FREE to a good homeIssue No.9 January 2010

The official voice of Northumbria Students’ UnionThe official voice of Northumbria Students’ Unionwww.mynsu.co.uk

NU:TV Launching 2010

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Design www.thearchitectshop.co.uk

NSU NEWSEditors Words 3Sabb’s Info 4-5SU News 6Oh! What’s Occurring? 7Hot or Not 9

FEATURESNew Years Resolutions 11Northumbria’s Got Talent 12Ask Claire 13

GET INVOLVEDSociety Successes 14-15

LIGHT RELIEFHoroscopes 16Lauren West Knows Best 17 Centrefold 18-19Spotted 20-21

STUDENT CULTUREHot Topic! 22-23iRadio 25Psych Studies 27Gig Goers 28-29

TEAM NORTHUMBRIAPaddle Pride 30On the Up and Up 31Hockey 32-33Netball and Sky Sports Fixture 34-35

ContributorsHot & Not - Sarah HellawellNew Year’s Resolutions - John TaggartNorthumbria’s Got Talent - Richard Brownlie MarshallSocieties - Jen Ramsay (World Vision), Phillip Lawrence (Surf Soc), Jennifer Lie (Indonesian Society)Horoscopes - Polly RobinsonAgony Aunt - Lauren WestSpotted - Dave WrightHot Topic - Tekno Harrington & Danni MustardeIRadio - Miles ChambersGig Goers - Sarah Lee

Team Northumbria Nimesh PatelHockey - Ashlie Tridgell Netball and Sky Sports Fixture - Simon Rushworth

EDITORS WORDSIts cold, its grey, you’ve got very little funds to your name and to top it off you’re back to a stack of assignments and exams. Welcome to the next decade! It’s not all doom, gloom and despair, for the January edition of NU:Life is here! Back with an almighty BANG (of sorts) NU:Life will bring the warmth back into your frost bitten fi ngers.

The front cover says it all NU:TV! the epic concept that is NU:TV has fi nally arrived to Northumbria SU. Launching this year will be an ambitious task to have you fi lm everything you do as a student. See this month’s Centrefold for the ins and outs of NU:TV. Not to be missed!

Alison Jones x

Your Sabb’s - Back To WorkSo you’ve eaten too much, drank too much, spent too much and now it’s January. Welcome to 2010! I can safely say the Sabb’s are in the same boat with that feeling, but never fear as Semester 2 has A LOT to offer you. Read on to see whats been keeping each of the Sabb’s busy.

Follow us on twitter of join the offi cial Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/mynsu to keep up to speed with what’s going on.

Dave Wright President

Highlight of the Month? Overseeing the Winter Congregations for graduating Northumbria students.What’s Keeping You Busy? Organising Diversity Week, the National Student Survey and the Greener Halls campaign.Something You Have Achieved for Students This Month?Achieved three successful presentations to students who are thinking about running to be a Sabb this March.New Year’s Resolution? To keep my desk tidy.dave.wright@northumbria.ac.uk

Alison Jones Vice - President Communications & Involvement

Highlight of the Month? Being elected to go to NUS Conference which will be held in March 2010 to represent Northumbria. Boom Boom Pow.What’s Keeping You Busy? putting together NU:Life and NU:TV and sorting out all the issues which come with.Something You Have Achieved for Students This Month? Widened participation and involvement for students in the SU and broadened communication channels via NU:TV.New Year’s Resolution?Save some of my money instead of buying everything I see.alison.jones@northumbria.ac.uk

Got an opinion? E-mail us! Whether it’s one question or a massive request, we will reply..

NSU News Your Sabb’s

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Becky Warburton Vice - President Activities & Development

Highlight of the Month? Sitting in on congregations. It was good to see so many Northumbria students graduating.What’s Keeping You Busy? RAG Week 2010! It’s going to be huge!Something You Have Achieved for Students This Month? We got the referendum passed!New Year’s Resolution?To stop biting my nails, maybe this year I’ll fi nally crack it!becky.warburton@northumbria.ac.uk

Adam White Vice - President Academic Affairs

Highlight of the Month? A well deserved Christmas break and spending time with the family.What’s Keeping You Busy?Something You Have Achieved for Students This Month? – Doing the fi nal preparations to the Anonymous Marking campaign which will be launching this semester.Something You Have Achieved for Students This Month?Trained more course reps than ever over the past couple months.New Years Resolution?The stop irritating Alison (our lovely Vice President Comm’s) in the offi ce! Ps. she told me to say that!a.white@northumbria.ac.uk

Pete Woodward Vice - President Welfare & Equality

Highlight of the Month? Working with Newcastle, Teesside and NUS on tackling fees.What’s Keeping You Busy?Developing our ever improving student forums and making sure the new equality scheme at the University puts students fi rst.Something You Have Achieved for Students This Month?Registered over 50 new students with the GUM service.New Years Resolution?Play less football manager.pete.woodward@northumbria.ac.uk

NSU News Your Sabb’s

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NSU NEWS SU:News

January 2010

Mr Darlings Pre-Budget ReportSlightly dry topic but it does have a knock on effect to

students. Alistair Darling’s pre-budget report in December

had one current theme; cut backs, £600m worth of them. An

area affected by the cut backs will be to Higher Education

(Universities) and to the area of Science and Research.

Northumbria is privileged to be one of the leading Universities

in the country which prides itself on its commitment to

research so it is worrying to see this is where some of the cut

backs will lie.

NUS President Wes Streeting has commented on the cut

backs saying, “It is hard to believe that students will not be

detrimentally affected. In the context of the current review of

tuition fees, I want to make clear to politicians that under no

circumstances will students be prepared to pay more for less

in order to foot the bill for these cuts”.

However it’s not all bad news, as NUS have secured the

Chancellor’s agreement to its recent proposal to offer 10, 000

students from low-income families the chance to undertake

internships. Wes Streeting commends the government for

doing so as it will enhance students’ job prospects after

graduation.

Heads Must Roll in the Student Loans CompanyHundreds of thousands of students across the country

did not receive their student loan this September, nor this

October and some not even in November. The Student

Loans Company (SLC) has come under intense fi re over

the absolute failure to provide students with adequate

fi nancial support last semester, which left many of you

struggling to par your way. I spoke to many of you across

campus and found a lot of you in the same boat; some had

only received half by November and others were struggling

to chase up the other half. After visiting one lecture of 300,

over half of you raised you hand to say you still hadn’t

receive your student loan in late October.

Wes Streeting, President of NUS was quoted, “The

poor leadership and management of the Student Loans

Company has led to disruption and hardship for hundreds

of thousands of students. Given the catalogue of failures

identifi ed by this report, heads must roll if the public are to

have any confi dence in the SLC in the future.”

But there is good news; the SLC will now be closely

monitored by members of NUS with a new stakeholder

board to scrutinise how the SLC is run. NUS welcome the

speed at which this has happened and will make sure this

complete mess will never happen again.

SU:NewsThis month there have been two issues which are detrimental to students across the country which are highlighted here. Read on to see what going on in the student world.

Building WorksIf you’ve been on the main City Campus recently you’ve probably witnessed the mass amounts of building work happening on the SU. Work has offi cially started on an impressive front entrance to the SU as well as on a new theatre space where Stage 2 used to be. Further work will be taking place on the other parts of the building later in the year. The SU is still open for business as usual, entre via Habita or through the red doors on the left of the building. Go to www.mynsu.co.uk/stateoftheart for more info.

Vintage Fair Weigh-InA new concept in the world of vintage is hitting your SU. Known only as

the Kilo Fair, fashionistas will be clamouring to buy the

lightest item in the room. The brainchild from the same people who bring you The Affordable Vintage Fair sees the usual racks and stalls of vintage fashion, but no price tags. Instead once you have fi nished shopping your items are weighed and you pay per kilo! Intrigued? I am! See you there.

How Much Can You Take?

RAG week is coming! Standing for Raise And

Give, RAG week is synonymous to Welcome Week in its banter, fun and defi nite frolics. Spend the week

with your mates while collecting money for

some very good causes. Collections include fancy

dress on Northumberland High Street, Pub Crawl Collections, football matches, lecture raids and anything else you can think of. RAG applications are out now to be on the RAG team, deadline is looming so hand them in asap.

Diversity WeekAn integral part of the SU calendar is Diversity

Week where we celebrate all that is diverse across

Northumbria. A student led week of music, activities, food, music, fi lms, drama productions, cultural celebrations and debates around combating intolerance to cultures are just some of the items on the card. Diversity Week 25th-31st January.

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NSU NEWS Oh! What’s Occurring?

SU: Occurring?Oh! What’s

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NEWS Hot! or Not!

FULL CUPBOARDS Back to Uni after three weeks of home-cooked delights is tough, but made that little bit easier by the parents stocking up our cupboards. Enjoy. It will be back to value brand beans before long!

NANDO’SWell, how hot is actually up to you. Try the fl avoursome peri-peri marinated burgers or wraps, but brave the fi ery extra hot at your own peri-l! Re-fi llable drinks and loyalty stamps to collect just made our favourite chicken restaurant taste even better!

STUDENTBEANS.COM Vouchers, 2-for-1s and lots of freebies all for students at the click of a button, need I say more?

JANUARY SALES Bargains aside, who really enjoys the chaos of sale shopping? Worse than Primark on a Saturday afternoon, once the hardcore shoppers have snatched at the best deals, you’re left swamped in a sweaty shop with nothing half-decent to buy.

RECESSION It really is doom and gloom - companies going bust, unemployment rocketing and no hope for graduates. On the plus side, the longer it lasts the longer you can postpone student loan repayments!

THE BLUES Not the Brothers with dark shades but the January kind. Offi cially the most depressing month, it’s time we buck the trend and embrace the fi rst thirty-one days of the year!

By Sarah Hellawell

HALFPRICE SALE

He who breaks a resolution is a weakling; He who makes one is a fool. F.M. Knowles

FEATURES New Year’s Resolutions

I couldn’t agree with this more, so in that same

cheery spirit I state my new year’s resolution

- which is not to make a resolution at all! Let’s be

honest they don’t ever work the way we want and

I feel if anything it just get in the way of me being

me! By making a new year’s resolution you are

effectively promising to stop doing the things you

enjoy and try a less fun alternative - I have to say I

don’t see the attraction! Surely no one in their right

mind would seriously believe that it is possible to

shift straight from Coco Pops to Muesli without

consequences, or decide that because of it is a

new year they enjoy a jog at 6 o’ clock rather than

a lie in - every year people delude themselves

into thinking these crazy promises will have

sustenance, I’m sorry - they simply won’t!

I mean I’d love to be more positive about the

whole thing, maybe I would make a resolution

if I thought I would actually stick to it...perhaps

I could promise to try and be more like Jesus...

but it doesn’t matter how many hail Marys I do

- I’m never going to be able to turn water into wine

- (which I am sure would be any student’s dream!)

so why bother with it? Or perhaps I could pledge

to myself that I will be more honest...but surely I

am lying to myself by even making that promise!

So instead I just stick with what I have got - like it

or lump it!

If anything making resolutions only serves to

make matters worse, I mean you might promise

to get fi t - but words are easier than actions and

it’s a sure thing that by next year you will be one

pork pie away from obesity and an appearance

on a Channel Five documentary. Or perhaps

you might decide to cut the drink out of your life

- however you don’t have to be Mystic Meg to see

this is destined for failure, within a few months

you’ll probably fi nd yourself in an Alcoholic’s

Anonymous meeting speaking of your love for

white lightning cider...

Trying to stop you from simply being you just

infl ames the ‘problem’...

...or at least that is the cop out I use every year!

I guess I could make a resolution to be more open

to new ideas...nah you know what, that doesn’t

sound like my cup of tea.

John Taggart

nu:life 11

New Year’s Resolutions come and

finish me off!!

You know you want to..

.

Northumbria’s got Talent is back and this time it’s even bigger! The 2010 Edition is electric and its 3rd time lucky. Yes the biggest Talent search to hit Northumbria is back! Last year we proved that Northumbria really does have talent. Do you have what it takes? We are looking for the weird and the wonderful, the powerful and the poetic and the truly original. Auditions take place on Monday 22nd and 23rd of February. And the Big Showdown is Friday the 26th February in Domain.

As the show has grown, so have the prizes and this year’s prize is going to be the best yet, they will also go on to compete for Northumbria in a national competition. Who’s Next? Have you got what it takes? Previous winners include an acoustic guitar and singing duo and a yo-yo artist, have you got something that will top this?

This year sees an elite judging panel, the most accomplished to date. The panel is led by Richard Brownlie-Marshall, in his third time as a judge, a Design for Industry student that has previously been crowned Volunteer of the year, participated in numerous volunteering projects, been a School rep and was joint President of the Musical Theatre Society with Zoe Thomas, Zoe is our second judge and she was also previously your Chair of Societies, an active volunteer, member of welcome team and Lifetime Achievement Award Winner. Nikki Heron is our third judge and was

previously Chair of Rag, a Course Rep and was awarded Raggie of the Year. And last but not least Michael Curtis, a fi nal year performance student and a massive NGT fan, with years of performance experience under his belt, he really knows his stuff.

The auditions will be held at 6.30pm in Domain on the 22nd and 23rd of February. People wanting to audition should just pop along on these days and sign-up. The wilder, wackier and more intriguing your performance the more chance you have of impressing the panel.

The Showdown is on Friday 26th February. Tickets are priced at £4 and will be available for purchase from the Welcome Desk from the 15th February. Tickets will also be available on the door.

This year Northumbria’s Got Talent is raising money for two amazing causes The Design For Industry Graduate Exhibition in London and Macmillan Cancer Support and every penny raised goes towards these worthwhile endeavoursendeavours.

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THE JUDGES

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Mysteries of Misconduct

Stress Less, If you’ve got loads of essays, try not to panic - plan ahead and spread them out so you don’t run out of time to and ensure all your work is yours alone.

Be honest. Always reference your quotes and make sure any ideas you discuss are referenced too if they weren’t yours. Make sure you know the style of quotations used by your course/School – the most common is the Harvard style but some disciplines do use others.

Keep your friends close and….Your work closer! Be careful if you’re working with friends to submit individual assignments. There’s nothing wrong with discussing books/theories/rules but be careful not to jot down other peoples ideas and phrases as your own and never let anyone see your work - people can easily copy by mistake as it’s so easy to forget it wasn’t you who thought of something when you saw it written in someone else’s essay.

ARNA good at this?!

Make sure you have read through Appendix 1 of ARNA (Assessment Regulations for Northumbria Awards). Each student should have a paper copy of this but you can also fi nd it on the University website here http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/sd/central/ar/lts/assess/acmis/ This shows a list of behaviour considered to be academic misconduct although it’s not exhaustive so you need to ensure you complete all assignments in an honest and fair way.

The most common forms of Academic Misconduct are Plagiarism - copying other people’s work without acknowledgement - and Collusion - working with someone else so your work’s not your own. Other forms are Ghosting, Personation, Cheating and Falsifi cation.

Guilty Intentions It’s really important to remember that you can get into trouble for Academic Misconduct even if you didn’t intend to do it so it’s always best to remember the rules and if you’re not sure - ask! Your Module or Guidance Tutor or Programme Leader might be able to help and the Library do sessions on how to avoid Academic Misconduct - nip in and ask.

FEATURES Ask Claire

Dear Claire, I have loads of essays due between now and the end of the year. People always go on about exam stress but I’m so worried about Academic Misconduct and Plagiarism in my essays. I’m not sure exactly what Academic Misconduct can be so I don’t know if I’m doing it or not. Please, help, I don’t want to get into trouble or fail! Jodie,

2nd Year.

Dear Jodie, Here are my Top Tips for avoiding Academic

Misconduct…. Good luck!

For more info, someone to represent you at a hearing/meeting or any other on-course issues, get in touch with the Advice and Representation Centre - Tel - 0191 2274810, email Claire directly at claire.rasul@northumbria.ac.uk or you can fi nd us on 1st Floor, Students’ Union building, City Campus - Call in for quick enquiries or to make an appointment.

14 nu:life

GET INVOLVED Society Successes

out at schools, and getting involved with the community. The people, the traffi c, the heat, the food - everything was so different to anything I’d ever encountered before. As well as the volunteer work we managed to fi t in sightseeing, elephant rides, jungle treks, - the experiences were endless and they made me realise just how much India has to offer. Although India isn’t as wealthy as other countries, it is richer in so many other ways. I was struck by how friendly the people were; and I quickly realised that some of my previous judgements had been self indulgent and convenient. Although it is a huge cliché, my trip to India has changed me as a person. No I don’t tie myself to trees, nor will I stop travelling via aeroplane; but poverty is something that I am no longer afraid of, and it is something that believe we can change.

Jennifer Ramsay

WORLD VISIONWorld Vision Event & India trip with Northumbria

Did you know that pneumonia kills more than 400,000 children under the age of fi ve every year in India? Or that Malaria kills more than 750,000 children under fi ve in India? These were the facts written on the posters in The Empress Bar on Friday night in Newcastle. Friday’s event was held by Northumbria University to support the charity World Vision in their pursuit to get children off of the streets in India. With 34.7% of India’s 1.2 billion population living below the poverty line, children often fall victim to begging, working for gangs, rag picking and ultimately making themselves more vulnerable to diseases.

Alongside a generous donation given by The Empress Bar, Kobi Onyame and Sway were the DJs for the night. Friday evening allowed the public to have a drink, enjoy themselves and donate at their discretion. The posters and leafl ets in the venue brought back a mixture of emotions and experiences that I had encountered over the summer. Instead of feeling a huge sense of apathy, guilt and distance from the problems that developing countries face, I felt I had a greater understanding behind the causes of these problems. During summer, a small group of students and I went on a six week trip to India organised by Northumbria University; we worked alongside an organisation called CEDAR (Centre for Education Development Action and Research). The trip was not an opportunity for us to ‘save the world’ and return home feeling more virtuous than ever, but instead it gave us the chance to learn and understand the issues that India faces. In the four weeks we spent with CEDAR, we attended some of the projects supported by the organisation. These projects included us visiting women’s and children’s self help groups, helping

My trip to India

has

changed me as

a person...

SURF SOC & INDONESIAN SOCIETY

NORTHUMBRIA SURF SOCIETYA new society for this year, Northumbria Surf Society is aiming to unite all who surf, bodyboard or want to start! There is already a wide range of ability within the society, so don’t be afraid to join, even if you have never surfed before. The North East offers a great location to learn, with surf schools, equipment hire and not bad swell too, so getting started has never been easier. Not only that, but you will have the opportunity to meet lots like minded people with similar interests which is a great culture to learn in and a great way to make new friends. There are regular surf trips to locations around the North East including Longsands, Saltburn and Sunderland, an annual trip to Newquay, as well as barbeques and nights out. Not only that but we are also connected with local Universities such as Newcastle, Teesside and Sunderland and creating a great student surf culture in the North East. You can sign up at the Welcome Desk in the Students Union for only £3 which is membership for the year. Boom! If you are interested in joining or would like more information please email phillip.lawrence@unn.ac.uk ,su.surfsociety@unn.ac.uk or alternatively Facebook: Northumbria Surf Society.

INDONESIAN SOCIETYDid you know that in Indonesia we actually wear jackets indoors, not outdoors? Because it’s too hot outside and the air conditioning is too cold inside!

Did you also know that in any fast food restaurant we always have rice served as a side dish, because it’s the main food in Indonesia? People must have rice at least once in a day. If not, your life is incomplete.

Indonesia is a beautiful, tropical country where it is sunny every day without fail. Being far away from our country can make us homesick and we also recognise that many people don’t know a lot about Indonesia. These are the main reasons why we formed the Indonesian society .The Indonesian society in Newcastle was established in 1999 and is now into its 10th year. The exec of the society was formed last month and it now has all new student members. The society covers the diverse aspects of Indonesian culture and we also take part in events such as performing during Diversity week!

So do you want to know why Bali is called island of God? Or maybe you want to learn Indonesian language?

We are open to anyone who is interested in Indonesian culture. Please feel free to contact us in northumbriaindosoc@rocketmail.com. Anyone is welcome to join!!!!

Jennifer LieInternational Culture Representative

GET WET.

STAY

WET.

GET INVOLVED Society Successes

nu:life 15

LSAGITTARIUS22 November - 21 December

Half man half horse galloping through life. However don’t gallop too fast as you and your furniture do not see eye to eye - get used to those bruises!

AQUARIUS 20 January - 18 February

Get a hobby as this is going to be a boring month.

PISCES19 February - 20 March

Prisons hold a high number of Pisceans - so this month concentrate on your degree and stay out of trouble. A criminal record will defi nitely not help you get a job when you fi nish university.

TAURUS 20 April - 20 May

You’re a cool, calm and collective soul and your secret desire this month is to buy a goat. However your landlord/lady and fl at mates may not appreciate a goat living in the house, so it may be easier to adopt one in Africa.

GEMINI21 May - 21 June

If you can’t fi nd a lover then just settle for anyone. All cats look the same in the dark anyways!

CANCER22 June - 22 July

Did you wake up in a wheelie bin again? Don’t let your drinking get you down, have another beer.

LEO23 July - 22 August

You must relax now and again otherwise you could damage your health. Turn the lights off, get into your warm bed, snuggle and spoon your pillows…relax

VIRGO23 August - 22 September

Remember that the homeless guy in the chip shop at 2am in the morning is not your fried. He is probably after your wallet or purse. The moral of the story is, stick to your real friends, they will look after you this month.

LIBRA23 September - 22 October

Do not apply to go onto “The Jeremy Kyle Show” to sort out your problems. Ring your mum instead, she will help you sort things out!

CAPRICORN22 December - 19 January

Scorpios are known to have dramatic and powerful attitudes. Scorpios must remember that life isn’t an Eastenders episode and get to grips with reality, otherwise you will fi nd yourself as a Phil Mitchell duplicate and no one wants that!

SCORPIO23 October - 21 November

Scorpios are known to have dramatic and powerful attitudes. Scorpios must remember that life isn’t an Eastenders episode and get to grips with reality, otherwise you will fi nd yourself as a Phil Mitchell duplicate and no one wants that!

LIGHT RELIEF Horoscopes

16 nu:life

ARIES21 March - 19 April

Express yourself, feel free and lively. Cheer yourself up by walking around semi nude. However semi nude does not mean just the bottom half.

LaurenWest knows best

Dear Lauren I’ve come over from Saudi to study here in England and I’m having a great time so far. The only problem is that one of the reasons I came over here was to mix with English students and get to know the way of life. But I don’t seem to get the opportunity to mix with any English students and it seems a shame seeing as I’m over here. Any suggestions? Thanks! T.

Hey T, I know it must seem daunting moving to a completely new culture and understandably you want to learn about it to help you to fi t in easier. You should maybe think about getting involved in some of the clubs or societies that the Students Union has to offer, which many students from all cultures, but mostly English students, are also part of. This would give you an opportunity to share a hobby that you have in common with them and also help you mix with them and make friends! =) Love Lauren xxx

LIGHT RELEIF Lauren West Knows Best

nu:life 17

Dear Lauren Recently lots of letting agents have been talking about signing for a new house for next year. I don’t want to do it so early as a) I don’t have the money and b) Its 5 months away! But I’m worried all the decent student houses will have gone in a couple months but I feel pressured to get one now. What’s your view on this? James

Please do not feel pressured! Most estate agents try to force students into thinking that they need to get a house sorted out for the following year ASAP but its only really so they can get money in quicker. I know so many people who felt they had to sign up early and between then and moving in the following year, they regretted it. This was mainly because either they had fallen out or drifted apart from the initial group they had signed with or they had seen other houses come available which were nicer and better value. Remember you will have to live with these people a whole year so only make the decision to sign up to living with them when you are completely sure it’s the correct one. There will always be houses available, no matter when you sign up, so try to ignore the concerns the letting agents are putting in your mind! =) Love Lauren xxx

LIGHT RELIEF Centrefold

18 nu:life

It’s been a long time coming and it is fi nally here! NU:TV has arrived.

NU:TV is an entirely new and diverse concept to Northumbria Students’ Union which will see more students getting involved in the SU, a bigger communication channel to students and a bang tidy way to showcase you as a Northumbria student.

Think MTV crossed with Rude Tube with a dash of Bear Grills and you’ve got yourself NU:TV. Videos will be online on your Northumbria Students’ Union website at www.mynsu.co.uk, on our Facebook Fan Page www.facebook.com/mynsu and on YouTube. The videos will also be played across the screens in the SU and across campus.

Ever wanted to produce a video? Ever fancied yourself as a bit of a presenter? Ever put on an event as a club or society and wanted it be fi lmed? This exactly what NU:TV does. We want to showcase everything you do and give you more opportunities to get involved in things you usually wouldn’t. We want to see the brightest videographer talent this University has to offer. We want presenters with banter and fi lm editors with fl are. If you’ve got what it takes then you need to get yourself involved.

If You’ve Got It:Film It! Ever wanted to produce a video?

So, how to get involved?

NU:TV is in the early stages, granted, and we are still in the process of getting equipment, granted, but we want and need mass amounts of videos to get it off the ground. So anything and everything goes in the way of fi lming. If you’ve got an idea for a short video, let me know! If you’ve got something going on, I want it fi lmed!

What We Want Filming

* General ideas can include:* Sports matches,* Society events,* Fashion productions,* Club nights in the SU,* The day in the life of a student,* Anything to do with Northumbria,* Poly Pride and* Anything you can think of.

LIGHT RELIEF Centrefold

How To Submit Your Video

1. E-mail alison.jones@ northumbria.ac.uk with your idea for a video (we can then have a brief chat over what it’s going to be)2. Shoot your video3. Edit your Video - Videos must be no longer than 4minutes4. Submit your video to the offi ce of Alison Jones, Vice President Communications and Involvement, on the fi rst fl oor of the SU. If you’ve got an idea on what you want to fi lm, contact me, Alison Jones at alison.jones@northumbria. ac.uk or drop by my offi ce on the fi rst fl oor of the SU. I’m open to any ideas. You can also join the NU:TV Facebook group if you Search ‘NU:TV’.

nu:life 19

LIGHT RELIEF Spotted

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nu:life 21

LIGHT RELIEF Spotted

ANONYMOUS MARKING

The BIGGEST campaign of the year is here. We at the SU believe that students should have their work marked on their academic ability and not by how the marker perceives a person through the name on the paper. Anonymous marking allows students to submit written assignments and exams anonymously using their student code rather than their name. We are campaigning to make this happen. Here are some of the photos we have taken across campus of students who are backing the campaign. Look out for us around campus and sign the postcards we are giving out to show your support. Change will be made.

Tekno HarringtonNORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY STUDENTI left the house today and spent £4.70 on fi sh and chips (and curry sauce) and a can of pop. And truth be told, I bloody feel hard done by! I remember when fi sh and chips used to be at the most, £2.80! However, this was when Blair had just come into power and both Middlesbrough and Newcastle were in the premier league.

But what have club nights got to do with the price of fi sh? Well, currently, I am sat here, and the word satisfi ed certainly is NOT a word I would use to describe how I am feeling.

For a mere £2.29 more, I could pay to get into a night club where all the drinks i could possibly wish to abuse myself with are free. YES. FREE. Don’t deny that we all love free stuff (well, perhaps apart from a free stack of assignments).

Imagine the scenario... There are seven loose pound coins in your back burner. You’ve got 4 deadlines looming, but you know that staying in will just involve a night of facebook stalking and

X-factor. So you head out. Hand over your seven loose coins and you’ll even get change back. Everything you see behind the bar (excluding the staff who will become rather fi t after a certain while) is free. You knock back your 6th treble and suddenly you feel like you can take on the world.

Who could argue against having the best night of your life for £6.99. Now I know not all the ‘customers’ in the club would stick to moderation. If it’s free, it’s going to be abused. But why should those who do want an awesome night for an absolute bargain not be allowed to have that privilege just because a few jokers can’t handle their drink.

I feel there should be a ‘Drunk-Bin’ where those who have gone to the excess of the All-You-Can-Drink offer, would sit until sober, potentially called the Corner of Shame. While everyone else who is there who can actually look after themselves on a night out have a good time.

We’re all adults here and I feel we should act like it, take responsibility and show that people are capable of going to these club nights. >

YESHOT TOPIC GIVES YOU, THE STUDENT, A VOICE TO THE BIG ISSUES AFFECTING YOU. THEY ARE CURRENT QUESTIONS SURROUNDING YOU AND YOUR LIFE AS A STUDENT AND RAISE THE AWARENESS OF THE TOPIC.

IN THE NEWS YOU MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE SEEN THE CONTROVERSY AROUND SOME CLUBS IN ENGLAND OFFERING ALL-YOU-CAN-DRINK NIGHTS FOR A ONE OFF ENTRY FEE. WITH MUCH TALK ABOUT A BOOZE BRITAIN

THESE CLUBS HAVE SEEN A FAIR BIT OF PRESS COVERAGE. SO WE PUT IT TO YOU, AS STUDENTS, TO ARGUE IT OUT. DO YOU LIKE THE IDEA OF A THRIFTY AND MESSY NIGHT OUT, OR DO YOU FEEL IT’S A PINT TOO FAR? ‘DING DING’, LET THE DISCUSSION BEGIN.

DO YOU AGREE WITH A £6.99 ALL YOU CAN DRINK CLUB NIGHT?

STUDENT CULTURE Hot Topic

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NODanni MustardeNORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY STUDENTAs most students would agree drinking has become an integral part of student culture, however, is this new wave of ‘All You Can Drink’ nights really such a good idea? I’m not saying I don’t love a good old fashioned night out with my friends sampling a smorgasbord of different drinks, but the idea of ‘All You Can Drink Nights’ becoming a regular feature in a the UK is not something I’d agree with.

I know after a few drinks on a night out when that warm, fuzzy familiarity of tipsiness takes over you can easily be persuaded to have that one extra drink which quickly turns into another and another, and maybe just one more. However, if you know you’re likely to do this you can control it by taking just so much money out in the hope that you’ll run out just in time to save yourself from being found hugging one of the beanbags in the corner of theCut. However, at a night where you pay an entry fee and then can have as many drinks as you like – is there really any way to control when to stop yourself?

Now, I know as fi nancially-challenged students the price draws us in like moths to a fl ame, but this is part of the danger and the fact is nights such as this encourage

binge drinking and although we’ve probably all worn the ‘binge badge’ at one point or another, there’s a big difference between that time when you got ridiculously hammered after downing the ‘dirty pint’ in ring of fi re and doing it on a weekly basis as nights such as this can promote. It is probably fair to say that most of us never seriously consider the risks associated with alcohol as ever affecting us but when you look at just a few of them, it could just make you think:

* The NHS spends £1.7billion treating alcohol-related illnesses* Alcohol-related crime costs £7.3billion* Some 22,000 people die prematurely each year because of alcohol misuse

(information courtesy of the BBC news website, 19th September 2003)

The important word above is ‘misuse’ - I’m not saying we should all become teetotal but next time you hear about drinking offers which seem ‘too good to be true’, just take a moment to remember your good friend the liver and maybe aim to remember some of the night - even if it is that little bit blurry.

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STUDENT CULTURE Hot Topic

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STUDENT CULTURE iRdaio

But all this awesomeness can’t be achieved without help from you - the students! Send anemail to darren.hill@northumbria.ac.uk if you want to be involved in any fashion; from presenting shows to helping producing there’s bound to be something for you. No previous experience is needed either so don’t worry if the only time you’ve ever used a microphone was a drunken rendition of Don’t Stop Believing in a bar abroad. “It’s going to be a hell of a lot of fun for everyone involved - I can’t wait!” Darren beams, and I can’t help but agree. 2010 might hold bigger launches than iRadio but for volunteers and listeners alike it could yet yield some of the best memories after all.

By Miles Chambers

What will be the defi ning moment of 2010? It’s a toughie, but let’s speculate for a second: could it be England winning the fi rst African FIFA World Cup? Could it be the Conservatives ruining (sorry, running) the country again? Could it be discovering Tiger Woods actually has a twin brother that’s to blame for sleeping with more bimbos than Hugh Heffner? Wrong, wrong, and unfortunately wrong again. The defi ning moment of 2010? This year’s launch of iRadio, Northumbria University’s very own radio station!

Alright, alright, unrealistic expectations aside, iRadio’s going to be awesome, fact. Run by students, it’s going to be launching in mid-February *crosses fi ngers* with a weekly two-and-a-half-hour show on Wednesday afternoons. Speaking to the editor Darren Hill though he said, “The station’s got great ambition and we won’t be stopping there. We’ve got plans to expand to have all sorts of speciality shows. Without a doubt this is just the beginning of something huge.”

The launch show will be presented by Max Cooper and Vicki Howe, students at the university. When I asked them what they wanted the show to be like they said, “We want to make you laugh, packing it with energy and all sorts of features”. From what I’ve heard about the launch show’s plans, it seems Northumbria students will be in for a treat, but I’ve never been a spoiler fan so I won’t give anything away!

iRadio will be broadcast over the internet, so if you’re near a computer anywhere in the world you’ll be able to tune in. Considering the web-savvy nature of students nowadays this is a sound foundation and hopefully the listeners who discover the station will be hooked and spread the good word.

iRadi

Why stay at home when you can get amazing offers at the Students’ Union! Remember all the money you spend in the Students’ Union is recycled into better facilities and services for YOU!

Opening HoursMonday to Friday8.30am until lateSaturday and Sunday12pm until late

Scrumptious food

Starbucks Coffee

Delicious premium cocktails at Student prices

Funky resident DJ’S

Big Screen Sport

Outside sun area

Quizzes, Karaoke and more...!

StudentS unionSU

northumbria2 Sandyford Road

Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8SB

www.mynsu.co.uk

Note: Alcohol served from 11am weekdays

Check out our amazing JANUARY SALES DRINKS PRICES?!*

Psych StudiesHEALTHY VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED for Psychology Research Studies.Volunteers are required for a psychological study investigating the differences in the activity of stress hormones, immune effi cacy and self reported ill health among caregivers of children with autism and parents of typically developing children.

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STUDENT CULTURE Psych Studies

To take part you:* MUST be between 20-55* MUST be a parent* MUST have a child over 3 years old* MUST not be currently be providing long term care for an ill relative or other* MUST not be currently be managing any long term stressors (i.e. bereavement, divorce)* MUST not be currently taking prescription medication (this does not include the contraceptive pill)* MUST not be currently suffering from any serious medical (i.e. coronary disease, diabetes, asthma, hypertension) or psychiatric condition (i.e. depression, anxiety related disorders)* MUST not be currently suffering with an acute viral infection (i.e. cold / fl u) or infl ammatory related disorders(e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis)* MUST not be pregnant / currently breast feeding* Must not have undergone / currently undergoing hormone replacement treatment / therapy* MUST not have a caffeine intake that exceeds 10 cups of tea / coffee per day* MUST not have an irregular sleep wake / cycle (e.g. working night shifts)

The study involves 2 visits to the lab where your blood pressure and heart rate will be taken along with a short questionnaire. You will then be sent away with cotton swabs to take saliva samples with over two days and then return to the lab after those two days.

By way of compensation for your time and inconvenience we will pay you £10 or fi ve participation points of you are a Northumbria Student.If you are interested please contact brian.lovell@northumbria.ac.uk

Volunteers are required for a psychological study investigating the effects of cannabis use on prospective memoryprocesses

To take part you:* MUST be between 18-24* MUST be either a current or a previous user of cannabis and must not use any other recreational drugs (with the exception of alcohol and tobacco)In addition, you should not use cannabis for at least 24 hours prior to testing.All tests are confi dential. You will be assigned a unique ID code which will be used on all questionnaires and response sheets to protect anonymity. All personal information will be held in a secure, locked cabinet accessible only to the principal investigator.

The study involved one 1 hour visit to the lab, where you will complete two prospective memory tasks on a computer such as recalling locations and lists.

By way of compensation for your time and inconvenience we will pay you £7.

If you are interested please contact

janice.bartholomew@northumbria.ac.uk

All studies have received ethical approval from the Ethics Committee from the school of Psychology and Sport Sciences.

BLACK GOLD IDOLS

Black Gold have been described as a ‘rare commodity for their ability in

merging past and present musical styles.’ Their new single ‘Idols’ from their debut album Rush does exactly this! With its up tempo Beatles style lyrics such as ‘Everybody wants to touch your hand’ and sixties style guitar riffs they are sure to be on the road to success. Mixed with a similar Californian vocal style as the Thrills, you have yourself a contemporary mix of different aspects of music. Lead singer Eric Ronick, also from indie techno sensation Panic at the Disco, provides the calming upbeat vocals which helps distinguish their new single ‘Idols’ from being a sixties pop hit. Their music has already been played in TV show One Tree Hill, giving them a big advantage to be listened to the teenage music scene. Having just fi nished touring with the Pixies in the US and playing various small venues in the UK, they are sure to be the next best thing. A great song to listen to if you’re feeling stressed with your university work, and want to feel like you’re sat on a Californian beach!

Rating 7/10

STUDENT CULTURE Gig Goers

28 nu:life

TWIN ATLANTIC VIVARIUM

Glaswegian rock band Twin Atlantic have just released their new mini album Vivarium and it is a full on

rock success. This album proves that these guys have a diverse range of talent and musical infl uences. Songs range from heavy bass lines to complex guitar riffs to accompany the Scottish accent of, lead singer, Sam McTrusty. First song on the album ‘Lightspeed’ has an epic bass line that makes you instantly tap your foot and incorporate some thrashing drum beats and you have yourself the start of a great song. Their single ‘You’re turning into John Wayne’, which reached number 3 in the OCC Scottish single charts, is a mixture of political debate and fun and catchy guitar riffs which is an added quirk to the Scottish quartet. According to Sam McTrusty this song is an example of ‘how they try to use loud and quiet dynamics in their song writing.’ The stand out song on this album has to be ‘Caribbean War Syndrome’ which really shows off their vocal and musical talents. This song coincides with the ‘loud and quiet dynamics’ that they say that they incorporate into their music. A soft guitar intro, eventually followed by thrashing drums and guitar distortion at its climax and then back to delicate guitars and piano interludes. They have recently been touring in Europe with The Fall of Troy and it is evident that they are destined for rock greatness. Keep a look out!

Rating: 9/10

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STUDENT CULTURE Gig Goers

ELLIOT MINOR SOLARIS

After an incredible 2008/09 Elliot Minor are back with their new album Solaris, which shows off their classically

trained skills and their ability to mix classical with rock lyrics and riffs. Songs on this album range from melancholic and harmonious choir like tracks to rocky melodies with classical undertones. They’ve said that their second album is a mature leap for the band lyrically and ambition wise. The fi rst song ‘Dancer’ starts off pretty slow and repetitive but eventually leads to an epic combination of guitar solos with violin melodies and falsetto vocals. It is a truly a spine tingling end to a song. Their single ‘Electric High’ is featured on this album and it is one of the best tracks on the album. The lyrics and vocals are chilling and emotional and lead singer, Alex Davies, is proving how he evolves from track to track. His voice reaches falsetto once again and he is able to maintain a sold vocal throughout. Lyrically, it is easily remembered. The line which I adored the most has to be ‘I’m a little far from Heaven, but I’ll survive.’ Overall, this album is a huge success in my eyes and it has tracks to suit every mood from upbeat tracks like ‘Solaris’ and slower, emotional tracks such as ‘All Along’. If you’re after something slightly different this album is a must and if you were lucky enough to catch them at Northumbria Students Union then you know what I’m talking about!

Rating: 9/10

LILY ALLEN WHO’D HAVE KNOWN

It is a true Lily Allen classic

with chilled out beats and vocals. As always, her song tells a story from start to fi nish. ‘Who’d have known’ is about a relationship that she’s unsure about whether they are in an offi cial relationship. The chorus is catchy and it is a relatable topic for most women these days. I personally think that the chorus becomes repetitive and the melody has no special elements to make it an exceptional song.

Rating: 6/10

PADDLE PRIDENorthumbria University paddled away with their pride intact following an action packed weekend on the River Washburn in North Yorkshire.

The Wild Water Racing Championships saw 25 universities from up and down the country competing for precious medals and BUCS points.

“The conditions were horrible to begin with but luckily the sun eventually came out making it a fun weekend of paddling,” said team captain Anna Farrel.

“The team gained valuable experience coming up against a fi eld of stronger universities such as Loughborough and Nottingham who have GB paddlers.

That didn’t leave the rest of us with much chance of winning.”

Northumbria narrowly missed out on BUCS points but this seemed irrelevant after Farrel refl ected on a weekend’s worth of hard fought races.

“On the whole, we had a great weekend and it was all about the banter and also being part of a major competition.

“The club fell apart last year and since then we’ve been looking for more support from the university in terms of funding. Otherwise it makes life diffi cult for new paddlers to accomplish their goals.”

Perhaps this is a plea for the university to give the canoe team more support in the future - in order for them to fulfi l their potential at major national competitions.

TN Paddle Pride

30 nu:life

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TN On The Up & Up

ON THE UP AND UPNorthumbria University’s badminton stars are confi dent of netting success throughout 2010 after a strong showing at this year’s BUCS tournament in Nottingham.

A six-strong squad tackled opposition from across the world in the East Midlands with a developing roster gaining invaluable experience.

And with next year’s move to Northumbria’s state-of-the-art city centre sports complex on the cards badminton is set to be big news at the university during the next 12 months.

“We’ve had it on good authority from the people at Team Northumbria that badminton will be a key sport at the university once the new sports centre opens,” explained skipper Andrew Fowler.

“And we’ll certainly have access to some of the best facilities in the country.

“It should be a big year for badminton at Northumbria - our player-coach Richard Eaton is staying on to study a Masters so he’ll be back next year to take us into a new era.

“The club is defi nitely on the up. We have four teams including, for the fi rst time, a women’s second team. We’re increasing numbers and participation all the time.”

Fowler, Eaton, Josh Kidd, Laura Whitburn, Kerry Myers and Sam Moore starred for Northumbria at a tough Nottingham event.

Next year’s move to Northumbria’s state-of-the-art city centre sports complex...

But the university is keen to recruit more new faces following the success of October’s badminton England Facebook Challenge.

“A student called Soo Kar Uay came to the challenge day at the start of term and really made an impression,” added Fowler.

“A lot of students are unaware of the club and that there is a chance to play badminton at various levels. He came down by chance and now he’s playing BUCS badminton and is loving it.”

HOCKEYNorthumbria University’s inability to play competitive hockey for three periods cost the club their glory after fi erce rivals Newcastle University pulled off a thrilling 3-0 win.

That was the verdict of Northumbria Flames president Johnny Tulip after an explosibe pre-Stan Clavert Cup clash at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena.

“The lads just haven’t got enough heart when the pressure’s on,” said a disappointed Tulip. “It was a close game and we matched Newcastle 50/50 for effort.

“We’ve now had four games that have been really close, but we’ve lost them all by not having that fi nal push.”

Coach Chris Willey echoed Tulip’s view when he added: “This game was all about the lads’ attitude.

“The team with the biggest heart always wins. They (Newcastle) just wanted it more.”

In the fi rst period the Flames burst out of the blocks with Newcastle’s netminder in sparkling form.

But when Flames’ Marcus Javan was sin binned the Wildcats made the most of their power play, really applying the pressure.

Newcastle were held at bay by netminder Ali Cree but tempers frayed in the second period.

Flames’ Ian Simpson was sin binned for boarding and Wildcats’ Mark Davies later got binned for holding.

With on-ice scuffl es between the players and a lot of roughing up the Wildcats were able to push forward, netting their fi rst goal from Mike Hall, assisted by Freddie Nyman and Joe Bateman.The Flames fought hard but Nyman, assisted by Hall, stole another goal making the score 2-0 going into the third period.

The sin bin saw lots of action in the fi nal period. The fi rst to go in was Wildcats’ Kevin Corcoran for roughing.

TN Hockey

32 nu:life

He was later followed in by Javan, for interference, putting the Wildcats into another powerplay situation.

Nyman saw his opportunity and sealed their fi nal goal unassisted.

In the closing minutes of the game a fi ght between Wildcats’ Joe Bateman and Flames’ Shane Hewitt got them both sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes for misconduct.

Bateman was not in there alone as Harry Bennet joined him for delaying play, staying in there to see out their win from the sidelines.

The Wildcats’ MVP was Chris Clapham, and it was Ian Simpson who stole the limelight for the Flames.

“Simpson played outstandingly, he is a real credit to the university” said coach Willey.

“It’s good to get (man of the match), I had a decent game. It would have been nice to get a win though” said Simpson.

Ashlie Tridgell

nu:life 33

TN Hockey

Flames burst out of the blocks

with Newcastle’s netminder in sparkling form...

34 nu:life

NETBALL & SKY SPORTS FIXTURENetball Super League is back and this time Team Northumbria means business!

With an emphasis on homegrown talent and offering the cream of the country’s emerging stars university scholarship opportunities it’s all change for TN.

For the fi rst time in four years we’re tackling the cream of the UK’s netball crop without star imports from across the globe.

And TN are doing it without experienced playcaller Denise Egan - with Barbara brown the new name at the franchise’s helm.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m excited about the direction Northumbria is moving in,” said the experienced playcaller.

“It’s great to see time and money being invested in players with huge potential for the future.

“And as far as I’m concerned this is just the start.”

TN have already bagged England Under 19 pair Darcie Worsdale and Josie Pointon – the former studying for a maths degree during her time at Northumbria.

“The numbers don’t help me much during a game but I love the subject and always have,” said the Staffordshire goal attack.

“My granddad was the one who got me into maths at an early age and the degree course at Northumbria is great.

“Throw in the fact I can play Super League netball too and it’s the perfect combination.”

Both Worsdale and Pointon missed last month’s Super League opener on Tyneside - a 54-goal drubbing at the hands of expansion franchise Surrey Storm.

And TN were written off right, left and centre ahead of their trip to face Celtic Dragons in Cardiff the following day.

But in one of the most stunning comebacks in Super league history brown led her fl edgling side to a fi ve-goal win in the Welsh capital.

And skipper Natalie Connor added: “I was so proud of every one of Northumbria’s players.

TN Hockey Netball & Sky Sports Fixture

“Believe it or not we came off the court after the Surrey game in an incredibly positive mood despite the defeat.

“They have experienced internationals throughout their squad and we knew what to expect.

“Losing the game 70-16 wasn’t much fun but we did enough of the right things to suggest we could go to Cardiff and win.

“That’s exactly what we did and it’s testimony to the homegrown talent we’re looking to develop here in the North East that my players showed the mental and physical strength to bounce back.”

Brown unveiled an all-new attack against the Dragons with Emma Lower and Alex Wood testing the Celtic defence from the start.

And the mother of Portsmouth’s Premier League star Michael Brown added: “We fought for every goal.

“It was a result to raise the spirits of everyone involved with Northumbria University’s netball programme and the North East as a whole.

“There were some tired legs but the determination was there and I don’t know how many other teams would have come back in the way we did.

TN take centre stage on January 18 when they host their fi rst Sky Sports fi xture of the new campaign.

Go to teamnorthumbria.com for ticket details and back your fellow students in the biggest game of their season so far.

Simon Rushworth

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I was so proud of every one of Northumbria’s players...

TN Hockey Netball & Sky Sports Fixture

A Brand NEW Theatre & Live Music Venue

Outstanding Advice & Activity Centres

Loads of Social, Recreational & IT Space

A Redeveloped Reds

NEW Food & Retail Outlets

When the works are finished you will have:

We are sorry for the inconvenience caused whilst we are building your brand NEW...

www.mynsu.co.uk/stateoftheart

...to be completed SEPTEMBER 2010Bars & services open for business as usual