Pop Tap Tap theapp app OPENOPEN
Unit 2, Chettles Yard, 9 Midland Way, Nottingham NG7 3AG
21 Radcliffe Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5FF
www.trentstudents.org
12
0115 978 5222 0115 982 5577
The biggest change appears to be the enforcement of a ‘learner period’. This is a 12 month period of supervised driving including 100 hours of daytime practice and 20 hours of night time practice. This may begin at 17 but learners will not be able to apply to take the driving test until 18. Once 18, learners who pass the driving test will be given a provisional license marking the start of a 12 month ‘probationary stage’. In this 12 month period after passing further restrictions will be in place such as. he requirement to display the green ‘P’ plates in the car at all times,
13
November 2013
NEWS
Stricter laws on mobile phone use meaning a ban on even hands free devices, tighter alcohol laws, no additional passengers of a certain age and a curfew. The curfew would mean new drivers would be required to have an adult over the age of 30 in the car in order for them to drive between the hours of 10pm and 5am. Concerns over this particular change are that it could restrict job opportunities and affect safety for those in rural areas and places with little public transport links. Speaking to students and people from Nottingham opinion was split, here is what some of them had to say. ‘I think whilst it is important to improve safety of young drivers, this seems like a punishment to all those still wanting to learn. If it does change then better transport links need to be put in place as an alternative, also at a better cost’ ‘My concern is that you are already on such a tight budget as a student. Raising the age gives people less time to learn before university. It is unlikely a student would be able to afford lessons at the current price meaning less people will have the opportunity to learn until later in life’ ‘I think something does need to be done about safety but age isn’t the only factor, some people over the age of 18 will be less mature than some under 18 so I think raising the age isn’t the only solution’ ‘This seems to make the process of learning to drive more stress than fun. It is a privilege and exciting to learn to drive especially when so young and enforcing so many new rules seems to take away from that’
STOP WILL YOU TOBER: STOP? October is always the time when the sun disappears and the first term of university finally kicks in. But October is also the time when thousands of people across the UK take up the decision to stop smoking, for Stoptober. Figures show that with the support and help, Stoptober has double the success rate. But this isn’t all the government are making tighter laws on smoking by banning ten packs of cigarette. Not only will it give you more money for those all important Topshop mid-season sale, but also quitting smoking makes your skin and teeth look much better in the long run. Known as the ‘kiddie packs’ ten packs of cigarettes are cheaper and therefore the government believe that they are ideal for young smokers. The UK has a minimum pack of ten, while the rest of the EU has a minimum pack size of 20. If the draft succeeds then ten packs in the UK would be illegal. This new campaign is only the tip of the iceberg of the plans to cut down the number of smokers in the UK, with in-store display and advertising being banned, restrictions on selfservice vending machines and warnings on packets. But not everyone sees this as a good idea, tobacco industry funded groups think that many people choose to buy ten packs of cigarettes because it is all they can afford or because they are trying to cut down, making the minimum 20, will only encourage people to smoke more.
A lot of the concerns seem to surround the age and cost implications these changes may have. This leads to the reasoning behind the governments want for this change, is it really about safety or is it another scheme to cut cost and make money at the expense of others.
This situation isn’t helped however by the fact that so many shops sell cigarettes to under 18s, something that the council are trying to cut down on. A draft bill is being set up to allow the authorities to have more power to deal with those shops who have broken the law. With over a third of shops selling cigarettes to under 18s it is proving more difficult than intended. Councilors want to ensure that it is as difficult as possible for under 18s to purchase cigarette, all in the hope of preventing young people smoking, even at the SU shop, those who purchase cigarettes are asked to show their ID before they are able to pay.
By: Mel Brooks
By: Helena Smith www.trentstudents.org
14
15
November 2013
NEWS
www.platform-online.net
NEWS
DL
E The leader of the English Defence League, Tommy Robinson, leaves the group due to his growing fear of ‘Far-Right Extremism.”
www.platform-online.net
TRENT NEWS FINALLY COMING TO AND END?
The notorious English Defence League and its 100,000 members (disputed) are now without a leader. On Tuesday October 8th Tommy Robinson announced his plans to leave the organisation citing his growing fear of “far right extremism” as the main factor behind his decision. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, formed the EDL in Luton, England back in June 2009. The group acts under an ‘anti-Islam’ ideology, claiming that they are not racist but simply against Islamic beliefs. Despite this, Robinson was adamant that the English Defence League stood against Islam, and nothing more. Since his resignation however, Robinson has stated that he isn’t against Muslims, and is sorry for the fear he instilled. He has also reportedly promised to work alongside the Police to investigate racism and extremism within the EDL. Robinson similarly claimed that he never intended to create an ‘us versus them’ culture, and apologised for his Islamaphobic behaviour from his past. Whilst this may appear to be a complete turnaround, it is important to bear in mind Tommy’s reason for leaving the establishment. Robinson is quoted as saying that he could no longer cope with the constant disdain he received from the parents at his children’s school, which would suggest that he grew tired of the poor opinion people had of him rather than of his extreme beliefs. It is odd that a man can go from organising protests attracting in excess of 300 people, to wanting nothing to do with the group at all. Perhaps he’s hoping to retain whatever political reputation he has left. Perhaps he’s throwing a veil over the eyes of the public in order to gain favour. After all, he did organise a protest right here in Nottingham back in December 2009 during which his followers screamed “We want our country back!” The protest came to a halt following eleven arrests of both the EDL and Unite Against Fascism. I am sure time will tell whether or not Robinson has truly turned over a new leaf, but if he is to be believed, one has to commend him at least for seeing the error of his ways.
www.trentstudents.org
16
GET INVOLVED WITH...VOLUNTEERING / NTU VEGETARIAN SOCIETY / A TINIE RAVE WITH THE FRESHERS / STUDENTS’ UNION / GET TO KNOW RAG
GET INVOLVED
O
V O L U N T E E R I N G
n Thursday 3rd October I volunteered at the Radford Care Group to join in with and enjoy their own specially organised Goose fair. ‘ A tremendous effort went into re-creating the annual fair which hosted various stands such as a hoopla, name the teddy, coconut shy, and of course a burger van.
The centre provided members with a safe and friendly environment for receiving care and socialising, like their home from home. Every effort is made to ensure their needs are met, from being welcomed with tea and toast, hot food at lunch time, daily activities, to events and daytrips. When the final lines of bingo were called and it was time for the bus to take the members home, disappointment filled the air as the day had suddenly come to an end. This made me realise the value of this care group community, and the hard work that goes into the running of the group, which is hugely dependent upon volunteers. On my way home I felt a sense of reward for volunteering my time. If you have extra time on your hands, looking for a great way to boost both your
17
communication skills and CV then I can’t recommend enough contacting the NTU volunteering team to find out what opportunities you could get involved with. I am in my final year and don’t regret participating in projects like this when I first arrived at university. So my advice is: get involved and volunteer! Sophia Alipour
November 2013
TRENT NEWS
GET INVOLVED
@NTUveggiesoc
V E G E TA R I A N
NTU Vegetarian Society
S O C I E T Y
O
kay, so maybe this won’t appeal to the more carnivorous of you, but any Veggie or Vegans or those of you who are curious about a more ethical and healthy way of living would definitely benefit from joining our society! The most obvious and main reason to turn veggie or vegan is to do with ethics and the welfare of animals. ‘A man can live and be healthy without killing animals for food; therefore, if he eats meat, he participates in taking animal life merely for the sake of his appetite. And to act so is immoral’. Pretty deep, huh? But turning veggie or vegan is not all about ethics, there are many other benefits too! As with any diet, it can be healthy or unhealthy, but a Veggie or Vegan diet, if done right, can be super healthy and super tasty too! With many restaurants and cafés catering for veggies and vegans (Even Nandos!?!) and there are plenty of exclusive ones too!
The Vegetarian Society is a great place to meet like-minded people, discover great places in Nottingham and generally have a fun time! There are a wide range of socials that take place, from checking out awesome Veggie/Vegan cafés and restaurants to cooking demonstrations and trips, as well as getting ridiculously drunk (if you want to) on bar crawls! Signing up for a membership couldn’t be easier go on trentstudents.org and with your £5 membership, you will get a membership card that will give you discounts on several socials and also you will get exclusive many discounts in Nottingham! The full list of discounts and events can be found on the Trentstudents mini-site, on our Facebook Group (NTU Vegetarian Society) or on Twitter (@ NTUveggiesoc).
The common stigma with turning veggie or vegan is that you will not get enough protein, calcium or iron, but there are many simple ways of getting this without meat (or milk). Nuts, lentils and seeds have plenty of protein in as well as many other important vitamins, as do most leafy green vegetables.
www.trentstudents.org
I
f you didn’t know that Tinie Tempah had graced the Brand new Nottingham Trent SU, then we don’t know where you’ve been.
The SU staff kept the event details top secret with only a few very cryptic tweets throughout the week and only letting the cat out of the bag at the last minute. The event was for Trent students to sign up to be future Fresher Reps and hundreds of students turned up at the Level and awaited the big surprise, with the idea that to be a perfect Fresher Rep it takes patience. Tinie Tempah arrived at the SU to face a very excited crowd, opening with ‘Frisky’ getting everyone very much in the partying mood, which was a strange feeling considering that it was three in the afternoon. Tinie Tempah has been going to various university SU’s across the nation to promote his new album Demonstration. So far he’s been to Hertfordshire, Leeds, Surrey, Keele, Loughborgh and of course Nottingham Trent. All have had the ‘RavingWithTheFreshers’ ‘hashtag.
A TINIE
RAVE WITH THE FRESHERS We will keep you informed with any more not-to-miss events! Follow us on Twitter:
@PlatformOnline
His promotions have included pictures and videos which have all been included on his Instagram and Twitter, with crowds screaming “Raving with the Freshers” It wasn’t until the final Tweet from the SU of Tinie’s new album cover, that Trent students realised who it was. He also played his new single ‘Trampoline’ along with the classics, ‘Earthquake’, ‘Written in the Stars’ and ‘Miami 2 Ibiza’.
Craig Brierly, President of NTU Vegetarian Society.
Since the opening of the SU at the beginning of term, the SU has held a hand full of events, with the relaunch of Climax featuring the DJ sensation Mista Jam, the Coffeehouse Sessions and the Freshers’ Ball. It makes us wonder what they’ve got install for us all next!
Helena Smith - Deputy News Editor
18
19
November 2013
TRENT NEWS
www.platform-online.net
www.platform-online.net
TRENT NEWS
NEW STUDENT UNION
W h at ’ s o n o f f e r ?
A
fter several long months of hard work and graft, the new student union is finally open. There have been lots of excited students waiting to see what it will look like and to use the new facilities it has to offer. As soon as you walk through the new student union doors, you are instantly greeted with warm smiles and feel at home straight away. The amazing café area allows you to relax in peace and comfort. Easy access to the internet with the free Wi-Fi on offer, so posting cool statuses has never been easier. It’s also a good place to hang out with friends after lessons without spending too much; a latte will only set you back two pound!
Taking a trip down the stairs you will find the enormous gym on offer, with its long line of different cardio equipment there will always be something different to do every day. If you are a sporty student the SU has different sports clubs and fitness classes you can take part in. These include Zumba classes, spin classes, a huge climbing wall and various different sports.
www.trentstudents.org
Nottingham Trent is known for its awesome nights out and social life, the new SU will help keep the reputation going with lots of amazing events and entertainment for the students. The best student nights will be held in the purpose built venue which can hold around 2000 students, entertainment includes legendary club nights to the best international and local touring talent. Climax is held here every Saturday, with guaranteed fun and the best night you’ve ever had. Advance tickets are available from www.trentstudents.org/climax, all other nights out and events are available on there too. As well as providing students with an epic social life the SU also gives them a student voice and advice. So if you have anything that you need advice with, you can book appointments with the advisers, it is confidential and free. The student voice is there so you can have your say; they are a representative organisation that aims to support you fully.
20
If you don’t know where the SU is by now, it is located on Goldsmith Street or next to Boots library. These are only a few snippets of what the SU has to offer so pop down and check it out for yourselves!
Aleesha Newton
Who is RAG’s charity this year, and why?
What is RAG?
RAG stands for ‘Raising and Giving’ – we are the Student Union fundraising group that raises money for charity! We do this by putting on amazing events for any student to get involved with, and offer support and guidance for students who want to put on their own events. Trent Rag is steadily becoming one of the biggest in the country. We’ve grown from £7,000 to £250,000 in just four years and are really proud that other universities are recognising our achievements!
RAG supports the international charity Childreach International which is who the money from our major events, such as Kilimanjaro. Childreach this year are trying to raise the awareness and ultimately stop child trafficking – which is a worldwide issue. Locally, we are supporting The John Van Geest Cancer Research Centre. The centre is based on our Clifton campus and does invaluable research into a cure for cancer. The charity was shortlisted by the committee but ultimately chosen by the students of NTU through our charity elections earlier on this month.
What events are being held this year?
We have a whole host of events planned from this year – from climbing Kilimanjaro, to trekking the Sahara desert. Or, if thrill seeking is more your thing, we will be doing a skydive in April, and of course Escape and Evade! We also have a PartyBus in November where we put as many NTU students on a bus and take them to a random SU in the country for a big night out – all in the aid of charity!
How can students join RAG?
By taking part in an event, you become a member of RAG! We also have ‘meet and greet’ sessions every Wednesday in the SU at 4.30pm.
President of RAG and Jade
Figures:
Cragg, Trent News Editor
We raised £210,379.46 for Childreach International last year through Kili/Everest/ Great Wall of China. We raised over £24,000 for our nominated charities last year (MNDA, The Lullaby Trust & Operation Orphan) through events lead by the committee.
Find out more at: www.trentstudents.org/rag and on Twitter:
@trentrag
21
November 2013
TRENT NEWS
GET TO KNOW
www.platform-online.net
Charity Profiles
TRENT NEWS
JON VAN GEEST CANCER RESEARCH CENTRE WHO ARE YOU?
We are a breast cancer awareness charity aimed at young people aged 18-30 and we are on a mission to stamp out late detection and misdiagnosis. We will do this by ensuring you know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and what your own breasts feel like.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
We raise awareness of breast cancer, by teaching people the signs and symptoms and getting people to be aware of the dangers. We hit schools, universities and festivals, all in aid of raising awareness.
LIFESTYLE ALTERNATIVE HALLOWEEN IDEAS / FRESHERS: EXPECTATIONS VS REALITY / A LAZY STUDENTS GUIDE TO EXERCISE / HELP! I NEED A BOOST / GRADUATE JOBS / STUDY ABROAD NEXT YEAR
WHO ARE YOU?
A research centre at NTU Clifton campus who thrives to continue the journey in to cures for cancer and treatments.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Established in 2008, we focus on the dicovery and application o new cancer bio-markers for detecting cancer, monitoring the disease and developing new treatments. For the future we wish to deine the biological significance of newly identified cancer genes and the proteins they encode.
ALTERNATIVE HALLOWEEN IDEAS BY SOPHIE DEERING
Instead of going out into the cold for Halloween this year why not throw your own Halloween themed party so you can party in the comfort of your own home. Here are some themed drinks you can have to get you all in the party mood:
A Zombie
Spooky by name, sweet by taste. Give this rum-based cocktail a taste.
WHO DO YOU WORK WITH?
WHO IS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE?
Anyone male or female between the ages of 18-30 primarily, but in general we work to raise awareness of breast cancer in everyone!
We collaborate with centres in Norway, the USA, China and Universities in the UK such as Birmingham, Surrey and York.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
Another creepy creation, perfect for the occasion.
Bloody Mary
coppafeel.org @VanGeestCancer
22
Blood Bath
I can’t think of a better time of year to indulge in some Bloody Marys.
ntu.ac.uk/sat/facilities
www.trentstudents.org
100ml of pomegranate juice 50ml of Vodka A dash of lemon juice A dash of raspberry syrup
We have a Uni Boob Team at NTU, whose main priority is to raise awareness of campus and get you guys checking your boobs, getting involved and teaching others as well.
@CoppaFeelPeople
1 shot of light rum AND 1 shot of dark rum 1 shot of Barcadi 1 shot of apricot brandy 50ml orange juice AND pineapple juice A dash of grenadine. Serve over ice and garnish as you please.
2 shots of vodka 150ml of tomato juice Dash of lemon (juice only) 6 dashes of Worcester sauce 3 dashes of Tabasco Season to taste with a pinch of salt and black pepper and serve over ice.
23
November 2013
FRESHER’S:
LIFESTYLE
Expectations Vs. Reality Before starting university you have all sorts of hopes about your ex-
citing new life of “drunken independence” and/or hard graft, but the reality doesn’t always meet your expectations…
“HELLOOOOO student loan!”
The first day that student loan drops you feel absolutely minted. Then you realise that rent is expensive, you can’t actually sustain yourself on all the new Zara stock hanging in your wardrobe and you’re living off 11p noodles.
BFFLs
During freshers’ week you thought that all the people you met and partied with were going to be your new best friends for life and that you and your flatmates would be like a little family and eat dinner together every night. In reality, half of the people you encountered were never to be seen again and you and your flatmates have such drastically different timetables that even seeing them at all is a luxury (or not), never mind cooking a roast dinner with them.
MasterChef
So you popped along to your local popular chain bookshop and bagged yourself a shiny new student cookbook filled with incredible but simple meal ideas that you’re definitely going to try every single week, right? Wrong. Ingredients are expensive and so far you’ve been mostly too hung over to cook - so much so that Dominos know who you are before answering the phone.
“I’m going to be a pro rugby player” etc.
You signed up to fifty sports clubs and societies with the genuine intention to become ice hockey’s latest varsity hero or to meet up with the knitting society every Monday. In reality, no one, not even Hermione Granger with her time turner, can attend knitting, drama, swimming, photography, netball and Amnesty International sessions every week and still make it into lectures and their part-time job.
“I’m free!”
Moving to university gives you a new found freedom to come and go as you please, eat what and when you want and party every night of the week (if you can afford it), but when it comes down to it there are bills to be paid, chores to be done and your parents are just so far away!
THE LAZY STUDENTS GUIDE TO EXERCISE Want a body like Michelle Keegan’s but find yourself eating chocolate fingers in bed instead of cycling miles down the gym like you had envisioned? Well, snap, there are hundreds of other girls in their beds eating chocolate fingers. However don’t worry; you don’t have to give up your laziness in order to have the perfectly toned beach ready bod. Instead, follow these three steps and let eating junk food AND having the perfect abs/ bum/ legs you want exist harmoniously together.
1.
There are lots of apps and websites that offer workouts that are effective yet don’t take up all your day. Download the 7 minute workout app and work your way through them. Be realistic and know your ability, even if you buy a dance exercise video you’re still getting up and exercising.
2.
Go to one fitness class each week (if you are feeling adventurous and don’t miss the sofa too much, go to two). You’ll meet a ton of new people, and your pride means that you don’t collapse on the floor in the middle, because obviously that’s embarrassing in front of your brand new friends.
3.
If you find yourself lying in front of your laptop watching Great British Bake Off why not multitask and do sets of squats and sit ups – if you’re feeling extra fit why not take on the squat or abs challenge and see the difference within 30 days. If all else fails, dance like Beyonce on your next night out. by Kate Parker
Heather Collier
www.trentstudents.org
24
25
November 2013
LIFESTYLE
www.platform-online.net
LIFESTYLE
MAKING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TIME AT NTU Are you in need of a reboot? Struggling to make it to your 9am lecture? Don’t rely on a can of sugar to give you wings. Put down the cup of coffee and fuel your body with food that will boost productivity and sustain concentration. Follow these easy, energising and nutritious tips to help recharge your batteries without needing to fly away on a red bull:
1
2
A hand full of raw nuts works wonders if you’re feeling weak.
With Halloween approaching, treat yourself to some pumpkin seeds and save the trick for later. Scare away sleepiness with the extra energy from vitamins, omega-3-fatty-acids and iron provided in just a handful.
Rich in minerals that convert sugar into energy make them the prefect pick-me-up snack. Grab a bag of almonds, hazelnuts or cashews from the market in the Victoria centre for a price you can go nuts for.
4 If munching on popcorn at the cinema sounds like a good way to recharge, then you’re in luck. As long as it’s not smothered in butter, popcorn is a good source of carbohydrate and high in fibre making it one of the top high-energy foods.
3 How do you like your eggs in the morning? Scrambled, poached, boiled or fried they are packed with protein that enhances energy levels and jump-starts your day.
www.trentstudents.org
26
We’re not unknown to the numerous news articles openly slating graduates, accusing them of being ill-equipped with life skills and unprepared for a career. Headlines such as: ‘Half of employers say graduates are ‘not up to the job’’ (Mail Online, 12 September 2013) are insulting, especially when you consider the extortionate fees we pay o get a good degree. So it’s no wonder we’re all panic-induced and fretting over our chances of ever finding a job. However, you should read these articles with scepticism. Stay inspired and persevere; there are lots of opportunities at NTU to help you towards your professional dreams. The NTU website reveals: “Our excellent graduate employment rate speaks for itself. 93% of our graduates are employed or engaged in further study six months after leaving (latest DLHE Survey Undergraduate results 2011/12).”
5 Try swapping the coffee for a cup of green tea. High in awakening antioxidants, it beats the caffeine cravings whilst fighting fatigue and you’ll be on your way to a more energetic you.
Written by Hannah Baillie
For many third years graduation day is now in sight and life outside of Trent seems daunting. The time has arrived to discuss postgraduate options and everyone is sharing their hopes and fears.
Whilst you’re still at Trent...
your personal preferences. There are interesting workshops available and have a look at completing the Acceler8 Employability Award designed to improve your prospects with a formal recognition of your achievements awarded through attending core skills workshops.
And once you’ve left Trent…
Join the Alumni Association and continue to make use of the University’s Careers Service which provides news of events, lectures and career-related opportunities. Have faith knowing that Olympic medallist winners such as Richard Hounslow, a member of The Klaxons, presenters such as Stephen Dixon, fashion designers and composers have all trodden the same ground. There is hope for us, Trent students! “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” - Dr Seuess Sophia Alipour
Make the most of the university’s support network. The careersteam are available to speak to across all three campuses on job seeking and your employability. I dropped into the career and placement centre on Clifton campus last week to talk with a careers consultant. They were very helpful and obliging. Log on to the NTU FutureHub; an online Careers and Employment site where you can search for employment opportunities, upcoming events and careers resources tailored to
27
November 2013
LIFESTYLE
www.platform-online.net
www.platform-online.net
LIFESTYLE
Want to study abroad? I
f you’re lucky enough to have the option of a study abroad or an exchange semester as part of your degree the chances are you have considered going. Here are ten reasons why you should take a chance and embrace this opportunity:
1. It’s an excuse to travel. Not only within your chosen destination but also the surrounding region and even nearby countries. Whether you’re in California or Prague, there are always options to travel on your time abroad.
2. New culture. This is true even in English speaking countries like America and Australia. I can’t tell you how many times I was told I was ‘so English’ whilst in Australia.
4. Job opportunities. Not only are employers are drawn to people who have studied abroad, but you could also make some links and connections in the country you study in, and who knows you could move back once you graduate.
10. Memories. When you get back home you will undoubtedly have some hilarious stories about your study abroad antics!
5. Make a new city home. You may have already done this when moving to university but your study abroad city/town will also become your new home. When your there for an extended period, even if it’s just a semester you get to know the place like a local.
9. Personal growth. You probably will change; embrace it, it’s all part of the fun. 8. Learn from people all over the world. You will meet some fascinating and colourful people on your study abroad programme.
3. New friends. You will meet so many new people and you will make lifelong friends not only in the country you study in, but from all over the world.
7. You push yourself out of your comfort zone. It’s scary and daunting at first but it will be the best learning curve and by the end you will wonder why you had so many doubts.
www.trentstudents.org
28
6. Different university experience. University is different wherever you go, but abroad it can be a completely different experience. Just remember although it is tempting to relax and almost switch off from university work, remember why you’re there, particularly if your time abroad counts towards your degree!
PHOTOGRAPHY, ART & DESIGN NOT NECESSARILY IN THE RIGHT ORDER / ADNAN EBO INTERVIEW / WHATS ON: ART GUIDE FOR NOTTINGHAM / FRESHERS PHOTOS
IMAGE COURTESY OF COMMON CULTURE
‘Not Necessarily in the Right Order’, an Exhibition by Common Culture 27 SEPTEMBER 2013 - 12 JANUARY 2014
Just how important are Nottingham’s significantly diverse multicultural celebrations? Not Necessarily in the Right Order is an audio-video installation that responds to Nottingham’s diverse multicultural demographic. New Art Exchange commissioned artist collection Common Culture - David Campbell, Mark Durden and Ian Brown - bring together locally based musicians, singers and dancers in a celebration of place and identity to provide an exploration into NAE’s diverse multicultural location. Using observations from Nottingham’s notoriously overwhelming festivals, Common Culture explores just what it means to be British in 21st Century. “It seemed to us that what underpins all of the manifestation of Carnival, Mela or Goose Fair is a desire to reiterate a sense of place, belonging, social and cultural binding through displays of identification,” he said. Relationships and Identity are explored by borrowing conventions from science fiction based musical alter egos to issues of acceptance, belonging and exclusion. Craig Proud
29
November 2013
www.platform-online.net
Words: Sayuri Standing
T
he fashion industry is a fiercely competitive one and one that is tough to break into, however, newly graduated Fashion Design student Adnan Ebo is already off to a grand start. His graduate collection appeared in the Best of show at Graduate Fashion Week beating over a thousand students across forty UK universities at the coveted event promoting new fashion talent and was personally recognised by international model and panellist David Gandy. Deputy Photography and Art Editor, Sayuri Standing, had the privilege of meeting the upcoming talent at the event. Here they continue the conversation for Platform…
Say: Your graduate collection featured prints of paintings of the French Revolution. Have
www.trentstudents.org
you always been into history or was this a newly inspired idea?
Adnan: I’ve always been a history buff! I studied it at school and all my friends know my guilty pleasure in watching period dramas and films! I’ve always been fascinated by past centuries, the worlds and lifestyles people lived - and obviously the fashions they wore - from medieval age to modern Victorians. For me, I was excited to explore and play with one of my favourites - French 19th century military dress. S: How has living in Nottingham the past 3 years shaped you as a creative? Where did you go for inspiration and art supplies?
30
A: It was fun. The reason why I left London was to enjoy student life in an equally exciting and vibrant city and Nottingham ticked all the boxes! It’s definitely a hub of creativity - so many stylish, arty kids! Bonington shop was my shop of choice. S: So what was your favourite night out here? A: Saturday Climax at the old SU was the one! Also Coco Tang, Market Bar on Saturdays and who doesn’t enjoy a cheeky bit of Ocean Wednesdays every so often! Saturdays and who doesn’t enjoy a cheeky bit of Ocean Wednesdays every so often!
S: What do you think of the new SU? A: I’m very jealous of the students now who get to enjoy it. It’s a very exciting building. S: How did the tutors and facilities at NTU support your studies and creativity? A: Yeah they were great. I learnt so much from my specialist menswear tutors and technicians. And the facilities were great too. None of my collection could have been made without such great equipment. Especially the Paula Love’s digital fabric printers! S: How has your life been postGFW and what are your career aspirations for the future?
A: Life after uni has been busy doing interviews, editorials & applying for jobs. In the future I’d like to be a successful and well recognised name in fashion.
ART
ART
A dnan Ebo
Inter view
S: What tips or advice do you have for this year’s freshers on your course? A: In fashion - stick with your gut instincts and don’t follow crowds. In general - ENJOY UNI, YOU’LL MISS IT TERRIBLY WHEN IT’S DONE!!! Photographs: Joey Pearson & Alex Dixon Catwalk photos: Sayuri Standing
31
November 2013
www.platform-online.net
8-Bit Tache The Moosetache
The Baron
The Dali The Minimalist Record Chevalier
The Zappa General Wallace The Guillaume II The Brush
The Americaine The Double Helix
The Horse Shoe
www.trentstudents.org
32
33
November 2013
www.platform-online.net
ART
A rt
G uide
to
Bonington Gallery An air of mystery surrounds the work displayed throughout October at Bonington Gallery as Dogu Bankov’s work premieres. The work, reminiscent of early 20th Century Dadaists, questions identity and authorship even to the point of artist identity. The work, available from mid October, is worth a look for anyone interested in European wartime photography specifically in the area of photomontage.
16 October – 8 November
Drawology
Drawing has been a part of the arts for hundreds of years and this exhibition is set to challenge the general conception of the medium. With a variety of adaptations of the notion of drawing, Drawology uses performance, moving image, installation, projection and three-dimensional images to explore the process of drawing.
18 November – 6 December
LAKESIDE arts centre Epidemic/Black North – David Manley
Midland based artist David Manley is set to exhibit his latest pieces of abstract work over the coming months in his exhibition Epidemic/ Black North. Inspired by Scandinavian crime novella, Manley uses abstract painting to create unique portraits.
16 November – 2 February
This autumn Lakeside Arts Centre plays host to the David Ross Collection. The co-founder of Carphone Warehouse, Ross has collected a large number of pop-art affiliated work including the likes of David Hockney, Gilbert & George and Derek Boshnier, and this exhibition proves to be a must see for fans of mid 20th century pop-art.
The David Ross Collection 23 November – 9 February
This conceptual installation links closely to music but in a very visual sense. The kinetic nature of the work is sure to keep you alert, whilst the arbitrary sounds create an environment set to mimic a world of unpredictability.
No Movies – Asco Art Collective
Throughout the end of this year Nottingham Contemporary will host a retrospective of the art collective Asco. Asco’s politically charged staged photographs of America fuse fantasy and fiction to produce a Latin-American perspective of life in California in the shadow of the Hollywood Hills.
N ottingham By Darren Hasson
Don’t Shoot The Waiter Before Lunch – Dogu Bankov
Let’s Make The Water Turn BlackGeoffrey Farmer 12 October – 5 January
12 October – 5 January
Castle Gallery Eve Arnold Retrospective 12 October – 3 November
Meet the Artist Jeff Rowland
34
Jeff Rowland’s paintings of romance are beautiful for both subject and technique. On Saturday 16th November, Castle Galleries offer the public the chance to meet the artist and talk of his work.
16 November: 13.00 – 16.00
NEW ART EXCHANGE Not Necessarily In The Right Order, An Exhibition By Common Culture – David Campbell, Mark Durden and Ian Brown
NNITRO is a video installation collaboration that looks at the multicultural celebration of Carnival culture in Nottingham. By working with locally based musicians, dancers and singers this installation ties together the local link between culture and art and produces an insight into the world of the Carnival.
27 September – 12 January
Caribbean Through A Lens – The National Archive/ New Art Exchange 24 October – 4 January
www.trentstudents.org
This retrospective is sure to interest film and art lovers alike as Castle Gallery exhibits one of the most renowned photographers of Hollywood. Eve Arnold’s relationship with Marilyn Monroe and other stars of the 40’s and 50’s allowed her to photograph behind the scenes and away from the cameras, producing a unique insight into the lives of classic celebrities.
The National Archive has teamed up with the New Art Exchange and members of the local community young and old to present this collection of Caribbean photographs. The project aims to allow local people to tell their own history through photographic images in the light of Black History Month.
35
November 2013
ART
WHAT’S On?
Nottingham Contemporary
www.platform-online.net
ART
ART
FRESHERS’ PICTURES
www.trentstudents.org
36
37
November 2013
FASHION & BEAUTY
www.platform-online.net
ART
TRY A TREND: SMOKY EYES / BEING HAIRLESS / FASHION TREND: TARTAN / TRENT STREET STYLE
TRY A TREND :
Smokey Eyes
Mel Brooks
Step 1: Base and Brows -
Start with a matte neutral colour close to your skin tone to even out the surface and create a blank canvas from lash line to brow bone. Comb out your brows and fill in any sparse areas with either a brow pencil or powder, creating a frame for your eyes.
Step 2: Depth and Colour Take a matte black and sweep it into the crease avoiding the inner and outer corners of your eye. Once both eyes have a hidden line in the crease creating depth, take a dark metallic grey and apply from the crease to the lash line building a heavy colour.
Step 3: Blend it out -
Now take either a dark grey/purple for brown eyes, or a gold/dark brown for blue or green eyes. Use a blending brush, working in circular motions blending from the middle of your lid up to the outer brow bone.
Step 4: Line It -
Using a black eyeliner pencil, line the upper and lower water line. Then taking the dark grey used in step two, sweep along the lower lash line with a brow or liner brush making a subtle but effective liner. Follow by taking the black used in the crease, to line the top lash line.
Step 5: Enjoy! -
Brush away any fall out that is now under the eyes using a finishing powder and you are good to go! www.trentstudents.org
38
39
November 2013
www.platform-online.net
Hair removal is considered, by many, a crucial part of a lady’s ‘getting ready’ process. It’s a step that must not be skipped for fear of an unexpected stroke against a stubbly thigh on a night out. We pluck, wax, thread and shave away all of our unwanted hair only for it to return just days later! But should us girls really have to go through all of this in order to be considered attractive? And let’s not forget that we have body hair for a reason. A thin layer of hair helps to protect us against wind, rain and sun as well as acting as an insulator. Guys get to keep hold of all of these benefits and don’t have to spend time and money taming their body hair.
Come on ladies; who can truly resist the feeling of newly shaved legs against freshly washed bedding? It’s a teeny tiny luxury that men with their gorilla-esque legs will almost certainly never be afforded but that we women enjoy on a weekly basis. Hair removal (also known as depilation), be it shaving, waxing, epilating or even laser removal, is a normal and elective part of the 21st century woman’s daily beauty regime and, after years of practice, most reading this will have reduced threefold the time spent doing so. Contrary to what many may think, female hair removal is neither a product of chauvinism nor of modernity and our ancestors have been doing it in abundance for centuries – albeit with changing fashions. In Ancient Rome a silky smooth body was considered a sign of wealth amongst both sexes. In the Middle Ages Queen Elizabeth I set the trend of shaping eyebrows, but it was the 1950s when glossy legs and arched eyebrows finally became the publicly accepted norm. However women are not alone and men are under just as much pressure, probably even more so, to maintain a hairless face and an appropriately short and tidy hairstyle and the vast majority of people these days are making the more aesthetically pleasing and socially acceptable choice. By: Heather Collier
Not only this, incorrect shaving can lead to unsightly nicks, cuts and rashes. And it’s not just shaving that can prove to be dangerous, I have really thick coarse eyebrows and have been cut, yes cut, as a result of threading leaving me with red raw patches above my eyes. Not a good look. All of this for smooth skin that barely last a day? I’m not convinced that women should be expected to be preened to perfection, so ladies, if you agree with me let freedom reign! By: Priya Sund www.trentstudents.org
40
Real Estate Management Jacket, Top & Leggings– All Topshop Trainers– Converse
Product Design 1st Year Jacket & Sweater– Both vintage Jeans– H&M
REGGIE DOHERTY
FOR
NIKKITA PALMER
AGAINST
GRACE RIDLEY
BEAUTIFUL?
GLORIA TETE - DJAW
BEING
CHARLIE CHALMERS
FASHION
HAIRLESS EQUAL
JESS BONARIUS
DOES
FASHION
TRENT STREET STYLE
Fashion Design 1st Year Trousers– Handmade Top– H&M Jacket – Mothers Bag – Charity Shop Shoes–eBay
Costume Design 3rd Year Llama Fur Coat– Daphne’s Handbag Fox stole & Gloves – both eBay Shoes– Camden
41
Costume Design 2nd Year Coat– Daphne’s Handbag Shoes– Camden Jeans– Topman Bag & Sunglasses
Textiles Design 1st Year Jacket – Primark Tshirt – Brothers Jeans – Charity Shop Converse– eBay
November 2013
www.platform-online.net
FASHION
FASHION
Check Boyfriend Shirt When thinking of tartan, you automatically think of a checked shirt. Plus the boyfriend-cut makes it great for a casual day shopping. This garment will be one of your wardrobe staples for this season. - £17.99 – New Look
Coat With winter fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about coats. This is a more subtle approach to the tartan trend, with just a little bit of detailing. - £69 Miss Selfridge
Trousers If you’re feeling very brave, then these trousers are perfect for you. It takes a lot of confidence, but it will be worth it when those heads turn. - £35 River Island
PICK OF THE HIGHSTREET:
tartan Its home is in the Scottish Highlands, but tartan is quickly invading high streets everywhere. It’s hard to ignore this season’s biggest trend – it’s in numerous magazines, all over social media and stocked in the high street. Here’s my pick of the best pieces on the high street:
BY: Laura Smith www.trentstudents.org
42
Skirt This is such a cute skirt, perfect for a few drinks out with the girls. The colour is a huge plus, leaving you standing out in the SU on a Saturday night. - £38 Topshop
Scarf At £4 how can you say no to this absolute bargain? It’ll be perfect for the chilly winter months here in Nottingham - £4 Primark
Shirt Men can join in this trend too. This shirt is easy to wear from day to night. The shoulder patches add some interest to this staple garment. - £30 River Island
Bag Rock up to lectures with this statement tartan satchel. Pair it with a plain tee, to make sure it stands out. - £28 Topshop
43
November 2013
CULTURE & ENTS
www.platform-online.net
WHY DO FILMMAKERS... / YOU WILL KNOW HER NAME... AGAIN / THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF / FORGOTTEN HEROES
A
s someone who previously undertook a Media Studies A-Level course I am fascinated by films. And by this I don’t just mean sitting down at my local Cineworld or popping on one of my numerous DVDs or Blu-Rays. I am interested in every aspect of the film-making process which leads to the final product (no matter whether the product is a masterpiece...or anything recent that has Jon Voight’s name attached). This includes the initial meetings, the scripting process, the shooting, editing and finally viewing.
Why do filmmakers want audiences to sympathise with characters who do not deserve sympathy?
However, despite my love for all things related to cinema, there are a number of things that can annoy me when it comes to watching the finished product. One of my pet hates is when filmmakers attempt to make the audience sympathise with an unlikeable character. A recent example of this would be Melissa McCarthy’s character in the Identity Thief where she plays the titular identity thief who steals the identity of Sandy played by Jason Bateman. Despite there being absolutely no redeeming quality to McCarthy’s loud rude and overbearing character, the screenwriters felt the need to try and make her sympathetic by explaining that she had a bad childhood. I know this is a high concept comedy but do these executives not realise that in order for the audience to feel any form of sympathy for characters then they have to display behaviour traits that mainstream audiences can relate to? Just because someone has a bad childhood it does not mean that they can use it as an excuse for behaving in an unacceptable manner. Nathan Gibbons
www.trentstudents.org
44
45
November 2013
www.platform-online.net
You Will Know Her Name...
his autumn, our cinemas will be treated to a modern cinematic vision of the 1976 supernatural horror spectacular, Carrie. The original film was an incredibly disturbing showcase of school cruelty, mental stability, religious actions and the powers of the supernatural. It has since become a cult favourite and is now widely regarded as one of the best horror films of its time, with it heavily influencing the careers of now veteran actors Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie and John Travolta. Will it bring the original’s name to shame? Or will it provide an effective re-imagining of a classic horror piece?
When looking at the history of horror remakes, reboots, re-imaginings, rehabilitations, whatever they’re labelled, it’s hard not to cringe at some of the previous efforts. Production company Platinum Dunes have been responsible for many of these atrocities; The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003), which replaced all the suspense and surprises of the original with uninspired on-screen gore and gristle. It also produced A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) and Friday The 13th (2009), two remakes which believed that updating the physical features of the two signature antagonists would be enough to make the remake a worthwhile exercise. It failed both with audiences and the box office. The most recent remake was Evil Dead earlier this year. This was by no means a terrible effort; it was technically very well made, but it lacked the absurdities and ironic humour which made the 1980s original so enjoyable. So here are these beloved classics of horror fiction having their names stained by their modern day re-imaginings, meaning it will be hard not to dread the new Carrie. But not all hope is lost. The credits include two massive www.trentstudents.org
talents, with J u l i a n n e Moore as C a r r i e ’ s religious extremist mother , and Chloë Grace Moretz starring as Carrie herself. Moretz has established herself as a strong presence in Hollywood over the past few years, and has been known for her dark and mature roles including Hit-Girl in Kick Ass (2010), Isabelle in Hugo (2011) and Carolyn Stoddard in Dark Shadows (2012). But perhaps the most significant role that influenced this casting choice is her role as the vampire Abby in Let Me In, the remake of the Swedish film Let the Right One In (2008). This film was very well received by critics and fans of the original, with Moretz being praised for her mature presence on-screen. The new version of this classic horror will undoubtedly not please everyone, but with the talent on board and Moretz’s strong back catalogue of horror, a solid standard is to be expected. Lets just hope it doesn’t diverge too far from the original’s disturbing nature. Carrie is released in the UK on 29 November.
46
Ellis Whitehouse
I
t’s that time of year again when Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood grace our screens to judge another epic baking battle, and once more audience figures have risen dramatically. The popularity of the The Great British Bake Off is simply incredible, the first episode of the latest series bringing in a staggering 6.3 million viewers. Perhaps it’s the very word ‘British’ that holds the key to the show’s success. Thanks to national events such as the 2012 Olympics and the celebration of the Queen’s 50th Jubilee, Modern Britain has undoubtedly grown in its passion for Queen and country over the last few years, and The Great British Bake Off certainly takes part in this current patriotic movement. Set in a bunting-clad marquee in the middle of English country parkland, the show couldn’t feel more traditionally British, providing us with a weekly opportunity to wave our Union Jacks and feel part of a national trend. Another notable factor is the air of homeliness and comfort that the stately setting and whimsical décor provide, lulling us into a pleasing sense of security and familiarity. In an age where our news programmes are dominated by tragic stories of
CULTURE
CULTURE
T
AGAIN
A Recipe For Success! death and war, it makes sense for the British population to seek escapism by tapping back into our despondent modern day world, it is undoubtedly soothing to exchange our daily concerns for the relatively minor worries in creating a perfect croquembouche. Presenters Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc provide us with witty commentary and much bun-related innuendo throughout, keeping the show light and entertaining. Their apparent lack of baking knowledge and penchant for eating anything and everything that the contestants serve up also helps the show become more approachable to the non-foodie Brit. In contrast, judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood offer expert voices, with an infectious passion for the subject that would encourage even the most kitchen-phobic Brit to take up their aprons and wooden spoons. There are many possible reasons why The Great British Bake Off has become the sensation that it is; it’s patriotic, pleasingly predictable and refreshingly easy to watch, and while we can’t solve life’s problems through tarts and petit fours alone, it’s definitely comforting to see Britain passionate about something so humble.
Clara McKechnie
47
November 2013
CULTURE
F
orgotten Heroes
Errol Flynn (1909-1959)
E
rrol Flynn had lived a life-time before he ever stepped before a camera; a gang member, petty thief, sailor, then an adventurer and gold prospector. With dashing good looks, a physic moulded from the years of boxing and tennis at national levels, and a natural charm and wit. He was made for screen.
MUSIC 3 SONGS STUCK IN MY HEAD / REVIEW: WOLF ALICE / MILES KANE @ ROCK CITY / PUSHA T: MY NAME IS MY NAME
In 1935 he was cast by Jack Warner, then head of Warner Bros, in Captain Blood (1935). Captain Blood was Warner Bros biggest picture in ’35 and Warner took a huge gamble by casting the totally unknown Errol Flynn as lead. The risk proved worth it, the film, and Flynn with it, becoming an instant hit. Before Bogart, Brando, Dean or Wayne – there was Errol Flynn, he was the first megastar actor and from his films and memoirs it is easy to see why. Flynn would go on to be largely typecast for the next six years. He was seen as the dashing, swashbuckling hero. These roles required little acting but contained lots of witty one-liners, sword fights and damsels in distress. Quickly becoming the wealthiest actor in the world with such movies as Robin Hood (1938), The Charge of the Light Brigade (1936) and The Dawn Patrol (1938) he found himself with world-wide fame and admiration, but secretly felt undeserving and discontent.
www.platform-online.net
3 SONGS Everyone’s always got a song stuck in their head – perhaps it’s that song you listened to on the bus on the way to uni or the song your flatmate won’t stop whistling. Sometimes it’s nice to have a little tune in your head, but more often than not, it’s painfully irritating…
In his next two roles he was cast as an alcoholic down-and-outer; in both The Sun Also Rises (1957), based on the acclaimed Hemmingway novel, and Too Much Too Soon (1958). These roles would be his finest work, but sadly, in Flynn’s own words: “I was simply playing myself.” Flynn was set to be nominated for his work in The Sun Also Rises, but the forces that be took it away from him. Was it the controversy surrounding him? Was it his attitude and contempt for the business he had grown to hate? No one will ever know.
This month, Megan Cox reveals the three songs that are currently stuck in her head.
He would die tragically aged only 50-years-old from a sudden heart attack, in the arms of his lover. However examinations would later reveal he had the body of a man twenty years older.
2. Violence (Enough is Enough)- A Day to Remember I have been waiting for a new album from A Day To Remember since 2010, which I think you’ll agree is definitely not cool. When they released a track from their long-awaited album entitled Common Courtesy, the word ’excited’ didn’t quite cover how I felt. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed, this track is absolutely sublime. I’ve listened to this song at least once a week since it was released in December, and with Common Courtesy available for digital download on October 8, my addiction to this song has worsened. Phew, only four days to go – I’m not a fan girl…honest.
Tragic, though his death was, it is even more so terrible that Errol Flynn is recognised more as a figure to laugh and joke about than to admire in terms of great film and acting capability. It is impossible to watch his early films without a smile, and feel slightly in awe of the man who always bettered the bad guy and always got the girl. It is impossible too, not to feel a deep appreciation for his expertise when watching his later work as a straight, dramatic leading man. Whether you love or hate him, Errol Flynn is a legend that should never be forgotten or ignored. Lyle Hill www.trentstudents.org
48
1. Last Resort -Papa Roach Golden oldie alert! Thanks to the recently released album Teenage Dirtbags; the ultimate compilation album of pop-punk classics, I’ve been dancing around my kitchen singing songs that I was listening to when I was fourteen. Despite bringing back bad memories of check-board sweatbands and dodgy Myspace poses, it has made me rekindle my love for Californian fourpiece Papa Roach. You can’t go wrong with this forgotten gem.
3. Her Portrait in Black- Atreyu In 2003 the second film of the series Underworld: Evolution was released with Atreyu providing an epic soundtrack. Unusually for most bands, the drummer, Brandon Saller, provides the clean vocals in the chorus which go hand-in-hand with the growls of frontman Alex Varkatzas. The highlight of the track is the feature guitar instrumental; it’s intricate and melodic, leading on to a full guns-blazing bridge into the final chorus. To put it simply; it’s beautifully metalcore. By: Megan Cox
49
November 2013
e c i Al
If you’re not a fan of mainstream or chart music, then you should check this band out – they’re a four piece hailing from London and despite their relatively small fan base, they have already got a number of charming releases under their belt and have a plethora of songs that will no doubt brighten your day. Matt Davies reviewed their new EP.
REVIEW:
MUSIC
f l o W
Wolf Alice are probably a relatively unknown quantity to most music fans – unless you like spending your time lurking in the depths of festival undercards or saw them support Swim Deep on their latest tour. However, 2013 has so far seen the band develop a solid fan base and can be classed as a success following the release of single Bros in May and storming festival slots at the likes of Latitude and End Of The Road. Coming in at just under 14 minutes, their first EP, Blush, is a somewhat short effort from north London quartet, but it offers a tantalising hint of what to expect from the band next year, with a full-length album hopefully on its way. The title track has a soothing, mellow intro which slowly builds itself into a deep, atmospheric heartbreaker. The delicate guitars, backed up by resounding drums perfectly compliment the fragile vocals – think Daughter with a hint of London Grammar. She, the EP’s B-side, is a much feistier, grunge-rock affair, showcasing the diversity in both the bands’ sound and lead singer Ellie Roswell’s vocals. The pulsating, distorted bass riff is reminiscent of Foals’ Providence and promises to get the crowds moving when the band gets back on the road, especially with lyrics like “it’s so easy to rebel” being oh so inviting to shout back at the stage. Both Blush and She have been available on Soundcloud for a few months now, so the two ‘new’ tracks in the forms of Nosedive and 90 Mile Beach are perhaps the most interesting for Wolf Alice followers. The former is the EP’s most uplifting track, with the band temporarily ditching the haunting, atmospheric sounds in favour of a sweet pop-like feel whilst the latter mixes the psychedelic rock vibes found on Peace’s debut album with rippling, Warpaint-like vocals from Ellie to create a dreamy shoe-gaze style closing track. Blush contains some of Wolf Alice’s most impressive work to date and certainly provides reason to be excited about the bands future development. On this basis alone, they’re definitely ones to watch for 2014.
MILES KANE AT ROCK CITY Since combining with his Arctic Monkeys pal Alex Turner to form The Last Shadow Puppets, Miles Kane has gone from strength to strength and has developed a wide and devoted fan base. He recently played to a sell-out Rock City, read Alex Copley’s review here. By Alex Copley
The show’s frantic pace is only halted a few times – allowing Kane to showcase a mellower, “Every time I come here you blow my mind,” more thoughtful side to his artistry. Love songs declares a riled up Miles Kane moments like Take the Night from Me and My Fantasy are before delivering a triumphant encore. In the introduced as though he were a proud father. filled-to-capacity Rock City, the feeling is most definitely returned. The night’s highlight, for me, comes in the form of Give Up, which brilliantly features an excerpt With the crowd becoming restless, chants of Sympathy for the Devil. The venue’s hazy of “MILES, MILES!” begin to echo around atmosphere fittingly accompanies the legendthe arena, and the dapper rocker listens to ary track’s burning crescendo. Many would the cry and takes to the stage. Like a true consider a Stones cover a ballsy move, but rocker, he opens his set with a no-non sense Kane takes it in his stride, perfectly melding it approach, matching the raucous crowd’s into his setlist. energy blow for blow. Avoiding any small talk, Kane offers a blend of tracks both old and new. The delightful Rear range, from his debut album, is a pop gem with a swirling sixties vibe, and is the first track of the set to really get the obeying Rock City crowd fired up. It’s clear to see from where the Liverpudli an draws his influences from; channelling a young Paul Weller both in style and sound. This rings true particularly with Better Than That – a buoyant feel-good song that gives a nod to a bygone era. The track also best employs his band, with backing vocals adding to the nostalgic effect.
Possibly the most impressive part of Kane’s performance is his guitar playing. The sharply dressed 27-year-old swaggers across the stage caressing the instrument as though it was an attachment of his body. Hits at the tail-end of the gig; Don’t Forget Who You Are, and electric set-closer, Come Closer, exemplify Kane’s guitar-playing ability and proves to all in attendance that Kane is the complete package. A busy touring schedule and a devoted fan base means Miles Kane is fast cementing his status as an indie icon. And with a performance as tailored as one of his designer shirts, Kane can only be making more of a case for himself.
By Matt Davies www.trentstudents.org
50
51
November 2013
MUSIC
www.platform-online.net
www.platform-online.net
MY NAME IS MY NAME
Pusha T might be a name relatively unknown to many, but that’s not to say he’s short of talent, not at all. The American has just released his album My Name Is My Name, read Oscar Berkhout’s review here.
MUSIC
Pusha T is one of the few promising and prolific rappers signed under Kanye West’s highstanding G.O.O.D Music label. This album was hyped up majorly by boss, Kanye West, so expectations were extremely high. After dropping the single from the album, Numbers on the Boards, hip-hop fans that didn’t necessarily listen to Pusha started tuning in. With a unique production team establishing a sound that seemed to unheard of, Pusha’s flow seems to compliment any beat thrown at him.
Pusha T
From start to finish, the album is straight hip-hop. It’s what the industry needed; a real street album. The album starts with one of the most popular songs from it, which was released prior to the whole album to engage fans, King Push. As soon as the drums hit, you’re listening intently. Pusha comes with hard lyrics, good flow and to accompany that, the production and engineering is impressive to say the least. The next notable track is Hold On, which features boss Kanye and Maybach Music Group leader Rick Ross. Pusha is extremely open about his drug-selling past within the first few bars, then leading on to a respectable verse. In the background, you can hear Ye’s autotuned vocals, then comes in Ross with a classic, vintage verse. The album needed some features and they had to be big considering the expectations – well accomplished, Push.
Following Hold On, is an interesting track named Suicide, which was produced by Pharrell Williams – unsurprisingly. This track will grow on you the more you listen to it; it mimics a Swizz Beats or AraabMuzik ‘electric’ hip-hop style. Ab-Liva’s contributive verse to the track does spoil it a little bit – it could be argued that Push needed to vent on a track like this or just have fun and let loose. A different yet notable track is Let Me Love You, which features no other than Kelly Rowland. Push is not renowned for soft, R&B style tracks, but fortunately he can really pull it off. The vocals of Kelly strangely assist Push into making one of the most impressive tracks from the album – it almost sounds chart-worthy. G.O.O.D (Getting Out Our Dreams) had to come together and make a track though, didn’t they? 2 Chainz and Big Sean collaborate with their label-mate to produce another good album track. Not single material, but the verses work well together and exemplify the skill and talent that G.O.O.D Music beholds. As shown by the internet, most notably Twitter, the most appreciable record on the album is Nostalgia, which features hip-hop’s new golden boy, Kendrick Lamar. With a simple looped guitar sample mixed with various other drums, both Push and Kendrick are on fire. As soon as Kendrick comes in, it suddenly transforms into a sweet collaboration.
GAMING & TECHNOLOGY MOUSTACHES IN GAMING / WHAT’S IN THE BOX / TIPS FOR IOS 7
MOUSTACHES IN GAMING It’s that wonderful time of the year when everyone becomes obsessed with moustaches of all shapes, sizes and varieties… and all in the name of a good cause. So we here at Platform (and especially we here at the Gaming and Tech section) couldn’t just let our November issue pass by without so much as a moustachioed-mention. Therefore I present to you the story of arguably the most popular, or at the very least most recognised, moustache in the gaming world, that belonging to a little Italian plumber. Back in 1981 when Mario made his first appearance in the game Donkey Kong, developed by Shigeru Miyamoto for the Nintendo Corporation, graphics were far from at their pinnacle. The blocky, 8-bit graphics style didn’t allow for any real level of detail and as such Shigeru Miyamoto needed a way to make Mario’s face stand out… cue the over the top facial fuzz. Instantly Mario became recognisable as a little man and has since gone on to achieve both fame and fortune. So what was the point of this story? Was it simply a way to talk about moustaches in a month were they have become particularly prevalent? Or was it something more? A deep and philosophical look into how the simplest pieces of face hair can change the world? Well, perhaps it was a little of both, a bit of fun pointing out that you can never quite underestimate a man and his moustache. Tom Beresford
Check out the whole album, give it a listen from front to back – it won’t disappoint.
www.trentstudents.org
52
53
November 2013
www.platform-online.net
The launch window begins from Day 1 of the console’s release until the end of March 2014. Most of these games don’t have official launch dates yet and more will probably be added, it is also debatable if some of these will even be released in the UK.
GAMING
PS4 Xbox One The next generation of gaming consoles are right around the corner, and before we know it we’ll be faced by the ugly question of, which one do I get? Well, the best way to view this question is this, what does each console give you for your money? With that in mind I’ve decided to do a side by side comparison of the two and see just how much we’re going to have to skimp on food, alcohol and the like just to get our hands on the one we want.
Exclusive Day One Launch Titles Some may be added, some may be taken away, but here’s where we stand right now: PS4 Exclusive Xbox One DC Universe Online Dead Rising 3 Driveclub Forza Motorsport 5 Killzone: Shadow Fall Lococycle Knack Killer Instint Tiny Brains Ryse: Son of Rome Warframe
What’s In the Box? PS4 Price: £349 Contents: PS4 console, dualshock 4 controller, HDMI cable, power cable etc. Xbox One Day One Edition Price: £429 Contents: Xbox One console, Kinect sensor, commemorative controller, an exclusive achievement, HDMI cable, brick power cable.
Day One Launch Titles for both consoles Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (PS4 will give 3 additional missions) Battlefield 4 (Xbox One will give extra maps) Call of Duty: Ghosts (Xbox One will give Timed exclusive DLC) Fifa 14 (Extra content on Xbox One) Just Dance 2014 Madden NFL 25 NBA 2K14 NBA Live 14 Watchdogs
Xbox One Standard Edition Price: £429 Contents: Xbox One console, Kinect sensor, controller, HDMI Cable, brick power cable Do I have to pay to game online? PS4: Driveclub (a PS Plus Version) will be free for subscribers. £39.99 per year. Xbox One: For online play. £39.99 per year.
www.trentstudents.org
Basement Crawl (PSN) Kinect Sports: Rivals (Retail) Blacklight Retribution (PSN/F2P) Minecraft: Xbox One Edition (Retail) Contrast (PSN) Need for Speed: Rivals (Retail) Daylight (PSN) Powerstar Golf (Xbox Live) Doki-Doki Universe (PSN) Project Spark (Xbox Live/F2P) inFamous Second Son (Retail) The Crew (Retail) Mercenary Kings (PSN) Titanfall (Retail) Need for Speed: Rivals (Retail) Wolfenstien: The New Order (Retail) Octodad: Deadliest Catch (PSN) Zoo Tycoon (Retail) Oddworld: New and Tasty (PSN) Zumba Fitness: World Party (Retail) Planetside 2 (PSN/F2P) Primal Carnage: Genesis (PSN) Ray’s: the Dead (PSN) Super Motherload (PSN) The Crew (Retail) The Order: 1886 (Retail) The Pinball Arcade (PSN) The Witness (PSN) Transistor (PSN) Wolfenstein: The New Order (Retail) War Thunder (PSN/F2P)
54
So there you have it, what your money will get you, what games have already been announced, whether we have to pay to play online and some of the packages and bundles that have been announced. Regardless of which you end up choosing, happy gaming on the next-gen!
By Charlotte Smith 55
November 2013
GAMING
What’s in the box?
Launch Window titles
GAMING
GAMING
www.platform-online.net
Since iOS 7 was released a month ago, a whole new look has worried some users. Is their favorite feature still present? Can they finally turn off Wi-Fi from anywhere they want? And is the lock screen prettier than before? Fortunately after combing through the forums and tweets I’ve compiled a list of the top five most common ways that can prevent you getting a headache.
1. Swipe from the edge of the screen from the left to right, and you will go back a page.
2. Is the Parallax effect making you nauseous? Go to ‘General’, ‘Accessibility’, and ‘Reduce Motion’
3. Swipe down on the home screen and you’ll be able to search through messages, apps and e-mails for what you need to find. 4. When you buy a gift card, typing the long code to register is gone. Simply hold the card up to your iOS device camera, and it will scan the card and automatically register. 5. The today screen shows when you drop down the
notifications view. Here it will give you an overview of your day: the weather, the time it could take to get to work or uni, and much more. Control Center is a well-known feature, it’s as important as the completely new design itself, but as the months go on, Apple will be sure to update the OS with minor tweaks and improvements. This may be called iOS 7 for all intents and purposes, but in actuality, this is version 1 of a whole new operating system.
Daryl Baxter.
www.trentstudents.org
56
57
November 2013
SPORT
www.platform-online.net
GAMING
SPORTING NEWS / IF A SPORTS STAR WAS A TRENT STUDENT / RUGBY VARSITY: CANCELLED / COUNTY VS FOREST / NTU SPORTS PROFILES
SPORTING NEWS The Premier League is more open than arguably it has ever been, England qualified for the World Cup with ease, Bradley Wiggins is back on form having won the Tour of Britain, Sebastian Vettel is about to seal his fourth straight world title, and the Heineken Cup has returned with rugby’s traditional bang. But now it’s time for all that to take a step into the shade as the university’s sporting sides get back into action. If you’ve not been down to the new SU yet and had a look at the wonderful sporting facilities then you really should and hopefully they’ll be enough to inspire our sides onto more sporting success this year. The majority of Trent’s games will continue to be played at Clifton campus if you want to go down and watch – the football and rugby teams are the easiest to go and see, playing as they do on the wide open playing fields. As you will read over the following pages rugby Varsity has sadly been cancelled, but that disappointment aside, everyone will be working together behind the scenes at Trent to avenge last year’s overall Varsity series defeat. But behind all the obvious sports, there’s an awful lot going on at Trent, as Simon Murfitt has been finding out for us – trampolining, mountain biking, pub sports… There’s so many opportunities that it would be a shame not to grasp any of them. Here’s to a great year and we hope you enjoy this edition. George Solomon, sports editor.
www.trentstudents.org
58
59
November 2013
SPORT
CELEBS BECOME TRENT STUDENTS.... You’ve always wanted to know what famous sport stars would be like if they were at Trent haven’t you? Wonder no more.
John Terry This year’s rugby union Varsity match has been cancelled after the University of Nottingham team were found to have conducted an initiation ceremony. Their Students’ Union policy bans any form of initiation ceremony but the rugby side were found to have breached these rules after a student was disciplined by the university for defecating in a sink in October 2012. A subsequent investigation uncovered the fact that an initiation ceremony had indeed taken place and at that point the club were banned from competing for a period of time that would have included last year’s Varsity match. But this was then appealed and after a long process it has eventually been decided that the ban will now run from 24 April 2014 to 20 June 2014 ruling them out of this year’s Varsity. The President of the University of Nottingham’s Rugby Union Club, Rory Leadbetter, spoke to their student magazine, Impact. “This has been one of the most frustrating and draining processes I myself and the club has ever been involved in, but we have too many other great things happening at this rugby club, both on and off the pitch, to let what’s been thrown at us get us down,” he said. It was revealed that the club had run a ‘fathers and sons’ initiation and naked lap dances were performed by new members. It would appear the club took their ban in good faith and even asked for the initial penalty to be reinstated after the appeal process saw it shortened. It is a huge blow, not just for our neighbours from Beeston, but for the Trent side too; Varsity is usually the biggest match of the year. “It’s a massive blow,” said Sam Smith, President of the Trent club. “It’s one of the biggest matches of the year and we look forward to it all season. “It’s just a massive event to play in – there’s no better feeling than running out to the noise of the Trent fans and trying to get the job done,” he added, obviously disappointed. The match, just like the Varsity football clash, traditionally takes place at Notts County’s ground Meadow Lane and always attracts a large crowd and a great atmosphere. There’s little doubt this will cast a shadow over the whole Varsity series and is a huge shame for those third years who will miss out on their last chance to play in arguably the biggest match of their careers. George Solomon
Halls they would live in: Undeniably a flashy Gill Street fella, who on the odd occasion may don a flat peak to try and pretend that he isn’t actually monied to the hilt. Favourite drink: John Terry is the epitome of a Grey Goose drinker. Favourite club: Oceana, every single Tuesday, and every single Saturday. Course: Business, with post-degree plans to take over the world. Top on or off to Baywatch in Ocean: Silly question. Yes.
Bradley Wiggins
Halls: Any chance to exhibit his collection of Mod scooters means he’ll be commuting in from Meridian or Maltings. Drink: Wiggo undoubtedly drinks by the pint, but with sophistication. Peroni. Club: Once he’s got a couple of beers in him,… in Pandora’s Box, naturally. Course: French and International Relations. French due to his time with the teams. Top off: Absolutely not, despite the athletic build Wiggo has a high sense of self respect.
Andy Murray
Halls: A man who likes to keep himself to himself, residing at Trinity Square. Drink: For a born and bred Scot it has to be a harsh whiskey. Club: Again, as a reserved character, Murray wouldn’t be hot on the nightlife but I reckon you’d catch him in Forum now and again. Course: Nothing screams dull quite like Economics. Top off: In the past I’d have completely ruled it out but in more recent years his fruitful attempts to bulk up might just tempt him to show off his work.
Jessica Ennis
Halls: A down to earth Sheffield lass who wouldn’t have been fussy. Norton Court. Drink: Vodka and Coke, a normal drink for a normal girl. Club: A Northern lady yes, but still with an inkling for luxury. Pandora’s Box. Course: Psychology with Sociology. Nothing too academic and something where she could delve into the sporting mind. Top off: It’s up for debate, but I sure hope so.
Maria Sharapova
Halls: A classy but temperamental daddy’s girl, you can probably hear her tantrums from within a mile radius of Gill Street. Drink: White wine spritzer bought by one of her numerous male companions. Club: Loves to be centre of attention. She’d take over Coco Tang’s secret room. Course: A no brainer, fashion design is where her studies lay. Top off: Perhaps, unfortunately, no.
Nathan Parker www.trentstudents.org
60
61
November 2013
SPORT
www.platform-online.net
SPORT
SEASONS STARTS COUNTY VS FOREST
TRENT SPORT PROFILES
COUNTY Many pundits predicted that Notts County would struggle this season, and unfortunately for the Magpies they’ve been unable to prove them wrong. The Meadow Lane outfit managed to keep hold of stars Andre Boucaud and Alan Sheehan, but despite bolstering their squad with high-profile signings such as Danny Haynes and David Bell, are still languishing in the dreaded relegation zone. Hopes were high as County travelled to promotion contenders Sheffield United on the opening day in front of the Sky Sports cameras, but any thoughts of victory were dashed early on when Gary Liddle was shown a straight red. It took Chris Kiwomya’s men eight games to register their first win of the season, joss Labadie and loan signing Marcus Haber with the goals. In amongst the league action was County’s foray in the Capital One Cup with a 3-2 win over Fleetwood setting up a mouth-watering trip to Anfield to face Liverpool. The Magpies went 2-0 down early on but miraculously took the game to extra-time, Yoann Arquin and Adam Coombes sending the visiting army wild before the hosts finally won it 4-2. But things are looking up for County – first hammering Crewe 4-0 at home, before beating Wolves away on penalties in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy – let’s hope that form continues.
Sam Wildman
FOREST
Performances on the field have been fantastic; scoring in every match so far this season, and having the skill to fight back from behind to claim some great results. The Brian Clough trophy has also returned to The City Ground after beating arch rivals Derby County 1-0, an added bonus for a great start to the campaign. Forest are one of the teams to beat and are amongst the favourites to go up. Having only lost one match in the league, away at Wigan Athletic, they look strong candidates to challenge at the top. There are many players that ought to get a mention, however Andy Reid has excelled. Time and time again he has delivered, and he has scored some absolute crackers so far. Forest next face Bournemouth after the international break, where they will once again look to get the ball rolling towards their ultimate aim of the Premier League.
Jamie Griffith
62
Matt O’Rourke, Secretary of Pub Sports What do you do?
We cater for everyone’s abilities, whether you want to play competitively in tournaments or you just want to play for fun and make some new friends. The society is mainly about having a good time with good people.
Why should I get involved?
We have an annual Trent v Uni social with UoN’s version of pub sports which is brilliant. We are pub sports we do what we want!
Ed Butler, President of Mountain Biking What do you do?
A season full of change on the pitch sees Forest sit in fourth position in the Championship following Billy Davies’ best start with a team in this division.The Reds have brought in nine new players in a bid for promotion to the promised land and so far things are looking up.
www.trentstudents.org
We’re all aware of the uni football and rugby teams, but what about something a bit different? Simon speaks to three of Trent’s more left field sports clubs.
We organise trips every other weekend to Sherwood and Cannock chase and the odd trip further afield. We cater for all styles and abilities and will compete in the yearly BUCS competition. Apart from biking, we are friends who enjoy socialising together.
Why should I get involved?
If you are looking to get into something a bit different from the norm, want to increase your skill level and get out there on a bike, or go out with a group of friends, then Trent MTB is the club to join.
Susie Ip, President of Trampolining What do you do?
We train three times a week (two at Clifton & one at City) and each session has a coach on hand. Our two main competitions are BUCS and Varsity. This year we are introducing an internal competition to let members see how they have progressed.
Why should I get involved?
Trampolining is a brilliant sport to keep you fit and in shape. We’re welcoming to anyone and everyone. Whether you are totally new to the sport or an experienced trampolinist, we cater for all abilities. We’re one big family who always have a laugh.
63
November 2013
SPORT
www.platform-online.net
www.trentstudents.org
64