ISSUE 3 October 26, 2012
Technology Special
iPhone Fever It’s Not Who You Know, But Who You Follow Which Social Network Are You?
Contents
6 11
Natasha Cox Editor in Chief Grace Meritt Editor Broderick Suthlerland Deputy Editor George Crabb Online Content Editor Ana Curbelo Art Director Greg Carter Head of Illustration Carolyn Brown Head of Photography Meghan McCabe Kiera Sweeney News Editors Cathryn Antoniadis Laura Smith Feature Editors Dan Nicholson Ella Stanbrook Music Editors Beth Baker-Wyse Joanna Donnelly Culture Editors Anna Birtwistle ChloĂŠ Fallon Style Editors Chloe Hemmings Rebecca Oldham Sport Editors Peter Woolley Webmaster Maxine Cheyney Head of Events and Marketing
16 22 25 30 36
NEWS Alternative Uni Experiences Reading for the Blind Police Halloween Posters Student Parking Fees
FEATURES Which Social Network are You? Facebook and Twitter Are we Better Connected? Lufbra Overheard
STYLE
Who to Follow What to Wear and When
TOTTY SPOTTER CULTURE
Harry Potter Tour iPhone Fever The e-reader Debate
MUSIC
Music Meets: Friend of a Friend Album Reviews Adele`s Bond Theme
SPORT
Social Media in Sport Use it or Lose it SDC Volunteering Injury Season
Cover by Ana Curbelo
From the Editor We are now on our third issue of Label this year and I couldn’t be more proud of what the committee and its volunteers have achieved so far. We have to admit though, even we sometimes make mistakes.
Label Magazine, your fortnightly fix of all things Loughborough.
Therefore, if anyone has been offended by our misspellings of Hazlerigg-Rutland, ect instead of etc, or our reference to Nicki Minaj on X Factor USA instead of American Idol we offer our apologies, and can assure you that this issue’s articles have been spelling and grammar proofed to the max. My challenge to anyone out there is to now spend some time carefully reading every single page of this fortnights Label and get back to us on any mistakes you spot, we guarantee you’ll enjoy it. And in the same week we release our technology special, @labelonline has reached over 1,000 twitter followers, aren’t little coincidences like that nice? Enjoy the issue, and if you have any comments or feedback, good or bad, just drop me an email or tweet @labelonline, we always like to hear your thoughts. Until next time, Grace Meritt
This Issue, Label Online asked you:
?
What was the best piece of technology invented Mobile phone 21% Computer 65% Toaster 4% Kettle 10% For all the latest stories, visit www.lufbra.net/label
CONT ACT U
S!
Is th e we s re a sto houl r d kn y you th Conta ow abou ink t? ct us labe a With a leditor@lu t fbra.n ny info et rmat querieion, letters and s
Dear Label Readers My Name is Ellie Read and I’m your Loughborough Students Union president. I hope by now you have settled into Loughborough and have managed to get involved in some shape or form with your students union, whether it be with media, rag, action, societies, au, democracy, education or welfare, or just on one of our array of nights out that have taken place so far this term. The Exec have been working hard to make sure that you are well represented and aware of all the opportunities that are available to you while you are a student here at Loughborough. We have now officially launched our WE ARE HERE campaign which is all about making sure that as an executive we come out onto campus, around your lecture theatres and in your halls so that we are more accessible to you and you can give us any comments, feedback or suggestions that you have about any aspect of your life in Loughborough. If you see us around campus please feel free to stop us and ask us any questions or just have a chat to us – that’s what we’re here for! You can also always email me on president@ lufbra.net and I’ll be happy to help with anything that I can. Best Wishes Ellie Read Union President 2012/2013
Other Entries to Label’s Caption Competition Don’t you wish your girlfriend was hot like me - Laz God save our gracious queen... - Leeroy Jenkins IN BUTLER COURT WE SHARE ROOMS - Pete McLeod 2012: So proud of Team LGBT - Jenny Creighton A 2 for 1 deal like never before - James Plowright
See the winning photo and caption in this week’s Tot ty Spotter on page 22
Early rehearsals for Loughborough’s Christmas panto got off to a bad start. - Lizzie Bennett Come with me, we’re going to powerbase - Ray
Tweets @LabelOnline Natasha Cox @LSUHeadofMedia A Radio conference with @LCRlive then a cheeky bit of man u action with @LSUTweetV and finally proof reading issue 2 @labelonline #sleepy Billy Marsh @LufbraAction Loved this fortnight’s copy of @labelonline, nice, clean design and some really good features! Top effort from @lsumedia! LCR @LCRlive Congrats to @labelonline for reaching 1000 followers! Now get following us and @LSUTweetV #MakeYourMark Chris Nelson @ChriissNelson I started off writing for @labelonline, now I have a new challenge in the form of @SoSoGay #Excited #Buzzing Broderick Sutherland @BrodSutherland I believe a certain Label Issue 2 is out today. Thus I am going to do a #FollowFriday #FF for @labelonline
04 - 05
EDITORIAL
ugh Loughboro ief News in Br Professor on Patrol The new Vice Chancellor, Professor Robert Allison has recently patrolled the student triangle area with Sergeant Shaun Gosling and other officers on a Saturday night. This helped to highlight issues of the surrounding area and to understand further what the police job entails on Saturday evenings. Loughborough Academic Tackles Issues Surrounding Energy Supply and Demand Loughborough University’s Dr Kirk Shanks, lecturer and academic manager of the London-Loughborough centre for doctoral research in energy demand, was enlisted as a member of the panel tackling the challenges of Sustainable energy at a British Library event. The aim of the event was to give the public an opportunity to question energy experts about how the UK will proceed in meeting changing energy needs. Rag Raise Over £15,000 for Breast Cancer This month, Loughborough Students Rag took almost 100 volunteers to London to raise money for Breast Cancer campaigns. Raiders collected at various train stations and throughout London reaching a grand total of £15,802.65 between them. Sophie White
Students to Pay as Much as Professors
for Car Parking Loughborough University’s car parking scheme is said to be ‘based on the CO2 emissions of vehicles’, however the eco-friendly changes which started being phased in from August 1 2012, show a massive increase of charges to students.
Annual car parking fees for staff are based on both the amount of CO2 emissions emitted from vehicles, and their income bracket, starting at £60 per year for anyone on a salary of £17,826 or below owning car with any amount of CO2 emissions. This can increase to up to £302 for anyone with a car emitting 220+ g/km of CO2 who is on an income bracket of £46,846 or above. For students, the annual permit is based purely on CO2 emissions, with the maximum charge being £300 for anyone with a car above 220 g/km, making the fee just £2 lower than that of a staff member earning over £46,000 a year. As a student, to have a parking permit, you must apply for one. They are not permitted to any students with an LE11 postcode, although this rule is not mirrored with staff of the university, and students must have a valid reason for needing a car on campus grounds. Loughborough University’s
website clearly states that students are ‘advised not to bring cars to campus’, which suggest the dramatic increase in costs may be used as a deterrent to students. However, if they have already applied for a permit which has been approved, showing they have a valid reason to need a car, is this large fee really acceptable for the average student on a maintenance loan far lower than the minimum wage?
It is true that the majority of cars do not have 220+ CO2 emissions, but most range from 120-150, meaning the average student will pay between £120-£160 per year. This again is just £2 less than someone in a grade 8 income bracket or above (which starts at £46,846) with a car releasing the same amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These rules have been put in place by the car parking management strategy for 2012-2015 and is part of their ‘green travel plan’. Grace Meritt Editor
u What are yo ory? st is th on views t Contac lufbra.net labeleditor@
Leicestershire Police bring out New Posters for
Halloween
The new posters, which are offered for residents in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to download or collect, are available for those who either wish to welcome trick or treaters, or those who wish to opt out of celebrations entirely. The posters are very similar to the 2011 designs with only a few changes to layout as well as the new option to welcome trick or treaters. Halloween celebrations are a matter of preference and Damion Nickerson, lead for the Anti-Social Behaviour Delivery Group states that ‘Now everyone has the opportunity to have the Halloween of their choice.’ As Loughborough is a student town, it can be expected that there will be many Halloween themed parties and socials. However, as can be presumed, not everyone will share the same enthusiasm for Halloween as others. Superintendent Mark Newcombe, lead officer for anti social behaviour at Leicestershire Police commented on how ‘It has been known for people, particularly members of the retired community or the vulnerable, to seek solace in the home of a family member or a friend during Halloween, rather than open the door to trick or treaters.’ Fear of anti-social behaviour around Halloween time is echoed in the efforts of local neighbourhood policing teams as well as in the support of local shops and businesses, which may refuse to sell eggs and flour to those under the age of eighteen. With Halloween only a few days away it is most likely that these are the changes that Loughborough can expect to see.
Outside ief News in Br Super Skydiver Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner made history by breaking the world record for the highest-ever skydive on October 14, jumping from a balloon over 39km (128,000 ft) up in the stratosphere. Alice Collins, Economics finalist: ‘Watching it was amazing, he’s so brave!’ Cadbury shrinks Dairy Milk chocolate bars Cadbury has shrunk the size of its famous Dairy Milk bar but kept the price the same. The bar is now 4 grams lighter. Cadbury say that the rising cost of fuel and cocoa prices means they can only keep the price the same if they cut the size. Debbie Neely, Industrial Design second year: ‘It doesn’t seem right to charge the same price for less!’ Computer Science Graduates to be given Golden Handshake Outstanding graduates are to be given a £20,000 grant to train as computer science teachers. A recent report found that computer education in England was highly unsatisfactory and highlighted a shortage of teachers capable of teaching computer science. Tash Roberts, Biology finalist: ‘I am considering a career in teaching and such a huge amount of money would definitely be a great incentive’.
Vignette O’Bryan
06 - 07 NEWS
Alternative University
Experiences VP Welfare and Diversity Georgina Court, has hit the ground running this term with a seemingly endless stream of different events. From Roller Discos in Room 1 to free self-defence classes, she has been working hard to justify the change of the Welfare role from a part time un-paid exec position, to a paid sabbatical officer. Court has built on this momentum by requesting a Welfare and Diversity Committee. After waiting an inordinate amount of time for the first session of the term to convene, this request has been approved by the Union Council. In a post-council interview, Court reiterates her position stating ‘it’s really important that I’ve got a team working alongside me to help achieve all the things that I need to’, and admits that in the absence of her own team, she has been heavily relying on other members of the Union Executive over past weeks. This year saw the first ‘Alternative Freshers Week’, where those hoping to escape the alcohol fuelled hall bonding could find a suitably social substitute. Events included: a night of free comedy, a trip to the theatre and summiting Beacon Hill. Despite preparations for the Alternative Freshers Week only beginning mid-summer, it was a great success by all accounts. It has, however, spurred a desire to improve the advertising and marketing of such events in the future, as it is often the less engaged students and those harder to reach out to that could benefit most from these events. Having received glowingly positive feedback across the board, from the university, hall committees, and students alike, Court recommends that the Alternative Freshers Week become a hallmark of all future years here at Loughborough. Better Decisions was the next campaign to launch out of the Welfare and Diversity office. At FND there were soft drink giveaways and Flip-flop fairies aiding those attempting to drag their heels home. On the evening of Saturday night, Room 1 hosted a TV on the big screen, free pizza and had everyone wearing Pyjamas. There is more to come, as October is Black History Month, hence this week saw Black History Week coming to campus. Showcasing Caribbean food, African fashions and ‘inspirational’ speakers, it aims to have achieved a great fusion of cultures and ideas. With the introduction of the first Welfare and Diversity committee in the coming weeks, we can only continue to expect bigger and better from Georgina Court as she continues to redefine the role. Nancy Fleming
Loughborough Research Finds
Lifeline for Blind People New research by Loughborough University has revealed the importance of reading to the lives of blind and partially sighted people. The research was completed by Loughborough’s LISU research and information centre and The Reading Agency which is a charity with the aim of encouraging more people to read. The study focused primarily on the impact of reading for pleasure on the lives of blind and partially sighted adults. It found that by reading the adults were able to overcome daily challenges, develop learning and skills, provide opportunities for meeting with others through reading groups and as a cause of all the above it enabled a boost of mental wellbeing. According to the research, 95% of those questioned said that they read for pleasure more than once a week, and over half said that they read for more than ten hours each week. The research has reinforced the idea of the importance of library services in continuing to build the needs of blind and partially sighted readers into the organisation of promotion and reading events. The director of LISU at Loughborough University, Claire Creaser, has stated that: “Blind and partially sighted people have to make an extra effort to obtain books in formats they can access, and although this research was based on a relatively small sample, the results clearly show how much reading means to them. Making books more accessible, in a variety of formats and from a range of sources, can only bring benefits to all.”
Illustration by Greg Carter
Director of research for The Reading Agency, Debbie Hicks, added that: “This research shows that the value of reading is intensified for people who are blind and partially sighted; for many it is a life line that helps define who they are and their relationship with the world around them. We must all work together to ensure that participation in what is after all a very cost effective activity is available to as many blind and partially sighted people as possible.” The research reinforces both Creaser and Hicks’ points and suggests that to aid blind and partially sighted readers, authors, publishers, RNIB, public libraries and local authorities should all join forces as far as possible to guarantee that reading materials are available in a variety of formats. Meghan McCabe News Editor
08 - 09 NEWS
fuel any orange spot
sub roll or sandwich or regular salad pot any orange spot
500ml drink any orange spot
side snack
Orange spot labelled products only, available at all the outlets above this offer is subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time
www.lboro.ac.uk/food-drink
orange s t multpi o meal deal ÂŁ3.55 to save up
70p
cash+
ÂŁ2.95
Which social network is best for you? Cathryn Antoniadis, Features Editor
Do you prefer
Facebook A site based around pictures, likes, groups and status updates. Facebook has over a billion people using it every month.
To be upto-date with everyone
Looking
Posting ideas
Twitter Twitter is arguably the best website for connecting with celebrities or people that you’re interested in. It works on the basis that you follow people you want to and receive updates when they “tweet” something new.
Reading
Do you prefer Standing out
Do you prefer
Blogging
Do you prefer Videos
YouTube While YouTube is most wellknown for hosting music videos, film trailers or live streaming concerts, this is also a great way to get your own videos seen worldwide.
Fitting in
Do you prefer
Being Professional
Being Fun
LinkedIn LinkedIn is the best way to connect with professionals and to get your own credentials and experience out there, hopefully helping you to get a job.
Choose what you see
Do you prefer
Do you prefer Posting pictures
Tumblr. Tumblr. is a fun site that has only been growing in popularity. You follow people who have common interests to you and reblog anything you want e.g.fan-art or memes.
Pictures
Flickr Flickr is great for hosting and sharing your photos. From personal photos with friends to sharing your creations with the world, flickr caters for different settings.
Something general
Scribd Scribd is a digital library of different documents in various languages. Scribd currently has more than 50 million users and 1.8 million searches are conducted on the website every day.
Live Journal Live Journal is a highly regarded blogging site. They have more than 16 million journals on different topics and brings people of different backgrounds together.
10 - 11 FEATURES
Facebook The internet is a great source for learning and educational support during your degree. It’s also the place you’ll find ‘The Garden Gnome Liberation Front’ and Stephen Fry’s imaginary wife. So put aside that Wikipedia article on the mating rituals of fruit bats, close your sparknote on ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and let’s take a moment to appreciate the lighter side of the internet. But first, I can’t really provide you with all these frape related lols without giving you examples of how to avoid being fraped yourself. Number One: Don’t ever get a taxi and make a run for it without paying, just in case you leave your phone behind. This did actually happen, and is particularly brilliant because the taxi driver made a status on the guy’s Facebook page announcing to all of his friends what he’d done and requesting a public apology before he could get his phone back (#taxidriveroftheyear).
Best Frapes
Best Facebook Groups
I like to frape myself’
‘If 1 million people join, my cat will stop smoking meth’ (Here’s hoping this is someone’s crazy sense of humour...)
I love to cover myself in Vaseline and roll around on the floor pretending to be a slug’ Change their name to ‘Nicolas Cage’ and cover their profile with pictures of him: change their cover photo, profile picture, everything. I wonder if there’s something they’re not telling us...?
‘The Student Bible’ – The rules of University. Not to be missed. ‘Oh yeah? Well I HATE dolphins’ – I can safely say I would join this out of pure curiosity.
Make them join hundreds of Justin Bieber pages. That is all.
‘The garden gnome liberation front’ – Gnomes are people too! Oh, wait...
If you’re lucky enough to have found someone with their teacher/lecturer as a Facebook friend, send them a private message confessing their undying love.
I know someone who looks like Peter Griffin’ – Well, I don’t, but I’m joining anyway.
And here’s a nice innocent one for you... ‘is proud of himself. He finished a jigsaw puzzle in 6 months and the box said 2-4 years’
‘Loughborough Freshers’ – So freshers may be over but that doesn’t mean you can’t still join the group to show your appreciation! Besides, you can be kept up-to-date with the latest happenings in Lufbraland.
Twitter Number Two: Don’t use the same password for your Facebook, email account, and computer. My own housemate once remembered his friend’s computer password and tried it on his Facebook account. Lo and behold it worked, and he and his friends went ahead and liked a bunch of girls’ photos, making comments like ‘nice view’ etc..., [insert witty laddish comment here]. So, the guy changed his Facebook password, although he failed to change any of his other passwords. My friends proceeded to log onto his email account again and change his Facebook password so that, yet again, they could go and ‘like’ girls’ photos from October 2009, just to appear as creepy as possible. So I hope you have learnt from these epic frape failures (frailures??) And I also hope that your password isn’t ‘password’. Be inventive. Try ‘********’. No, really, just use asterisks. Nobody would guess that now would they? Unless they’ve read this article... oops. Kathryn King
Best Tweeters
Best Tweets
@stephenfry – ‘British Actor, Writer, Lord of Dance, Prince of Swimwear & Blogger’
‘The recession is over and people are celebrating in the streets. oh, I’m sorry, those are unemployment lines’ - @StephenAtHome
Section Design by Lewis Allum, Ana Curbelo, Jan Baykara
Illustration by Greg Carter
@MrsStephenFry – ‘Edna Fry - Stephen’s downtrodden wife & mother of his 5, 6 or 7 kids’ @Dolly_Parton – ‘I hope people realise that there is a brain underneath the hair and a heart underneath the boobs’ @DalaiLama – ‘Compassion and peace of mind bring a sense of confidence that reduce stress and anxiety’ @AntiJokeCat – ‘A pregnant woman walks into a bar. The bartender refuses to give the woman alcohol because he acknowledges a health risk to her unborn baby.’ @fml – ‘Today, just for old time’s sake, I decided to jump on my bed. I ended up hitting my head on the spinning fan and knocking myself unconscious. FML’
‘Diarrhea would be a beautiful name if it didn’t mean diarrhea’ - @SarahKSilverman ‘Don’t play hard to get if you’re already hard to want.’ - @PeterGriffin ‘L’oréal’s mascara makes your lashes 60% longer? Wow. They should make condoms.’ - @iamJDC ‘All this @charliesheen news reminds me of seeing ‘Inception.’ I have no idea what the hell is going on, but can’t wait to see how it ends.’ - @Joan_Rivers ‘When taking a photo of your mirror for the internet, angle the camera a bit or you’ll end up in the photo. I see this mistake a lot.’ - @BettyFckinWhite
12 - 13 FEATURES
Are WE
BETT CONER NECT E
It is nigh impossible to avoid social networking sites: from events on Facebook to controversy on Twitter, they have become ingrained not only in our technology, but our lives. As a student, It’s amazing how one late night Facebook chat or a mass invite to a party can be the start of fantastic friendships, making it impossible to deny that social networking hasn’t improved our social lives in that sense.
D?
However, there is an irony to it all. These sites help you make new friends but, at the same time, seep into our actual social lives. It’s not uncommon for someone to be on Facebook or tweeting when they’re out with friends, and this is detrimental to our real social lives as they’re not fully engaging in face-to-face interaction. Perhaps this need to constantly be on networking sites is because they can give us a feeling of being a deity of some sort when we receive lots of likes or retweets. In a society that worships celebrities, social networking sites arguably give us a taste of this and hence many people’s addiction to them.
How much information social networking sites have on us isn’t clear, but apparently they can have around 800 pages of information on each account, from the messages we delete to which device we used to last log into Facebook. Even if we delete our Facebook account, some information may still be kept. Ultimately, we should be careful about what we broadcast over the internet, and how dependent on social networking sites we are, but as long as we keep those two points in mind I think it’s perfectly safe to carry on using them for the ways they improve our lives. Zoe Mumba
Photography Photography by Iona by Iona Taberham Taberham
Friends of mine have also pointed out that employers look you up on social networks now, which could jeopardise your chance of getting a job. If prospective employers see your activity on social networking sites, it could potentially make or break your career, and there are numerous stories on the internet of these sites costing people their jobs. From a waitress being sacked after complaining on Facebook about a customer tipping her badly to Liam Stacey, the University of Swansea student, who was told not to return to the university after his racist taunts on twitter regarding Fabrice Muamba’s collapse on the football pitch earlier this year. This was condemned by the general public and also earned him 56 days in prison.
Girl: Wine should always be on the shopping list. It’s like toilet tissue!
Girl: I’m going home for the weekend, which means no more potatoes that leave florescent green puddles on your plate tonight
Guy 1: I feel like I’m not really doing anything right now Guy 2: That’s because you’re not! Well you’re breathing, that’s about it.
Girl: I need that thing that cuts paper, what’s it called...paper cutter.
Girl (to Boyfriend): I had a three way kiss last night just for laughs, but then I put my tongue in and it was just awkward really...
Napping: According to NASA the prefect nap should last no more than 26 minutes.
Groaking: The act of watching people eat food in the hope they’ll offer you some. Get your own.
Louis Walsh: Need I explain?
GOING DOWN
Girl 1: When I die, I definitely want to be cremated. I don’t want to wake up in a box Girl 2: So you want to wake up on fire.
Two’s Company: Super cute little gift shop in Loughborough
GOING UP
Lufbra overheard Bacon Sarnies: Now scientifically proven to help cure hangovers The return of Made in Chelsea: You know you love it really
Tesco: Already stocking Christmas lines. In October.
Halloween Costumes: Lingerie is not scary ladies, this is not mean girls.
Girl: I dont think I’ve ever washed up before, what do you do with the liquid just squeeze it in?
Guy 1: (Pointing at his spud) Is that meat or veg? Guy 2: Thats a Baked Potato
ing anyth nd hear u u o o r y a If zy w or cra s kno funny ough let u ard’ e hbor verh Loug ‘Lufbra O email r r u o e g ia a o a.net v r ook p faceb tures@lufb ea labelf
14 - 15 FEATURES
Illustration by Katy Walker
It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Follow We all know how competitive it is to find a job after university. But a recent trend in companies finding employees through social networks could make finding a job a lot easier. Style editor Anna Birtwistle looks into tweeting your way to your dream job. This month we saw Facebook hit the one billion-user mark and with around 600 thousand twitter users, social networking is making the world a smaller place, and closing the gap between employees and employers. Twitter opens doors to the offices of our favourite design houses, magazines, newspapers and PR company insiders that were once unreachable but now seem like our new best friends.
Fashion Magazines are known for posting anything from design competitions to blogging awards so keep a look out and follow links they might post to get a head start on others.
By following the right people you could use Twitter to your advantage and keep up to date with potential future employers.
‘The job was for a digital branding intern. It was tweeted by Team GB, then retweeted by Loughborough Uni. My housemate saw it and told me about it. I replied via email and had a Skype interview.’
So how do you do it? Simply focus your search to areas and companies that interest you or you want to work for. Then do some snooping for the names of people within the companies. They can be easily found through a search or looking at the company’s following list. The unique thing about Twitter is that it is in real time, rather than waiting to hear about job applications or sending away CV’s you can email editors straight away after seeing a tweet from the office. You can also learn more about the workings of the company by following them, which will work to your advantage if you do end up getting an interview. Following general job seeking sites can help too. They often retweet links, advertisements and opportunities in your chosen area. For example @medianationUK and @ukfashionintern post links to job opportunities. It is also worth checking out, @milkround_jobs for graduate jobs.
Reply via email if you spot a job opportunity, this way you can attach a CV, or through direct message. Third year Rosie found her summer job through Twitter...
I personally, have had experience of the benefits of social media to find work in the holidays. I found an internship with a local textile artist after she tweeted our very own @labelstyleteam and @labelonine knowing Loughborough students would see it. She emailed me her details and after I sent her my CV I completed a weeks internship in her studio in Leicester. In a competitive world of work that few weeks of experience can set you apart from other potential employees and help you gain your perfect job on leaving the Bubble. Unpaided internships are common in the fashion and media business so it’s common for employers to find cheap advertising alternatives to seeking interns. Label Volunteer Megan did a threeweek internship with a fashion trend forecasting company by replying to a Facebook status.
‘I had heard about ‘‘The Trend Boutique’’ from a friend and was following them on Facebook. I just happened to see a status saying they needed interns in summer so thought I’d email them to say I was interested. They emailed back straight away suggesting dates I could work. They are based in Nottingham so I could travel from my student house in Loughborough easily. During my time I wrote articles featured on the website, researched trends, and even got the opportunity to go to two Vauxhall fashion scout shows at London fashion week. I feel social networking has evolved in recent years and it’s a quick and easy way for employers to advertise internships’. Megan’s tips - Follow your favourite companies, designers and industry insiders. - Join LinkedIn and keep your profile updated with places you have worked, achievements and skills. - Add people as you make contacts, you never know who you will need to contact in the future. It is worth ‘tidying up’ your Twitter account or Facebook when searching online, you never know who might look on. So make it private or even create a separate ‘professional’ profile for job seeking.
Useful Tweeters @trendboutiqueuk @ukfashionintern @FashionJobsUK @MediaEyeTweets @KCDworldwide @MediaNationUK @journalism_jobs
16 - 17 STYLE
The Ultimate
our advice on what There are many real life situations outside the bubble in which sadly, leggings, a gilet, or a pair of Toms just won’t cut it.
Casual
Jeans, polo shirt, a nice t-shirt, and shorts are acceptable, and found in any wardrobe. But for the more fashion conscious maybe a vest and cardigan/ big wool knit. For the colder weather try a cosy Parka or cool leather jacket along with a v neck jumper, and for the more preppy bloke perhaps the classic Lufbra gilet.
Smart Casual
This would do for most meals out, dinner parties, and nice nights out. Chinos, an ironed shirt, leather belt, and loafers would do as a basic rule. Definitely no flip flops, no work tie, and no shorts! Those who can work a more edgy look could go with skinny chinos or suit trousers with a smart polo and some clever accessorising, but avoid this if you don’t back yourself to pull it off. Blazers are your friend and can be worn in many different ways so find one that suits your individual style. For colder weather you could add a trench coat and a scarf if needs be.
men
Smart / Formal
A suit that matches. Bear in mind your body shape as different type suits have different cuts and detailing. Eg. A slim build looks best in a tailored or slim cut (more fitted than tailored), medium build can wear regular, tailored and slim, and a larger build is best to stick to a regular or tailored fit. If in doubt ask advice when investing in this key piece. Ideally, belts must be the same colour as the trousers. Black suit shoes are a staple item for this look. Fairer skin and hair suits charcoal/ grey whereas darker skin and hair suits black. Shirts should not be darker than the suit! Think Bradley Cooper chic.
Black Tie and Ball
A tuxedo or three piece suit are both perfect for these events, so unless specified wear whichever makes you feel more comfortable. Remember to shine your shoes, have matching black socks and avoid novelty ties and cufflinks as they are usually naff and completely inappropriate. Bow ties should always be hand tied... no excuses! Cummerbund can match the colour of the bow tie and always adjust to fit properly.
e Style Guide
t to wear and when So, to save you the trouble, we here at Style we have devised for the ultimate dress code de-coder. You can thank us later!
Photography by Alice Cox, Sarah Wilson, Carolyn Brown
Section Design by Tamsin Gordon, Ana Curbelo
Casual
Be wary of venue as a BBQ is generally less formal than a meal out with the girls, but you can’t go wrong with jeans or printed leggings paired with a plain tee, necklace and ballet pumps. For colder weather change the pumps for boots and add a knited jumper or statement cardie. Unless you’re off for a sleepover, leave the joggers and hoodie at home!
Smart Casual
Arguably the trickiest of the dress codes and also one of the most common! Statement shoes and jewellery are the key to dressing up an otherwise casual attire. Smart jeans (no Rips and best to be a dark colour), and chinos with a blazer are a staple for any wardrobe. Or for a more girlie feel wear a cute day dress or an A-line or skater skirt. Most importantly NO trainers.
women
Smart / Formal
This would usually be reserved for parties, dinners, or work do’s so you would have to use your judgement as to which of the genres you should go for. However, sticking to skirts, dresses and black or suit trousers is fail safe. Pretty chiffon blouses with a fitted trench coat are perfect for colder occasions. Use statement necklaces or bracelets for accessories but nothing too blingy otherwise you risk being on the wrong side of fashionista extraordinaire.
Black Tie and Ball
Can be either a cocktail dress or a floor length dress, judge the situation and ask the host if you are not sure. Look for a more expensive fabric such as lace, silk or chiffon and find the best cut for your figure. Cocktail dresses shouldn’t be too far above the knee or ridiculously tight- those dresses are for revs! Heels are necessary unless you are tall, and try to only have one of the three on show i.e., Legs, Tum or Decolletage and Arms. Spending a bit more time on your hair or putting it up is normal but not compulsory, and makeup can be stepped up a notch from smart formal but avoid the made up doll effect! Jewellery can be more formal but not too glitzy and fake. Think classy and refined, not Gypsy wedding, and you can’t go far wrong. Rosie Le Page
18 - 19 STYLE
er Loughborough gend o far ratio goes one step to - Tom Llewellyn
Section Design by Daniel Scott
tition:
Label Caption compe
Photography by Carolyn Brown, Richard Donnor, Anna Badger, Sarah Wilson
this The winner of n m n co petitio issue´s captio of ir pa a has won . worth £59.99 headphones re nt ce media Pop into the prize and look ur yo m to clai xt one on out for the ne et/label .n ra fb www.lu
22 - 23 TOTTY SPOTTER
Manchuhan Oriental Restaurant
满汉餐厅 @MYMANCHUHAN
All freshly made to Order!
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MANCHUHAN
WWW.MANCHUHAN.COM
07826 654 904 & 01509769171 20% OFF For Platinum & Platinum Extra Holders
this offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers
TELEPHONE ORDERS WELCOME! FREE Delivery service available (within campus) Minimum order £5.00
Manchuhan Oriental Restaurant Loughborough Students Union Union Building Ashby Road Loughborough LE11 3TT
Set meals available at £4.60 each (not for delivery)
We also offer pre-paid meal cards / packages - please ask a member of staff for more details.
We offer a Catering Service!
Looking for that perfect way to spice up your event? Why not have us provide the Food? We pride ourselves on quality food and service, with speciality dishes made to order, we can provide buffets for any occasion you can think of. So why not pop in and have a chat? or give us a call on 01509769171 or 07826654904.
FR EE
S PU M ERY CA ELIV D
The Magic Continues...
The Harry Potter Studio Tour
Harry Potter has been around for 15 years, and put simply, is the biggest entertainment franchise of all time. It has been a massive influence on my, and many other peoples lives, particularly in terms of books and imagination. It was with a combination of excitement and trepidation therefore, that I went to the Warner Brother Studio Tour in Watford to check out the sets and props for the Harry Potter Films. To put yourself in the same mindset as me, you have to realise that these are things that I’ve imagined in my head as being something otherworldly and frankly amazing. I’m not stupid, and I was prepared to be faced with realistic and nonmagical explanations for things that as a kid I imagined to be impossible without the use of a wand.
The exhibition was divided into two massive halls, with the first containing a large number of the indoor sets and props, from which you proceeded into a large courtyard where the set for Number 4 Privet Drive was kept and where they sold the World’s biggest let down, Butterbeer. I had always imagined Butterbeer to taste something like warm liquid fudge and childhood; instead I am pretty sure it was cream soda with spray cream on it for £3. Once I’d grimaced at this I moved on to the art departments where some of the most detailed and vibrant images I’ve seen were contained; but this was nothing compared to what was around the corner. Completely unexpected, I came face to face with a 1:24 scale model of the Hogwarts grounds which literally blew my mind, I’d try and describe it, but I think I’d have to double the length of this article such was the magnificent detail. In short, it was awesome.
Find out
more:
k
.u tour.co
studio
b www.w
Despite the exhibition’s somewhat overpriced nature, I can’t really think of a better way to spend a day than recreate and relive such a massively happy part of my childhood, and, given the immense popularity of the series, I’d imagine I’m not alone. Chris Bates
24 - 25 CULTURE
Illustration by Katharine Simmons
To an extent this was the case, I was surprisingly impressed with the incredible amount of detail that went into the production of the films, such as the number of props included that you would probably never register as anything other than background blurriness. Also, the incredible amount of mechanical engineering that went into familiar features, such as the spiral staircases and the door to the Chamber of Secrets, was inspiring. Every single object and set was meticulously displayed and gave you the chance to look at everything at your own pace, and really take in scenes that before had only been possible in the imagination.
THE IPHONE 5 Culture writers Olivia Caddick, Zoe Mumba and Jo Donnelly collaborate to discuss the pros and cons of the iPhone 5.
Since the launch of Apple’s iPhone 5 in the UK on September 12, the widely anticipated thinner, faster, slicker ‘phenomenon’ has sold more than 5 million units. And that was only in the first three days. But what is it about the iPhone 5 that drives people to queue for hours or sign up to waiting lists, not to mention spending £529 on a phone? For some people, in the materialistic world of today, a phone is not only a necessity, it’s an addition to our identity. From celebrities using their iPhone 5 to try and gain publicity by frivolously tapping their lives into twitter, to the London rat racers instantly receiving and replying to their emails with the latest technology. There’s the high definition camera for the mother wanting to catch those first moments, or the apps for ‘just about anything’ for students bored in a lecture. But is the iPhone 5 worth the upgrade fee or the outright payment to Apple for the latest commodity? The new iPhone boasts a 4-inch retina display screen, incredibly thin chassis and a new aluminium back rather than a glass one. Apple’s advertising has pushed the phones lighter feel (28grams lighter than its predecessor) and its panoramic display. You pick up the iPhone 5 and within ten minutes your iPhone 4 feels fat, ugly, and in need of some stretching and liposuction. And of course, once you get down to the nitty gritty technicalities you can see that there are quite a few differences between the 4s and the 5. The new Apple ear pods are undoubtedly an improvement to the poorly fitted round ones that insist on falling out whenever you get on a treadmill. It also has an improved video camera, a new ‘Nano SIM card’ and a slightly bigger battery, which allows about one hour extra life, as well as the new speedy charger. There is also the ability to send automated texts if you can’t answer the phone, which could prove annoying to the needy girlfriend or the pushy boss! The iPhone 5’s biggest selling point is 4G. This new technology allows you to upload and stream things on the internet faster. However, whilst this is certainly an attractive feature, it’s
worth noting that this is only an advantage if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, and with everything from Coffee shops to buses having free or cheap Wi-Fi, it’s debatable whether this feature can justify the hefty price tag. Also, 4G won’t be available in the UK till sometime in the new year. Even the fact that the iPhone 5 supports iOS 6 (which includes all of the new software updates) is overshadowed by the fact that the 4S and some of the older Apple models also support the new operating system. So, the verdict? The iPhone 5 definitely improves on the iPhone 4s, but, as a newer model, that should be taken as given. The majority of its features appear to be either not worth the huge price, or available also on models we can already buy. The best improvements seem to be largely aesthetic, though there will likely be a whole array of new apps, including the, somewhat troubled, Apple Maps program. It seems, therefore, that it must be up to the individual whether the iPhone 5 is purely a fashion statement, or a brilliant piece of technology And opinion is definitely divided. Here are just some views we’ve received on the new iPhone: ‘Apple are going to have to keep giving their phones Botox to keep up with the quickly emerging and more affordable competitors like the Samsung Galaxy.’ ‘To me, the iPhone5 looks like a complete disappointment.’ ‘I think the new one is brilliant, it looks so much better, works quicker, and if you use your iphone as much as me is 100% worth the money.’ ‘It has newer technology but it is technology that will be wasted on the average student who simply texts, calls, browses the internet and plays angry birds.’ ‘There’s no real reason to go and upgrade unless your contract is up for renewal.’
Illustration by Caroline Smith
ld like If you wou r own u yo to add ase email le p s, n io opin et re@lufbra.n labelcultu
26 - 27
CULTURE
Photography by Lona Taberham
Section Design by Caroline Smith, Sally Wood
Books Vs
BOOKS
Photography by Carolyn Brown
Since humankind was capable of writing and has had a medium through which to write, books have been an integral part of human existence, shaping the way we look at the world and actually shaping the world itself. Books such as the Bible, The Doomsday Book, and even Harry Potter have had a profound effect on the infrastructure of society, to the point where books have become an essential part of both the historic and modern societies. Admittedly with the modernised world developing at a more rapid rate, it has been necessary for publishers to expand into eBooks and online publishing and as a result Electronic Readers such as the Kindle have arrived in everyday life. While I’m not arguing that the Kindle is a bad product, the whole wave of electronic reading devices and eBooks makes me a melancholy man. Books are far more than the words they include. They can contain elaborate illustrations that have been painstakingly drawn and printed in beautifully bound editions. They can be given as gifts simply because they look good around the house or they have a funny title (I got my sister ‘Everybody Poops’ for instance); you can write messages in them to people or record your thoughts
on what you are reading. I believe that what the text ia contained in is as equally important as what is contained within the words of a text, because you can lose the sense of a book as an object with e-readers like the Kindle. For example I’ve read Jack Kerouac’s ‘On the Road’ so many times and made so many notes in it that it’s held together with Sellotape and willpower. The pages are so thin you can actually see through them and it’s got to the point where I am genuinely afraid to open it. The point is that despite the frankly awesome prose included in ‘On the Road’ it has now become far more than just a text to me It has become a symbol of my interests and philosophy and has travelled with me almost everywhere I’ve been and I will continue to take it with me wherever life takes me. Books, being paper and ink, last a lot longer than some complex bit of motherboard and a graphics chip that gets upset by a bit of dust. Books have personality, beauty and meaning that extend way beyond the text and into the world and I firmly believe that this is not something that is just impossible with a Kindle.
E-Reader
Culture writers Chris Bates and Hayley Steed take their sides in the technological debate; timeless books or modern e-readers?
E-READERS In all honesty, when I first heard about the idea of an ereader I was horrified. Anyone who loves books will agree there’s nothing like turning the pages of a book, or that new book smell, or even that old musky book smell. However, I received a Kindle as a present and it completely changed my view. For one, as a student, we are always short of money: a fact with which no one can disagree. Kindle books are cheaper, and there is even a list of free books available. Though you have to pay for the Kindle in the first place, it works out cheaper in the long term. It’s also easier, particularly for someone who reads a lot and quickly, or perhaps someone who travels a great deal. Having a giant number of books on one device means there’s no lugging around heavy novels or having piles of books everywhere; the new Kindle Fire is capable of holding over 80 applications, plus either 10 movies, 800 songs or 6,000 books. I refuse to accept the argument that it is destroying publishers, because they are still needed to choose which books are good and whether to publish them as a hardback or an e-book. If anything, it’s giving authors a much larger chance of getting out into the market because so many more books can be put on a Kindle.
The thing I find most useful with my Kindle, is when switch ed back on, it comes right up with the page I was on. I don’t know about you, but I’m always forgetting whereabouts I am,.I’ve lost every bookmark I’ve ever owned and I refuse to turn down the page. Even if I’m reading several books at once, the kindle remembers where I am in all of them. It would be ignorant of me to not see the attraction of a printed book, however it is also ignorant to disregard the fact that technology is moving us on. It was not too long ago that we all had huge boxy televisions and gigantic computers, and now we’ve got flat screens and iPads. We are always moving at such a speed with technology that we just have to try to keep up, which includes accepting this change: within five years there have been five generations of Kindle and its moved on even more now with the Kindle Fire. I can only imagine the advances there will be within the next five years!
28 - 29 CULTURE
Label Music Meets Ever thought about starting up a band or wondered what the opportunities are like in Loughborough? I caught up with Label Online Editor George Crabb to ask about his experiences. What was it like starting up a band in Loughborough? To be honest, a lot easier that you’d think, it kind of happened overnight! In my first year I played the acoustic stage at FreeFest, (a free festival that happens every summer in Loughborough), and at the end of my set a friend of mine (Jack my guitarist), came up to me and proposed his ideas for song writing. Friend of a Friend was created and from then on, we found a drummer and a bassist and within four months we were playing our first gig in London! There are plenty of other ways though, from MuSoc to local acoustic nights, and other music events throughout the year.
What are the facilities like in Loughborough to get started? I was surprised by the standard despite being in such a sports-orientated university. Loop, a section within media, for the price of just ÂŁ5 an hour, provided everything we needed for rehearsals and some very rough recordings. However, on occasion we travelled down to Quad Studios in Leicester ahead of a few gigs.
Have you found it hard to find gigs in the area? Yes, in the past definitely! Acoustic sets are what most venues seem to want around Loughborough, with the exception of Subversion in the Union and FreeFest. We have had to expand into Leicester to find new venues to play, such as The Musician and The Shed.
Friend of a Friend Who have been your biggest influences? John Mayer is our biggest influence as a collective. But for me, the likes of Gavin DeGraw, The Fray, and Maroon 5 are some of my stand-outs. I have taken influence from everything from soft rock and blues, to jazz and even alternative at times.
What has been your favourite gig? My favourite has to be Union Jazz back in March. It’s an event put on by Loughborough’s Tuxedo Swing in Room 1 each year and is something a little different to the usual music found in the Union on nights out. Both Friend of a Friend and Tuxedo Swing, with whom I also sing, were on stage throughout the night. It was the best feeling to be able to show an audience more than just jazz, but what it can become with a little inspiration too.
Why did you get into your style of music? I did a year’s vocal training at my secondary school focussing on jazz and blues, so joining ‘Tux’ was a given but combining jazz with soft rock was something I had always wanted to do. I remember my Dad taking me to a Sinatra tribute when I was six, guess I never really looked back!
So how could someone in Loughborough find out if people are looking for others to join their band? Well the easiest way to keep up to date with who’s looking for new or even replacement musicians is MuSoc, as members are always looking to form new bands or take on new projects. Otherwise, advertise yourself! There is a group on Facebook called ‘Loughborough Gigs’ where you can both look for gigs around Loughborough to watch or take part in, or seek a band to join or promote yourself to bands who may be looking for someone like you.
Finally, any advice you would give to another band starting up? Simply get your name out there, whether its acoustic nights or joining MuSoc. Someone will be without a doubt looking for a keen vocalist, guitarist, bassist, drummer, keytarist, whoever! Also, see who’s in your hall, you never know who you’ll find. Jack was living five floors below me in Towers for two terms before we even met! Dan Nicholson Music Editor
Section Design by Becky Wright, Eloise Adler
30 - 31 MUSIC
Label Music Reviews The Killers – Battle Born After nearly a two year hiatus, The Killers are back with their fourth studio album ‘Battle Born’, and oh my was it worth the wait. In its opening week ‘Battle Born’ had sold 113,000 copies in the US and 94,000 in the UK, making it their fourth consecutive number one album in the UK.
Muse – The 2nd Law
With bold choruses and dramatic guitar riffs, The Killers have returned from their disco stint that saw the release of ‘Human’ and reignited their ballad, Springsteen-esque, style of music. Brandon has written in his signature lyrical style surrounding the themes of tradition, love, and the past, each song managing to capture the energy that the band brings during their live performances.
Muse have always been one of Britain’s biggest and best rock bands, but they caused quite a stir earlier this year, when their album preview featured a very heavy dubstep sound. Then, hit the end of September, and ‘The 2nd Law’ was released.
Lead single ‘Runaways’ is just a taster of the album as a whole, and was cited by Flowers along with track ‘Miss Atomic Bomb’ as the backbone of the album and made him ‘feel we were on the right track’ after difficulties at the beginning.
The album strikes in a number of genres, from their usual stadium anthem rock in tracks such as ‘Survival’, down to a soft dubstep/rock mix in ‘Madness’, a soft-rock sound last portrayed in Queen’s – ‘It’s a Kind of Magic’.
If like me you are a mad Killers fan, I can guarantee you will love this album!
Straight after ‘Madness’ on the album, is an interesting song, named ‘Panic Station’. There is an ever present funk bass throughout the song, mixed with Matt Bellamy’s pitch changing vocals and screeching guitar to create an anthem which could lead to it becoming a song of the same calibre as ‘Supermassive Black Hole’.
My Rating: 8/10 Ella Stanbrook Music Editor
On a whole, the album is an incredible combination of genres infused with some real hidden gems. An album not to be missed and a very strong contender for the greatest album of 2012. It’s Muse, back to their best.
My Rating: 9/10. Dan Nicholson Music Editor
Illustrations by Deepesh Patel
Enter the most memorable song on the album. ‘Follow Me’ is the most experimental song, combining a dubstep beat with Bellamy’s haunting voice to create an instantly recognisable tune.
Label music news:
ADELE to release the
Rumours of Adele’s Bond theme have been circling for months, but it wasn’t until October 1 that she posted a picture of the ‘Skyfall’ score on Twitter and confirmed what we were all hoping. The song is co-written by Paul Epworth, who also wrote ‘Rolling in the Deep’ with Adele and is just as good a hit. She in fact took a lot of time thinking over the offer; she even read the entire film script before agreeing and who can blame her, it’s an intimidating job. There are three things a Bond film can always guarantee and that’s a suave, suited-up male, a gorgeous, feisty Bond-girl and a new theme song. Unlike a lot of films, the Bond series has always made a huge impact with its choice of music. The recognisable scene of James Bond and his gun at the beginning of the film always prepares us for a brilliant – albeit frustratingly long – song and ‘Skyfall’ is sure to live up to the greats of the past.
Illustration by Emma Tigchellaar
The more recent films have had theme songs that have almost attempted to modernise the franchise and though neither Chris Cornell nor Alicia Keys produced bad songs, they were not particularly impressive. Complete with a 77-piece orchestra, this one takes us back to a traditional Bond theme song, yet Adele still manages to keep her identity and make it her own. Her voice and this film are the perfect combination. The song is fantastically intense and weirdly seductive, a little like Daniel Craig. I would think it is safe to say that this song will be remembered in the lists of great Bond songs. Adele was a brilliant choice, as she has proven from the single she has produced. The key to this song for me is the orchestra. You cannot beat the power and passion it creates, particularly through the strings. Though Adele is great, the song would be nowhere near as good without the actual composition. ‘Skyfall’ is now released and doing brilliantly whilst the eagerly awaited film is set to release today. Hayley Steed
sic Label Mu the f Playlist o ht Fortnig
Garden Dinosaurs t c n ti x E s sayer nourmou Totally E ad Sooth Buckethe Big Green Quiet Life Born rs Battle The Kille s n o Diam d Rihanna s s e n d a Muse M
32 - 33 MUSIC
premier student homes
AMAZING
homes for next year in the best locations
Big rooms with luxury double beds All inclusive rent and a caring private landlord with a reputation for quality and service. Arrange an early viewing...
www.andrewchell.com m: 07769 684800 t: 01509 768986
Student p i h s r e b m e m borough Leisure Centre at Lough
e of 9 c ri p e th r fo s th n o m 11 * ONLY £183.50
£2.1million refurbishment ent NEW fitness equipm • Extended gym with etable with an extensive tim s io ud st e is rc xe e • 3 NEW health suite • Swimming pools & ption area • NEW café and rece s coming soon • NEW changing room
ure.com
harnwoodleis .c w w w t si vi ils ta e d For full or call 01509 611 080 *Terms and conditions apply. See www.fusion-lifestyle.com for details. Student membership times: 06.15 – 17.30 & 20.30 – 22.00 Monday to Friday & anytime at the weekend.
in partnership with Your Charnwood Leisure Centres are brought to you by Charnwood Borough Council in partnership with Fusion – an experienced sport and leisure management organisation. As a registered charity, Fusion continually reinvests
Social Networking
Helpful or Hindrance? Like the majority of us, athletes have flocked to social networking websites such as Twitter and Facebook to keep us fans updated about their progress and give an insight into their daily lives and often make us think, ‘Oh can they really Tweet that!?’ Does the world of Sport really need Joey Barton’s or Rio Ferdinand’s view on life so instantly? Or is it causing too much damage to the reputation of sporting bodies? This year has seen a rise in the ‘controversial tweet’, many sports stars hitting the send button on their immediate thoughts without a second’s hesitation. Take the most high profile instances, Ashley Cole and Rio Ferdinand, both highly paid role models who have got angry and thought ‘Let’s tweet this, I need to show the world I feel hard done by’. That one moment of relief has turned into thousands of pounds worth of fines, a trip to court and grovelling apologies. Footballers seem to be the most inclined to the ‘controversial tweet’, similar circumstances have seen Jack Wilshere, Carlton Cole and Ryan Bertrand (who has subsequently banned himself from Twitter to avoid any further slip ups) land up in the dog house with the FA. So does the immediacy of athlete’s social networking help fans engage with sport, rally behind their teams and make professional sport more accessible? In some ways yes. A great example was seen in the major sporting event of the year, the Olympics, as it allowed you to follow an athlete’s progress, witness how they prepare for such pressure and also send them a message of encouragement. This is social networking at its best function and use, promoting a good image of not only the athlete but also the sporting body, perfect PR. On the flip side it becomes damaging when it affects team relations and puts performance in jeopardy. Whilst Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton have been racing each other on the track, Lewis has also been racing to conclusions on Twitter. He accused Jenson of ‘unfollowing him’, quickly to retract the statement when he discovered he had always been one follower down, and not to stop there he also tweeted important telemetry information, which put McLaren in a tricky situation. When it goes wrong it’s a nightmare for the sports body, the PR firm and the athlete involved, but to think if it were banned the likes of Joey Barton, who must get an award for the most controversial tweeter, wouldn’t be able to impart their daily words of wisdom on us “@Joey7Barton: I will not be wasting my breath on the Terry scenario again after almost being put in the Tower of London last time...” Best not Joey. Rebecca Oldham Sport Editor
How to train like a... Hockey Player
Use it or lose it It is not a coincidence that many people come home at Christmas after their first term at Uni a little bit plumper! A lot of students arrive at Uni fresh out of school, as fit as a fiddle, yet within a couple of weeks of the typical student life, your body’s level of energy cells will have decreased, as will your maximal oxygen consumption, and suddenly many students find themselves out of shape and unfit.
Cross Over Lunges. Maximise your calf, hamstring and glutes workout by lowering your body into a curtsey, making sure your knee doesn’t pass your toes. Twist your torso as you lunge to test your stability and balance. 8-10 repetitions on each leg.
But why is it so important to keep active at Uni? Exercise has been proven to reduce the risk of coronary disease, lower blood pressure, help to control weight, and help protect against osteoporosis. But more than this, regular activity can also have a role in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and improve moods. For those stressed students worried that exercise might take up too much study time, think again! Being active is a great way to release stress and allow your brain to take a well-deserved break. Exercise actually increases concentration by flooding the brain with oxygen and activating chemicals such as dopamine. So you can tell your lecturers, football will improve your grades... sort of.
Illustrations by Greg Carter and Alex Broad
Section Design by Ana Curbelo
Being at a University with such sporting success, there is LOADS to get involved with at Loughborough. If competitive sport appeals to you check out: http://www.lufbra.net/au/, to see all the BUCS teams, trials and league info. If you’d prefer to hit the gym, then visit the lboro.ac.uk website for gym and pool membership prices, or to see gym classes if organised sessions would motivate you more.
Kick Backs Make your strike as powerful as it can possibly be by working your triceps and back. You’ll require a weight for this exercise, so a dumbbell or a weighted house hold object. Lean forward with your back flat extending your arm 90 degrees backwards, pause at the top and bring it back down. 10-15 repetitions per arm.
Being active is just as much about the social benefits it provides as the physical; according to a study carried out by the DCMS, 50.8% of students aged 16-25 who take part in sport, do so with their friends and are active for the social benefits! If this idea of recreationally being active is more your thing and you are counting your pennies as a poor student, then have a look on: www.loughboroughsport.com/my-lifestyle. There are loads of FREE activities including team sports, boot camp sessions, and much more which will help you achieve the NHS recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. Often is the case, that when you feel good about yourself it shows and you look better, act more confident and are more sociable which in turn, makes you feel better about yourself... it’s a catch 22 saturated with benefits! Sophie Yell
36 - 37 SPORT
Loughborough Sport
V ol u nt e e r i n g
Whether you are a fresher or a well-seasoned Loughborough student, there is no way of avoiding the enormity of Loughborough Sport in one context or another. There are so many ways to get actively involved, from IMS and My Lifestyle, to AU and elite level sport but there are also other ways which may not seem too obvious as well. This year, Loughborough Sport is revamping their volunteering arm of the brand to enable more volunteers to participate across a wider range of areas than ever before. The Volunteer Academy has been created to support the needs of Loughborough Sport across campus and the range of different events held both on a regular basis and throughout the year. Last year saw volunteers help to run the BBC East Midlands Sports Personality of the Year Awards, LSRFC vs. the Barbarians and Loughborough International Athletics, to name only a few of the high-profile events which have been held on campus. There are also other opportunities such as the School Liaison volunteers who will deliver presentations and tours of campus to groups of students who have been invited to get a feel for life at Loughborough. A completely new section to Sports Volunteering this year is ‘Press & Media’, these volunteers will get the chance to be involved with press reports, photography, and even the occasional interview. With the vast number of high profile athletes on campus, who knows what is possible! With the amazing facilities and opportunities that you wouldn’t gain at any other university, there is no better time to get involved with the new Volunteering Academy. Not only is it a chance to give something back to Loughborough, but there is the opportunity to gain new qualifications, meet new people and have extra activities to include on your CV. Applications to join the academy can be made via the link. Make the most of Loughborough whilst you are here, three years just isn’t long enough! Chloe Hemmings Sports Editor
on and to informati h For more roles whic all of the w. w w discover it is v ble, are availa .com/ ughsport ro o b h g u lo g n ri e volunte
Injury Season
You can spot a Loughborough athlete a mile off, the new rebranded Kukri kits, the unusual shaped bags containing hundreds of pounds worth of kit and the mandatory flip flops. With this however, there will be quite a few sporting plaster casts, crutches, and broken bones. Life in sport is not always training, matches and achievement; it comes with the unspoken understanding that injury will prevail at some point. What happens to the forgotten few who are hauled up on the sofa, covered in ice packs, trying to count down the days until their return to the HiPac? The first week after the initial impact or trauma comes as a shock to most athletes, mobility is restricted, the pain is raw, and adjustments must be made to rest the affected area. It is the transition from training at 7am most mornings to finding that daytime TV isn’t the most entertaining phenomena. Psychologically you know you shouldn’t be training, and your body is agreeing, but the mentality held by most athletes believes an injury, no matter the severity, can be ‘run off’. In reality, training or pushing your body too soon after an injury is just going to land you with an extended stay on the sidelines and a gruelling wait to fitness. There are solutions to injuries, especially at Loughborough. Although there are no ‘quick fixes’ or miracle cures there are opportunities to treat your injury with the respect it deserves. The correct assessment and treatments are vital to optimise the recovery period. The Sports Medicine Service on campus provides rehabilitation opportunities from elite, to recreational athletes. Services include sports massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture, podiatry and ultrasound, at student and staff discounted prices. The campus also offers a wide range of facilities when an injured athlete feels the time is right to make steps into regaining overall fitness. The 50m pool offers stability and support for certain injuries whilst providing a cardio alternative to the high impact of running or cycling. Activities such as deep water running stimulate the muscular movement of running but without the danger of injury regression. Powerbase or LUFFS are packed with high quality equipment which when used correctly can avoid further pressure on the injury and maintain a sense of normality in an athlete’s training routine. The most important source of advice though is simply ‘Listen to your body’, you won’t win a BUCS Gold by prolonging healing injuries. Rebecca Oldham Sports Editor
38 - 39 SPORT