Platform Magazine - Movember Edition 1 - 2012

www.platform-online.net

Issue One

November 2012

trent street style It’s Back!

U.S. Election

Victory for Obama

BRANCH OUT

Festival Follow up

COPPAFEEL!

Are you coppin’ a feel?

THE NEW SU Almost there!

TRENT DOES

EMBER

RAG 1. RAG Party Bus · Friday 23rd November Jump onboard the Party Bus and party hard in a mystery city.

2. Santa Run · Friday 7th December Our fancy dress fun run!

3. Touch it · January

6. Skydive · 20th April

Info evenings (5:30-6:30pm): Mon 26th Nov (ABK15, Clifton) Tues 27th Nov (Bramley TG5, Brack) Thurs 29th Nov (Newton N34, City)

7. Big Climb The Great Wall of China · Summer 2013

Prove your endurance! How many hours can you ‘touch it’ without sleeping... eating... excreting...?

8. Big Climb

4. Escape and Evade · 1st-3rd March

9. Big Climb

In teams, race as far away from Nottingham and back without spending a penny.

Info evenings 5:30-6:30pm: Mon 12th Nov (ABK10, Clifton) Tues 13th Nov (Bramley TG5, Brack) Weds 14th Nov (Newton N34, City)

5. Coin Line Challenge · 16th April

Climb Everest Basecamp · Summer 2013

Climb Kilimanjaro · Summer 2013

10. RAG WEEK · 15th - 21st April

We have lots of crazy events arranged for you!

This is a week for everyone to get involved so if you are in a sports team, society or whether you want to organise your own fundraising event... Get in contact!

Donate your coins and join us in world record attempt to make the longest coin line EVER!

The RAG BIG 5 has become the RAG BIG 10 offering you guys even more exciting events to get involved in! This kicks off with the Partybus on the 23rd of November as RAG sends busloads of Trent students to a mystery city to party hard all in the name of charity. Buy your T-shirts now from www.trentstudents.org Don’t miss our information evenings this term as the Skydive, Escape and Evade our BIG climbs are back and bigger than ever before!

Find out more at: www.trentstduents.org/rag 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

www.trentstudents.org

03 2

PEOPLE

www.platform-online.net

EDITOR’S NOTE

EDITOR

SOPHIE DAVIS

editor@platform-online.net

Hello NTU! To those of you who are joining us this year welcome, and to those of you who returning again for another year, then welcome back! I am certain all you Fresher’s who have just started will be sure to have some of the best times of your lives here at NTU. It has been a long and stressful few months in the run up to Platform going back in to print but now we are and it feels incredible! We have now become a society, which has given us even more opportunities and we also had one of the best Fresher’s Weeks Platform has ever had. If you didn’t know already Platform has now been out of print for 2 years, so the fact we have been able to bring the magazine back to life and turn it in to something you can all be proud of makes me and the committee feel even more motivated to keep this opportunity developing.

In this first edition we have a busy line up including an interview with Stephen Dixon from SKY News, the infamous ‘Trent Street Style’ fashion feature and of course our brilliant cover feature article ‘Movember’, as we look at students of NTU getting involved and growing those ‘tashes’.

Deputy EditorS

AARON STEVENS MATTHEW McGLONE deputy-editor@platform-online.net

MARKETING & PROMOTIONS

GRACE BURMAN

promo@platform-online.net

NEWS

SIMON PAICE news@platform-online.net

MINT

ALICE McDAVID mint@platform-online.net

MUSIC

MARK LINDSELL music@platform-online.net

FASHION & BEAUTY

I won’t say much as I hope this first edition speaks for itself and it is obvious of the work that has gone on from the section Editors to the journalism writers and the photographers to the hard work from the SU. Without you none of this would have been possible so thank you! 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!

NATALIE GARLAND fashion@platform-online.net

CULTURE

JOSHUA GILTRAP culture@platform-online.net

LIFESTYLE

Sophie Davis Executive Director & Editor-in-Chief

ALANNA LINTIN lifestyle@platform-online.net

SPORTS

CONTACT PLATFORM

@

/platformmagazine @PlatformOnline

Tel: (0115) 848 6200 www.platform-online.net

Platform Magazine, NTU Clifton Campus, Clifton Lane, Nottinghamshire, NG11 8NS

OLIVER DICKINSON sports@platform-online.net

GAMING & TECH

KEEGAN SPINDLER gaming@platform-online.net

PHOTOGRAPHY

CRAIG PROUD photos@platform-online.net

DESIGNER

TOM KING tom.king@su.ntu.ac.uk

Contributors: Amy Ellinor, Kyle Tranter, Jade Cragg, Stephanie Combs, David Kingsbury, Amy Watt, George Ellis, Peter Cassidy, Marcus Boswell, David Noonan, James Lindsay, Caitlin Coleman, Matt Calver, Chris Anderson, Joanne Dernie, George Russell, Louis Crust, Tom Holliday, Gulraj Kular, Dave Wright, Ash Choudhury, Arya Chopra, Ben Hewitt, James Goodsell, Helena Smith, Anna Farley, Katie Strutt, Connan Scahill, Ellis Whitehouse, Stephanie Jade Sleaford, Michael Judd, Helen Rowland, Louisa Davies, Sophie Colquhoun, Rob Lilley, Emma Jahn, James Lewer, Alex Romankiw, Trystan Willaims, Jodie Simm, Jessica Bonarius, Craig Nye, Jonathan Poupart, George Ellis, Wenshu Fan, Daryl Baxter, Shane Matthews, Joanna Driver, The Exec Committee 2012-2013

Cover Photos by Darren Hasson

04 3

November 2012

U.S. Election The changing face of the Police Big change for transport in Nottingham

13 15 16

MINT What’s happening in the SU The new SU NTU Alumni Q&A: Stephen Dixon Society profiles CoppaFeel!

17 18 19 20 21

LIFESTYLE A problem shared Is you degree worth it?

Skiing on the budget piste Denied the right to a cure

23 24 25 26

PHOTOGRAPHY, ART & DESIGN Trent goes to Newquay Jodie & Jess Photos

27 28-29 30-35

FASHION & BEAUTY Plus size fashion Trent street style Beauty top tips Fashion top tips

37 39 40 41

CULTURE & ENTS Peeping Tom: A retrospective The Bond legacy A new hope for Star Wars I’ll be back

43 44 45 46

MUSIC Dog Is Dead: Two Devils Review Branch Out Festival: Review X Factor Vs Guitar music Introduction to K-Pop + Nicki Minaj

47 84 49 50

GAMING & TECH The best moustaches in gaming My link to the past Half Minute Hero: review

52 53 54

SPORT George Russel Interview Four Corners NTU Q&A: Kieron Vernon Inspire a generation?

Balls to Poverty

www.trentstudents.org

57 58-59 61 62 63

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CONTENTS

NEWS

www.platform-online.net

FROM THE EXEC...

PRESIDENT

Jonny Ellison

President@su.ntu.ac.uk VP Services & Comms

Kate Wilcox

VP Welfare & Community

Charley Greening

A HELLO FROM JONNY...

It’s been a busy time for everyone at the Students’ Union. We’ve just completed the SU shop renovation in Clifton, invested in a new communal area at Brackenhurst and the city Students’ Union is halfway to completion. The Union really is moving forward and there has never been a better time to get involved. It’s your Union so if you want to know more about what we have to offer, get in contact with the Exec and we’ll be able to help. Finally, I’d just like to say that it’s an honour to be asked to write this welcome as Platform was the first part of the Union I got involved in. To see it back in print is fantastic and I’d like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to the Platform team for their hard work and effort to get to this stage.

04 5

VP Education & Representation

Jo Southwell-Sander VP Activities

Liz McClusky VP Sports

Prudence Bowley Brackenhurst Liason Officer

Rebecca Northern Clifton Liason Officer

Marcus Boswell City Liason Officer

Ben Bradley

November 2012

MEET THE COMMITTEE

EDITOR

SOPHIE DAVIS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

GAMING & TECH EDITOR

SPORTS EDITOR

NEWS DEPUTY

KEEGAN SPINDLER

OLIVER DICKINSON

WILLIAM WILSON

PRINT JOURNALISM

BROADCAST JOURNALISM

POLITICS

NEWS EDITOR

MUSIC EDITOR

MINT EDITOR

SIMON PAICE

MARK LINSDELL PRINT JOURNALISM

ALICE McDAVID POLITICS

MUSIC DEPUTY

PHOTOGRPAHY DEPUTY

BROADCAST JOURNALISM

FASHION DEPUTY

HANNAH BYRNE

JONATHAN DAY

OLIVIA WILLIAMS

ENGLISH

BROADCAST JOURNALISM

GRAPHIC DESIGN

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www.platform-online.net

DEPUTY EDITOR

DEPUTY EDITOR

MATTHEW McGLONE

AARON STEVENS

PRINT JOURNALISM

BROADCAST JOURNALISM

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

MARKETING MANAGER

ALANNA LINTIN

CRAIG PROUD

GRACE BURMAN

MODERN LAN GUAGES

PHOTOGRAPHY

LINGUISTICS & COMMS

CULTURE EDITOR

FASHION EDITOR

CULTURE DEPUTY

JOSHUA GILTRAP ENGLISH

NATALIE GARLAND

CHRISTOPHER COLLINS

PRINT JOURNALISM

FILM & PHILOSOPHY

LIFESTYLE DEPUTY

GAMING & TECH DEPUTY

SPORTS DEPUTY

DAISY SIMPSON

THOMAS BERESFORD

GEORGE TORR

FASHION MARKETING

PRINT JOURNALISM

BROADCAST JOURNALISM

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PLATFORM 2012/13

November 2012

NOTTINGHAM TRENT DOES...

By Alanna Lintin & Helena Smith

I

t’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.

Each year around 37,000 men are diagnosed 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.

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.

Many NTU students are doing it for the second year running, turning themselves into true dedicated Mo Bros!

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. 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 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 Movember is not just for the men! Women can also get involved, either by growing their own moustache (each to their own), or by supporting a friend, colleague, family member, partner or boyfriend as a “Mo Sista”. Mo Sistas also help the cause by raising awareness and fundraising, at the same time as tolerating the facial fuzz for an entire month.

www.trentstudents.org

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www.platform-online.net

Sam Mcquarrie a second year Criminology student at NTU took part in Movemeber last year he said: “I think Movember is a great cause, I did it as a drunken bet with myself last year, but I think men’s health is often overlooked. All cancers are bad, but men’s cancers are the ones you hear less of.”

Aqib Sharif Biology student agrees “I think it’s a good idea, you’re raising money for charity so it’s always a good thing.”

This year, Movember is also taking on a new approach and seeing what it really means to be a better man by introducing ‘Movember and Sons’. It provides a chance for all men to share knowledge and wisdom with their fellow Mo Bro’s and loved ones about their family health history, to understand the risks they face.

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

“I think it’s a good idea, you’re raising money for charity so it’s always a good thing.”

NTU Men’s Rugby Union do ‘Movember’ The combination of MOustaches, goatees, great rigs and impeccable tans can only mean one thing; Mens Rugby Union are participating in ‘Movember’ 2012. Movember is the MOnth of the year where men grow facial hair in funny styles to raise MOney for prostate cancer. It is a MOnth of the year that men can help raise MOney for a good cause and at the same time experiment with potential future facial designs without looking silly and is too good of an opportunity to forgo. They are hoping to make as much MOney as possible for this cause so please donate generously. To find out MOre follow them on twitter @NTURugbyUnion. With lots of speedo attired, MOustache covered rugby players charging round on a Wednesday there is a motion to rename Ocean: MOcean this month.

04 9

November 2012

NTSU SKILLS AWARD JUST BECAUSE YOU’RE NOT WORKING...

DOESN’T MEAN YOU’RE NOT WORKING TOWARDS...

www.trentstudents.org/skills These days, employers want more than just your degree; they want evidence that you have a range of transferable skills and qualities that will enable you to be an asset to their organisation from day one NTSU are working alongside Endsleigh to provide the NTSU Skills Award, which has been designed to help you gain the recognition you deserve

www.trentstudents.org

for the valuable employability skills you develop through participation in many extra-curricular activities. The programme is flexible to suit your needs and commitments - and most importantly, you are probably already fulfilling many of the requirements, so there is very little extra work!

For more information and to sign on to the award, go to trentstudents.org/skills

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www.platform-online.net

BY SOPHIE DAVIS

W

ith results day having been and gone in a flash, and Fresher’s Week now truly over after months of agonized waiting, you can now really begin to focus on your future; namely your university education and what potentially could be the best few years of your life.

nights are really something that pushes your inhibitions to the limits and bodies even more so. Platform will be here throughout the year, updating you with SU events, reviews, features, style tips, beauty reviews, music gig updates and gaming debates.

Articles will be posted regularly so make sure you check back and follow us on Twitter @PlatformOnline and ‘like’ the Facebook page for even more updates and news. If there’s anything in particular you would like information on that isn’t already there or isn’t being picked up on then please get in touch and send us an email at sophie.davis@su.ntu.ac.uk

So firstly, let me say on behalf of everyone here at Platform magazine, welcome to NTU and more importantly to the Trent Army. This may have meant nothing to you before Fresher’s Week but hopefully now you will have truly understood what it is to be part of the Nottingham Trent Army. I hope by now your loyalty towards Nottingham Trent is one which will last a lifetime and one you will constantly remind your friends from home of over the Christmas break.

If you’d like to get involved with Platform as a contributor, photographer or with promotion & marketing – just contact the relevant person for more information. Contact details can be found here on the website at www.platform-online.net

Over the past month or so and throughout Welcome Week, here at Platform, we have been providing you with everything you need to know to make your transition to university life as smooth as possible and we hope for the majority of you it is one which has been comfortable and enjoyable. We hope you have made it out to at least one SU night out by now and enjoyed the fullfrontal night that is Ocean Wednesday and Point Fridays. The SU

That’s all for now, hopefully with our help the next few weeks till the end of your first term at University will go without a glitch and you’ll continue reading Platform throughout the year both online and in print format. We’ll be out and about during the year so make sure you come and say hello.

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November 2012

www.trentstudents.org

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www.platform-online.net

NEWS 2012 US ELECTION / PCC ELECTIONS / TRANSPORT IN NOTTINGHAM

OBAMA RE-ELECTED FOR A SECOND TERM

BY Jonathan Poupart

B

arack Obama has been re-elected for another four years in office after overcoming a hardfought challenge from Mitt Romney in the 2012 US Presidential Election.

Obama secured the 270 votes required in the electoral college needed to win the race and confirm his second term in office after a rigorous campaign battle against Romney.

Thanks to the Citizens United ruling allowing for unlimited campaign contributions from private business, campaign spending went into the billions, breaking all records.

Fox News broke new ground too by producing their own political ads but, on the whole, the campaign tone was not as fearful or negative as in 2008.

While the president’s performance in the first debate lacked energy, his opponent pulled no punches: “The president said he’d cut the deficit in half. Unfortunately, he doubled it.” Mitt Romney was relentless in his speech about jobs and the economy and was considered the winner of the first debate by most media outlets.

In the second debate Romney showed no signs of slowing his assault on Obama’s record: “the unemployment rate was 7.85% when he took office, it’s 7.8% now.”

Romney even disputed the President’s claim that he had immediately referred to the attack on the Libyan consulate as an act of terror. This was able to be fact-checked by moderator Candy Crowley who acknowledged Romney’s statement as erroneous. “Can you say that a little louder, Candy?” Obama quipped. The president’s quick wit carried him to a second round victory.

>

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November 2012

>

NEWS

By the third debate, Obama was on safe ground, having pushed a remarkably tough image on foreign policy.

Obama jabbed his opponent saying: “You mentioned the Navy, for example, and that we have fewer ships than we did in 1916. Well, Governor, we also have fewer horses and bayonets!”

“Four more years... this happened because of you”

Throughout election night, the US media and twittersphere raged on in a torrent matched only by the previous week’s weather. By 4am on the night of the election, the crucial states Ohio and Colorado had not been called and Romney held a narrow lead in Florida, having just won North Carolina, but just twelve minutes later, major news channels began calling the election for Obama.

The Obama Campaign tweeted victoriously “Four more years... this happened because of you” The Romney Campaign did not immediately concede the race so this delayed the concession and victory speeches.

Obama, speaking at 6:35am, emphasised the role of the people in the victory and thanked those who had waited eight hours in line to vote Many commentators remarked on how little the election had changed things; Republicans continue to control of the House, Democrats still hold a senate majority and the president’s seat is safe.

The real change took place on a state level. Tammy Baldwin became the first openly gay senator, while at the same time, two states voted to legalize the sale of marijuana and supporters of same sex marriage won electoral victories in three separate states across the country.

Obama will be inaugurated on January 21 2013, Martin Luther King day.

www.trentstudents.org

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www.platform-online.net

THE CHANGING FACE OF THE POLICE

P

latform Magazine’s James Lewer discusses the importance of Nottingham’s election for a new police and crime commissioner to the students of NTU:

As students we sometimes think that because we go out and have a good time, and sometimes have a little too much to drink, that the police frown upon us.

The Police and Crime Commissioner elections that took place on the 15th November 2012 aim to improve the ‘accountability’ of the force as a whole. This is according to the Home Office’s website, which states that the newly elected commissioner should aim to ‘serve the communities’ they govern.

The common misconception is that we might be tarred with the same brush. In other words the police see us all as potential criminals, because of the way we dress (hoodies), or the way we walk or act.

However, the majority of the time its just the minority that give us a discredited reputation. By attending the debates, I got the feeling that the candidates understood this.

Students make up a large proportion of Nottingham’s community, and therefore they have a responsibility to listen to what we have to say!

Some critics have suggested that the new role of the Police and Crime Commissioner will see the politicisation of the force. But is this true, and if so, is it necessarily a bad thing for students?

Interestingly, the Police and Crime Commissioner’s main role according to the Home Office, is to be the ‘voice of the people’, and hold the ‘police to account’. This means if we have a concern or want to query something, we should now have this opportunity.

The idea that the new commissioners are going to be swayed by party lines is arguably dismissed by the act called the Oath of Impartiality. This means that they must serve the people, and cannot be influenced by ‘favour or fear’.

Nottingham Trent University was the host for a Police and Crime Commissioner debate on the 5th November, with all four candidates attending. They were grilled by the public, and asked some difficult questions.

However, the idea that the police has become more political will surely give a platform for the people, and therefore students.

The Police want to become a more friendly face, with those like students feeling willing to approach them if they are needed.

The polls suggest that turnout for the elections could have been as low as 15%, but perhaps the changing face of the police will give us all food for thought.

One of the hot talking points was the youth community, and each of the candidates were keen to stress that improving relationships with young people was a top target.

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November 2012

NEWS

BY jAMES LEWER

BIG CHANGE FOR TRANSPORT IN NOTTINGHAM

BY Alex Romankiw

NEWS

B

ig things are happening in Nottingham. Eight years ago there were no trams, and less bus routes. Realtime tracking information was only just being introduced. Skip forward to today and it is clear that transport and infrastructure is high on the agendas of the county and city councils, with a train station in the process of being remodelled and extensive roadworks on many stretches of road.

Infrastructure has been highly-trending topic in the media recently, with headline-grabbing stories like the Heathrow expansion plans, and with the ever-increasing population placing more and more strain on the services this country relies on, it is important that the government invests in increasing and maintaining these services. The roads and trains cannot currently cope with the increased population, and so there are more queues and delays that people don’t get to work on time, goods aren’t delivered when they should be, things don’t happen when required, all which increases costs to businesses and services.

It only takes a train journey to London on Friday night, or a walk along Clifton lane outside Clifton campus, to see the need for increased infrastructure and any students that drive to university, or regularly use the Unilink buses and trams, know the need for better transport capacity in the city.

So, what is being done?

Nottingham’s tram network is being extended, with work underway to extend two lines to Beeston and Clifton, with them set to be open in late 2014. As students, those that will feel the benefits the most will be those living in Clifton. A large council estate currently served by a poorer bus service than other parts of Nottingham, the NET extension will run right down Southchurch drive, offering a fast link into the city that could halve the time of the current bus routes.

Although the tram line won’t actually reach NTU Clifton campus, it will be easily accessible by the student population living in Clifton, and will open up areas such as Compton Acres, Wilford and the Old Meadows that were previously unattractive to students due to poor transport links.

The second tram line to Beeston may encourage more city students to choose accommodation in Lenton and Dunkirk. And of course, all these lines will link directly to the dedicated NTU City tram stop outside Boots Library. “Public transport in Nottingham is changing. It’s going to be better for the whole city,” the leader of the NET project team from Nottingham City Council, Steve Tough, told Platform in February, and how right he is.

www.trentstudents.org

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www.platform-online.net

MINT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE SU / STEVEN DIXON INTERVIEW / BYRON TRACKER / SOCIETY PROFILES / COPPAFEEL!

What’s happening in the SU VP Services and Comms – Kate

VP Sports – Pru

Since coming into office I have focused my attention on Fresher’s week which went amazing! I made sure that activities and sports had more focus than they had in previous years and that the minority students also had a group of reps they could call upon. I also brought back the Fresher’s Ball and since fresher’s I have been setting up campus Ents committees and focusing my attention on all of our affiliated nights.

We are going to Saloufest in March 2013 for tour! This year it is open to sports, societies and any social tourists. I have been working hard towards the varsity series next year, which is a great opportunity for all student athletes to show off their skills in front of the big crowds that the Varsity Series attracts. The charity chosen was Headway. They focus on brain rehabilitation centre for people who have suffered brain injury. We are aiming this year to raise over £20,000 after having a successful year last year raising £17,000.

VP Welfare – Charley

VP Education and Representation – Jo

This term I have introduced Nightline so all students have someone they can talk to confidentially at all hours of the night! I have introduced a new scheme whereby students can leave their student card with Nottingham Cars Taxi drivers as a deposit meaning all students are guaranteed a safe lift home! I have organised drop-in days with Nottinghamshire Police, Chlamydia and sexual health screenings and have worked with our Halls Co-ordinator to set up halls committees!

I have been meeting with the University to ensure that there aren’t late night lectures and better timetabling. This has derived from the course representative system that we have.

It has also been a great turn out in the student officer byelections, where we can proudly say that we have a fully body of elected officers! This means that we have figureheads for each underrepresented group such as; Postgraduate students, Mature Students, International students and BME students.

VP Activities - Liz Societies had a great start to the year hosting Sunday Social in the city and signing up 100’s of members at fresher’s fairs.

We have more Volunteering projects each week so make sure you sign up to one soon! RAG BIG 10 kicks off with the Partybus at the end of November with ‘Escape and Evade’ coming soon! Our charities this year are: MNDA, FSID and Operation Orphan.

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November 2012

THE NEW STUDENTS’ UNION...

MINT

“IT’S WHAT THE CITY HAS BEEN MISSING” 2013 is set to be an exciting year for Nottingham Trent University and its students as the new student union will be revealed, set to be one of the best equipped student unions in the country!

It will boast 900 rooms for student accommodation, a sports hall, entertainment area, fitness studio, shops and bars and this even includes a 2000 capacity music venue for the evening!

you help shape Trent’s future. You can join a society which is a brilliant way to meet new people, and with over 150 societies to choose from meeting an array of people’s needs, you won’t be stuck on what to do! There will also be a health centre, advice centres and purpose built student union offices so people know exactly where to turn to if they need anything.

Speaking to current NTU students who have seen the demolishment of the old SU and the building work currently underway, have said they are “very excited to see what it will finally look like” and Lauren, a second year student added, “It will be good to have everything in one place”. With everything a student could possibly want in an ideal location in the city, the new SU looks set to be a success with students, old and new!

New students will be accommodated in the hub of the city, not far from the university, transport routes, the city centre and nightlife making it ideal to get the fresher’s involved and familiar with their new city.

They will also be unravelling the perfect place to go have fun and stay fit, with a 100 station fitness suite, sports hall meeting England standards, dance studio and even a three storey climbing wall! James, living outside the city, said “There have been so many days when we’ve been bored and not known what to do, the old gym used to put us off because it was so busy and small and Clifton’s sport centre is too far away. The new SU is not even far and will be great for cheap days out of the house”.

Kathryn, currently studying at Nottingham Trent, said “The city campus is the most popular with students and now we are going to have an SU, brings something new to the university and will bring people together”.

The Student Union has listened to the voices of the students and has put a lot of time and research into making sure this will be one of Nottingham’s best venues! 2013 is just around the corner and students can’t wait to see the end result. It has an array of facilities set to be a definite success with students; Rebecca, studying in the city, said “it’s what the city has been missing”.

Not only will the new SU offer somewhere to have fun and relax it will also be where you can get the most from your university experience! You can get involved with your student union, where

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www.platform-online.net

NTU Alumni Q&A: Stephen Dixon

MINT

BY SIMON PAICE Platform Magazine recently caught up with Sky News Anchor and current NTU Alumni Association president Stephen Dixon to discuss his time at NTU and his career to date.

Dixon, 38, started at NTU back in 1992 as part of the first group of students to do a BA (Hons) Broadcast Journalism degree at the university on Clifton campus, going on to graduate three years later with a 2:1.

Dixon has worked at Sky News full time since 2003 and has become one of the biggest name anchors on the station. He currently presents the Sunrise show from 6 to 9am three days a week.

How much did NTU help you on your way in your career?

Hi Stephen, thanks for talking to us. Do you have good memories of your time at NTU?

It’s been the absolute cornerstone. I have got where I wanted to be much sooner than I would have done if the degree didn’t exist. I jumped years ahead by the amount of experience I got, by the contacts, the openings and the opportunities I got in the industry as a result of the NTU course. Without it I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I had such a fantastic time here, it was just the best three years and I completely loved it. The weirdest thing is, it doesn’t feel that long ago. Clifton was very different back then, it was much rougher than it is now and you are very lucky with what Clifton and the city site are like now.

Why should people get involved with the alumni association when they graduate?

What are the best parts of your current job?

It’s a privilege as a journalist to get to deal with important people who influence all of our lives, to be able to confront them about certain issues; it makes work brilliant and exciting.

There’s also something about live broadcasting, where you are really teetering on the edge of disaster every minute you’re on air, because there’s so many things that can go wrong, it’s a real thrill. It’s a job that I love and I’m very lucky to have it.

We want to make the association a family, as we spend three years at Nottingham Trent with all these people who start as complete strangers and become the best of friends. We build our own family here and the point of the alumni association is to keep that family going. We don’t want you to forget about Nottingham Trent.

Stephen spoke to Platform’s news editor Simon Paice, with an extended copy of the interview available at www.platform-online.net

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November 2012

NTU SOCIETY PROFILES

BY JADE CRAGG

MINT

BUSINESS SOCIETY This society aims to bring together people who have an interest in business, holding weekly socials and other educational opportunities. For this year, the society is looking forward to having guest speakers, helping to give more of an insight into the real business world. Alongside educational activities and talks, the Business society also runs the BSOC football team which is part of the university league, enabling members to meet new people and play sport competitively. The Business society enjoy weekly socials to Ocean, with a bar crawl to look forward to! For any more information join the group on Facebook: Nottingham Trent University Business Society

Sikh Society This society aims to help broaden their members about Sikhism and helping to answer any questions they have and giving them more knowledge about the Sikh community. Throughout the year, they bring together the interest of their members with many social and educational events, with events from Kirtan Darbars at the Gurdwara to monthly Sikhi related talks and lectures. They also hold various social trips and activities such as: paintballing, Alton Towers, go-karting, annual samosa eating competition. For any more information, check them out on Facebook: Nottingham Trent University Sikh Society

Film Society This society is for anyone who is remotely interested in film, whether it be your big Hollywood blockbusters, niche animated films or arty foreign films. They have weekly screenings which are held in the city campus, giving members a chance to recommend films they would like to see. Many old classic films are shown such as ‘The Graduate’ to modern cultural phenomena like ‘Trainspotting’, giving members a diverse selection to see. The society also holds informal meetings and more exciting trips out of the City. The society aims to give its members value for money, trying to subsidise trips and socials in any way that they can. For any more information, find them on Facebook: NTU Film Society

Amnesty International This society wants to stand up for humanity and human rights, protecting individuals to fight for fair justice and freedom. They are a fun and social community of students, who have an interest in standing up and supporting those who have been denied of fair human rights and discussing and campaigning against human right violations. Amnesty International actively holds fortnightly meetings, in which discussions, debates and signing of petitions and creatively campaign against the abuse of people’s human rights. The society holds socials including activities such as film nights or nights out. If you are interested in Amnesty International, find them on Facebook: NTU Amnesty

www.trentstudents.org

20 03

MINT

www.platform-online.net

Have you been Copp’in a feel lately Trent students? BY SOPHIE DAVIS

C

oppaFeel! is a breast cancer awareness charity aimed at young women and men between the ages of 18-30, in order to get you to check your boobs. We’re on a mission to stamp out late detection and misdiagnosis of breast cancer by ensuring that you know the signs and the symptoms and what they feel like normally, so that you check your boobs regularly throughout your lifetime and will have the confidence to seek medical advice if you detect any changes to your body.

In order to encourage you to check your boobs and to ensure you don’t forget, CoppaFeel wants you to sign up to the FREE text messaging service which reminds you every month to check your boobs. All you need to do is text TRENT to 70500 and you will receive a text from them each month reminding you to check your boobies. Do it now, it could save your own life or one of your friends!

CoppaFeel will be hitting the festivals again in summer 2013, so if you see the Boob tent come in and have a CoppaFeel! And they will be running various events throughout the year like the Bath Half Marathon.

The founder Kristen Hallenga was only 23 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, after many failed trips to the doctors and misdiagnosis. She is now living with breast cancer and 3 years on we want you to also take care of your own body, because even if it saves one life, it’ll have been worth it. Breast cancer can affect anyone at any age and nearly 46,000 women and 400 men were diagnosed in the UK last year, so don’t think that you’re not at risk.

You have no excuse to ignore this advice, so keep them in tiptop condition because as of yet it’s not a fight we always win.

If you have any more queries or want to get involved too, feel free to message our Ambassador at NTU on n0366852@ntu.ac.uk Keep Copp’in a feel Trent Students!

The NTU boob team will be on campus throughout the year, organising events and running fundraising projects all in support of breast cancer awareness. Nottingham Trent has its own microsite on the official www.coppafeel.org website, so go and have a look at what we do and our photos.

Facebook page: Nottingham Trent Uni CoppaFeel! BOOB Team CoppaFeel Video: http://vimeo.com/25104099 A Day in the Life of Kristin Hallenga: http://vimeo.com/32593119

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November 2012

Volunteering

Already hundreds of students have volunteered in the students’

After sending a group of students to India for a month to

Union through One-day-challenges. Students have taken school

Volunteer in slums in Delhi this year event more students are

children to the farm, worked with the police to raise awareness of

getting involved in International volunteering. Hundreds of

crime in community, cleared up Skegness beach, held activities

our students have raised thousands of pounds for the charity

in schools teaching students about black history month and

Childreach through big climb events. Now, 35 of our students

many more. With volunteering opportunities each week there’s a

are going out to Morocco to Volunteer as this money gets spent

project for everyone, go to

in communities that really need it. They will live and work in the

www.trentstudents.org/volunteering/events to sign-up for

community with the community on a construction project that

dog walking, recycling projects, arts and crafts with the elderly

will improve the lives of everyone that lives there.

much more.

www.trentstudents.org

03 22

www.platform-online.net

LIFESTYLE A PROBLEM SHARED / IS YOUR DEGREE WORTH IT? / SKIING ON THE BUDGET PISTE / DENIED THE RIGHT TO A CURE

A Problem Shared...

By Platform’s Agony Aunt Joanne Dernie I don’t have much money to spend, but I want to give people gifts that are a little bit different for Christmas this year. What should I do?

You have a lot options for unique gifts. Try making something

The Victoria Centre market is always worth a look for gifts,

yourself, maybe look up a Christmas recipe? You could also make

as well as the Nottingham Christmas markets. You could give

sweets fairly easily. There are craft stores and fairs in Nottingham

someone the gift of your time with an IOU (I promised to

you can look at (www.craft-inthecity.co.uk - I love the German

help decorate my brother’s room a couple of years ago) or a

Christmas market) and John Lewis has a lot of craft materials and

ticket to a concert they would like to see. And don’t forget,

kits if you’re short of time.

Nottingham is a brilliant place to shop, so there are plenty of stores where you can find quirky gifts - Evolution in the

If they’re green fingered you can paint up a plant pot, or find them

Victoria Centre is a favourite of mine.

a plant to go in the centre of the table. You can find orchids and houseplants in most supermarkets now. You could also try creating

Remember, it’s the thought that counts, often cheap but

a photo calendar or your own display in a frame. There are shops

personal gifts are the best ones.

in Nottingham where photos can be printed on posters or canvas (www.hayman.co/index.html).

Got a problem? Email Agony Aunt: platform-agonyaunt@live.co.uk

04 23

November 2012

Taking into account the summer, Christmas holidays, Easter and exam period there are only 26 weeks of teaching over the year.

(24 for those lucky enough to have event weeks) For a student with 10 hours of contact time per week (lectures, seminars, labs etc.) this means over the academic year, they have just 260 hours of contact.

If paying fees of £3465 they are paying £13.32 per hour or £133.26 a week.

LIFESTYLE

And if paying the new fees this year of £8500, they are then paying a massive £32.69 per hour or £326.92 a week for their education.

by Alanna Lintin

W

ith the university fee increase this year and thousands of unemployed graduates, the question has been raised whether a degree is really worth having.

The average debt for a student starting university in 2011 was estimated at £26,100, rising to £53,400 for entrants in 2012. A student on a course with only six hours a week would be paying a whopping £54.48 per hour of lecture. Think about that the next time you’re considering skipping class. Similarly many courses have days or terms spent on placement, yet students are still paying fees.

For what?

Previously, having a degree meant you automatically were the best candidate for the job. Nowadays, with university being accessible for more people and so many students graduating every year, employers can be picky about who they employ. Students need much more than a degree to be successful in obtaining their dream career. This can be achieved by getting involved with various projects around the university such as RAG and NTU Skills, working for the SU around campus, gaining those extra qualifications whilst you learn or even being part of something like Platform.

Of course, you only begin paying back your student loans once earning over £15,000 or £21,000 for the new fees. But would it have been a better option to have begun working straight from school, have no debt looming over your head and be in a position to start a life of your own now?

www.trentstudents.org

Although university is about gaining a qualification and essentially bettering ourselves, the experience as a whole counts for so much more. University builds character and gives teaches people to fend for themselves. A graduate is a well-rounded, knowledgeable person, often with industry experience. Some may be in the same position having worked their way up after leaving school, but they do not have the life experiences and memories that university life offers.

Besides, working your way up from the bottom doesn’t happen the way it used to. Newspapers used to take people straight out of school, where they’d work their way up through the ranks.

Today, a journalism qualification is essential and an industry where a degree (or equivalent) is critical to even get your foot in the door.

This year saw the first decline in university applications. Perhaps a degree is not worth that much money in today’s economic climate but ask the majority of students and they’d tell you that their time at university has been worth every penny and if you ask any student these days they’ll say the challenge makes it all the more worth it.

Make your degree worth it and do as much as you can whilst you are at university.

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www.platform-online.net

LIFESTYLE

SKIING ON THE BUDGET PISTE

BY Stephanie Jade Sleaford

T

he Christmas break is fast approaching and for many, the snow is calling....

Skiing holidays are a student favourite but aren’t so friendly on the back pocket, especially towards the end of the term when loans are drying out. Platform is out to prove that you can enjoy a holiday on the slopes without breaking the bank.

travelling costs are minimal (return flights to Edinburgh start at £20), last minute bookings are advisable as snowfall in Scotland is unpredictable.

Before jetting off a few practice sessions are advised.

Unfortunately Nottingham doesn’t have a snow centre, so learning to ski during term time requires travelling. Big name centres like Snow Dome in Tamworth and Sno! Zone in Milton Keynes are widely recommended. Snow Dome is a dry slope so only warm clothing is required and each two hour lesson is £60.

Sno! Zone, a real snow slope, offers a similar deal at £29.99 per hour plus ski clothing rental. Swadlincote Ski and Snowboard Centre in Derbyshire is more student price friendly with a 3xhour and a half class package costing just £68. And if you’ve left it until the last minute they offer a learn-in-a-day course on Sundays for just £75 including a hot meal at lunch.

When it comes to penny-saving on the piste, thinking out of the box is key. The French Alps may be the most obvious choice, but these resorts usually come with a hefty price tag.

Flight comparison website SkyScanner has saved you the work by providing a list of the cheapest destinations including Borovets in Bulgaria, Livigno in Italy, and, surprisingly, the Scottish Highlands. Borovets is perfect for beginners with its wide, open pistes. A stay at Villa Park Apartments for seven nights starts from £57 per person and return flights to Sofia can be booked from £75.

If beginner pistes seem a little tame then Livigno may be better suited as skiing here is directed at intermediate and advanced skiers with. Prices for the Italian resort start from £127 per person for a seven nights and return flights from Milan Bergamo start at £37.

If it’s your first skiing holiday rent poles, skis and boots from your resort. Most resorts will charge around £60 per week for the rental package and you don’t have the hassle of getting them on the plane. As for ski clothing, websites such as www. trekwear.com offer package deals for just £119.95 for ladies and £124.94 for men.

Finally there is the Scottish Highlands, on the doorstep but forgotten by many thanks to cheap European flights. Ski areas open January to April and a six day ski pass costs £164. While

With proof that the student budget piste exists there’s no better reason to try out the classic snow sport this winter.

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November 2012

LIFESTYLE

BY Chris Anderson

D

avid Noonan, a Trent student who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, could have his life drastically turned around for the better. Yet he has to fight hard for a right that many of us take for granted every day.

In his own campaign to gain access to the drug he has been in contact with many branches of the media including ITV news and the Coventry Telegraph in his hometown. The message in his story is simple; a young man fighting for the right for him and others to have access to lifesaving treatment.

David recently celebrated his 21st birthday and is a second year Graphic Design student who has lived his whole life with CF, a genetic disorder which affects the lungs and digestive system.

He is in the early stages of becoming a poster boy for a cause which could help hundred across the country who don’t seem to have a voice. The new drug Kalydeco, currently widely available in the US, could be his ticket back to good health if it wasn’t for the price tag.

David is appealing directly to Vertex, the company who manufacture the drug, on compassionate grounds. However, with clashes still appearing between the drug companies, the NHS, the charities supporting the cause and the patients needing the help this is proving difficult. Not only is he fighting for himself and his sister (also a CF sufferer), he won’t rest until this treatment is available for all. Who better to become the face and voice of a patient interest group than someone who truly understands the plight?

At a cost of around £182,000 per year per patient, the drug is by no means a cheap fix. David’s daily routine is dominated

However this isn’t a fight for David to take on alone. If appealing on compassionate grounds doesn’t help then he will attempt legal action to uphold the human rights he believes he is being denied. Support from fellow students here at Nottingham Trent would help to spread the word and continue to put pressure on the drug companies and the NHS to give patients access to this vital treatment.

At a cost of around £182,000 per year per patient, the drug is by no means a cheap fix. by hours of physiotherapy, breathing exercises and medicating himself on 50 tablets a day. If he were to be given Kalydeco his lung capacity could begin to recover from its current level of only 40%. This kind of lifeline could not only improve his health and life expectancy, it would allow him to return to a normal life and one of his favourite pastimes, football.

www.trentstudents.org

For more information or to join the cause sign the e-petition on the link at: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/campaign-for-kalydeco

03 26

www.platform-online.net

PHOTOGRAPHY, ART & DESIGN TRENT GOES TO NEWQUAY / JODIE & JESS / FRESHERS PICTURES

Trent goes to Newquay A

group of rad individuals recently represented Trent in Europe’s largest open surf competition, BUCS.

The three-day event kicked off on 18th October with 48 Students piling into a coach to take the 300-mile journey to Newquay.

Breezing in late they wasted no time affirming their reputation amongst other Universities, Thursday night bore witness to a blast from the past with hippies saturating the clubs. The little ice that was there was broken instantly as freshers and newcomers were welcomed into the society to become official beach bums.

The final day of the competition and our extreme beach dwellers took to the waves once more, concerned only for fun and real good times rather than medals. Saturday was a day of chilled out vibes, relaxing on the beach and cherished memory making under a professionally choreographed firework display. The night couldn’t have been more different, for war was declared and the call of duty was to be fulfilled, for it was Trent Army!

Friday saw the first day of surfing for Trent and conditions were perfect, too. The was shining and the swell fluctuated from mild to a blissful 8ft.! Although it wasn’t all smooth sailing, with Vice President Caroline Mccrystal taking a free helicopter ride to the local hospital after a minor accident at practice, where she was soon released.

Although no medals were won, Trent definitely won gold for most fun and memorable weekend. Total newbies to surfing were standing up towards the end of the weekend and the committee urge more to take up surfing by coming along to their next trip to Bude, Cornwall (30th November- 2nd December).

For more Information regarding Surf Society join their Facebook page, Trent Surf Club.

Head banging became routine with Glam rock stars, punks and death mental heads descending on Newquay’s club scene, but not before a Surf Social trip tradition – Surf Slush! Being the Ride Bar sponsored family that it is, the committee really look out for it’s members in true society style, fishbowls with a combined size of a small bath, were brewed and consumed; the legendary night that followed would have put The Rolling Stones to shame.

By Craig Proud

04 27

November 2012

ART

Jessica Bonarius

By Olivia Williams

Platform met up with Jessica Bonarius, who is a second year Costume Design student at NTU, to talk about her work.

What inspires you?

to create sometimes. I use a lot of acrylic paint and work on white A3 cartridge paper 99% of the time. I do like to use mixed media though so I do like to use soft pastilles over the top of acrylics and I use watercolour sometimes. I use nail varnish and glitter so I really play around with it.

Myself. The way I dress myself is usually a starting point. My work revolves around me and me own style a lot of the time, without a doubt.

What do you see yourself doing after you leave Nottingham Trent?

Where does the inspiration for you style come from?

From old Hollywood stars, fashion eccentrics, paintings of unusual characters, anything out of the ordinary. There is always a 40s influence on my hair or whatever, but I’ll always wear something that doesn’t quite co-ordinate with the 40s. I prefer to create my own era.

Eventually I would love to be working in film and TV but I’m so passionate about fashion. I would love to work within the fashion industry too, whether that’s having my own collection or not. I’m so passionate about both areas: one can’t survive without the other. I admire designers, writers and artists from both sides and I want to somehow bring them together.

Do you see yourself as having a style?

I think in my drawing I have my own style but I haven’t always used the same material. I enjoy blind drawings as it creates a character that you’re not really trying

www.trentstudents.org

03 28

www.platform-online.net

Jodie Simm

By Olivia Williams

Where do you get your inspiration?

ART

Great admirers of Jodie Simm’s work, Platform was thrilled to have the opportunity to ask her about her practice. We caught up with her after a week in Hamburg, Germany.

If you had all the money in the world, what shoot would you do?

As cliché as I’m afraid it may sound, I take inspiration from almost everything that surrounds me, it’s difficult not to really!

Mostly though; when I feel uninspired, I like to go walking. Back home we have countless fields and woods in which to explore, there’s nothing more wonderful than allowing yourself to get lost and become an adventurer.

If i had all the money in the world, Id buy a Cabin in a mountain somewhere on the edge of a lake, take with me a handful of beautiful, interesting people and wonderful clothes and see what happened. I mean I’d be rich so if it didn’t work out we could just wonder the world until that magical place and moment where everything is just right finds us!

You use a lot of symbolism in your work, are their different ways to interpret your work?

What are you working on now?

Lately I’ve started trying to let my work explain itself, creating images; that to me, crave a narrative. Seeing what people make of your work can often be a lot more interesting than telling them how they’re supposed to feel. Yet it can also get frustrating when you don’t agree.

I wish I could tell you it was something wonderful that everyone should look forward to, but right now, I’ve become lost within my own work. Although I feel an old man with a beard and a mouse that lived in it could be the answer to all of my problems!

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November 2012

PHOTOS www.trentstudents.org

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PHOTOS

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November 2012

PHOTOS www.trentstudents.org

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TRENT DOES..

.

PHOTOS

NOTTINGHAM

photo by DAR

REN HASSON

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November 2012

PHOTOS www.trentstudents.org

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PHOTOS

www.platform-online.net

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November 2012

Fancy meeting your favourite recording artist or film star? How about expressing your opinions, and getting free stuff for doing so? Maybe you’d enjoy the rush of breaking the latest news story to an audience of 27,000, or keeping your fellow students informed about issues important to them? What about the chance to show off your creative and technical abilities, and gain invaluable experience?

If that all sounds good, then NTSU’s very own Trent Media is for you.

Our award-winning student media trio have got every opportunity imaginable for you to get involved, have a blast, and really amp up your CV.

TRENT TV: NTSU’s student TV station Born in 2006, Trent TV is NTSU’s acclaimed student television station, providing TV shows created by NTU students, for NTU students.

Whether you’d love to present, film, produce or edit, Trent TV is looking for you! Don’t worry if you’re a total newbie - we can train you from scratch and teach you everything that you need to know. Make sure to visit the website at www.trent-tv.com to get involved and watch the shows online.

Fly FM: New Music for NTU Fly FM is Nottingham Trent’s award-winning student radio station.

Broadcast every weekday of every term, Fly FM covers everything from Welcome Week to Varsity, and student demos to the Grad Ball. Whether you’re interested in presenting, newsreading, production, or you’re a bit of a technical whizz kid, Fly FM has something for you. Check out the website at www.flyfm.co.uk to find out more and get involved.

PLATFORM: NTSU MAGAZINE Published three times per year, Platform is NTSU’s official magazine for Trent students, containing all the info, entertainment, news and reviews you need to make the most of your time at Uni. Whether you want to interview, write, photograph, or illustrate its pages, Platform relies on your contributions to make it all happen. Visit the website at www. platform-online.net to read exclusive online content, view the digital mag, and find out how to join the Platform team.

www.trentstudents.org

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FASHION & BEAUTY

www.platform-online.net

PLUS SIZE FASHION / TRENT STREET STYLE / BEAUTY TOP TIPS / FASHION TOP TIPS

PLUS SIZE

FASHION

BY AMY WATT

I

t no longer makes sense to ignore women sized out of ‘straight’ fashion, especially when 4 out of 10 women in the UK are a size 16 or above.

provided inspiration for designers and plus-size shoppers since featuring on the cover of British Vogue.

Robyn Lawley was the first ever plus-size model to grace the pages of Vogue Australia and, as a result, was dubbed “the shape of now”. UK-based online fashion giant ASOS recently launched ASOS curve, which has proven popular with a large digital community of plus-size bloggers who use social media to heighten awareness, promote online discussion and change attitudes of what is thought of as acceptable in terms of styling.

Women come in all shapes and sizes – no one can dictate what is right or wrong, attractive or unattractive. Historically, the plus size market has lower margins due to additional fabric and machines required for garments.

While the situation still remains grim, change is afoot in the UK. The market for plus size clothing has grown by nearly 50% since 2007.

ASOS’s vintage-inspired plus size garments are top sellers and continuously in high demand, probably because mid-century vintage shapes appeal to the curvier customer. H&M has also made a mark on the plus-size retail scene, creating BiB -

Plus-size models like Ashley Graham have featured in advertising campaigns, and British singing sensation Adele has

>

04 37

November 2012

> Big Is Beautiful.

FASHION

Not only are high street brands jumping on the bandwagon, the higher end of the industry is also recognizing this new opportunity. DKYNYC, Calvin Klein Plus and Michael by Michaeal Kors are just a few of the brands that offer garments up to size 26.

However the luxury brands rarely care or understand the plus-size market, working under the misconception that most ‘larger’ ladies prefer to cover up. With a great attitude to food, fun-loving Stephanie Zwicky is one of the most recognizable faces in the plus-size market.

Editor of ‘Le blog de big beauty‘, she is an admirable ambassador for curvy women, proving that ‘one can be both fashionable and round.’

If a woman is healthy, no matter their size, their body should be accepted. Women should not be categorized or stereotyped by the number on their label; terms should not be used to brand different sizes. Didn’t our ancestors fight for diversity, for our freedom – didn’t they battle against the idea of an identical race?

Naturally skinny girls are often branded as anorexic, whilst plus-sized is a tag that segregates models from mainstream fashion. Runways and print pieces should use an array of sizes. After all, who is buying the clothes at the end? Although change is inevitable, some fashion powerhouses such as Chanel won’t be adopting the new plus-size attitude any time in the foreseeable future.

“If a woman is healthy, no matter their size, their body should be accepted.”

www.trentstudents.org

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FASHION

Ikemba Brown

Sophie Marjoran

Roxanne Chand

www.platform-online.net

English Language

Boots - Clarks Jacket - Miss. Selfridge Top, jeans and bag - Topshop

Boots- Urban Outfitters Coat- River Island Jumpsuit- gift from PR internship

Jacket- Suit Backpack- Herschel Trainers- New Balance Trousers- Topman

Liberty Spinks

Truly McGivern

Fashion Communication and Promotion

Tova Lofgren

Fashion Communication and Promotion

Fashion Communication and Promotion

Fashion Communication and Promotion

Textile Design

Jacket- ASOS Trousers- Levis Strauss Boots- Beyond Retro Scarf- H&M

Shoes- Underground Trousers- Topshop Jacket- H and M Bobble- Newsagents Necklace- Urban Outfitters

Boots- TK Maxx Coat- Next Bag- Macy’s Dress- Newlook

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November 2012

BEAUTY TOP TIPS

BY Natalie Garland

FASHION

A

s students we’ve all had to make sacrifices and cut back on the amount of beauty products, and the brands, we buy from. Here are just a few tips I’ve recently discovered to help save you money while still looking beautiful...

1. Bulk buy false eyelashes You can buy a pack of ten false eyelashes from Ebay for around £2.49. Most include free delivery and sellers have around 17 different styles to choose from. The real key to false eyelash application is having a decent glue so either reuse one from an old pair of eyelashes or buy it separately, I recommend Eylure Lashfix Adhesive (around £2 from Superdrug & Boots)

2. Get smoother legs with conditioner Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It’s a lot cheaper than shave gel and leaves your legs just as soft. Plus it’s a good way of using up old conditioner if it’s no longer effective on your hair.

3. Create your own bun ring Make your own bun ring using a sock! Cut the toe of an old sock then roll the top of the sock down as tightly as possible, keep rolling until it becomes a doughnut shape and voila! Tie your hair into a high ponytail then slide the doughnut over your ponytail and pull the hair through. Pull your hair evenly over the doughnut so it covers it then pin the hair into place or, if you have longer hair, slide it round the doughnut 4. Use foods to make beauty products Many of the items in your kitchen cupboard can be used to make beauty products. To make a lib scrub mix half a teaspoon of sugar with half a teaspoon of honey and olive oil. Once a week rub the mixture on your lips for about 2 minutes then wipe away with a warm cloth (or lick it off, it’s edible!) and apply lip balm after.

5. Don’t be downhearted if someone chucks beer over you on a night out It may not smell pleasant but the nutrients in hops help to strengthen your hair and add shine!

www.trentstudents.org

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FASHION TOP TIPS

FASHION

BY Caitlin Coleman

U

nfortunately, being a student means your fashion money must be spent elsewhere, a very new and heart breaking experience for us clothes lovers. So, next time you’re google-ing your favourite celebs for inspiration on the latest trends, try getting creative with what you have instead of splashing out on a new style.

One look which I am particularly fond of is the edgy ‘suspender tights’. However; tights get ladders, and once you’ve gone through your second pair it starts to get difficult to justify buying more. So, through pure experimentation I discovered a way to create this look with minimum effort and very cost effective. All you need is a long pair of Primark thigh socks (£1.50) and some black straps from a strapless bra. Simply tie the top to your underwear and hook the bottom to the top of your socks, easy.

Another good money saver is the denim shirt look. Grab one of your Dads old shirts and some easy to use studs from Amazon (£2.59 for 10) and attach them to the collar and pocket. I went a bit further and turned the shirt easy to do into a crop top, and very effective!

GET THE AUTUMN LOOK! The fall season is here and we are all in the mood for a glamorous Christmas New Year! It’s the time of the year where we have an opportunity to explore with a range of beauty products. This season is all about discovering richer and deeper colours and creating a striking and polished look, without over-doing it!

Eyelids: Daringly bold Rather than playing with conventional colours such as brown and copper, this year’s autumn look is about experimenting with metallic plums, lilacs and wines. Go for cream based eye shadows which seal well on the eyelid. A must for this season is Elf duo eye shadow cream in Berry Mix

Cheeks: Flatteringly Crimson This autumn define and highlight your cheekbones. A bronzer will add an overall shimmer to the face, perfect for a night out!

This duo blusher and bronzer are ideal for this time of the season, to give a warm under-glow and a subtle luminosity of colour. The NYX blusher range is truly works great with so many different skin tones. Definitely worth a purchase in colour: Marbella.

Lips: Kissable Claret Finally, a bold and beautiful shade of mulberry with an ooze of plum is the perfect lipstick shade for the fall! Forget the red lipstick and try something new and dazzling to create that overall glamour look! Try MAC Up the Amp as the perfect lipstick to creating that overall seasonal look!

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CULTURE & ENTS PEEPING TOM / THE BOND LEGACY / STAR WARS IS BACK / “I’LL BE BACK!”

PEEPING TOM: A RETROSPECTIVE

BY CRAIG NYE

‘T

he only really satisfactory way to dispose of Peeping Tom would be to shovel it up and flush it swiftly down the nearest sewer. Even then, the stench would remain.’

stirred over 50 years ago. Peeping Tom begins with a murder from the perspective of the main character, Mark Lewis. We see the stalking of a young woman on the streets of London through the eye of a camera as it creeps menacingly towards her, until eventually she is looking directly at it – at us. Her dying expression is revealed and, despite not seeing it, the audience can conclude that she has been murdered.

The colourful rejoinder of a Tribune film reviewer in 1960 - having just seen Michael Powell’s Peeping Tom for the first time.

Michael Powell made a habit of making films that deviated from the norm of British cinematic convention. During the ‘40s and ‘50s realism and bleakness were the modus operandi, and he pioneered the use of Technicolor to make vibrant, gothic, borderline fantasy movies. Wholly unique pictures that influenced a handful of notable directors - Martin Scorsese was captivated

by The Red Shoes at just the age of nine.

It’s easy to imagine the furore Michael Powell’s film would have

It is interesting that while his first solo picture effectively put a stop to his career as a director, months later that year, Hitchcock saw a resurgence in his after the release of Psycho: a film with numerous similarities to Peeping Tom. However, over time Peeping Tom has forged a cult following among film fans the world. Peeping Tom shows the aggression of it, how the camera violates.” In a world increasingly dominated by social networking Powell’s first person delve into voyeurism is perhaps even more relevant now than it was 50 years ago.

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THE BOND LEGACY

BY Connan Scahill

CULTURE

B

ond fever has grasped the nation with the 60th anniversary coinciding with the release, and critical success of Skyfall this year.

Although Ian Fleming only wrote 14 James Bond novels, Daniel Craig’s latest venture as 007 presented us with the 23rd official film in the series, and the announcement of ‘Bond 24’ (set for 2014/15) shows producers are not slowing future releases. The inclusion of James Bond in the London Olympic opening ceremony speaks volumes on how well loved this larger-than-life character has become. So what’s his secret?

In 1961, two film producers by the names of Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman created Eon Productions, and quickly acquired the rights to produce James Bond films and set to work on Dr No. By this point, ten books had already been released documenting Bonds various adventures, forming an excellent base was already established for the film. Coupled with roughly $1,100,000, an experienced director, talented and attractive up-and-coming actors and actresses to lead the tried and a tested storyline a winning combination was formed.

Sean Connery made a perfect debut as 007 with his display of sophistication, confidence and sharp one liners, he is still to this day considered the best ever Bond by many fans.

“sophistication, confidence and sharp one liners” Dr No is not what we’d now expect from a typical Bond spythriller; being more of a detective story than a big-budget action film. It has familiar elements but they seem somewhat cautious, as though testing the waters. The films impact lies in its lack of gadgets; Dr No produced such iconic phrases as “Bond, James Bond” and “shaken, not stirred”, with Connery’s delivery having perfect balance between humour and sophistication that now goes hand in hand with the idea of a spy.

such an impact on the British film industry, that their influence is still seen in today’s productions. The film undoubtedly made a deep impression on the film world, and has set the standard of every Bond film to come.

Bond’s experiences with women, gadgets, exotic locations, fast cars, money, action and danger – it has long been the ultimate male fantasy to lead such a life, and this is what makes the Bond films so effective and influential, and why they will be continued to be produced, and loved for many years to come.

From the first shot of the innovative gun barrel opening sequence and credits, some of these features have had

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A NEW HOPE FOR STAR WARS

CULTURE

BY Michael Judd

I

t was recently announced that George Lucas is selling his company Lucasfilm to Disney for roughly £2.5bn.

An even bigger announcement was revealed moments later.

three on release? Time will tell.

Although this has not been officially announced, it seems more than likely that the new trilogy will be set during the new republic created by the rebels after the deaths of the events of Return of the Jedi. This should be no surprise as Lucas had planned to create a follow up trilogy based on what happens to Luke after The Return of the Jedi long before work The Phantom Menace even started. Many fans are eager to see the return of characters from the original trilogy, without the need for new actors if it goes in that direction. We could then, be seeing Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca and the gang return which will be hard to bring about but if they did fans of all ages and opinions would become ecstatic. Considering this is the 35th anniversary since the first film was released and with a likely release date of 2021 for the Star wars episode 9 (based on previous trilogy production) it highlights just how big the franchise is as the three trilogy’s will have been released over the space of 44 years. One thing not to be forgotten too is that Lucasfilm also own Indiana Jones so now Disney have the rights to yet another gigantic franchise created by Lucas. While no news has surfaced on that front, expect this not to be the end of Indiana either.

A third trilogy will be made with Star Wars episode 7 expected to be released some time in 2015. George Lucas wants to retire but his epic saga has grown into the biggest fictional universe in film history. He wants his films to have a longer life and claims to have chosen Disney because, as the biggest global family entertainment company around, it is where the franchise will be safest. In addition, he rightly pointed out that by giving over the rights to Disney star wars could expand like never before, as there are many opportunities with Disney that other studios could never provide. The fact he mentioned in an interview Disney theme parks shows just some of the new areas he may expect them to break into.

Steve Spielberg’s partner Kathleen Kennedy will be at the front of Lucasfilm now, and is expected to be allowed freedom to create just as other Disney assets have been allowed to without much intervention from the now parent company.

This has received a mixed reception with many cynical fans thinking it may destroy the franchise. But, why be cynical about Disney after what it has done with the Marvel films and Pixar.

The Avengers was so successful that another film has been commissioned. Most of the negativity is coming from the fans who are disappointed with the three prequel films. Will the younger generation feel the same way about the next set of

Star Wars is going to expand more than ever before, expect games, films, new stories, television shows and a greater online community but perhaps the biggest sizzler should be the possibility that we could be seeing the foundation stone set for a Star Wars Land theme park in its own right….

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I’LL BE BACK!

CULTURE

THE RETURN OF Schwarzenegger

BY Ellis Whitehouse

Y

es, that’s right, the former bodybuilder, film star, investor and Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger will be making the jump back onto the big screen with ‘The Last Stand’ in early 2013. Will this be a move worthy of celebration or commiseration? On this occasion, the people and fans of the world of film may well be polarized.

Ultimately, what we all must be most appreciative of about Arnie is without question the ‘Terminator’ films. They gave us Schwarzenegger in the near perfect role – a mechanical, violent, no-nonsense super-being that will stop at nothing to kill its target.

This role proved such a hit that Arnie has been symbolised as a ‘Terminator’ ever since, a fact which will most certainly fuel the popularity of ‘The Last Stand’ upon its release.

Arnie’s latest career move was never going to pass without a certain degree of excitement being generated, and with good reason. For an actor who has starred in credible films such as ‘Total Recall’ and ‘Predator’ to return to film making after a decade working in a completely different career is an excitable (and rare) affair, and every fan of the superb ‘Terminator’ franchise will be yearning for Mr. Universe’s return to cinema.

‘The Last Stand’ will see Arnie take the role of a sheriff of a town about to be hit by a notorious drug lord and his gang, with Arnie being the only thing standing between him and the Sommerton Junction border.

Cross over to the other side, and you may find those who wish to see nothing but the back of Arnie, as of course few film stars are without low points in their career (let’s not discuss ‘Conan the Barbarian’ or ‘Junior’ in too much detail, shall we?). At 65 years of age one would have assumed it might be a little late for Arnie to jump back into the demanding world of filmmaking, but upon viewing previews ‘The Last Stand’, it appears our beloved Terminator may still have several blazing gun fights left in him.

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The release of ‘The Last Stand’ will allow the public to get a fresh view of Arnie performing roles that he does best, and has the potential to become one of the most satisfactory films in years.

We have been given what could be described as tasters of Arnie’s return to film in ‘The Expendables’ and its sequel, but ‘The Last Stand’ will give Arnie independence of other old men who still shoot up as many bad guys as possible and show the public how proper old-school action is done – Terminator style!

‘The Last Stand’ will be released 18thJanuary 2013.

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MUSIC

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DOG IS DEAD / BRANCH OUT FESTIVAL / X FACTOR Vs GUITAR MUSIC / INTRODUCTION TO K-POP / NICKI MINAJ

DOG IS DEAD ‘TWO DEVILS’ REVIEW BY Jonathan Day

N

ottingham’s very own Dog Is Dead are building momentum at a rapid pace. Ahead of their UK tour next month, the band have released their new video for the song, ‘Two Devils’. The song is a haunting, mid-paced track but also brilliantly catchy.

The song begins sounding like something out of Bombay Bicycle Club’s repertoire, but soon evolves into something darker after the introduction. Robert Milton’s anguished vocal drives the verses along, with a marching drum beat the focal point of the rhythm section. The subsequent chorus is an eruption into a crescendo of crashing drums and howled, high pitched vocals in what is without doubt the most memorable part of the song.

If the song itself could best be described as chilling, the video is even more so. It is set in a forest, cutting between the band performing and a ballet dancer being tormented by evil-looking creature. The ballet dancer then appears to have turned into a puppet on strings. The video ends with the ballet dancer walking into the darkness where the evil creature is standing, with a shot of the band fading to black.

Bombay Bicycle Club’s Jack Steadman has done a remix of this song, which despite making the tune more upbeat, does not detract from the haunting vibe radiated by the original.

‘Two Devils’ is one of the most original tunes Dog Is Dead have put out to date, and could well be the song that gains the band the most recognition they have had to date.

Platform Rating – 8/10

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MUSIC

BRANCH OUT FESTIVAL: REVIEW BY gEORGE eLLIS

The Malt Cross: The malt cross provided a perfect setting for what was a well-received set from the best of Nottingham’s folk movement. Will Jeffery (right) kicked off a short but sweet set providing a set packed with songs packed deep with emotional lyrics accompanied by a well-oiled backed band which combined string instrumentals to accompany their front man. The harmonious track ‘The Beast’ offered up hints to roots of Irish folk as a crowd of only a few dozen relaxed to what was a worthy equal to the atmosphere provided by the venue.

Stealth: In a room filled with only a handful of people, most of whom I assume were other performers, Nottingham’s finest in rap did their best to overcome poor mixing from the DJ and a sound system that failed to project the microphones in a clear manner.

Juga-naut was a testament to this, as his self-produced beats offered a sound suggests the future aspirations for this young MC, with tracks that would not be out of place in a more exotic location than Nottingham. Lyrically speaking he fell behind his Nottingham equals, but what he lacked lyrically he made up for in raw energy.

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Cappo’s set was determined to say the least, as he jumped straight into his first track and barely stopped to breath as his 15 minute set packed one hell of a punch. A step up lyrically for Nottingham here, cappo had a look of a man determined to go places with his music, and his lyrics were intended to leave nothing to the imagination about the vigour of life growing up in Nottingham, something I was impressed with compared to Juganauts larger than life tunes.

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Jah Digga and 2-Tone launched unexpectedly into a track laced with lines so deep they wouldn’t have been out of place in a some of raps finest. ‘we all have different blood but it’s still the same colour’ they bellowed as they tried to get the crowd to sing along, some I applaud considering the numbers of people, and the ones who were there were too drunk to talk, something I experienced first-hand… unfortunately I had to leave halfway through, but I saw enough in these young ambitious rappers to suggest Nottingham has a strong voice calling out to the rest of England, and these guys should be heard.

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X FACTOR VS

BY HELEN ROWLAND AND LOUISA DAVIES After Jake Bugg’s recent chart success with his self-titled debut album, the Nottingham singer claimed his music is keeping X Factor singers off the chart top spot. Helen Rowland fights the case for guitar music and its recent chart topping escapades, while Louisa Davies makes the case for pop music such as that coming from The X Factor.

THE CASE FOR GUITAR MUSIC

THE CASE FOR X FACTOR

Remember when you first heard that song that stands alone, so perfect that you hope at least one other person has let it affect them as much as you. Perhaps you tried, in that moment, to put a ceiling on it, capture the spark. Imagine hearing it live, where the crowd are so loud that the musician lets them sing instead.

There is a satisfaction in bellowing lyrics back at the person in whose mind they were grown.

Let’s all just admit something now – The X Factor is the ultimate cheese fest. Dramatic opening numbers, sob stories which are more important than the voice, deadlocks, Louis Walsh’s fake tears when someone Irish leaves… it’s obvious the show is the epitome of reality television.

However, it has managed to produce artists which have had intensely successful careers. Look at JLS, One Direction, Leona Lewis – all have received sell out arena tours, success in America, and an army of loyal fans who follow their every move.

Good music comes down to whether a musician writes their own songs. It is a craft. The best ones have layers, woven with clues.

You can revisit them in three years time and hear something new, while knowing that in thirty years people will say “I’d give my left leg to see that live.” Nowadays, something isn’t fresh if it’s more than two minutes old. Chart-toppers snatch fifteen minutes of fame without leaving any clues behind.

This music doesn’t claim to be the most credible. However, this isn’t what music should always be about.

If everything you ever listened to what something that you or someone else deemed credible and respected, I personally, feel you would have a rather boring musical experience. Yes, it is fantastic to hear the Arctic Monkeys live, but it is equally as fantastic when a cheesy song comes on when you go out, and everyone around you is smiling.

People don’t look for music anymore. Where are the explorers, going out of their way to discover something that could change their life? Everyone is afraid to like something that is a bit – shock horror – different.

Kids are growing up on an unhealthy diet of pop that goes stale within a week – but don’t worry, there’s something newer, better and exactly the same coming out tomorrow.

Whilst I can understand the frustration of turning on the radio and hearing the same music and the same beats over and over again, all I say is don’t be a musical snob – if you like it, listen to it. If you don’t, then don’t. Music is expression, and if one day you fancy being a bit of a 13 year old again – do it. If you are ashamed, shut your door – I won’t tell anyone.

‘Guitar music’ will live forever (heh). There’s only so much plastic we can take, and sometimes real music, written by – gosh! – someone with their own brain crops up, and we sink our teeth into something sweeter than the soggy shards spat from X Factor’s gaping mouth. That’s why after seven years, no one is asking “Who the F**k are Arctic Monkeys?”, why Muse’s sixth album was Number One last week. Now, it’s Jake Bugg’s turn.

“Sunlight will find a way back into the room. It always does.” The only sane thing Morrissey has ever said?

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MUSIC

GUITAR MUSIC

MUSIC

AN INTRODUCTION TO K-POP

One of the biggest music record labels in Korea is SM Entertainment. They have a lot of famous artists including Super Junior, Girls Generation, f(x) and Exo. Before, it was hard to imagine that K-pop could be very popular outside of Asia. But actually, it has done just that. The live performances look good and are impressive, they have nice music videos, stunning melodies, and great dancing.

Wenshu Fan gives us the lowdown on Korean pop music, otherwise known as K-pop, and explains why the genre is more than just the hit song ‘Gangnam Style’.

Another record label that deserves attention is YG Entertainment, of which I am a big fan of. PSY is one of the artists on this label, and it could be described as more of a hiphop label.

Recently, the song ‘Gangnam Style’ by South Korean artist, PSY received attention from all over the world.

Recommended bands on this label include Big Bang, a boy band with five members. G-Dragon is the lead singer of the band, and has also had a successful solo career and in my opinion has made some amazing music.

However, prior to the song’s worldwide fame, Korean entertainment had already been established as one of the most popular and successful in Asia for several years.

2NE1 is my favourite girl group on the label, and the band has received recognition from Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am. I really like them and their quality of performance. I even went to Korea this summer to watch them perform and they were amazing!

When compared to other K-pop songs, ‘Gangnam Style’ is not a typical example, with PSY’s style being quite unique.

I hope the rest of you enjoy these brilliant artists as much as I do!

NICKI MINA J AT THE CAPITAL FM ARENA Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj performed her first arena tour at the Capital FM Arena in Nottingham on Sunday night.

As would be expected, Nicki Minaj had a huge production on the night which included an array of outfits, an inflatable car, fireworks, dancers, and Nicki’s DJ who succeeded in livening up the crowd due to Nicki being 45 minutes late, and leaving her fans otherwise known as ‘barbies’ waiting.

She performed the majority of songs from her upcoming album such as ‘Beez in the Trap’, ‘Whip It’, and the chart hit ‘Pound the Alarm’ ending with ‘Starships’ for the big finale. However, in between songs Nicki was delayed leaving fans anxious and in anticipation.

“This is the first show of my first arena tour, I will always remember you guys. And I mean that. This isn’t fake. This is real,” Minaj stated.

Nicki’s connection with her die-hard fans was amazing, and she definitely gave it her all throughout the concert.

The show overall was exciting to watch, Nicki didn’t disappoint and as her tour travels around other venue’s in the UK, I can honestly say that her devoted fans will be satisfied.

Nicki did her best to do a stereotypical British accent ‘Would you like some scones and tea?’ she said to the crowd, the majority of which screamed with laughter.

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After her main songs off the album had been covered, Nicki mentioned her old school roots and rapped her not so well known songs when she first started out. Her loyal fans rapped along with her, and she gave a heart-warming speech to the crowd stating that the night was “emotional” for her.

By Arya Chopra

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GAMING & TECHNOLOGY BEST Moustaches IN GAMING / MY LINK TO THE PAST / HALF MINUTE HERO REVIEW

THE BEST MOUSTACHES IN GAMING AWARDS 2012

Well it’s officially here, Movember, that wonderful time of the year when men (and occasionally women) don a moustache to raise money for charity. To help get you in the mood we have created the ‘Best Moustaches in Gaming Awards’ ceremony. So without further ado, put on your best tux and cue the opening theme music...

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BUSHIEST MOUSTACHE

BROODIEST MOUSTACHE

GAMING

Dr. Robotnik (SONIC THE HEDGEHOG)

Oghren (DRAGON AGE)

With a moustache bragging both a decent width and length this crazy tache resembles two ginger hedgehogs clinging to the Dr’s upper lip. When asked if he was surprised at the result his moustache had achieved he said: “No. It is a transcendent life form that exists in the past, present, and future. Defeating it here, now, would do nothing.”

You know it’s a good moustache when you can plait it. Women throughout the land have complimented him on the length and thickness of his… moustache. Flame red in colour and boasting tache bling in the form of golden rings this was an easy decision.

Retro-tache-tic Moustache DR. NED (BORDERLANDS)

Dampierre (SOUL CALIBUR)

The crazed brother of Dr Zed, Dr Ned wears his plastic tache with shameful pride over his operating mask. Whilst an unholy desecration of the glory a tache can bring the fake moustache does allow the player to differentiate between him and his brother who clearly aren’t the same person… or are they? In relation to the situation he said: “I was never as good as my totally-not-made-up brother, Zed, and we’re totally different people. Ah, I need a drink”.

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GOLDEN TACHE Words seem inferior when trying to describe this mesmerising twirl of hair he has crafted into perfection. Men and women alike have lost hours of their life gazing upon it in euphoric bliss as their mind seeks to unravel the sheer magnificence of it. Yet all have failed, their sanity drained by the pure, unadulterated hulk of manly loveliness sprouting from below his nostrils to grace both his lip and the world.

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mY LINK TO THE PAST: TOMB RAIDER 2

Tomb Raider 2 was a game that I couldn’t wait to play at the end of 1997. The protagonist, Lara Croft and I were briefly introduced at a friend’s house as she was facing off against a T-Rex in her previous adventure. Even though I had the pleasure of trying out Crash Bandicoot 2 or Pandemonium 2 for the first time on Christmas day, Lara couldn’t wait, and so it began.

Just like every Tomb Raider game of its era, it was non-linear, and involved you running back and forth to see which key goes in which slot after hearing Lara give her trademark ‘No.’ to you many times.

The main improvement in this game was to Lara herself. Added features now included the ability to climb walls, and you could also now drive vehicles. Improvements to her appearance were a fluid ponytail with somewhat random physics, which meant you were never quite sure as to which direction it would swing.

But no retrospective would be complete without talking about Lara’s butler. In the training level, Lara’s home, her ever-faithful butler followed her around, including into a walk-in freezer, where you could lock him in. Due to a flaw in the graphics, his head would show through the locked door as he desperately tried to escape. This was a great distraction from learning Lara’s new moves, simple yet amusing.

The plot involved Lara Croft searching for the Dagger of Xian, which was said to give unlimited power to those who sacrificed themselves to the artifact. But Lara wasn’t alone in finding this dagger, a cult leader called Marco Bartoli and his gang were also on the hunt for it, and were often encountered throughout the game. The final two levels resulted in a showdown between Lara and Bartoli, which made for an action-packed conclusion.

In order to obtain the dagger to place on her shelf, you followed Lara across 18 levels. These were split into 5 sections: China, Venice, an oil rig, the ocean depths and Tibet. During these levels you faced off against Bartoli’s henchmen, tigers, spiders, floating guards, an Ice King, and a host of other enemies.

A few levels of note include, Venice, simply for the speedboat, the opera house, which if you managed to complete it in under a month you have my respect and finally Tibet, which has always been a favourite of mine, mainly for the snowmobiles. Soon after this you encountered a floating island, before facing the game’s final stages, which was split into two levels.

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GAMING

BY DARYL BAXTER

GAMING REVIEW BY KEEGAN SPINDLER

T

here is something very comfortable about a decent RPG. Several elements are invariably laced through the genre that makes settling into a new game something easy and familiar. You might be setting out on a new adventure, but the core will always be the same.

The Evil Lords are a series of bosses that cast a destruction spell that will end the world in 30 seconds, which they’ve been taught by the main antagonist, Noire. His motivations are hardly clear, but he’s obviously out to destroy the world. What more could you ask for in a villain?

Half Minute Hero plays on this familiarity to create something new and interesting while still maintaining the core that makes it unmistakeably an RPG. In Half Minute Hero you have only 30 seconds to save the world.

Well, actual character for one. Despite the fact that Noire is a comforting RPG trope, there’s nothing there to flesh out his character.

Of course, half a minute is never going to be enough time.

Thankfully, you aren’t strictly held to that schedule. The Time Goddess has the ability to replenish your time, but that comes at a price. If you make the mistake of lingering on a particular stage you’ll quickly find your funds disappearing.

“The Evil Lords are a series of bosses that cast a destruction spell that will end the world in 30 seconds”

At the end of each level you have to hand over all the money and experience you earned over the course of the stage to the Time Goddess, meaning you go into the next one back at level one and with a paltry bit of funds to your name.

It’s not too much of an issue though. Collecting funds is a painless process as Hero – the imaginatively named main character – levels up in a matter of seconds. This is where the combat – such as it is – comes in. Completely automated, combat is pretty much the Hero running straight through whatever gets in his way. The lack of input on your part is irritating, but watching him blitz through a bunch of tough enemies can be very satisfying, and taking down an Evil Lord even more so.

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On top of that things can often blur into repetitiveness, especially during the earliest levels. The first ten or twelve stages are meant to familiarise the player with mechanics and the idea that they only have 30 seconds to save the world, but the lack of variation begins to grate after a while.

Despite the occasional flaw this game was still fun to play. I loved watching my levels tick up as I sprinted my way to the boss at the end of the map and I enjoyed the constant light hearted ribbing directed towards more serious RPGs. There are a few flaws hanging around, but at the end of the day it’s all a bit of fun.

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SPORT RENEGADES SPORTS SOCIETY / FOUR CORNERS / KEIRON VERNON INTERVIEW / ENGLAND FOOTBALL TRAINING COMPLEX / BALLS TO POVERTY

NTU RENEGADES - GEORGE RUSSELL INTERVIEW With the ever increasing popularity of the NFL and the glitz of the Superbowl helping its popularity, American football is no doubt one of the fastest growing university sports going at this time.

George Russell has played wide receiver for the NTU Renegades for two years and the third year politics student recently spoke to Platform’s George

Torr.

Hi George, what attracted you to American Football?

What’s the best thing about American football?

I had never played American football before joining the university, but coming to NTU I had already heard good things about the quality of the team from my friend who had been playing a year already so figured i would go to trials. I settled in really quickly as everyone was so welcoming.

Best thing at playing in general is it’s a very disciplined sport. It’s less raw agression and much more controlled and timed. A lot of people think you can just run around hitting anyone but its actually a much more tactical and technique driven sport than any I’ve played before and it’s as much mental ability as it is physical.

How easy it is for new people to get involved?

For anyone who doesn’t know, describe how big the Varsity match against UoN is?

So easy, even mid way through the season we are more than happy to welcome new players to come down and give them a real taste of what the sport is like to play. The coaches and players don’t make you feel any less important if you hadn’t played before, they were very clear that no matter your experience, fitness or size there was a position for you.

Varsity is massive. I think its fair to say that we will have games against better opposition than the Nottingham Outlaws in our regular season, and play-off season, but i dont think we have any games with the same pressure. The atmosphere is electric and it’s great to get one over our city neighbours across at Beeston.

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In the wake of Cheick Tiote’s red card against Sunderland, many have been outraged by the harshness of the dismissal. I am in agreement – Tiote should not have gone – but in this case it was the referee’s fault, and not because the laws of football are too strict in the modern game.

SPORT

Admittedly it takes a lot less to give away a free kick in modern times than it did in the days of Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris and Nobby Stiles. But if you flip it to the other side of the coin, it has stopped their contemporaries (Lee Cattermole) from being able to get away with booting the game’s artists off the pitch.

World football hasn’t been in a better place when it comes to technical ability, and I welcome anything that gives the necessary protection to the players who make The Beautiful Game so beautiful.

I’m a purist at heart and I think we can point to a recent increase in goals to measure the success of rule tightening – when before did we get 7-5s, 5-4s, 8-2s and 6-1s between the cream of the crop of English football?

Gulraj Kular

FO CORN

This week’s q In light of recent Premier referee’s loosing tou

Referees have made a rod for their own backs with a string of poor decisions. Tackles seemingly waver week on week between a definite red card and no caution or warning at all. Herein lies the problem, a lack of clear and consistent referring.

Take for example Check Tiote’s recent sending off. In years gone by it would have been deemed a bit of a rash challenge, perhaps something the referee would’ve taken a player to one side and had a world with him about. Now it’s a straight red, no questions, no warning, no consideration. However next week, who knows, maybe a different ref, a different score line, a different time during the game and we would’ve seen the ref reach for a yellow.

Yes there does need to be video technology made available and yes there does need to be an increase in the communication between officials but first we need a set of rules and officials who offer us the consistency which is key for fair and clear refereeing.

Olly Dickinson

www.trentstudents.org

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Having seen the level of referees in our top division perhaps a greater worry is that at the last World Cup, the greatest stage in football, one of our referees was deemed to be the greatest in the World and given the job of attempting to keep control of the Final. The decidedly questionable performance of Howard Webb spoke volumes about the state of refereeing in the modern era - an era where the players have lost all respect for the figures supposedly keeping them in check.

The sooner the FA accept that the greatest league in the World needs in-game video technology to assist the officials then the sooner human error can stop ruining the beautiful game.

Rob Lilley

OUR NERS

question was: League sending off’s are uch with the game?

I believe it’s unfair to say that it’s the referees interpretations of the rules that is changing football at the moment – I think it boils down to the actual rules themselves.

It’s clear in recent seasons that the game’s governing bodies are, rightly or wrongly, clamping down on physical challenges, trying to eradicate any sort of two footed, heavyhanded tackle from the sport.

Cheick Tiote’s tackle against Sunderland is one of many examples of how the rules are going too far. For me, it provides a perfect example of a situation where a referee is forced to give a red card, even though it’s clear for many that a yellow card would suffice, if any card at all.

We’ve got to remember that a referee’s job is incredibly difficult. With players now making the most out of a two-footed tackle, a lot of these tackles are made to look a lot worse than they are – and with referees forced to make split-second decisions with no outside assistance, no extra replays from various different angles, under pressure from large crowds and the fact they know their decision is going scrutinised by the fans and media alike that evening – they are going to make wrong calls.

Though obviously it’s the teams, media and fans who deem these as wrong calls – for the governing bodies, a red card for a tough tackle is deemed correct.

Simon Paice

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In my view referees have managed to put themselves in a no-win situation. It feels to me that they are cracking down on the wrong areas of the game. A perfect example of this is Luis Suarez, a player who always creates a talking point he is often booked for diving, yet his challenge on Sylvan Distin in the Merseyside Derby escaped with no punishment.

STUDENT OFFICERS Now that the recent by-elections have been completed (thanks if you voted, by the way), NTSU is proud to announce a full list of student officers for this academic year. These officers each have a specific remit, as designated by their job title. They are all contactable by email so get in touch with them if you have specific issues you wish to raise. The officers will also be organising regular assemblies which all students are welcome to attend. They are a great way to get your views heard and also meet likeminded people.

Please see below for dates, times and locations of the assemblies scheduled for this term.

Lekan Adebanjo - BME Officer - lekan.adbeanjo@su.ntu.ac.uk Mark Naylor - Disabled Students’ Officer - mark.naylor@su.ntu.ac.uk Laurynas Potiomkinas - International Officer - laurynas.potiomkinas@su.ntu.ac.uk Colin Etches - Student Parents’ Officer - colin.etches@su.ntu.ac.uk Manpreet Johal - Postgraduate Students’ Officer - manpreet.johal@su.ntu.ac.uk Dee Mason - Mature Students’ Officer - dee.mason@su.ntu.ac.uk Arnika Bhupal - Women Students’ Officer - arnika.bhupal@su.ntu.ac.uk Benjamin Newbold - LGBT Students’ Officer - benjamin.newbold@su.ntu.ac.uk www.trentstudents.org/yourreps

Assemblies Tue 27 Nov 2012 Tue 27 Nov 2012 Wed 28 Nov 2012 Wed 28 Nov 2012 Fri 30 Nov 2012 Mon 3 Dec 2012 Mon 3 Dec 2012

18:00 - 20:00 13:00 - 15:00 13:00 - 15:00 17:00 - 19:00 16:00 - 18:00 16:00 - 18:00 14:00 - 16:00

NEWN25 ABK103 Dice 020 NEWN24 NEWN21 ARK108 NEWN24

International Students Student Parents BME LGBT PostGraduate Students Women Mature Students

www.trentstudents.org/assemblies

UGM Your union runs a Union General Meeting (UGM) once a term. These meetings provide you with the opportunity to have your say in how the union is run by discussing and voting on various policies. All students are welcome to attend UGMs. The term 1 UGM is scheduled for Monday 3rd December 2012.

Location: George Eliot GEEG030GYLT2 (Lecture Theatre 2), Clifton Campus.

Time: 5-7pm. www.trentstudents.org/ugm

www.trentstudents.org

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BY SIMON PAICE

Hi Kieran. So life as a racing driver, that sounds pretty cool?

Is it tricky juggling the racing career with the workload of your uni degree?

To be able to drive cars like Porsches and Formula Renaults, it’s pretty exciting and there’s a lot of adrenalin and skill involved.

It’s amazing to race in the same cars as Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen used to, it means you know you’re on the right path, doing the same things as the stars of today did.

I’ve got my busy life at uni, with assignments and things, I’ve got my job to keep going to bring some money in for myself and I’ve got to keep fit as well.

When you go to a race meeting, you generally miss the Thursdays and Fridays at uni that week, which is my main days in with vital lectures and labs, which makes life a little bit tricky, but you’ve just got to make the best of your busy schedule and try and plan ahead as much as possible.

It’s an opportunity I’m hugely thankful for, it’s not something many people get to do, so I’m enjoying it whilst I can do it and hopefully big things can come from it in the future.

Just how much does it cost you to go racing and how tough is it to raise the budget required?

What does the future hold for Kieran Vernon?

I’m at a stage, and always have been, where I’ll jump into anything I get offered. The future is always uncertain with myself, but as long as I can keep getting out there racing and doing what I love, that’s the main thing for me. I love it and I want to continue doing it as long as I can.

It’s very difficult, especially in the current climate which is a big issue. For example, the Porsche series I competed in costs at least £200,000 a season. Trying to get someone to sponsor you that much is hard work, so it’s not just about going racing, it’s about doing business deals with companies as well, which you learn a lot from and grows you as an individual.

Vernon spoke to Platform Magazine’s Simon Paice, with the full interview available on our website.

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NTU Q&A: KIERAN VERNON

SPORT

WILL THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION’S FIRST-CLASS FACILITIES ‘INSPIRE A GENERATION’?

BY James Lewer

T

his month saw the grand opening of English football’s new training complex called St George’s Park. It’s a development that boasts the finest facilities the country has to offer under one roof. The three hundred and thirty acre park has twelve world-class pitches, one of which mirrors the size of Wembley’s.

The FA’s hope is that the centre will be a focal point for the future of player development and improving the standard of coaching, with the senior side will now train in close proximity to all the other age groups.

It seems the park is part of the FA’s plan to improve the technical ability of players from the grassroots level. So that years from now, perhaps England can produce a generation of stars which will go on to consistently challenge in major championships, coupled with an attractive brand of football that replicates that of the Spanish. The pass and move football known as ‘tiki-taka’ has gained plaudits all over the world and helped Spain to a golden period, bringing home the last three major tournaments.

However, this philosophy will be very difficult to implement in this country. Critics question the importance of spending over £100 million on a project, which isn’t key to changing the coaching of players in this country.

In my view, instead of spending money on expensive facilities we should be concentrating on investing in coaching. At the end of the day will flashy gyms, swimming pools, and artificial pitches really create better players?

www.trentstudents.org

I also believe that the biggest problem that the England national team face is the worldwide brand, which is the Barclays Premier League. Since its inception in 1993 it has attracted players from all over the world.

Foreign imports have had very successful careers for top clubs in the UK, however despite it raising the standard and allowing supporters to watch outstanding players, it limits the amount of players progressing from the youth team into the senior side. A brilliant player emerging from a club’s youth team is a rarity – the best example in recent years being Wayne Rooney from Everton.

Perhaps the latest example would be Raheem Sterling from Liverpool, but I can’t help thinking we don’t produce enough of these kinds of players.

In Spain, outstanding players are bursting onto the scene on a regular basis, while even in Germany, the production line is consistent and exciting.

I hope that the message of the Olympics: ‘Inspire a Generation,’ can apply to the development of new and exciting English Footballers for the future. However, I do not believe that St George’s Park is going to be the cornerstone for this change. I believe that changing the way youngsters are coached is integral, England has always be renowned for placing emphasis on physicality and efficiency. But instead we should be encouraging the improvement of technical ability, with players working as a unit defensively and attackingly. At the end of the day, the Spanish have got is sussed, keep it simple and precise, football is a team game!

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BALLS TO POVERTY

By Peter Cassidy – Student & Ambassador

T

he charity Balls to Poverty sends bright, young adults into primary schools across the UK, to deliver classroom sessions and sport sessions to primary school children, in order to show them what can be achieved if they stay in school and put their minds to it.

It’s a first class example of the opportunities that can arise.

In South Africa and Uganda they deliver football and rugby kits and equipment to community leaders and schools in local townships and slums. This gives the opportunity to not only play sport in a controlled environment but also take them out of having a potentially dangerous lifestyle.

The last two years of Balls to Poverty have coached the African coaches in workshops to provide them with a better standard of coaching in their communities. This is led by Joe himself, the founder of the charity, a qualified UEFA A license coach and FA

Coach Educator. He started the charity after a trip to Soweto where he came across a group of children playing football with rolled up rags as a ball, so he brought them a football. He then revisited with 16 college students and 30 deflated footballs in suitcases and Balls to Poverty was born. The following two years we delivered 3000 and 8000 footballs respectively to local Cape Town townships.

“The trips they organise include competing in a national tournament called the Metropolitan Premier Cup where all the best talent from professional South African clubs come to play. There would often be 600 children coached in one 4 hour period. It’s unbelievable to see how much talent there is in these townships, most of the children play bare footed and have unbelievable talent and technique, they just aren’t getting the opportunities to develop.”

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