18 MAR 2013 /
ISSUE 18 FREE Tell us what you think of this issue! Get in touch: @ussusalfordian inside
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SALFORD’S ONLY STUDENT NEWSPAPER
Fashion
Students’ Union Elections winners
ANNOUNCED
Our features editor shares her fashion tips with the latest from the catwalks on page 4
Photograph: Chris Johnson
The Salfordian Q&A
The new Sabbatical team Amanda Mace Editor After weeks of campaigning and preparation, the hard work of your Elections candidates has finally paid off. Last Thursday, the winners of this year’s Students’ Union Elections were announced at a packed results night in Bar Yours. This year’s winners, who will begin their training in the coming months, will go on to represent Salford students in the 2013 / 14 academic year. Throughout their time at the Union, the president works with the three other sabbatical officers to support students in each of the University colleges. Should a group or individual experience any issues while studying at Salford, the officers are committed to working with the University to find a practical solution. The aim of the student council, meanwhile, is to ensure that the work of the sabbatical officers continues to be both comprehensive and appropriate to the needs of current students. Council takes a lead on campaigning and representation projects and scrutinises the work of the elected officers. While the sabbatical officers take a year out of university to work full time at the Students’ Union, the student council members undertake their roles alongside their degree. Following the announcement of your candidates a fortnight ago, those who had nominated themselves began
working tirelessly to promote their manifestos. Voting opened on Friday 8 March, signalling the beginning of a critical campaigning period for the Salford candidates. Many showcased their creative skills with visual displays, choreographed dancing and even a muffin eating world record attempt. For those undaunted by a little healthy discussion and friendly competition, the candidates’ debates last week were a great opportunity to increase exposure on campus. The debates were chaired by former Union president, Usman Ali and saw the candidates grapple with a range of issues and questions from students. The most crucial day for the candidates, however, was Thursday 14 March. With just a few hours to go to obtain those vital votes, the candidates spent the final day canvassing across the University. In preparation for the ballot count that evening, voting closed at 4pm. The Students’ Union also held a referendum alongside this year’s Elections. Students were invited to provide a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the following questions: Should the Students’ Union amend its constitution so that it can appoint Student Trustees to its Trustee Board rather than electing them alongside the Sabbatical Officer positions? Overall, 1070 students reponded to the question. 664 voted yes, while 406 voted no. In total, 2685 Salford students voted in this year’s Students’ Union Elections. The first winners to be announced were the student council. Your new Student
Helen Frances Vaudrey meets bestselling author Ali Harris on page 5 Some of the new Student Council with current Students’ Union President Christina Kennedy
Council for the 2013 / 14 academic year are Michael Ebia, Asif Omar, Jesseca Stewart, Ryan Stafford, Marwa Anwar, Roger Giles, Ajayi Oluwole, Sonia Ekuase, Andreea Septelici, Olusina Olutade, Lynsey Hamer, Chris Hughes, Chris Johnson, Danielle Hinds and Andrew Kerr. After an incredibly tense few minutes, the Vice President winners were announced. First to be elected was Business and Economics student Todd Hewitt. With a total of 571 votes after the second round of transfers, Todd broke a Salford record for the most number of votes for an individual standing for the first time in the vice president Elections. Todd said: “It hasn’t sunk in yet! All that hard work paid off but I still wasn’t expecting it.” Jasmine Pokuaa was elected for the second Vice President position, with 525
votes after the fourth round. Jasmine said: “I’m over the moon and really excited.” Finally, Alex Thorp was elected as the third Sabbatical Officer for 2013 / 14 with 389.5 votes after the fourth round, Alex said: “It feels very good! I’d like to thank everyone who supported me.” When the President announcement began, it immediately became clear that current Students’ Union Vice President Health and Social Care and International Relations and Politics student Mishal Saeed was in the lead, with 1046 votes after the second count. After being elected as the Students’ Union President for 2013 / 14, Mishal said: “I’m overwhelmed and absolutely thrilled. I want to thank every single person who voted for me and everyone who went out of their way to campaign alongside me, I’m so grateful.”
Do you have a news story for The Salfordian? Email the news editor Jonathan Blackburn at J.Blackburn1@edu.salford.ac.uk
Music
Sally Leibovici reviews Johnny Marr’s new album on page 29
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Contents Pages 1-3 News Page 4, 5, and 6 Features Page 27 Comment Page 28 and 29 Arts Page 30 Your Union Page 31 Activities Page 32 Sports
Editorial Amanda Mace Editor
Hello all! First off, a huge congratulations to all the Students’ Union Elections winners. The very best of luck to the new Student Council members, Sabbatical Team, and President - I’m sure you’ll all do a fantastic job next year! I’d also like to say well done to all those who didn’t get elected last Thursday but worked really hard during the Elections period, as you’ve all definitely got a brilliant future ahead of you. The Salfordian will return after the Easter holidays.
Upcoming event: Student representation conference If you are student representitive for your school or course, the upcoming student representitive conference is an event not to be missed. The event, which will be hosted by the Sabbatical Officers, will give representitives an opportunity to discuss student and
course-related issues. The conference will take place next Wednesday, 20 March at 12.30pm in Maxwell Upper Hall. For more details, check your email or search for ‘student rep conference’ on Facebook.
Have a good break everyone!
Your view
How well do you think the University makes students aware of its rules and regulations? “Rules can be found when needed but in my experience, they are not given readily.”
Rules and regulations: don’t get caught out! From Monday, the Students’ Union will again be running our Rules and Regulations Awareness Week (or RARA!), to ensure students have the full facts when it comes to the University’s rules and regulations. These cover everything from how you use social media to avoiding plagiarism. It’s crucial that you’re fully aware
of the rules and regulations that affect you while you study at Salford. At worst, failing to follow them could see you having to leave the University. The Students’ Union is here to ensure that all students are up to date on the rules and regulations. Take a look at www.salfordstudents. com/advice to find out about the
rules surrounding: •Late submission •Academic misconduct (plagiarism) •Social media use •File sharing •Personal mitigating circumstances RARA is brought to you by the Students’ Union Advice Centre, providing independent, friendly, professional advice that works.
Ellie Bryan
Natasha Hurril
“I don’t think the Uni advertises the rules very well as I don’t know them and I’ve never really seen them. Accommodation sort of advertise by sending emails out but not well enough.”
“I just use common sense, like no Stephanie alcohol in the library!” Rawlinson Daniel Mason
“(The University) publicises it’s rules as much as it can do really, they are shown on multiple media platforms.”
Do you have a news story for The Salfordian? Want to write for us? Email the news editor Jonathan Blackburn at J.Blackburn1@edu.salford.ac.uk
Editor: Amanda Mace Email: editor-ussu@salford.ac.uk
Features Editor: Lowri Williams
Postal address: Univerity of Salford Students’ Union, University House, The Crescent, Salford, M5 4WT
Visit Our Website www.salfordstudents.com
News Editor: Jonathan Blackburn
J.Blackburn1@edu.salford.ac.uk
Comment Editor: Jonathon Norrey
J.Norrey@edu.salford.ac.uk
Arts Editor: Sally Leibovici
sally.leibovici@yahoo.com
lowrix@hotmail.co.uk
Sports & Activities Editor: Bryony Pearce B.Pearce@edu.salford.ac.uk Careers: Amanda Mace Advertising : Stefan Redfern stefan.redfern@manchester.ac.uk Tel 0161 275 2930
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Blue Peter presenter turns daredevil for Comic Relief at MediaCityUK Jenni Hill Crowds gathered at Salford Quays at a recent event, as daredevil Blue Peter presenter, Helen Skelton, crossed the Manchester Ship Canal on a ropebridge. The presenter walked the 75 metre Burma Rope Bridge as part of the ‘Magnificent 7’ – 7 tests in seven weeks in aid of Comic Relief. During the journey, Helen had to reach up to burst the giant red balloons above her head – popping the final balloon left her covered in custard. Local school children from Oasis Academy and Bridgewater Hall were invited to cheer the adventurous presenter on. Cheeky Blue Peter colleague, Barney Harwood and the Salford Sea Cadets
waited in the water ready to throw sponges at Helen in an attempt to try and put her off. The brave Blue Peter star is never shy when it comes to embarking on new adventures and once rowed across the Amazon and trekked to the South Pole. This was not the first time Helen has tested her balancing skills either, in 2011 she crossed a 66m (216ft) high tightrope between the chimneys of Battersea Power Station. When asked by Quays News reporters what inspires her to endure such mad challenges, Helen replied: “Whenever Comic Relief comes calling it is very difficult to say no because they fund so many charities. Although it seems mad and difficult and dangerous, it’s only for a short period of time compared to the people who need the money.”
University library expands e-book scheme The Library’s You Try, We Buy e-Books campaign has been extended from 18,000 titles to a huge 240,000 across all subject areas. e-Books offer students advantages including being able to access them both on and offer campus, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can easily search the book for keywords rather
Upcoming event:
than thumbing your way through hundreds of pages. All you need to do is use the new search box to find what you need and if you choose to continue reading when prompted, the e-Book will be brought by the Library. Simple! For more information, visit: www. salford.ac.uk/library/ebooks
Charles Parker Day 2013 The Charles Parker Day is an annual event held at MediaCityUK to recognise the work of the late BBC producer and celebrates ‘the radio feature – past, present and future’. 2013 is the 50th anniversary of two of Parker’s famous radio ballads made with Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger - ‘On the Edge’ about teenagers and ‘The Fight Game’ about boxing. Two of the main themes of this year’s conference are therefore ‘The radio feature and ‘young people’ and ‘Sport on radio’. On the day. Friday 22 March the work of student feature makers will also be celebrated and the winner of the Charles Parker prize 2013 will be announced.
David Cameron visits India to discuss students Jasmine Patel The UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, has visited India for the second time, to build special relationships and encourage investments with the UK economy. He promised to double trade with India in July 2010, following his General Election victory. As part of his mission to build investments, he has also urged Indian students to come and study in the UK. However, Indian students feel that they are not welcomed into the country after restrictions have been added to the visa policy. In April 2012, the post study work visa was ended in which allowed international graduates to find work in a period of two years. The aims of removing this visa permit was to reduce net migration, cut down on false applications made, and reduce the numbers of those outstaying their visas. Glynn Williams told the Times Higher Education, “In India, UK student visas became known as the ‘marriage dowry’ because female Indian students were able to bring over their partners to work in the UK,” and therefore this visa route was abused, he expressed. India is the second largest international market for UK universities. In the academic year
between 2010 to 2011, there were 39,090 Indian students, who had attended a university in the UK; however, there has been a twenty-four percent drop in 2011 to 2012. The general secretary of Manchester’s Indian Society has said that David Cameron’s recent visit was “a waste of time”. He furthered expressed that “if David Cameron comes back home and doesn’t change the rules and regulations, it would make no impact, therefore making David Cameron’s journey a wasted journey”. In a discussion of this topic amongst Indian students, most students believe that the PSW visa change in April 2012 was a “bad move”. If the rules hadn’t changed in the first place, more and more students would have been studying at a university, here in the UK. However, not all students thought so negatively on the issue, University of Salford Masters of Science: Biotechnology student, Arvind Swamy, said that it was very nice that David Cameron went to India and that “he should visit very often”. After his visit to India, David Cameron is now reconsidering changes in visa rules. Despite the government’s endeavour to cut net migration, he said, “We will ease visa rules to allow more Indians to work here”.
The Students’ Union is keen to hear about your experience at Salford so they can plan for the future and play their part in helping you enjoy your time here. The Union wants to know what Salford students think of the Students’ Union. So your ideas about what the Union should be doing, how you would like to see the Students’ Union develop and about what they do well and what they could do better. The Students’ Union wants to become an even more important part of students’ lives and they are currently writing a strategic plan to guide us over the next five years – that plan will be stronger if they hear what you want from your Union. An independent research agency called Alterline are conducting the research for the Union so all answers will be treated anonymously. Tell the Students’ Union what you think and you could win one of over 50 cash prizes! To complete the survey, visit: www. salfordstudents.com/shape
Salford bus crash causes disruption Many students from the University of Salford were late to lectures after two buses crashed in Salford, leaving 25 injured and causing major traffic delays. The buses collided on the junction of Lower Broughton Road and Cromwell Road at 7:50am on March 11. The incident, which left both buses with shattered windscreens and twisted bodywork, injured 21 school children on their way to school, but the First Bus driver, was believed to have the worst injury. A single decker owned by First Buses and a double decker Arriva bus was involved. First Buses’ Media and Relations Manager, Duncan McGraw said: “First are working closely with Greater Manchester Police who are investigating the crash as well as launching an internal investigation into what caused the incident. “Luckily no one suffered any serious injuries. Our driver was taken to local hospital with a cut to his head. “Safety is out number one
priority. When an incident happens like this we carry out an investigation to get to the bottom of it.” Four ambulances, advanced paramedic teams and incident managers from the North West Ambulance Service all attended the scene, along with fire crews from Broughton, Ashton and Salford. Due to their high number, casualties were sent to North Manchester General, Hope Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary. A spokesperson for Arriva Manchester said: “A full investigation is currently underway.” Debra Heaton, of Arriva North West Press Office added: “We can’t add much else until investigations have been carried out. We will be working with the police and providing CCTV footage from the vehicle.” The fleet of cars accompanying Dale Cregan to Preston Crown Court, where he is being tried for murdering father and son David and Mark Short had to stop on a Salford street because of the delay with armed officers surrounding the van transporting Cregan.
University launches ‘Class of 2013’
Photograph: Charlotte Stephenson
Jayna Patel
This year the Alumni Engagement Team have launched The Class of 2013 campaign, a brand new campaign which is all about “students supporting students”. The aim of the campaign is to give final year students a platform within which they can make a difference at Salford before they leave the University, and embark on the next step in their career. 100% of the funds raised will go to the Class Gift Fund, a new fund created specifically for the Class of 2013. Starting next year, the funds raised by the Class of 2013 campaign will be used to help students who would like to take advantage of development opportunities. What may seem like a small contribution from you could change a student’s life, by giving them that little bit of extra support to develop and follow their future. To learn more about how you can get involved and support the Class of 2013 campaign, please visit www. salford.ac.uk/classgift or contact Jonathan at j.marshall@salford.ac.uk or 0161 295 2831.
Do you have a news story for The Salfordian? Want to write for us? Email the news editor Jonathan Blackburn at J.Blackburn1@edu.salford.ac.uk
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Photograph: Art Comments @ flickr.com
Erasmus corner
Lowri Loves... the nineties Lowri Williams Features editor One of the trends to come from the spring/ summer 2013 runways were the nineties’ sportswear trends. Cool, casual, and uber chic, this trend seems to be very popular for the upcoming months. Our couture designers are those to thank for bringing back the nineties, with Topshop Unique, J.W. Anderson, Ashish, Richard Nicoll, and Antonio Beradi to name but a few. Balmain and DSquared2 opted for a sports lux array of designs throughout their collections. Wildfox Couture’s spring/ summer 2013 collection ‘Kids in America’ also demonstrated great nostalgia towards the 90s as their collection made an incredible tribute to the iconic 90’s film ‘Clueless’; a top favourite of mine. This spring brings about complete 90s nostalgia - styles such as oversized jumpers, neon jerseys, silk joggers, and grunge inspired mesh jackets are everywhere and are reigning the high street. So now is the perfect time to dig out those old
Each week, The Salfordian’s features editor shares her fashion tips and the latest from the catwalks dungarees… The 90s are back. Backpacks have also made a huge comeback and have been creeping up on us for a while now. I have been wearing mine for months and still can’t get enough of it - a purchase from Topshop that has gone down a treat. Topshop and American Apparell are my go-to for casual yet chic backpacks. Eastpak also stock an array of fabulously mod-ish backpacks. Hair scrunchies are also making a revival. Yes, you read correctly. Personally, I can’t bring myself to sport one, but give it a few months and God knows what I’ll be wearing. For jewellery, large gold links and chains are huge at the moment; paired with a plain sweater and joggers, it looks effortlessly casual yet fashionable. The 90’s sportswear is a trend that allows for great nostalgia, and allows fashion to be fun. To read the next ‘Lowri Loves’, pick up the next issue of The Salfordian after the Easter holidays. Follow me on twitter for fashion updates @ LowriWyn_1 and my blog www.lowriwyn. blogspot.com
Going Dutch! I have taken upon myself many titles while I have been here; ‘the journalist’, ‘the exchange student’, ‘that slightly weird English guy’, and ‘the funny improv comedy bloke’. All of them have made me smile and defined me quite well. Now I have a new title to add to the list: ‘English language teacher’. A Spanish girl was assured by another Spanish girl that I could help her learn English. Shocking really since I never thought I could help people speak English and I am me. Still, nothing ventured nothing gained, and we have come to the agreement of an exchange of languages. She helps me learn Spanish, of which my learning is still wanting, and I will help her speak better English, of which she speaks pretty well already. Even though I never thought I could teach languages, since I
The Salford showcase
Salford student Nathan Thompson is studying in The Netherlands as part of the exchange programme. Each week, he shares his experiences living abroad.
can’t speak much of any other language but English, I can’t help but admit I am actually looking forward to preparing lessons. They are not going to be terribly complex lessons, of course; watch some English/ American films with English subtitles and ask her to pronounce some really tricky words to make sure she has them. I was also thinking of encouraging her to sing some song lyrics because nothing sticks better in the mind than a good song. Even through my own lack of formal language education (I got a ‘U’ for my French GCSE), I know that these might seem like rather unorthodox methods. But then I figure that I am a rather unorthodox kinda guy. I think it will suit perfectly. There is another less altruistic reason for me volunteering my time to teach a girl English; she
is gorgeous. Yes, I am making no defence against the fact that the attractiveness of the student is influencing me slightly. No doubt a few people think that it would be an abuse of my teacher status (don’t laugh at that) to try and date someone who has come to me for learning but what the hell; I’M A MAN FOR GOD’S SAKE, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT!? My forays into romantic meetings have been somewhat lacking recently. I can only do so much with the time I have and since a nightly trip out getting very drunk is not really me, opportunities haven’t been great. You have to grab whatever opportunities come along. Anyway guys, have a great Easter. I will let you know how it went in the next issue. Cross your fingers for me, and if you disagree at least don’t pray too hard for my rejection.
A chance to show your fellow Salford students some of your amazing work! This week Lauren Moore shares some of her photographs. These Manchester-based shots were taken using a Lomography Diana F+.
Are you a photographer, artist, fashion designer, or crafter? If you would like your work to feature on this page, email editor-ussu@salford.ac.uk
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Features : 05
The Salfordian Q&A: Ali Harris Helen Frances Vaudrey
Ali Harris has written for magazines such as Red, ELLE, Stylist, Cosmopolitan and Company and Glamour before leaving to pursue a career as an author. Ali Harris’s novel “The First Last Kiss” hit the shops on January 17th this year. After the success of her first novel, “Miracle on Regent Street”, there was no doubt that Ali’s next read would be just as enjoyable, sassy and downright addictive as the last. I caught up with her to find out more about the woman behind the fiction. In this open interview Ali talks of the highs and lows of becoming a writer, the hard work that follows when you make it, and imparts some useful tips for the aspiring writers amongst you too.
Simon & Schuster
Helen Frances Vaudrey: First things first; how did you become a writer? Ali Harris: I’d had ambitions to write a book since I was a child but was sidetracked in my teens by the way more glamorous ambition of being an actress. However, after graduating from my performing arts degree I found myself waitressing. For far longer than I’d planned. I hated my uninspiring job and any spare minute of the day when I wasn’t serving tables I had my nose in a book, losing myself in tales about funny, bright, sassy women who were struggling to make their way in the world, just like me. I’d always been an avid reader and the ‘chick lit’ genre had just been born. Inspired by the brilliance of Helen Fielding, Lisa Jewell, Jennifer Weiner and Adele Parks I started writing by day, whilst serving tables at night. Six months later I’d finished the book and sent three chapters off to ten agents. I got nine rejections and when the tenth agent showed a flicker of interest but then rejected it too, I cried. My sister cleverly pointed out that whilst I should never give up on my dreams to get published, maybe I should consider getting a job that involved writing every day, instead. I’d always loved fashion magazines so I wrote to five of my favourite titles and a week later had a work experience placement. From the first day, I loved it and gradually worked my way up to Features writer on Company, where I had my own column. I followed that by working at Cosmo and ELLE before becoming deputy features editor of Glamour. But during those years my dream of being a published author had never gone away. In fact, working in magazines had only fuelled my ambition more. As a journalist I was lucky enough to meet and interview many celebrities – but even more excitingly for me, many of my favourite authors. I’d always quiz them about how they got published and got some great advice. One of them even told her agent about me, who asked to see the novel I was working on, when I was ready. I was so freaked out I didn’t send her anything for three years! I was too busy developing my magazine career, falling in love, having fun…. the usual 20 something stuff! It was only when I was 31 and pregnant with my first baby that I realized that it was now or never. No more excuses. I used my maternity leave to focus on finishing a book I’d been working on for years – and sent it to the agent and was overjoyed when she took me on. I’d like to say the rest is history, but more rejections followed as the book I finally finished, edited and submitted was turned down by ten publishers. Luckily this time the
feedback was much more positive. They liked my writing but in a tough market, they didn’t feel the story was strong enough for a debut novel. Luckily I had also submitted an idea for a second novel – which was to become ‘Miracle on Regent St’. All of them showed an interest in this book and one editor in particular, from Simon and Schuster (my now publisher) asked to meet me. Fifteen chapters later she offered me a two book deal! Last year I signed with them for another two more. HFV: Can you tell us a bit about the plot for your new book? AH: With pleasure! It’s a story about a couple, Molly and Ryan who meet in their teens and seem destined to be together forever. They fall in love, but soon it becomes clear that one day they will be torn apart. Each chapter is a kiss in their relationship but as the story flits back and forth in time we see them share their first, last kiss and from that moment Molly finds herself asking if you can ever know how much you love someone until its too late? Can you make a kiss last a lifetime? I like to think it’s an emotional, but uplifting read that will really make you think about love and life. After the success of your first book, was the second more difficult to write? Hell, yes! My first book, Miracle on Regent Street had been such a joy to write, I was so unencumbered by expectation and the story was so straightforward and so life-affirming.
Going to Evie’s world made me happy every single day. But The First Last Kiss was different. As well as being a bigger story and structurally more complex it was also incredibly emotionally draining (if you read it you’ll understand why!) Without sounding dramatic I felt like I carried the weight of Molly and Ryan’s future’s around with me for the entire year that I was writing it. Added to that we’d just moved house and I had a new baby as well as a very active toddler running about. None of those things make writing particularly ‘easy’. Also, with a second book you’re no longer in a bubble where you’re just writing unselfconsciously or indulgently for yourself. I was editing and then promoting my first one, as well as reading reviews for the first time which can really effect your confidence when you’re trying to write your next book. I’ve since learned its not a good idea to look at Amazon obsessively! Especially as I didn’t have the belief that the first
wasn’t a complete fluke. On top of all that I had a toddler, a new baby and we’d just moved to the countryside from London. So to say I was a bit strung out, is to put it mildly! But even though it was hard and I was stressed, I always had complete, immeasurable belief in the book, the characters and my writing. I honestly have no idea where that confidence came from. I don’t think I’m naturally a confident person. But I adore writing, I’m completely passionate about it and I knew what I was writing was better than anything I’d ever done before. HFV: What has inspired the stories behind your novels? AH: So many things! People, places, film, music, emotions, fears… I have definitely used the various jobs I have done over the years as inspiration. One of my first jobs after university was working in retail in a concession at Selfridges. At the morning staff meetings I was always intrigued by the pale, quiet stockroom girl who kept herself to herself. I found myself envying the freedom of her job that meant she came and went as she pleased and didn’t have to deal with all the petty problems and bitchiness of the shop floor. It occurred to me that although she probably felt invisible, she was in the engine room and we all relied on her, whether we knew her name or not. She was the heart and soul of the store. Ten years later, she was who I imagined when I wrote Miracle On Regent Street. The First Last Kiss came from a much darker place. I had the idea shortly after I’d had my first child. My husband was home late, I hadn’t heard from him and I was lying in bed worrying – as anxious new mums tend to do! I remember wondering if I kissed him properly before he left and then I panicked because I realised I couldn’t remember. And then I thought, how could I have let the love of my life walk out of the house and not savoured the moment our lips met? What if it had been the last time? How could I ever forgive myself? When he came home I showered him with kisses and as he fell into an easy sleep next to me, I vowed to try as hard as I could never take him – or our kisses for granted again. That’s when the title and idea began to form in my mind. As I began to map out the story of Molly and Ryan, a couple who have been together for years and loved each other for what feels like forever, I began to question this theory more. Is it ever possible to be the perfect partner? Does it take knowing that you’re losing someone for us to truly appreciate what we have? I told you it came from a dark place! HFV: What advice would you give to aspiring writers? HV: Oh wow. I have so much advice! Stop talking about it and start writing? And then when you start writing, don’t stop till you’ve finished? I know, I know that makes it sound easy and impossible all at once, right? Actually, that’s what writing novels feels like all the time.
When it’s going well it is a breeze, the best job in the world! When it’s going badly it feels like a long, painful journey up an insurmountable mountain. But, saying that my tips to make it easier would be to take the time to shape your story and characters before you start writing. I can’t tell you how many novels I started where I just said whimsically: ‘oh, you know I’ll just see where the characters take me!’ In my experience that will either take you very, very sl-oooow-ly, or you’ll write yourself into a corner you can’t get out of, realize you have no idea where the story is going and you’ll have to start again. It says also the first book I ever plotted from begin to end was also the first book (of the many I’d tried to write!) to get published. I think that speaks for itself! Set yourself a weekly target. It could be 1000 words; it could be 10,000 the important thing is to stick to it. Deadlines are good. They are what you will have to write to when you get a book deal, so you may as well start now. Don’t labor over every sentence. If you’re picking up a thesaurus every two minutes, you shouldn’t be writing a novel, you should be going on Countdown! Get out and about. In order to write about life, you have to see it. Staying in a locked room staring at a computer is a sure fire road to insanity so if the words aren’t coming go for a walk, a run, go to the pub (yes, really!) or to a coffee shop. But then come home and write. What else? Oh yes, find your voice, one that’s unique to you. Admire other authors yes, but don’t try to write like them. Get as much experience in other forms of writing as possible: write for newspapers, magazines, write an opinion piece, a speech, write a kids story, a short story or a poem, or even a
blog. Just write. Every single day. Easy, right?! HFV: Fashion seems to figure strongly in your narrative. Is this another love of yours? If so, can you tell me three of your favourite items in your wardrobe? AH: I’ve always loved fashion and working in women’s magazines definitely fanned the flames even further. I’ve always loved classic, simple style and yearned to have some classic designer staples in my wardrobe. So my favourite has to be my Chanel handbag that I bought myself the day Miracle on Regent Street was published. It’s the 2011 version of the classic 2.55. Black, quilted, quite small and boxy with a silver and black chain. I love it! The plan is that I’m going to hand it down to my daughter when she’s 21 – with the caveat that she does the same to her daughter (if she has one) at the same age! Coincidentally my daughter’s initials are CC – just like Coco Chanel’s so it seems appropriate. And I love the fact that the bag embodies my dreams coming true. I think that’s a lovely gift to hand on through the generations. One of my other favourite items would be my wedding shoes - they’re a gorgeous ivory Christian Louboutin stiletto with a diamante embossed butterfly over the foot. I told myself when I handed over the £500 for them that I’d wear them again, but I just can’t bring myself too. I love that the heels are still caked with dried mud and looking at them on my shoe shelves brings back all the memories of my wedding day. The last item is a jigsaw striped Breton top. It’s the fashion law that when you become a mum you have to wear Breton stripes! I always feel simple and stylish in it. Pick up your copy of The First Last Kiss in all major book stores now!
Got an experience to share? Written a feature that you would like to get published? Email the features editor Lowri Williams at lowrix@hotmail.co.uk
06 : Features
ISSUE 18 / 18 MARCH 2013 WWW.SALFORDSTUDENTS.COM
The round-up Carl Spurling Words and image (right) This week’s column is experiencing technical difficulties, please pause for thirty seconds before continuing. First some sad news, : anyone over the age of ten will remember meeting Franklin Adajai, the first ever man to meet everyone in the world. Starting at the age of 19 and only giving up five years ago, Franklin was still endeavouring to meet all new people well into his nineties. He touched millions… literally, ; he shook everyone’s hand. I will always have fond memories of when he visited my school in 2002 and met everyone there, ; a truly extraordinary man. Now I thought I would print the letter I recently sent to our Government… Dear ‘the Government’, Alright? I can’t help noticing you go on and on about childhood obesity but don’t seem to be able to do anything about it. Here is my easy eight step guide, you are welcome to use… 1. Add dysentery to the Sunny Delight supply (or whatever the kids are drinking these days… alco-pops or something, I don’t know). 2. Prune children during the Autumn. Just trimming a few inches of the arms and legs can make all the difference weight weightwise. 3. Chase them. 4. Fat camp… or as he is better known Russell Grant. Get him to visit schools and display the horror of how an obese person could be (the scare ‘em straight approach). 5. Poison thirty per cent of all McDonalds. They will either not eat them or lose weight from the stress. This also adds a welcome element of jeopardy for the non-obese too.
Carl casts a caustic eye on current affairs
6. Invent a drug which allows the user to sweat out fat reserves. Obviously this would be left up to chemists and science boffins but the way I imagine it you would squeeze the child (accordion style) and the fat would emerge in long sausage shapes out of selected areas of the body (play-dough style). 7. Give them the choice. You can either lose your extra weight through exercise to remove excess fat, or have surgery to remove heavy vital organs. I think you’ll find that choice will be very easy for them. I strongly believe one or a combination of all of these will be effective. Yours, Carl Spurling Advert observation of the week Everyone has seen the Guy Ritchie directed advert featuring a nude David Beckham running around. To be honest, with his intellect it wouldn’t surprise me if he was meant to be clothed but hasn’t mastered buttons yet. I bet that morning he was stood with his arms outstretched, looking confused at the clothes Victoria had laid out on the bed for him for hours before he realised she wasn’t there to put them on for him. He arrived at the shoot in a bin bag he stole from the back of a local hospital. It is a popular fact that David Beckham wears brand new underwear everyday as he can afford it and likes the feel. Most have written this off as the eccentricity of a rich man but I think it is just a cover-up excuse for him pissing himself daily. If you can’t tell, I don’t think Beckham is the brightest man in the world… though he is still a few steps ahead in the evolutionary process to Wayne ‘Wazzah’ Rooney.
Salford’s got style! Every week in The Salfordian, Phoebe Hevan heads out on campus to find Salford’s most stylish students Student: Abbey Birden Studying: BA (Hons) Fashion: Design, Fashion: Image Making and Styling How would you describe your style? Is black and white a style? Where do you derive your style inspiration? Japanese fashion and street style. I went off colour for a while began wearing a lot of monochrome pieces; I prefer to keep the colour to my hair. Where do you shop? It’s a mixture of high street stores and ASOS. I buy things I like rather than sticking to certain brands Who is your style icon? Grimes! (Claire Boucher).
Recipe of the week
crème brûlée
Test your culinary skills and impress your housemates with this tasty dessert Amy Hughes You will need: 500ml cream Dash vanilla essence 6 egg yolks 100g sugar 1. Preheat the oven to 150C 2. Pour the cream into a saucepan and pour in vanilla essence 3. Bring the cream to boiling point. 4. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, beat the sugar and egg yolks together in a large heatproof bowl 5. Pour cream over the egg mixture, whisking continuously until thickened
6. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a large jug, and then use this to fill six ramekins to about twothirds full. 8. Place the ramekins into a large roasting tray and pour in enough hot water to come halfway up your ramekins 9. Place the roasting tray onto the centre shelf of the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes 10. Remove the ramekins from the water and set aside to cool to room temperature. Then chill until firm in the fridge 11. If you just so happen to own a blow torch, sprinkle sugar on top and caramalise, but if not, they’re still fine without the hard sugar top
Got an experience to share? Written a feature that you would like to get published? Email the features editor Lowri Williams at lowrix@hotmail.co.uk
ISSUE 18 / 18 MARCH 2013 WWW.SALFORDSTUDENTS.COM
Comment : 27
Hockey Fights Are Dumb By Jon Grieve Footballers in this country are regularly criticised for the ease with which they go to ground. Turn on Match of the Day on any given week and you are almost guaranteed to hear overpaid pundits offering what passes for an opinion on what some people consider blatant cheating and others would describe as professionalism. Ex-pros often bemoan the willingness of players’ willingness to go to ground after the slightest touch and some have tried to make the argument that the game has lost all physicality. While it is true that football has evolved and there is much less leeway for challenges that could generously be described as robust, the game is generally better for it as skilled players are allowed to flourish. The reality is that there is a much more important debate to be had surrounding the issues of concussions in the major American sports leagues, particularly the National Hockey League. The case of the NHL’s attitude to concussions is a particularly galling one. Although the age of dedicated enforcers who have limited skill and are employed purely to fight and play with a physical edge is over, fights still remain a relatively frequent aspect of the game and retain their popularity with some portions of the league’s fan base. Many of these players earned their place in the league through physical play and don’t have the talent to justify their inclusion on talent alone. So they fight and they hit to keep their dreams and careers alive. If they don’t, there will always be someone else willing to make the sacrifice. The danger inherent in this is that concussions go unreported
in the fear that players will have to sit out games and may never regain their place. Instead they rely on painkillers, often prescribed by team doctors, and continue to play despite the warning signs. In spite of his limited abilities as a hockey player, Derek Boogaard developed into one of the most feared enforcers in the NHL over the span of a six-year career. After leaving the Minnesota Wild via free agency, he was paid $1.5 million a year by the New York Rangers to be a physical force on the ice. He played only 22 games for them before his season was ended by a concussion sustained in his seventh fight of the year. Derek Boogaard would never play again. He died less than six months later after accidentally overdosing on a mix of alcohol and oxycodone. He was 28 years old. After his death, Boogaard’s family donated his brain to medical science. Studies found that he had the degenerative brain condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy and significant damage to brain tissue. Symptoms of CTE include memory loss, impulsiveness, mood swings, and addiction. Dr. Ann Mckee, who studied Boogaard’s brain, said his condition would likely have worsened into middle-age dementia due to the severity of the damage his brain had been subjected to. You would assume that in the face of such evidence, a professional sports league that relies on its players to provide a product it can sell to fans would react accordingly and introduce safety measures to protect them. But when questioned about what the NHL could do to prevent future cases like Boogaard’s, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman took a sceptical stance:
“Do you know everything that went on in their lives? Were there other things going on which could cause CTE? “I’m not suggesting there were or there weren’t, but the data is not sufficient to draw a conclusion and our experts tell us the same thing. “We don’t have proof to make that assertion or conclusion.” Bettman also claimed that taking a degree of the physicality out of ice hockey would cause some fans to walk away from the game. Obviously Bettman is a businessman and his main concern as commissioner is to try and grow fan interest in the NHL but surely this shouldn’t be done at the cost of player safety. It is difficult, however, to place all the blame at Bettman’s feet. Teams need to be more proactive in diagnosing concussions and spotting potential painkiller addictions in their players. They should also support them through rehabilitation and take away the temptation for players to keep quiet about their issues for fear of losing their jobs. In the NHL’s defence, the last few years have seen it take a harsher stance against hits to the head by handing out fines and suspensions for serious infractions; this doesn’t extend to fighting though, which seems contradictory. As Gary Bettman said, there is indeed a portion of NHL fans who would bemoan that the game had been neutered if fighting was outlawed. Bettman should realise, however, that there are probably as many potential fans that are turned away from the sport by the violence. Making the sport more family friendly and safer for players could increase interest and participation at grass-roots level.
Our Monarchy can learn lessons from Papal resignation By Charlie Croasdale
Pope Benedict’s resignation on February 28 has been widely praised as a progressive move for the Catholic Church as the incumbent Head of the Vatican opted to hand over his position to a younger man with the physical capabilities required to fulfil the demands of the role. The first Pope to resign for over 600 years; Benedict’s decision is a rare piece of bright news for the Church. Benedict’s seven years as Pope have been dogged with allegations of sex abuse, the worst of which coming in 2010 which alleged the Vatican itself was explicit in covering up the behaviour of paedophile priests. So the news that Benedict would be retiring because he feels he is now too old for the role was met with applause from Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Perhaps the Head of the Church of England should consider a similar decision. Just two days after Pope Benedict’s official resignation, Queen Elizabeth II was taken ill with gastroenteritis and taken to the King Edward VII hospital, where Kate Middleton received treatment for acute morning sickness in December (and the hospital where a nurse committed suicide after being a victim of hoax phone call – a fact the British media have seemingly forgotten about). Due to this, Her Majesty has had to cancel a two-day visit to Rome as well as a series of engagements across the British Isles. At 86, the Queen looks remarkable for her age, which is little surprise considering
the life of luxury she has been lucky enough to inherit. Yet she is getting no younger, and the cancellation of official visits, such as the one to Rome, comes at a cost to the British taxpayer (or in Layman’s terms, anyone unconnected to major high street coffee chains). The Queen’s recent ill health has highlighted a deeper issue: like the Pope, she is of a much older generation to the vast majority of her subjects and as a result, she often comes across in public engagements as outof-touch and lacking charisma. Her performances in the heart of the public eye at last year’s biggest events – the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony – were halfhearted to say the least. For two events that went ahead at great expense to the taxpayer, the very least we should expect in return is a smile and a wave! Her Majesty is still capable of being a uniting force between nations, a peace broker to ease the pain of wars gone by, as highlighted by her successful visit to the Republic of Ireland in 2011 – the first time in a hundred years that a British monarch had been to Ireland. Britain’s smallest neighbour had, for long periods of her reign, been its biggest enemy, but that symbolic act seen in May 2011 suggested Elizabeth had a lot more left to give. However, her ill health of late coupled with frequent hospital visits by Prince Phillip might suggest an abdication is not out of the question. Prince Charles has openly stated his desire to move the Royal residence to Windsor if he were to become King, allowing Buckingham Palace to be used for state
functions and as a source of tourism. It is progressive steps such as this that may win back the hearts of a nation disillusioned with a Royal family which sucks £13m per year out of the public fund in order to pay for the upkeep of the Palace and other residencies. In times of austerity and high levels of unemployment, shouldn’t the Royals be paying for their own home improvements? Furthermore, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have the demeanour and attitude required to lead a well-liked, progressive Royal Family. Both William and Kate appear sheepish when in the limelight, delighted to be fulfilling their duties but almost embarrassed of their own fame and stature. They have humane qualities which the British public, and people worldwide for that matter, seemingly warm too. They are not brash or lavish. They live in Anglesey. William saves lives flying an air ambulance for the Welsh mountain rescue service. They are young, vibrant, understanding of their position of fortune, and are using this to bring about a change in the way we perceive our monarchy. So we draw the conclusion that we should be urging Her Majesty to abdicate in order to prevent her own bloodline becoming a source of growing frustration amongst the Great British taxpayer. Much like Pope Benedict’s decision to retire, the Queen should choose the dignified option. The sooner she decides to hand over the reins to her younger heirs, the sooner the Royal Family can be dragged into the 21st Century.
Want to submit an opinion piece to The Salfordian? Email our comment editor Jonathon Norrey at J.Norrey@edu.salford.ac.uk
28 : Arts
ISSUE 18 / 18 MARCH 2013 WWW.SALFORDSTUDENTS.COM
Book reviews
It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini Louise Hartley
Native New-Yorker Ned Vizzini struggled with mental health issues as a teenager. Because of this, many critics argue that his novel It’s Kind of a Funny Story is semi-autobiographical. The protagonist of Vizzini’s story,
Craig, very ambitious and wants to get into Manhattan’s Executive Pre-Professional High School. The pressures of this cause him to have a breakdown and he ends up being institutionalised for a week. He makes a lot of friends in the hospital: a transsexual sex addict, a girl who has scarred her face with scissors, and the self-elected
President Armelio. Although Craig does not miraculously get better at the end of the novel, he does find ways to handle his apprehension, and eventually leaves the mental hospital. This novel is an honest portrayal of anxiety and depression, and is written in such a way that it really can be described as a “funny story.”
White Teeth by Zadie Smith Louise Hartley
Zadie Smith’s novels are becoming more and more popular. Her first novel, White Teeth, tackles the issues of race and immigrants in a serious manner, yet Smith also successfully makes the novel funny and light-hearted. The story starts with Englishman Archie trying to commit suicide in his car, failing to do so, and ending up at an “End of the World” party. Here he meets his future wife, the buck-toothed Clara. Archie and Bangladeshi Samad met during WWII and have been friends ever since. They both live in London and struggle to keep control of their teenage children. Samad fears that his twin sons have “lost their way”, whereas Archie and his wife (who ran away from her Jehovah’s Witness mother to get married) have issues with their daughter Irie, as she strives for independence. The characters are all very complex and well thought out. White Teeth is a brilliant read, and Smith a brilliant author, shown in her ability to provide enjoyment whilst also making the reader really think about the issues mentioned.
Music reviews
Ion Vein IV v1.0
InnerSeige Kingdom of Shadows
Strike Back in Flames
Kayleigh Evans
Kayleigh Evans
Kayleigh Evans
Enduring years of setbacks and line-up changes is Chicago heavy/power metal collective Ion Vein. Having recruited new front man Scott Featherstone and producer Neil Kernon ( Judas Priest, Cannibal Corpse) their release of ‘IV v1.0’ serves as an introduction to change. Their signing to Mortal Music has enabled them to create new innovative ways to release music into the marketplace; releasing sections or ‘chapters’ of their album one at a time as Digital Releases (DR). While ‘Fools Parade’ reveals the strength of Featherstone, whose tensed-throat vocals carry strong familiarity of Layne Stanley of Alice in Chains, ‘Seemless’ introduces Featherstone as ear-piercing; whose powerful vocals brings together the perfect icing of heavy metal which is championed by Lotesto’s thick and fierce riffs. Sadly, their influences of Black Sabbath, Metallica and Iron Maiden are too significant and prevent them to deliver anything dynamic or distinctive. However, ‘This Is Me’ brings a grungy, eerie bass by Rob Such, while Lotesto brings scabrous riffs and psyching solos. Chuck White’s ferocious performance on drums reinforces power metal with a touching progressive edge that brings the assumption that Ion Vein have brought to a positive conclusion. This DR is just a snippet of what could be a hopeful full release. However, ‘IV v1.0’ is all we have for the time being and there is still time to hear a stronger and defining contribution. It would be great to see more challenge and individuality in order to stand out in the metal community.
American five piece InnerSeige have suffered a handful of setbacks prior to their debut album. With several line-up changes, and a member getting called for military duty in Afghanistan, they have continued to stay positive playing local and national shows in the U.S. Founded in 2008, the Illunois band fit like a glove in the Euro Power Metal genre. ‘Warrior,’ above all, tells you everything that you need to hear with its dominating vocals and whirling solos that bring a tide an athletic dominion. You soon realise InnserSeige scream with helping portions of Iron Maiden nostalgia. However, no matter how this pulls on the heart strings, ‘Kingdom Of Shadows’ won’t stretch to sounding dated. They have definitely built from their differences and grown to expand on their own metal kicks. ‘Fight On’ couldn’t use better terminology in the name with its fist pumping hooks and amazing guitar craft revealed by Kevin and J.L while ‘Control’ reveals a bubbling bass that engraves the bulwarking, shadowy frontier of ’Kingdom Of Shadows.’ Tightly written yet referring to simplicity, InnerSeige have got it right with an exceptionally strong debut that punishing rhythms and anthemic choruses. It is the vocals of Jeremy ray are to be heard above all which will leave the European metal scene shaking in its boots.
Not as crazy as Sabbath, but not as meaningful as Zeppelin; Strike aren’t meant to be listened with critical ears but instead with a reminiscent heart. Originally released as a self-titled album in 1981, Strike claim this to be the first heavy metal album ever to be recorded and released in Italy; even before Vanadium and Vanexa. More bizarrely, the band were formed and made its mark around music circuits in American NATO bases in Naples, Italy. Re-released on with new title ‘Back In Flames,’ this re-mastered effort comes along with four bonus tracks that Strike say emphasize true American heavy metal. Toying with youth, their bouncy riffs, predictable melodies and meaningless lyrics to songs like ‘Hot Wheels’ and ‘I Want To Rock’ are foot tapping gems that echo influences of Thin Lizzy and Uriah Heep. ‘Heavy Metal Army’ is boss, and is a cannonball of an anthem to those wanting some stronger dosages of American rock. Fist pumpin’ and kickin’, Strike has the ammunition to take you back to heavy metals history. To most that didn’t listen first time round, ‘Back in Flames’ is something that shouldn’t go unnoticed twice. Those that do listen will want to unbutton their shirts and sweat out pints in the nearest murky bike bar. You can just imagine the sticky floor under your feet, and the smell of leather and cigarettes.
Rating: 6/10
Rating: 7/10
Rating: 8/10
Sardonis & Eternal Elysium Ascending Circulation Sally Leibovici Arts editor
Japan, Japan, Japan, you get the coolest things don’t you? Aside from the mutlitude of impressive albums available only on your market these two bands decide to do a split album just for you. It’s jealousy, but it’s deserved. The two piece belgian band Sardonis show off their intense skills for the first half of the album. And even though 10 minute long instrumental tracks may not be your idea of awesome, fist-pump infused time, they make up for their lack of vocals with astonishing uses of cymbals, fills, cosmic grooves and even more. You’ll be left dumbfounded when the 10 minutes are up and you realize that you didn’t even feel the need for a chorus line. Eternal Elysium, the lesser known half, rises up to the challenge and brings out probably the best that sledge has to offer. “Unbound (Kai Hoh)” is a galaxy in itself. There are 70’s influences, Pantera inspired grooves, and flawless vocals; all the while making everything seem so easy to do. They couldn’t go wrong even if they tried. It’s a superb album, split beautifully between two bands that deserve more recognition than they have. “Ascending Circulation” may be one of the albums of the year. Who would have expected this?
Rating: 8/10
Firstborn - Define Our Generation Kayleigh Evans
Swedish alternative Firstborn have only been around for the last twelve months, but within this time they have already cooked up a debut album while finding the time to also play live shows back in their home country. Dishing up ‘Define Our Generation’ for its overseas listeners, brace yourself to hear strong influences of Enter Shirkari and Sytem Of A Down in ‘Birth’ and ‘Seminar.’ Firstborn may lay down some gruelling guitar riffs and punching hefty beats under melancholic melodies, but Marcus Calzon’s dejected voice doesn’t give the polished juxtaposition that they were hoping for. His drones don’t enable any potential and don’t do any justice for Fistbourn, whose talents are easily heard throughout. Overall, ‘Define our generation’ is a safe and tepid attempt of a debut album which lacks an intense musical thrill. Within a short space of time they have come so far; it is still very early days, and future of the band is worth listening out for.
Rating: 5/10
Would you like submit a review? Email The Salfordian’s arts editor Sally Leibovici at sally.leibovici@yahoo.com
ISSUE 18 / 18 MARCH 2013 WWW.SALFORDSTUDENTS.COM
Black Mirror: ‘White Bear’ and ‘The Waldo Moment’ Peter George Worth In an inversion of the series’ poignant first episode, ‘White Bear’ is an adrenalinefuelled ride through a vicious dystopia. The episode’s protagonist, Victoria (Lenora Crichlow), wakes up with amnesia and stumbles outside her cluttered house whilst she’s filmed on the smart-phones of her neighbours. Suddenly, a maskedgunman pulls up in a car, fires at her then gives chase as the voyeurs gaze on like inhuman recording nodes. Victoria soon finds an ally in the scrappy Jem (Tuppence Middleton), who explains the root cause of the jarring situation lies in the transmission of a strange signal. Other ‘hunters’ join in pursuit of the two women and this leads to a conclusion that’s as unpredictable as it is harrowing. The episode is a tour-de-force of intensity and provokes questions surrounding the trial of criminals by the media, the suitability of criminal punishments, voyeurism and the desensitisation of a media-gorged society. The series’ final episode yet again changes things up considerably. The Waldo Moment (originally broadcast 10pm 25/02) revolves around a struggling comedian’s (Daniel Rigby) role as the voice of a CGI blue bear named Waldo. Due to its outspoken and honest viewpoints, Waldo experiences a meteoric rise in popularity, so much so that the audacious character quickly becomes embroiled in a local political election. The episode has a separate tone from other Black Mirror episodes and this is likely due to its inception as an idea for inclusion on Charlie Brooker and Chris Morris’ 2005 satirical sitcom, Nathan Barley. The Waldo Moment, lacks the hard-hitting nature of the series’ other episodes, but its cautionary underlying themes detail the importance of supporting meaningful ideologies in favour of vacuous fads and its conclusion is utterly pessimistic.
Music reviews
Stick it out - Today’s Dump Kayleigh Evans Hearing of new hard rock attempt that strives to revive a genre peaked some time ago, fans should be rightly sceptical and hold their breath before listening. Because with those very few that achieve success, there are many fall around them.
Sadly, Stick It Out fail to hand over any promises. ‘Today’s Dump’ is a laborious listen; that results to feeling excluded, malnourished and discouraged. There’s difficulty to hear a strong distinction between songs which misses to deliver fetching hooks, memorable melodies and oozing guitar solos which are crucial but do not siege to exist to the bands Rock ‘n Roll concept.
It isn’t long before you drown in boredom to the sound of Dave E Dee’s maundering vocals that are unjustifiably sluggish. Gravely disappointing. ‘Stick It Out’ provides no substance to the demanding gap in hard rock music. It is a shame, but it is so easy to notice.
Johnny Marr - The Messenger Sally Leibovici Arts editor
An album for indie nostalgics, Johnny Marr’s first proper solo album “The Messenger” delivers a sound reminiscent of the past, but it’s all alright. Marr’s musical offspring deserves to be auditioned with sweet indulgence that fans of glorious past eras will understand and not with the critical eye of all new shabby chic indie aficionados. “The Messenger” is wholly interlaced with the clinking of chords that can only scream “The Smiths”, but as a whole it is an exploration of Marr’s musical collaborations and experiences throughout the years. With groovy bass lines that would revel on a Modest Mouse album and garage inspired licks that The Cribs would be coining as their own, Marr takes the reins on this album and gets involved with everything from the lyrics to pre and post production. According to the former Smiths guitarist, “The Messenger” is the story of his experiences while living in Britain, it’s about the “beauty, energy and stories”. While some may still be biased in the Morrissey-Marr conundrum, it is a fact that the guitarist’s lyrical panache comes nowhere near his creative guitar strumming. While the versechorus-verse wording does nothing for the album, the shimmying signature guitar licks and melodical harmonies do just what is intended- and that is an album that sounds exactly like a Johnny Marr album. “New Town Velocity” swivels off with an acoustic intro, only to go into Marr’s simple train of thought. There’s nothing new here, but it’s never been heard before- at least not in this exact sequence. “European Me” would not be out of place on a mid-Smiths era album, but that doesn’t matter either. It’s seductive through it’s simple jangly guitar spasms and a mellow voice that soothes an aching need for a new “old”. “The Messenger” is nothing new, it’s something old wrapped in the tinsel of our slim fitting, high-rise denim era. There’s a potential here that could have only been reached with a strong vocalist that
Photograph: Man Alive! @ flickr.com
Television review
Arts : 29
had the skills to transform the lyrical lividity into something that matches the instrumental prowess. It’s a good effort and a listen which many will smile
fondly upon, but it will not reach the ears of future generations, because put simply Johnny Marr is a fighter, he persists, but he doesn’t always win.
Belle & Sebastian - Pitchfork’s “If You’re Feeling Sinister” documentary Sally Leibovici Arts editor
“Load the gun, point it in the right direction, fire it and it will happen” is what Stuart Murdoch once said when Belle & Sebastian were at the start of their less than glamorous, but cult-like journey. And that is exactly what happened. Pitchfork media takes fans down memory lane in a wonderful biographical documentary of the Scottish indie surprise of the 90s. Laced with grainy footage from the private tapes of the Belle & Sebastian family, the documentary features all the members talking about their inspiration, their rehearsal stories, their drunken nights, stoned conquests and musical feats. The documentary focuses on the iconic “If you’re
Feeling Sinister” album that may have not caused an uproar back in 1996, but that later birthed itself into its very own “cult” status. With lyricism that borders on contemporary urban poetry, Belle & Sebastian have managed to urge prosody and routine minded indivduals to bond. Like true artists, who live for their music alone, the members of Belle & Sebastian refused to appear in press photos and rarely accepted interviews. It was through this strange modus operandi that they crafted an odd allure that was intriguing to what became their fanbase. We’re shown the way that Belle & Sebastian came to being, the documentary in itself is a bildungsroman synopsis where the main protagonists talk about their journey through life and art. Stuart Murdoch, the lyrical mind behind the Scottish band, tells of how the fact that he was suffering of chronic fatigue as a young man and his isolation from people
contributed greatly towards the general feel of their songs. And although it may seem like it, Stuart Murdoch is not the mastermind fuhrer that led Belle & Sebastian artistically. There was a democracy in the band when it came to what the lyrics were and where their general musical direction was going. Pitchfork’s documentary, directed by RJ Bentler is a light-hearted look at what the great Scottish band was and where it is now. It surprises the beautiful moments of their youth with superb footage from personal collections all the while interlacing the visual with heartfelt and nostalgic comments from all the band members and the people who helped them achieve their potential. It’s a must watch for fans of the band and even for those of you who are less of Belle & Sebastian connoisseurs, who know’s it just might convince you to expand your musical knowledge?
Would you like submit a review? Email The Salfordian’s arts editor Sally Leibovici at sally.leibovici@yahoo.com
30 : Your Union
ISSUE 18 / 18 MARCH 2013 WWW.SALFORDSTUDENTS.COM
From the archives
Every week, The Salfordian brings you a clipping from a past issue of the Salford student newspaper. This week: front page, January 1986
Having any problems with your course? Is there any issue that you would like to raise? Find out how to contact your sabbatical officers below
Tom Doyle Vice President Science and Technology
Eli Prodromova Vice President Arts and Social Sciences
vpst-ussu@salford.ac.uk 0161 351 5400
vpcass-ussu@salford.ac.uk 0161 351 5400
Mishal Saeed Vice President Health and Social Care vphsc-ussu@salford.ac.uk 0161 351 5400
Christina Kennedy President president-ussu@salford.ac.uk 0161 351 5400
Confused about the Students’ Union and what it does for students? Visit www.salfordstudents.com
Sport & Activities: 31
ISSUE 18 / 18 MARCH 2013 WWW.SALFORDSTUDENTS.COM
Debate society: Come and join! Religion, equality and politics; what do they have in common? Apart from everyone having an opinion on them, they are three of the many topics that are contended in the debating society. Every week we vote on our topic for the next week which gives the two speakers a chance to prepare their arguments, as well as give other members a chance to read up on the topic so they can fully immerse themselves, and test the limits of the speakers. For our topical debate we have discussed topics such as; ‘should America restrict their right to bear arms’, ‘should marriage only be for heterosexual couples’ and ‘should religion and science be separated.’ Every so often we are lucky enough to have a guest speaker come in for a themed debate. Our
latest guest speaker was Kerry Daynes, who is a forensic psychologist who has appeared on television and written a book on psychopaths. As well as having a more serious topic at every debate, we also have a fun debate which is voted upon weekly. These debates vary wildly depending on the mood of the members in attendance. Last year we had fun debates on topics such as ‘apples versus pears’, ‘who would win in a fight between Brown and Cameron’ and ‘is Coldplay the musical equivalent of beige?’. You are more than welcome to come and join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ USSUdebating/ and ask any questions you may have, as well as keeping up to date with any changes that may occur. If Facebook isn’t your thing then you can also find us on twitter at https://twitter. com/USSUDebating, or you can email us at ussudebating@gmail.com
Bulgarian society bring Martenitsa to Salford At the beginning of March the Bulgarian society continued their annual tradition, and hosted a stall in University House to celebrate their culture. The stall was set up in aid of a traditional Bulgarian holiday known as Baba Marta (Grandma Marta in English), which is related to welcoming the approaching spring. To celebrate the ancient tradition the group made red and white bracelets which are to be worn throughout the month, or given to friends and family. The bracelet known as a Martenitsa, is made out of twined red and white threads. The white is a symbol of strength, purity and happiness, and the red of health, blood, conception and fertility. If you are given a Martenitsa you should wear it either pinned on your
clothes, or around your wrist or neck, until you see a stork, or a fruit tree in blossom for the first time in the season. For those interested, you can still see the bracelets tied to the blossom trees next to the Sports Centre from last year. It is believed that the Martenitsa brings health, happiness and longevity, and was attributed a magic power believed to protect folks from ill-fortune, disease and an evil eye. This Bulgarian tradition is considered to be unique to the country. If you want to learn more about this tradition, you can delve into further detail at the following website: http:// w w w. s t u d y e n g l i s h t o d ay. net/martenitsa-bulgariantradition.html.
Photograph: Richard Meftah
Bryony Pearce Sports and activities editor
Snow sports team: BUSC National Finals Bryony Pearce Sports and activities editor Salford University’s snow sports team displayed some fabulous performances at the recent BUiSC National Finals. James Williamson came excruciatingly close to the top of the podium in the slalom, but was unfortunately narrowly beaten by just 0.7 seconds. Nevertheless, Williamson showcased his abilities in fine form, as he finished second out of 75 competitors. Yuki Kurihara carried on the team’s successful trend as she qualified for the snowboard slalom finals in
12th position, out of 18. As Kurihara progressed into the finals she improved on her qualifying position by one, finishing 11th overall, making her the 11th fastest female snowboarder in the country! And finally, Rick Caughey came on leaps and bounds from last year as he boasted a nine place improvement. Caughey finished 20th in the snowboard slalom, out of 48 competitors, marginally missing out on a qualifying spot by just 0.15 seconds. If you want to find out more about Salford’s snow sports team, or are interested in joining the team for next years
Women’s hockey: Salford 1st 0 -5 Liverpool 3rd
With just one game of the season remaining, Salford’s women’s hockey team will no doubt want to leave the season on a high, and bounce back from two consecutive 5-0 losses.
A defeat against Liverpool’s 3rd team last Wednesday leaves the girls in fifth position in the Northern 4A league, with it all to play for in their next game against the University of Manchester’s 4th team.
Despite their lack of luck in the BUCS league, the girls have enjoyed success in their Saturday league, gaining promotion to the third division just a couple of weeks ago.
antics and competitions, you can contact the hroup by visiting their Facebook page – ‘SUST – Salford University Snowsports Team.’
Photograph: Richard Meftah
Madeleine Larmour
Don’t forget that you can join a sport or activity group at any time! For more information about activities at Salford, visit www.salfordstudents.com
Sport: 32
ISSUE 18 / 18 MARCH 2013 WWW.SALFORDSTUDENTS.COM
Women’s football: Salford 1st 1 - 5 Keele 1st The Women’s football team waited anxiously for the opposition, Keele University to arrive on Wednesday morning at Castle Irwell. The game was a relegation battle, Salford’s majority of draws this year putting them penultimate from the bottom of the league. They started in high hopes, an early goal went uncelebrated but spurred the girls on. It was a quick ‘man on’ between Becky Billington and Sian Bilko resulting in an attack on goal which came off the keeper, right in to the path of Grace Kivlehan who put the ball neatly into the back of the net. Unfortunately just five minutes later Keele scored after a scuffle in the box, with many saves made by the Salford keeper, Jakki Duncan, and the defence.
Other results:
After this equaliser, Salford still seemed to have the fighting spirit, with another attempt on goal from Sian Bilko. However, the Keele forwards had a win on their minds and ensued with an onslaught of three consecutive goals, bringing the score by half time 4-1 to Keele University. The second half seemed to go better, Salford only conceded one goal making the final score 5-1 to Keele. Even though Keele had the chance to increase their score sheet it was prevented by the Salford goalkeeper, Duncan, who made two great saves, one diving to the right and the other a foot stop of a short shot on goal. Unfortunately a win couldn’t be pulled out of the bag by Salford when it was needed, but there are still high hopes for the future.
Men’s badminton Liverpool Hope 1st 5 - 3 Salford 1st Salford 2nd 8 - 0 Edge Hill 3rd Women’s basketball University of Chester 1st 71 - 35 Salford 1st Netball University of Cumbria 1st 61 - 20 Salford 2nd Men’s football Blackburn College 1st 5 - 3 Salford 2nd Men’s hockey Salford 1st 18 - 1 Liverpool John Moores 2nd Photograph: Richard Meftah
Lauren Moore
Women’s hockey Salford 1st 0 - 5 Liverpool 3rd Glyndwr 5 - 0 Salford 2nd Men’s rugby league Leeds 1st 38 - 18 Salford 1st Men’s rugby union Salford 1st 7 - 48 UCLAn 1st
Next week:
Photograph: Lauren Moore
Photograph: Lauren Moore
HOME: Women’s hockey Salford 1st v University of Manchester 4th 3.30pm at Castle Irwell Student Village Women’s rugby union Salford 1st v Bangor 1st 2pm at Castle Irwell Student Village Men’s hockey Salford 1st v UCLAN 2nd 2pm at Castle Irwell Student Village For more fixtures visit the BUCS website at www.bucs.org.uk
Upcoming event: Students’ Union Annual Awards 2013 Wednesday 24 April at Sashas Hotel, Manchester
Tickets for the biggest Students’ Union event of the year will be available soon! Make sure you and your group are there. If you or your activity groups has done something amazing for Salford students you could be an award winner. Keep an eye on www.salfordstudents. com/annualawards for ticket details.
Photograph: Richard Meftah
Salford’s third team were paid a visit by Edge Hill third in a game predicted to create fireworks. The first half started evenly, but despite this it still made for an entertaining game as both sides battled for authority which saw some passionate tackles flying in. This passion was also backed with each side’s verbal energy as both captains’ screamed commandments at their team mates. However, it was Edge Hill who took first blood with a close range finish which meant Salford were now chasing the game as they trudged off at half time. The frustration was evident in the second half as Salford struggled to test the Edge Hill keeper, with very simple passes misplaced from the attacking midfielders.
On 50 minutes it looked to be two to Edge Hill through a wellplayed move which saw the keeper watch the striker pass the ball into the open net, but, it was ruled offside much to the relief of the Salford defence. After a host of opportunities to widen the lead with a bicycle kick which just flew over the bar, it was evident that Edge Hill were enjoying the game and experimenting with their play. Salford however had one chance on goal themselves with a cool finish into the bottom right hand corner which was controversially deemed offside much to the dismay of the Salford team. Despite their best efforts, Salford didn’t create enough and were left disappointed with a one nil defeat as the Edge Hill team chanted and celebrated.
Photograph: Richard Meftah
Luke Betts
Photograph: Richard Meftah
Men’s football: Salford 3rd 0 - 1 Edge Hill 3rd
Netball: Salford 1st 55 - 54 Keele 2nd Eleanor Thomason The relegation battle between Salford and Keele to stay in the BUCS Northern 5A league was a closely contested one, and by far the most entertaining game of the season. The two teams met back in November, when Salford were narrowly beaten 3731. However this, plus the pressure of the game, did not get to the girls, and Salford came out all guns blazing and had a 12 goal advantage by the end of the first quarter. Salford played their own game and used the height of their opponents to their advantage, by feeding shooters Lizzie Hayward and Leanne McKenna with bounce passes that made it impossible for Keele’s defence to reach. The second quarter was faster paced than the previous, and Keele began to close the gap. Despite Alice Morton and Joanna Drake defending well, one of Keele’s shooters was on top form and did not miss a single shot. Hayward and McKenna continued to link up well with Lauren Fenton, leaving Salford still in the lead at the end of the
second quarter by 25-19. Keele changed their tactics for the penultimate quarter and brought on two very tall defenders, but this did not faze Salford’s shooters who continued to shoot with confidence. Both teams showed signs of tiring but the game continued to be end-to-end with neither side really dominating, but the support from fellow Salford Students Union team’s gave the home side the advantage, and spurred Salford on. Ellie Thomason made some great interceptions allowing Salford to extended their lead to 43-40 with 15 minutes to go. The tension rose for the final quarter and Keele were displaying their frustration with the umpires, resulting in several advanced penalties for Salford. Both teams continued to fight knowing the outcome would result in relegation. However, when the final whistle blew it was Salford who deservedly won the game by the narrowest of margins, as the game finished 55-54, meaning Salford remain in the league and Keele are relegated. The Keele team voted Ellie Thomason as player of the match.
Want to promote your society or become a Salfordian sports reporter? Email our sport and activity editor Bryony Pearce at B.Pearce@edu.salford.ac.uk