BlueMoon | November 2014 by Trident Media

The

FORUM

anniversary

Up close with WHEATUS Battle of the brands Fashion on campus Hall ween special

BLUEMOON BY STUDENTS, FOR STUDENTS

Kealie Mardell | Print Editor Welcome to this year’s first issue of BlueMoon! We’ve got a brand new look and lots of interesting content for you, including a Halloween special. But firstly, I’d like to offer a massive thank you to all of our new members who contributed to this issue, and especially to my incredible print committee. You wouldn’t be reading this if it wasn’t for them! For this issue, I had the pleasure of meeting Nathan Ghann, who delivers inspirational talks on how to achieve a first class degree. After listening to Nathan in my first year, I’m now in my final year and aiming for that first! Throughout the year BlueMoon will be bringing you all the latest features, interviews and reviews from the world of entertainment, lifestyle, innovation and more. Alongside our free magazine, there’s also lots of new content online at tridentmedia.org – Visit the site and get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!

Brad Johnson | Deputy Print Editor Hi! I study Marketing with Events Management and I am in my third year at Herts. I have been involved in media since my second year and I can’t wait to make an impact on Trident this year. Not only am I the Deputy Print Editor, I also get involved in loads of other things at the Students’ Union including, Raise and Give, Volunteering and also I am one of the elected Student Trustees. This issue has been so much fun to put together and features lots of our new writers. There are tonnes of special Halloween articles as well as a piece from me about the 5th Anniversary of The Forum Hertfordshire. Although the year has started, we are always looking for new members so if you do want to join our team, head to hertfordshire.su/tridentmedia for more information.

Laura Noakes | Deputy Print Editor Hello everyone, and welcome to the first BlueMoon of the year! I’m in my third year studying Law. I first got involved in media last year, and enjoyed it so much I was determined to get involved again this year. This year has kicked off in rather spooky style. If you can’t wait till Halloween, why not check out our ghoulishly good articles? Taveena has ‘magicked’ up some fangtastic Halloween cocktails that look both delicious and terrifying! We’ve also got a fascinating interview with a paranormal investigator, and if you’re undecided for what to do this Halloween, I have got you covered! I hope you enjoy reading BlueMoon as much as we enjoyed making it! Let us know what you think by contacting us on Twitter at @TridentMediaUK or on facebook.com/TridentMediaUK.

Shannen Rock | VP Comms & Media Hi everyone, and a massive welcome to the first issue of BlueMoon for this academic year. I hope you will agree with me in congratulating your amazing Trident Media print team for their hard work so far this year on both the newspaper – UniVerse, this very magazine and their work on our website and social media. They are on point and I’m loving it! With Freshers’ Week appearing long gone, I hope you are all happily settling in at UH. Unfortunately the end of Freshers’ Week saw me falling down a hill and breaking my ankle which is why you may have not seen me around! Luckily for you the fun times of Halloween and bonfire night are here so enjoy this Halloween special issue and keep up to date with all the fun events happening on campus. If you would like to get in touch with me at any time during the year please do! I’m looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible!

Print Editor Kealie Mardell Deputy Print Editors Brad Johnson Laura Noakes Sub Editors

Emma Langschied (design) Rebecca Harding (photos) Shelby Loasby (news) Mercedes Brazier (sports) Taveena Atsu (features) Krystyna King (events)

Contributors

Contact

Ciaran O’Brien Aiden Perrins Lashara van Heerden Charlotte Green Melissa Nadarajan Amy Dodwell

vp.comms@hertfordshire.su

Editor in Chief Shannen Rock Copy Editor Sean Howlett

VP Comms & Media Hertfordshire Students’ Union College Lane Hatfield Herts, AL10 9AB tridentmedia.org facebook.com/TridentMediaUK twitter.com/TridentMediaUK instagram.com/TridentMediaUK

Contents NOVEMBER 2014

18 SPOTLIGHT

11 INNOVATION

HALLOWEEN

6 | Getting passionate about getting a first

14 | The enterpreneurial boom

24 | Spooky cocktails

8 | Up close with Wheatus

15 | Battle of the brands: Apple vs Android

25 | Trick-or-Treat

ENTERTAINMENT

LIFESTYLE

26 | Investigating the paranormal 28 | Hatfield haunts

11 | The Forum 5th Anniversary

17 | Fashion on campus

29 | Best gothic literature

12 | Why have Channel 4 cancelled Utopia?

18 | Upcoming events

30 | Top five Halloween movies

20 | Recipes

31 | Top 10 scary movie theme tunes

22 | Eight types of student

History of

TRIDENT MEDIA

Ciaran O’Brien | Contributing Writer Crush Radio will always have a place in history. Starting in 1960 as CRH (Campus Radio Hatfield) on a ‘pirate radio’ basis, it is the longest running student radio station in the UK. Soon it was renamed Crush 1278 and got its first broadcast licence in 1962, broadcasting on 1278AM. It was based in a portacabin in what was Hatfield Technical College, now the University of Hertfordshire. By the late 1970s it had three studios and a radio director, with its output being played in halls of residence, student bars and the refectories. Following a number of moves between Telford Court, the portacabin and the old EleHouse bar, it was rebranded to Crush for a short while but soon reverted back to Crush 1278. DID YOU KNOW? Crush stands for ‘Campus Radio for University Students Hatfield’!

The 2014/15 Crush Radio Committee

In 2008-2009 the name changed once again back to Crush and became a student society, being homed temporarily in the old portacabin before moving into a brand new media suite in the EleHouse Resource Centre. The year after, Crush Underground was launched and so Crush was re-launched as Crush Radio, the station we know and love today. In this same year UHSU Media was launched as a society and combined Crush Radio and Crush Underground with the UnionTV Society and UniVerse newspaper print team. Following a turbulent year however, a decision was made to disband the society but to stay united as UHSU Media, and in 20102011 BlueMoon was introduced as our new student magazine. DID YOU KNOW? We hosted the Student Radio Association (SRA) conference in 2011 as part of UH’s 60th year celebrations! In the summer of 2013 the University of Hertfordshire Students’ Union (UHSU) rebranded, prompting the need to also rebrand UHSU Media. After consultation with the media committee members for print, radio and TV, a final decision was made and UHSU Media evolved into Trident Media. During 2013-2014 a brand new media suite was opened in the refurbished Hutton Hall building, featuring two radio studios, a computer bank for print, a green screen area for Union TV and a social space. On Wednesday 26th February 2014 the Trident Media brand was born!

Eric Sawyer, UnionTV Director

DID YOU KNOW? Trident Media is named after the de Havilland ‘Trident’ aircraft, and the three-pronged trident reflects its three media types!

Looking forward, 2014-2015 is an exciting year for Trident Media as it has a new home, a new look, hardworking and dedicated committee members and a new future. Next year will also be the 55th anniversary of Crush Radio! Follow us on facebook.com/TridentMediaUK, twitter.com/TridentMediaUK or check out our website at tridentmedia.org

The 2014/15 Print Committee

S P O T L I G H T THE FORUM HERTFORDSHIRE

Kealie Mardell | Print Editor

GETTING PASSIONATE ABOUT GETTING

A FIRST

Interview with Nathan Ghann NATHAN GHANN graduated from the University of Hertfordshire with a first class degree in Economics and Marketing, and has dedicated his passion and commitment to helping other students around the country reach their first class goals. Selected as one of the Top Ten Most Outstanding Graduates in the UK, Nathan’s journey has seen success in founding the Herts Entrepreneurs society, his own business, and delivering inspirational talks to thousands of students on how to achieve a first class degree. But Nathan’s path wasn’t always paved for these sky-high achievements. Back when he was studying A-levels, he received a U grade in Economics. “That absolutely shattered me, I was distraught,” he said. “I didn’t know why that was happening to me.” Not one to be knocked back by a challenge, Nathan took this as a chance to prove himself and got a place to study Economics and Marketing at Herts. “I wanted to understand the nuts and bolts of how business works,” he said. “But I like the marketing side of things which shows how you say things work, how you sell it, that was what interested me.” Even through his first year at university, Nathan held on to those self-doubts, the set-backs from low grades and rejections. “I never thought that I was smart,” he admits. “I just thought I was academically challenged. When you think that and have those beliefs it stops you. It was a really limiting belief that I held.” Things changed for Nathan. Not through grades, not through anybody else, but his own determination. He struggled with rejections when applying for his placement year and was averaging low and inconsistent grades. “A rejection is always crushing, but it also highlighted how far away I was from the truth about what was needed to get a good job,” he said. “It created a passion in me to find out everything I needed to know about how to get a good job and what they’re looking for.” This learning curve taught Nathan to recognise the attributes sought after by employers. From studying the job specifications before an interview, learning how to demonstrate the skills needed, and evidencing the things which make you stand out from the competition. One of the things Nathan identified a need for was a high class degree. “I remember it so vividly, I woke up in bed one morning and said I have to go for the highest grades possible,” he said. “I’m going to try and get a first or die trying.”

In his final year Nathan started to see success. He had started the Entrepreneurs Society which had close to 1,000 members, and sponsorships from the likes of Microsoft. He had started his own business which received an award from the Federation of Small Businesses, and was selected as one of the Top Ten Most Outstanding Graduates at the House of Lords. Photography by “I was coming into Rebecca Harding success in all these areas, and then I got the first,” he said. “But I still felt there was a little hole. I didn’t go through all of that just to be successful in my own right.” Nathan realised that while everyone has their own strengths, their own gifts and talents, it wasn’t about using them for yourself. It was about finding how to use your strengths and progress them for others. “There’s another student out there who is going to need this help, another student who feels that same way, feels inadequate like how I felt,” Nathan realised. “I wanted to show them that it can be done.”

STARTING THE FIRST CLASS JOURNEY In 2010 Nathan gave his first talk at the University of Hertfordshire, before he had even graduated. “I remember standing behind the stage and you hear all these students whispering amongst themselves,” he said. “I was literally shaking, I had to sit down, I was really nervous. “As soon as I stood on the stage it became not about me anymore, it became about them. I think my confidence comes from my journey and my experience. This is the truth about what you need to know going forward.” Through word of mouth and recommendations he was contacted by other universities around the country. He started to recognise the patterns across different areas and reaching out to more students. “Before I knew it I’d spoken to over 2,500 students from 20 different universities and it just blew up,” he said. “There was this culture of people saying I can get a first, and going for it.” At the time, this was something that nobody else was doing, something which seemed weird to Nathan. No-one was going out and sharing their experiences on how they had got their first class degrees. “I knew I had to do it, it was very important to me,” he said. “Seeing today that we’ve helped 150 first class graduates is absolutely amazing. That’s my reward.”

I TL O SP

Nathan’s core guide for getting a first

Be cutthroat about your first class Surround yourself with other people who are trying to get a first and work together to learn

FINDING YOUR SKILLS AND PASSION Outside his first class talks, Nathan is still running his own business. Happyr. co.uk was born from the need for small businesses to harness the power of the web and social media. Utilising his strengths, Nathan recognised that there was a gap in the market and used his own skills and unique perspective to fill it. He urges students that they are immensely valuable, and that success comes from harnessing your value. However, Nathan is not content to stay put with the success he has already achieved. He is working towards his Masters and constantly developing new programmes and materials to help students obtain their first class degrees. “That place of inadequacy starts to loom over my head,” he said. “I don’t want to settle, I don’t want to ever go back to that place. I always want to push myself and challenge myself.” These are some of the key attributes of first class students. With only 10% of UK graduates achieving a first class degree it takes a dedication and passion to reach your high class goals.

“The people that go for the first understand the value of the first,” Nathan said. “They understand that they need to separate themselves from other people when it comes to the job market, and that comes through in their passion and their hunger for wanting to get it. “Those are the students that I love to work with. I can tell them the how, but I need them to want it first.”

CONSTANTLY EVOLVING His new mentoring programme for the University of Hertfordshire Business School aims to ‘sustainably help students to continue getting firsts’ through an allround perspective. “I’m training mentors who will have the knowledge and information I have to be able to help other students going forward,” he said. These students then continue on to mentor those in the years below them, creating a continuous cycle of high-achieving students pushing each other forward. “I’ve been doing this for five academic years now,” he explained. “I looked at all my notes, and there are over 15,000 words. That’s like a dissertation on how to get a first.”

Have a good relationship with your lecturers Communicate with them, they know what you need to get a good degree

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Always do extra Do the things that you aren’t told to do, that’s what gets you higher grades

“Accept the challenge and embrace it, because who you come out as on the other side is the best version of you.”

What started as Nathan’s own journey of getting a first has developed to include that of other students, the perspective of joining academic staff, and now from a Masters level. “It’s a journey, I’m learning things all the time and noting them down,” he said. “I think it’s amazing how many ways there are to get a first, but I do see a pattern. The principles are around passion, discipline, focus, determination; these things that can’t be taught.” The mentor programme is currently only available for students within the Business School, but Nathan hopes to open the principles across the board in the future. He also welcomes anyone to attend his development talks and apply his advice to their own disciplines. These development sessions take place throughout the year and will be publicised on StudyNet. Nathan will also be continuing to develop his business, working towards his first class Masters, and is hoping to start lecturing in the future. With plans to leverage his skills in social media to reach out to more students around the country - stay tuned!

What you need to know Understand the value of your time here at university Utilise every slither of time you’ve got and put that into how to get the best grades Understand the value of your degree The difference between your degree and others isn’t the title, it isn’t the classification or the time spent, it’s you. You are the determining factor in the value of your degree.

“If you’re trying to get a first you can’t rush it, every percent counts. That one percent could be the difference between a 2:1 and a first.”

Understand the challenge ahead of you Don’t shy away from your degree because it’s getting challenging. When things get hard it’s not because you’re supposed to walk away, it’s because you’re supposed to push forward and develop into someone difference.

UP CLOSE WITH

Shelby Loasby| News Sub Editor On Saturday 4th October The Forum Hertfordshire was once again graced with the presence of punk rock legends Wheatus. After another awesome gig of Wheatus’ greatest hits, the band came out into the crowd for a beer and catch up with fans. We were able to grab a few words from Brenden B. Brown, lead, William Tully, drums, and also Miss Eaves and MC Frontalot, who are currently touring with Wheatus. FIRST UP, BRENDEN B. BROWN BlueMoon: Firstly, why did you come back to UH? Brenden Brown: “We finally get to do our laundry! Trust me, after being on our tour bus you would understand. But honestly, this is one of the best rooms in the country - one of the best concert halls in all of England. Yeah, it has a really great PA system and stage and everything. The crowd is always really nice. This is a really musical place.” BM: What about Margate – that’s where you got attacked by a fan – could you elaborate on that? BB: “Well we were playing the One Direction song (What Makes You

Beautiful), and this old sorta punky guy got angry about it and tried to get at me.” BM: So he just jumped up on stage and went for you? BB: “Haha yeah. He was pretty pathetic actually.” BM: Well I guess there’s no hard feelings you wrote a song about it? BB: “Yeah it was an interesting night. The song (Only You) was actually recorded with Josh Devine and Sandy Beales from One Direction’s band. So yeah thanks for the song jerk!” BM: So how did you guys start? Where did it all begin? BB: “Wow. Well the first gig I ever played in my hometown New York was CBGBs. That was like when I was 19. And then fast forward from that point, through a lot of different bands, up until about ’93. And then way down the line in ’97 we started playing as Wheatus.” BM: How many bands were you in before? BB: “Like 4? And then Wheatus started in ’95 but it was just me and a port track at the time. There were no band members and I wrote the whole first

album by myself. And then got some guys on board. After that, fast forward to ’97, we started routinely playing in New York. And then 3 years later we got a record deal with Columbia and we played CBGBs again, opening for Joey Ramone. Yeah, about a year before he died. So those are like the bullet points of our early times.” After talking with Brown we were able to catch drummer, WILLIAM TULLY, on his way to the bar. Tully is the newest member of Wheatus, joining just two years ago. He was just 12 years old when ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ was first released and made it clear to us that he could not answer any of the serious questions. BM: We saw you play last year, what made you want to come back to UH? William Tully: “Yeah that was the biggest show I had played until Hyde Park this summer. So this place is very dear to me. As for what made me come back, I’m just the drummer. I go where I’m told man. Half the time I don’t even know what town I’m in. I just set up, play the drums, kick some ass, make sure everybody’s having a good time, and then have fun myself.”

BM: What’s your favourite drunk food to eat? WT: “I’m going to be totally honest, I don’t like Indian food and that’s all your late night stuff – Indian and bad pizza. I’m from New York City…”

Fan 1: “…Hot dogs are the best!”

WT: “Hot dogs? Like you’re there on a deserted Island, one food, and you pick hot dog? Right lets interview everyone else. One food, desert island.”

BM: What’s your favourite song to play live? WT: “‘Hey, Mr Brown.’ It’s really fast, but the verses are kinda like Hip Hop [Tully then proceeds to hum drum noises]. I get hip hop sexy in the verse and then the chorus comes round and I get to go all punk rock and hit things.”

A couple of fans had previously ran over to see Tully and decided to join in with the interview.

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BM: We have to ask – Why did you play barefoot? WT: “Depends on my mood. Today the shower I took was a little bit longer than I expected back in the green room, and I was like ‘Oh damn we’re on in like 15 minutes.’ So I was like I guess just shorts and barefoot is the answer today. It was also laundry day, that’s why I’m wearing shorts. My outfit is never really thought out. I’m wearing clothes, or I’m not wearing clothes. Today I decided to wear a shirt. Sometimes I don’t. I haven’t worked out in a couple of days.”

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WHEATUS

Brooklyn based rap artists. They shared how honoured they were to be touring with such a legendary band in a series of dates throughout the month, up and down the country. If you caught Wheatus at The Forum or one of their other shows, let us know what you thought!

Fan 2: “I have to go with hot dogs or pizza.” WT: “Seriously? How do you stay in shape? This is ridiculous.To be 18 again. I eat three pieces of candy and I’m chubby. I had to do extra crunches because I had a Cadbury Crème Egg in the back.” The conversation continued like this for some time and ended with Tully learning about roast dinners and inviting himself to a fan’s house on Sunday to try one. Wheatus then continued to the bar to grab some drinks and to take more than their fair share of selfies with fans. We were also able to have a quick chat with Miss Eaves and MC Frontalot, two

Photohraphy | Tegan McCann

ENTERTAINMENT

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celebrates its

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HERTFORDSHIRE

THE FORUM

ANNIVERSARY

Brad Johnson | Deputy Editor For many students here at the University of Hertfordshire, the Forum Hertfordshire is the usual haunt for night outs and socialising with friends, but it has not always been that way. Long before The Forum was built, the standard night out was in The Font; now home to the Hutton Hall and Hertfordshire Students’ Union College Lane office. However, in 2009, the Students’ Union revolutionised its commercial services by opening The Forum (now known as The Forum Hertfordshire). The brand new addition to campus facilities cost around 38 million pounds and quickly became a focal point for the student community, enhancing both the local entertainment facilities but more importantly, the student experience. Professor Tim Wilson, ViceChancellor of the University of Hertfordshire at the time of opening said: “We are the biggest investor in student facilities in the UK and the Forum shows our continued commitment to enhancing the student experience.” Now celebrating its 5th Anniversary, The Forum Hertfordshire has become part of the life of many of the students at Herts. From hosting the annual Freshers’ Fair to being home to numerous society events, the venue has become universally used by nearly all groups at the university. Lee Welsh, Events and Entertainments Manager of the Forum Hertfordshire, and previously The Font said: “Its totally next-level compared the old venue. The Forum is pretty much un-rivaled by any other university venue in the UK. The font was pretty typical, hot, sweaty, cramped and much smaller, however, we all loved it and still miss it!” The Forum Hertfordshire has also seen its fair share of special appearances over its five years of trading. Most notably was in January 2011, when the Forum hosted its X Factor event. One

Direction was confirmed as headliners; this was a rare opportunity that really put The Forum on the map. At the time, Director of Engagement and Communications, Rebbeca Hobbs stated that: “One Direction are only doing a couple of pre – X Factor Tour shows and we’re honoured that they’ve chosen the Forum Hertfordshire.” Along with the now global superstars, One Direction, The Forum Hertfordshire has also played host to will.i.am, Ellie Goulding, Example and Rizzle Kicks. Notably, The Forum Hertfordshire has been marked into music history after the venue featured heavily in Ed Sheeran’s top five track, Lego House music video in 2011. Following this, in 2014, Sony filmed part of the Playstation 4 advertisement at the venue which allowed 1200 students’ to see Tinie Tempah headline the auditorium for free. Brittany Melly, Assistant Entertainments and Events Manager, who joined the team in August 2013, explained why she wanted to join the team at the venue: “I was totally blown away with the venue, and knew straight away that this was where I wanted to work. I couldn’t think of a more impressive student venue in the country.” There is no doubt that the students of the University of Hertfordshire really do get the best venue to spend their evenings. The venue is open nearly every night for student club nights including the national chain of club nights, Flirt!, which took home the ‘Best Regular Club Night’ Award. The Forum Hertfordshire often sees success amongst its peers in the Students’ Union commercial sector, taking home many ‘Best Bar None’ awards each year. After being a runner-up for the last two years, The Forum Hertfordshire has now won ‘The Best Campus Venue’ at the National Music Awards.

James Bowers, former VP Union Development (now Democracy & Services), the elected officer responsible for the Forum Hertfordshire emphasised the importance of student views: “I used to love going along to the various club nights, to find out what students wanted and make sure this was relayed at union meetings.” Today, five years on, in a Trident Media exclusive, we can reveal that back by popular demand following a sell out Smirnoff Saturday in the last academic year, Cascada will take to The Forum Hertfordshire on the Friday 21st November 2014.

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Photography courtesy of The From Hertfordshire

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WHY HAVE CHANNEL 4 cancelled Utopia?

Will an American remake be a success?

Aiden Perrins | Contributing Writer

Utopia was a groundbreaking British drama with it’s colourful style contrasting it’s dark and edgy content. It is one of the boldest conspiracy thrillers we’ve seen on TV for a long time. This week it’s third series was cancelled by Channel 4 sparking outrage from fans on social networking sites such as twitter. User @ShuanLadd said: “Cannot believe Channel 4 cancelled Utopia. The worst decision ever, surely? Incredible, incredible series! Totally baffling,” and @ JamesDelingpole commented: “OK. Channel 4 commissioning ed w*****s: which one of you cancelled Season 3 of #Utopia? (Insider info gratefully received, in confidence).” The problem seemed to be that although the people who watched the show loved it, there didn’t seem to be that many of us fans out there, with only 650,000 watching the second series of the show. Despite the fact that the first episode of series two, a 1970’s flashback episode, could well feature in a top 10 list of TV events this year. Perhaps what makes the news of Channel 4 cancelling Utopia more surprising is that a couple of months ago US channel HBO thought it was so good that they decided to remake it for American TV, with Gone Girl writer Gillian Flynn teaming up again with director David Fincher (who also worked on the Netflix political drama House of Cards, which also came from England originally) for the project. TRANSATLANTIC TV REMAKES Typically the US have tried to remake British sitcoms with only The Office really catching on over there, with many failures such as The Inbetweeners and The IT Crowd. But adapting a British drama for US audiences, especially such an iconic one like Utopia, will be a completely different task for them. When I watch Utopia it is difficult to imagine the dry humour, which seems so important to the tone of the show, being done in the same way across the pond; but with David Fincher directing it has grabbed my attention and is definitely something I will have to watch. A Channel 4 spokesperson talking to denofgeek.com said: “It’s always painful to say goodbye to shows we love, but it’s a necessary part of being able to commission new drama, a raft of which are launching on the channel throughout 2015.” One of the new shows coming to Channel 4 is a remake of a Swedish drama called Real Humans, a sci-fi political drama about humanoid robots, and the relationship between them and real humans. This all sounds like something we’ve seen before many times. In the comments section of denofgeek.com one user named EVILBEAR said: “I JUST REMEMBERED THAT MADE IN CHELSEA IS MADE BY C4 AND THIS HAS WELL AND TRULY

ENGAGED CAPSLOCK.” There are many users begging for Netflix or Amazon to pick it up, much like what happened with Arrested Development - the TV show which really jump started Michael Cera’s career and catapulted Jason Bateman into the thoughts of film casting agents rather than just continuing with his TV work. The backlash caused by this cancellation rings bells of Joss Whedon’s Firefly back in 2003. This was another sci-fi drama with a cult following who resented Fox when they cancelled it after just one season, although they did eventually convince Universal Studios to make the film Serenity. The fans of Utopia only have an American reboot to hang on to instead of a film but hopefully that will be good enough to keep us happy. WHAT WENT WRONG? Everything about Utopia seemed to have all the signs of a great TV series. With Neil Maskell in what could be a career defining performance for him as the psychopathic Arby, with his limp and signature catchphrase “Where is Jessica Hyde?” Also, Alexandra Roach portrays the sarcastic yet charismatic Becky as if she’s been playing that character all her life. The writing of Dennis Kelly is also a great influence on the style mixing dark and quite evil plot lines with light hearted and sometimes quite funny dialogue. Not to mention that Kelly had revealed he already had plans for a third and possibly a fourth series. Even the music chosen is perfectly fitting for the tone of the series. But the significant point which kept viewers watching was the completely unique style from the colour scheme to the edgy storyline and sometimes quite graphic content. It is a series that from it’s very first episode made sure that it’s viewers never looked at a spoon in the same way again. The Channel 4 spokesperson also had this to say: “Utopia is truly channeldefining: strikingly original, powered by Dennis Kelly’s extraordinary voice and brought to life in all its technicolor glory through Marc Munden’s undeniable creative flair and vision.” This suggests that Channel 4 appreciated the show as much as the fans did but I guess if it’s not pulling in the viewers then it has to be cut from the schedule and replaced with something which they hope will have a more

INNOVATION

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THE ENTREPRENURIAL

B O O M

Create your own future Taveena Atsu | Features Sub Editor It’s been 10 years since the first series of The Apprentice, and a lot has changed since then; especially when it comes to the success of Britain’s young people! With nearly half of the candidates of the show being 26 years and younger, our generation is bursting with ambition, now more than ever. The entrepreneurial boom is on the rise for young Brits, and according to research carried out by Lucozade Energy, 62% are interested in working for themselves or creating their own brand, with freedom to achieve goals valued higher than money. Youth today feel as if innovation is a must, with 69% of us feeling like we’re ‘under more pressure’ than our parents at our age. Young entrepreneurs are realising that they have to make their own opportunities if they’re to get ahead in life. ‘Young people are more aware of other cultures’ according to Lucozade Energy. With increased exposure to the rest of the world due to social media and globalisation, it’s not surprising!

The competition is fierce, and it’s being rubbed in our faces. Nowadays, we’re constantly being bombarded with success stories from individuals who are younger, and often more successful, than traditional role models. Take Mark Zuckerberg for example. Seeing these positive role models only compels young people to achieve more, and Lucozade Energy have gone out of their way to show us how strong-minded us young people can be. ‘Self-Starters, not just Selfie-Takers’ is a report assigned by Lucozade Energy that demonstrates just how ambitious young people in the UK really are. “I have the attitude that I can do it, and nothing will stop me,” says Hamish Stephenson, a filmmaker who’s just 18 years old. “Why not just do what you want to do, and what you are passionate about, instead of being stressed that you might not have enough money in the future, or you might not have a job ?” Research carried out by Lucozade Energy shows that 62% of this generation

hope to build their own brand or business before they’re thirty, and the fact that three in five young people want to run their own business illustrates the vast change in the mindset of youth in the UK. However, they’re not just in it for the money. Lucozade Energy found that money wasn’t regarded as highly as freedom to achieve ones goals. The mentality of youths in the UK is much to be admired, with 20 year old entrepreneur Bejay Mulenga as a great example: “Anything I put my mind to, I just go out and get it,” he said. If there’s something you want to do in life; do it. Shernaz Daver, a successful entrepreneur tells us that life is “filled with circles and random mazes so seize the moments when they come.” Never wait around for things to drop in your lap, as long as you put the work in, you will surely reap the rewards! There’s nothing to stop you being the next big thing in the entrepreneurial boom.

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ANDROID

Brad Johnson | Deputy Editor

Kealie Mardell | Print Editor

APPLE

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BATTLE of the BRANDS

VS Ever since its release in 2007, the iPhone has become the world’s most well known and popular phones. The iPhone has truly revolutionised Apple and changed it from being solely a computer company to becoming an international leader in the technology sector. So what makes the iPhone the best smartphone in the world? Firstly let take a look at the iPhone’s camera, it remains one of the most impressive features of the iPhone. Although the Android competitors should fare better than their iPhone counterparts, the iPhone constantly manages to take higher quality pictures with minimal effort required by the photographer. Additionally, the iPhone app store allows for seamless use of apps between generations and more importantly across different hardware products. With the amount of modifications that Android phones can have, sometimes the apps may behave differently between which device you wish to use it on. Seamless usage seems to be a big thing for Apple. Although some would claim that they do this to maximise on sales from a customer, the overall user experience when your MacBook, iPhone and iPad all connect and share the same information, is second to none. I know that wherever I am, whatever device I am using, I will have exactly the same info updating live to all my devices. When looking at aesthetics, the iPhone has constantly been a trend setter. Everyone wants the new generation of iPhone. Each generation become more beautiful and more intuitive to use. The iPhone has become and still is the best smartphone on the market and as long as the customer wants quality, consistency and a phone to show off with, the Apple iPhone will remain to be the world leader! The best bit is, although Android make good mobile devices and target their effort on that solely, Apple manages the make amazing phones along with constant development of all their other hardware products.

I don’t know whether ‘once an Android, always an Android’ is a bit of a sweeping statement, but it certainly rings true for me. Having seen the benefits of multiple Android phones, this platform is always going to be my first choice, well above anything that Apple’s iPhones could have to offer. Google’s Android operating software opens up a world of choice that just isn’t available with an iPhone. Firstly, the handsets themselves – Apple fans all crave the latest iPhone, simply because it’s the only one. There are so many different options when it comes to Android, from Google’s own Nexus, Samsung, Motorola, LG, the list goes on and on for the phones you can choose from. Each of these choices has its own pros and cons but the fun is in balancing those choices, exploring the options available, and finding the phone that’s right for you. Secondly, the cost of this choice. Want the latest iPhone? Better start emptying your bank account now and you’ll still be living off beans on toast until the next student loan instalment comes in. Android phones cover a range of budgets so there really is something for everyone. There’s great handsets available starting for less than £200, and creeping up as your specifications increase. You can afford to choose the features that matter most to you, and cut costs on those that aren’t as important. So you’ve got your new phone, now what? If you’ve gone down the Apple route, it comes out of the box and whatever you find is the way it stays - same as everyone else’s. Android comes into its own when it comes to customisation. From design, keyboards, custom ROMS, and more, the options are far more extensive than those offered by Apple. If you like to have fun with your phone and make it unique for you, then Android is definitely the way to go. Opting for an iPhone is a status choice. It’s for fan boys/girls and those who don’t know any better. Don’t be a sheep and just follow the crowd and the latest trends. Join the team of cute little green robots and give Android a try instead!

L I F E S T Y L E Rebecca Harding | Photography Sub Editor

ON CAMPUS

Summer is officially over and as students are getting ready to knuckle down for the next semester they are wrapping up against the elements. Winter is on its way. All over campus people are wearing coats, jackets or jumpers. If it be the classic trench coat or the kimono coat, finding what suits you best can be a tricky ordeal. I snapped up a few students wearing some of this season’s styles and found those trying something new or giving their old trend a bit of a twist. These are students spotted in and around the de Havilland campus looking ever so fashionable.

Alexandra-Rhia Dareis Holland is in her 2nd year of English Literature, her style is bold and subtle at the same time.

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Lashara van Heerden | Contributing Writer

George Molyneux is 2nd year Business. His impressive bomber style jacket is from Etsy in America: “It’s a bit different and I like it.”

Maria Lapeña is studying Business Accounting on an Erasmus exchange year from Spain. Sophie Gent is in her 1st year of Law. Her lovely coat is from Primark. She looks at celebs for her inspiration: “I love Kim Kardashian.”

Umar Amid is studying Law with Business, 3rd year. He works for Burberry and that is where he coat and snazzy brollie come from.

Kaya Hasa, BCS and Event management, 3rd year. He gets inspiration from: “Myself, music and fashion magazines.” He can be seen wearing a wind cheater from Topman.

Heather Moulder is in her 3rd year of Law. Her bright hair is “because I like to be bright and colourful, oh, and different”. Her coat is from Select.

Kiran M Krishna is in 2nd year Law. He has his own “individual style” and generally just chooses clothing that “looks good on me.” His coat is from a market in Devon.

ST ALBANS FASHION WEEK 2014 27th October - 2nd November

Rebecca Harding tells Trident Media what Fashion Week has to offer for personal and career gain. Plus, what you can look forward to during this exclusive high end event.

@StAFashionWeek

Definitely a week you cannot miss out on! Those interested in fashion, design, modelling, styling and beauty will find these events very ideal. As it is located so close to the university, there is no excuse! The week consists of three evening Catwalk Shows: ’The Luxe Show,’ (£25) ‘Luxury Wedding Show’ (£30) and the ‘Cathedral Catwalk Show.’ (Starting from £17.50). Tickets will include a goodie bag.

St Albans Fashion Week

I know the ticket prices are steep for our student budgets but trust me, the shows are well worth it! (Especially with the odd glass of bubbly & goodie bags!) I was lucky enough to land a spot on the Photography Team last year, in which I covered the various events.If you’re interested in gaining work experience in the field of fashion / photography / events management do email the team at info@stalbansfashionweek. com There is also a great new feature on stalbansfashionweek.com where St Alban’s Fashion Week has made a scheme ‘Next Generation’ which showcases new work from creative students. There are ‘Next Generation’ workshops and master classes where industry professionals offer students inspiration and firsthand knowledge in the creative field.

The various categories for students are: -Fashion & Design Students -Photography Students -Film and Media Students -Marketing Students -Event Management Students “My favourite part of St Alban’s Fashion Week 2013 was most definitely the buzz backstage, where all of the Models/Designers gathered. I got a real buzz myself from being backstage photographing the organised chaos!” There are also plenty of restaurant and food offers during Fashion Week, including: -Bar Meze- 20% off total bill (27th oct- 2nd Nov excl. fri & sat.) -Brasserie Blanc- Complimentary

Photography by Rebecca Harding

@StAlbansFashionWeek

Bottle of Wine (27th Oct- 19th Nov with two or more mains from the a la carte menu) -Thompson @ Darcy’s- Ladies that Lunch, available Mon-Sun lunchtime. Canapes & a glass of bubbly on arrival. 3 Courses from the set lunch menu & a cocktail of choice. Just £35 per person. The Beech House- Special Show Dinner offer -(31st Oct) -Loch Fyne- 25% off food bill (27th – 2nd Nov excl fri and sat after 6pm, valid on a la carte menu only) -The Meeting Room- free drink with every meal (27th – 2nd Nov) -Inn on the Park- Free glass of prosecco per person when you order the afternoon tea for two (31st Oct1st Nov daytime only) -Singhli- 25% of food bill (excl fri & sat)

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6th - 9th November

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ST ALBANS LITERARY FESTIVAL Krystyna King | Events Secretary

The Book Midwife® is sponsoring the very first St. Albans Literary Festival. They are a company, which exists to help people write the book that is inside of them. By this, they encourage anyone to write and get published. Their main global headquarters is located in St Albans, along with this four day event, which is the perfect set up for bookworm lovers. The four days celebration will consist of everything from storytelling, poetry, journalistic writing, and blogging. With talks from authors, inspiration and extracts from all great works of Literature, there is something available for all ages. Events will even supply advice for career paths such as, 6th November: ’How to Get Your Dream Job!’ (Fringe Event)- 16:00 Other Events Include:

6th November: Murder Mystery Dinner -19:30pm 7th November: How to write a GREAT Book fast with Mindy GibbinsKlein-14:00 8th November: Journalism Workshop10:00 9th November: Inside the Mind of a Crime Writer: M R Hall- 15:30 ‘I’m really excited to have a part in the making of the first ever St. Albans literary festival. We have so many work shops, readings and

events going on, that’s it’s hard to believe it has never been done before. The festival promises to be fun and educational for all, and I hope to see lots of students from the university get involved,’ Sophie Hudson, Graduate of UH There are over 50 events to be involved in, all throughout the day and into the evening. Prices may vary for the events so for more information check out the website: stalbansliteraryfestival.co.uk

LONDON

TRIPS

STUDENTS’ UNION

1st November: Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival at £8 a ticket. Due to Firework day (5th November) approaching, this is the perfect opportunity to watch an impressive firework display. Tickets also include a funfair for all ages, street food and a craft beer village. Tickets for ice skating can also be purchased when booking- 15:00 Timeout.com is great for all the events in London and to book tickets

ESN Hertfordshire: 21st23rd November: Edinburgh Trip starting from £99. Transport and accommodation included. A weekend away, to see the castle, the culture and a couple of nights in this beautiful city. Check out their Facebook Group:Erasmus Society Hertfordshire 2014-2015 You can find all the information on their website: esnuk-herts,org or on Twitter: @ESNHerts

Monday 27th October: Volunteering Fair 11-14:00, Forum Foyer (College Lane). Find out about volunteering on campus with student-led projects such as the Howard Park Halloween Oneoff Volunteer Project (running fun activities such as apple bobbing on 31st October). There is even a chance to volunteer internationally with Elephant & Hilltribes in Thailand. There is a whole week of volunteering to get involved in, including:

ISS: 15th November: Manchester Trip: £39. Transport Included. Able to visit Manchester City Centre, entry to Manchester Utd Old Trafford Football club for tour a museum visit. Also, Trafford Centre with a chance to do some shopping. 29th November: Oxford and Bicester Village Trip: £28. Transport included. Includes a tour around the picturesque city of Oxford and a visit to the Designer Outlet store, Bicester Village. For more information and to book ISS’s events check StudyNet or store.herts.ac.uk

1st November: RAG’s Zombie Chase, College Lane Campus- Zombie Chase is looking for volunteers to dress up as zombies and lots of other roles. This is it’s third year so will want to be even more bigger, better and scarier than last year- 14:00 2nd November: Charity Quiz Night at Elehouse with Think, mental awareness volunteer project. £1 per person- 20:00 For more events go to: hertfordshire. su/whats-on/

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Veggie Option!

QUORN DISH WITH RICE Lashara van Heerden | Contributing Writer

Method: For the rice absorption method (not necessary, just a preference of mine):

In a medium pot combine 1-1¾ cups water, the rice, oil and salt, if you like. Bring to a boil over high heat. As soon as the water is boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover. Simmer until the water is completely absorbed and the rice is tender, about 12 minutes (it’s okay to lift the lid to make sure the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed—just replace the lid quickly).

2. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, with the lid on, for at least five minutes and for as long as 30 minutes, check occasionally. Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork and serve. For the main:

1. Chop the onions and garlic up finely. Halve the mushrooms. 2. To a large pot add the onions, garlic, oil and mushrooms. Cook at a medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Cook with the lid on and stir occasionally.

3. Chop the broccoli into bite size pieces. 4. Add the Quorn pieces to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, there should be mushroom juice in the bottom of the pot.

After the mushrooms and Quorn look ready, add the broccoli to the pot with the cream. Put the heat down and allow to simmer until the broccoli is to your preference. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste.

Ingredients: 1 onion 2 cloves of garlic 1 broccoli 1 punnet mushrooms approx. ½ pint of double cream 1 bag Quorn chicken pieces 3 Tbl spoons oil 1 cup rice or pasta if you prefer

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Food for a Fiver!

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KICKING CAJUN RICE AND TUNA

Brad Johnson | Deputy Editor

Method

Ingredients

480g of Tinned Tuna Chunks (3 Tins) (£2.00) 400g of Rice (£0.56) 2 Medium White Onion (£0.60) 1 Red Bell Pepper (£0.50) 100ml Mayonaisse (£0.35) 4 Cloves of Garlic (£0.25) 2 Teaspoon Cumin Powder (£0.20) 2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (£0.20) 4 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika( £0.30) Salt and Pepper to taste

Slice onions and peppers to desired thickness, crush garlic cloves and open three tins of tuna.

2. Weigh out and cook the rice in salted water- follow instructions on packaging as can vary between brands.

3. Shallow fry the onions and peppers with the garlic until nearly golden brown and softened in a large frying pan.

4. At this point add cumin, cayenne and smoked paprika and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until you can smell the spices.

5. Add the tuna and warm through for 5-6 minutes. 6. When the rice is cooked, drain and then combine with the tuna, onions, peppers and spices in the frying pan.

7. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, constantly stirring to avoid sticking. 8. Add mayonnaise until desired creaminess is achieved. 9. If you want a spicier cajun rice, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or fresh chillis. 10. Finish by adding salt and pepper to taste. 11. Serve in a bowl and relax in front of the TV with friends.

£4.96 = £1.24 per serving (Serves 4)

There’s a mixture of students here at the University of Hertfordshire, and I guarantee you’ve figured out some stereotypes. For a bit of fun, here are eight types of students who you may find sitting next to you in lectures or that you’ve spotted from afar in the LRC.

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Words and photography by Charlotte Green

1. THE ONE THAT LEAVES IT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE When you say you’re just finishing off your essay at 5pm and the deadline is 10pm – this individual hasn’t even started it. They will usually be found surrounded by books and pulling an all-nighter in the LRC. Energy drinks and caffeine pills are never far away and the week after completing an assignment will be spent in bed coming down from their study high.

2. THE GYM FREAK

These students can be spotted a mile off with their sports bag slung over their shoulder, a protein shake glued to their hand and often wearing an Athletic Union hoodie. They will be heard loudly declaring how many reps they did in the gym and dedicated gym freaks can be picked out if they turn down the offer of McDonalds.

3. THE STRANGER

THE

Do you ever sit in your lecture and wonder who that mysterious student at the back is who just appeared? It’s the stranger – this individual usually only appears when a deadline is due or when there is a test.

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4. THE PARTY ANIMAL THE

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Always bragging about how smashed/trollied/pissed/ plastered they got last night, how they had an epic chunder through their nose and that they woke up in someone else’s bed – these students have plenty of stories to tell. They are often in bed when their 9am lecture is on and are tagged in a series of attractive drunken selfies on Facebook.

5. THE CONFUSED

There’s always that one person that has no idea what to do in the seminar even though your tutor has just said. This person will also be the one you barely speak to but will pop up on Facebook asking for you to explain the essay question - or then ask you to send them your work as they still don’t get it.

6. THE PARENT DEPENDENT

With no concept of how an alarm clock works, how to cook oven chips, or where the on button is on a washing machine – this individual has no clue how to function since they flew the nest.

7. THE TEACHER’S PET

You know when you’re in a lecture and the lecturer asks a question and everyone looks at the floor and won’t answer? This student will. Also, just as your lecturer is about to say you can leave, you can guarantee that this student will have so many pointless questions that you have to stay another 20 minutes.

THE PARENT

8. THE ONE WITHOUT A WATCH

DEPENDENT

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This person is always late without fail – usually by at least half an hour. Despite this, they’ll come strolling in with a coffee in their hand and mutter that they have no idea what’s going on. Typical.

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Which student stereotypes have you spotted around campus? Let us know @TridentMediaUK!

Photo by Laura Noakes

HALLOWEEN Special

Spooky Halloween Cocktails

TRY THESE IF YOU DARE! Taveena Atsu | Features Sub Editor

ZOMBIE After this concoction, you’ll definitely feel like the walking dead! 2 Dashes of Bacardi 151, 1oz of dark rum, 1oz of white rum, 1oz of golden rum, 1oz of apricot brandy, 1oz of orange juice, 1oz of pineapple juice, ¼ of lime juice 1 dash of grenadine

DARK AND STORMY 2oz Gosling’s® Black Seal rum 8oz ginger beer

TAKE A TRIP TO THE ‘BLACK FOREST 1oz of Dark Rum, 12oz of Chocolate Liqueur, 12oz of Bailey’s Irish Cream

BATS BLOOD AND PUMPKIN SURPRISE Do you have what it takes to down this tricky treat? Half a cup of orange juice, 1 of amaretto, ¼ oz. of strawberry syrup

VAMPIRES BITE 1 splash dark rum, 1/2oz DeKuyper, Raspberry Pucker schnapps, 1/2oz strawberry vodka, 4oz 7-Up , 4oz cranberry juice

WITCHES PUNCH

Serves twenty 6 Lemons, 1.5 cups Superfine sugar, 1 pint 16oz Strong-brewed black tea16oz Dark Jamaican rum , 1 pint 16oz VS or VSOP-grade cognac , 16oz Ruby port, 4oz Grand Marnier, 1.5 litres Club soda or Champagne

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Trick-or-Treat? Words and photo by Laura Noakes

WHEN IS IT CREEPY TO STILL BE TRICK-or-TREATING?

Many see Trick-or-Treating as a harmless, fun activity for kids to do on Halloween. The excitement over dressing up in favourite costumes and a copious amount of sweet treats makes for a lot of very happy children. However, many older people dislike Trick-or-Treating, and according to a survey conducted in 2011, almost a quarter of adults feel that Trick-orTreating shouldn’t happen. Strangers knocking on doors and demanding sweets can be very intimidating, especially for the elderly. Much of the worry comes from the perceived risk of anti-social behaviour on Halloween. Although predominantly younger children take part in Halloween, some teenagers also partake in the practice begging the question: when is it too old to Trick-or-Treat? Are tweens and teenagers too old for the practice? And what about fully grown adults? Should trick or treating be reserved solely for the young and their parents, or should everyone be able to take part? As with most things, I think it depends. It depends on the people who are trick-or-treating - are they polite or intimidating? It also depends on whether homeowners want Trick-or-Treaters. While anti-social behaviour on Halloween has actually decreased in recent years,

perception is still high. Many local police step up patrols over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period. Police also recommend not knocking on the doors of strangers. This can really help so that people who don’t want to participate in Halloween aren’t bothered by Trick-orTreaters. However, there is still a big difference between children and adults Trick-or-Treating. Personally, I believe that Trick-or-Treating is something that should be reserved for children and done with respect for those who don’t what to partake. However, there needs to be something for tween and teenagers to do on Halloween, an alternative to Trick-orTreating, so that everyone is happy.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE NOT TRICK-or-TREATING

Here are some slightly more grown up ways to capture that Halloween magic. If you’re up for going out this year, then The Forum has got you covered. Their Flirt! Halloween special features Beatboxer Duke and they are offering a whooping £1000 prize for best costume, so get going on your fancy dress. Don’t feel like going out? Why not host a Murder Mystery night? A Murder Mystery night is basically the live action version of Cluedo, all you need to do is

invite a few friends round (you’ll need to write character descriptions for them), wait for the murder to happen and then get your detective hats on! Although it requires a bit of planning, if you can pull it off it a Murder Mystery night is a tonne of fun. If you’re feeling really brave why not visit Hatfield Forest for their annual Batty Hallowe’en celebration. There will be scary activities and a spooky after dark stroll through the woods (and anyone who has ever seen a horror movie knows how dangerous it is to walk through a forest after dark!). If you want to venture outside Hatfield, the London Halloween Ghost Walk is sure to give you the creeps and is a great way to explore the capital. Not up for anything particularly taxing this year? Why not have a movie night? Stick on your favourite Halloween film, get in your comfiest pyjamas and have a takeaway. You can check out BlueMoon’s ‘Top Five Halloween Movies’ for some spooky inspiration! Whatever you end up doing on Halloween, have fun, stay safe and most importantly don’t let the ghouls get you! What do you think of Trick-orTreating? Should there be an age limit? Let us know by tweeting us @TridentMediaUK or visit our Facebook page at facebook. com/TridentMediaUK.

BEHIND THE SCENES of a modern

paranormal investigation Melissa Nadarajan | Contributing Writer Who do you call, when there really is something strange in your neighbourhood? You can always try the 24 hour hotline run by the North London Paranormal Investigators (NLPI). “You would be surprised just how often it’s used,” said Christie Michaels, a self-proclaimed ‘eclectic wiccan,’ and the team’s spiritual protector. “Our phone is ringing almost constantly.”

Based in Highgate, North London, the NLPI has been running under founder Mickey Gocool and his partner Louise for three years. The team consists of fourteen volunteers, a mix of both sceptics and psychics alike, who all share a passion for investigating the unexplainable. Michaels describes herself as an Empath, discovering at the age of 11 through premonition dreams that she was different.

Michaels describes herself as an Empath, discovering at the age of 11 through premonition dreams that she was different. “I’m not psychic, but I can sense how people are feeling,” she said. “I can feel someone in pain, or if they start to feel nauseous I pick up on it. Not quite psychic though, this is really annoying!” Paranormal investigating no longer consists of séances and Ouija boards.

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Getting technical on the hunt Traditional methods still at play for the paranormal ‘We have Electromagnetic Field detectors,” Michaels explained. “Before we start an investigation, we’ll go through the whole house, and read all the walls and the floors. If there are any wires, or anything that’s going to set the equipment off, beforehand we’ll make a note of it. We have to be really, really meticulous; we don’t want to fake stuff. A lot of teams out there fake their results, but we want to have real proof, real evidence at the end of the day. “We call it ‘debunking.’ When we’re debunking we’re ruling out all other possible factors.

Despite the extensive use of technology, there is still room in modern investigations for the more ‘traditional’ supernatural communication techniques. Gocool, an investigator of over 25 years, is psychic, claiming to witness ‘replays’ of road accidents long after they have happened.

“On our last investigation, this spirit, or whatever it was, kept luring us into a room. We were watching on the screens downstairs, on the feed from the cameras we had set up upstairs and we’d see it move from one room into another room. It was making us chase it. The equipment would trigger in a room and we would investigate, only for it to stop and the equipment to go off in another room. It was like it was playing with us, it happened for hours and hours. It obviously didn’t want us there. So we put one of the EVP devices on the bed in the main bedroom, where most of the activity was taking place – and it started swearing. Swearing at us constantly. ‘F-this, F-off, F-you,’ just constantly.

“Every time you sneeze or take a breath out, you have to tag it, so you have to say ‘Christie just breathed out,’ ‘Christie’s stomach just rumbled,’ so we know it’s not a false reading.”

In a highly sceptical and technology fuelled world, the need for recordable evidence is paramount to the NLPI’s work. A modern paranormal investigator’s toolkit includes an array of ghost hunting gadgets.

Keeping it clean

“Most of the time Mickey will have to cleanse the place or help the spirit move on or get rid of a bad energy, kind of like an exorcism. I’ll be there with a white candle because it helps get rid “We’ve got digital of the negative energy and it’s a temperature gauges which use an pure colour, and the black candle LED laser. Before the investigation absorbs negativity. I will also have we’ll go into each room and we’ll my smudging stick which will help measure each wall and again, write cleanse the room. We have to face it down. You find that sometimes a window while we do this because if there’s a spirit or an energy we want the spirit or energy to go around, temperature will drop away, out of the window,” said drastically or it will get really hot. Michaels. We had a sixteen degree drop on A smudge stick, from Native the last investigation, which is American tradition, is a dried huge. And then after around six bundle of herbs that is burned to seconds it went back to normal. release a ‘cleansing’ smoke and We may do this a lot but it’s still remove negative energy from a amazing whenever it happens,” person or space. Michaels said. “When we’re finished and The team utilize techniques we’re all outside, we’ll stand in such as EVP, or Electronic Voice a circle and I’ll go over us one Phenomena. By placing recorders final time with the smudge stick throughout a property and in case anything’s latched on, ‘calling out’ to a spirit to respond anything at all, even if it’s just a to questions, the team hope to negative experience or a fear,” catch a response on tape. This said Michaels. “I’m not psychic, but I can sense how people are involves asking specific questions “We are not here to convince such as: Do you need our help? Do feeling,” she said. “I can feel someone in pain, or people that spirits or ghosts you want us to go? Or Is there a if they start to feel nauseous I pick up on it” exist,” she explains. “We just want message you want to get across? to show the public what results “We will put recorders all we get when we investigate a over the place, some of us will reputedly haunted location. We walk around with them and like I said, we “He can see what’s going on,’ says want you to make up your own mind.” have to tag everything,” said Michaels. Michaels. “He can see the spirits, he can The North London Paranormal The exhausting process of ‘tagging’ contact them with his spirit guide. He will Investigators are a non-profit while using EVP ensures no noise made ask us to call out in a particular room, organisation, refusing to charge for by persons living are mistaken for because he knows when they [the spirits] private investigations - a service they see otherworldly entities. want to communicate with us. as helping people in need.

HATFIELD HAUNTS Is there paranormal activity to be found in Hatfield? Words and photos by Amy Dodwell Hatfield is full of history and it is clear that not all of it has disappeared as there have been many ghostly sightings over the years. The most popular tourist destination in the town is Hatfield House; well known for its history with Queen Elizabeth I. Within the grounds is the famous ‘Queen Elizabeth Oak’, which is allegedly where Elizabeth I was sitting when she was told she was Queen following Mary’s death. Following the first Marchioness’ death in a blazing fire which destroyed the West Wing of Hatfield House, the coach which she used to travel in has been seen haunting the house. It appears with four black horses which stampede along the drive, pass through the doors and continue up the stairway. Then it simply vanishes. The Old Coach House in Hatfield is home to not one but two ghosts. The first is a young girl who has been seen in one room, and she seems so normal that residents

have even spoken to her and she has responded by vanishing. This story feels particularly chilling but it always seems that ghost stories including children are a little more haunting. The second ghost is a tall dark man and rumour has it that he is searching for his lost daughter, but they are doomed never to meet. Now, while you may be feeling safe and secure spending most of your days at the University of Herts, don’t be so sure! This next story takes place on our very own College Lane campus in Todd Building. Here a misty figure has been spotted by security staff in a darkened, secure building and the lights have turned themselves on and off. However, you’ll be happy to hear that not all ghosts are menacing! As can be proven in 1894 when a phantom man stepped off of the platform at Hatfield Station into the engine of a Great Northern Railway Train, travelling at 55mph. The driver forced the train to stop just before

Hitchin station and noticed something very strange on the track ahead. The track was blocked. If it were not for the perfectly timed appearance of this spirit the train would have crashed into this obstruction. So while you’re all out around Hatfield this Halloween, keep a look out, as not all of the ghosts you see may be mortal!

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THE BEST

The Gothic Genre was introduced at the end of the Romanticism era, hence why most novels contain aspects of both, and the novel to be first termed ‘Gothic’ was The Castle of Ontario which was released in 1764 and would inspire a new genre that would become very popular in the coming century. It is the story of Manfred, lord of the castle, and his family. Manfred’s son dies on his wedding day, and fearing the end of his line, he attempts to marry his son’s fiancé while divorcing his wife, who was unable to bear him a suitable heir. The story continues with the fiancée, Princess Isabella’s, attempting to escape from his clutches with the aid of a peasant named Theodore. There are some knights, battles, discussion and death leading to the true King of Ontario being crowned. It may sound like your typical run of the mill twisted Disney story, but it is far from it. It has a lot of dark symbolism and if you appreciate literature you will understand why it sparked such debate and interest in the coming years.

THE BLOODY CHAMBER The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories by Angela Carter has all the elements of gothic novels, mainly inspired by other stories, but with a darker modern twist that would have caused uproar in the 1800s. There are 10 short stories in the book, with the title story being the longest story. The Bloody Chamber is inspired by the French Fable Author Charles Perrault and his story of Bluebeard, a wealthy Aristocrat who has been married several times but no one knows what has become of his wives, and therefore is avoided by all local women. The story of Bluebeard and the Marquis, of the Blood Chamber, are fairly similar with the same plot of the main character remarrying and giving the ‘keys of the castle’ to their new brides while they are away for a while. The classic story of curiosity killing the cat plays a huge role in the demise of the wives when they are told to not enter a particular part of the Castle. Angela Carter’s novel also contains: The Courtship of Mr. Lyon, The Tiger’s Bride, Pussin-Boots, The Erl-King, The Snow Child, The Lady of the House of Love, The Werewolf, The Company of Wolves, and Wolf Alice. The Snow Child is somewhat disturbing once you master the symbolism and language used in this story, but is incredibly powerful and deserves the position it has in the middle of the book.

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GOTHIC LITERATURE FRANKENSTEIN Frankenstein was written by the 18 year old Mary Shelley in 1818, and published anonymously to begin with due to the prejudice against women writers. Many people believe that the monster created by the Doctor is called Frankenstein, however it is the Doctor whose last name is Frankenstein and his creation is known as Frankenstein’s Monster. It may seem confusing but read that over slowly a few times and it will make more sense, in my A Level classes it took a few hours for me to stop calling the monster Frankenstein, my teacher was exasperated! This novel is written in form of letters and from the perspective of the Monster and the Doctor. The Doctor has an unnatural obsession and takes to cemetery’s and digs up pieces of the dead, in order to create his own human being, after working with a chemistry professor who inflames his ambitions. The story is that of the Doctor and Monster after his creation, and the journeys they travelled separately and together. When reading this novel, if you are an emotional person or someone that has been made to feel secluded you will relate with the Monster, whereas if you feel you are misunderstood or unappreciated then you will relate with the Doctor.

DRACULA Dracula is the vampire of all vampires, the big boss, the don! And one of my favourite examples of Gothic Literature. It was written by Bram Stoker in the late 1800s, and has been the basis for all vampire stories and tales over the last two centuries. There have been many adaptations of the book in the form of films, plays and other productions. The novel is set in England and Transylvania where an English Solicitor visits Count Dracula to provide legal support for a real estate transaction. Harker, the lawyer, soon realises that he is Dracula’s prisoner and is left in the mansion while the Count travels to England to pursue Harker’s fiancé. It’s a thrilling read that forces you to read it as fast as you can. However if you have too much to read with University then the 1992 film is a good watch! There is also a new Dracula film out in the cinemas now so have a watch and let me know what you think!

TOP FIVE

Halloween Movies Laura Noakes | Deputy Print Editor If you’re a little unsure of what to watch this Halloween night, I’ve got you covered. Whether you like ghosts, ‘90s classics or good old fashioned horror, here are my top five picks for movies to watch this October 31st.

1) SCREAM Scream (1996 - Wes Craven) is the classic cult slasher film. It follows a killer named Ghostface who is steadily murdering more and more people in a small town. With a smart plot that doesn’t conform to horror cliches, this is a great film for horror newcomers.

2) THE ADDAMS FAMILY

Are you singing the theme song yet? In the 1991 film, The Addams Family (1991 - Barry Sonnenfeld) have to thwart a conartist impersonating Uncle Fester who is after their fortune. This black comedy is superbly performed, and is perfect for those who don’t want to be scared witless.

3) HOCUS POCUS Hocus Pocus (1993 - Kenny Ortega) is, for me, the classic American style Halloween movie. Three evil witches are brought back to life on Halloween and it is up to two teenagers and a little girl to save the day. This is a Disney movie that packs the punch, and Bette Midler is amazing as head witch Winifred.

4) BEETLEJUICE What is Halloween without a little Tim Burton magic? Beetlejuice (1988 - Tim Burton) is comical take on the classic ghost story, with two newbie ghosts hoping to get the new people out of their house with the help of an evil ghost named Beetlejuice. This movie is perfect for fans of comedy and Burton’s wacky approach to filmmaking.

5) THE EXORCIST

The Exorcist (1973 - William Friedkin) is spine tingling horror at it’s best. It tells the absolutely terrifying tale of a girl possessed and the attempts to get an evil spirit out of her. My advice; don’t watch it at night or on your own - you won’t sleep for days!

TOP TEN

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Scary movie theme tunes Shelby Loasby | News Sub Editor Halloween means that it’s time to scare the bejesus out of just about everyone. Horror and thriller movies are definitely a good place to start, and no scary film is complete without a chilling and goosepimply soundtrack. If you’re looking for some ideas for your Halloween playlist this year, look no further. These tunes will definitely help to create that perfect spooky atmosphere.

1. PSYCHO

“The Murder” by Bernard Herrmann We all know the famous ‘shower scene’ so it should come as no surprise that the music from Psycho has made it into our top 10. It is probably one of the most iconic scores of music and will continue to send shivers down our spines for decades to come.

2. SAW

6. SCREAM

“Theme Song” by Marco Beltrami This is another well-known slasher film, with a well-known soundtrack to accompany it. The theme song is used throughout the series of Scream films to build tension and suspense so will definitely do the job at your own party.

7. DEAD SILENCE

“Hello Zepp” by Charlie Clouser This haunting and dramatic piece of music is recognised as the Saw Theme Tune and was played 40 times over the eight Saw films. Whilst the piano music is quite simple, it never fails to add to the suspense of the films, and will make for another creepy addition to your Halloween playlist.

“Main Titles” by Joseph Bishara This is a relatively new film in our horror collection and is more of a supernatural psychological horror. The “Main Titles” song starts off with what sounds like a child’s music box – a creepy music box, and will definitely make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

3. THE EXORCIST

8. 28 DAYS LATER

“Tubular Bells” by Mike Oldfield As soon as you hear the eerie piano of Tubular bells, you are reminded of the horror classic, The Exorcist. The film is creepy and so is the music, so makes for the perfect Halloween combination.

4. JAWS

“Shark Theme” by John Williams This is probably the most famous piece of suspense music out there and has even won an Academy Award, which is surprising considering it is made up of just two notes. The threatening music was created to mimic the relentlessness of a shark attack and certainly gets your blood pumping.

“In the House, Without a Heartbeat” by John Murphy This particular song from the zombie film, 28 Days Later, is used at the most climactic part of the movie so you can imagine what type of song it is. It starts off relatively slow and quiet and then builds up to a loud and domineering sound. It’s actually a pretty good song, regardless of what film it belongs to, so we highly recommend a listen!

9. THE RING

“Samara’s Song” by Hans Zimmer Creepy. Child. Singing. That just about sums up this addition to our list. If you have your playlist set to shuffle and this song randomly comes on, your guests will definitely get the chills.

5. A NIGHTMARE ON 10. HALLOWEEN ELM STREET “Theme Song” by John Carpenter “Theme Song” by Charles Bernstein The supernatural slasher horror film is not complete without the warped and wacky soundtrack. The theme song definitely puts you on edge and will always remind you of the most recognised fictional serial killer, Freddy Krueger. Watch out in your dreams!

Last, but not least, is Halloween. Sounds like the obvious choice right? Right! This fast tempo track, with what sounds a bit like “Tubular Bells” playing in the background, has been a favourite among the horror soundtracks for years and no Halloween party would be complete without it! Share your favourite spooky songs on Twitter @TridentMediaUK!