Pluto 252

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New research shows students are worth £80bn to British economy

NEWS, Page 5

COSMO VISIT CAMPUS

Entertainment Editor visits students for talk

LIFESTYLE, Page 10

THE INDIE EXPLOSION We look at three upand-coming new indie releases for PC

CULTURE, Page 17

UCLAN PLUMMETS DOWN THE TABLES >> 82% OF STUDENTS FEEL MISLED >> 17 PLACE DROP Luke Beardsworth Interim Deputy Editor

UCLAN students feel mislead by the university about their future job prospects.

The Times Good University Guide shows that only 54.6% of UCLan graduates have strong

COMMENT:

LIFESTYLE:

graduate prospects. Graduate prospects are defined as being in a professional job or post-graduate study within six months on graduating.

This suggests that the university has been exaggerating the prospects of their graduates.

The UCLan homepage published figures from the HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) which showed

that 90.3% of UCLan full-time graduates were in employment or further study.

However, the statistics released by The Sunday Times show that a significantly large portion of those graduates are in jobs, or on courses, they would have been qualified for without their degree.

On top of this, 82% of UCLan students believe the statistics that the

CULTURE:

PUZZLES:

university have presented in the past are misleading with regards to their future career.

Ben Latham, Students’ Union President, said: “I agree that the university should be more transparent about the statistics, as that 90.3% includes low level service jobs, for example.”

STORY CONTINUED PAGE 5 FIND US ONLINE AT WWW.PLUTO-ONLINE.COM

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NEWS

27.09.2013 Contents News

Hotel fall killed UCLan lecturer

WHEATUS ROCK FRESHERS www.pluto-online.com

Features

An interview with The 1975 Exclusive interview top indie band, Page 6

Comment

Blurred Lines?

Blurred Opinions.

Two different opinions om Blurred Lines, Page 8

Social Notworking Are you a FaceTweetoholic Page 13

Culture

Grand Theft Auto V The Review The best yet?

Page 17

Sport

Lecturer in unusual marathon Fell runner in Flights marathon, Page 23

Contact us Pluto, UCLan Students’ Union, Fylde Road, Preston, PR1 2TQ

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Editorial

Editor-in-chief - Michael Bailey News Editor - Matthew Murphy Online Editor - Adam Legg

Printed by: TrinityMirror Printing Ltd The opinions expressed in Pluto are not necessarily those of the Pluto Editors nor the University of Central Lancashire’s Students’ Union.

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FRESHER’S Fortnight was a huge success across campus giving thousands of students their first taste of university life in Preston.

Among the highlights were Freshers Fair, which saw over 6000 students attend 53 Degrees throughout the day, and the sold-out Skoolies night (pictured) featuring a line-up of old school acts.

Over 1400 students dressed in their school uniforms witnessed Wheatus performing their huge hit ‘Teenage Dirtbag’, which was given a rapturous response by the crowd.

Jo and Bradley from S Club 7 and Blazing Squad also entertained the crowds with the whole evening being covered by PSTV. Fresher’s Fair was marred slightly by accusations on social media regarding the attire of the stall-holders.

One stand’s representatives were wearing revealing school outfits with the phrase: “let me give you one” emblazoned on their clothes, referring to gym memberships.

Inquest results, Page 3

Lifestyle

27 September 2013

University in Guild Hall bid for arts courses

THE University has joined forces with The Lowry in Salford and The Villa et al in an ambitious bid to take control of the Guild Hall.

Headed up by local businessman Simon Rigby, owner of The Villa et al, the bid is aiming to transform the venue into a multi-functional entertainment, educational and conference centre with an adjoining fourstar hotel.

It was revealed back in January that due to Government cuts the building had been placed on a list that could be closed or demolished with Preston City Council looking to jettison the reported £1m a year running costs associated with the Guild Hall.

Performing arts students will be those to benefit with new educational facilities being given a key role in the plans and the ability to use the 2,000 capacity hall.

Mr Rigby said: “I hope this will be well received.

“What we all want to see is Preston city centre thriving. Look at the location and the potential of the place.

“If you have a four-star city centre hotel linked with world-class facilities it’s a virtual circle.

“If Preston council don’t support us they are crackers.”

The entrepreneur believes the plans will give a new lease of life to the city centre building: “The Guild Hall is a unique venue that if lost would be a travesty not just for our generation but our children and their children. The venue requires a clear vision and much TLC to regain its position as a world class entertainment mecca and conference venue.

“That’s why I have brought together a collective that could transform the venue and area to create a unique offering for local residents and attract people from across the globe.”

Preston Council leader Peter Rankin said today there had been a total of four parties expressing an interest in the Guild Hall and a report would be considered by the cabinet next month.

ANGER AT LATE BUS CHANGES PLUTO

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NEWS 2-5

FEATURES 6-7

COMMENT 8-9

LIFESTYLE 10-14

CULTURE 15-18

SOCIETIES 19-20

STUDENTS have been left outraged after the Late Bus had its services reduced.

The drop in service for the former Safety Bus comes as a result of cuts announced across the university, who are trying to reduce expenditure by 10%.

The service has been reduced from four services per hour to an hourly service, with only one minibus running and two members of being staff being made redundant.

One affected student, Josh Stowe, said: “I am dependant on the late bus to get home. I live over 2 miles from campus and a taxi costs over £7 which no student can afford on a daily basis.

“The university has been completely irresponsible in their decision as they did not consult the opinion of the many students who need that service to get home safely.

“They did not think to ask students if they would mind a £1 fare which is much cheaper than any taxi and it would help cover the costs while maintaining their standard of service which was highly questionable even before these ridiculous cuts.”

A further inconvenience for students comes in the form of a ticketing system. Students must now collect tickets from UCLan Library ten minutes before departure.

STUDENTS SUPPORT £80bn OF UK ECONOMY Matthew Murphy News Editor

MONEY spent by university students contributes £80 billion to the UK economy annually, a study has found.

Research from social enterprise nef consulting has revealed that people from the university-going sector fund over 830,000 UK jobs through their expenditure, a number higher than the population of Liverpool.

This in turn benefits the British economy with a whopping £80 billion per year. When narrowed down, this implies that each student adds around £140,000 to the public purse.

Graham Randles, Managing Director, nef consulting, said: "The contribution made by students to both the national economy and the regions goes far beyond the long-run impacts of an educated workforce and the economic impact of the Higher Education Institutions where they study.

“Every pound spent by students on items such as food, clothing and books contributes to economic output and supports jobs, nationally and locally. As our report shows, the total impact is substantial.

“The more subtle message of our report is that the economic impact of students is especially important in those parts of the country where the arrival of a new wave of young people each year

provides a stimulus to regional economies.

“This is particularly the case in the less prosperous regions of the country where students can play an irreplaceable role in supporting economic activity and jobs.

“We are very pleased to have been able to work with the NUS on this important new research."

Figures show that Scotland, where university tuition is free for locals, is the most affected area of the UK, as 4 in 10 people are employed by direct and indirect student spending.

The report also claims that students in the northwest spend £5531 per year on average (£103 a week), making the region the cheapest place for students to live in the UK after Wales and Northern Ireland.

President of the National Union of Students (NUS), Toni Pearce, believes that this information is proof of student importance on a national scale: “Every party, every MP, every councillor needs to realise the crucial benefit that student subsistence brings. We know a great deal about the wider benefits that investment in education brings – to both society and the individuals themselves.” She said.

“But this report demonstrates the very day to day benefits that students bring to local, regional and national economies and the enormous employment figures that student subsistence supports.”

Michael Bailey

Analysis

THIS report highlights just how important students are to their local economies. But it is hard not to over-

look the staggering amount being spent on alcohol and eating out.

At a time when spending is being reigned in, students need to be priorising where they spend their money and budget through the year.

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SPORT 21-24

NEWS IN BRIEF

Hotel fall killed lecturer after drinking relapse

A UCLan journalism lecturer died after a relapse in his battle against alcoholism, an inquest has heard.

Robert Beers was a course leader in MA International Journalism at UCLan and news of his death hit Preston in February this year.

It has been revealed that he fought with both depression and alcoholism during his life. He fell to his death from a fourth floor window after drinking heavily and taking a sedative.

Mr Beers was travelling to Mumbai to talk to potential UCLan Media Students, but when he failed to appear, a search was launched.

He was eventually found in Istanbul by police and a fellow university lecturer.

The inquest heard that he had been ‘drinking heavily, was dishevelled, and in no fit state to travel.’ He was then given a sedative by a local doctor and left to recover, before he fell to his death through an open window of The Green Park Hotel Taksim in the Turkish capital.

The cause of death was skull fracture and multiple body trauma.

Toxicology tests revealed the 67year-old was “significantly inebriated” at the time of his death.

Assistant coroner Frances Cranfield recorded a narrative verdict.

Inspiration

Robert Beers had a 40 year career as a warzone journalist, covering stories in more than 60 countries.

Originally from America, he helped to establish UCLan’s first postgraduate International Journalism course.

Upon news of his death, devastated students spoke of his passion for his work and what an inspiration he had been to them.

Mick Gornall, Dean of the School of Journalism and Digital Communication, paid tribute: “A vastly experienced, award-winning television correspondent and documentary producer, Robert Beers was a real inspiration and great mentor to our students.”

Speaking to the Times Higher Education in April, Delwyn Swingewood, course leader of the MA in Newspaper Journalism said: “Like many journalists, Robert had a mistrust of authority and spin, a dislike of bureaucracy and paperwork.” “[He was] admired and cherished by students who benefited from his wisdom, humour and insight.”

He is survived by wife Melanie Francis, his daughter Caroline Beers-Tabesh, son-in-law Charlie Tabesh, stepdaughter Freya, and granddaughter Juliette.

Much Loved... Students admired lecturer

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NEWS

www.pluto-online.com

27 September 2013

PLUTO

Punters to Remember Old Preston Pub Tom Greggan News Editor

IMAGE: Richard Richmond

PUNTERS from The Mitre pub that used to stand on Moor Lane are to have a re-union in its honour.

In 2003, Rob Clarke and his wife Helen took over the pub and turned it into a major music venue which drew acts and crowds from all over the North West. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of this, they have organised a night of live music at the New Continental Pub on South Meadow Lane, due to be attended by over 100 people.

Speaking of the event, Rob said: “It will make me happy to see everyone celebrating something that I played a large part in creating.”

The Mitre shut down in 2005, mainly due to a loss of prospective developmental funding and a Vets4Pets is now in its place.

Bands that played at The Mitre such as Frencheryk and Phlegm Fatales are reforming to perform on the night. One DJ, who goes by the name of ‘Bik’, is also coming out of retirement for the night, travelling up from Surrey to do so. Speaking of his experience at The Mitre, he said: “Preston at that time was just a hotbed of musical talent; there was loads of bands and nowhere to play.

“The Mitre had this guerrilla style approach to music where they would, in the smallest, tightest, place you could imagine, they’d put a PA in and bands would just go in and tear it up.”

He continued: “What was good about The Mitre was that it was very anarchic sometimes. It would just be an absolute punk fest and it would be ripped apart. They were special nights; everyone will have a good memory of the nights that they shared there.

“It was just a really good community and it has a special place in everyone’s hearts.”

OLD TIMES... The site after it closed down

SNATCHING UP OPPORTUNITIES FORMER PUB... Vets4Pets now stands where the Mitre Tavern once was

Comment Tami Khramtchenko Contributor Google.

Business, art, medicine, law…. You, hopefully, spend a lot of time studying for your course. What do you do with the rest of your time? Many of us do a lot of going out, which is great, but probably not most beneficial for our futures. Instead, why not snatch up a few opportunities and invest in yourself?

For example, last month I travelled around nine countries, spent three days at the Entrepreneurs’ Festival in Manchester and another five on a Leadership Development course in Cyprus. The last two cost me next to nothing, because of perfect offers I found online. I wish I had more months like that!

Here are a few steps you can take to find similar opportunities in your areas of interest. Good news: the first step towards new opportunities can be taken in your pj’s and from the comfort of your laptop.

It’s not a new concept. Look for all imaginable keyword combinations that relate to your career interests and you’re bound to come across opportunities. Also, make sure that Google knows who you are. If you search for opportunities, allow opportunities to find you too. When someone googles you, you don’t want them to see a mere Facebook link. Get involved with LinkedIn, About.Me, Academia.edu and others.

Don’t forget about Klout, the social media analyser that ranks your online media influence on a scale of 1 to 100.

News.

Follow news that relates to your subject of study on major news portals and industry-leading blogs.

Keeping current is invaluable in our fast-paced modern environment. StumbleUpon is also a great resource for discovering relevant content, which the site recommends personally for you.

UCLan.

This is the simplest of all – use UCLan resources! Browse UCLan’s and SU’s websites. Go to the Opportunities centre in the Atrium. Speak to your course leader about getting involved in placements, internships and studying abroad. Find out about the Give It a Go! activities and sign up. Even if the activity you choose to do isn’t quite your thing, you’ll branch out and learn from it nonetheless.

Social Media.

I’m a bit old fashioned in my social media choices – I still very much prefer Facebook over Twitter, Insta-

gram and Pinterest. But all of these sites allow you to follow people, groups, pages or organisations.

Make sure you ‘Like’ or ‘Follow’ your course subject, all UCLan accounts, student job sites and companies you would wish to work for in the future. Social media can be used for so much more than just connecting with friends.

Improve your CV.

There are many easy ways to add value to the piece of paper that defines you to a potential employer. I would recommend starting a blog, making a website or taking an online accredited course. Basically, anything that will set you apart.

Network.

Scary word, I know. But when you go out in the evenings and meet people, you are actually already networking. So use your nights out to make a few friends that could become valuable contacts in the future!

It doesn’t have to be boring to be useful.

Remember.

You can use Google, news portals, social media and networking to your advantage. Your CV will improve along the way. Above all else, just keep your eyes peeled for opportunities. You may think that people who are already doing amazing things are ‘just lucky’. However, Luck = Opportunity + Determination.

You can always find something cool and meaningful to do with your spare time. # Remember, you’re at UCLan. U Can.

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Issue 252

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE Latham continued: “I don’t believe the published data brought any surprises to us as an institution or as a Union, as all the highlighted weaknesses have already been identified.

“The important thing is to make sure that the University and Union work closely over the coming year to tackle these issues head-on, and to make the statistics reflect the many successful and happy students we see on a daily basis.”

The university also has low average quality of research, which will come as a blow considering the UCLan website boasts ‘world-leading research with real-world impact.’

The findings show that, despite the university campaign to emphasise the quality of their research, just 3.7% of research at UCLan is considered high quality by the Sunday Times RAE (Research Assessment Exercise).

Continuing the trend, UCLan scored poorly in statistics such as UCAS entry requirements, Good Honours (Firsts and Upper Second class degrees) and completion rate.

All of this has resulted in UCLan dropping from 71st to 88th in The Sunday Times Good University Guide.

UCLan Deputy Vice-Chancellor David Phoenix said: “While our overall position in this league table is disappointing, there are elements that reflect positively on our focus to provide an excellent student experience.” Despite the statistics, he

NEWS 2-5

FEATURES 6-7

COMMENT 8-9

LIFESTYLE 10-14

CULTURE 15-18

SOCIETIES 19-20

UCLAN PLUMMETS DOWN LEAGUE TABLES

added: “We do receive excellent feedback from employers on the quality of our graduates and the investments we continue to make in facilities are already helping our students to fulfil their career ambitions.”

The trends reflect those shown by The Complete University Guide earlier

in the year where the university slipped from 69th to 92nd.

Despite the disappointing findings, UCLan scored above their ranking in terms of student satisfaction with 81.2% happy with their university.

The investment that UCLan has undertaken is also reflected, with a posi-

tion of 35th well ahead of the overall ranking.

UCLan will also be happy to see the university scored high marks as a Green University in The Complete University Guide following the success of their Green Week campaign which promoted sustainable travel across campus.

SPORT 21-24

ANALYSIS Michael Bailey

5

THE university will be bitterly disappointed with their slide down the table but the more pressing issue is the graduate prospects of UCLan students.

We’re now in a time where students are paying £9,000-ayear to study and this level of investment needs to be tempered with the opportunity to gain successful employment at a graduate level once you finish your degree.

The university will have to look at its employability offering and see what and where it needs to improve, if it wants to move back up the league tables.

They need to truly put the students first and not take them for granted.

That said, it must also be noted that the North West has suffered considerably during the recent recession and a large proportion of our student body is from the local area potentially skewing the figures.

People will often dismiss this type of table but when students numbers are falling it it essential to be seen as one of the best and that means competeing for the upper ranks in the North West.

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FEATURES

F E A T U R E S

The 1975

Editor Vacant

To apply for our vacant role as Features Editor or if you have a compelling story you want to tell, please contact sumedia@uclan.ac.uk.

Want more? Find us online at www.pluto-online.com

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‘Music as a pursuit of excellence’ is the driving force behind the most lauded Manchester band of the decade, The 1975 Tony Tenev Deputy Culture Editor

FEATURES EDITORS

27 September 2013

www.pluto-online.com

OVERNIGHT fame is a peculiarity of the trade, which not every band can boast about.

But as I was greeted by a two block queue, leading to a “Sold Out” sign on the door on my way backstage to meet The 1975, it had come to me that in a few short moments I was to meet up with a band, which was a representative of that exact select few, who skyrocketed onto the music radar and took over the charts with fierce velocity.

But when taking into account that these four Manchester boys have been playing together ever since their early teens, spending years touring and crafting the sound that would come to define them in recent months, the prospect of immediate recognition since the release of their eponymous debut album seems easily justifiable.

When speaking to the band’s vocalist, Matthew Healy, about the significance behind the date in the band name and the peculiar “The” in front of it, he explained that: “It doesn’t have any significance to the year it was something that I found in a book.

“Someone gave me a book years ago, which had been treated as a diary

and they’ve dated it 1st of June The 1975. I just liked the use of the word “the”, which was quite cool.”

Keeping the line up almost unchanged for ten years now, one immediately feels the connection between the band members once on stage.

From song one to encore, The 1975 play and entertain as a unit bonded by long years of playing together since meeting for the first time in Wilmslow High School.

“We’ve been together for like ten years. I was [playing the drums] the first couple of days, then I changed on to [vocals]. As soon as George came in that was it.”

But it wasn’t until August last year that the band released their highly regarded first EP “Facedown”, which quickly became a precursor to three more releases, until the pinnacle of their contemporary career – their debut album.

Healy admits that it wasn’t by design that the releases flowed one after another so rapidly, but admits to the natural progression of events.

“It wasn’t so much a strategy, it was just the fact that we knew if we were going to put out music after ten years we were going to do it our own way.

“That was the main thing. We just put out “Facedown” and people really, really embraced it and we got good re-

views and it was on radio and stuff, so we followed it up with “Sex”, and we knew we wanted to release “Chocolate” it’s quite a natural thing to do it quite quickly. And those EP’s were almost like our first album, you know, because it was sixteen songs and it was only the singles that went on the album.”

Delving into personal memories and highly influenced by the band’s past, all

“

You’ve really got to work hard in order to have a life”

of Healy’s lyrics paint a picture of the bands’ highly emotional and sometimes poignant teenage life.

Matthew confesses that drawing influences from past emotions within the songs happens: “all the time. That’s what the records are.

“Especially the EP’s are kind of polaroid’s of where we were at certain times, because we wrote them in like a week. “[We] wrote them all in one week periods and recorded them the same week.

“So, yeah, it’s all about me.”

The four EP’s quickly leading up to the band’s self-titled debut album, which climbed on to the top of the UK Albums Chart on its very first week.

Previous interviews have seen Matthew Healy talk about how: “the best albums are ones where every track could be a potential single”, and with a crowd screaming the lyrics of each song tonight, one can hardly say that The 1975 haven’t achieved that in their debut full length.

According to Healy, the band achieved that: “just through not really compromising with anything and making sure that we just wrote music as a pursuit of excellence. We like writing music.

“That’s what we do to make it as close to the pop music that we’ve grown up to and loved.

“That’s what we wanted to do.”

And being influenced by 80s and 90s pop greats such as Michael Jackson, Peter Gabriel and TLC, one can really see the abundance of catchy melodies and gripping compositions that are encompassed within each song.

And it’s not only the song writing that makes “The 1975” stand out as a release.

Ever since their inception the band has relied heavily on a stern DIY work ethic, when concerning their releases and music videos.

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Issue 252

The tight circle of friends helping out and the bedroom recordings not only attribute to the purity of the record, but also to the overall work ethic of the band themselves.

“It’s a complete natural evolution, which is why I think the whole story of this band is really quite nice and quite genuine.

“It’s a group of people, who realise that if you wanted to be creative, you really got to work hard in order to have a life, where you’re all doing something and we made sure that we stuck together and we all had a job for each other. And we did it.”

One can hardly argue the contrary.

Set to play their first gig in a long while in their very own Manchester, the band quickly came to the stage wearing strictly black and white garments, much akin to the design of their videos and cover art.

“It reflects on the fact that, I think we’ve been together for ten years and it’s very, very personal for us, so to detach something from reality slightly with minimalism and noir.

“It means that we’re not quite so exposed as people see us. Our music is such a personal endeavour.

“It actually comes from the fact that we all dress in black and white. Minimalism really, really works, but that’s only because our music is very uplifting.

“Musically there’s a lot of pop sensibilities and it relies on percussion and groove and “feel good” kind of themes.

“It’s nice to juxtapose that with an aesthetic that’s maybe a bit more dour and that kind of synergy provokes peo-

NEWS 2-5

ple to think about things a little bit and it’s nice. I think that’s kind of what it is.”

As a grippingly emotional set opens up with the band playing their last EP’s single “The City”, followed by a couple of songs eagerly embraced by a venue, packed by the band’s home audience, chanting the lyrics, Matthew steps up to the microphone and gloriously declares: “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re The 1975. And we’re from Manchester.

“We’ve been away for a while, but we’re back with a number one record.

And it’s all thanks to you guys.”

Sentences that drove the crowd into pure ecstasy, as The 1975 went on to celebrate their reunion with their home crowd.

“

The best albums are ones where every track could be a potential single”

A very emotional Healy professed afterward: “Manchester you have no idea how long we’ve waited for this show.”

When asked about the significance of the band playing in their home town, before the show, the vocalist answered: “Massive. It’s the most important place in the world for us.”

And judging by the mighty screams by people in awe the feelings were reciprocated, if not amplified.

New album ‘The 1975’ is available now

FEATURES 6-7

COMMENT 8-9

LIFESTYLE 10-14

CULTURE 15-18

SOCIETIES 19-20

SPORT 21-24

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COMMENT

C O M M E N T

BLURRED LINES? BLURRED OPINIONS 27 September 2013

www.pluto-online.com

Charlotte Alty Comment Editor

A total of five universities have now banned the controversial track ‘Blurred Lines’ by Robin Thicke.

This seems to me even more evidence of a world gone mad.

First of all the whole concept of banning a song in an SU is arguably completely pointless, but then there’s the reasons for which this song has been banned.

Sexism, rape, misogyny, degrading are all words that have been thrown around throughout the debate over the song.

All of those are quite harsh if you ask me.

It’s a song, meant for light-hearted listening and to get people up and dancing; which you’ll know it does very well if you have ever been on the dancefloor on a Saturday night.

Robin Thicke himself has said this and totally slams claims that his song is about rape or sexist in any way, in fact he even goes so far as to state that the track is actually part of a ‘’feminist movement’’.

While I probably think that’s a bit far, if the actual proprietor of the song is saying there are no sexist connotations intended then surely that’s enough for people to just give it a break.

The Vice President of Edinburgh’s Students’ Association has said: "there

Photo: Stijn Vogels

8

is a zero tolerance towards sexual harassment, a policy to end lad culture on campus and a safe space policy - all of which this song violates."

Do Student Unions not have anything better to do?

If there are students that feel so strongly about the song, do they think that by having it banned in the SU they will never hear it again?

Because you can guarantee that even if they don’t see/hear it in Source

“

Do Students’ Unions not have anything better to do?”

WAS EDINBURGH RIGHT TO BAD BLURRED LINES?

WE ASKED TWO STUDENTS TO GIVE THEIR OPINION

Misogynist?... Robin Thicke says he has always respected women.

COMMENT EDITORS EditorCharlotte Alty

Editor Megan Lincoln Deputy Editor Vacant Want more? Find us online at www.pluto-online.com

On the other side of the debate we have a member of UCLan’s Feminist Society telling us why the song is so offensive to potentially thousands of women...

Jennafer Small

FemSoc Representative

I should perhaps begin by saying that I personally strongly believed, along with many others, that banning art forms does nothing in the way of stopping people wanting to consume such material, as a result of attaching an irresistible taboo to them.

I should also perhaps mention that Robin Thicke and his truly sophisticated attempt at wit and parody are downright misogynistic and makes me feel rather ill when being exposed to it; it being an awful example of pop music at best.

It is degrading to women, whether

you are a woman and like the song or not.

So no, banning a song from being played in the background of people's lives on University campus would probably not achieve much in the way of women's empowerment, but I will say this; one in five women between the ages of 16 and 59 have experienced sexual assault or rape since the age of 16.

“

Think about the students who will be reminded of the violence they have experienced as a result every time they hear this song.’’

There are also roughly 30,000 students at UCLan, 56% of which are female.

This means that, unless my calculations are wrong (and they may well be, I failed my Mathematics A Level), there are around 3,700 female students who have experienced rape and/or sexual assault. T here are also very little statistics concerning sexual abuse on UK University

campuses, but according to figures, around 8000 women per University in the US who have not previously experienced sexual assault WILL have done by the time they leave University.

It would also be safe to say that a substantial amount of male students have experienced sexual assault and/or rape as well, although the statistics for male sexual abuse are considered very inaccurate, due to men being less likely to report attacks.

So this song is not just a feminist issue, and is not just degrading to women, it is triggering to all of those who have experienced sexual assault, whether male or female.

So, whenever you hear this song being played either on campus or elsewhere, I do ask that you think about the 3,700 (minimum) students who will be reminded of the horror and violence they have experienced as a result of a highly misogynistic culture every single time they hear Robin Thicke's rape apologetic song.

They will be reminded that there are people out there who not only do not care about their experiences, but continue to blame them for being a victim.

Every time they watch the music video with bored looking, naked, airbrushed women being groped and humped in

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anymore, they will definitely hear it at least 12 times once they head out to Squires, Evoque, MACs etc.

If anything, by banning the song they have brought it even further into the public eye.

People who might not have even heard of it will now be on YouTube trying to find out what all the fuss is about.

And since when has telling students what to do been effective, I don’t know about you but if somebody ‘bans’ me from doing something then the curious urge to do that thing just grows.

What I’m really wondering is, what are the benefits for the majority of the student community from the banning of the track?

Will the number of sexual assaults be reduced? Will sexism be eradicated? Will feminists suddenly feel that women aren’t objectified or oppressed?

No, almost definitely not.

As for talk regarding the triggers surrounding the song, until I am shown proof about someone on campus having a genuinely upsetting time because of the song, it all appears to be conjecture.

It is on the level of suggesting we ban Earthquake by Labrinth because somebody has lost a family member to one.

That is how tenuous I believe the link is, the song is merely being used as a scapegoat for people who believe progress should be made for progress sake.

At the end of the day it is just a song, there are far worse lyrics out there (especially in this day and age) and some by much more influential artists than Robin Thicke.

I seriously doubt anybody is listening to Blurred Lines and literally taking the lyrics on board, let alone being influenced by them.

Obviously these Unions think they need to set a precedent and make an example of the song, which is fair enough, but it seems to me that Robin’s tune is being used as a scapegoat so we don’t have to deal with the real issues directly.

Source, whilst trying to go out for a few drinks and have a relaxed night out with friends, they will be reminded of their past.

Every person who argues that this song and this man are empowering to women, are ignoring the experiences of those who have had to face sexual abuse, both women AND men, and they are encouraging rape apology and victim blaming.

I would say that a week ago I was vehemently opposed to any banning of any song, because lets be honest, if we ban this song, then there are a million other songs, novels, religious texts, films and magazines we’d have to ban too.

But now, after the widespread concern over this particular song due to its frankly mind-boggling popularity, perhaps our Student’s Union should address this issue.

If banning this rape apologetic and misogynistic song, which is an awful example of popular music anyway, makes at least one student’s life a little bit easier, a little bit less stressful, a little more relaxed and a little more comfortable in an environment that is supposed to be safe for students anyway, then why shouldn’t we?

Stats from rapecrisis.org.uk and thewomensroom.co.uk

PRESTON BUS STATION HERE TO STAY AS BRAKES PUT ON DEMOLITION PLANS Issue 252

Megan Lincoln Comment Editor

Preston Bus Station has been given Grade II listed status, meaning that the council’s plans to demolish it have been thwarted. Since it was built in 1969, the condition of the bus station, which is the second largest in Western Europe, has slowly deteriorated – leaving Preston City Council with a decision to make regarding its future.

The plan to demolish the bus station was revealed earlier in the year, evoking a public outcry and debate over whether or not it was the right thing to do.

Now, however, with its new listed status, the council face a new decision: spend £17 million to modernise it, or leave it to fester.

I don’t know about anyone else, but when I think of listed buildings, places of architectural beauty spring to mind – not the sticky seats and grotty underpass of Preston Bus Station.

“

I know of more than one person who has experienced mugging or intimidating behaviour in the underpass.”

As a student, I used the bus station frequently in my first year to get to and from my part time job in Deepdale, and must admit that I felt a sense of relief when it was announced that it was going to be demolished and a nicer, cleaner and newer one built in its place.

Returning home late at night and having to walk through the eerily quiet station left me feeling threatened, and I know of more than one person who has experienced a mugging or intimidating behaviour in the leaky underpass that leads out of the main building. So, why on earth has it become grade listed?

It seems to me that now that there is no legal way it can be demolished and a new one built in its place, it is unlikely that the current building, which already costs Preston tax payers over £300,000 a year to maintain (and what exactly is it maintaining? The place is an eyesore!), will have the £17 million required spent on it to modernise it into

NEWS 2-5

a somewhat suitable public place.

From now on, any changes to the bus station will only be allowed if its architectural design is protected.

Campaigners who were against the bus station being demolished included Ed Vaizey, the Minister for Culture, and the Royal Institute of British Architects Journal.

Peter Rankin, the leader of the Preston City Council, said it was: “not the outcome we were hoping for”.

However, a spokeswoman for English Heritage said the building: "Fully deserves this marker of recognition.

"Preston Bus Station is truly remarkable," she added: "The boldness of vision, the ingenuity of the design, the attention to detail and the aesthetic impact mark it out from the vast numbers of public buildings built since the Second World War. "We are aware that Preston City Council faces challenges in maintaining the structure and integrating it effectively with the city centre and that, as a result, it has decided it wishes to demolish it.

"We will, however, continue to explore with the council how these challenges can be addressed so that the building can once again play a key role in the life of the city."

Has anyone noticed that the people against the demolition are not the people who are going to have to directly deal with the ramifications of the decision?

ISSUES

I can only imagine the issues facing Preston City Council now that £17 million is going to have to be forked out when there was a far easier solution.

Online views regarding the demolition of Preston Bus Station are generally against its new listed status, with some going as far as to call the building an “eyesore” and many encouraging its demolition.

In a town where it is generally always raining, the gloomy bus station adds to the depressing mood.

Many are in support of building a completely new station. Shaune Michael Lee Caygill said: “It needs to go, like Chorley, they built a new one and it’s great.”

I am not saying that Preston does not need a bus station – quite the opposite.

Having a bus station is a vital part of the city, but not if it can not be kept in a reasonable condition.

I think Preston City Council made a difficult decision when they announced the plan to demolish it.

I believe that when Preston bus station was built it certainly was a place of architectural significance – it certainly does have a unique design - but I am also certain that a new station could have been built in keeping with the original design but also modernising it, making a new mark on Preston.

One thing is for certain, now that demolishing and rebuilding it is not an option anymore, I cannot see any improvements happening to the decaying building any time soon and it is certainly in dire need of help.

FEATURES 6-7

COMMENT 8-9

LIFESTYLE 10-14

CULTURE 15-18

Eyesore... Preston’s controversial bus station

SOCIETIES 19-20

SPORT 21-24

9

Photo: JohnnyEnglish

PLUTO

10

LIFESTYLE

L I F E S T Y L E

27 September 2013

New York, New York!

Fashion

www.pluto-online.com

PLUTO

All the latest fashion news and more For more in-depth fashion coverage and all the latest trends, head over to pluto-online.com/lifestyle

Pluto takes a bite out of Fashion Week in the Big Apple Rebecca Boffey

Fashion contributor

NO sooner have we donned our winter coats, than the fashion world takes a 360 spin and descends on the Lincoln Centre, New York City for the beginning of the Spring/Summer 14 Fashion Weeks. In spite of the current economic crisis and threats of a new world war, New York Fashion Week was as confident as ever, with an overall 90s theme and nude colour palette resonating throughout.

For a while now, the 90s throwback has been creeping into our wardrobes, with next Spring/Summer looking set to explode with retro logos - a la Alexander Wang - and ‘slinky urban minimalism’ from Jason Wu. There was even a reference to 1990s Calvin Klein in some of Wu’s pieces, given the simplicity of the clothing. The theme continued in the colour palettes seen on the runway; think plenty of nudes and blushes, champagne, taupe and coffee tones on silks and satins.

The use of shiny fabrics was continued with a metallic, iridescent touch with Marc by Marc Jacobs and Rodate both showcasing silver suits. Foiled detailing and block white tailoring also made a regular appearance suggesting these pieces are to be worn with a high maintenance attitude.

White was also big news on the runways when teamed with the age-old classic black. Yes, monochrome looks set to be a main trend for another year; however this theme never really goes out of style. Spring/Summer 14 has freshened up black and white with checked prints seen at Oscar De La Renta and zigzags from Opening Ceremony. More often than not, monochromatic patterns were teamed against a plain black canvas and minor white detailing.

Simple tailoring seemed to be the one trend all the designers agreed on with every catwalk offering some form of comfortable aesthetic. 3.1 Philip Lim and The Row gave us effortless grace and clean lines, once again on a naked palette. Fluid shapes and little less body-con means minimalism is back, making no fuss at all.

Not one usually associated with a summery vibe, military cropped up on a few runways. Military khaki with a worn, fatigued effect were seen at J Crew and Tommy Hilfiger updating the coveted boyfriend jean for 2014.

Once more, sports made a play for attention. Bomber jackets and skirts at Lacoste and tennis mini’s at Victoria Beckham hinted at a courtside glamour-chic theme hopefully to be explored more in the next few Fashion Weeks.

And of course, where would

Image: New York Fashion Week

Spring/Summer be without a pastel or two? New York Fashion Week skimmed past the neon brights of the previous seasons and thankfully focussed on soft pastels. Lavender was a big deal thanks to DKNY and Rag & Bone, whilst headto-toe shiny mint shades made their mark at Prabal Gurung. Sorbet colours are a definite fashion favourite through the last Spring/Summers so keep hold of the ever faithful candy cute shades.

Whatever the show or designer, every look was graceful and relaxed, suggesting that 2014 will be the year of effortless, easy shapes and tailoring.

Cosmo on Campus

Beauty: Reviewed

Victoria Hepworth Lifestyle Editor

FADING colour and yellowing roots are a thing of the past thanks to our latest beauty saviour.

For bleaching addicts like myself, keeping your platinum blonde ‘do in pristine condition can become somewhat of a chore; and an expensive one at that, with monthly trips to the hair salon if you’re not daring enough to try a bit of DIY. Pro:Voke Touch of Silver Brightening Shampoo is the reason for us to smile again. The twice a week treatment works by removing the brassy yellow tones in blonde, grey or white hair. By using this product twice a week your hair will be left shiny and your colour restored; which consequently means a huge saving and no need to break into your overdraft.

I must admit that when I first tried this product, it’s fair to say that I was more than a little nervous. Squeezing the bottle over my hand, the shock hit me as the garish violet shampoo trickled out. After five long minutes, and numerous glances in the mirror waiting for the shampoo to do its magic, the same thought kept running through my head; am I going to end up with a purple rinse?

Well six weeks later, I am still using this shampoo and it has certainly done its job. If I was to give one criticism, it would be that as an owner of fine hair, I would not recommend using the shampoo as regularly as intended. The product is basically a toner and by stripping away the unwanted tones, it can leave your hair in less than perfect condition.

However, this is where the brightening conditioner comes in handy- a small dollop of the daily conditioner will leave your hair feeling silky smooth and also improve the colour without a need to even use the shampoo.

That said, both products go hand in hand and are sure beauty saviours when you’re approaching your next colour but want to delay it for a while longer. And at just over a fiver for the pair, there isn’t really much to complain about.

LIFESTYLE EDITORS Editor Victoria Hepworth Editor Jess Evans Deputy Editor Vacant Want more? Find us online at www.pluto-online.com

PAPPED... Cosmo’s Entertainment Editor with third year magazine students

THIRD year magazine students were lucky enough to get a journalism master class from none other than the Entertainment Editor for Cosmopolitan.

Jacqui Meddings, a Journalism graduate from UCLan returned to where her career started to listen to feature pitches from Magazine students and give advice on how to improve them, before taking a guest lecture in which she explained life as an Entertainment Editor in its full glory- revealing not only some of her biggest stories but also the fact that it’s not uncommon for her to be sending emails at half one in the morning and rushing straight from

the gym (pre-shower) to be interviewed for Good Morning America.

She certainly painted a crystal clear picture of journalism, warts and all.

Jacqui started her career in women’s weekly magazines and earned herself titles such as Features Editor and Staff writer.

Since graduating in 2006, she hasworked for a number of well-respected publications including Sugar before landing her dream job at Cosmo.

She said: “Working for Cosmo is an amazing honour as there’s a huge responsibility that comes with it.”

Jacqui stressed the importance of

Image: Lyndsey Boardman

being punctual and professional to maintain a good reputation in the field, as well as the need to gain work experience.

Jacqui said: “Student media like Pluto, I think it’s so important as that’s where you’re going to get your experience.

“It’s not only important for the journalists that are doing it because they’re going to build up their portfolios.”

She also gave a nod to today’s informed society: “It’s also important for the student community because we all want to be nosey and be informed about what’s going on.”

PLUTO STYLE TIP #67 KEEP your pencil eyeliner in the fridge to create a sharp look and to prevent smudging during application.

STEAL HIS STYLE: PHARRELL WILLIAMS PLUTO

Issue 252

NEWS 2-5

FEATURES 6-7

COMMENT 8-9

LIFESTYLE 10-14

CULTURE 15-18

SOCIETIES 19-20

Let Elizabeth Kelly guide you through the wardrobe of man of the moment.

PHARRELL Williams, a man of substance as well as an incredible sense of style, is looked towards by many men (and women too) for style inspiration.

For over 10 years now Pharrell has been admired by the world for his fashion sense (he is the owner of two clothing lines after all) as well as his catchy beats.

Surprisingly, Pharrell confessed in a recent interview with Vogue UK that is was actually pop star Kelis who introduced him to a world outside of monograms!

However, in more recent years the music supremo’s style has evolved incorporating gentlemen attire, although still integrating a touch of kiddie chic within his outfits…SpongeBob socks being an example!

Follow our advice and take inspiration from our examples to achieve the Pharrel Williams looks for less.

Remember, accessorising is key to accomplish the ultimate Pharrell look!

You really don’t have to spend much to imitate or to take some creative inspiration from Pharrel as the N.E.R.D frontman’s style is easily accessible to the masses, either through his own clothing line; Billionaire boys club (he is regularly spotted in his own line) or through his basic self-professed style code; which revolves around a graphic t-shirt, skinny jeans, shorts and a hat (from a fedora to a beanie).

Mr P Williams is never has never shied away from taking risks when it

not only comes to music, but also to fashion.

Although, whenever it comes to fashion choices, regardless of how eccentric, outlandish or just totally odd looking, Pharrel always owns his outfit.

He doesn’t let the clothes subtract anything from the man is he or he proclaims to be, clothes and accessories are just an extension of one’s personality and doesn’t Pharrel Williams sure showcase this!

Rebecca Boffey Fashion contributor

NEVER one far from the fashion radar, Alexa Chung always gets it right.

Her own distinctive style has made her become one of the most famous women in the world with a wardrobe to die for.

With her model credentials and her fellow fashonista friends, it’s hard not to see why she’s such a style icon.

Renowned for being effortless chic, Alexa Chung has the ‘laid back cool’ down to a tee, a Breton tee at that.

Often credited as a designer’s muse (who doesn’t lust after a Mulberry, Alexa?) and always top of the best dressed lists, she certainly knows a thing or two about fashion.

Whether it’s one of her famous shirt-and-shorts combo or simply a little mini dress, Alexa’s style is relaxed, comfortable and very British; the classic London Street Style girl.

Think scruffy converse, granddad jumpers and lots of denim.

Despite moving to America, Alexa Chung continues to maintain her English style of ballerina flats, 1960’s silhouettes and the right dose of tom-boy.

Make like Alexa with a mini skirt (extra style points if it’s leather) and team it with an oversized jumper.

Add a collared shirt underneath for that kooky vibe, and brogues or loafers to complete the look.

For the indie-girl style, toughen up floral dresses and denim pinafores with Chelsea boots and a leather jacket.

Always accessorize with messy hair and lived-in eyeliner. For nights out, switch dainty shoes for rock-chic heels, a slick of red lipstick and a messy top knot.

Ensure your wardrobe is stocked up with denim shorts, striped tees, satchel bags and a leopard print coat.

Alexa Chung is the ultimate style icon for Uni girls, showing us that you don’t have to be wearing the latest trends to look super stylish and chic.

An avid fan of vintage clothing, Alexa’s style is afford-

11

Boutique

by Matilda

missmatildasboutique.co.uk

Get the laid back Pharrell style...

Plain white t-shirt – £8 Burton Blue rinse relaxed jean -£89 Edwin Black brogues –£110 Urban Outfitters

STEAL HER STYLE: ALEXA CHUNG Image: Stylehoney.com

SPORT 21-24

Wikimedia Commons- Will NY

Suit your way to sophistication...

Oversized Bow tie – £10 Slim Tux Black Blazer –£80 Black waistcoat- £25 White black buttoned shirt- £20 (All River Island) Skinny fit tux trousers – £28 ASOS

able as well as being effortlessly fashionable. Head to Wonderland Preston, Retro Rehab and charity shops for some one-off pieces that would make her jealous!

Alternatively, if your student loan is still intact, head to Topshop for the Chung wardrobe essentials.

The perfect mix of girl-meets-boy androgyny, Alexa Chung is the cool girl next door, whose clothes you always want to borrow.

SICK and tired of shopping in the same old stores?

You don’t have to be because located right on your doorstep is Miss Matilda’s Boutique.

It is an independent retailer situated in the heart of Preston- Glovers Court to be precise.

The shop has a long spanning histiory and relationship with our University as all the way back in 2007, it set up its first home in our very own Students’ Union.

Six years later and after numerous location changes, Miss Matilda’s Boutique has just settled down in it’s new home of 34 Glover Street.

The shop still maintains strong links with UCLan, and if you managed to attend the Freshers Market day on Thursday, you might have been lucky enough to see the Miss Matilda’s Boutique team there.

The brand prides itself on style and femininity.

The average dress at Miss Matilda’s boutique would set you back by just £35.

The best part is that there is a 10% discount up for grabs for all students.

What a bonus!

You can shop their huge range of dresses, top, skirts, shirts, knitwear, jewellery and accessories in store or online so you don’t even have to leave the house.

Just visit: missmatildasboutique.co.uk

Get the look for yourself...

Delivery is priced at just £2.75 within the UK.

missmatildasboutique.co.uk

(Clockwise from the top) Jumper- Primark --- Breton Tee- Topshop Jeans- Topshop --- Satchel- Primark Leather Jacket- Miss Selfridge Chelsea Boots- River Island Leopard print coat- New Look Mini Skirt- Primark Brogues- New Look Denim Pinafore- Missguided.com Spotty shirt- Primark

#SHORTANDTWEET

@johorobin

@MarcusBronzy

Image: Vogue UK

Feels so good to be back with my uclantigers #uclan #freshers #sports #fair #fierce #best #friends

Thats right ... Off to @53degrees preston tonight for #SuperSunday ... Now where's my mask?...

12

VAMP UP YOUR NAILS THIS SEASON LIFESTYLE

27 September 2013

www.pluto-online.com

PLUTO

SOME women are obsessed with bags, some with shoes and some with clothes. Well if we are honest we are obsessed with all of them aren’t we? But my personal weakness in nail varnish. I have over 200, which is extreamly shameful I know, but at least its not designer bags right, so it’s completely justified. Ok maybe not!

So being the nail art fanatic that I am I’m here to show you a simple but super chic nail art tutorial step by step. Here are Lucy Hill’s 3 easy steps to A/W metallic oxblood nails!

Step 1

Get your nail varnishes & accessories together. Before painting the nails file to your desired shape and put a base coat on, a hardener is great to protect the nails. Once done paint all nails apart from one accent nail with a deep oxblood. Then paint the remaining nail black. Remember you can also do this to false nails also.

Step 2

After your nails are dry add a half moon shape to the top of the nail with a metallic varnish, this can be as neat or messy as you like. It’s totally up to you. This look was seen massively at the Mara Hoffman A/W 13 show. If you’re not keen on this you can always blend it in with a sponge to give an ombre effect.

Step 3

Once this coat is dry. It’s time to get crafty with some studs. Take a simple false nail glue (this will come off easily and not damage the nails). Place a dab at the bottom of each nail ready to add a stud off your choice. I’m using a small sparkled gem. Press on hard with tweezers avoiding touching it with skin until dry. 3D accents on nails have been seen on the Kate Spade catwalk for A/W.

Now you are ready to head out in this extreamly grim autumnal weather with a set of fabulous nails that are bang on trend this season. Remember you can alternate colours, studs and patterns. Get creative and express your style. Your sure to get some compliments!

Items used: Models Own- Sterling Silver - £5.00, Sally Hansen Diamond Strength – Brilliant Bordeaux - £2.99, Barry M- Black- £2.99, Avon Nail Experts – Peeling & Brittleness Solver - £5.00, PrimarkStud wheel- £1.00, Primark nail file -£1.00, Nailene Ultra Quick Nail Glue- £2.80.

Food

Cook up a storm in the kitchen with our easy to follow recipes “Cheese - Milk’s leap towards immortality” - Clifton Fadiman

People have always been concerned about their health and money and since organic food relates to both aspects so closely, should you be more cautious about choosing it too? Toma Sukyte investigates.

INDEPENDENT UK researchers alongconclusions about long-term effects side Stanford University (California, unreasonable.

USA) found out that organic food has The Soil Association (organisation no strong health benefits except for campaigning for healthy, humane and one – lowering the exposure to pestisustainable food, farming and land use) cides. criticised the studies and called for betResearchers at Stanford University ter research. analysed and compared more than 200 The popular opinion is that organic studies and released a report about food is expensive, chemical-free and health gains of organic and non-orgood for health. ganic foods.

The first point is correct because orOverall, there was no apparent differganic food prices can be as much as ence between the nutritional content, 10-100% higher than those of convenalthough organic food was 30% less tional food. The second point, however, likely to contain pesticides. is not completely true.

A report by UK researchers, pubFoods which are certified to be orlished in the American Journal of Cliniganic can still be grown using chemical Nutrition, concludes that there is cals which are not man-made and are little difference approved by variThe popular opinion is ous organisations in nutritional value. No difthat organic food is ex- across the UK and ferences are Europe.The third pensive, chemical-free point was proven found in vitamin C, calcium by researchers to and good for health” and iron levels be mainly false (as between orexplained previganically and conventionally grown ously). The Soil Association describes crops. The same results were found organic food as “food which is prolooking at meat, poultry, dairy and duced using environmentally and anieggs. mal friendly farming methods on Fruit and vegetables contained simiorganic farms. lar amounts of vitamins and milk conThese methods are legally defined tained the same amount of protein and and any food sold as 'organic' must be fat, however, a few studies suggested strictly regulated.” It also states that organic milk contained more omega-3. "anyone who sells organic food can These findings are the same as those classify themselves as organic food sellof the UK's Food Standards Agency, ers, but only farmers who are registered which commissioned a review a few with the Soil Association (in the UK) can years ago into organic food claims. call themselves producers of organic However, none of the human studies food”. ran for longer than two years, making To buy or not to buy? That is the

“

question you have to answer yourself.

Perhaps it’s going to be a very environmentally friendly household you live in: from organic food (including pet food)

to organic clothes, hygiene and cleaning products or maybe you think it’s not worth the money and effort. Perhaps you are going to be a happy

medium - an occasional bag of sustainably grown bananas or a bar of chocolate made from organically grown cocoa beans.

Social Notworking PLUTO

Issue 252

NEWS 2-5

Social Media Matters

FEATURES 6-7

COMMENT 8-9

LIFESTYLE 10-14

CULTURE 15-18

SOCIETIES 19-20

SPORT 21-24

Social media is big business - Our writers make the mistakes so you don’t have to

13

“What makes you weird, makes you unique and therefore makes you stand out.” - Dan Schawbel

If the first thing you check in the morning is your Facebook newsfeed or Twitter notifications, then have no fear; you’re not alone. We delve into a day in the life of our Online Editor, Adam Legg, who reveals his confessions of a FaceTweetoholic.

SO, I have just turned my computer on and I’m already on Facebook.

In the background, Twitter is popping away on my phone as I’ve, yet again, got into another argument on the social networking site that I probably shouldn’t have done.

I don’t even remember typing Facebook it into my browser.

It’s like an involuntary reaction. I think I need help.

It may be viewed as sad by some, but I don’t think there is a time in the day when I’m not connected up to either of these sites.

With mobile technology constantly evolving to stick Mark Zuckerburg in my face at all times, I think it’s pretty hard not to be two seconds away from seeing whether someone has liked my status yet.

What’s my excuse?

As Homo sapiens, we are, at heart, highly social creatures.

“

I can’t begin to tell you how many assignments I would have handed in SO MUCH EARLIER than 30 minutes before deadline if Facebook didn’t exist”

Evolution has given us Facebook, popcorn, and an argument that’s worth constantly refreshing the page for; I don’t even like popcorn.

I’m not sure, however, why arguments keep happening on my statuses.

It’s not like I start them either.

I’ll be on my Xbox, again signed into Xbox Live, another social erm… thing, and I’ll think: “Oh! I haven’t checked Facebook in a while!”

I’ll look down to see that Such and Such and 73 million others have commented on my status.

Somewhere along the way of me writing a generic status about how much I like cookies, an argument has broken out.

The 21st century has seen the rise of the keyboard warrior.

People will happily sit behind a screen and smash their keyboards in until kingdom come in order to get their point across.

It has also seen the rise in the art of the troll.

Going back to the wonder that is urbandictionary.com, we see that the definition of trolling is as follows:

2. “The art of deliberately, cleverly, and secretly pi**ng people off, usually via the internet, using dialogue.

“Trolling does not mean just making rude remarks: Shouting swear words at someone doesn't count as trolling; it's just flaming, and isn't funny.

“Spam isn't trolling either; it pi**es people off, but it's lame.” (Urban Dictionary: 2009) I prefer the first definition however: 1. “Being a p***k on the internet because you can.

“Typically unleashing one or more cynical or sarcastic remarks on an innocent bystander, because it's the internet and, hey, you can.”

Personally I blame, 9 times out of 10, trolling for arguments on my newsfeed, or even on my twitter feed.

Terrible, terrible trolls, when will I ever be rid of you? You do, however, make my social media life more interesting; therefore to you I tip my imaginary hat and blame you for my social media addiction.

Even as I write this, it’s taken me a couple of hours so far, I am checking my Facebook and Twitter as people send me messages/tag me in posts/show me funny pictures of cats, which, I believe, nicely outlines what I find wrong with social media in general: It’s a massive black hole of time.

I can’t begin to tell you how many assignments I would have handed in SO MUCH EARLIER than 30 minutes before deadline if Facebook didn’t exist.

Just under YouTube, it has to be one of the biggest procrastination tools created by mankind.

Therefore Facebook and Twitter are the biggest threats to my degree (I’m not the only one!) and I should probably work as hard as I can to cut them out of my life altogether!

As a double act, they severely decrease my productivity and increase the stress I feel about my workload.

Students of UCLan! We should band together in order to rid ourselves of the social slavery that these oppressive institutions invade our lives with!

We cannot afford to let our degree slip away from our hands due to the oppressive regime of social…

Brb I have a notification.

#SHORTANDTWEET @Stewart_Martin1

@UCLanPluto

Home. Curry & nightly debrief with @designandbeyond. Good night had by all at @SourcePreston #ILoveIt

TWe can confirm the record for #UCLanFreshers has well and truly been smashed. 6043 people through the doors!

Use the Discovery search tool to make it easy to find

books journals and a whole range

of other online resources Learning & Inf Information ormation Services www.uclan.ac.uk/library www www.uclan .uclan.ac.uk/library

14

LIFESTYLE

Totally gaga Health

27 September 2013

www.pluto-online.com

PLUTO

Finding the latest health fads and crash testing them for you

“Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.” - Mark Twain

With there being a huge boost in fitness crazes, Victoria Hepworth looks at one of the craziest.

FOR diet virgins and those who shy away from exercise as much as possible, just like me (and coming from a girl who works at a gym, that really is saying something) , the concept of being a fitness fanatic can all be a bit foreign.

And researching for this feature was certainly an eye-opener. So it’s probably about time I tell you exactly what you’re missing out on.

There are plenty of crazy workout regimes out there, but the one that caught my eye the most was baby aerobics. And when I say baby aerobics, I don’t mean teaching your baby how to do Pilates or squats. No, as wrong as that is, the alternative is equally bad, if not worse. What baby aerobics actually involves is grabbing your little brother or sister, cousin or nephew and using them as a weight. Why a simple dumbbell isn’t good enough, I guess we will never know.

What this whacky workout actually entails is a series of classic exercise moves and stretches such as squats but using an infant as a form of resistance.

Typical moves range from the seemingly normal lunge to attend to the

Romance

baby sitting in a pram, right through to the completely bizarre act of strapping a baby to your torso and proceeding to squat.

My personal favourite has got to be Alphabet Abs. During this move, the mother lies flat on her back with her legs straight up in the air as she begins to recite the alphabet with coinciding feet movements to mark the shape of each letter. The aim, not only being to tighten up your core stomach muscles, is also to teach the discerning baby the alphabet from a young age. Makes sense, I suppose.

So what have I learnt from all of this research? Well while this exercise craze is probably great for busy Hollywood mums desperate to lose their baby weight, I’m not sure it will be one I will be actively practicing- not now, nor in the future.

Pushing my baby cousin through the park in his pram is probably about as far as I will ever take this fitness fad, it’s not convinced me that exercise is as fun as it is made out to be but maybe I will make an appearance at the gym this month, just maybe.

Image: Westlondonmum.com AND STRETCH... we just can’t quite get our heads around baby aerobics.

Love is complex so let our writers hold your hand and guide you through it

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." ― Dr. Seuss

Knowing when a relationship has ended, and actually ending it are two very different things. Follow Mona Hadad’s advice and if it’s not meant to be...let it go.

Andrew Mitchell- Flickr

ONE thing is for certain, human beings they create sadness, they hold on to bad habits, fearing to let go.

We decide to hold on to tears until emotions turn into an infinite rainy storm, yet we cannot comprehend why things never change, and why nothing makes sense anymore.

And then it hits you until the very end when your face is all dried out, that somewhere along this sadness, it was your own choice to drown yourself in your own sorrow, so you stand up and decide to make a change.

People work this way, when they live in the darkness, the sunshine seems so far away and the anxiety and the fear what may lay ahead of them takes over. Once they realize that the grass is greener on the other side, that’s when changes occur.

I was sitting with a friend of mine, an intelligent and beautiful woman. While she was telling me

about her situation, although I’ve heard it before, I just let her talk, until the end.

Because I know while she was telling me her story, she was well aware that she’s already introduced me to this part of her life, not once, but

“I observed her facial expression while she was talking. The animation of her hand gestures emphasised her pain” twice.

Nevertheless, she felt comfortable while speaking so I did what everyone should do in a situation like this, listen, like you’ve never heard it before.

I observed her facial expression while she was talking. The animation of her hand gestures emphasised her pain. Pain, because this world doesn’t have much to offer right now.

And I can relate to this feeling, that’s why I cannot criticize her, or tell her to stop whining because things may get better along the road. Right now, it hurts, and no one in whole wide world can take this pain away from her.

So I let her feel the pain, suck it in, get very familiar with the feeling, maybe even befriend it. Believe it or not one day the pain will walk away and stab her in the back to give happiness a chance to step in. This happiness will be extraordinary, amazing and indescribable.

Most importantly, she will appreciate it, squeeze it and freeze it, because she will consider these moments golden. Life goes on… and so should you.

PLUTO

Issue 252

C U L T U R E

NEWS 2-5

Deputy Editor Tony Tenev Want more? Find us online at www.pluto-online.com

LIFESTYLE 10-14

CULTURE 15-18

Music Drake ditches the downbeat for the damn brilliant with album ‘Nothing was the same’

SOCIETIES 19-20

SPORT 21-24

15

“Music is everybody's possession. It's only publishers who think that people own it.” - John Lennon

Drake ‘Nothing Was The Same’ Republic Records

1

Review - Tony Tenev TAKE a womanising modern rap high flyer, monolithically associated with his dreary emotional laments, add gratuitous amounts of content and visceral selfreflection, put the same artist behind a microphone and a small army of production masterminds behind the decks and you have firm contender for the best hip hop full length of the year.

A warning should be issued to for those who expect this to be a reproduction of Drake’s drowned in liqueur and poignant recollection of relationships past previous effort,“Take Care”.

Despite the fact that, undoubtedly “Nothing Was The Same” is by all means a Drake album, issuing all of Drizzy’s trademarks, such as a soulfully soothing vocal display and unique flow with a big amount of

emotional narratives for them to follow, the album has a very firm sensibility about itself, as it shows a more mature side of the Canadian rapper, something not akin with his previous lyrical persona.

One also sees a much more satisfied Drake, judging by the Wu-Tang-Clan homage, “Wu-Tang Forever” as well as the beautifully 80’s R’n’B reminiscent proof that Drizzy has been revising his Marvin Gaye “Hold On We’re Going Home”.

Amidst all of the highly personal confessions, one tends to ask the question whether to feel sorry or applaud Drake for intentionally failing so many relationships with beautiful partners.

“I don’t need to be in love right now” is what Drake told XXL in an interview recently, but judging by the highly intimate lyrics in the knee-weakening “Own It” and “From Time” one can hardly blame him for not trying.

Of course, visceral confessions aside, the album does not fail to introduce a very self-content Drake, proudly banging on his chest in an affirming homage to his hometown “305 To My City” and the epic chill-inducing seven minute two track collaboration with rap legend Jay Z “Pound Cake”/ “Paris Morton Music 2”.

Kings Of Leon ‘Mechanical Bull’

RCA Records

2:1

Review - Tony Tenev

ogy packed within a hand grenade of punching guitar riffs and powerful hooks.

This release seems perhaps a day older progression of the Followills’ lyrical voice, as songs like “Temple” and “Tonight” provide a very vivid example of how the band has grown to a level of songwriting which finally resembles that of a band with an excessive experience of both stage presence and pressure of commercial success behind their backs.

That is not to say that the occasional odd-one-out lighthearted rockabilly re-

Tonight Alive ‘The Other Side’

CULTURE EDITORS

Editor Vacant

COMMENT 8-9

The very latest music news, reviews and interviews

AFTER three years of creative absence and a six month hiatus, following band frontman Caleb’s substance abuse issues, the Followill foursome have gotten back on the horse with ferocious intensity and enviable vigor.

“Mechanical Bull” is perhaps the most enegrising expression of the struggles that Kings of Leon have had to overcome.

Blasting off with the hard hitting first single of the album “Supersoaker”, the release bears the promise of every inch of viscerality, expected of a sober apol-

Editor Chris Copestake

FEATURES 6-7

Fearless Records

2:2

Review - Chelsea Harrop

University of Pluto Music Degree Classification 1st

Top of the class

2:2

Hello there Desmond

2:1 3

Fail

Close but no cigar

Must try harder

Why even bother?

TONIGHT Alive have enjoyed worldwide popularity since their formation in 2008.

The Australian five-piece can already boast of touring alongside All Time Low and Simple Plan, securing a slot on the Warped Tour line-up, and having Mark Hoppus and Benji Madden as guest vocalists on a couple of their tracks.

Emotional turmoil and fragility are a dominant theme of their songs, which is why they have been so well-received by teenage audiences.

Although the band's style is not innovative, they can captivate music

Album of the week

The gratuity of sound on this album is baffling, stemming from the already strongly recognised minimalistically sampled first single “Started From The Bottom”, through the very lo-fi, electronic lover’s lament “Connect” to the amply sampled relaxed R’n’B collaboration with the velvetly voiced Sampha “Too Much”.

In more than one aspect, “Nothing Was The Same” is ultimately Drake coming into his own creatively, with a soulfully accented release filled with the self-affirmation and cockiness, much akin to the manner of songwriting of some of the biggest names in hip hop.

sembling songlet, such as the very feel-good oriented “Rock City” and the un-engagingly flirtatious “Family Tree” does not linger amidst the gems of glorious self reflection, such as second single “Wait For Me” and the powerfully apologetic “Comeback Story” It does not fail to excite and stir up the listener, keeping heels tapping at the ground, even if one is not necessarily a country connoisseur.

The poignantly velvet voice of Caleb Followill narrates a series of stories of visceral emotion and obstacles overcome, but despite the sentimental strength it breathes out, the album lacks a defining sense of dynamic, which is perhaps the only thing to be desired.

“Mechanical Bull” is to be considered a celebration of the conquered consequences of fame, Kings of Leon have battled with for quite some time and perhaps a precursor to them returning gloriously on top of the contemporary rock scene. lovers with succulent rock numbers thickly laced with a cut-throat attitude and an aggressive sound.

‘The Other Side’ delivers everything you’d expect from a pop-punk album: delicious hooks, infectious choruses, polished vocals, tempestuous riffs and soul-baring lyrics.

Disappointingly, this collection isn't as addictive as its predecessor ‘What Are You So Scared Of?’ and becomes tiresome after a few listens.

Tonight Alive may not have achieved their full potential with this release, but it's unlikely that they've peaked too early.

We live for music pluto-online.com

Gig Guide

Our guide to the best gigs in the North-West Fear Hate Destory The Ferret 3rd October Free Entry Monuments 53 Degrees 4th October £8 - 53degrees.net Kids in Glass Houses Manchester Academy 5th October £14 - seetickets.com Ryan Keen 53 Degrees 8th October £8 - 53degrees.net Johnny Marr Manchester Academy 12th October £23.50 - manchesteracademy.net Preston’s Got Soul 53 Degrees 18th October £10 Early Bird - 53degrees.net Young Rebel Set The Ferret 8th November £4 theferret.info Frankie & The Heartstrings 53 Degrees 14th November £7 ADV - 53degrees.net

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CULTURE

LONDON ACT AT THE CONTI Art

A London-based theatre group has teamed up with a local company to bring a new immersive exeperience to the city.

Fuel, who produce RING, are currently working in partnership with Preston based They Eat Culture as part of their New Theatre in your Neighbourhood project.

Ring is a thriller played out in complete darkness based around sound and offering an antidote to choice.

Listening through headphones in a pitch black room, each audience member is transported to a room very similar to the one they entered but one in which their senses lie to them, forging a mysterious world where nothing is as it seems.

The performance is created by director David Rosenberg co-founder of Shunt and director of Electric Hotel,

www.pluto-online.com

27 September 2013

Painting the picture of Preston’s art scene

“As music is the poetry of sound, so is painting the poetry of sight.” - James McNeil Whistler

and writer Glen Neath whose previous work includes the novel The Outgoing Man, and Romcom and The Bench in collaboration with Ant Hampton for Rotozaza, which have been produced in fourteen countries to date.

Recorded using innovative binaural sound technology, the show creates a 3D listening sensation for the audience member making the experience hyper realistic.

David Rosenberg has previously used this technology in Electric Hotel and Motor Show both of which were huge hits with audiences.

The show comes to The Continental, Preston, on Saturday 28 September at 7.50pm.

Tickets are £5 for students.

The Late Bus If you’re studying late at night in the Library or across campus and live in the PR1, PR2 postcode, the University provides a Late Bus Service to take you home. The service timetable runs from 2200hrs to 0430hrs seven nights a week throughout term.

Tickets for the Late Bus are available in the Library up to 48 hours in advance and must be prebooked up to 10 minutes prior to bus departure. The ticket is valid for the booked journey only.

Further details are available at: www.uclansu.co.uk/top-navigation/advice-services/safety

PLUTO

PLUTO

Issue 252

NEWS 2-5

FEATURES 6-7

THE RETURN OF GTA Gaming Grand Theft Auto V Rockstar Games

COMMENT 8-9

LIFESTYLE 10-14

CULTURE 15-18

SOCIETIES 19-20

SPORT 21-24

Pushing your buttons makes us happy

17

“The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world.” - Half-Life 2

2:1

Review - Luke Beardsworth

Anyone who has ever been exciting for any product at all will be aware that hype can work in two ways.

Anybody who was waiting for GTA IV can tell you that – the game just wasn’t fun or vibrant enough for a GTA game.

It is the games strongest point then that it returns to Los Santos and its surrounding area.

The world was last used as part of GTA: San Andreas and the same thing could be said about that game.

Before the story settles in and before you complete your first heist, the world will be what grabs you and bring you back.

Gone is the dour, grey, grid-like Liberty City and in its place is a sun-drenched paradise.

When you get out of the city itself, things only get better as some of the best playable vistas ever shown in a video-game are presented.

Then you do get to the story and one of the games many wheels falls off.

The acting is undoubtedly fantastic and the story is well-paced.

So deep are the characters that you often find yourself role-playing them even if you have never done that before in a video game. Unfortunately,

all three of them have one huge flaw. They are all, essentially, horrible human beings.

From the past that is revealed – they always have been. In GTA IV, Niko was reluctant do the things that he did and often spoke about it – his character was one of the strongest points.

Revenge has been used as a motivator too by the series. Here, the only motivators are money and boredom, and that makes it hard to connect to the character properly.

The minor gripes don’t end there – the game has a bad habit of causing your system to crash.

Nevertheless, it provides some of the strongest set-pieces in gaming.

Rockstar have developed their combat since GTA IV through Red Dead Redemption and Max Payne and that pays off immediately.

Vehicles are infinitely more fun to drive, but driving is also more dangerous.

The highlight of the game comes in the form of the heist missions, which cleverly give you the reigns in planning without actually handing over too much control.

As you develop your team and keep them alive, you develop connections to them deeper than you manage with any of the protagonist. Interestingly, these are the parts of the game where the character-switching mechanic is at its strongest.

The problem is, GTA V doesn’t quite live up to the hype. It doesn’t justify the perfect scores thrown at it by a gaming press.

It is a brilliant game, but not the best of the generation, never mind best game ever.

THE BIG INDIE EXPLOSION

SCAN THE QR CODES TO WATCH THE TRAILERS

We here at Pluto love our gaming and with the explosion in indie developers, thanks to the likes of Steam Greenlight, there’s more than ever to look forward to. Michael Bailey rounds up those games fighting the AAA titles for a piece of the pie.

With the very nature of indie development being a bit, well, unstable, the dates on these releases may well change at short notice but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get on the indie gravy train and spend your hard-earned (college was hard right?) student loan on something productive.

Shadow Warrior

Blood. Lots and lots of blood. Shadow Warrior throws you into the boots of Lo Wang and puts melee combat high on the agenda in this FPS demon-battler. The game doesn’t take itself too seriously and the gore is massively over the top in a cartoonish fashion but it is definitely not one for the younger generation – so keep the little brother out of the way while playing. Being able to dual-wield Uzis or remove a fugly looking son of Satan’s head and use it as a weapon is great fun and after all, who doesn’t like katanas? They are bloody awesome.

This reboot is set to hit the PC through Steam, GOG, Humble Store and Get Games on 26 September and has been developed by Flying Wild Hog and published by Devolver Digital.

Escape Goat 2

Following on from the 2011 PC and Xbox Live Arcade hit ‘Escape Goat’ is this reimagining of the original that comes complete with high-resolution graphics. If you never played the original the demo is available online but the premise is simple. You are a goat. You’ve been imprisoned. You need to escape.

Simple yet effective. This puzzle platformer see’s you navigate your way through ever increasing in difficulty puzzles with your little mouse side-kick and his magic hat. Warning – The goat dies a lot. Boulders fall on his head, he gets set on fire and then he’ll get minced by a circular saw so don’t get too attached to your little friend.

It was originally slated to hit Steam on 10 September but has been hit by delays and designer Ian Stocker said of the release date: “"It would be great to keep it within September, but that’s just an aspiration at this point, not a guarantee." So keep your eyes peeled for some freaky magic goat action in the very near future.

Where is my Heart

Not quite a reboot but more of a re-launch for this quirky puzzler that initially called the PlayStation Minis program its home. Breaking the levels into a series of connected frames gives a new dynamic to the standard platformer model and makes for a unique experience. You control three monsters that get lost on an adventure and need to find their way home which is easier said than done. The new breath of life for this game sees several new levels added along with remastered audio.

A PC and Mac version have already been confirmed for a September release with a Linux version set to follow “soon after”.

PLUTO

Issue 252

S O C I E T I E S

SOCIETIES EDITORS Editor Vacant

This role is now under consideration.

Want more? Find us online at www.pluto-online.com

Literature Society to host gig at 53 Degrees NEWS 2-5

FEATURES 6-7

COMMENT 8-9

Literature Society: UCLAN Students’ Union’s Literature Society is hosting a social event in 53 Degrees featuring live bands, and Frequency DJ’s.

The Watch, a four piece band made up of Music Production students will headline the evening of Thursday 3rd October from 7pm.

Preston’s student night club 53 Degrees which has played host to top artists over the years including Bastille and Jake Bugg will welcome local talent from the area.

Supporting The Watch are local bands A Year Gone By, Dirty Tsunami and Commotio Curdis.

In between each band, more local talent will be performed from UCLan’s student radio station Frequency. DJ’s from the station will be filling in the silences between sets.

The event itself has been organised by UCLan student, Josh Moorby.

Jennafer Small, co-founder of the society, said: “We hope to create a community between societies and encourage

students who are based specifically on one area of campus, (i.e. Music/performance students based in the media factory) to integrate into SU society.

“We also just want students to have a wonderful night at a club event organised by other students!

She added: “The idea just came naturally, a few of us are poets and songwriters so we naturally think of socialising during a music orientated event.”

Rick Greenhalgh, of Dirty Tsunami, said: “It's a rare opportunity for any brand new band to play 53 Degrees but headliner aside, we're all fairly fresh.

“It’s win-win for us because it’s not got the pressure of your average 53 Degrees gig at all but lets us whet our appetite there.

“I'm sure all the bands will be more than ready for the night.

“Credit has to go to Josh for throwing it together.”

Tickets are available via the 53 Degrees website or by contacting any of the bands on Facebook.

First Aid Society: It may only be week one, but First Aid have jumped in head first.

The First Aid society helps people learn more about health and safety, but most importantly how to save a life.

On top of this, they are also running sessions on issues such as asthma and the effects of drink and drugs throughout the year.

Emergency first aid at work training will also be available which gives you a three year certificate which will help en-

hance your employability in the workplace.

In fresher’s week, they signed up new members, raised awareness about giving blood and helped the Give Blood team sign up over 200 students.

To top it off, ‘Bring Blood Donation on Campus’ won the Big Vote by 1018 votes, so talks will soon start about students being able to give blood while on campus.

They would like to congratulate the three winners of our raffle from the society fair.

SAVE A LIFE

LIFESTYLE 10-14

CULTURE 15-18

SOCIETIES 19-20

SPORT 21-24

Rock ‘n’ Roll... Luke Beardsworth heading up local boys Dirty Tsunami.

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PLUTO

S P O R T

Issue 252

NEWS 2-5

FEATURES 6-7

COMMENT 8-9

LIFESTYLE 10-14

CULTURE 15-18

SOCIETIES 19-20

NEW THIRD KIT FOR LILYWHITES PRESTON North End lined up against Sheffield United in a rare yellow away strip.

Considered to be the traditional colour of away kits at Deepdale, the yellow kit went on sale on September 19th.

The new kit spawned a repeated “yellows” chant from the travelling Preston fans, who were delighted to see fans in more traditional colours on the road.

In past seasons the pink, black and red and black away kits have been commended for their style but some fans called for the return of a yellow strip.

It is likely that the kit will be used in the games against Stevenage and Bristol City away, since both use the same red and white colours as Sheffield United.

SPORT 21-24

21

SPORTING BRIEFS NEW DATE FOR FURY-HAYE FIGHT

TYSON Fury’s heavyweight bout with David Haye has been rearranged for February 8 at the Phones 4u Arena in Manchester.

The pair were due to lock horns in the same venue this weekend for their much-hyped battle.

But Haye was forced to postpone the fight last Saturday after sustaining a bad cut above his left eye which required six stiches.

The injury happened during the final sparring session of his training camp ahead of the showdown.

TENNIS AIM TO BOUNCE BACK

UCLan Tennis Club are hoping for a more successful season than the one they endured in the previous campaign.

Relegation for both men’s sides ended a disappointing season but chairman Robert Henson is hoping for better: “Last year was poor on the men’s side with both teams suffering relegation.

“However, we are hopeful that the first team will be much stronger this year and could push for promotion.

“For the ladies we would hope to remain in Division 2A as we’ve lost a few players.”

The club is looking for any new players with membership costing £20 and an extra £25 BUCS membership needed in order to play tennis.

Sessions run on Monday nights at UCLan Sports Arena from 5pm with a Tuesday Sports4U session being run.

Cansdell-Sherriff in Brewers loan move

SPORT EDITORS Editor Vacant

We are looking for lots of new Sports Editors and writers, to apply please contact: sumedia@uclan.ac.uk.

Want more? Find us online at www.pluto-online.com

UCLAN TO HOST IRELAND FOR RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP UCLAN will host the Irish Rugby League team as they participate in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. The tournament will take place in October and November of this year, meaning the event is just weeks away.

UCLan remains the only university and venue in Lancashire to be chosen as a host venue for one of the 14 nations.

The university is hosting the team in partnership with Preston City Council and the Marriott Hotel.

The tournament begins at the Millennium Stadium on October 26.

The final will take place on November 30 at Old Trafford, meaning the Irish team wIll not have far to travel if their campaign is successful.

Preston North End centre back Shane Cansdell-Sherriff has joined Sky Bet League Two outfit Burton Albion on loan.

The central defender has signed for Gary Rowett’s side up to and including 29 December and will be available to feature for them as early as the weekend.

He will also be eligible to play for the Pirelli Stadium based club in the FA Cup – providing they are not drawn to face PNE. Cansdell-Sherriff has made 22 first team appearances for Preston since his summer move from Shrewsbury Town in 2012.

JOIN A NEW SUL LEAGUE TODAY

UCLan Students Union is running many recreational leagues for you take part in alongside your course mates, flat mates or to give you an opportunity to meet new people.

Football, basketball and netball all have recreational leagues played throughout the week and there is always plenty more on offer.

For more information contact Team UCLan: Suteam@uclan.ac.uk or Telephone 01772 894843

22

SPORT

27 September 2013

www.pluto-online.com

PLUTO

THREE IN THE BAG AS NORTH END CONTINUE GOOD FORM

ONCE again, Simon Grayson’s Preston North End side spent the majority of the game on the back foot but managed to come away with three points.

A Stuart Beavon strike against the run of play is what separated the two sides.

It is often said that the sign of a promotion side is the ability to win whilst playing badly; and if Preston continue their current form of two points per game, automatic promotion is real possibility.

It’s a tribute to the starts both sides have had to the season that Preston went to Bramall Lane with rare cause for optimism.

While the Lilywhites went into the game unbeaten, in the play-off zone, and on a three-match winning streak, the Blades had only notched up four points from their opening seven games.

If there was ever a day for Preston to break their winless run at Sheffield United that stretched all the way back to 1978, then it was Saturday.

However, Sheffield United started the game brightly after handing full debuts to both Marlon King and Ryan Hall.

Notable signing Jose Baxter drew a strong save from England U-21 international Declan Rudd, as did Tony McMahon from a curling set-piece.

The game was predictably fought largely in the air, with Preston attacks primarily launched from defence to the

experienced head of new striker Kevin Davies.

The Blades were left disheartened after it appeared Preston defender Bailey Wright had handled the ball in the area, but the referee turned down the strong appeals for a penalty.

However, the away team defended well after allowing Sheffield United early chances, forcing the Yorkshire team into desperate long range efforts from the likes of former Preston defender Matt Hill.

It was only fitting that Hill would provide the error that gifted Preston the win then.

Caught in position by Davies, Hill stumbled, allowing the ball to be played through to Beavon.

With an impressive record over the past two seasons, Beavon wasn’t going to squander the opportunity and he cut inside to finish neatly from close-range.

The defeat resulted in a chorus of boos from the home supporters at the full time whistle.

Sheffield United manager David Weir finds himself under immense pressure just eight games into the season.

Relegation to League Two is something not even worth contemplating for a side that was relegated from the Premier League under the very sketchy circumstances surrounding Carlos Tevez and West Ham United.

Grayson, however, finds his side fly-

ing high. He said: “We came up against a side with a wealth of experience and lots of exciting players.

“But we imposed ourselves, defended when we had to, and then we had players at the other end of the pitch who hurt the opposition.

“All round, it was a real professional performance from the team.

“Staurt Beavon took his chance really well and he was lively all afternoon.”

After exorcising the demon of Graham Westley with a 3-0 against Stevenage last weekend, Preston will be

delighted to have done the same with their abysmal Bramall Lane record here.

Next up is a home tie against midtable Swindon who have yet to find any consistency this year.

They fell to a 2-0 defeat in mid-week against Premier League Chelsea.

THE <i> STUDENT INFORMATION CENTRE

Now located on the Ground Floor of the Library.

The first point of call for ADVICE, SUPPORT & REFERRAL on all aspects of University life.

Follow us: www.twitter.com/TheiUClan www.facebook.com/uclanthei

Contact us: ti@uclan.ac.uk 01772 895000

Learning & Information Services www.uclan.ac.uk/the-i

UNUSUAL MARATHON FOR TUTOR PLUTO

Issue 252

NEWS 2-5

Pluto Puzzle&Games Plutoku - Down to Earth

FEATURES 6-7

COMMENT 8-9

LIFESTYLE 10-14

Plutoku - Out of this world

CULTURE 15-18

SOCIETIES 19-20

WILLIAM Titley, a Fine Arts lecturer a UCLan has completed a unique marathon as part of the Harris Flights Project.

Titley ran 26.4 miles in and around the Harris Arts Museum and Art Gallery and he said about the event: “My work often involves the merging of art and everyday life events, particularly local culture.

“The Harris Flights project is an opportunity for me to merge the culture of Fell Running with the exploration of the physical space of the Museum and Gallery.”

Fell Running, along with Fine Art, is a passion of Titley’s and he discussed the differences between Fell Running and the marathon in Preston.

He said: “There was a huge difference between Fell Running and this event due to the marble floor and hard surfaces.

“But on the other hand, it seemed much easier in the sense that the terrain was a constant as opposed to loose rocks, mud, wet grass etc. which is what I faced at the Ben Nevis Fell Race a week earlier as part of my training.

“The constant terrain meant that I could find a rhythm and keep it steady, apart from dodging the odd member of the public.”

Titley also talked about other difficulties he found along the way.

He said: “I remember being a little down about 17 miles as there seemed to be no one else around, just me plodding up and down, around and back again.

“It’s at those points in long distance running that you start to ask yourself why the hell you're doing such a strange thing. I was expecting it to get painful towards the end and

SPORT 21-24

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after 18 miles my legs were very tight and the threat of cramp seemed only one slip away.

“I had to dig deep at this point and stay focused.”

However, there were some positives.

“The climbs weren't as difficult as I had anticipated and I was surprised at how quickly I found myself back at the top of the building, or was I just drifting off into auto-pilot in-between floors?

“Anyway, it wasn't long before I grew in confidence, especially coming down the flights of stairs, skipping two steps at a time and getting rather cocky with it.”

Titley also spoke of how the public, students and gallery staff helped him along the way.

He said: “I was helped along by an old lady in the cafeteria on the ground floor who kept handing me sweets as I passed.

“She would just sit there smiling with her arm out stretched waving her boiled sweets.

“I also had encouragement from the gallery staff, some jogged with me for a yard or two and others would simply ask how I was doing, how many miles had I done and general gestures of encouragement.

“Each time I went outside onto the Harris Flights I was also lifted by the student volunteers who were logging my statistics manning my drinks / snack station and recording the event on social networks.”

And it was all worth it in the end: “I completed the final few laps to clapping and cheering and even did a Rocky dance at the top of the Flights to confirm the end of my ordeal.”

The marathon was one of 17 events run by UCLan as part of the Harris Flights project.

Can you circle exactly three numbers to make a total of 19?

PLUTO SPORT

PRESTON NORTH END MARCH ON WITH VICTORY OVER SHEFF UTD, PAGE 22 UCLAN TO HOST IRELAND RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM DURING WORLD CUP, PAGE 21

TRIALS DAY SUCCESS UNUSUAL MARATHON FOR UCLAN LECTURER,

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OVER 200 students attended British University and College Sport Trial Day on Wednesday to try and secure a place on one of the many Team UCLan sports teams.

Football - as usual - was the big winner with an exceptionally large turnout which was potentially boosted by the fact former UCLan striker Joe Lolley recently signed professional terms with Kidderminster Harriers.

The Rams [American Football] once again held a successful trial day with over 70 new members attending their first session as they look to improve on last season’s 4th place finish. Rams founder and Activities and Participation Officer Sam Bloomfield said: “I was extremely impressed with the turnout for the Rams and the new committee have really done us proud.

“From an officer perspective, I’m pleased with how trials day has gone with many teams doing extremely well for numbers.”

It was good news for Women’s Netball who had over 50 new members while UCLan Scorchers [Handball] saw their numbers almost treble on their Monday night session with high hopes of becoming affiliated into BUCS in the near future.

>> Over 200 students in trials >> Football once again do well