Issue 13 - Platform Online

Transcription

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Also inside...
Trade Unions Industrial Action
Everything you need to know on page 6
Festival season is here
Check out some alternatives to Glastonbury on page 14
Platform is an independent publication and any
views expressed herein are not necessarily those
of the editor or of The Nottingham Trent Students
Union and its officers. Companies advertised
in Platform are not necessarly endorsed by
Nottingham Trent Students Union. No part of this
publication may be reproduced without the prior
permission of the editor.
Letters should be addressed to:
Platform, Byron House, Shakespeare Street,
Nottingham, NG1 4GH.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (0115) 848 6280
To advertise with us please contact
Simon Rhodes – (0115) 848 6244
Platform Team…
Part-time Editor: Annabel Woollen - (0115) 848 6280
Designer: Stephanie Combs - (0115) 848 6211
News Editors: Charles Tupman & Pooja Menon
Charles: [email protected]
Pooja: [email protected]
The Bubble Editor: Rachel White
[email protected]
Music Editor: Luke Eldridge
[email protected]
Film Editor: Kerry Edwards
[email protected]
Arts Editor: Laura Johnstone
[email protected]
Fashion Editor: Sally Torode
[email protected]
Health/Sex Editor: Gemma Stevens
[email protected]
Sports Editor: Paul Usher
[email protected]
To contact the relevant sub, please either email
them directly or email [email protected]
and put the relevant section in the subject area.
This Issue
04
06
08
Events Calendar
News
14
Trade Unions Industrial Action
20
The Bubble
Junction’s Big Spring Clean
13
Sessions Memorable Glastonbury Moments
Music Reviews
18 Film Reviews
Arts Reviews
22 Fashion
Best Bikini Buys
26 Reflections
Being a Mature Student; Is Anger Making You Mad?
28 Sports
Wimbledon 2006
Thanks to Polar Group Limited
www.polargroup.co.uk
Editorial
Hello students and welcome to the
penultimate Platform of the year! If your
exams have begun then I wish you every
luck with them and just think of the good
admin to be had once they are over
and you have the summer to live it up.
Hope you all enjoyed the bank holiday and indulged in some super
silly antics on Sunday in preparation for the week ahead. We have
another bumper filled edition for you this week and hope you enjoy
it as I know I do!
In our News section this week we have a very topical piece on the
Industrial strike and what the Students Union’s stance is on it,
and what is actually going on. In The Bubble we have a report on
Junction’s Big Spring Clean, and a short article about Fly FM being
back on the airwaves.
In the Film section we have an interview with Scott Ryan who is the
director of The Magician, along with a review of The Magician. Halle
Berry is the subject of our profile section this edition, and the section
also has reviews on the upcoming releases in our cinemas. In our
Arts section Jerry Springer: The Opera is on review along with The
Royal Shakespeare Company’s upcoming summer performances.
The trends that will be hitting us this summer are exposed in our
Fashion section alongside Best Bikini Buys, and articles on the
Graduate and Nottingham Fashion Weeks. Worrying about what to
wear at this summer’s festivals? Never fear, our fashion section can
also lend you a helping hand on this topic too.
Our Reflections section reports on being a mature student and
poses the question, is anger making you mad? - A quintessential
question frequently asked among students. Finally, in our Sports
section we have another strange sport on offer which takes the
shape of cheese rolling, and we also have an article about the big
event of the summer - no it’s not the World Cup - Wimbledon.
So there you go, a rundown of another great issue, fact! I really hope
you do enjoy this edition and take time out to give all our articles a
good read as they are submitted by a group of fantastic writers who
produce brilliant work, week in and week out. Well, as always, if you
fancy getting involved in Platform, whether it’s writing, photography,
editing, anything, do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
ac.uk or by phone on 0115 848 6280. Thanks for reading and enjoy
the rest of your term.
Platform Volume 14 Issue 13 • 3
NTSU Events Calendar
For more info:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Campus Pre Bar in Glo Bar
@ 9pm - Free entry
NTSU Events Calendar
DV8 Pre Bar in Glo Bar @
Flirt! in The Point @ 9pm (£3
9pm - FREE (£1 drinks offer) ADV / Door)
Climax @ 9pm (FREE B4 10pm / £3
B4 11pm / £4 B4 12am / £5 12am
- 12.30am)
The Tone Club in Glo Bar @
9pm (£3 ADV [NUS] / £3.50
Door)
Quiz in Glo Bar@ 9pm (£1 per
person / FREE FOOD)
Giggle in Glo Bar @ 9pm
- £3 Adv
@ 9pm - Free entry
Climax @ 9pm (FREE B4
10pm / £3 B4 11pm / £4 B4
12am / £5 12am - 12.30am)
Assault Rock Night in Glo Bar @ Watch England v Paraguay
on huge screens in Byron
9.30 - £2 B4 11pm / £3 after
House - FREE ENTRY
person / FREE FOOD)
@ 9pm - Free entry
Watch England v Trinidad & Tobago on huge
screens in Byron House
- FREE ENTRY
Climax @ 9pm (FREE B4 10pm / £3
B4 11pm / £4 B4 12am / £5 12am
- 12.30am)
The Tone Club in Glo Bar @
9pm (£3 ADV [NUS] / £3.50
Door)
person / FREE FOOD)
Kinki Kinki Pre-Bar in Glo
Bar @ 9pm - Pre Bar FREE /
Club Night £2.50
Watch England v Sweden Campus Pre Bar in Glo Bar
on huge screens in Byron @ 9pm - Free entry
House - FREE ENTRY
Summer Last Day of Term
in Glo Bar starting @ 11am
- More details tbc
4 • Platform Volume 14 Issue 13
Platform Volume 14 Issue 13 •
5
News
News
Trade
Unions
Industrial
Action
As I am writing this I expect that the
majority of you, whether you have
been directly affected or not, have
heard about the industrial action
taking place as lecturers pursue their
pay claim. As at many Universities
across the country, at Nottingham
Trent there have been a lot of
rumours floating around campus as
to why action is going ahead and
what our stance, as a students union,
is on the matter. Well, hopefully this
article will answer all those pending
questions you have and inform you
of the truths of the situation:
Why has the industrial action
needed to be taken?
Academic trade unions NATFHE
(National Association of Teachers
in Further and Higher Education)
and AUT (Association of University
Teachers) have both decided to carry
out industrial action to support their
national pay claims. The academic
unions are asking for more money
from the employers (the Universities)
because they feel that their salaries
have failed to rise in line with other
professions over a number of years.
With the new funding system about
to bring more money into HE, the
Unions want to make the most of the
opportunity. Although about 30% of
this new cash has been earmarked
for salaries, the dispute centres on
how much is used to improve the
pay of current staff and how much is
used to recruit new lecturers.
The academic unions submitted a
claim, and things seemed set for the
usual process of negotiation to take
place. However, the content of the
claim submitted appeared to surprise
the Universities & Colleges Employers
Association (UCEA), who is acting on
behalf of UK Universities in these
talks, and they quickly broke down.
To underline the strength of feeling
amongst lecturers, the Unions called
a one-day strike in March, and this
has been followed up with tactical
industrial action, which has taken
form in the current boycotting of
assessments and feedback at UK
Universities.
What is the Students Union’s
stance on the action?
Nottingham Trent Students Union,
whilst sympathetic to the cause of
the academic union’s claims, does
not condone the form of industrial
action being taken. Our main priority
is to look after the needs of you,
our members, and the result of
this industrial action is negative,
damaging and detrimental to the
academic careers of students here at
NTU.
The Executive Committee of NTSU
are aware of the national position
being taken by NUS, which is more
supportive of the lecturers, but we,
like many other Students Unions
across the country, feel that we
cannot support the industrial action
being taken by NATFHE and AUT.
We are urging these unions and
the UCEA to engage in constructive
negotiations in order to bring this
matter to a close for the benefit of all
concerned.
What can you do?
• If you have been affected by the
strike in any way, do not hesitate to
come in and speak to one of your
Executive Committee, based on
the first floor of Byron House. Or
alternatively, email our Vice President
and
Education
Officer,
Nicola
Dobson, at [email protected].
ac.uk outlining your problem, who
will then pass it on to the relevant
people concerned.
• Go and speak to your lecturers;
if you are not receiving your marks
then go and ask them why, ask them
what you are meant to do about it
and when you will receive them - after
all, you have a right to know.
the situation quickly. We’d be glad
to help you do any or all of these.
• Visit the Students Union website
(www.trentstudents.org) where we
have posted much more information
and opinion about the dispute.
I hope that this has helped in giving
you a heads up on what is really
going on, informing you of the facts
and the official stance we, as an
Executive Committee, are taking. We
really are doing all we can to help
you but unless you tell us of your
problems and concerns, we cannot
look forward into solving them for
you.
• Use the University complaints
procedure. The Student Advice Centre
in the Students Union can assist.
• You could also write to the Unions,
locally or nationally, to UCEA, to your
MP, or to the Minister of State for
Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher
Education to make your concerns
known and urge all parties to resolve
Annabel Woollen
The Bubble
The Bubble
lean
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Hey Trent Students!
Fly Fm, Trent’s official radio
station is back on air!
From May 24th-25th tune in to hear
the award winning radio station
as voted by BBC Radio One and
The Student Radio Association. We
will be broadcasting twice a week,
every Wednesday and Thursday.
The total tonnage
for the two day
collection with Trent
University was 19.9
tonnes of
waste - which is the
best result collected
so far!
On the morning of
Friday 5th May, Trent’s
Junction volunteers took to
the streets of Nottingham
armed with bin liners,
rubbish pickers and rubber gloves!
As part of an initiative called the
‘Big Spring Clean’, the aim was to
tidy up the town and create a cleaner, brighter, more
attractive place to live in!
The University of Nottingham and Nottingham City
Council are also working in collaboration with us as we
run a series of clean-ups in the area. The Council has
put its full weight behind the Clean Up effort, providing
resources to give Nottingham the best clean sweep; so
while Nottingham students worked on streets leading
off Derby Road and Lenton Boulevard, the Trent Army
spread far and wide to cover Portland Road, Waverly
Street, Cromwell Street, Raleigh Street, Russell Street,
Addison Street, Peel Street, Gill Street, Hampden Street,
North Sherwood Street and Newstead Grove!
As it was such a big task, you would assume it took
hundreds of students. In fact we were a team of 13
dedicated members of Junction – some old faces who
have helped out with all the other projects over the year,
and some new faces who have realised it is not too late
to get involved as a student volunteer.
Starting at 10am on the beautifully hot sunny day, our
Junction volunteers split into two teams to clean-up
separate sites simultaneously. The specific streets had
already been forewarned about the day of the ‘Big
Spring Clean’; flyers had been put through each post box
in order to raise awareness and response in the targeted
areas. These streets are not simply rows of student houses
– families live there too and, by showing them that we
You can listen to fly in The Glo Bar
and The Point - also, if you’re on
any Trent Computer (i.e. in the
library) you can listen in by going
into Windows Media Player, and in
File click on Open Url and type in
http://flyfm.su.ntu.ac.uk:8080
To get in touch and be a part
of the music email us at:
students are willing to dedicate our time and efforts to
helping Nottingham City Council in the clean-up project,
we were proving that we do not just care about ourselves,
but about the community as well.
[email protected]
or email me at:
Some residents had followed the instructions on the flyers
and put out unwanted out-of-use items on the pavements.
This was instantly inspirational to the Junction volunteers
because they could see that people were taking note of
the worthwhile work they were doing on their day off.
Whilst the litter pickers came in handy to collect small
pieces of rubbish from the gutters and gardens of the
houses where people were keen for us to clean, they
were put aside when it came to hauling hefty junk out
of alleyways and yards resembling white goods dumps.
Girls and guys got to build their biceps as they struggled
but succeeded in shifting everything from old fridgefreezers to washing machines and even some baths! The
mixture of residents in the targeted areas were evidently
really grateful for Junction and the City Council clearing
away so many items which they simply had no other
way to dispose of, and which were taken away in a huge
litter truck.
END OF TERM CLEAN UP...
Junction are also planning a massive recycling event for
the end of term, from the 26th-30th June. Similar to the ‘Big
Spring Clean’ it will not only clear out people’s unwanted
items, but recycle them as well! If you would like to get
involved in this project or just want more information
email [email protected].
[email protected]
Platform Wants You!
Platform are looking for
talented journalists to become
Sub Editors next year.
For further information check out
www.Trentstudents.org and click on
the Fly Fm section. The site contains
the shows schedule as well what they
are about and who presents them, and
further details on how to get involved.
Aissa Pesqueira
Fly FM Officer
So if you think you’ve got what
it takes to become part of the
editorial team,
then just e-mail
your name,
year of study
and which
section you’re
interested in,
to platform@
su.ntu.ac.uk
Andrea Vassallo
The Bubble
STAY SAFE AND
SURVIVE THE END
OF TERM PARTY
After the exams are over it is great to wind down and
do some serious celebrating. And this year there will be
no shortage of parties to go to both within the university
and at some of the big venues in the city centre.
But police in Nottingham are warning students not
to let down their guard and give local criminals any
chances.
City Division Crime Reduction Manager Melissa
Pickance wants to remind students that criminals
will be on the look out for any opportunity to steal
cash and valuable items such as lap tops, mobile
phones and music players.
She said: “Men are more likely to be victims of
street crime than women, but all students should
take steps to protect themselves from being
robbed.”
“Students are particularly vulnerable after a
night out and take more risks if they have been
drinking.”
“This gives street robbers some good opportunities
because they can catch their victims when they are in a
relaxed and careless mood.”
Melissa says: “Check that
your doors and windows are all locked before
you go out for the evening. If you are sharing with other
students, don’t just assume that someone else will do it.”
Melissa has some simple advice for students to follow:
DAY TIME
• Don’t flash mobile phones or iPods about. It shows
thieves you have something worth stealing.
• Be aware of your surroundings and think about your
route especially if you are on your own.
• Keep your bag zipped up and only take out with you
the items you need.
NIGHT TIME
• When out in pubs and bars never leave your phone or
handbag unattended even for a few seconds.
• Avoid using cash dispensers after dark or in isolated
places.
• Don’t carry too much cash - only take out with you
what you need for the night.
• Always use safe transport to get home.
• NEVER walk home alone!
Burglars will also be looking for opportunities to steal from
student accommodation while everyone is out having a
good time.
• Police recommend registering all valuable items such
as phones and lap tops on www.immobilise.com. It is
completely secure, is free of charge and it takes only a
few minutes to log on and register your property.
All the major police forces have now signed up to the
IMMOBILISE NATIONAL PROPERTY REGISTER. This helps
police officers to trace the owners of any stolen property
that they recover.
Criminals are now more wary of being caught with stolen
property because they know it can be identified quickly
through IMMOBILISE. If the item they are caught with
registered they are even more likely to be convicted in
court.
Nearly 300,000 people in Nottinghamshire have already
registered their property. The more people who sign up,
the fewer easy pickings there will be for thieves in this
area.
For further information on crime prevention, provided
especially for students in Nottingham, visit www.easilydone.co.uk
Bookings now being
taken for 2006/2007
Bookings also being
taken for summer 2006
For an application pack please
contact us at the address below
oks
Arts • Bo
•
e
r
t
a
e
h
ilm • T
Music • F
victoriahall
Nottingham
On site management office
Direct dial telephone in each flat
Caretakers on site 24 hours a day
Door entry system and CCTV security
Fully furnished & equipped self contained flats
Optional internet connection in every bedroom
Television and Sky package included in each flat
All bedrooms have en-suite shower and toilet room
Sought after location within 5 minutes walk of University
Washing machines and tumble dryers in laundrette on site
Curzon Street,
Nottingham, NG3 1DJ
Telephone: 0115 908 2600
website: www.victoriahall.com
email: [email protected]
Music
Music
Oh God it’s going to rain!
DOT-TO-DOT
A guide to some of this year’s alternative music festivals
@ Rescue Rooms, The Social, Stealth & Rock City - 28/5/06
Over the last five years, music has had a DIY revolution. Be it The Libertines and
Arctic Monkeys giving away their songs over the Internet, The Others playing guerrilla
gigs on the Tube, Forward Russia! setting up their own record label, or the literally
hundreds of artists recording albums on their laptops, it seems control is being
stripped away from the ravenous major record labels and handed back to the artists.
Latitude
Summer Sundae Weekender
August 11th - 13th
De Montfort Hall & Gardens, Leicester
Tickets: £75 full weekend
If you are staying up in
Nottingham for the summer,
then Summer Sundae could
be just the ticket. Since its
birth 6 years ago it has grown
in stature; Steve Lamacq
declaring it “the grandson of
Glastonbury”. The gardens at
De Montfort Hall are a fairly
agreeable place to be on a
hot summer’s day, and this
year’s line up looks strong.
Main Acts
Belle & Sebastian
Elbow
José Gonzàlez
Delays
Coldcut
Morning Runner
Buzzcocks
The Long Blondes
The Young Knives
Howling Bells
Larrikin Love
Martha Wainwright
July 14th - 16th
Henham Park, Suffolk
A new fixture on the calendar,
Latitude aims to be “more
than just a music festival”. It
is set in beautiful countryside
on the sunrise coast that, as
of yet, as not been ruined by
the familiar combination of
3 days rain and 50,000-odd
music fans. This year’s event
will feature a cabaret arena,
comedy tent, music & film
arena, and poetry stage, not
to mention an eclectic line-up
of musicians. Something for
everybody!
Main Acts
Snow Patrol
The Zutons
Anthony & The Johnsons
Mogwai
Mercury Rev
British Sea Power
Patti Smith
Mystery Jets
The Lemonheads
Regina Spektor
José Gonzàlez
One must presume B&Q now sell a music festival starter kit, because their number
has been rapidly increasing over the last three years. Where once there was just
Glastonbury, The Carling Weekend, V Festival and T in the Park, now there is so
much more choice. In our very own Nottingham, the Dot-to-Dot festival was born last
year, and came back over the Bank Holiday weekend. It may not attract the huge
headline names of its much grander corporate-sponsored contemporaries, but some
of the best lesser-known talent in the country was marauding around the city centre
and entertaining crowds. Dot-to-Dot is a great platform for developing local talent,
with nationally acclaimed acts like British Sea Power, Mystery Jets and Long Blondes
booked alongside Nottingham’s Amusement Parks on Fire, The Hellset Orchestra
and Computerman. Music fans may not have been familiar with all the names on the
bill, but once lured in with those adorning MTV2, they were introduced to the next
generation of talent that may be on their screens and over their magazines in the
months to come.
Events like Dot-to-Dot are absolutely crucial for the local music scene, so if you
attended, congratulations for doing your part!
Luke Eldridge
Top Tips for the festivals this summer:
1. Take a pair of wellies!!! Even if the weather forecast says it
is going to be sunny, take them! Don’t let the weather ruin your
weekend.
Bestival
Eden Sessions
September 8th - 10th
Isle of Wight
August 12th - 25th
Eden Project, Cornwall
Tickets: £30 per show
Those of you with green
issues at heart may like to
take a trip down to Cornwall
for this now annual series
of gigs. A different headliner
each night takes to the
stage underneath the vast
‘Biodomes’ that according to
Eden, “house plants, crops
and landscapes from the
humid tropics and warm
temperate regions and act as
a backdrop to the temperate
landscape”. It doesn’t sound
like your traditional music
venue, but it sure beats a
sweaty Rock City!
2. We know you like to look too cool for school at the festivals,
but take along some warm clothes. Remember you are essentially
sleeping in a field for 3 days, so it might get a bit chilly at night.
Main Acts
Goldfrapp
Snow Patrol
The Magic Numbers
José Gonzàlez
By September time you will
probably be back to thinking
about lectures, seminars
and coursework, but Bestival
gives you one last chance
to let off some steam before
knuckling down to some Uni
work again! The organisers
describe it as, “a 3 day
boutique music festival set at
Robin Hill - a beautiful leafy
country park in the heart of
the Isle of Wight, voted Best
(Medium-sized) Festival and
Most Innovative Festival
at the 2005 UK Festival
Awards”. Some strange
things happen to you when
you take that ferry crossing…
Main Acts
Scissor Sisters
Pet Shop Boys
The Stranglers
Devendra Banhart
Mystery Jets
Hot Chip
Breaks Co-Op
Son of Dave
The Fall
The Sunshine Underground
Jamie T
Klaxons
3. Check your tent before you leave. There is nothing worse than
realising the tent pegs are missing when you are already there, so
unpack and give it a once over.
4. Make sure you take toiletries like toothpaste, loo roll, and the
hallowed baby wipes. The facilities might not be great, but you’ll
feel like a new person in the morning once you have freshened
up.
5. Don’t buy too much booze beforehand. At most festivals you
can’t take your own drink into the arena so don’t waste all that
energy lugging it from the car.
6. Water is your friend. There are always plenty of places to top up,
so take along a few bottles.
7. Take along some food. There is no need to raid Asda’s entire
supply of smart price baked beans, but remember if you don’t take
any food along at all then you are going to be eating burger and
chips for breakfast. Bread, hard fruit, Pringles and biscuits usually
do the trick.
Luke Eldridge
8. Don’t take along anything valuable. People seem to forget they
are leaving their possessions unguarded for most of the day. This
isn’t the 1940s, and sadly people will pinch your stuff, so maybe
think twice about taking the iPod.
9. Remember the bin bags. If you don’t stick your rubbish in a bag,
then you are going to be sleeping next to it, and nobody wants to
wake up next to last
night’s dirty kebab.
Checklist
10. Have fun! A lot
of people behave
strangely at festivals,
Ticket
Money or yo
but just remember
ur bankcard
Tent with a gr
this is the one time
ound mat
Sleeping bag
of the year when
folk can lose their
Pillow
A set of clothe
s for all weath
inhibitions
and
er conditions
unwind. Talk to
Socks
Mobile Phon
your neighbours,
e
Camera
help people in
Condoms
need, and share
Suntan lotion
your supplies…
Tin opener
then we’ll all have
Bottle Opene
a summer to
r
Tissues
remember!
Toiletries
Towel
Luke Eldridge
Torch
Wet Wipes
Music
What
it means to me…
Platform writer Adam Pollard tells all about the
album that made an impact on his life
The Smiths – ‘The Queen Is Dead’ (1986)
During a decade ruled by cumbersome synthesisers, electronic drums
and men in make-up, the British music industry was suffering greatly
from a lack of influential artists. The inspiring anarchy of the 70’s had
all but disappeared, and music lovers alike wandered aimlessly in the
baron lands of pop electronica.
The Smiths, fronted by librarian
look-alike Stephen Morrissey set
out to rectify the situation.
I approached ‘The Queen Is
Dead’ with some scepticism
when a close friend insisted I hear
it, my opinion of The Smiths as
pompous and over-rated already
cemented. After a number of
plays however, I embarrassingly
retracted my previous judgement
and embraced one of the finest
albums ever produced.
In my opinion, I believe The
Smith’s reached their artistic
peak with ‘The Queen Is Dead’
(the band’s third studio album).
Delightfully witty and much
more coherent as a complete
piece than some of The Smiths’
alternative work, it’s an album I
find myself turning to time after time. It manages to couple Morrissey’s
dry satirical wit with Marr’s signature melodic guitar brilliantly, a
pairing that Morrissey has missed greatly in his solo work.
The genius of ‘The Queen Is Dead’ however, lies in Morrissey’s ability
to play on the emotional strings of the listener. His lyrics encompass the
rawest and most natural of human feelings, with rejection, romance
and a desire to be loved appearing as constant themes throughout the
entirety of the album. It’s these themes and the ability to empathise
completely with Morrissey that
make the album so appealing.
He sings about situations that
so many of us (including myself)
have found ourselves in at one
time or another, effectively
putting his diaries to music.
There is no greater evidence
of this than during the overly
romantic ‘There is a Light…’
whereby he proclaims, “To die
by your side, is such a heavenly way
to die.” His whit and humorous
nature are both prevalent in
‘Vicar In A Tutu’ and ‘Frankly Mr
Shankly’, the latter offering the
band’s views of a certain record
company executive.
‘The Queen Is Dead’ is an
influential pop masterpiece,
with bands from every
genre turning towards it for
inspiration. It helped alter the
face and direction of music, paving the way for the revival of British
Music and ultimately helping to create some of my favourite albums
of all time.
Adam Pollard
Panic! At the Disco
@ Rock City - 27/4/06
Panic? Not likely. The show went by without a hitch with the
band playing every single song from their best-selling album ‘A
Fever You Can’t Sweat Out’. There just seems to be something
in lead singer Brendon Urie’s voice that actually makes the
songs fun to listen to!
If we’re honest hardly anyone ever wants to listen through the
opening acts, after all we are there to see the headliner right?
Well, this time they were actually quite good if I do say so myself.
Get Drury and Men, Women and Children did a pretty good job
getting the crowd up and going ready for the main act but once
Panic! hit the stage all bets were off.
The Las Vegas quartet proved that they could really handle the
crowd with their new original ‘Dance Punk’ sound that combined
everything from techno, to punk rock and even included trumpets
and violins! The surprising thing is that it actually worked quite
well live. The crown didn’t stop jumping around for a minute and
when Urie yelled ‘Go nuts!’ during the last song they definitely
did.
All in all Panic! did extremely well considering it was their first
headlining tour. The crowd was won over from the second they
played the first tune of ‘I Write Sins Not Tragedies,’ and the
band’s charisma and talent completed an excellent set which
forced everyone in the room to dance constantly whether they
liked it or not!
Jen Butcher
Classi
Film
c Film
the F Quot
ortnig e of
ht
Film
Interview with Scott Ryan
Platform sat down with debut writer/director/actor of The
Magician Scott Ryan to discuss morality, critical acclaim,
listening to lecturers and making it in the movie business.
Platform: What made you want to make a film about a
hitman?
Ryan: I read a book called Contract Killer, a biography about
an American hitman and I just thought that this could be so
interesting. I wanted to undermine the boring one-dimensional
hitman stereotypes.
Platform: Is it true that the movie was largely improvised?
Ryan: It was between about 80-90% improvised. I would talk
to the actors at the beginning of the day and then let them go
for it.
Platform:
There seems
to be a
consensus
amongst
critics and
fans alike that
this film will
become a
cult classic.
Would you
prefer the
film to be
enjoyed by
a select few
or make
lots and
lots and
lots of
money at
the box
office?
Ryan: No!
Everyone needs
to see it so I can
get money for the
next one.
reflect your own sense of humour?
Platform: I
read that your
lecturer advised
you against
making this film?
Ryan: Yeah I definitely have a dark, sarcastic sense of humour.
Ryan: Yeah…basically said, you know, this isn’t a good idea.
Platform: Do you think the Americans will get it?
Platform: But you stuck to your guns.
Ryan: I don’t really know if they’re going to understand the
black comedy/irony. Australia and Britain share that thankfully
so the response in Britain has been good.
Ryan: Ignore them. Do what you think is right.
Platform: One criticism of the film is that Max seems to
have no problem with Ray’s actions.
Ryan: Do something with more money! Its very difficult
when you’re starting out. Do everything yourself – write, edit,
schmooze. You have to be 100% committed to it or it won’t
work. But if you are, don’t let anybody tell you you can’t do it.
Platform: Does the dark, sardonic humour of the film
Ryan: Max does have a problem with it. He’s constantly trying
to get Ray to tone things down, use less violence. There’s no
black and white, good and evil.
Platform: Any other advice for aspiring filmmakers?
Kerry Edwards
Upcoming Releases
June 2nd – Things to do before you’re 30, The Benchwarmers, Ask the Dust, Poseidon, Wah-Wah, The Omen
June 9th – Pretty Persuasion, Election
June 16th – An Unfinished Life, Imagine Me and You, Stay Alive, Thank You for Smoking
The Magician
Director: Scott Ryan
The Magician follows Max, a film student, who has persuaded
his friendly and easygoing neighbour Ray to let him film a
documentary about his life. So far, so relatively normal. But Ray’s
nickname is ‘The Magician’ - his speciality is making people
disappear and he lives a double life veering unpredictably
from the affable and mundane to cold-blooded murder. As a
result the film ranges from mundane social observations and
pop-cultural debates to sudden, brutal, horrifying violence as
Max documents the everyday business of being Ray – murder,
movie trivia, sexual insecurity, moral relativism and the right and
wrong way to go about digging a grave.
“I’ve
se
revea en way t
oo m
l all t
an
h
may
think e details o y Bond m
f you
ovies
you a
rp
re to
t
- Azr
winn lan, no m o know y
ael in
ou ne
i
atter
n
Dogm
g”
v
how
a (19
close er
99)
y
o
u
The centre
of this film is the
character of Ray played by
Scott Ryan, although Max (Massimiliano
Andrighetto) provides a nice counter-balance
through interactions and an overall friendship that is both
touching and believable despite the fact that the film asks us
to accept Max’s morality at the same time as his acceptance
of Ray’s crimes for his own gain. When you set this aside, and
accept that Max is like the rest of us: unable to tear his gaze
away from Ray, the film really begins to shine. Of the actors,
Ryan shines brightest of all. What he lacks in good looks he
makes up for in charisma and a startling acting ability – Ryan
presents us with a complex, fully-fleshed out vision of Ray, a
warm, funny, caring guy who just happens to be a hitman.
Though it is on occasion, hilarious, what really stands out isn’t
the black comedy; it’s the characters that Ryan and the other
actors create. The fact that the cast are all unknown students
only makes it easier to believe what unfolds on the screen.
Indeed The Magician is in many ways eerily real, a feeling
reinforced by the use of hand-held cameras and virtually nobudget production. The more I think about this film, the more
impressed I am with its humour, subtlety and brilliance.
Kerry Edwards
Halle Berry Profile
With the impending release of the new X-men movie I thought
it would be an opportune time to do a profile of one the movies,
and Hollywood’s, biggest stars. Halle Berry was born August
14th 1966 in Ohio to a white British nurse and an afro-American
hospital worker. Her parents separated when Halle was four and
she lived with her mother and older sister. At high school she
excelled, working on the school paper and being a cheerleader.
Once graduating she was entered into a local beauty pageant
and went on to come second in the national Miss America
pageant in 1986.
After securing some small television roles, her first notable film
role was in the spike lee film Jungle Fever (1991). Playing the
small part of crack addict Vivian, she worked alongside Samuel
L. Jackson and won critical recognition. Halle was so dedicated
to the role she didn’t bathe or wash to obtain the unkempt look.
Film roles continued throughout the 90’s, mainly as the sex
symbol or femme fatale in films such as the Flintstones (1994)
and Boomerang (1992). In 1997 she took control of her career by
staring and producing a biographical account of the performer
Dorothy Dandridge (Introducing Dorothy Dandridge 1997). To
get the project off the ground Halle budgeted the movie with
her own finances. This paid off as the film received numerous
Emmy and golden globe nominations. Several years later Halle
put herself in the history books with the film Monsters Ball
(2001). Playing downtrodden single mother Leticia Musgrove
she went onto to obtain the Oscar award in 2002, and became
the first black woman to receive this honour.
While Halle has had several flops in recent years, most
notably Cat woman in 2004, she is still one of the most highly
paid actresses in Hollywood and considered one of the great
beauties of our time.
James Atkins
Arts
Arts
Theatre Review
Theatre Review
Interview with the Creators:
Platform: So, now that the show is back for a second run,
how have you accommodated the protests and controversy
surrounding it?
Jerry Springer: The Opera
@ Royal Centre
You’ve heard all about it, and so had I when I was invited to
go to the opening of the new tour. The Jerry Springer Opera
is now famous for controversy, protests and outrage. Knowing
this I was a bit unsure about what I would find, but took up
the opportunity with an open mind and a bit of excitement too
if I’m honest. It’s like when someone says “don’t look”, you
automatically have to look. I was curious, excited and…really
nervous about interviewing the creators!
All I can say is that you should never take someone else’s word
as gospel, always see something for yourself before forming
an opinion. From the moment the show started there were
continuous loud laughs from a very enthusiastic audience. Yes,
there were Christian protestors outside, but the show was a sell
out! Maybe there is some truth in the saying ‘there is no such
thing as bad publicity’.
Led by an amazingly talented and dedicated cast, the show
focuses on the phenomenon that was The Jerry Springer
Show. A mixture of music, lyrics and narrative produce some
bizarrely likeable ‘freaks’ as they are called. Each has their own
chance to air their reasons for being there and provide endless
laughs which appear to be justified due to the way in which it
is written. This appears to be where some of the controversy
comes in. Whilst being set in heaven, we are also laughing at
other people’s lives and labelling them as freaks or oddballs.
Now, personally I believe that the creators of this show cannot
be blamed for personal reactions. If the audience laughs then
that is there choice, no one else is to blame. We have to take
responsibility for our own actions and not continuously place
blame elsewhere. This is an entertaining show and a modern
day opera for today’s theatre consumers.
The show ended with a well deserved standing ovation. The
whole cast work hard to produce this show and with very little
in return. The majority of the tour, and production of the show,
runs on goodwill alone. Now is your chance to see just what I
mean and form an opinion for yourself, not just based on second
hand information. The Jerry Springer Opera will be showing at
The Royal Centre from June 19th-24th. So, get practising your
chant, you know you remember it…Jer-ry, Jer-ry, Jer-ry!!!
We have made no apology here, or any changes. In fact, the
show now works on good will – economically we may only just
break even. We have nothing to apologise for here, all we have
done is humanise biblical characters. If the devil were here this
is what he would say in that situation. We are relieved that the
show is on tour again but annoyed that there is so much hatred
and protest towards it. We saw the Christian protestors outside
the doors last night with leaflets, but this show is a huge hit with
the audience. The controversy has distorted the actual show
– it’s funny really.
Platform: How do you feel about the audience response,
rather than the public protests?
We’ve had a satisfying response from all of our audiences,
especially Birmingham and Plymouth. In the West End it was
a huge hit where it was a case of people reacting… laugh at
the freaks. But, how should the audiences respond? It’s up to
them really. Why do they respond in the way they do? Should
they laugh or worry? Why is it funny? It’s all based on your
own beliefs really of what is and what isn’t funny. The audience
participation has been great and we were pleased to hear the
Jerry chants, and receive a standing ovation.
Platform: Did you set out to write a controversial story, or did
you just write a story which has become controversial?
To be honest the controversy and protests came as a complete
shock. We were both raised religiously – a Welsh Presbyterian
and Christian collaboration by two 80’s liberals. All we have
done is written about what we know. The religious focus of
the show is simply playing on a commonly understood subject.
Then all of a sudden, Christian protestors have stopped the
show, letters are arriving saying that we are going to hell, and
we are being taken to court. A law was actually passed to shut
us down.
Platform: How do you view the show?
It’s just fun. The whole show actually focuses on mutual love
and accepting differences. It humanises the people, and even
the religious characters. If you met the devil face to face then
this is what he would probably say.
You can see The Jerry Springer Opera at The Royal Centre
from June 19th.
Laura Johnstone
Festen
@ Royal Centre
Festen was first performed
in the West End in 2004
and is primarily recognised
as a cult Scandinavian film.
Translated, Festen means
‘The Celebration’ which is the
name given to the film version
released in 1998. It was highly
acclaimed for being the first
that followed the strict rules
of filmmaking known as the
Dogme manifesto, created
by four Danish film directors
in 1995.
I knew absolutely nothing about this play before I went to see it last
week at the theatre - well, apart from the fact that the story is about
a character turning 60 years old, who’s family gather to celebrate
the event with him. True, the premise may sound a bit dull and lack
appeal for the young ones out there, but there is a massive secret
revealed during the birthday celebrations that turns the whole story
on its head. Now, as this ‘secret’ is the central theme of the play,
writing a review that doesn’t reveal it is quite difficult. Therefore, I will
tell you all you need to know without angering the ultra-sensitive by
spoiling the secret.
Helge is celebrating his 60th birthday; he is a patriarch whose status
and power is clearly apparent. Naturally, the whole family has the
utmost respect for Helge and so his birthday is considered a
major event.
The play begins with the appearance of Christian who has arrived
for his father’s birthday - he is mysterious from the start. We
learn that he has left the family home pursuing a life and career
elsewhere. He is distant and preoccupied and clearly disturbed
by something. Speaking of, there is a reference to water that
runs throughout (no pun intended) which is accompanied by the
sound of a child’s laugh and this is a bit too creepy for my liking.
This reference is significant to the ‘secret’ and highly symbolic
but its effect is quite haunting!
The play reaches its climax during the dinner party scene
where the mood changes entirely. The revelation takes place as
Christian stands to toast his father and a shocking statement is
revealed in the most abrupt fashion. A stunned audience gasped
then fell silent at this point. From here on, the atmosphere is so
tense and the mood so uncomfortable it’s as though you shouldn’t
be watching as the characters react to the revelation.
I have reached the point whereby there isn’t much more I can say
without spoiling the story. What I can say is that Festen is a dark
comedy dealing with tragedy and secrecy that at times caused
my stomach to turn. The play will cause offense; it will shock and
make you angry and also uncomfortable at times.
This said, the audience did laugh throughout, most likely because
looking in, dysfunctional families are funny and in this case their
eccentricities are exaggerated.
Shari Knowles
‘Shake’ up your summer
I made a promise to myself before I went to college in StratfordUpon-Avon that I would definitely take advantage of the fact that
that the RSC was right on my doorstep, especially as I was doing
an A-Level in English Literature. We even got given ‘yellow’ cards
when we joined which meant that Stratford students could go and
see plays for almost no money at all. But alas, two years later that
little yellow card was still in pristine condition, hiding in a crevice of
my purse next to my many ‘2-for-1’ drinks vouchers, unused. Now,
still haunted by my uncivilised squandering of a fantastic resource, I
have already booked my tickets for what is rumoured to be the most
exciting event that has come to Stratford for years, The Complete
Works of Shakespeare festival. The year long festival, which
started in April and runs until April 2007, has the most exciting line
of actors, directors and producers the RSC has seen for years, all
making their way to the Midlands to put on new adaptations of the
Shakespeare plays.
Highlights will include the last play that Shakespeare ever wrote,
The Tempest (running from the 28th July – 12th October at the
RST) which sees the return of RSC veteran Patrick Stuart playing
the role of Prospero. Stuart also stars in Antony and Cleopatra
(running until 14th October at The Swan Theatre) alongside another
RSC veteran Harriet Walter. Director Gregory Doran also returns,
promising a production of the highest calibre.
Other big names making their return to the Shakespearean stage
for the festival are the legendary Judi Dench and Ian McKellen.
After starring together in the
most famous RSC production
of Macbeth way back in 1978
they are well known as our
most prized and talented
Shakespearean
actors.
Macbeth is also being adapted
using a Polish acrobatic
dancing style! And if you’re a
Green Wing fan then why not
go and see Tamsin Greig in
the flesh in Much Ado About Nothing (running from the 11th May
– 12th October at The Swan Theatre).With so many fantastic plays
on offer and so much time to do it in there’s really no excuse this
time not to go and see one of the productions. Personally I’m so
excited at the prospect of seeing the illustrious Judi Dench singing
and dancing away in Merry Wives The Musical!
On certain days there are special students prices available. Prices
vary depending on where you sit and what theatre you are going
to but are a lot more reasonable than you would expect, no more
expensive than any other concert or gig. To book your tickets for
any of the above productions and more, to view synopses, and for
help planning your trip, head to www.rscompleteworks.co.uk, or
alternatively call the ticket office on (01789) 403492. See you there!
Sally Torode
Fashion
Fashion
Best Bikini Buys
Unmissable Event
On the 20th, 21st and 22nd of June you are invited to attend Nottingham Fashion
Week. This special event, taking place in the decadence of the Council House in the
city centre, is where Fashion Knitwear and Fashion Design students will exclusively
reveal their final year collections.
Bikinis and one-pieces are everywhere on
the catwalk at the moment, with a mixture
of sailor inspired bold stripes, vintagestyle plaid cheques, cute polka-dots,
pretty florals, modern pastels, and sultry
twists on black incorporating sequins and
beads. Here are a few suggestions to
help you to look your finest on the beach
and by the pool:
There will be six shows in total (two on each day - a matinee commencing at 4 pm
and an evening show commencing at 7.30 pm). The 20th of June will be the Knitwear
shows, and the 21st and 22nd will be the Design shows.
But these will be no ordinary fashion shows. They’re being sponsored by Paul Smith,
who may even be in attendance, along with local independent stores such as H&H
Bancroft. There will be a raffle for local charity Mothers Against Guns, and items being
raffled off will include an exclusive chair worth £785 being donated by Jass Interiors,
and a corset up to the value of £200 being donated by Eternal Spirits, as well as gift
vouchers for St Tropez spray tans, goody bags, and many more amazing prizes!
Tip #1 - Remember to try and choose the
right style for your body shape. If you’re
top-heavy, go for halter-necks that flatter
and give support. If you have a smaller
chest, then go for boyish cuts like shorts
with bandeaus. Remember to avoid any
larger patterns if you’re curvier, and go for
styles that have ties at the sides (briefs)
and middle (tops) to even things out.
Also, don’t be afraid to mix and match.
Try plain briefs or shorts with a patterned
top or even a different pattern on each.
River Island presents ....
Graduate Fashion Week
5
Tip #2 - Accessories make an outfit
No outfit is complete without the right
accessories, and this even applies
when you’re not really wearing very
many clothes! Waist belts, chunky
bangles, tailored sunglasses, straw hats,
cute cover-ups, and brightly coloured
wedges and sandals are what should be
accompanying your beachfront attire.
Courses
Prepare to Indulge
Sally Torode
with Nottingham Trent University
summe r...
Shop of theinne r is…
and the w
DEBENHAMS!
This summer there is no better place to kit
yourself out in style than long-established Debenhams.
Recently it has undergone a complete transformation, now
playing host to well known high-street brands, and also making
designerwear affordable by housing a special branch of designer
collections which include Matthew Williamson,
Betty Jackson, Julien MacDonald, Jasper
Conran and Ben de Lisi. Go and grab
yourself some very stylish bargains!
MOST WANTED: From the Betty Jackson
Black collection (at Debenhams) comes
the black ‘half moon’ long-sleeved jersey
dress, £60. The LBD never goes out of
fashion, and if every girl should have one
in their wardrobe, then I suggest you’ll get
no better than this on the high-street.
Sally Torode
Twelve professional female and 12 professional male models are being used in the
catwalk shows, as well as 12 female student models and 2 male student models. Toni
& Guy will be doing all of the hair for the shows and the makeup will be provided
by MAC. As well as the catwalk shows there will be a static exhibition for your
perusal. There will also be a champagne reception at the evening shows with edible
arrangements available!
The logo name for the event is 3, which stands for 3 days and 3 courses. Organized
by Fashion Marketing students Stuart Faull, Gina Huxstep, Laura Jackson and Danny
Osbourne, the event is set to be a great success, helping to prove that the fashion
industry can thrive outside of London.
Tickets are available to buy now, with matinee shows priced at £8 and evening shows
at £10. Tickets will be available from stalls in the City Union, or alternatively you
can email: [email protected] and leave your contact details along
with the number of tickets you require. Make sure you bag yours sharpish to avoid
disappointment.
Sally Torode
4th-7th June 2006
Graduate Fashion Week
Battersea Park Arena
Chelsea Bridge Gate Entrance
North Carriage Drive London SW11
4th- Tuesday 6th June
The countdownSunday
for
Fashion Week 2006 has begun. This prestigious event takes place from the 4th – 7th June at Battersea
11.00Graduate
to 10.00pm
Wednesday 7th June
Park Arena, London.
Fashion
graduates will showcase their work at the four-day event with catwalk shows and static exhibition
11.00 to 6.30pm
Catwalk Show Sunday 4th June
B
stands, which will1.15pm
beTheatre
viewed
by prospective students, press, top design houses and key members in the fashion industry. This year
th
being the Graduate Fashion Week so far with 42 institutions involved.
the event
celebrates
Serving
up work from students init’s
Fashion15
& Textileanniversary
Management,
Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing & Communication, Fashion Knitwear Design
and International Fashion Business courses
Trent prepares for another year at the event managed by a new team of final year students, from Fashion Marketing and
Communication students involved in all aspects from finance to public relations, to Graphic Design students who have worked on
the design concept,
which focuses on the theme of ‘Preparing to indulge,’ with the five fashion courses: Fashion Design, Fashion
[email protected]
Knitwear Design, Fashion and Textile Management, Fashion Marketing and Communication, and International Fashion Business.
With creative designs and innovative ideas, the team of five have made it possible to represent each individual fashion graduate
and the five courses effectively. The team have the responsibility to ensure the event runs smoothly and to ensure Nottingham
Trent University is well represented.
Tickets go on sale soon…watch this space!
Team 2006 are Leena Jagatia – Fashion Marketing & Communication, Sandip Kaur – Fashion Marketing & Communication, Emma
Lawton – Graphic Designer, Bethany Simmonds – Graphic Designer, Shiran Shaya – Graphic Designer
Leena Jagatia
Fashion
You’re at
Liberty to stay!
Yes, it’s nearly that time of year again, when
we get ready to don the wellies, pitch the
tents, and buy an industrial size pack of wetones. The festival season will soon be upon
us and there are a few essential items you
should definitely be taking along with you
to achieve the coveted ‘effortless goddess
of mud’ look. Make sure you don’t leave the
house without these 10 items:
1. Wellies!
Okay, so it may not be the most glamorous
of ensemble accompaniments, but they’re
sooo needed. And if Kate Moss and Stella
McCartney have no problem with wearing
them then neither should you!
2. A vintage band T-shirt
So chic and an instant conversation starter!
3. An over-sized army jacket
The bigger the better. A happy alternative to
a rain mac.
4. Skinny jeans
Go for darker colours to disguise the dirt and
tuck ‘em into your wellies.
5. A hat
After a few days you won’t be able to live
without a hat to cover your greasy locks. Try
a straw hat to keep you cool and sheltered
from the sun.
6. Sunglasses
Aviators will be the style to head-up.
7. Sunscreen
Lobster red isn’t a flattering colour on anyone
so apply this stuff liberally.
8. Vaseline
This will help you to look fresh(er), giving
your face a gorgeous glow.
9. Moisturiser
If you don’t wish to feel and look like a dried
up old prune, then take some intensive
moisturiser.
10. (Lots of) Deodorant
I saved the best ‘til last! It’s worth splashing
out a few ‘bob more than you might do
usually on some ultra-strength deodorant.
Unfortunately, not everyone else will do the
same!
P.S. Don’t forget to take lots of layers!
Sally Torode
Ok, so it’s that time of year again already,
tempestuous weather, days of poor hygiene
and a steady diet of greasy food... that’s right,
we’re talking festival season! But I’m going to
try and help to make the experience a little
more stylish and possibly that much more
hygienic for you fellas.
A great staple for a festival is a good mac/
raincoat, as the weather at UK festivals is
notoriously indecisive. We have our eye on
this slick Ciesse one which will keep you dry
during the miserable mid-day rain storm,
and can also act as your trusty dress-up
jacket in the evening (£80.00).
If it’s your first time going to a festival a
sturdy pair of wellies (as old-school as it
sounds) and a good hat (wicker hats look to
be big this year, pick one up for a reasonable
£4.99 at H&M) really are a must. Don’t be
tempted to wait until you get to the festival,
in our experience you’re looking at being
seriously ripped off!
On the hygiene front remember some baby
wipes and some bin bags (is it a bin bag, or
something to sit on, or a poncho, or a dingy
coat?) You’ll be thanking us! Obviously, space
is limited so if you are going to venture for a
shower, Aveda do a great all-in-one shampoo,
conditioner and body lotion (£7.88). You can
also hide a multitude of sins of the night
before whilst hydrating and sun screening
your face by using Kiel’s ‘Soothing, Nourishing
face cream’ (£24.99).
Another must is a good pair of shades to
protect yourself from all that sun (ok, the two
minutes) you’ll be getting. We suggest you do
your best top-gun impression in a classic
aviator pair - they never go out of fashion
and suit any face shape. We recommend
either the seminal Ray-Ban aviator or a Marc
Jacobs pair which offers a fresh twist to the
original.
Students enjoy Liberty Living so much
they come back year after year
Wherever you’re going, most importantly
have an awesome time!
John Neugebauer
Tel: 0115 942 3398 [email protected]
www.libertystudents.com
25
Platform Volume 14 Issue 13 •
Reflections
Reflections
they have assignments to complete, or
dissertations to research for. The kids still
get sick and need feeding. Timetables
and advance planning are stressful and
difficult, especially if you have childcare
responsibilities, commute from a distance,
or hold down a part-time job. If you have
a sick child, of course that has to be the
priority, but you may end up feeling pulled
in many directions.
Mature students often have very different
financial pressures to younger students,
but the bills still need paying on what may
be a much reduced budget.
Another potential stressor to mature
students is the one of having made a
career choice which affects the rest
of the family. This can adversely affect
students when they feel they have to
succeed after such a big investment in
the dream of a new future. It can cause
difficulties in families when one member
begins to change and grow in different
directions. They may feel envious or
anxious. Perhaps you remember the part
in Educating Rita, when Rita explodes at
her tutor, frustrated and very upset that
she feels she neither fits into academic
circles, nor does she fit in at home any
longer.
BEING A MATURE STUDENT
When I began to think about writing this
article I was looking for the things that
mature students have in common...like
age… but no, not even that! The thing is,
(and it can be a difficulty) mature students
have very little in common sometimes,
except for their differences.
To illustrate my point, here is a description
of a composite mature student:
He/she is a middle-aged lone parent of
26 with 2 small children; and a history
of working in local government/factory/
home. S/he juggles university with living
alone in a new country, commuting 100
miles a day to Uni., collecting the child
from nursery, calling in at ASDA on the
way home before cooking tea, getting the
kids to bed, doing the housework and
then studying; and before hanging out
the washing and coming home from the
evening job as a care assistant.
It begins to look as though mature
students don’t have much in common at
all. Well, hold up... perhaps they do…
• AGE
There is the issue of being older than the
majority of the other students on your
course. This can be tough. Often mature
students are going back to University
after years of working or bringing up
children. Being the oldest in ‘the group’
has implications. You can be the odd one
out age-wise. In the Counselling Service
we see so many mature students who
feel isolated and that they don’t fit into the
majority student culture, both because of
age and their different life experiences, as
well as the limits their domestic situations
may place upon their availability for a
social life with other students.
• A DIFFERENT ROUTE TO UNI
For many mature students, the journey
to University has been a hard one. In
the Counselling Service we see many
students for whom the path from school
to Uni wasn’t straightforward. Perhaps
they have dyslexia which wasn’t spotted
at school, which may have left them with
negative and untrue beliefs about their
abilities. Maybe they left school without
A levels and got jobs, or had children.
These students have probably come to
Uni via an Access Course. This will have
taken a huge amount of courage and
determination to complete, but very often
mature students can feel shame and
embarrassment about having arrived
here by this route, as well as anxiety
about whether or not they are up to doing
a university course!
All this can cause great anxiety, which in
turn may lead to students losing sight of
why they originally chose to come to Uni
in the first place.
So, if you recognise your own situation
here, take heart! There are some big
advantages to being a mature student
and if you can recognise these you may
be able to make the most of your time
here.
Any negative beliefs we have about
ourselves can feel worse in a situation
where we feel we are different from other
people. Recognise that difference does
not mean inferior. Realise that you have
a lot to contribute to classes because of
your life experience. Your contributions
are as valid as anyone else’s.
YOUR MATURITY IS A HUGE ASSET.
By now you will know how to juggle
tasks. You will have acquired skills and
experience which younger students
have not. You will have experienced life
events that will enrich your contributions
to classes and provide you with views to
enhance your work. You will have chosen
your course because you really want to
do it! You have exceptional motivation
and commitment, which isn’t true for
some younger students.
The stats show that mature students
access support within universities
more readily than younger students. At
Nottingham Trent we have an excellent
Student Support Services department.
If you are struggling, feeling stressed,
having difficulties coping, feeling like the
outsider, having difficulties with finances,
or feeling doubt about your abilities, how
about coming to see us? If you are having
problems completing your assignments
because of logistical problems, talk to
your tutor or course leader.
TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF
This is the new direction you have chosen
for you. So how about making time for
yourself to enjoy it? You might think about
staying for a drink with course mates
after classes, setting up a friendship
group with other mature students, or
doing something to pamper yourself,
however small.
SEEK HELP IF YOU NEED IT
If you’re struggling, have a talk with your
tutor, or with someone in the Student
Support Services. We may be able to
help, either directly, or by pointing you in
the direction of someone else who can.
ENJOY THE POSITIVES
As one ex-mature student said to me:
“For me there were lots of positives. I
really enjoyed working with people on
my course who were younger than me. I
think having a taste of a different culture
brightened me, made me more open
minded and adventurous. And it helped
me to relate to younger people on an
equal basis, without feeling that they
saw me (or I saw myself) as their mother.
I felt like I had a lot to offer in terms of
life experience, but also a huge amount
to learn from them in terms of being
exposed to popular culture and current
ideas.”
Mandy Roland-Smith
Student Counsellor
• STRESS
University can be stressful for anyone.
But for mature students the pressures
can be really intense. For most mature
students home life goes on as usual.
The daily pressures don’t stop because
Reflections
Reflections
IS
ANGER
MAKING
YOU
MAD?
negative consequences. Ask yourself: what are the
short term pay offs? Does anger make you feel better?
Does your anger serve to avoid solving a problem or
tackling any other emotional or practical issue? Does it
feel good to have people feel scared of you? Do you get
it out of your system but then feel guilty?
•
Consider some triggers to your angry feelings and your
reasons to be angry, which may include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Habit – have you got into a pattern of
behaviour that is hard to break?
Fear – is a person or situation making you feel
afraid?
Shame or humiliation – to rectify perceived
hurt
Loss – anger can be a natural part of
bereavement, loss, or change
Lack of assertiveness
To make people listen
Taking a Step Back
Remember, feeling angry is a natural human emotion
and will be felt from time to time – what you can do is
be in control of how you express that anger. It’s a good
idea to try and put some time and space between your
emotional reaction and your behaviour. Here are some
ideas which may help:
What Is Anger For?
•
•
Anger tends to be viewed as a negative emotion. Often
in counselling when I sense that angry feelings may
be present, I hear people say ‘But I’m not an angry
person.’ Sometimes this means that they don’t perceive
themselves to be an angry person because they are
not violent – boys in particular may equate anger with
punching someone. For girls it may be that they feel,
or have been told by others that expressing anger is
not appropriate. This is obviously a generalisation but
denial of anger or bottled up frustration and tension can
have implications for physical and mental health.
For some people, therefore, anger is a scary ‘taboo’
emotion, that mustn’t be felt or expressed and for these
people there can be a risk of developing hypertension,
stress, depression, low self esteem and/or becoming a
victim.
For other people anger is a problem because they feel
that they are too angry too often. They may be verbally
aggressive, physically violent and generally alienate the
people around them which in turn causes unhappiness
and loneliness.
The Positive Side of Anger
Anger, however, is a natural human emotion, experienced
by everyone from time to time. It’s a natural impulse
and can serve several useful functions, e.g.
•
•
•
•
•
•
As a useful signal that something is wrong in
our life or relationships
As a sign of too much stress, pressure, or
expectations from others
As an appropriate defence of self and loved
ones through the triggering of adrenaline
which is a basic survival instinct
Regaining power (i.e. issuing a warning) at
times of threat
Affirmation of individuality (we can see this in
children)
Motivating ourselves to take effective action
– e.g. challenging injustice in society
•
•
•
•
•
•
So the first step is to decide if your anger is appropriate,
helpful, or unhealthy.
Getting To Know Your Anger
Think about how you behave when you are angry and
ask yourself if your experience of anger is consistently
negative. Do you harm yourself? (eg. punching and
hurting your hand?) Get into physical fights? Drink
too much or resort to drug use to calm yourself down?
Smash things you care about? Break relationships?
Hurt people generally and ultimately yourself? Or do
you go to the other extreme and avoid situations and
people because of your anger?
Anger may provide short term relief but have long term
•
•
•
•
•
Count or breathe slowly before reacting
– practice some breathing exercises
Observe objects and not people – describe the
room/environment to yourself
Change your posture and be aware of where
you are holding tension in your body
Physically leave the situation or ask for time
out to consider an appropriate response
Exercise – even going for walk can be really
helpful
Punch some pillows, or something that will
not hurt you nor harm anyone else.
Talk – don’t bottle it up, but give yourself a
time and a place for this even if you feel the
event in the past and therefore no longer
relevant – it is OK to say ‘I’ve been thinking
about what you said last Wednesday and I’m
aware I’ve been feeling angry about it.’
Take responsibility for your feelings of anger
and try not to blame external reasons for your
own feelings - for example don’t say ‘You
make me so mad!’ but try ‘I’ve been feeling
annoyed about….’
Read about anger management and practice
assertiveness techniques, including learning to
use assertive and non aggressive language.
Avoid drugs and alcohol which can escalate
existing emotions.
Learn to manage your stress and take time to
relax on a day to day basis.
Observe people around you and see how they
•
•
•
•
manage their strong feelings.
Be aware of your history with anger and
consider your role models, i.e. how does your
family express or fail to express anger? Or
did you have an angry teacher whose power
caused fear?
Be aware of your triggers and consider trying
alternative ways to assert yourself - i.e. do
certain incidents, people or behaviour make
you lose your temper?
Maybe talk to people close to you about how
they feel to be on the receiving end of your
rage and work together on some strategies.
Challenge any negative thoughts which are
fuelling your anger and affecting your self
esteem.
Write down your thoughts and feelings in a
diary or unsent letter.
Talk to someone external from the situation
– a relative, trusted friend or counsellor.
Lastly – don’t be too hard on yourself – if you have
a long term problematic relationship with anger then
chances are you won’t change overnight. Give yourself
patience and practice – and if you lose your temper
from time to time learn from it and don’t give up.
Helen Clare
Student Counsellor
Anger management courses are held at Broxtowe
College (tel: 917 3697)
Books:
The Dance of Anger Lerner, HG (1990) Thorsons
Publishers
How to Control Your Anger Before it Controls You
Ellis, A & Tafrate, RC (1999) Robert Hale, London
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CHEESE ROLLING
What the hell is it?
In trying to get away with calling this a ‘sport’ I will explain as best
I can. It is the ‘art’ of throwing oneself down a rocky terrain in
pursuit of a large lump of cheese. The annual event takes place
on the Spring Bank Holiday in Coopers Hill, Gloucestershire
and has a tradition running hundreds of years
How does it work?
Well, a specially invited guest (what an honour) lobs a chunk of
cheese down a hill before a bunch of nutters are counted down
until throwing themselves after it. However, many injuries have
occurred over the years including broken bones and numerous
cuts and bruises. A brave Paramedic is always in attendance.
So what is the aim?
Seemingly to be the biggest cheese in Gloucestershire (ahem
- ed). The first person to catch up with the tearaway cheese
becomes the Champion for that year.
Why should you play it?
Because it is possibly the best thing you could ever tell your
Grandchildren. “Grandad, how come you have that 10-inch scar
on your head?” “Well, son I was rolling after a piece of Double
Gloucester.” Superb.
Nottingham Clubs in Decline
Wimbledon 2006: Same old story or one last dose of Henmania?
It has been a depressing season’s viewing for fans of both
Nottingham Forest and Notts County. The Midlands seems to
be in a 21st Century football depression, and Forest must be the
team most noticeable for their failures.
The end of June brings two great British obsessions
- the weather and Wimbledon. The prospect of another
Wimbledon championship is usually accompanied by a
cloud of disappointment lingering over SW19. This year,
however, we can take comfort in the prospect of British
competitiveness.
The 2006 Wimbledon Championships is set to be another
two weeks that will have us doing more than just enjoying
strawberries and cream. This year has seen major steps
taken in British tennis. Andrew Murray has won his first major
tournament, beating two Top Ten players, Andy Roddick and
Lleyton Hewitt, on his way to victory. In conjunction with this,
we now have a new pro-active chief executive of the LTA, Roger
Draper, whose ideas mirror the corner that has hopefully been
turned in British tennis. With Tim Henman notching up a few
decent wins, and Greg Rusedski returning to the ATP tour after
the birth of his daughter, it’s an encouraging time.
This season Forest had the humiliating
‘honour’ of being the only club in
Europe to win the European Cup and
then go on to play in the third tier of their
domestic league. Bookies installed
Forest as favourites to bounce back to
the Championship, but after Christmas
the team was flirting with relegation. A
series of poor results away from home
came to the fore when they were
knocked out of the 2nd Round of the FA
Cup by lowly Chester.
Above: Forest’s James
Perch has been a bright
spot in a poor season
Gary Megson had to go, and in Below: Kelvin Wilson has
February he finally got the boot. The had to be sold to Preston
Caretaker Management duo of Frank
Barlow and Ian McParland took the
team by the scruff of the neck and
managed to go on a sensational 12match unbeaten run only ended by a
2-3 defeat away at relegation-haunted
Hartlepool. The goals of Nathan Tyson
and Grant Holt took Forest to the brink
of a Play Off position, but consecutive
end of season draws against Bournemouth and Bradford ended
their dreams and they finished a frustrating 7th. However, the
club can take hope for next season, ending with one defeat in
the last fifteen and seeing hope in some inspirational midfield
performances from young James Perch, and the form of club
captain Ian Breckin. Barlow and McParland insist they do not
want the job full-time and, if this is the case, there would be no
better candidate that Nigel Clough, son of the late great Brian,
who has done a wonderful job at Burton Albion.
As for Notts County, they came perilously close to dropping out of
the football league altogether. After a strong start to the season
in which they occupied a Play Off place, the Magpies dropped off
at an alarming pace and were saved from Conference football
by Oxford’s final day defeat against Leyton Orient. Another club
seemingly in a never-ending downhill spiral, Icelandic manager
Gudjon Thordarson must now fear for his job. To make matters
worse, County were forced to sell bright young defender Kelvin
Wilson to Preston North End for £300,000.
Unfortunately, with every challenge comes a momentous task
and nothing can be more so than defeating Roger Federer.
Some say he will go on to be the greatest player to grace
Wimbledon. Others believe be has the ability to produce every
shot in the locker. The current Wimbledon champion is what
defines a true professional. Everything from his calmness on
court to his graceful execution of shots is nothing short of poetry
in motion. His form on grass will make him the firm favourite,
followed closely by Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt and David
Nalbandian. Outsiders will then include James Blake, David
Ferrer, Marat Safin, Sebastien Grosjean and British hope Andy
Murray. Teenage sensation Rafael Nadal could fall into any one
of these categories if he is able to adapt his game to grass.
Wimbledon’s women’s contest does not have the same element
of predictability which dominates the men’s. Many see Maria
Sharopova and Justine Henin as favourites, but you can never
rule out the never-say-die attitude of the Williams sisters. Amelie
Mauresmo’s consistent victories will cement her into the frame,
and who can argue when she is currently number one in the
WTA rankings. Fierce competitors Kim Clijsters and Lindsay
Davenport will also be forcing their way on to the big stage at
centre court. If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, there
is also the exciting prospect of a fairytale return after a long
absence for past champion Martina Hingis.
Whether it is one last dose of Henmania or the rise of Andy
Murray, the British media will inevitably pin all their hopes
on to any individual who makes it past the first round. This
championship is set to be Tim Henman’s last Wimbledon
adventure in front of a crowd once again full of vociferous
support. It will be a fitting send-off for a man who has carried the
face of British tennis for almost
a decade.
Andrew Murray has shown
maturity and character over
the last year and is clearly not
fazed by any media speculation
about his chances. The
budding Scot’s stunning 2-6,
6-1, 7-6 victory over Lleyton
Hewitt in the final of the SAP
open in San Jose gave him his
first ATP tour title and lifted the
18-year-old inside the World’s
Top 50. After this momentous
victory, John McEnroe, one of
Murray’s biggest fans, claimed:
“I predicted a couple of months
ago that Murray would be in
the top 20 around Wimbledon,
and I think there is an excellent
chance of that happening”. His
wins over players like Roddick,
Hewitt and even former idol Tim
Henman indicate the fiery Scot
will attract masses of attention
at this year’s championships.
However,
the
recent
disappointment of the Davis
cup defeat against Serbia
and Montenegro has caused
debates and speculation over
Murray’s swearing antics.
Overall the tie was a pretty
grey performance mirrored
by the Scot’s absence on the
first day due to illness. The
result has left the British public
anticipating a much needed lift
at this year’s championship.
Oops…Didn’t mean that! (Sports
This year’s event takes place on May 29 and will attract a
crowd of almost 4000. For more info on Cheese Rolling go to
www.cheese-rolling.co.uk
Paul Usher
Paul Usher
You can always rely on the legendary Murray Walker
when it comes to confusing the watching public.
Middle: Maria Sharapova: The
Russian beauty has the talent
to win Wimbledon again.
Bottom: Could it be the last time
Tim Henman graces the famous
grass courts?
Much of the nation will be
fixated by the World Cup this summer, but in between England’s
games, don’t hesitate to switch the channel. If you tune into
Wimbledon this year, you should expect some intense five-set
matches, and if the number one seed falls, it will prove to be
anyone’s game. And the inevitability of the championships will
be far from ‘game, set and match’.
The city of Nottingham is one that should have a football club
at least in the top two divisions, and with Forest’s proud history
and committed fans there wouldn’t be many that would deny
they would be welcome in the Premiership. For this to happen,
both clubs need managers who will bring back the good times
and not waste their tight resources on poor players and big
wages. Both teams have fantastic youth policies that should
be encouraged in bringing through the city’s best young talent.
Then maybe the glory days will return…
th
Top: Andrew Murray shows the
determination that has made
him such a bright prospect.
Oliver Ewbank
Quote of the issue)
“The lead car is absolutely unique, except for
the one behind it which is identical.”

Issue 13 - Platform Online

Transcription

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