Issue 12 - Platform Online

Transcription

Get your tickets: Graduate Fashion Week,
Awards Ceremonies & Beach Break Live
In Film: Spider Man fails to impress
Also: What’s in your horoscope this fortnight?
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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:
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Platform
Nottingham Trent Students Union
Byron House
Shakespeare Street
Nottingham
NG1 4GH
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (0115) 848 6224
Platform Team 06/07…
Editor: Andrea Vassallo - (0115) 848 6224
Designer: Stephanie Combs (0115) 848 6211
News Sub-Editors: Susan Mintern
([email protected]) & Alex Hulse
([email protected])
Music Sub-Editor: Luke Eldridge
[email protected]
Film Sub-Editor: Ed Smith
[email protected]
Arts Sub-Editor: Claire Haywood
[email protected]
Fashion Sub-Editor: Emma Hunt
[email protected]
Health Sub-Editor: Laura Johnstone
[email protected]
Sports Sub-Editor: Tim Spiers
[email protected]
Pictures Sub-Editor: Louise Furlow
[email protected]
To contact the relevant Sub-Editor,
please either email them directly or email
[email protected] and put the relevant
section in the subject area.
To advertise with us please contact
Simon Rhodes – (0115) 848 6244
Thanks to Polar Group Limited
www.polargroup.co.uk
Printed by Polar Print Group using Low Alcohol
technology and Vegetable based inks. Printed
on 9lives 55 Gloss 100 gsm (25% post-consumer
waste - 30% pre-consumer waste - 45% virgin ECF
from sustainable forests).
Firstly, good luck
to all of you that are in the middle of
your exams…hopefully you won’t be
too stressed out, and will enjoy taking
a break by reading through this Issue.
Check out our tips on coping with it
all in the Health Section, and maybe
your Horoscopes (if you believe them!)
spell out certain success?
Thinking about what to do next? We
have full details of a programme
The Hive are running for all entrepreneur-wannabes; or if your thoughts
lean more towards which festival you
should go to this summer, then don’t make any decisions until
you’ve read about Beach Break Live in our Music Section.
Following the end of the Championship, do you agree with our
selection for team of the season in the Sports Section? And do you
agree with all the annoying things students have told us they
want to banish to the Trent Room 101?
Our next Issue will be our last this academic year, but don’t let it
be the final one you read! Whether you are graduating or returning for more partying/studying in October, remember you can
always read Platform and catch up on what
our team is up to online at www.trentstudents.org/platform. We will still always be
looking for new contributors, so email us
anytime. So, until the 4th of June, Happy
Reading!
Oops, sorry!
We made a mistake in our ‘Prescriptions’ article (Issue 10). We incorrectly
stated that only certain students, such as ones with a registered disability
or carers, could claim discounts for health costs. In fact, under the NHS
low income scheme, students on low income can claim too. To apply
under the scheme, you should complete an HC1 form – available from
Student Advice Centres in the Students Union.
This Issue:
4 News
10 Horoscopes
12 Room 101
14 Film
16 Photos Pull-out
18 Music
22 Arts
24 Fashion
26 Health
29 Sports
Platform Volume 15/Issue 12 • 3
GOJO promotes public transport
improvements for disabled users
If you are a young disabled person and have difficulties or fears about
using public transport, then a new campaign called GOJO could be for
you.
If you haven’t been on public transport for a while, you may be surprised to hear how things have improved. Recent changes to the law
and improvements to make services more user-friendly could mean
you find trips a bit easier.
GOJO is a new campaign from the Disability Rights Commission to help
young people aged 16-25 get more out of public transport. There’s a
new website, www.mygojo.co.uk, packed full of information – including
interactive journey planners, hints and tips on travel and details of local services, as well as competitions, downloads and other fun stuff.
Natalie Salmon, a spokesperson for GOJO, says: “We want you to
tell us about your travel experiences online, so you can share advice,
thoughts and ideas with other young people, and also with the people
who run the buses, trains and trams.
“We want you to take trips on public transport over the Longest Weekend in June – the weekend with the most daylight hours, from the
Summer Solstice on Thursday June 21, to Sunday June 24.”
Check back on the GOJO website for event guides listing interesting local events and attractions on and around the Longest Weekend. They
will include special offers to help make trips out a bit cheaper. The
guides will also include accessibility information.
Nottingham Trent Students Union is supporting GOJO. Welfare & Equal
opportunities Officer, Scott Blakeway says: “Public transport is an
issue for young disabled people, which is why we are backing GOJO. We
want all of our members to feel a part of Nottingham and using public
transport is a right for everyone. We hope this campaign can make a
difference to our disabled students.”
Trent WALK 4 DARFUR; Cambridge to London on foot
S
unday 29th April was the ‘Global Day for Darfur’; marking the fourth year of the genocide
in the Darfur region of Sudan. Since 2003, several hundred thousand people have been killed
and more than two million people are displaced,
now reliant on international aid. Thousands were
out on the streets of London – calling on world
leaders to bring protection to the people of
Darfur.
Nottingham Trent Aegis Society, which works
with the Aegis Trust in campaigning to stop the
genocide, decided that turning up to demonstrations in London was not enough. They wanted to
see serious action from world leaders and chose
to demonstrate this by walking from Cambridge
to London; starting on the Thursday morning and
arriving in London on the Sunday morning. The
Society were accompanied by seven incredible
people who had escaped Darfur; having lost their
families they fled to the UK to save their own lives.
These survivors really opened everyone’s eyes
to the cause and the importance of striving to
prevent genocide.
Seventy miles was the distance; seemingly, 20
miles a day with the average person walking 3-4
miles an hour would not make it too much of an
arduous task. However, it was much harder than
4 • Platform
Volume 15/Issue 12
first thought. The days seemed to go on forever
and sleeping in various fields meant that the
nights were cold. It was the amazing dynamics of
the group that kept the group going to the end.
Entering central London, they shouted chants as
they approched Downing Street. After spending
the previous 3 days and nights walking non-stop,
everyone was outraged at the lack of response
from our Government and the international community in their efforts to protect those in Darfur.
Further to this, those who have fled Darfur are
having to fight to stay in this country.
The Society wanted to have their voices heard.
If the people with the power to make changes
weren’t going to listen, then they will continue
to tell the people in the street – people who have
the vote to control the power.
Alex Attaway
Nottingham Trent
Aegis Society
VOTE for your Best Bar None
A few weeks ago the Slug and Lettuce in the Cornerhouse
saw the launch of the second annual Nottingham Best Bar
None scheme.
BBN accreditation recognises and rewards good practice
within the license trade in the city - where half of our
student population work and the other half spends most
of their time! The driving force behind the scheme is
that students should be able to enjoy a good night out
and remain safe in the knowledge that they will be well
looked after. This applies whether you are topping up the
student loan or blowing it!
We’re calling all students to vote now for your favourite
club, pub or bar in Nottingham. Think of your muchloved place to be, where you have a superb night and, if
you maybe have a little too much to drink, they are more
likely to help you out than just throw you out.
Voting takes place on www.nottinghambbn.co.uk so go
on and register. Everyone that votes gets entered into the
draw (made in September) to win a pair of tickets to see
Damien Rice in concert at
the Nottingham Arena on
5th October 2007.
If you want a guaranteed
good night out, support
the scheme and make sure
you only frequent those
premises which are Best Bar
None accredited.
Racist or not?
In March this year a top Tory was sacked for making comments of a racist nature in an online interview.
Former Shadow Homeland Security Patrick Mercer MP
was sacked by party leader David Cameron for making
suggestions that, during his army career, he was racist to
some of his ethnic troops. He implied that being called
a “black bastard” was a normal part of life in the Armed
Forces.
Mr Mercer had also mentioned in his interview with Times
Online that he had met a lot of “idle and useless” ethnic
minority soldiers who used racism as a cover to avoid
discipline. He had also noted that red-haired soldiers had
a tougher time in the army than their ethnic counterparts.
In a statement, Mr Mercer said that he had clearly been
misjudged and deeply regretted any offence he had
caused, stating that he did believe that the goings-on in
the army were quite unacceptable. He also said: “I had
the privilege to command soldiers from across the East
Midlands of whom many came from racial minorities.
“It was a matter of great pride to me that racial minorities
prospered inside the unit and indeed, at one stage, all of
my company sergeant-majors were black.”
There has been a lot of support for Mr Mercer since his
unjustified demotion; especially in his constituency of
Newark and Retford in Nottinghamshire.
On The Times website, Sheelagh Hamilton, chairwoman
of the Newark Conservative Association, says: “I am extremely angry that what has been said has been taken out
of context and David Cameron has behaved precipitously.
“I think it’s all been done in a huge amount of haste. I am
judging by the support he has received today from not just
within this constituency, but throughout the country. I just
think that without getting to the bottom of it, Patrick has
been asked to step down.”
In the same vein, Leroy Hutchinson, a former corporal who
served in Mr Mercer’s regiment, said: “I am a black man,
who served with Patrick for 12 years. He never tolerated
racism in the battalion and not a single one of his men
would consider him to be racist.”
If someone who served under Mr Mercer’s command
knew his intentions were honourable then it is difficult to
see why a journalist and thus David Cameron, feels the
need to brand him as racist.
Carole-Ann Galloway, a student at Trent says: “I don’t
think his comments were meant to be racist. He was just
perhaps being a little insensitive about what he was
saying, and not thinking that it would be taken in a racist
way.”
I think it is a shame that our society now feels the need to
have a knee-jerk reaction with the slightest sniff of honesty
regarding inequality. Perhaps if people were not so quick
to brand him a racist then they would see realise Mr Mercer was condemning the behaviour.
Perhaps if Mr Cameron was more worried about the integrity of his party than about the amount of votes in the next
election then a valued MP would not have lost his job and
with it a platform to condemn racism.
Alex Hulse
nts
Graduate Fashion Week
2007
Graduate Fashion Week was
launched in 1991 as a way to
build new talent and showcase
the very best that BA graduate fashion design in the UK
has to offer. Every year this
major fashion event attracts
widespread interest and has
even helped to launch the
careers of some of the world’s
leading designers, including
John Galliano, Alexander
McQueen, Stella McCartney,
Julien Macdonald, Antonio
Beradi, Hussein Chalayan
and Owen Gaster. The leading high street retailer River
Island is the title sponsor
of Graduate Fashion Week
2007 and has a long-running association with the event.
a
Ten
Live it . Love it.
Glasshouse
Affordable student accommodation. Clearly better living.
This year the Nottingham Trent fashion designers will be battling it out for the River Island Gold Award.
This prestigious award is presented to the graduate with the most outstanding collection (first prize = £20,000!!!). However, competition is fierce, with 47 of the top fashion and textile universities across the UK taking part.
The four day event incorporates a static exhibition and two fashion theatres hosting the catwalk shows, culminating in the
Gala Fashion Show and awards ceremony. The Nottingham Trent exhibition stand will exhibit a diverse selection of work
from the areas of fashion design, management, business and marketing.
Graduate Fashion Week 2007 will see creativeness combined with a sense of confidence, passion and professionalism from Nottingham Trent. Catwalk collections will be comparable
to that of established fashion designers and graduates worthy of a place within the highly
competitive fashion industry!
This year’s event runs from the 3rd-6th June at Battersea Park Arena, London. Nottingham
Trent will open the catwalk events with their show on Sunday 3rd June at 12.00pm – it is
anticipated that tickets for the show will sell out so GET TICKETS EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!!! Tickets are available at www.gfw.org.uk. For more information about the
event please email ntu_gfw2007@ hotmail.co.uk or visit www.myspace.com/ntu_gfw2007.
IF FASHION IS YOUR THING THEN GRADUATE FASHION WEEK IS NOT TO BE MISSED!!!
Debbie Rush
Graduating? Don’t forget to book places for your own ceremony!
Awards Ceremonies booking deadline is 18 May – book online now to avoid disappointment!
18 May is the date by which eligible students must indicate whether they either wish to attend their Ceremony in July or would like their certificate sent shortly afterwards. Even if you are not coming, you need to
act now.
Do you want to attend? Places for yourself and guests cannot be guaranteed after 18 May, and the issuing
of certificates to non-attendees who do not respond by 18 May will be significantly delayed. Please act
now!
The Glasshouse offers 605 student
rooms in the heart of the city, with
Nottingham Trent University just
5 minutes away. So, you needn’t
rush to get up in the morning!
From only £69 per week
• Choose
from Standard, En suite or a Studio
• All-inclusive - no bills (excl. broadband)
• Supermarket, secure parking & laundry
• 24hr CCTV & on-site management team
All 2007/08 Glasshouse tenants receive:
+ Free entry into our prize draw to win 2 round the world flights*
+ Free Lush Card for discounts around the city
+ Free Cornerhouse Card for discounts at the Cornerhouse
Reserved elsewhere? We’ll even refund your reservation fee!**
Interested? Click www.fhpstudentliving.co.uk/glasshouse
Online Awards Ceremony registration is via www.ntu.ac.uk/graduation, but if you have any problems with
the online system, email [email protected] or call 0115 848 2255.
6 • Platform
Volume 15/Issue 12
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*No purchase necessary. Full terms and conditions are available on the website. **Terms and conditions apply.
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business but is not sure what to do and would welcome some help to do
so? Are you about to graduate and have a burning ambition to follow
your dream and run your own business?
If YOU do, then look no further than The Hive, Nottingham Trent University’s awardwinning enterprise development centre. The Hive, now supports over 100 new
business ventures created from the entrepreneurial ideas and research of students
at Nottingham Trent University.
With offices at Brackenhurst, Clifton and Mansfield, coupled with the established
enterprise centre in the Maudslay Building on the City site, The Hive provides first
class facilities including meeting rooms and office space. Mentoring services and
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Graduates or alumni of the University with an idea for a new business can receive up
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So, if you feel that the final-year project you completed has real
business potential, or even that your lifelong hobby or interest is
a potential business, this could be your chance to take it further
and join the more than 60% of Hive Businesses that have been
started by Nottingham Trent University alumni.
Michelle Dhillon launched her NG Magazine, Nottingham’s online diary and entertainment guide, alongside
The Magic Numbers at the opening of the Old Market
Square Party in the Square on the 31st March 2007. The
Hive has provided her with an essential foundation for
her to start her own media company: “The impressive
resources that are available to young entrepreneurs in The
Hive have enabled me to set up an exciting new service for
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If you want to know more about how The Hive can
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the autumn programme in September.
Recent award winning successes include Chris Scarth and Dave
Francis of Prime Principle, a forward thinking company that
designs software for schools, who were National Runners Up in
the HSBC Small Business Awards 2006. Nick Timms of Digital
Cubed, which designs high impact multimedia presentations,
won the Airtime Award for Most Entrepreneurial Young Company in 2006 and Simeon Hartwig, who was accorded the
most entrepreneurial business idea in Nottingham during
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Horoscopes...
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Volume 15/Issue 12
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What bugs you about uni life? Can you
name the one thing you would banish
if you had the chance to throw it away
into our Trent Room 101?
Matt Boursell – Building Surveying:
“People who cruise past the library in cars incredibly slowly listening to music incredibly loudly”
Anonymous - Building Surveying:
“Chaucer Building”
Anonymous:
“People who make noise in the library”
Rich Adams - MSc Social Research Methods:
“How about those guys who always accost you
outside the library and force flyers into your
hand?”
Emily Churchyard - Professional Certificate in Person-Centered Counselling:
“Exams [that are so close together]”
Anonymous:
“Dissertation deadlines that have other deadlines
the same day”
Laura Hayes - BA Business Studies:
“Stupidly late lectures; I have one from 7.30-9pm,
and I hate it. In the winter it’s dark when you’re
walking there and back, which isn’t the safest of
things to be doing”
Anonymous:
“Tutors who never email you back”
Dave Waterfall - BA History:
“Work”
Ryan Mills - Business Studies:
“I don’t really like people who take their tops
off when the Baywatch theme tune comes on in
clubs. I’m not interested in seeing someone’s beer
gut basically”
12 • Platform
Volume 15/Issue 12
Rumour Control
Spider Man 4
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spider giving us th
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With the third instalment barely in
cinemas, wardrobe departments
are already gathering all the red
and blue Lycra that they can get
their hands on. Marvel Entertainment have said that they want to
make at least six of these movies
and, on April 21st in Los Angeles,
director Sam Raimi officially announced that Sony Pictures will in
fact be making three more.
So is this a glimmer of hope? Comic book geeks perk up your ears…the
super villain for the forth instalment is rumoured to be the ‘Lizard’,
which would promise more mind blowing special effects than in the
current movie.
Ed Smith
Classic Quote:
Spider Man 3 (12A)
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Topher Grace, James Franco
Released: 04/05/07
It saddens me deeply to have to write the words that I am in fact about
to let you all read, but the sad truth is that Spider Man 3 was so bad
that I urge you all NOT to see this film!
You might think my opening comment sounds a bit harsh but let
me enlighten you. The film starts with a cheesy ‘catch up’ opening
sequence, kind of like James Bond’s opening titles but with clips from
the previous two Spidey films - very cheesy and totally unnecessary. I
let this pass in the hope that things would get better from here on in…
but boy, was I wrong.
It is obvious where they spent the money on this film, BUT it is even
more obvious where it wasn’t. The first hour and a half looks like a 12
year old child made it in Photoshop on his dad’s laptop. The effects
were both shocking and obvious. There is a fight sequence between
Spider Man and the Green Goblin Jr, which takes place down an ‘endless alley-way’ that has hardly any foley (that’s sound effects to the
un-knowing) and only a badly scored soundtrack. I have never been
more certain of the use of computer graphics in my whole life. The blue
screen and computer-generated imagery do not gel at all and are just
too obvious.
As the film progressed I couldn’t help but feel like the whole thing was
some kind of ass-kissing suck-up to themselves with the success of
the first two films. Every line was cheesy as hell and people were laughing at the film… not with it. I know the evil black goo that takes over
Peter and Spider Man is meant to heighten his powers and ego, but I
think some of this goo actually got on the cast, director, script writers,
computer graphic artists and, well, pretty much everyone that was
involved with this film.
14 • Platform
Volume 15/Issue 12
Platform writer Joseph Wilson reveals how
this film has made an impression on him
• Saving Private Ryan (1998)
There is no word on whether Toby
McGuire will play the web-spinning hero again, but Kirsten Dunst told
Entertainment Weekly: “Audiences aren’t stupid. It’d be a big flop
without me, Toby or Sam.”
“Everybody loves a hero.”
Review
How it changed my life…
(May Parker, Spider Man 2)
Well where to start? This film had
such an influence on me the first time
I watched in when I was about 14. The
story details the American Army’s
assault on the European front, beginning with, in my opinion, one of the
best opening sequences to any film. I
remember watching it with surround
sound and being blown away by the
gunfire! The story goes on with Captain
John Miller (Tom Hanks) leading a team
of men behind enemy lines to save Private James Ryan, whose three brothers
had been killed previously in combat.
There is just something about this film that makes me want to watch
it over and over again. I’ve always been interested in what happened
in WWII and this film documents the action really well. Every time I
watch it there is always something new in the background that I’ve
missed before. Films that have so much going on are so appealing
to watch because you know that, however much you watch it, it will
feel fresh!
That’s why I’m still astonished it was made in 1998!! Not only does
that make me feel so old but it’s now a classic; one of those films
where you can recite the entire script off by heart. I think the overriding factor for why this film is so influential on me is, no matter how
many times I watch it, I always feel sad at the ending even though I
know what’s going to happen! When a film does that to you, you know
it’s a winner! It’s such an epic film.
Members of the audience wanted to leave when we heard Spiderman
utter the word “shazzham!” of which was just the start of the endless
cheese. In the middle of the film Peter Parker gets taken over by the
evil black goo that came from a meteorite (which no one saw, heard
or even batted an eyelid at). Considering Spider Man was about 20ft
away from it when it crashed to earth… frankly even I wouldn’t need
spider sense to know that something had just fallen right out of the
sky right in front of me! Anyway… the evil black goo from the meteorite
“alters” his personality, a.k.a. he wears black eyeliner and brushes his
fringe forward – scary, right?! After this there is a sequence where
Parker buys some new clothes and does the worst Saturday Night
Fever impression I have even seen! I really don’t want to say too much
but, lord, it’s horrific to watch.
There was one saving grace, though, in the form of Topher Grace. His
performance as Venom is fantastic, and the second he gets a drop of
the black goo on him is clearly when they started to spend the money.
The effects for Venom were amazing; he looked fantastic and was
acted brilliantly by Topher. But this really is the only good part of the
film - which is all of 20 minutes of the two and a half hours. Yes, the
Sandman effects were ok, but there were many issues with that as
well, like scaling and, again, general effects badness.
Overall, if I had to give this film a rating I’d have to give it a 2/10! The
plot is endlessly bad, predictable and boring. The effects were just
bad and obvious, which should not be the case when we have films like
Lord Of The Rings, Star Wars, Pirates Of The Caribbean and many more
amazing computer generated films to learn from. This film has made
me worry now about forthcoming films like Pirates 3, Transformers and
the new Fantastic 4 movie.
If anyone from the studio that made this film reads this… what the hell
were you thinking?!? You have single-handedly ruined what could have
been a long-lasting franchise. Please don’t ruin any more films for us!
Edward Smith
[The Upside of Anger]
[Goya’s Ghosts]
[Fast Food Nation]
Out Now [by Joseph Wilson]
Goya’s Ghosts (15)
The Upside Of Anger (15)
Fast Food Nation (15)
Directed by: Milos Forman
Starring: Stellan Skarsgard, Javier
Bardem, Natalie Portman
Released: 04/05/07
Directed by: Mike Binder
Starring: Joan Allen, Kevin Costner,
Erika Christensen
Release Date: 04/05/2007
Directed by: Richard Linklater
Starring: Catalina Sandino Moreno,
Ethan Hawke, Luis Guzman
Release Date: 04/05/07
Set in 18th Century Spain, Goya’s Ghosts
revolves around main character and artist
Francisco Goya (Skarsgard). He falls out with
Brother Lorenzo (Bardem), who declines to
help Inés, (Portman) who is wrongly accused
of being a heretic and practicing Jewish
rituals. Goya becomes involved with Inés
during this time but it takes 20 years before
she comes back to him for help to find her
lost child.
When mother of four Terry (Joan Allen) is
relatively abandoned by her husband for his
Swedish secretary, she feels her life is more
or less over. This is far from the truth, as the
willingness of Denny (Kevin Costner) and the
typical teenage dramas of four young women
unfold. A sweet comedy, with plenty to go on
and a few surprises left for all the family to
discover.
Labelled “The most essential political film
since Fahrenheit 9/11” (New York Times), this
film follows the adventure of Don Henderson
(Linklater) who discovers that the famous
burgers he sells at Mickey’s Burgers are
contaminated with excrement! He decides
to travel to Colorado to investigate at the
packing plants and ranches, encountering the
stories of the burger-flippers and illegal immigrants who are linked with this along the way.
If you missed the ‘Altitude’ show, see Trent Dance in action here:
16 • Platform
Volume 15/Issue 12
[Photos: David Baird]
What it means
to me…
Platform writer John Maher
tells all about the album that
made an impact on his life
• Arctic Monkeys – ‘Whatever People
Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not’
(2006)
As the fastest selling
debut album
of all time in
the UK, Arctic Monkeys’
debut album
needs no
introduction.
360,000
copies in the
first week
of sales is some record for four ‘ordinary
blokes’ from Sheffield. It is statistics like
these that make me proud of the band, of
where they came from and where they are
now.
The
biggest
band
in
Britain
is back!
Arctic Monkeys have always been
a down-to-earth band. Whilst their
monumental success does not appear
to have gone to their heads, they are
clearly enjoying their time at the top.
Refusals to attend Brit Awards ceremonies juxtaposed with apparent collaborations with Girls Aloud paints a strange
picture of Sheffield’s much-loved sons.
While you read this article, their new
album ‘Favourite Worst Nightmare’ will
be on the shelves and no doubt in the
hearts of many music fans.
But what will be next for Arctic Monkeys? Can they possibly recreate the
success they found with their debut
album? At the time of going to press,
every single song from ‘Favourite
Worst Nightmare’ was in the Top 150,
thanks to the complexities of having
a download chart. Things are looking
good. In Platform this Issue, we look
back at what made their debut album
so special and take in a recent live
performance in Birmingham.
18 • Platform
Volume 15/Issue 12
Arctic Monkeys @ Birmingham Academy - 20th April
Seemingly within the same second that the band picked up their instruments, they headed
straight into charged up b-side, ‘If You Found This It’s Probably Too Late’, which then merged
into comeback single ‘Brianstorm’.
In the space of these two short songs, the atmosphere became like a chaotic sauna, and it was
hard to tell how much of the sweat that had drenched my hair and T-shirt has actually come
from me. The crowd reaction was, in a way, more of a spectacle than seeing the band themselves, and ultimately this is what makes Arctic Monkeys’ gigs slightly underwhelming compared
to the quality of their albums.
I saw a telling look of resignation on Alex Turner’s face as they rolled through old favourites
‘Dancing Shoes’, ‘From Ritz To The Rubble’ and ‘Fake Tales Of San Francisco’, as if he knew that,
no matter how loud he sang, there was no chance of him being heard properly above the 3000
people shouting the songs straight back at him.
The band perked up more when playing songs from the new album – of which ‘Do Me A Favour’
and ‘This House Is A Circus’ went best – and, to emphasise the harder feel to these songs,
Turner brought out a guitar that looked heavy enough to topple him over. But, as great as the
songs are, the gig felt more like watching a rehearsal rather than a performance, with the band
conversing with themselves only between songs.
The set peaked at the end with a storming version of ‘The View From The Afternoon’, and ‘Leave
Before The Lights Come On’. The best band around they might be, but their real skill and excitement comes in the studio more than on stage.
Being from Sheffield, I knew who Alex
Turner and Jamie Cook were. I was there for
their first ever gig at The Grapes in 2003
and have followed them ever since. The
buzz at the start was amazing. The band
would hand out demos to fans for free,
which would then be copied and passed on,
then copied again and again. Without really
trying, the whole of Sheffield knew all of
their lyrics. Gigs became busier with each
one that they played, and soon you couldn’t
even hear Alex singing. That was the kind
of thing that got me into music. I loved
those early gigs, when the band was young
and every step forward they made they
cherished. It was true fans supporting a
band that was destined to change the face
of music. I would follow them all around the
country when they toured, always making
sure to be there for the Sheffield gigs – the
homecomings.
By the time ‘Whatever People Say I Am,
That’s What I’m Not’ came out, it was like
the pinnacle of those whole three years
before it. Not only for the band, but for us
fans that had spent so much time going to
gigs, learning the lyrics and posting on the
forums. The sense of pride at watching your
favourite band hit the big time is immense,
even more so when they’re from your
hometown.
This album means a lot to me because I
was there from the start. Whether there
can be another such band I don’t know. Perhaps the record industry has cottoned on
to sites like MySpace and iTunes, and they
would never let bands hand out free demos
again. That innocence was born and died
with Arctic Monkeys, but the spirit lives on.
Bright Eyes – ‘Cassadaga’ (Universal)
Technically a band of many members, Bright Eyes is essentially the
brainchild of Nebraskan born Conor Oberst. That’s right; the brains
that called John Peel a “cokehead” back at Glastonbury of 2005.
Whilst those comments may have trimmed down his fan base by
half, the consecutive releases of one acoustic album and one electro
album split them down the middle. If you liked the tourettes mouthed
troubadour’s ‘I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning’, you will love this album.
If you loved ‘Digital Ash in a Digital Urn’, then you may be indifferent.
With ‘Cassadaga’ we are reacquainted with his country influences;
Dylan was obviously close at hand. Though not as immediate as some of his earlier work, ‘Cassadaga’ is deeper, more thought provoking and reliant on nothing more than his natural song
writing ability. [John Maher]
Travis – ‘The Boy With No Name’ (Independiente)
Travis are back. Have they moved on at all? No. Do we really care?
Probably not. Haven’t they even brought in some glow sticks or sirens?
No? Oh god. Without much warning (and some would have been nice),
we have eleven more ‘bittersweet pop songs’ from Fran Healy and Co.
that flatter to deceive. At times the vocals go right through you, as with
‘Closer’ and ‘Out In Space‘. There is just something naturally whiney
about Healy, an innate ability he has to sap the life out of a song.
Having said that, ‘Selfish Jean’ has a fairly pleasant, Guillemots-esque
rhythm to it, but that really is the pinnacle of ‘The Boy With No Name’.
Chris Martin claims that Travis “invented” Coldplay… perhaps they should have stopped there.
[Fred Henry]
Groove Armada – ‘Soundboy Rock’ (Columbia)
Tom Findlay and Andy Cato, a.k.a. Groove Armada, have come a long
way since their inception in 1995. London club nights, world tours,
four albums, Grammy nominated, and praise from none other than
Elton John (who, we can only presume, knows his house music). Now
in 2007 they offer us ‘Soundboy Rock’, a roller coaster album that
is riotous at times (‘Hasta Luego Mr. Fab’) and chilled out at others
(‘Paris’). What works for Groove Armada is the modern twist they
have put on things. Collaborators include Mutya from the Sugababes,
Simon Lord from Simian Mobile Disco, and Alan Donohue from The
Rakes. These influences not only help to mix up the style of the album, but make Tom and Andy’s
twelve year old project sound as relevant as ever. You never guess where they are going to take
you next. Whilst some may see this as a weakness, it just goes to show the ever-extending reach
of two of house music’s biggest stars. [Johnny Gentle]
Mark Ronson – ‘Versions’ (Columbia)
Mark Ronson is a hard man to pin down. Journalists like to pigeonhole
artists because it makes it easier to group people together than to
take every artist as something new. But how do you pigeonhole the
man whose collaborations include Lily Allen, Kasabian, Amy Winehouse, Kanye West and Christina Aguilera? After working with some
of hip-hop’s finest on his 2003 debut, ‘Versions’ digs into a two-year
deep vault of British indie, covering Kaiser Chiefs, Coldplay and Maximo Park, though you may recognise him for the slightly older Smiths
and Radiohead covers. You do get the feeling at times that Ronson is
one of those god-awful jazz musicians that buggers around with songs you love and ruins them,
but only at times. On the whole he adds something innovative to these songs we know and love
and in some cases betters the originals. ‘Versions’ may be more dinner party than after show
party, but if you’re having your after show with Kanye West who cares! [Luke Eldridge]
The Maccabees – ‘Colour It In’ (Fiction)
Originally hailing from Brighton, four piece The Maccabees are the
latest graduates of the London art school for bands. Brimming with a
hectic melody, interspersed amongst jagged post punk guitar, debut
long player ‘Colour It In’ is a more than promising start to the career
of the new NME hopefuls. After all, any band that can sing about the
facilities offered by their local swimming baths (‘Latchmere’) or the
inconvenience of ill-fitting Lego bricks (‘Lego’), whilst simultaneously
tackling the heart-wrenching experience of young romance (‘First
Love’) and ultimately endeavouring to remain über cool whilst doing
so, deserve an earnest pat on the back. However, with the lifespan of new bands diminishing
by the minute, it is unclear whether ‘Colour It In’ will sustain the test of time. Nonetheless, the
sound of The Maccabees is more than relevant in 2007, and that’s the important thing. People
like bands that sing about wave machines…let’s have more of them. [Adam Pollard]
Phil Bond
Beach Break Live... well, for those of you who haven’t heard about it yet, it’s going to be
massive. This festival has been made with the utmost care and consideration towards
your hardcore festival needs. Two main stages involving acts like Mr Scruff, DJ Format,
Zero 7 (DJ Set), cantaloop, the beautiful girls and the Tarka groove experiment means
that, at only £65 pounds a ticket, is SERIOUS value for money. That’s without mentioning
the surfing lessons, kite surfing lessons, coasteering, scenic canoeing, film screenings
of cult classics (with free tea, coffee and cake), break dancing and mixing workshops,
stand up comedy, speakers on fair trade and climate change and a wide range of student performances. Phew.
The setting? Polzeath beach, one of the most
beautiful places in Britain. So not only are we
looking at a wicked festival were you can see
anything from folk to funk or punk to drum and
bass, but you can go swim your sweaty asses off
in the beautiful beach nearby after dancing to
your favourite music. As much of the materials
and resources needed for the festival as humanly
possibly are locally sourced; local ales, beers, food
and, this being from Cornwall, you know you are
going to be in for a treat with the added bonus of
not having to pay through the teeth for a pint or a
burger (locally sourced beef). Buses are running
from most major cities and universities in Britain including Trent, so if you want to go with your mates
for cheap then check out the website: return buses
from Nottingham are only £32 and this reduces the
amount of carbon emissions for each person (as
opposed to travelling by car) by about 70%.
If you feel you can bring anything to the festival
with regards to arts and film photography, theatre production, ANYTHING at all, simply drop
an email to [email protected]. Student
bands, you all have a chance to get on one
of the main stages to showcase your blinding abilities to the nation just by contacting
Mr Ian as mentioned above. You can also
upload your tunes onto the site through Indy
store. Free coverage, check that.
Anything else you want to know, just look up the
website. I hope to see you there. Tickets are on sale
now and they are selling quick, so get on the case
ladies and gents. You know its going to be great.
www.myspace.com/beachbreaker
www.beachbreaklive.co.uk
[email protected]
Luke Thurnham
20 • Platform
Volume 15/Issue 12
Theatre Preview
Book Review
The New Statesman
The Meaning Of Night:
A Confession
Theatre Royal
by Michael Cox
Paperback edition available: 12th
July 2007
The summer is getting on, the
nights are getting hotter, and
people are actually ordering water
at the bar. So instead of cramming
into clubs, why not catch a bit of
culture? The Theatre Royal has
just the thing: The New Statesman,
coming to Nottingham in the second week of May.
This theatre version of the TV series brings back Alan B’stard, played
by the fabulous Rik Mayall (a familiar face to anyone who saw those
comedy classics ‘Bottom’ and ‘The Young Ones’). Seen in the TV show
as an ultra right-wing Tory, he’s now defected to the more ‘sexy’ Labour
party (he’s obviously not heard of David Cameron). But have no fear, in
his defection he has lost none of his charms and remains very much
the man who mused on the future of the NHS; “It used to be very
simple; you were poor, you got ill, and you died.” In this new production,
Alan B’stard hopes to become a member of the mysterious Trillionaires’
club, an exclusive group of eight who own most of the world’s oil. Occasionally ignoring that pesky part of his job description that mentions
actually running a country, Alan is willing to do anything in order to join
this very special group and make his fortune. And he’ll do it in a flood of
pin-strips, with a nose held high.
Well aware of the quick-change world of politics, the writers constantly
update the script of the New Statesman to include the latest political
twists and turns. Expect to hear about unmarried mothers, school-dinners, and the Labour party’s hot topic: Tony Blair’s departure. If you never watched the news in your life, this might put you in danger of taking
an interest. Twisted, satirical, and slightly cruel, expect offence from
the politician who said, “Ugly, stupid, poor people shouldn’t be allowed
to have children.” For the staunch supporter and the disillusioned nonvoter alike, this is a show you don’t want to miss; book your tickets now.
to catch Alan B’stard and the rest of the cabinet at the Theatre Royal.
Carole-Ann Galloway
Dance & Drama Preview
Justitia
22 • Platform
Volume 15/Issue 12
The book switches through time between 1819 and 1855, from the
brothels of Victorian Central London to the vast open countryside in
one of Britain’s wealthiest areas. Throughout, the reader has a clear
insight into Glyvers emotions: the woman he has always loved, his
childhood, his current relationships and his deep-seated penance for
Daunt. The novel took a surprising twist in the end, which kept me
guessing to the very last page.
Overall, this was a fantastic book and I would definitely recommend it;
even though it does stray away from the typical beach read, it is guaranteed to keep you gripped. I am avidly waiting for the second novel
from this author, as I am sure you will be too by the end of it.
Zoë Dodd
to look like something else. However, I was greatly impressed by
the overall venture, particularly
the city map made out of broken
down computer equipment.
The Playhouse is to host the latest installment from the award winning
and critically acclaimed choreographer, Jasmine Vardimon. Justitia, her
highly anticipated physical theatrical production, is touring throughout
the UK until the end of May, and hits Nottingham on the 15th.
Committed to producing high quality and unique dance, Vardimon
excels her potential in her most elaborate physical dance theatre
exhibit to date, Justitia. This ambitious and stylistically distinctive slice
of art guarantees the audience a creative, energetic segment of culturally enjoyable entertainment. Renowned for revolving her productions
around human experience and societal behavior, Vardimon successfully achieves this sophisticated and cultural base in her latest fabrication. Justitia, meaning lady justice, invites the audience to untangle the
truths concealed within this bold and innovative crime drama. Set on a
The book begins with “After killing the red-haired man I took myself
to Quinn’s for an oyster supper”. From that moment on the reader
is sucked into the mind of young Edward Glyver, who, after killing a
stranger, sets out on a trail to kill Phoebus Rainford Daunt, a murder
he has been planning to commit for many years.
Exhibition
Nottingham Playhouse
The Jasmine Vardimon Company is renowned nationally and internationally and is identifiable by a distinctive and quirky choreographic
voice, exclusive to this company. Development and hybridization of
different dance styles and genres within Vardimon’s productions,
provides a diverse cultural experience, which allows the audience to
experience all types of movement. Exploring societal and moralistic
issues through physical movement, Vardimon offers a more enriching
serving of entertainment, which enchants and captivates her audience.
This non-profit organization relies on grant aid, commissions and
donations.
Having a very short attention span, I was
a bit apprehensive before starting this
book due to the sheer volume of it. I
thought it would take several weeks to
read and by the time I got to the end I
would have forgotten the beginning (this
is what usually happens). However, with
The Meaning Of Night I couldn’t have
been more wrong; within the first few
pages I was gripped and I couldn’t put it down. In fact I managed to
successfully read it from cover to cover in just a few days.
revolving stage, the audience is thrust into a swiveling theatrical world
of unique angles and perspectives. Juxtaposed by inventive dance and
music, Justitia delves within the depths of the justice system and Vardimon once again challenges our expectations of a dance production.
This ambitious fusion of physical dance, drama and spine-tingling music propel the audience into a world of pure first class, contemporary
entertainment. Culturally eclectic and supplemented with stunning and
stimulating movement Justitia is a beautiful display of athleticism and
mind tingling, often-humorous drama typical of Jasmine Vardimon’s
choreographic style.
Sarah Davies
The layout of the exhibition
was exceptional – with varying
heights, colours and ideas to
make this a visual feast for all.
If you have a tendency towards
clumsiness though, be warned
that there are randomly spaced
works on the floor… when the
amp sculptures randomly made
[Photo: Ayling & Conroy, ‘One Careful Owner’ (2005)]
a distorted noise I jumped and
nearly knocked over the random lump of dirt,
which turned out to be a ground-down Rolex
that signifies the loss of time to technology.
Row Gallery
Stuff Happens
Angel
A unique exhibition at the Angel Row Gallery,
in which artists break down modern appliances and reform them into natural forms
using DIY techniques, begging questions of
our dependence on technology.
For those who are not exactly art buffs
(myself included), you would be forgiven for
thinking this is just a load of junk rearranged
I highly recommend this exhibition to both
the art enthusiast and exhibition virgins. With
beautiful pieces mixed in amidst modern
sculpture, there is something for everyone
in this easily accessible and stunning arrangement of art. The creators question the
persistent nature of sculpture, particularly
‘found’ or ‘ready-made’ objects, in an age
when advances in technology and technologi-
cal processes are paramount.
The exhibition is the third in the PARADE trilogy, which showcases work produced in the
East Midlands region. The series voices Angel
Row Gallery’s response to the energy and
ambitions of the current visual art scene in
the East Midlands.
The island that is made from toy cars, plastic
balls and barrels was one of my favourite. It
was visually stunning and imaginative, but
also didn’t seem to take itself too seriously,
showing the fun side of the exhibition and not
just the political statements.
Other works I enjoyed were Matthew
Jamieson and Peter Norman art, stated as
endeavouring to “question the nature of
‘stuff’… by transforming 2-dimensional forms
such as paper, envelopes and photographs
into freestanding sculptural objects”. Again,
you may think that this is just someone playing around with ripped open envelopes and
felt tip pens, but the art does seem to have a
unique nature to it and is a joy to behold.
Jen Skuse
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Did you know that French Connection are now offering students a 10%
discount? Long gone are the worries
of having to spend hours filling out
store card applications, or fretting
over saying goodbye to your student loan.
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Lace Market, armed you’re your student card and the determination to dress to impress!
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Taffeta Prom Dress,
£65, Oasis
This dress is the ultimate
in eighties electro glam,
and bears more than a
resemblance to a certain Oscar de la Renta
gown. Team with killer
heels and a clutch
bag for a look that’s
SJP fabulous.
With the Graduation Ball looming, most
girls will already be wondering what
to wear. So Platform hit the shops
in search of a touch of glamour to
ensure you can look your very best
for the big night.
[Katie Wilson]
Ruched Dress, £28,
Topshop
Gold Strapless Tulip
Dress, £125, Reiss
This ruched metallic blue dress would
look great on platinum
blondes or dark brunettes.
Team it with gold sandals, a
long gold pendant and smoky
eyes for maximum impact.
Shimmer in this
gorgeous gold tulip
style dress from Reiss.
Team with minimal
accessories and this
season’s hottest
shoes: towering
platforms.
Monoprint Mini Dress, £35,
ASOS.com
In the style of Mischa Barton,
this tiered mini dress is a classic. Great with red shoes and
accessories, it’s elegant but
not too over the top and it won’t
break the bank either.
I myself am a sufferer of Slave-To-Fashion Syndrome; I will
quite happily wear a pair of horrifically high but oh so beautiful wedges, in the knowledge that they caused me a lot of pain
the last time I wore them. “The clothes might be torturing
you, but you become used to it,” says Chloe, a third year
Psychology student. “The heels, the tight jeans; it all becomes
a part of your life. They put you in pain, but you tell yourself
it’s worth it.”
Suffering for a perceived beauty ideal is hardly new, of course.
In China, women endured foot binding to achieve an idealized dainty foot. And up until the 20th century, restricting
corsets reigned supreme. But in this era of “The Beauty Myth”
and size zero culture, haven’t we moved beyond all that? If
you really must be a slave to fashion, here are some tips on
staying alive whilst looking good:
This eye catching number is part of
the new Giles Deacon collection and
is perfect for a grand entrance. Wear
with vintage style heels and a patent
clutch.
Come over all Kate Moss is this gorgeous leopard print silk dress that is
sure to bring out the animal in you.
Wear with red heels and matching lips
to knock ‘em dead.
Corsets
Crime: Guilty of causing bruises, lacerations, and shortness
of breath.
Crime-prevention tips: Make sure clothing allows you to take
a deep breath and move around. Avoid wearing anything that
causes pain or bruising.
Kate Moss: Skinny Sufferer
Another very popular error in many a woman’s wardrobe is
wearing an ill-fitting bra, which a whopping 80% of us are
prone to do. Besides being uncomfortable, ill-fitting bras can
contribute to chronic headaches, back pain, tingling in the
arms, restricted breathing, abrasions, rashes and breast pain,
especially during exercise.
Let’s prevent an unwanted trend of accessorizing with hospital wristbands anytime soon…
Emma Hunt
ASOS TO STOCK SIZE 18
Online high street stockists,
ASOS.com have revealed they will
be stocking size 18 clothing as
of next month. The new sizing
means they will now offer women’s sizes 6 to 18 across their
entire range. The news is even
better for those with big boobs.
The website is set to sell lingerie brand Freya, which caters
for larger cup sizes ranging
from D to G. Let’s hope other
retailers take note!
According to a recent study
done by The Times, shops are
getting worse at vanity sizing
on the high street. This means
selling clothes as a size 8
label, when in fact they are a
size 10, duping us into thinking we are a size smaller than
we actually are. This is not
uncommon and many shops do this
so we are so surprised at fitting into something and we just
have to snap it up there and
then! Culprits have been identified as Next and Zara, so next
time you’re out shopping take
a closer look, as you could be
getting ripped off.
DAISY LOWE TEAMS UP WITH
MOTHER PEARL TO LAUNCH
FASHION RANGE
Skinny Jeans and Thongs
Crime: Guilty of causing yeast and vaginal infections, and
chafing.
Crime-prevention tips: Wear 100% cotton (or micro fibre)
underwear. Avoid thongs or pants that “give you a wedgie”, as
that facilitates bacteria travelling from back to front.
Volume Kimono Dress £60
Embroidered tunic dress £35
Jaquard strappy gold dress £85
Cobalt pinafore dress £35
Balloon sleeve metallic dress £70
Volume 15/Issue 12
Posh: Beckham Bunions
High Heels
Crime: Guilty of causing corns, blisters, bunions, hammertoes, and permanent damage to knees, hips and back.
Crime-prevention tips: Buy shoes that fit (width and length),
prioritize when you wear them (don’t wear them every day),
use insoles or pads to provide cushioning, and also buy
fashionable flats.
Leopard Print Dress, £65, Principles
PRIMARK HITS LONDON
High street favourite, Primark
has just opened a new flagship
store on London’s Oxford Street.
The cheap chic brand, famed for
bringing affordable fashion to
the masses, was so busy on its
first day of opening that eager
shoppers were on a one-in, oneout basis within two hours! The
massive London store is one of
the biggest in the chain and
sells clothes for men, women,
and children, as well as home
ware. With t-shirts retailing for as little as £1, it’s no
wonder the Londoner’s have gone
mad for Primark!!
DO YOU KNOW YOUR DRESS
VANITY SIZE?
Top Three Killer Fashions:
Gorgeous dresses currently flying off the rails at Oasis…
24 • Platform
The time to re-assess your wardrobe his now, and the 10% discount comes as comfort to your purse. Get yourself down town and abuse that student card to your
heart’s content! If you don’t make it down there before the next issue, we’ll
have our models showcasing what’s on offer.
No pain no gain is many a girl’s motto when in the pursuit of fashion, but are we taking it one step too far? With the current season’s sky-high platforms, burlesque style
corsets and high waisted jeans, we are in for some haute cou-tor-ture by the looks of
it. These painful items are doing more than just giving us
blisters; they are causing permanent damage to our bodies.
Black Shift Dress, £155, Reiss
[compiled by Emma Hunt]
This year’s Spring/Summer collection has colours ranging from washed pastels
and punchy brights, to dusky greys and cool creams. While you dream of chilling out in the Arboretum, as you spend endless hours revising in the library,
wearing lustrous cropped jackets and high waisted pencil skirts, rich satin and
dogtooth checks will undoubtedly console you.
Fashion Fatale?
Polka Shakira Dress, £40, Giles
Deacon for New Look
You can’t go wrong with a LBD.
This cute shift dress by Reiss
adds a touch of glamour with
its sequin neckline. It’s a bit
of a splurge, but is sure to turn
heads. Accessorize with a metallic clutch and sling back shoes
for some old school glamour.
This comes in handy for fellow final year students alike, as we only have a
couple of months left to make the most of our trusty student cards. It seems
only appropriate that FCUK let us stretch our final loan instalments as far as
they can go!
Ssshh!!
Fashion Gossip
Rock chick model Daisy Lowe,
daughter of Pearl Lowe and
Gavin Rossdale, is to launch
her own clothing line. As well
as being a DJ and one of the
models of the moment, Lowe is
said to be designing a capsule
diffusion line for her mother’s fashion label, which is
currently stocked at Liberty,
Neiman Marcus and Saks. It
will reflect Daisy’s own rock
‘n’ roll style and is expected
to feature black and white lace
dresses with a vintage and
feminine feel. However, designer
pieces come with designer price
tags and prices ranging from
£495-£1000. This might be a tad
too pricey for us students,
but you never know… with celeb
collections flooding the high
street, it might be on the way
to us sooner than you think.
Katie Wilson
Dita: Corset Casualty
M
m?
o
um
r
should learn
f
about and
me
my..
o
c
practice,
but let’s
. where do babies
face it, if you don’t
understand what bit goes
his is undoubtedly a question most parents dread. Yet, in a time when sex is
Teverywhere
and the age of losing virgin-
ity is lowering by the day, sex education
is something we all need to be talking
about. But where should this education
come from; school or home? My school
education consisted of being taught how
to put a condom on a banana and being
told that if I had sex the likelihood was
that I’d get pregnant! My home education
was even better; this consisted of a conversation with my father as follows:
Daddy: “All men are evil and only after
one thing”
Me: “Mum has told you to do this hasn’t
she?”
Daddy: “Yep”
Me: “Ok, then shall we just pretend that
we’ve had this conversation and go on
our merry way?”
Daddy: “Sounds good JJ”
Me: “Ok, bye Daddy”
Needless to say, I didn’t exactly learn
a lot. In fact most of my sex education
can be attributed to my friend Kayleigh,
whose parents actually did talk to her,
and Louise – who stole her parents ‘100
greatest sex moves’ for us to look through.
When it came to having sex for the first
time, I was a very scared 18 year old
who luckily had a very understanding
and experienced partner who made the
whole thing easy. But I know people who
didn’t have a clue and sex became a very
confusing and intimidating experience.
Safe sex is of course what everybody
Do You Really Need A Tan?
At this time of year, a lot of us aspire to
a skin tone rather darker than perhaps
nature intended. Some are convinced that a
suntan is the key to appearing slimmer and
the perfect accessory to wear with a bikini
or board shorts.
‘Sun kissed’, ‘golden’, ‘shimmering bronze’;
these are the key words that help to market
the suntan as a desirable and acceptable
form of grooming. On the flip side, health
professionals will tell you that tanning is
one of the most damaging things a person
can do in the name of vanity.
In our sun-deprived country, something
tends to happen as soon as we hear that
special sentence on the weather reports:
“expect highs of up to 30 degrees”, or something to that effect. The earliest glimpse
of sunshine apparently excuses many to
lessen the clothes whether we want to see
it or not. Parks are suddenly filled with
people, all horizontal and worshipping the
sunshine.
The suntan debate is yet another argument
where health goes head to head with glam-
26 • Platform
Volume 15/Issue 12
our. Tanning gained popularity during the
1920’s, when fashion designer Coco Chanel
developed a tan whilst on holiday. Thereon,
the tan served almost as a non-verbal way
of stating the rich were able to visit warmer
climates . By the mid 1980’s this belief was
strongly opposed by the American Academy
of Dermatology, who campaigned against
tanning and made the first links between
overexposure and skin cancers.
Fashion magazines often dictate whether
copper-tone skin is hot or not; a tan is
either a ‘has-been’ trend or right on the
money. Choosing to succumb to the UV rays
is a beauty contradiction considering its
contribution towards premature ageing.
It is easy to forget that many people suffer
from the effects of sun exposure almost
accidentally. You do not need to be an avid
sunbather to develop sunburn, sunstroke
or more serious complications such as
Melanoma later in life. The number of people diagnosed with skin cancer continues
to increase, as we remain oblivious to the
harmful rays that still exist even if we don’t
consider it excessively hot outdoors.
Burnt shoulders, peeling noses, new freckles; these may all seem like tell tale signs
that we have maybe seen a little too much
sun. However, these are all signs of considerable skin damage; a high factor sunscreen
(reapplied during the day) is absolutely
essential. The importance of using sun
protection is instilled in most of us from a
very early age. During the warmest months
you will often see overzealous parents
smothering their little darlings in SPF 50;
in Australian schools, no child is allowed in
the playground without a cap and lotion.
Taking steps to prevent overexposure are
simple and attainable. The warmest part
of the day will increase risks of sunburn
and so should be avoided. Drinking plenty
of water will also protect against dehydration. An unconcerned attitude is enough to
ensure irreversible damage that really isn’t
worth being a shade or two darker. And
anyway, its 2007, it’s perfectly acceptable
to fake it!
Shari Knowles
where, then putting a condom
on a banana isn’t exactly helpful.
So where should this education come
from? There has been a lot of recent
media attention about the level of sex
education in schools, with a great division
between parents who are happy for
this to just be another part of P.S.E lessons, and those who do not feel that the
schoolroom is the place to be learning the
‘facts of life’.
Should sex education be just explaining
about safe sex or should it actually go
more into how one has sex. But then
when would this end…would position of
the fortnight become textbook reading?
Personally I believe that all aspects of
sex education should be taught to some
level in schools. I think that if children are
growing up understanding their bodies
and sexual desires then sex wouldn’t
be such an issue. Losing your virginity
wouldn’t become a race, but just be part
of growing up. Should relationships education be a big part of this as well?
This is a very controversial subject and
one I hope to be going into more depth
next issue. Sex, whether part of your life
or not, is a big part of the society we live
in and everyone should understand it, but
it isn’t the most important thing in life or in
a relationship.
What do you think? Let us know how this
would affect you? And, if all else fails, at
least you know that bananas in schoolrooms all over the UK are well protected!
Jen Skuse
Is Trent ready to quit?
So the summer is rolling on and it will soon
be time for smokers to stub out. On the
1st of July this year it will become illegal to
smoke in all enclosed public places, including the Students Unions. Anyone who lights up inside could find themselves faced
with an on-the-spot penalty of £50 (and
who wants to waste their student loan like
that?) Add to this that anyone who refuses
to observe the ban will be asked to leave
the building and could face disciplinary
action from the University. It might seem
harsh, but considering the £2500 fines
the Union would face for letting students
smoke, it is understandable!
So the debate continues, is the ban a
good idea? For those worried about the
dangerous effects of passive smoking, it
can only be a relief. But is it impinging
upon the freedom of those who do smoke?
One student, a non-smoker, disagrees with
the extent of the ban: “What’s wrong with
having a smoking room in clubs and bars
for people to go and smoke in? You would
still be able to have a cigarette but you
wouldn’t be filling the rest of the club with
your smoke.”
Becky Evans, a final year student who
smokes, thinks the ban is a bad idea and
that there should be separate pubs that
allow smoking. With a complete ban in
place at clubs and bars, she says it will
definitely put her off going out unless clubs
have an outdoor area for smokers.
Many people welcome the ban, and
not only non-smokers. Another female
student who smokes says it is a good idea
and will probably encourage her to quit.
Alice Bowerman, a Broadcast Journalism
student thinks it will not affect the way she
socialises, might actually help her quit, and
will be good for non-smokers: “You don’t
have to passive smoke any more, though
[regarding quitting] it’s hard to tell until the
ban comes in place.”
What is your opinion? Do you think each
campus should be non-smoking, or
should there be areas behind each of the
Unions? Welfare & Equal Opportunities
Officer, Scott Blakeway would like to hear
your thoughts, as he is working with the
University to provide what students want.
Email [email protected] to
Ask Agony Aunt!
Q:
I can’t think. I really mean that I
can’t think. I have coursework and
exams within the next five weeks
and I have hit a complete brick wall. I am
usually quite good at getting my work done
and having all the notes written out in a
strict plan, but this time I don’t even know
where to start. I’m a complete mess!
It is also affecting the rest of my life too.
I’m not hungry, I don’t want to go out because I just end up thinking about the work
I could have got done in that time, and I am
shouting at all my housemates for absolutely no reason. I just don’t want to do this
anymore and I am only I my second year.
My first piece of good news for you
is that your second year is more often than not, the most trying year in
terms of work. So, push through it and don’t
do anything you may regret later, like think
university isn’t for you and quit. Stick at it; you
are of course over half way through.
A:
It is easy to get locked into a bad pattern of
thought and make a catastrophe out of a
situation when you don’t share the problem.
However, as an outsider I can tell you that
there are ways to deal with the stress and
symptoms you are experiencing at the moment. So, I will offer you the following recommendations (they work for me):
· Make a work plan of realistic tasks you can
achieve each day
· Make a meal plan and stick to it whether you
are hungry or not. This is the time when you
really should be eating well to aid you concentration and ability
· Find your own form of yoga. This can be
anything from a walk or bike ride, to sitting
down in a quiet place for half an hour and
doing nothing. Choose whatever helps you to
de-stress and focus your mind again
· Do allow yourself time off to do something
you enjoy. Use this time to separate yourself
from your work. When you go back to it you
will find that you are refreshed and able to
continue in a productive way.
If these don’t help, or you want to talk to
someone about helping you to make the work
plans then please contact Student Support.
Laura Johnstone
have your say.
Either way, the ban will be in place from the
start of July, giving smokers three months
to get used to stepping outside to light up
before term begins again. For those hoping
to give up with the start of the ban, check
out the NHS website at www.gosmokefree.
co.uk for great advice and their ‘together’
programme to increase your chances of
kicking the habit. The NTU Counselling
Service is also available should you need
support?
Carole-ann Galloway
Trent Tigers
Beat Personal Best
Last year was an amazing rollercoaster ride
of success for our cheerleading squad, the
Trent Tigers. Having exceeded all expectations, we won 3rd place in our first ever
contest, the advanced category at the BCA
University competition in Telford, then went
on to win ‘Most Improved Team of the Year’
at the Sporting Excellence Ball, and topped
off the end of 05/06 by winning 2nd place in
the elite/advanced uni category at the Future
Cheer Internationals in Brighton.
Using these successes as stepping-stones,
this year so far has matched, if not beaten, all
of our previous achievements. October saw
the recruitment of some of the most talented,
hard working and interesting members that
our club has seen. With a squad of more than
40 girls, having our first two male members
join the club has improved our stunt sessions.
One of these has recently been elected onto
our Committee for next year. We’ve tried to
encourage as many guys as possible to join
in and help out, as it’s not all about waving
pom poms but much more about seeing what
fantastic stunts we can come up with.
We are very proud of our squad and especially
our Captain, who is also part of Unity Allstars,
which is an elite cheerleading squad that
is made up of the best of university and
graduate squads members from around the
country. Our stunt coach is also on the squad;
both have been essential to our success and
continuous improvement this year.
We have recently competed in this year’s BCA
competition in Telford and received 2nd place
in the advanced university category. This was
the first competition for most of our squad
as it is made up of members that are new to
Cheerleading this year. This kind of achievement reflects the hard work that has been put
into training the new squad to meet standards required to enter the same category as
last year and beat our own personal record.
We have also been performing at the Varity series again and, despite the fact that
Beeston Cheerleaders have obviously been
training hard and have definitely improved;
they still haven’t been able to beat the fresh,
interesting and technical routines that the
Tigers have come up with as half time entertainment. Let’s not forget the pure genius of
spelling out TRENT using a formation made
up of cheerleaders and Trent Dance girls
– talk about motivational!
lot of time fundraising. So far this year we
have raised roughly £2000 for our club to
help cover costs of competitions and also to
donate to various charities. We’ve also put on
performances every few weeks to promote
Kinki nights, having adapted the styles of our
routines to fit in with the different themes
each month.
We have tried something new this year by
inviting members of both dance and men’s
basketball to join in with our routines, which
has helped our members to get to know both
clubs better, as well as adding that extra
touch to put us one step ahead of Beeston.
We have many plans to expand the club
aspect of cheerleading next year, as well as
continuing to push and support the professional standard of our competing squad. Having gained such a high level of respect from
the rest of Trent and appreciated the Varsity
crowds cheering us on as much as the teams
that are competing, we’re looking forward to
the year ahead!
As well as competitions and Varsity performances, the Trent Tigers have also spent a
Caroline James
President
Platform Sports Teaser
Finally, after 7 years, countless delays, and spiralling building costs, the new Wembley is set to officially open by staging the F.A. Cup final on May the 19th. But can you name the only 2 players to have played in the last two matches at the old Wembley, namely the 2000
F.A. Cup final and England’s 1-0 defeat to Germany in a World Cup qualifier? Answer in the next issue.
In the last issue I asked if you could name the 7 players to have officially topped the World Snooker rankings. They are: Ray Reardon, Cliff
Thorburn, Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins, Mark Williams and Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Tim Spiers
28 • Platform
Volume 15/Issue 12
Left Midfield:
Gary McSheffrey
(Birmingham City)
Steve Bruce fought tooth and
nail to buy McSheffrey from Coventry last summer, with transfer
negotiations lasting some weeks
before Blues paid £4.1 million for
him. Traditionally a striker, Bruce
has played McSheffrey on the left
wing, and the decision has paid
off with handsome results; his 13
goals and handful of assists have
been the key to Birmingham’s
promotion. McSheffrey has an abundance of pace, and is technically
brilliant; attributes which should see him gain England recognition before long, especially as he could be the answer to the national team’s
troublesome left wing position.
P
undits often say that England has the most exciting
football league in the world, and I’m inclined to agree.
However, I’m not referring to the Premiership. This
season I believe the Championship has been enthralling
from beginning to end. The automatic promotion spots were
going right down to the wire, and the play-off race was as
tight as I have ever seen it. At the bottom, up to a dozen
clubs were flirting with relegation for the last few weeks.
The quality of football in some circumstances has been superb, with Sunderland, Birmingham, West Brom and Wolves
in particular not frightened to actually play football, rather
than get ten men behind the ball and play for a point or a
scrappy win, as has often been the case in this league over
the years. There is an exciting bunch of young and naturally
gifted footballers within the league, many of whom are
capable of reaching the very top of the game. It’s not been
easy, but I’ve tried to assemble the best of them here, in my
Championship XI 2006/07:
Goalkeeper: Matt Murray
(Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Big things have often been
predicted for the 6’ 4” giant, but
horrendous luck with injuries has
seen the former England under 21
International fall off the football radar in recent years. However, with
those injuries seemingly a thing of
the past, Murray has shown just
what a fantastic talent he is, and at times has almost single-handedly kept Wolves in the promotion hunt. The fact that they have had a
minus goal difference for most of the season but still been in the top
six shows just how important Murray has been, as goals at the other
end have not been plentiful. With the England scouts watching him
regularly, international recognition may not be too far away.
Right Back: Graham Alexander (Preston North End)
Solid, if not spectacular, has certainly been a way to describe Alexander over the years, but at the age of 35 he has been the steady influence behind his club’s good season. The Preston skipper is a regular
in the Scotland team, and will be desperately hoping for promotion
this year so he will get a deserving stint in the Premiership as he approaches the end of his career.
Left Back: Gareth Bale
(Southampton)
At just 16 years of age, Bale burst
onto the scene at the end of last
season, becoming Wales’ youngest
ever International after playing just
a handful of senior games. Despite
playing at left back, Bale’s talent
has earned him comparisons with
Ryan Giggs, for his speedy wing
play, potent left foot, and deadly
free kicks. Almost certain to be
playing in the Premiership next
season, with or without Southampton, after rumours of £10 million
bids from Spurs in January, and
other interest from Manchester United.
30 • Platform
Volume 15/Issue 12
Striker: Jamie Cureton (Colchester United)
At 31 years of age and at his seventh club, Cureton has perhaps been
the surprise package of the season, along with his team Colchester.
He has notched 23 goals so far, including a couple of hat-tricks. His
partnership with Chris Iwelumo has been the driving force behind
Colchester’s success, with the two combining particularly well at
the compact Layer Road, where the U’s have one of the best home
records in the country.
Striker: Michael Chopra (Cardiff City)
Centre Back: Curtis Davies (West Bromwich Albion)
The Baggies slapped a £10 million price tag on Davies, trying to fend
off interest from Arsenal amongst others, after he impressed in their
doomed Premiership campaign of 2005/06. Far from wilting under
pressure of expectation, Davies has risen to the challenge this season,
putting in some outstanding displays at the heart of West Brom’s
defence, justifying his value. He has all the attributes to become one
of the country’s top defenders; he reads the game well, is strong, quick
and good in the air. The Baggies will do well to keep hold of him this
summer, whatever division they are in.
Centre Back: Nyron Nosworthy (Sunderland)
Plucked from Gillingham in 2005, Nosworthy has traditionally been a
right back, but after Roy Keane moved him to centre back this year, he
has become one of the most improved players in the division. He has
fast become a cult hero at the Stadium of Light, and when I saw him
play a few weeks ago he put in one of the most commanding centre
back displays I’ve seen. It’ll be interesting to see if he can cut it in the
Premiership, now Sunderland are promoted.
Right Midfield: Carlos Edwards (Sunderland)
After impressing in the World Cup for his native Trinidad and Tobago
last summer, Edwards continued his form into the Championship
with Luton, and Sunderland were sufficiently impressed to part with
£1.5 million for his services in January. Since then he has become a
key component of Sunderland’s promotion campaign, scoring some
spectacular goals and frightening the life out of opponents with his
pace and skill.
Centre Midfield: Jason Koumas (West Bromwich
Albion)
Koumas’ future with the Baggies hardly looked promising last summer
after he went on strike following the collapse of a proposed transfer
to Cardiff, with whom he had spent the 2005/06 season on loan after
falling out with then West Brom manager Bryan Robson. However, he
performed a surprising u-turn and signed a new contract, and under
new boss Tony Mowbray, Koumas has perhaps been the Championship’s most impressive player. Most of West Brom’s play goes through
him, and his slick passing and goal scoring ability have seen him win
many a match for his team.
After being discarded by Newcastle last summer with just 1 league
goal to his name, many doubted whether Chopra would finally realise
the great promise he had shown at youth level. But he has proved he
has what it takes to be a top class talent, firing in 22 goals this season to date. His goals propelled Cardiff to the top of the league at the
beginning of the season, and although their promotion campaign has
not been successful, Chopra has continued scoring regularly.
Striker: David Nugent (Preston North End)
Tribute to a Cricket
Legend: Brian Lara
T
he word legend is banded about
far too often, but it is safe to
say that Brian Lara is a cricketing
legend of the highest order. At the
age of 37, he recently announced
his retirement from international
cricket after a glorious and distinguished career. The numbers only
tell part of the story, but they are
staggering figures:
Tests:
One Day Internationals:
Matches: 131
Runs: 11,953 (the highest
number in Test cricket history)
50s/100s: 48/34
Top Score: 400 not out (World
record score)
Average: 52.88
Matches: 299
Runs: 10,405
50s/100s: 63/19
Top Score: 169
Average: 40.48
Lara burst onto the scene in 1990, at just 20 years of age, and his unusual
and spectacular style soon won fans all over the world. His extravagantly
high backlift and wristy pull shots and cover drives were to become his
trademark as he set record after record.
His maiden Test century was against Australia in 1993, when he scored
277 in Sydney, the fourth highest maiden Test Century by any batsman.
The following year he broke the world record for the highest Test score
in history of 375 against England in Antigua. Just two months later he
smashed an amazing 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham; a first
class cricket record that will surely never be broken.
Nugent became the first outfield
player from the second tier of English football to play for England in
eight years when he came off the
bench and scored against Andorra
in March. This continued Nugent’s
meteoric rise through the ranks
of the game, and at the age of 21
he has the potential to go right to
the top. His pace, power and eye
for goal have seen him courted by
many Premiership scouts, and like so many in this list he is bound to
be playing in the top flight next season, without his club.
As a Warwickshire supporter I was fortunate enough to watch Lara
perform many times in that 1994 season. One of my earliest sporting
memories, and one that I will never forget, was of a one-day match during
which Lara smashed consecutive sixes straight back over the bowler’s
head, both clearing the stand comfortably. Every time he came out to bat
that season, there was massive excitement from the crowd and an expectation that something special was about to happen. Invariably it did, and
Lara was the catalyst behind Warwickshire completing an unprecedented
treble of trophies that year: winning the County Championship, One Day
League, and Benson & Hedges Cup. Ten years later, he would again break
the world record for a Test score. Once again it was against England, and
once again it was in Antigua. He scored 400 not out, proving once again
that he was the world’s best.
Bench:
If he had a failing, it would be his record as captain of his country. Lara
found it hard to comprehend that the rest of his team simply weren’t up
to his standard, and he became increasingly frustrated as his side were
regularly beaten. It is a pity that the generation of West Indian cricketers
Lara has played with has probably been their worst in 40 years. But then it
is testament to the man that, for the last decade or so, he has carried them
single-handedly through many matches.
Steve Simonsen (Stoke City) – Simonsen has more clean
sheets than any other keeper in the Championship, and kept Stoke in
the promotion hunt with some fine displays.
Darren Moore (Derby County) – An imposing figure at the
heart of Derby’s defence, Moore has been the rock behind Derby’s
success.
Giles Barnes (Derby County) – If Moore is the beast of the
Derby line-up, Barnes is the beauty. His silky skills, ability to run with
the ball at pace, and goal scoring prowess have seen him easily outclass most opponents in the division at the tender age of 18.
Darren Huckerby (Norwich City) – Despite his team having
a stinker of a season, Huckerby has shown that he is still a quality
player, who on his day is good enough to be compared with the best
forwards in the country.
Diomansy Kamara (West Bromwich Albion) – Certainly
too good for this division, the Frenchman has spearheaded the Baggies attack and has a great goal to game ratio – 20 in 32 starts at the
time of writing.
Tim Spiers
Disagree with my selection? Why
not send us your dream team?
Email [email protected]
For me it is this that ranks him higher than most in the list of the greatest
batsmen in history. Unlike Viv Richards, Tendulkar, Ponting, Border etc,
Lara had no one to consistently help him pile on the runs. His love for the
game was infectious; he played with a smile on his face, and got most of
his enjoyment not from setting records, but from entertaining the crowd.
With Shane Warne retiring recently, arguably the greatest bowler of a
generation, and now Lara, the game has lost two of its greats.
It was ironic that the man to end Lara’s batting career was Kevin Pietersen,
who ran him out for just 18. Perhaps Pietersen will now go on to become
the best of the current generation. But for now, we should marvel at the
brilliance of Lara and the legacy he has left. He is the standard-bearer for
the future of Test batsmen; an entertainer, a match winner, and a legend.
We may never see the likes of him again.
Tim Spiers

Issue 12 - Platform Online

Transcription

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