Nerve Magazine Vol. 1 #4

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FEBRUARY 13

WHO’S ON BOARD? Editor Toby Gray editor@nervemedia.org.uk

Features Editor Victoria Richards Kath Mathews (sub) Noora Salonen (sub) LaTeesha Osborne (sub) features@nervemedia.org.uk

Fashion Editor Natalie Glaze Grace Williams (sub) Holly Welsh (sub) fashion@nervemedia.org.uk

Sport Editor Dan Welling Oscar Tollast (sub) Craig Rodhouse (sub) sport@nervemedia.org.uk

Entertainment Editor Joshua Iredale Tara May Cox (sub) ents@nervemedia.org.uk

Comment Editor Natalie Taylor

Got it COVERED P26

Check what we’ve got for you this month...

ANDREW STRAUSS 7000 test match runs, 27 international centuries, and one of the most successful English captains in cricket history. We talk the unsurpassable sporting legend on his recent retirement and his new academy.

comment@nervemedia.org.uk

Online Editor Maddie Feltham Lucy Hitchcock online@nervemedia.org.uk

Photo Editor Rachael Sanders photo@nervemedia.org.uk

Subbing Rachael Reynolds Anushka Naidoo Advertising Samantha Stockwell

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FINC. BU student Franklin Baeza’s co-owned football clothing brand is making a name for itself. In an exclusive photoshoot, he walked us through the range.

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UGLY DUCKLING

Not your average hip hop group, UD are amongst the most prominent underground acts ever, We caught up with Andy C.

susales@bournemouth.ac.uk 01202 961461

Media Coordinator Joe Tattersall sunerve@bournemouth.ac.uk 01202 961681

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ELECTRIC SIX

DIck Valentine isn’t your average frontman. He’s erratic, twisted and probably a little disturbed, but we love it. You’ve all seen the music videos, and trust us; he’s odder in person. We chat to the man himself.

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BU FALCONS

Cheering your way to total school spirit is no easy feat. Requiring time, dedication and passion, meet BU Falcons, fying high above the competition.

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FEBRUARY 13

Contributors

Writers Roseanne Blaze John Gusman Victoria Sheppard Laura Eley Will Oxford Charlotte Gay Jodie Mcewan Sophie Boyden Adam Trimby Mallory Mabe Luke Stevenson Adam Spencer-Hicken Ben Fisher Joanne Ball Designers Bryony Diplock Joanna Poulton Lauren Debono-Elliot Illustrators Grant Corlett Nathan Hackett Becky Hill Sam Mattacott Will Oxford Alice Kirkham

Word From Your Editor

A

new year, a new you. Yeah right. The Christmas chub is verging on passing that ‘cute’ stage, and we were all too busy debating what’ll happen when Jools Holland dies to notice the New Year countdown.

But hey, we’re back now and all those assignments we neglected to touch over the break have snuck up on us with their evil eyes. That’s why for 2013, Nerve is all about procrastination.

Easing you away (probably foolishly) from the hard graft of a degree into the simple pleasures of squirting the day away. Watch out for our new posters, you’ll know what we mean.

With that, we present you with Issue 4, with loads of top content for you to avoid that 4,000-word essay on the social and economic

Keep Up facebook.com/nervemagazine twitter.com/nervemagazine www.nervemedia.org.uk

Wanna Join?

For opportunities to get ininvolved, whether it be writing, design, illustration, photography or even a spot of photobombing, email editor@nervemedia.org.uk for details.

Important Stuff Here at SUBU, we print on 100% recycled paper using vegetable -based inks by Indigo Press Limited, achieving ISO14001 and FSC accreditations.

Nerve Magazine is produced

by SUBU (the Students Union @ Bournemouth University). Information correct at time of going to press (January 2012). The views expressed are not necessarily those of Nerve Media, SUBU or the Editor.

Nerve Magazine is printed on 250 gsm silk cover and 115gsm body provided by Indigo printing Press.

value of a curtain poll. We chat to England cricket and Ashes hero Andrew Strauss, get cosy with Electric Six’s erratic (and sometimes disturbing) Dick Valentine, as well as underground hip-hop legends Ugly Duckling, Mayday Parade and rockers The Architects.

BU student Franklin Baeza walks us through his fresh football clothing brand Finc. in an exclusive Nerve photo shoot, and we catch up with the latest society craze dancing their way to the top, the BU Falcons.

Mix that in with loads more top features, sport, opinion and entertainment, and it looks like that assignment will have to wait just one more day. Go on, you deserve a break.

Toby Gray

The Full Line Up

REGULARS

FASHION

07 Mix Tape

15 London Fashion Week

08 Heads Up!

16 January detox

09 Winners/Losers

18 DIY statement collars

32 Photo of the month

20 Finc.

36 Reviewed

FEATURES

58 Milk!

OPINION

12 Gone Skippin’ 28 Swap n’ save

30 Redefining marriage

34 8 night out tips

45 New Year’s resolutions suck

46 Bu Falcons

61 Who hates updates?

56 Placing yourself on top

ENTERTAINMENT

63 Top 5: treats we miss

10 Mayday Parade

SPORT

38 Electric Six

26 Andrew Strauss

40 Girls gone vinyl

48 AFCB: Brett Pittman

42 Ugly Duckling

50 Darts: sport or not?

54 Architects

52 Ben Quilter

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Essential TRACKS we’ve been listening to this MONTH

ANGEL HAZE NEW YORK Number three on the BBC’s sound of 2013, Angel’s been compared to Azealia Banks and her role model Nicki Minaj, but she reckons she’s better. Make your own minds up with this complex track with a menacing beat that gives full access to her twisted lyrics. Watch out for her in 2013.

TORI KELLY STAINED

TOM ODELL ANOTHER LOVE Tom became the first male to win the BRITs Critic’s Choice Award and it’s not hard to see why in this beautiful tale of confusion and tiredness that more than justifies the huge hype surrounding the 21 year singer songwriter.

After a failed attempt at American Idol, Tori Kelly came back strong with her "Handmade Songs" EP. Our favorite track is Stained. Just a girl, her voice and her guitar singing about what she knows. Check out some of the acoustic and live versions and let her voice wow you, 2013 has big things in store.

ROMARE YOUR LOVE This beatifully produced, multi layered and irrestibably relaxing chillstep track has signalled Romare as one of the premium DJ’s to watch out for this year. Taken from his unreleased new EP, you can’t help but sit back and appreciate the craft behind it’s exquisite production. Plus, listen out for the supreme sample of Peggy Lee’s Fever for that familiarity factor.

LET HER GO PASSENGER A delightful track from Passenger’s most recent album, All the Little Lights. For folk, acoustic, singersongwriter fans, Mike Rosenberg, the singer behind the stage name should be your cup of tea. The song’s already reached number one in the Belgian and Dutch charts, so you know we must be onto a winner, right?

PLANES STAY THE WEEKEND

ATOMS FOR PEACE JUDGE JURY AND EXECUTIONER The new single from Thom Yorke’s latest side project is everything you’d expect from a typical Radiohead song.

Technically measured, lyrically haunting and subtly layered. The fusion of acoustic guitar and digital glitches pumped over a compelling, but sometimes disorientating 7/4 beat blends together into a rhythmic playhouse, that feels nothing but organic.

Head straight to the playlist by scanning the QR code or visit www.nervemedia.org.uk

Four cheeky lads from Portsmouth bring us this upbeat, feel-great indie song. The Planes showcase strong quirky vocals strongly backed by cracking guitar riffs and a steady drumbeat.

Definitely one to be listening to in the garden with no less than a cold pint during Spring 2013.

DAVID BOWIE WHERE ARE WE NOW? The return of a seminal artist after 10 year’s absence is always a welcome sight. Immediately reviewed as a ‘grower’, it takes a few listens to shake off the "this isn’t Bowie" bug. Once you do, it’s a deep, dreamy concept that showcases what we’ve been missing from his immeasurable talent. Granted, it’s not vintage Bowie, but nothing out there is, so it’s damn well close.

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HEADS UP! YOUR MONTH IN BOURNEMOUTH

FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND @SOUND CIRCUS 2 FEBRUARY CLUBBING

GIGS

EVENTS

The Old Fire Station 28 January

Sound Circus 2 February

Lighthouse Poole 26 January

The Winchester 1 February

O2 Academy 2 February

The Old Fire Station 31 January

The Old Fire Station 2 February

BIC 7 February

The Old Fire Station 9 February

O2 8 February

Snap Back Eden

Get Satisfied Dub Optic

Funeral for a Friend Frankenstein Knife Party Plan B

Rita Ora

O2 Academy 15 February

WAYF

The Old Fire Station 16 February

Itchy Feet

The Old Fire Station 25 February

Ram Jam

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AUCB Spring Awakening

Lighthouse Poole 31 January- 1st February

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Lighthouse Poole 5-6 February

11 February

Little Mix

Moscow State Circus

BIC 16 February

Lighthouse Poole 8-10 February

The Old Fire Station 22 February

O2 Academy 20 February

The Old Fire Station 24 February

BIC 23 February

Whole Lotta Led The Enemy

You’re through to the next round: Little Mix @ BIC, 16 February Credit: AB UK

Valentines Ball feat. Example BIC Paul Van Dyk

Comedy Nation

NME Awards 2013 Jimmy Carr Not an accountant in sight: Jimmy Carr @ BIC, 23 February

us Blunt shows Actress Emily at the Screen ne do s it’ w ho a Awards, with Actors Guild f in an lit shown of sp gh hi h ig th lina ; maybe Ange elegant pose deciA . te no ke ta Jolie should d out ade her stan sion that m e glorious th th wi d from the crow ting her complimen green gown her ever to ng di ad skin tone . elegant look

EMERALD When you think of 2013, the colour that instantly springs to mind is emerald, right? Well you better start making it that way. According to Pantone, the guru’s of all things colour, it’s the official tone of the year.

Expect fashion, beauty and design to be littered with it all year, and to celebrate that, it’s even the official colour of this issue. Enjoy.

Any scepticism about the ‘The Hobbit’ vanished on its release. Met with critical acclaim AND adding to that money mountain? No jealousy here. None at all.

LIONEL MESSI

singer David Legendary glam rock 66th Birthday Bowie celebrated his rk the occasion, this month, and to ma le. This shocked he released a new sing who haven’t fans and music critics, the Thin White heard anything from his return is Duke for 10 years, but come back warmly welcomed. Wel sed.

Ziggy, you’ve been mis

WINNERS

The little Argentinian magician won his fourth consecutive Ballon D’Or award for the best player on the planet a month after breaking the record for the number of goals scored in a calendar year. Now he’s cemented his place as the greatest player of the modern era - can he become the greatest of all time?

LOSERS MONTH OF THIS

Kristen Stewart known for her boyish red carpet looks took a daring approach to red carpet with colour blocking at the 2012 Met Gala. The snakeskin bodice dress finished off with an unusual choice of shoe was a choice which did not pay off for Kristen only to make her feet look as if they were bandaged.

RAFAEL NADAL The legendary Spaniard was set to return from a six month injury at the Australian Open in January, but was forced to pull out again through illness and lack of practice. After dropping out of the top four for the first time in eight years it’s going to be hard for Nadal to recapture his former glory.

Kanye west Look what he’s gone and done; he’s knocked up Kim K. Let’s hope for his sake, the baby takes on more of the hip hop mogul, because let’s face it, the last thing we need is another fame hungry, reality show diva with Kanye’s ego to match.

The rules are now clear though: no more sex tapes Kim, the baby’s got enough on its plate.

Splash!

Dubbed ‘a new low for TV’, it’s effectively mildly famous celebrities, who train for weeks with nation’s sweetheart Tom Daley (who coincidentally is capable of wearing clothes), belly flopping from 3m in front of a crowd of adoring morons. It’s then down to Jo Brand, with all her diving expertise to sugar coat just how shit and worthless this whole exercise is.

Alright, show’s over.

Nothing to see.

Return to your normal lives. C’mon, you didn’t really think it was going to happen did you?

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MAYDAY PARADE Mentioning in their last interview with Nerve that the band’s name came from a visit to a Christmas market, it must be a brilliant experience for them to watch the same name become recognised almost worldwide.

Tara Cox talks to lead vocalist Derek Sanders about what’s changed for the band since the release of their hugely successful self-titled album When Nerve last caught up with you, you were supporting You Me At Six at the 02 Academy in October last year. What’s changed for you since then?

Well we put out our album a year ago and it’s pretty much been just touring, both in the U.S and internationally a whole lot. We also did Warped Tour over the summer, we went down to Brazil for the first time – we’ve just been staying busy like we always do and it’s been a lot of fun.

Have you had any problems as a band along the way?

It’s been pretty smooth sailing, and is pretty exhausting sometimes but that’s the worst that it gets, we relatively operate problem free and keep on going.

So you’ve been playing the Vans 2012 Warped tour – how was that?

It was great, it’s always a lot of fun and we’ve done it quite a few times now so we know what to expect and we’re used to it. It’s a long tour and can be pretty exhausting but it’s definitely rewarding and I think it was our best year this year.

Why was that?

We did the best in merchandise and we’ve never done that well in merchandise before, and the shows were a little bigger so overall I think it felt like the best year of doing Warped Tour.

Do you have any favourite bands you’ve toured with?

It’s tough to say and there’s not just one band, we love most of the bands we tour with but for me personally You Me At Six and many others have been a great experience.

What is your favourite track to play live?

It definitely changes each tour we do so I couldn’t say one song in particular!

What is the song writing process like in the band?

Normally one of us will have an idea which is at the start is very basic, but it will motivate us all. Whenever we spend months on the road we play guitar and talk about everyone’s ideas and sometimes if we like them enough, they turn into songs for us.

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Photo Tom Falcone Design Toby Gray And where does your song inspiration come from?

Mainly we sit and listen to songs we like but it also comes down to life experience and relationships.

So your self-titled album has been out roughly a year now. What has the response from fans been like?

It’s been great, we all love it and that was the whole main idea; we wanted to go in and make an album that we loved, and people seem to love it as well which is really cool. It’s fun playing a lot of the new stuff live, and it’s fantastic to see people singing along and really getting into it!

So, you mentioned to Nerve before how being signed by and working with ILG (Independent Label Group) meant you were able to create the album you’d always wanted to. Are you hoping to do the same again with your new album?

Yeah absolutely, the way we did this last album -

ENTS

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The way we did this last album everything felt right and it felt perfect

everything felt right and it felt perfect. I think we’ll do the same thing and finish out the touring for the rest of this year, and then start writing the next album and go record it in early 2013. Hopefully we can put it out there like this album and do it all over again!

Is there anything you would do differently this time?

I don’t think so. As far as all the major stuff goes, I think I’d like to write the same way we did last time where we got together at a beach house, which was really cool. I’d like to go back to Atlanta in the same recording studio too.

What’s coming up in the next year for you?

I think we’ll mainly be working on the next album and we’ll see how far into the year it takes us. Then we’ll start touring again prob-

ably by spring, and if nothing else by early summer we’ll be on the road again and we’ll see where that takes us.

Do you have a rough date for when the new album will be out?

We’re hoping for late summer or so, it depends on how long the process takes. If the time frame works out the same as it did for our last album, we recorded it in February and March and it came out in October so we’re hoping for the same kind of time.

Do you have a message for all your UK fans?

Thanks a lot for the support, this is our seventh time coming over here which is really crazy. It’s been cool to see the industry grow over here and what it’s become so we really appreciate it, thank you.

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gone skippin’

Ever wondered whether all that food you throw away could be going to better use? Well, it is. Illegal in the UK, freeganism involves rummaging through bins to reclaim perfectly edilble food that’s been chucked. Noora Salonen investigates ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATION Alice KIRKHAM

F

ood waste is a major issue in the UK. Not only is it damaging our finances – 12 billion pounds worth of food goes to waste from our fridges and cupboards annually – but it is also detrimental to our environment.

According to the Love Food, Hate waste campaign, 50 % of the food thrown away comes from our homes - a total of 7.2 million tonnes - of which half is still edible at the time it ends up in the bin.

This information is easily accessible online, however it’s a different story when it comes to the facts and figures of food waste that is created in shops and stores in the UK. No amount of Googling seems to come to my avail here.

It’s time to do some digging. Maria Paldanius, 23, studying Nutritional Sciences at Bournemouth University takes me with her to a site she’s visited before: a bin behind a local Co-op. She’s no stranger when it comes to dumpster diving for food. The bins are padlocked and we have to stick our hands in to get to the food which lies neatly in a large

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plastic bag at the bottom of the bin.

We discover bread, cookies, sandwiches, doughnuts and other treats perfectly pristine inside their wrappings and all still very much edible. I am shocked at the amount of food we find.

Later on we count how much our lot would actually be worth: over £34. We visit the bin on several occasions on different nights and most nights there is something new there. If this is how much food ends up in the garbage on a weekly basis, then how much does it tally up to in a month or a year? This is only a small shop. How much food must get wasted at the likes of Asda superstores?

However, a tiny percentage of this food might end up in the hands of freeganists – people who live off the food and things they get free by skipping and have put to good use the discarded things of others. Freeganism is often linked with anti-consumerist ideas and skipping is both convenient for their way of life but also a statement against the modern day consumerism.

Maria is not a full-time freegan, but she has

SO MANY PEOPLE COULD BENEFIT FROM THE FOOD THAT IS THROWN AWAY

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FEATURE

some strong opinions to share about food waste. ‘’People don’t seem to be too aware of the fact that so much edible food is going to garbage. So many people could benefit from the food that is thrown away.’’

She’s not suggesting that the solution to this problem would be an easy one, but rather a slow process: ‘’The problem should be solved step by step and all parts of the food industry should be involved. This means the farmers, store owners and the consumers. There is an excess of food at each point in the journey from farm to fork. The stores should reevaluate the demand for products. Changes can be done at consumer level as well. We buy too much and are not able to consume it all - and buying too much is a sign for the shop owners and farmers that we want more than what we actually consume! Every individual has the power to show the food industry what we really want and need, and what is worth producing and selling.’’

Skipping is illegal in the UK but in Maria’s home country Finland, it is not. ‘’ The system here is just ridiculous. You can get a fine for dumpster diving! I don’t know whether I should laugh or cry.’’

Maria has friends back in Finland who get 80% of what they need from bins and were they not the parents of a small child, they say it would be possible to get everything they need solely from discarded goods.

Maria wants to put to rest the general idea that dumpster food is somehow bad or dirty.

‘’Just to mention, I have been dumpster diving for the last 3 years and have never gotten sick. Simply because the food is completely edible!’’

I have to agree with Maria. I have been skipping every now and then for a few months now, and every single time the food is perfectly fine even though it has passed its use-by date.

Why do these organisations not donate the food at the end of the day? There must be charities that would benefit from it.

Something that has a use-by date on the 19th will not be inedible by the stroke of midnight on the 20th.

As mentioned earlier, shops and stores are not the only ones who are terrible wasters of food. We as consumers do the very same thing, but at least we have bought the food with the intent of using it whereas the food heading for the bin in stores has never had the chance. As students, there is little excuse for us to be throwing anything away.

Glancing at the pile of food on my kitchen table after yet another skipping trip, I can simply wonder: why is all this food wasted and why isn’t more being done about it?

Design Lauren Debono-Elliot

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FASHION

LO N D O N

FA S H I O N WEEKEND WORDS: GRACE WILLIAMS

I

AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

t’s almost February and in fashion world that means one thing; London Fashion Week preparations! The main autumn /winter 2013 event will be held in London midway through the month, closely followed by London Fashion Weekend, which runs from 21st – 24th February.

London Fashion Weekend, the consumer event shadowing the big elite week, is a great option for those of you student fashionistas who want to be a part of the action but are on a limited budget. Tickets are on sale now, ranging from the ‘Just Shop’ £15 bargain ticket, to the £32 ‘Shop & The Lot’ ticket, which guarantees you entry to a designer catwalk show and enables you to receive the notorious show bag filled with exclusive gifts.

The event is held at the beautiful Somerset House,

home to the British Fashion Council, the perfect setting for the winter retail occasion. With over 100 designers, 21 catwalks and plenty of discounted retail therapy opportunities spread over the four-day event, you certainly don’t have to sacrifice on experience. For an added extra, you might even like to get pampered in the hands of the official sponsors for an Elizabeth Arden professional makeover or a Toni & Guy hairstyle; that’s shopping in style!

So if you’re feeling a bit out of the loop, and unable to get your name on the notorious and sought after Burberry and Mulberry guest lists during London Fashion Week, then the weekend is certainly an option to consider. Gather some friends, dress to impress and take a stylish day out of your assignments to brighten up this cold season.

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Time To DetoX! It’s that time of year again.

All that food, alcohol, late nights and partying over the festive period has taken its toll. Come the end of it, we’re all gasping for a good cleanout, which is why abstaining from alcohol, taking some exercise, eating healthily and adding some of these great detox foods into your diet can really help refresh your regime so you can look great in all the new season collections. So look no further, as we present you the top detox foods to add to your diet.

LEMONS The lemon detox diet is widely associated with celebrities as being one of the most powerful, yet simple body cleanses around. Why? Aside from the fact that each fruit is packed full of vitamin C, lemons aid the restoration of the body’s acid-alkali balance, keeping your insides at a steady pH. This means that your body is better able to support healthy bacteria and assist the removal of environmental and dietary toxins in the body. Try drinking the juice of one lemon in a mug of hot water as a morning beverage and just watch the difference.

BEETROOT

Words Natalie Glaze

ACAI BERRIES They might only be tiny, but acai berries are one of the most potent forms of antioxidants in the world , as well as powerful metabolism boosters. Antioxidants protect the body from the over-production of free radicals – chemicals which can cause damage to proteins, fats, carbohydrates and DNA in the body. Make the most of this amazing ‘super food’ and stock up. Most health food stores sell concentrated acai juices and tablets, just be sure to go for the natural ones free from artificial additives and sugars.

LEMONS

Beetroot comm only fea tures in detox diets, and not with out good reason. They are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, including betacyanin – the pigment that gives beetroot its deep ruby colour.

GOJI BERRIES Another berry you’d be wise to pay attention to. The husky red fruits, which can often be found in dried form in health food shops, are like little bombs of vitamins, iron and beta carotene – a compound which has been linked to aiding the body fight cancer and heart disease.

Pick up a bag as a healthy afternoon snack, or sprinkle a handful over your (preferably wholegrain) cereal in the morning for a serious antioxidant boost.

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Design Toby Gray

FASHION

FLAX SEEDS Just two tablespoons of flax seed is enough to provide you with over 100% of your daily allowance of omega 3 fatty acids; good fats which, rather than sticking to your waistline, support healthy cell development and promote a healthy heart. The seeds are also packed full of metabolising manganese (a trace mineral used for several vital bodily functions) and dietary fibre, which aids the body’s natural detoxification process by helping digestion. Grab a box from your local health food shop and get sprinkling!

WHITE TEA We’ve all heard of the antioxidant powers of green tea, but when it comes to cleansing, white tea is definitely the pick of the bunch. It’s made from the young bud of the tea plant, when the leaves are at their most potent. The leaves are dried naturally, helping to preserve their natural properties. As such, white tea is incredibly high in polyphenols, antioxidants used to fight off free radicals in the body and catechins, another group of antioxidants which reduce cholesterol in the body. Swap out your usual builder’s brew for a cup and see what happens.

GREEN VEGETABLES There’s a reason why your mum told you to eat your greens as a child – green vegetables like broccoli, brussel sprouts, and leaves like spinach and kale are not only high in dietary fibre, which aids digestion and therefore the excretion of toxins, but also contain high amounts of vitamin A, C, E, iron, beta carotene and calcium, all of which are essential nutrients in aiding the body’s natural detoxification process. Try putting green vegetables with some berries in a smoothie for breakfast for a healthy start to your day.

WATER So simple, but oh so effective! In order to help your body rid itself of pesky toxins, it is essential that you drink plenty of fresh, clean water.

Water makes up 70% of our bodies, helping not just to keep our brains hydrated and fully functional, but also to replenish water in the cells throughout your body.

Be sure to drink your recommended eight glasses of water a day, and remember to drink more if you exercise.

GRAPEFRUIT Grapefruits have high water content and are high in fat burning enzymes. A combination of these characteristics makes grapefruit a perfect food for increasing your body’s metabolism. As well as its metabolism-boosting properties, grapefruits are thought to rid the body of unwanted toxins thanks to the high levels of vitamin C, they contain leaving you with glowing hair and skin.

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DIY STATEMENT COLLARS Fashion Editor Grace Williams guides you through a cheap and crafty fix to stay on trend with innovative accessorising As students, and the bank balance that inevitably comes with the title, clothes shopping may have been forced to take a backseat in your money spending habits.

Assembling dream online baskets and wishfully lusting over the luxurious fashion pages of magazines may have become a taxing pastime, yet your wardrobe remains the same.

So now it’s time to give those existing, neglected clothes a stylish update.

From catwalk to high street, collars have been big news lately, adding simple sophistication to any look. So make a statement out of that collar; think sharp androgyny and button up girls! Whether a detachable accessory or as a feature on tops and dresses, embellished with sequins or even studs, there are so many ways to work this look, and Nerve will show you just how easy it is to achieve with these three great looks.

You will need: • - An old collared shirt of your choice • - OPTION 1: Collar necklace of your choice (all over the high street) •- OPTION 2: Collar tips (ASOS Marketplace) • - OPTION 3: Studs (eBay or any craft/fabric shop) Photos Grace Williams Design Toby Gray

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ONE A collared necklace of your choice can be placed straight under the collar of any shirt

FASHION

TWO

Slip the collar tips onto the corners of any collar and press to secure.

`THREE Carfully pierce the stud prongs through the material of a shirt collar Fold the prongs back on themselves to secure them into place

Tip: avoid any sheer or silk material shirts for piercing studs and opt for sturdy cot ton to avoid damaging the material.

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FINCIN G AHEAD

In an exclusive photo shoot, Bournemouth University student Franklin Baeza walks us through his fresh co-owned football clothing brand Finc.

Photography Rachael Sanders Interview Natalie Glaze

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FASHION

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How did you and your business partner Matthew Ormsby meet?

We met at halls, we both got put in the same flat at Purbeck House and were living directly next door to each other. When I first arrived I mentioned my intentions of partnering with an art student. Matt told me he did A level art and got an A*.

After showing me his portfolio we chose to become business partners. It was destined.

What kind of products do Finc. make, and what’s the inspiration behind them?

Well the main products created by Finc are currently snapbacks. They are influenced by American apparel companies such as Mitchell & Ness, New Era and Starter. The designs are done by Matthew using a digital sketch pad.

We sit together and discuss colour schemes and small details such as positioning of the writing etc.

With being students and having such a low budget, how did you make the step from just an idea to becoming NERVE 22

recognised internationally?

A lot of graft, and generally taking risks. I managed to get in contact with Mikill Pane’s producer Jake Gosling when we were sorting him out with the Gunners hat. He uploaded a picture of One Direction in his studio so we took a risk and sent one to the best looking one, Zayn. It was a stroke of luck that he injured himself at JB’s house party so he had a lot of press on him and he happened to be wearing our hat!

How would you say your time at Bournemouth University and your course has helped you develop skills, which in turn have grown your business?

The benefit in knowledge I’ve had over studying at Bournemouth is the links we’ve made with the music industry. We met Mikill Pane at Icecreamed and also managed to meet an ex-student at the freshers fair who is close with the CEO of Grimedaily and within 2 weeks the boss was ringing me to put our products in the Grimedaily store.

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What has been the highlight of the Finc journey?

Becoming a registered trademark has really boosted our belief in where we are going. It’s given us that extra edge in knowing we’re in it for the long run. Have

the likes of Mikill Pane, Zayn Malik from One Direction, Danny Dyer, The Manor and other musicians wearing our hats has really been a highlight for me.

Future plans for Finc?

A bigger range of clubs. We want to license our products to have official affiliation with them. In five years we want to open a flagship store. We want wider support from artists and celebs of all genres. We want to have more love from the UK as most sales are going to America. Our aim is to make Varsity jackets, hoodies and denim jackets.

What advice would you give other students on starting a business?

Keep it simple, don’t over-strategise and go with the flow.

Design Toby Gray

What has been the hardest part of setting up your own business so far?

Cash flow. Being students doesn’t help as we funded the business ourselves with our student loans so we feel the pinch as we have kept all capital within the business. Registering as a trademark was also a lengthy process as I did the paperwork myself. We spend a lot of time on it and legal issues with a particular football club weren’t great, (no names mentioned)!

“

Keep it simple, don’t overstrategise and go with the flow finc.uk.com @FincUK

”

NERVE 25

Victoria Sheppard speaks to the recently retired, and one of the greatest English cricketers of all time

I

n the current economical climate many of us can only dream of the thought of retirement at 35 years old, however former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss did just that last year.

In a glittering career spanning nine years, Andrew scored over 7000 test match runs and made 27 international centuries. He became the first England captain for 24 years to win Ashes series at home and abroad and led England to the summit of the ICC test rankings in 2011. He finally retired from international cricket after his 100th test cap ending one of the finest English careers of the modern era.

Andrew was on great form when I met him at Lord’s Cricket Ground - the grandest and most historical cricket pitch in the world located at the heart of London - beaming with pride as he looked down on his former home ground.

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Since his retirement last August, Andrew hasn’t slowed down his pace. He has impressively already started training for the London Marathon 2013 – clearly not wanting his fitness levels to deplete. Though he did joke that he won’t be doing a ‘Freddie Flintoff’ on us and jump in the ring anytime soon and chuckled, "Flintoff the next Mohammed Ali – more like Mohammed Ali’s wife!", he did state that if he were to change sport it would be to tennis as it would challenge him.

Following the announcement of his retirement in August 2012 to the rest of the England Cricket team Strauss was presented with 100 bottles of wine, each signifying a memorable time in his career. Strauss said he was working his way through them, though some of them had such significance he wasn’t quite sure what to do with them (I’m sure the Bournemouth Uni students have a few good ideas).

SPORT

you become a family on the road together...so there is a very strong bond between us all Left: Strauss captained England to Ashes wins in England and Australia.

Victoria : Other than your marathon training, how else have you been spending your time since retiring as captain?

Andrew : I have been spending quality time with the family, doing the odd school run, though the majority of my time has been spent playing golf and lots of it. My favourite moment so far has been playing golf at St Andrews in Scotland. I’m looking forward to taking my children to St Lucia in January.

V: So you don’t fancy golf as an alternative career choice?

A: I wish – the professionals are too good, I think it would frustrate me trying to keep up the pace. It’s not something you can become fantastic at overnight (cue another joke over Flintoff’s boxing). Joking aside I do admire Freddie for getting in the boxing ring – it is dangerous and you can get hurt. Being a professional sportsman, I do understand the buzz and adrenaline he craves – there is nothing like national support and a cheering crowd to get your spirits up.

V: How about getting involved in the media industry, perhaps as a pundit?

A: Participating in some pundit work later down the line may well happen, though media work is not necessarily a priority at the moment. I have invested in a property development in St Lucia where I am opening a cricket academy to help grow

the involvement in sports for the locals, which means I still get to indulge in some cricket.

V: That’s great, does that mean we should watch out for a new generation of St Lucian cricketers?

A: Ahh, I need to make them excellent players, but I can’t have them beating England! It is important to give something back to the local community and give people opportunities they wouldn’t normally have.

I hope to do regular nets sessions with them.

V: Are you still close to the rest of the England team?

A: Yes, you become a family on the road together for about 250-300 days a year so there is a very strong bond between us all. I see [Alastair] Cook, [Jimmy] Anderson and [Jonathan] Trott very regularly.

V: How do the team spend their time being away from home for so long?

A: We all relax in different ways, sometimes it’s nice to go sightseeing, some of the guys play on their PlayStations or chill out watching films. Though it did depend on which country we were in as sometimes we had to be accompanied by security. It is great to escape some of the horrendous weather in the UK. V: How have you found Nick Compton’s baptism in test opening?

A: He has done incredibly well.

Nick has a calm temperament which is great. It is a very exciting time for cricket at the moment.

V: How do you feel the Kevin Pietersen issue has been dealt with in the last few months?

A: It has been a difficult period for all of those involved, however lessons have been learnt and it is now time to move on.

V: What was your proudest moment during your career to date?

A: Debuting for England was a dream, and captaining the team as they lifted the Ashes was an honour. It was such an achievement to lift the Ashes away from home soil in Sydney – it made the hard work even more rewarding.

V: What do you think England’s chances are for winning the Ashes in 2013?

A: I think we have a very good chance, plus there is a home ground advantage. Alistair Cook is a strong captain and a star player; he is pushing the team to success.

V: Will you be following the team’s progress throughout their tours?

A: Yes of course, I am interested to see how they are getting on in India at the moment so I will be tuning into the news later on to catch up.

NERVE 27

FEATURE

SWAP ‘N’ SAVE Ever wondered if there are any alternatives to being dragged around damp houses with a pushy estate agent and the skyrocketing accommodation fees? As it turns out, there is.

Viki Richards finds out more about Unihomeswap

N

owadays it seems that the cost of everything is rocketing – and attempting to further your education at university is one of the most expensive things you can choose to do. Not only have university fees practically tripled, the cost of actually, you know, eating and attempting to stay warm (and of course Lollipop) is becoming a rather scary prospect as well.

According to MoneySavingExpert.com, students who embarked on their university experience in the autumn of 2012 can expect to splurge an average of £9250 on living costs. With figures like that, it is little wonder that many students are considering the alternatives to the typical ‘student household’ of damp and draughty accommodation. Given that we can’t exactly march up to Downing Street (we seem to have got ourselves a reputation from the last time) and negotiate the whole major rise in course fees thing; saving on accommodation is the next best place to start.

Enter Unihomeswap, a social enterprise providing a new accommodation choice which aims to save students £1000s on rent during their time at university. It’s a web based-

“

platform where students can swap their cosy bedroom at home, for free, with another student across the UK – in the town their chosen university is located in. Hermione Pask, Director at Unihomeswap says "Instead of having to study locally to save money, students can go to their preferred choice of university, rent free."

Yes, you read that correctly.

Rent free. To register, all you have to do is sign up to the website and include room details (like the all important bed size and just how damn fast is your broadband?) and then indicate local facilities; buses, trains, parks etc. After that, your room goes live on the site and hey presto! You can start contacting other registered users straight away and get organising your swap.

Naturally, the idea of living with another family and continuing with student life may not appeal to all students – but the reviews are certainly encouraging, with many past students writing that they wish they idea had been in place for when they were studying. It’s certainly a viable option for those students who may prefer a more quiet life or a more comfortable family atmosphere.

However, Becci Cary, co-Founder at Unihomeswap, is keen to explain that participating students won’t

with Unihomeswap students can still easily access friends and local bars and cafes but be free of rental costs

UNIHOMESWAP.CO.UK Words & Design Viki Richards

NERVE 28

”

@unihomeswap

miss out.

"Many students have integrated into university social life during their first year and by their 2nd year want to live off campus. Staying close to university with Unihomeswap means they can still easily access friends and local bars and cafes where students gather but be free of rental costs." And hey, if you’ve got an extra grand sitting comfortably in your account, you can be hitting up Old Christchurch Road with no money worries at all.

So! There you have it, another option for you to consider if you’re a bit out of pocket or just fed up with looking for housing and who doesn’t hate having to deal with another flippin’ estate agent?!

What do you think?

Georgia Scarr Communication and Media "I can see why it makes sense as an idea but to me, uni is about becoming independent from others, and I think doing Unihomeswap would restrict that" Rosie Mayne Archaeological, Anthropological and Forensic Sciences "It’s a great idea but I think I’d get a bit freaked out by the other family" David Hill Product Design "I can see this idea working really well for a final year student, but for a fresher the experience of halls just shouldnt be missed!"

NERVE 29

COMMENT

Redefining marriage: why same-sex marriage is a step towards truer equality

I

t was announced in December that the government is planning to enact legislation enabling religious institutions to ‘opt in’ to offering same-sex wedding ceremonies from as early as 2014. The law will mean that gay and lesbian couples will be eligible to get married in any church that has opted in to the scheme. The government has stressed however, that no institution will be forced into performing these ceremonies and made it clear that this will be distinct from the civil unions offered by the Civil Partnership Act from 2004.

Naturally, this has been met with a wave of opposition from religious officials and one hundred or so backbench Tory MPs who perceive this as an attack on the institution of marriage; an example of the state stepping above and beyond its legitimate authority in redefining marriage, enacting legislation without a mandate and pandering to a minority issue.

Let’s take each of the above in turn. The campaign for equal marriage is certainly not one of little importance and certainly not a minority issue. The government was told by a High Court judge that because equal marriage affects only 0.1% of the population, it does not warrant the attention it is currently receiving. The simple truth is however, we cannot boast to value equality if we do not address the needs of the minority. The effect that same-sex marriage will have on the people and culture of this country will be greater than just allowing homosexuals to enjoy the same commitments as heterosexual couples; there will be a step towards a truer equality.

As for the concerns of the Archbishop of Westminster, who decried that there was no mandate, no democratic legitimacy for the plans and that it was ‘shambolic’: perhaps a lesson in parliamentary politics is in order. There has been a mandate for this legislation since the 2010 election, where all three of the major political party leaders pledged support for equal marriage, and even greater a mandate since every poll on the issue shows an overwhelming public support for it. Just because it was not codified in the Conservative or Liberal Democrat party manifesto, does not remove the authority of our representatives in Parliament to enact legislation

NERVE 30

that has been democratically drafted and approved.

On ‘redefining marriage’, I would advise those who cite this as a reason for the opposition of equal marriage to consider their position carefully. Not all people are religious. Not all heterosexuals enter into a marriage to commit to their partner before God or to facilitate procreation. The real reason that most people marry today is to demonstrate a commitment of love and faithfulness towards the person they are wedding. If a marriage is the demonstration of love and commitment, much as has been described by the very people who oppose equal marriage, why should it not be the same for homosexuals?

Cardinal O’Brien, Britain’s most senior Catholic, attacked the plans, arguing that the institution of marriage predates any government and should not be dismantled. Perhaps he has not made the link between a government and the people. If people created marriage, people can change marriage and the government is the most efficient mechanism for doing so. O’Brien also cites the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as material that condemns equal marriage. It states that marriage is a right applicable to men and women. What O’Brien should consider however, is that Article 16 was drafted in 1948, when homosexuality was still illegal and is about as outdated as his understanding of the people that make up Britain. It is a gross disrespect to expect others to subscribe wholly to a particular point of view, and to make restrictions upon the lives of others that reflect one religious perspective.

A poll by ICM, showed that three in five voters now support the move towards equal marriage. Not surprisingly, it is the older generation that opposes the move more (58% to 37%), and the younger generations who are increasingly pro-equal marriage (75% among 25-34s and 77% among 16-24s). Those who oppose the plans are predominantly those who grew up when homosexuality was still socially unacceptable.

Surely, if the issues above are the only ammunition the opposition has, there is little worry for the sensible of mind. Equal marriage is the next step to a truer environment for equality.

Words: John Gusman Communication & Media @johndavidgusman Illustration: Nathan Hackett AUCB Illustration Graduate

“

IF A MARRIAGE IS THE DEMONSTRATION OF LOVE AND COMMITMENT, why should it not be the same for homosexuals?

”

Something

to say?

Get your opinions published by sending your thoughts to apply@ nervemedia.org.uk

NERVE 31

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO photo@nervemedia.org.uk NERVE 32

MADELEINE

By Emilia Cockling "This photo was taken in a woodland in Kent., it was just a candid photograph of a friend of mine. I like the image mainly because it reminds me of the films "Don’t Look Now" and "Submarine", which is probably where i got the inspiration from as both films include a figure in a red coat."

What first interested you in photography?

I began taking photographs just for the intention of painting the scenes because I used to study art, the camera just took over after a while without me really realising it.

Camera of choice?

My camera of choice is my 1970’s Pentax MX film camera which my dad gave me. emiliarosephotography. tumblr.com/ NERVE 33

8 1.

Feeling the post-Christmas pinch? Hit the overdraft already? Fear not, Will Oxford is here with 8 top tips to save you money when going out

Target the degenerates

We’ve all seen them. The borderline middle aged, overweight and the deodorant fearful, most likely seen lingering at the bar looking suspicious, seedy or just downright ugly. But guess what? These people are your friends. If you’re looking for a free drink, the middle aged woman in pleather or the guy who smells worryingly of gorgonzola with armpits damper than a welsh caravan are prime targets, because they’ll happily buy you a drink if you imply you want more.

I’m not advocating prostituting yourself for alcohol, but there’s no harm in casual flirtation – and just that - to get what you want. Remember though: once you’ve cashed in, dash out.

2.

Tag friendly

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Leaving tags on clothes you wear out isn’t exactly new territory, but you have to be smart to ensure a refund - retailers aren’t stupid. There are two basic rules. Number one: no smoking. Slipping out for a crafty fag will leave your clothes smelling like an ash tray and is a sure fire way to get refused a refund. Number two: avoid situations where you may be sprayed or squirted at. UV paint parties and foam parties are a recipe for disaster: avoid them at all costs. Nothing says worn more than fluorescent pink paint splatters, and that

foam party pong is hard to shift without washing.

Wine

3.

Wine is an aphrodisiac for women. Aside from this wonderful fact, wine is an alcohol that can be bought cheaply and is marvellous for getting rat-arsed on a relatively small amount. Drop into Asda and you’ll find the wine is regularly on offer at three bottles for £10. It may not be the most masculine drink, but lads, I’m sure you can see the benefits of having women going out more erotically charged. In other words, ply someone you fancy with a bottle of vino and you may get lucky later on...

Plan, plan… and more planning

4.

As lazy students, planning isn’t one of our strong points. However being organised when it comes to going out is cost efficient. Resist the urge to be fashionably late and get to the club earlier - most clubs have reduced entry if you get there before a certain time.

Also, check out beforehand what’s going on where each night. Lola Lo and Milk at the Old Fire Station are dirt cheap on Tuesdays and Bonsai is £1.50 entry and £2.00 drinks on Sundays.

If you saved just £3 per week for five weeks you’d have enough money to buy 10 drinks at Milk. Have I convinced you yet?

FEATURE

5.

Whats mine is yours

Friends are great, but if you can use them to your advantage they’re even better.

Set up a regular exchange of clothes with a similarly sized pal and chances are you probably won’t need to pop to Topshop as much to splurge on a new party outfit. Of course there is a limit, and exchanging underwear is perhaps not in the interests of general hygiene.

Additionally if your friend is a little large or slim for swapsies (or frankly has no sense of style) websites such as Big Wardrobe are fantastic and have everything you need.

6.

Plastic fantastic? Not so much

Our ultimate foe, the credit card/night out combination is the scourge of why the majority of us permanently live in our overdrafts. The solution is simple: don’t take it out. Take out what money you’ll need beforehand and leave your card at home. This way you won’t be able to make those extravagant purchases that always seem like a good idea when drunk, i.e. buying your new found drunken friend Dave a round of 10 Jäger bombs or going all out at the local kebab. Your waistline as well as your wallet will be sorry, and frankly after that much Jäger, Dave won’t thank you in the morning either.

7.

Going continental

Pre-drinks are a given, I’m sure you’ve established that by now. However, what you

pre-drink is important. Let me introduce you to Spyritus Delikatesowy, a 95% Polish vodka that is the strongest spirit available on the commercial market. Don’t wince yet, at just £30 a bottle you’re certainly getting your money’s worth. It may have been reported to cause numbness and is a bit of a throat scorcher, but a couple of shots with a mixer will sort you out for the night and speed up the whole pre-drinking process. Though this may not be one for the lightweights.

8.

Dont be a mug, or you might get mugged Be careful. Being spiked, mugged or blind drunk in the gutter is a sure fire way to lose your valuables, all of which cost you precious pounds to replace. If you’re not careful you may end up splayed out in the club toilets doing your best impersonation of road kill and questioning the purpose of your sorry existence. Unfortunately I know this to be true from personal experience; however, if you’re lucky enough to still possess that long forgotten thing called dignity, I suggest you try to retain it. For the rest of us, it’s not all bad – we still have a memory of our dignity, even if it has been slightly clouded by vodka...

Words and Illustrations Will Oxford Design Lauren Debono-Elliot NERVE 35

R E V I E W E D Frank Turner

Credit: Micky Hibberd

Southampton Joiners 28/12/12, By James Hibberd 2012 couldn’t have gone better for Frank Turner, having played at both Wembley Arena and the Olympic opening ceremony, before a sell out European tour. Yet he returned to his roots on his 31st birthday for this benefit show to help save the Joiners, Southampton’s beloved music venue, which is tragically facing closure due to mounting debts.

Tickets were snapped up in five minutes, while others auctioned on eBay reached hundreds of pounds, all of which was donated to the Joiners. Having grown up down the road in Winchester, Frank Turner is something of a legend round these parts, and he was given a rousing reception before even picking up his guitar.

Beginning with newer highlights such as If Ever I Stray and Peggy Sang the Blues, he then took requests in exchange for charitable efforts to the cause. The crowd were treated to a mish-mash of rarities and early album tracks, including the set highlight, an incredibly raw, acoustic version of Worse Things Happen at Sea. It was a truly special show, and tonight, this Wessex boy went from folk musician to folk hero.

Electric Six

Everything Everything

Electric Six aptly entertained an expectant Bournemouth crowd as they returned to The Old Fire Station.

Dick Valentine controlled the crowd from start-to-finish, intertwining glimpses of stand-up with a packed set, which played the band’s debut album Fire in its entirety, an album that Valentine said, ‘put us here today.’

Heads propped up and t-shirts flew off to the sound of ‘Fire in the Disco’ as Danger, Danger High Voltage turned it up another notch inside a now sizzling Fire Station. The crowd were also sent into raptures by hit track Gay Bar, although it was over all too quickly.

An encore that was always going to happen given Valentines’ happiness on stage included Chocolate Pope and Rip It. In a disappointing yet nevertheless frantic finish, seconds after Valentine insisted ‘customer satisfaction is key to what we are doing’, fans left the venue still crying out for another rendition of Gay Bar.

The New Year brings the highly anticipated album from high-pitched indie rockers Everything Everything. We haven’t heard much from them over the past couple of years, not that you could tell with all the hype surrounding Arc. We’ve already had a taster of what is to come, with featured tracks Cough Cough and Kemosabe receiving a lot of radio play towards the end of 2012. Both are incredibly catchy, with enough vocals, FX and beats to make anyone’s head spin. These are undoubtedly the best tracks on the album (as you’d expect), but this doesn’t make the album any less credible.

The treats come towards the end, with Armourland and Radiant being stand out tracks, followed by The Peaks, a laid-back style which is perfectly matched to lead singer, Jonathan Higgs’ voice. With an excellent album along with a UK tour, perhaps 2013 will be the year for Everything Everything.

The Old Fire Station 12/12/12, By Ben Fisher

NERVE 36

Arc 14/01/13, By Joshua Iredale

Credit: FOX Pictures

Credit: New Line/MGM

ENTS

The Hobbit

Life of Pi

The Hobbit shows how an adaptation should be done, with love, care, and respect for the original text. The exquisite cinematography, the attention to detail, as well as the way the back-story and peripheral narratives were seamlessly fitted together.

Seeing familiar characters and faces on screen, coupled with the excitement of the stunning acting and comedy of all 12 dwarves brought joy. For a book which is filled with songs, the music was going to be important, and it didn’t disappoint. Choral elements of the dwarves songs were borderline perfect, as was the brassy, heartfelt kicks of the soundtrack.

The new 48 frames per second technology enhanced the film, with the crispness of shots being utterly breathtaking.

The biggest asset to Life of Pi was its cinematography.

Reminiscent of summer looking out to sea, the film had a tranquil, reflective tone, which captivated the audience.

The authenticity was impressive. The aging of Pi’s body was tasteful, as were the physical effects of hunger on his body, adding to the reverence which the audience absorbed. The dialogue, though strayed from that of the actual book, kept its essence. The beautiful soundtrack only added to this, which encapsulated India, the feeling of being at sea, and just enhanced the aura of the overall film.

For a film which is basically one guy, a tiger, and a boat, it’s utterly captivating. It hits the tone of reflection that the book has; perfectly the complemented by the stunning colour of all shots.

In Cinemas from 13/12/12

By Joanne Ball

In Cinemas from 20/12/12

By Joanne Ball

Credit: Ubisoft

Credit: Square Enix

Hitman: Absolution

Far Cry 3

It’s been a long time since everyone’s favourite bald assassin carved his way through a new set of misadventures, but fortunately Absolution is a confident and assured game that does justice to the series.

The story is enjoyable nonsense, focusing on 47’s attempts to protect a girl named Victoria, but if you come to Hitman for the story, then you’re doing it wrong. Absolution remains true to the series style for the most part, giving you open levels to explore, and multiple ways to assassinate targets.

Each level easily needs a few plays before you’ve seen everything it has to offer. Impatient players would do well to avoid Hitman – this is a game to be savoured and explored. But if you have the time to do so, Absolution’s world is grotty, grimy and exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

Rip up our best of list from 2012, because Far Cry 3 comes diving into all the competition and doesn’t leave a single one standing. An open world shooter that boasts an exotic playground, filled to the brim with ridiculously fun activities, Far Cry 3 is the shot in the arm that first person shooters desperately needed.

You’re thrust into the shoes of privileged American Jason Brody, who forgot to make a mental note about going on vacation to murderous pirate islands. The story is a little on the bland side but filled with fascinating characters whose fates you’ll want to find out.

The real addiction though comes from the game play that lets you decide how you want to tackle your objectives. Do you want to watch the world burn, or quietly sneak through the pirate army? Add in some inspired upgrades that actually empower you and solid multiplayer options and you’ve got the game of 2012.

Xbox 360, PS3 & PC 20/11/12, By Ben Tyrer

Xbox 360, PS3 & PC 30/11/12, By Ben Tyrer

NERVE 37

Electric Six’S

Dick Valentine

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I

t’s surprising to think many of us first heard a bit of Danger!

High Voltage when we were mere 11 year olds. Yet to this day it never fails as a dance anthem and this shows with their anniversary tour of their most successful album Fire. "It’s gone smashingly, smashingly, swimmingly in fact; I’m wet with salivation," reveals Dick.

The Detroit band may have been known most for their 2003 hits but Dick Valentine, real name Tyler Spencer, has been leading the six piece, first known as The Wildbunch, for over eleven years.

"I have been singing in some form of this band jeez, since 1996. It’s something which I guess I thought would have been over a long time ago and it just keeps going, I think the best word to describe this band is musical cockroaches, we just somehow find a way to survive.

They say if there is a nuclear holocaust then the cockroaches are the

“

I think the best word to describe this band is musical cockroaches, We just somehow find a way to survive

ones to survive."

And throughout their decades of touring, it’s not the first time the Electric Six fellers have performed in Bournemouth, and the town has certainly left an impression.

"We’ve played this room two times.

It stood out because it was the only time a stage security guard has pulled me into the crowd. He didn’t think I was doing a sufficient job of meeting the fans while I was on stage so he was trying to pull me off stage. Which is technically not his job, it’s actually the opposite of his job." Perhaps he wanted to be a part of the Electric Six fun? "Yeah maybe, I think he had some regrets and maybe he saw his life flying before his eyes and he hadn’t done enough. It’s possible. I just remember that guy took matters into his own hands."

Nowadays the band expects a real mashup of different people coming along to their gigs, "We are expecting a mix, a wintery mix (almost sounds like a Pimm’s cocktail). I would love one of those right now, because this is a high pressure interview and I get nervous."

Reflecting on university life and with the topic of drinking on the cards the lead singer remembers his early adulthood turning 21, "You know I had a great time at my 21st birthday, I drank a bunch of Long Island iced teas and jumped on taxi cabs."

But these crazier days have now passed with Dick Valentine calming down from his stage name and looking forward to spending time back in the States and his new fatherly duties. "This was the first year that me and my wife have a daughter, she was born in

“

ENTS

I’m trying to become a world champion scrabble player, but it’s slow going

“

There aren’t a lot of times in many people’s lives when you would tell friends, family or even strangers that you want to take them to a gay bar. In fact, most of you would have probably only ever have done it whilst belting out the lyrics to an Electric Six number. Known for their unusual songs, the perhaps even more unusual Dick Valentine of Electric Six spoke to Charlotte Gay before their performance at The Old Fire Station

September, [the holidays] are now really more about her but she is so young you don’t know what to get her or if you have to get her anything."

Like many of our Christmas holidays some of us may be able to relate to a Dick Valentine Christmas with talking to less popular family members, "Invariably somebody drinks too much and you have to talk to your Republican uncle and deal with him. It always happens every time you go back home you have to deal with the Republicans (laughs). How’s Obama working out for you?"

It could sound as if the band are beginning plans to slow down after their many years of performing internationally but that would be wrong, "We never really stop touring. We have our western US and Canada tour in March, then I am coming back over here and doing a solo acoustic tour in May, and then we usually take the summer off and the new album is out September/October 2013, and then back on tour again."

With all this touring, does Dick ever do anything else in his down time aside from music? "Having babies. I try to get active in online scrabble, trying to become a world champion scrabble player, but it is slow going. It takes a while."

“

tweeted questions

@StevenJCBuckley Which do they think is their most ‘scandalous’ music video?

@Toby_Gray What is their favourite innuendo?

Oh none of them are scandalous, they all just kind of float through the ether like trash. We made one this year and just threw it up on YouTube, and let the chips fall where they may, but as far as plugging them to Channel Four, those days are long gone. You just need a great pile of money... nah we make videos all the time for Youtube and throw them up on there and you know 30,000-50,000 people see it. The days of 26 million people seeing our videos are long gone but the revenues live on.

Innuendo? Get over here, come over here, come on over here. That’s it that’s my favourite innuendo.

Design Joshua Iredale

NERVE 39

Girls Gone Vinyl

BY SOPHIE BOYDEN

TODAY’S BEST WOMEN DJS

F

inally, electronic dance music has surged from its underground origin into mainstream consciousness.

But once again we notice something missing from DJmag’s top 100 list for 2012 – women. Revered in the clubbing industry as the "black book" for DJs and producers, the list is voted for by the public every year. No one would think that the electronic music industry is in conflict, but the truth is that DJs appear to be more segregated than politicians or business executives.

Have a think to yourself, who are the biggest DJs of today? Household names such as Tiësto, Avicii, David Guetta and Afrojack come to mind. I bet you they are mostly, if not all male. However, girl power is sure to take over, and a gang of talented women scratching their way to DJ stardom have gate crashed the music industry’s stereotypical Boy’s Club. Man or woman, there’s enough genuine talent and mind-blowing music that the argument eats itself. All that’s at the centre of dance music is a good time, and it’s this spirit that is (slowly but surely)

permitting female DJs and producers to flourish in an industry jam-packed with testosterone.

Over the last decade, the increasing number of female DJs seen in mainstream club culture has inspired and paved the way for the next generation of female DJs. Women are no longer the endangered species in clubland, it is now an open playground. Let’s take a look at a handful of female DJ’s who deserve recognition for their dance floor destroying rhythms.

Annie Mac

MAYA JANE COLES

The electro goddess that is Annie Mac; a household name that has grown to mean so much more to the student population than just ‘that Radio 1 DJ’. She is now a full-blown phenomenon and boy, has she worked her butt off to get here. A recent tour with global superstar DJ’s combined with the release of 4th compilation album "Annie Mac Presents 2012", this little lady has most definitely encouraged the propagation of the female DJ scene stating that she would love nothing more than to ‘inspire 18 year old girls to be DJs’.

In November 2012, Rolling Stone placed Maya Jane Coles 15th on its world’s ‘25 most influential DJs’ list showing that she has not been ignored. Winning the Newcomer award at this year’s Ibiza DJ Awards, Maya’s diverse talents are shown in her deep, retro and eminently melodic house beats with springy basslines and catchy vocal hooks.

Even DJ Mag itself broke with its Y chromosome fixation to nominate her for the Best Breakthrough Producer award last year.

HAVANA BROWN Being signed as a DJ with Island Records Australia has resulted in Brown touring with international artists, including Rihanna, Chris Brown, Britney Spears, Enrique Iglesias and The Pussycat Dolls. She has been releasing her ‘Crave’ compilation album series since 2008, which has featured remixes of songs from other artists and also won the ‘Favourite DJ of 2011’ award at the IT List awards.

ELLEN ALLIEN LISA LASHES

Design Toby Gray

ENTS

Being the first and only female to be considered among the top ten DJs in the world by DJmag, Lisa has had the honor of playing the biggest musical festivals like Global Gathering, Creamfields and Dance Valley. Her techtrance and hard dance DJ sets have taken her to China, Canada, Russia, Australia, New Zealand and the USA on tour.

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Allien has been responsible for playing floor-destroying DJ sets all over the world for over a decade, founding BPitch Records, releasing six artist albums and a slew of epic remixes. The talented electronic musician and producer is also a vocalist, singing in both German and English. She has also made time to launch her own fashion line, which she saw as "an extension of her philosophy of life".

CLAUDIA CAZACU Between 2007 and 2012 Claudia Cazacu was one of three females to scrape onto the top 100 DJ list, charting at number 93 in 2010.

She has demolished dance floors wherever she goes in the world, with gig destinations such as India, Australia, Vegas, Italy, Poland and Sweden. Claudia runs her own label, COUTURE, which has received support from all the major players including Tiësto, Paul van Dyk and Armin van Buuren.

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ENTS

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Photo Ugly Duckling

Words & Design Toby Gray

UGLY DUCKLING As one of the most prominent, longest running underground acts, Ugly Duckling know a thing or two about hip hop. Toby Gray caught up with Andy C on the groups humble beginnings in a gangsta’ scene, manfuctured rappers, and why he doesn’t listen to hip hop anymore

“

Jay Z is always hinting he has this deep dark mafia background and I don’t buy that for 2 seconds

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“

When 50 Cent came out, I remember thinking ‘it’s like they built this guy in a lab’

”

T

aking a single look at Ugly Duckling, it might come as some surprise to learn they emerged from the same Long Beach, California scene of the early 1990s that was birthing the iconic rap of Dr Dre’s The Chronic and Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle .

Yet as one of the most prominent underground acts to emerge from the hip hop era, Andy C, Dizzy Dustin and Young Einstein have built a cult following over the years that has placed them as the frontrunners for alternative rap.

As the name suggests, Andy unsurprisingly admits feeling completely out of their element in the rising gangsta’ scene, but the multiple layers of hip hop meant there were still people who had enthusiasm for their sound. "We knew the guys from Jurassic 5 and Dilated Peoples so there were loads of us that felt strongly about the late 80s pre gangsta’ era style of music, so we never felt alone."

But what if they had gone down the gangsta’ route?

Undoubtedly, Ugly Dogg could have caught on, right?

"What choice did we have? Like we would have been marketable as a gangsta act! It would have been funny to try and do it. There weren’t ever any white gangsta’ acts that I can think of. Eminem sort of had it but he played it more like trailer trash. It would have been a difficult sales pitch!"

Remaining faithful to their passion for the golden age, one listen to UD and you’ll notice a consistent, uplifting vibe of soul jazz samples over an up-tempo, natural drum beat, reverent to the legions of UK hip hop surfacing over the past few years. Andy explains the formation of their sound was bred from the "traditional nature of hip hop. We discovered jazz and soul music via sampling and it allowed us to learn about the old music and incorporate it into our style."

With the focus in contemporary hip hop shifting evermore to the glorified individual rapper, UD still firmly see themselves as a group, like the De La Souls and Tribe Called Quests of old. "We come from that era when groups were still very much in fashion, so we still believe in that mentality of a group with our own sound – just like a band. For me now, most rappers have their own style but their music doesn’t have a particular sound because it’s all the same producers.

We feel like our chemistry is unique which is important for a music act."

The challenge for UD, who produce their music entirely from samples, is maintaining and sourcing a consistent sound. Andy describes the process as making a "collage art with old records to make it sound fluid, which is very tedious work." In fact, the procedure has sparked an interesting decision for a man with

rap running through his veins. "I really don’t listen to hip hop anymore. That’s been the blessing and the curse of working with production and samples, I really started getting into and preferring jazz and soul music. I like the rappers, but I like the music more."

With vast experience over the developing years of hip hop, both Andy and UD have been granted a unique insight into how the game has changed. Whilst acknowledging the abundance of talent and the sale of rap stars as a "sort of party Scarface" as compelling to people, Andy believes the mainstream culture has lost its diversity somewhat from the streamlining of onedimensional hip hop characters. "People live vicariously through that idea of ‘wouldn’t it be great to be a pimp? Everyone’s afraid of me, all the women want me and I’m rich.’ That charm has always been part of hip hop; it’s not some new phenomenon, but I do think it’s a shame because culturally in the late 80s, people like Public Enemy and De La Soul were trying to expand the culture into more thought provoking areas and eventually it’s regressed away from that. Now in the mainstream nobody has any time for that."

Now with the notion of the ‘manufactured’ rapper, Andy explains the move from hip hop into mainstream limelight came with a realisation of its commercial viability. "When 50 Cent came out, I remember thinking ‘it’s like they built this guy in a lab.’ He’s got Tupac’s stomach, he’s from the East Coast but he’s working with Dre. They did the market research and created the perfect pop gangsta rapper. Just like when they figured out how to make punk into a pop medium, they’ve done the same with rap. NWA were a major gangsta group, but they never got out of that culture.

Now they’ve honed in on the machine to the point where my mum knows who Snoop Dogg is, just like anyone would with a major celebrity. That would have been crazy to me to think somebody’s mum would know who Eazy-E was."

The rise of the "rap emperor" as Andy calls it, Ugly Duckling play on this hyperbolic flamboyance for comic effect, using the competitive rhyming of hip hop’s origins to parody the blatant exaggeration of some hip hop. "I think about that sometimes. How many times on a record does a prominent celebrity say they’ve killed people? Of course they don’t kill anybody - it’s ridiculous. But of course I realise that they’re entertaining, just like Schwarzenegger does in Terminator." For it to appear genuine though, artists like Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar have to tread the line very closely to act like it’s true. "Jay Z is always hinting he has this deep dark mafia background and I don’t buy that for two seconds."

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NERVE 44

COMMENT

I

n the wake of the end of the world, everyone seems to be making New Years resolutions like there’s no tomorrow. But why should we be making disposable promises to ourselves every year, for the majority of us to fail, again.

This year’s festive period brought with it the interesting implication of a potential apocalypse. Now far be it for me to rubbish the concept of a calendar ending immediately, meaning that we would be entered into a broken world with gangs of cannibals hunting for the last dregs of food to increase our chances of survival; I actually found myself being rather excited by the prospect.

Although we all now know the Mayan civilisation were wrong when they predicted that the last day of earth as we know it, would be on the 21st of December, I am still hopeful that the next predicted apocalypse will bring increased hyper anxiety and caution from believers. Many tabloid newspapers have reported that there is still a strong possibility of the world ending in 2013. A predicted ‘once in a generation’ space storm is forecast to reach us sometime this year, reeking havoc and eternal damnation wherever it roams.

Entering the New Year with a rather hopeful view of the worlds impending doom may not be your most conventional view. Although I don’t consider myself of having particularly high hopes of surviving the brunt of the apocalypses building crushing and zombie unleashing ferocity; however when you look at the potential New Year apocalypse in a purely, avoiding things perspective; it’s a brilliant opportunity.

Give yourself a second to ponder what you wouldn’t miss if this snow storm apocalypse set for 2013 is brought to your doorstep. Could you imagine a world sweeter than one where you don’t have to put up with Piers Morgan? Or one where people no longer sing Gangnam Style?

It’s fair to say that since the finale of Lost, there isn’t a lot I would be gutted about if the world did end. One reason in particular I wouldn’t mind the ending of 2013 is what each calendar’s beginning means to people; New Year’s resolutions.

New Years resolutions - they aren’t the end of the world are they?

In the modern world of social media you don’t need to look far at 00:01 on New Year’s Day to be inundated with respective peoples pledges of bettering themselves in the coming 12 months.

Not only is this annoying for someone such as myself, who hates people enough to want to spend New Year night inside complaining about them, but also represents how shallow this now annual empty statement is becoming.

To me, a New Year’s resolution used to be a serious commitment made by someone looking to improve an aspect of their personality or health; as binding as any contract that involves a lot of hard work and misery...Like marriage.

People used to make serious statements about where they wanted to be in a year and attack it with tenacity, it was inspiring, worthwhile and, best of all, they never felt the need to tell anyone about it. They just did it.

Now it has become an annual tradition in saying things to impress your Twitter/Facebook followers and grasp a little bit of a New Years pick me up before the usual misery embraces you.

It doesn’t take a comic book hero to foresee what we will be partial in the next coming weeks; a size six girl pledging to lose weight in a stab and grab attempt to get a few ‘Oh you’re not fat!’ comments whilst she waits two weeks to Instagram her McDonalds.

I’m all for people trying to improve the parts of themselves they personally don’t like; but when did this stop being a personal endeavour? When did people suddenly start needing the approval of someone on Facebook to start going for a run?

Making proclamations about what you are willing to achieve is fine if you are actually willing to achieve them; being inspired to make a statement by a Twitter trend or a desire to get a couple of comments about your waistline to perk up a New Year being spent with your head in a toilet in a club full of elderly people is not.

My new year’s resolution? Spend less time being bothered by social media; it’s something everyone else should try - but it isn’t the end of the world is it?

Words: Luke Stevenson Multimedia Journalism Illustration: Nathan Hackett AUCB Illustration Graduate

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When did people suddenly start needing the approval of someone on Facebook to start going for a run?

”

Something

to say?

Get your opinions published by sending your thoughts to apply@ nervemedia.org.uk

NERVE 45

FEATURE

BU

Falcons As you should all know, BU is bursting with loads of societies, with more always being set up. Kath Mathews meets a recent addition, dancing their way to total school spirit

M

eet the BU Cheerleading team. Baton twirling and skirt swirling, the BU Falcons have made quite the impression. The squad are flying high this year after Anna Busby, second year Computing and Networking student, has lead the society through thorough and efficient training and support, in preparation for exciting competitions. Anna oozes confidence and it is clear that cheerleading is her fierce passion. With her drive she pushes the team to their ultimate potential as gymnasts and dancers.

The leaping lassies are always raring to go and take part in charity events, such as performing at football games, as much as they can. Training is strictly three times a week: Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. At the moment the focus is on preparing for the Southern Regionals, which take place in Guildford next year during February/March, where the Falcons will compete against other university teams.

The team incorporate moves up to cheerleading Level 3 in their routines,

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which are choreographed by the entire team. The most skilled moves they include are "back tucks," which involves spinning the entire body around mid-air.

President Anna is extremely passionate about the team’s success: "At night when I can’t sleep, I devise routines in my head! It has to be perfect." Her inspiration comes from much of the American cheerleading culture: she’ll often spend hours on YouTube watching the latest American competitions to help her develop her own moves. With many of her own achievements, such as winning Cheerleaders Choice 2010 and qualifying to be a coach, there couldn’t be a more suited trainer for the team.

Whilst training, attire is simple: shorts and t-shirts, but when competing the girls wear dazzling diamanté dresses, specially designed

“

by Anna, to really stand out in the competition. For the New Year, BU Falcons will have an official mascot, a vibrant falcon that will be designed by students at the Arts University College Bournemouth.

The future of UK cheerleading is uncertain, but Anna has optimism that it will only get better. She hopes to see it become an official ranked sport. "The definition of sport is a physical activity which is competitive," Anna says, "so I hope that soon cheerleading will become an official sport and so becomes more appreciated than it is now. It’s hard work!"

Recruits have to be "motivational, energetic and fierce" to be considered for the team, as well as "friendly and spirited." Every October there are tryouts, where a panel of judges, including Anna, put through the best acts. Understandably, the candidates need to have a strong sense of confidence along with experience in gymnastics or dancing to be able to make the cut. Both guys and gals are welcome to try out, and Anna hopes to find exceptional guys for the team next year to bring something new to the currently all-girl squad. Dancing dudes, look out for the tryouts next October!

I hope that soon cheerleading will become an official sport and so becomes more appreciated

Words & Design: Kath Mathews

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@BUFalcons

NERVE 47

Bournemouth striker Brett Pitman talks to Oscar Tollast about his return to Dean Court, how the club has changed and what it’s like to play for Eddie Howe

I

t’s the question on every Cherries’ fan’s lips; can AFC Bournemouth achieve promotion to the Championship this season? "Yes, I think so," striker Brett Pitman confidently responds.

The striker, who returned to Bournemouth as part of a loan deal from Bristol City in November, has now signed permanently on a three-and-ahalf year contract.

At the time of writing, Brett has bagged three goals in eight appearances and has been a regular starter alongside fellow forward Lewis Grabban. The 24-year-old is looking to help the club continue to climb the League One table.

"I don’t really set targets. It’s just to get promotion. If I score ‘x’ amount of goals to help with that then so be it. If I score no more goals from now until the end of the season and we get promoted then I’ll be happy."

Brett’s move to Dean Court closely followed the return of manager Eddie Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall, who both sparked a dramatic revival in the club’s fortunes. The Jersey-born striker says you know what you’re getting from Eddie.

"If you work hard for him, he’ll back you and he’ll work for you to make you better. He’s not one just to pick his team and that will be it. He’ll work on individuals and he tries to make you a better player."

Brett adds, "He doesn’t just do it for results. You develop under him as a team and as an individual. That’s what’s good about him."

The striker, who celebrates his 25th birthday at the end of the month, had been a regular visitor to Dean Court when not playing for Bristol City.

However, speculation of a potential return only became of substance when Howe and Tindall returned to the club.

"It was being talked about for a while and obviously when the manager came in - I was close to going to Burnley with him a few times and it didn’t quite happen - so when it came about for me to go to Bournemouth it was quite an easy decision to make."

Initially, Brett signed on loan in November, with

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a view to a permanent move. Having started his career at Dean Court as a 16-year-old trainee, he didn’t take long to resettle.

"It’s easier to settle somewhere where you know the area [and] know a few people down here.

I managed to find a house to move into it pretty quickly. Everything’s good now. My family are down here and I’ve settled in all right."

Brett bagged 62 goals in 197 appearances during his first spell at Dean Court and his form for the Cherries unsurprisingly alerted the attention of other clubs.

At the beginning of the 2010-11 season, the striker looked destined to complete a move to Blackpool, then a newly promoted Premier League side, but personal terms couldn’t be agreed.

Just as Bournemouth fans were about to celebrate keeping hold of one of their prized assets, Bristol City announced a fee and personal terms had been agreed with Brett and the move would be completed a few days later.

Despite scoring 20 goals in 81 appearances, Brett struggled to hold down a regular first-team place at Ashton Gate under new manager Derek McInnes which led to his return to Dean Court.

A number of familiar faces remain at the club from Brett’s first spell, including the likes of Shwan Jalal, Marc Pugh and Harry Arter.

"I knew a lot of the lads and played with a few of them and I knew the management staff and people around the club. It was a big help. It’s never easy going to a new club but it was easier going to this club."

There are, however, also a number of new faces, including players such as Lewis Grabban, Charlie Daniels, and David James (who played with Brett at Bristol City).

"On the playing side the standard’s got a lot higher than what it was when I left. That’s no disrespect to the lads that were here before. They were very good players. A lot of them are playing in the Championship or League One now. I just think maybe we’ve got more strength and depth than ever before."

Off the pitch, the stadium has had a number of redevelopments, not to mention the construction of new training pitches. For this interview, we are speaking inside the club’s warm-up room, which includes an artificial 3G pitch.

Before being refurbished, the room used to house a boxing ring and be loaned out to an amateur sports club.

Brett welcomes the new changes made. "The stadium’s a little bit different, the changing rooms have been done up, the medical room’s changed (laughs) and the players’ bar is a lot better than it was!"

Since returning, Brett has made his 200th appearance for the Cherries. The club has played a huge part in his career. It is a relationship that has worked both ways, as Brett played a major role in Bournemouth’s last recent promotion successes, helping the club secure League One status in 2010 by scoring 26 league goals. "[Dean Court is] somewhere where I’m used to playing so it’s quite easy to be in surroundings you’re comfortable with."

The club had one-selling point that Brett couldn’t resist; ambition. "They wanted to get into the Championship and obviously it showed with Eddie and Jason coming back here.

"They could have easily stayed at Burnley and done well up there but I think the club showed ambition and that’s why I’m back as well."

BRETT PITMAN: PROFILE Age: 24 (Born 31 Jan, 1988) Nationality: England Career: Bournemouth (Nov 2012 – ) Total apps: 11(1) Gls: 4 Bristol City (Aug 2010 – Nov 2012) Total apps: 36 (45) Gls: 20 Bournemouth (Dec 2004 – Aug 2010) Total apps: 197 (82) Gls: 62

Photo: Mick Cunningham/AFCB NERVE 49

SPORT

SURGE IN DARTS’ POPULARITY OVER THE PAST

W

ith the Darts Worlds championships recently concluded, the sporting spotlight is firmly on the world of darts, yet the ‘not a sport’ stigmatisation still very much clouds its ever growing popularity.

As hundreds of thousands of darting enthusiasts, over three weeks, flocked to London’s Alexandra Palace to watch the players do battle in the biggest darting competition in the world, it can’t be argued that darts is as popular now as it’s ever been.

Despite the soar in popularity, many non-darts fans still have the perception that darts shouldn’t be considered a real sport and instead should be nothing more than something played down the pub with your mates when you’ve had a few too many beers. This negative perception surrounding the sport could be seen to be based around the tainted image of the dark days of darts during the 1980’s when played in front of desolate crowds, in smoke filled rooms with overweight and intoxicated players. This was a striking reality but the game has come a long way since then.

In 1992, a breakaway organisation was formed with 16 players, called the PDC - Professional Darts Corporation - as a response to displeasure in how the game was currently run by the BDO- British Darts Organisation.

As the newly found corporation expanded over its first decade, 2001 saw it sold to promoter Barry Hearn, who came with a vision to completely jazz up the game. With the help of television giant Sky, the game was drastically transformed and marketed into an entertainment

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business as well as a sport, with a focus around loud music, enthusiastic announcers and walk on girls (with sparse amount of clothes) aiming to make the sport a more enjoyable experience for the crowd and the viewers watching at home.

The game hasn’t looked back since and the PDC has now completely overshadowed its rival BDO whose popularity has continued to struggle. The PDC continues to draw in larger crowds with wider TV audiences from around the world, increased prize money and has developed into one of Sky Sports’ main players in its packed sporting line up, particularly around the festive season.

Whether this increase in popularity merits its labelling as a sport is questionable, but it puts up a good case.

So is there any basis to the argument that the game of darts shouldn’t be considered a real sport? According to the Oxford dictionary, sport is defined as, ‘an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment’. How much physical exertion that this refers to is unclear as many people say throwing a dart two meters for an hour isn’t exactly the most strenuous of exercises.

Yet when you see the amount of sweat that drips from the players’ brows as they deal with the intense concentration required, draining heat on the stage and the strain on the actual arm itself, even this is debatable.

You’d be hard pushed to find anyone who doubts the incredible skill and precision darts players possess - just give the game a go down your local if you don’t believe it.

Above: Barry Hearn brought glitz, glamour and big crowds to professional datrs

Above: Martin Adams, star of the less popular organisation, the BDO Left: Andy Smith, the ‘Pie Man’, one of the larger players on the circuit.

Right: 16 time world champion Phil Taylor, the most dominant darts player ever.

To be able to aim and hit such minute targets at relative ease is remarkable, and something that can only be achieved through years of dedication and practice, just as with any other sportsmen.

But still there must be a certain level of physicality that warrants it being a sporting skill. With many clearly obese players still representing the game of darts, the image of sportsmen isn’t portrayed in the best of ways. A prime example is PDC player Andy Smith, who as one of the most notably larger players on the circuit - nicknamed ‘the Pie man’ - doesn’t exactly personify a sportsman. With his entrance music a parody of Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat it’ changed to the words ‘Eat it’, it isn’t the most sporting of messages.

A notable incident that highlighted the darts debate was when in 2010, World No1 darts player Phil ‘the Power’ Taylor, claimed 2nd place in the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award ahead of legendary names such as Jess Ennis and Mark Cavendish.

It was considered as final recognition of darts’ richly deserved place in the sporting world, yet many met the outcome with displeasure in how a darts player could beat much more ‘deserving’ sportsmen. The unprecedented 16 time world

champion, widely regarded as head and shoulders above any other darts player in the history of the game, has achieved more in his respected trade than most other sportsmen and women. So surely this decision can’t be questioned in such a way that it was?

It is interesting to look at the darts fans that flock to the venues, who are undeniably one of the most colourful crowds in all of sport. Thousands of fancy dressed up, drunken, mad-as-hatters fans sing and shout as loud as they can, creating a special atmosphere. But where does the line cross over from fans that are there to enjoy themselves whilst watching the fantastic sport or fans that are there just to party and not even care about the darts? Either way it can’t be argued it makes for much more of a spectacle.

This debate is an already exhausted one, but as the popularity of darts continues to increase so to will the number of doubters. Darts most probably won’t ever be able to escape from the ‘not a sport’ tag that hangs from its remarkable successes, but there is no doubt that people will continue to love darts and the game will continue to grow. Plus maybe, one day it may just get the respect it deserves.

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Roseanne Blaze talks to Paralympian Ben Quilter who won a bronze medal in the judo about his 2012 campaign and his disability

NERVE TALKS TO PA R A LY M P I C

JUDO BRONZE

MEDALIST BEN QUILTER

At the age of 10, Paralympic Bronze medallist Ben Quilter found out that he had inherited Stargardt disease, a condition that causes progressive vision loss which usually results in the person becoming totally blind. Twenty years later, Ben has had a 15 year international judo career and for the last three years had not lost a single match until his opening contest in London this year. Despite the defeat, Ben went on to win the Bronze medal in his 60kg weight category through the ‘repecharge’ after taking up the sport for fun at the age of seven.

Seven weeks before the Paralympics, Ben was unsure about whether he would be able to compete after injuring ligaments in his knee, an injury that at times left him bed bound. Now with two World titles and a Bronze Paralympic medal to his name, Ben is looking at his future which includes finishing his Masters Degree in Sports exercise and physiology, a new married life and maybe Rio 2016...

How did it feel winning a Bronze at the London 2012 Paralympics?

It was amazing but also a huge relief. I didn’t think it was possible under the circumstances.

For me there were so many unknowns going into the competition. I was not sure how my knee would affect my performance. I just kept thinking that all I can do is to go out there and make sure I am in control.

After losing against Algeria’s Mouloud Noura in your opening contest, what was it that kept you going?

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SPORT

The crowd. The atmosphere in the ExCeL Arena was amazing and the support for Team GB was unbelievable. Also there was the fear of embarrassing myself, I had to keep going. My performance wasn’t as expected and I thought I was going to crash out. I went into the Paralympics with people expecting a lot from me as number one in my sport.

that you had Stargardt disease?

At the time I didn’t understand. I remember that my parents were devastated especially because me and my brother were both diagnosed with Stargardt disease at the same time. To be honest it has never really bothered me. I might have had the odd down day but me being the driven person that I am I just got on with it really. After a while I just thought ok, so everything is going to be a little bit harder but everything that I do will be more valuable.

In a recent interview you said after coming 5th in Beijing, you would be happy to leave London empty handed. Is it more about the taking part than the winning?

(Laughing) I think I might have said that but deep down I was telling myself that I was getting my hands on a medal. I am a very driven person. I know that I couldn’t have done anymore than I did in both competitions.

But this is what I do. Judo is my competition and I put all I can into every competition.

Did going through everything with your brother help?

Since we were both diagnosed at the same time it did a bit. But we both had different approaches to it and to be fair, I had it easier compared to him.

As he’s older than me and learnt the hard way making all of the mistakes, I knew not to make them. But now I think we have swapped and he learns from me. Because I am such a determined and positive person I do not let things stop me and I think he is slowly starting to live his life the

Were you worried about competing after your knee injury?

Definitely. I had a lot at stake and not just my judo career. I also had my wedding and honeymoon to think about.

Were you fully prepared for London 2012?

It was only three weeks before the Paralympics started that I was actually able to walk again.

I spent weeks in a knee brace and on crutches and I’m not going to lie there was times when I sat and cried my eyes out. Judo is something that I have been able to compete in despite my visual impairment and now this injury put everything at risk.

Do you remember finding out

same way.

How does Stargardt disease affect you on a day-to-day basis?

Obviously it has a big impact on my ability to read which is essential when studying for a Masters Degree. Also getting around can be quite difficult.

But socially it affects me too. If someone walks past me at uni and waves I won’t see so I carry on walking and they just think that I’m being ignorant.

What about when you’re competing?

It doesn’t affect me as much when it comes to judo for me as it is very close to "able-bodied" judo. It just has very slight changes that suit someone who is visually impaired. Also I train with "able-bodied" judo athletes and occasionally compete against them so my visual impairment doesn’t hold me back too much.

Ok so why the Paralympics and not the Olympics?

Honestly? If I was good enough for the Olympics I would have gone for it. The main benefit for me when it comes to judo in the Paralympics is that you start with a grip so there is physical contact before the match starts.

This is so that you know where you’re opponent is when you start.

Ben finished off his momentous year in the best way possible by marrying his long-time girlfriend, Francesca. It seems as if he already has his priorities straight as he’s confirmed it is down to his new wife whether he tries again in four years’ time for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Whatever happens, Ben will never forget the wonderful year of 2012.

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ENTS

A RC H I T E C T S Having spent three months touring the world promoting their new album, metal rock band Architects should be all worn out. The band spoke to Tara Cox about why they’re just getting started

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past year?

We lost our guitarist, Tim; he left the band through his own free will, so we’re down to a four piece with someone temporary filling in on stage.

We’re now right at the end of a threemonth long world tour, which has been magnificent. We’ve been all over the world, from New Zealand, Denmark, Poland, Italy, France, and now we’re in Southampton!

You’re playing the popular Vans Warped Tour, how does that feel?

We get a half an hour set, we get to play London once a year so when we play we get to play for an awful lot of people, and I’d like to thank everyone involved in the Vans Warped Tour for letting us play. It also lets us trim the fat off our songs and play the hits that everyone knows. It’s cool to be part of it all, Warped has got an amazing history and hopefully it can continue to grow and flourish over here in the UK because it gives bands such as us

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great opportunities.

Your new album Daybreaker was recorded in April, and you’ve been promoting it while touring live. What has the reception been like?

Unfortunately the press hated it and we’ve had a lot of criticism, but the fans love it and in our mind that’s all that matters. We’ve sold out in a lot of our venues across the world so our music must be liked by some at least!

Do you have a message for your fans?

We’d like to say thanks for the support and we have the greatest fans in the world, we’ve checked the other band’s fans and they’re definitely not as cool as you.

What are your plans for the future?

Hopefully we’d like to do more of the same and tour the world again - singing our songs and enjoying the experience. Normally the process we follow is we write an album, then tour everywhere once to promote it and then we do another.

We’ve received criticism from the music industry because of this and some say we’re doing it too fast, but we live to enjoy the moment! architectsofficial.com @Architectsuk

we’ve had a lot of criticism, but the fans love it and in our mind that’s all that matters

“

N

ot many bands would invite you on their tour bus where they’ve spent the last three months playing live to the world – but Architects did just that. With their beds set up, magazines scattered everywhere and an interrupted game of Gran Turismo on the Playstation 3, it’s clear they feel at home even while touring on the road.

Metal rock band Architects formed in 2003 in Brighton. The band is currently made up of lead vocalist Sam Carter, drummer Dan Searle, his twin brother guitarist and keyboardist Tom Searle and bass guitarist Alex Dean.

The band has climbed in popularity after gigging alongside Bring Me The Horizon among others. They have recently played the sold out 2012 Vans Warped Tour alongside bands such as New Found Glory and Bowling For Soup. For the first time in 14 years, the Vans Warped Tour will be- held in the UK. What’s the background behind your band name Architects?

Alex came up with it, when he joined the band one of the conditions was that he brings us a name, and he did. Healways had the name ‘Architects’ in his head, or so he tells us! And the process all came together quite nicely. There’s no scandal behind it, unfortunately!"

What have you been up to in the

Design Bryony Diplock

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PLACING YOURSELF ON

TOP

Mallory Mabe takes you through the experts top tips on securing the best placement out there. Original Illustration by Sam Mattacott It’s that dreadful yet exciting time of the year we need to start applying for placements. With assessments, parties and studying on top of having to apply, it may seem like a struggle to know where to begin.

With the deadlines flying past you aren’t given much time to execute your grand plan, but these simple, yet effective tips will give you that extra oomph to stand out.

Design Toby Gray

RESEARCH There’s nothing worse than being ill prepared. You begin with your name then have a giant brain-fart, so what is the first step in applying to your placements? Research! You can’t dive into the abyss without knowing what’s underneath so make sure you know what you’re applying for. As Dan Jackson, BA (Hons) PR Course Leader explains; "research the post so you know what sort of work they do, you may be asked this in the interview. Research also helps you find the best post for you in the first place." So transform yourself into Sherlock Holmes and detect every golden detail possible!

DON’T KILL YOURSELF WITH PROCASTINATION The biggest "don’t" is to wait until the last minute. The longer you wait, the more opportunities you’ll miss. As a student, I have heard many people say they still haven’t applied to places despite it being the end of first term. You don’t need to apply to thousands upon thousands of placements, but when you think about it, each application raises your chances of finding somewhere incredible to work. Don’t sit there and watch the deadlines pass you by. Make a goal to apply to a certain amount of companies within a week or month and with that, you’re guaranteed to apply to all of the exciting places you dream of working, be it Disney, Microsoft or the BBC.

DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF Make sure that you apply all over the map. It may feel like a safe bet applying to places near home but you may end up with nothing. There are companies all over the world, so don’t limit your list of opportunities.

With more applications, you are giving yourself the opportunity to increase the number of interviews you have as well as the possibility for more offers. Eva Coleman, PR student at Bournemouth’s Media School advises to ; “be sensible and apply to loads of places but definitely don’t be discouraged by rejection- maybe it just wasn’t right for you but something better for you will come along. Always grab every opportunity that comes your way.”

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FEATURE

GET CREATIVE Creativity is the key. Try every idea that pops into your head. Risk taking gets you noticed and by reminding yourself that no idea is a bad idea you will quickly be a memorable applicant.

You need to be exciting and confident to give yourself the edge. Aside from actual applications, cover letters are the biggest challenge, but this is where creativity shines through. Tell your story and show potential employers why they’d be missing out if they didn’t hire you. Dan Jackson advises to tailor your application to each company.

"I have known students who have gone to great lengths to impress placement companies: sending them application forms inside Easter eggs, teddy bears and even sending them a mobile phone with one number on it- the candidate’s!" For greater, more serious companies express your creativity more through your letter than wacky physical objects they may not be amused by.

Make that letter scream with individuality.

LINEUP FOR ADVICE Ali Sheik, co-owner of PR agency Lineup Media gives us an inside look into what he and other companies look for in a placement student.

What do you, and other companies, look for in work experience/placement applications?

1. Previous work experience - This immediately shows us that the candidate will have an understanding of the work they’ll be doing and why. It also shows us that they are motivated and resourceful.

2. Personality – They should try and inject this into their application, without being too gimmicky or overly confident. Show examples of how they’ve been resourceful, awards that they’ve won or interesting work placements they’ve secured outside of the industry.

What is the best way a student can make themselves stand out through their application?

1. When writing a covering letter, make it sound like they really want to work at that company and explain why. Just because they are required to secure a placement, this should not be highlighted as the main reason

they’ve applied.

2. Grammar and spelling. Check and then double check. Confusing sentences, bad punctuation and typos will only create the wrong impression.

3. Call the company before sending in their CV. This is a good way to check that the position is still available and they are more likely to be remembered.

4. Research the company and reference case studies and clients in the covering letter/CV. 5. Highlight why they want to work at the company.

What is the best advice you have for current and future students in the application process?

1. Figure out what area of their industry they’d like to go into and apply for companies that can offer them the right experience.

2. There are lots of good companies all over the country, not just in the big cities. They should spread their net wide and see what’s out there.

3. Stand out from other applicants by showing a company why they should take you on.

4. The earlier you start the more choices you’ll have.

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IT’S NOW 20-THIR-CREAM! Sorry for Milks Halloween special was a MOOsive success with the cows from that one, but Milk is back, and not across the land joining for a the day too soon ultimate indie spookfest.

PLAYLIST Overjoyed Flaws Bastille Wild Youth Aminals Daughter Baths Inhaler out tonight Violence Foals Comets Little Bloodshake Candles Peace Daughter All Size Ghosts Life Blackbird Mt. Wolf Blackbird NERVE 58

WIN! WIN!

HAPPY MOO YEAR GRAZING The last TOFacebook PARIS

free entry!

Design Joanna Poulton

competition to Samwas Wilkinson write a storyand about AndyaWall recently cow’s Xmas but made we it to Paris during feel Nat Morris’ LEGGIT picture truly does2012!

Sam: ‘saw this speak a thousand at 4am and words!we’d though Congratmoolations! take a photo.’ stay mooned for the Congratmoolations guys! next competiton!

1st person to spot themselves 1st personon to this spotpage and tweet or Facebook themselves on this page comment "I saw myself and tweet us or Facebook @MilkBournemouth in comment us "I saw myself @NerveMagazine @MilkBournemouth in #Iwantfreemilk" will win a @NerveMagazine free t-shirt and freea #Iwantfreemilk" will win entry!

The next 2 free t-shirt and free will also win entry! The next 2 free entry! will also win

PHOTOS SAM BAGGETTE PHOTOS SAM BAGGETTE WWW.SAMBPHOTO.CO.UK WWW.SAMBPHOTO.CO.UK Design Joanna Poulton

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COMMENT

Who hates updates? Stop your technology bickering

C

ast your minds back to a time before instant messaging and social networking. A time before music and television streaming; even a time before MP3. It’s a hard one to get your head around and the truth is, it wasn’t all that long ago.

Facebook came onto the scene in 2004 but didn’t reach us here in the U.K until 2006. Can you believe we have only been on Facebook for a little over six years? Liking things, putting up horrendous statuses and photos about what we did or didn’t get up to the night before. It just doesn’t make sense. Even our friends at YouTube have only been allowing us to upload and share clips of cats yawning and idiots ‘failing’ since 2005; yet it feels like a lifetime.

The real kicker is iTunes and the game-changing iPod. Having only been available for around a decade, how did we live our lives before MP3? How did we function in everyday society, commuting about town with only the sounds of traffic and roadwork’s to fulfill our aural desires? Seriously though, listening to the sensual sounds of Stevie Wonder on that 9am walk to uni will brighten any grey sky and I for one feel naked when faced to make the march without it.

As you can see, these technologies are still in their infancy and do receive frequent updates to enhance their usability. Companies may make small changes to the products interface and the users barely even notice; sometimes a new version is produced all together, with or without warning causing tremendous outrage. Every time one of these major renovations occur we are forced to endure the constant stream of status updates complaining of its failures. FML" why have they changed Youtube again?" and "How do I get back to the old version ofiTunes? This one is ******* ****."

When iTunes and YouTube both changed their interfaces a few months ago, the amount of public outcry visible on the Facebook newsfeed was astounding. Everyone everywhere (not the brand) disclosing their distaste for the changes made to their much-loved technological best friends.

However, this was only a whisper of unhappiness compared the Facebook ‘Timeline’ changes.

Facebook members were very unhappy about having a ‘cover photo’ or a ‘timeline’ and they expressed their displeasure by broadcasting it across Facebook, which you may say is a little ironic.

Unfortunately it is the age-old problem that man has faced since the dawn of time. We don’t like change. People enjoy what they already know.

It’s a comfort thing, like never really wanting to get rid of that special pair of trainers, even though you might as well be walking barefoot.

But sometimes change is good and often needed. It keeps us on our toes and gives us something to complain about, because we all like a little whine every now and again don’t we?

Never will you see on your Facebook or Twitter feed with statements of congratulations to the team for a solid new update, no matter how good it actually is. We are simply not built that way. We love to tear things apart, rip them to shreds or any other analogies you want to throw into the mix. We love them all.

When the next set of updates come around, we’ll slate them for being worse than the previous, which will continue until updates are no longer needed. A time when all consciousness is automated and we are living in some outrageous sci-fi fantasy, so advanced the sheer thought process behind updating one of these products will look like a scene from Scanners.

Lets quit moaning about these things and embrace them. Nothing is ever amazing the first time around and that’s why they get updated; Mr Dyson made 300 prototypes before he got it right and look at him now. Stop wasting your days inventing witty comments on how destructive Apple is being with the new version of iTunes or how YouTube was better before. Utilise that time learning how to use the damn thing and you may just realise that it’s actually a whole lot better than the previous version.

Words: Adam Trimby Multimedia Journalism Illustration: Nathan Hackett AUCB Illustration Graduate

“

Lets quit moaning about these things and embrace them. Nothing is ever amazing the first time around; that’s why they get updated

”

Something

to say?

Get your opinions published by sending your thoughts to apply@ nervemedia.org.uk NERVE 61

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That tragic moment when you wander into a shop searching for your favourite novelty sweet, to find it’s been scrapped by the corporate plebs at the top. In response to our outrage, here are our top 5..

DISCONTINUED TASTY TREATS WE MISS 5

Vanilla Coke

Coca-Cola original is by far the best drink in a vending machine than any other choice today, but when Vanilla Coca-cola came into shops, vending machines and pubs it was an entire new experience in terms of fizzy treats. Vanilla and coke, coke and vanilla what could be better? So when it suddenly went missing from shop fridges my first thought was ‘they must be out of stock’ because by no means would anyone think they had been discontinued. Alas, someone decided to ruin a few fizzy drink appreciators lives and kill off the tasty vanilla drink.

4

Nestle’s Double Cream Chocolate Bar

3

Panda Pops

Most chocolate bars manage to stick and stay once they’ve hit shop shelves, but for Nestle’s Double Cream Chocolate bar it had a sweet but short place among titans like Dairy Milk and Galaxy. It’s a tough world for new chocolate so you shouldn’t get too attached to your new chocolate friend because it probably won’t be on the scene for long.

I learnt this lesson after mistakenly buying it whenever I had the chance but others didn’t share the same love as me for Double Cream and now I’ve become a chocolate-hipster and have to settle for mainstream chocolate – great!

and never leave our lives again – I’m sure many of us would rather swap our nostalgia for the real deal. But hey ho, maybe one day someone will realise how much better this planet would be if Panda Pops returned forever.

2

BN Biscuits

I’ll tell you this, I have never been as devastated as I was the day I realised I had to find an alternative biscuit to accompany my tea. BN biscuits were cheerful biccies will a smiley face full of chocolatey goodness that would make you feel like you hit the jackpot if they appeared in your lunch box. I cannot fathom why someone decided to turn BN’s smile upside down and remove them from our biscuit tins but I still have biscuit-hope that one day they will make their valiant return and once again be half dipped into my tea.

1

FEATURE

Words: Jodie Mcewan Illustration: Becky Hill

Heinz Purple EZ Squirt

Even though it looked more like it should top off a dessert rather than take the normal approach of ketchup (which we all know should be accompanied with every savoury food possible) it still managed to make your food look like it came from Alice and Wonderland – and who can hate that? I’ll tell you, people who would rather be on the outer circle of society, the HP Sauce users. So HP-er’s may not want Heinz EZ Squirt to come back but the purple condiment will always have a place in a ketchuplovers heart.

I can’t be the only one that associates Panda Pops with children parties? Cherryade, Orangeade, Cola, Lemon and Lime and Strawberry and Cream all amazing flavours but my favourite had to be Lemon and Lime. I could grab some lemonade and squeeze in lime and lemon juice or, here’s a thought, Panda Pops could make a permanent comeback

What are the treats you wish never got plugged? Tweet them to @NerveMagazine.

See you next month!

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