Editor’s Letter Hi there people, sorry to have been away for a while, but we have returned bigger and better! Over the past year we have experienced some ups and downs. Sadly, our founder Dennis was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in December 2010.
Chief Editor Tyrone Smiley
He is currently undergoing a 3-year course of chemotherapy but consultants at Tooting’s St. Georges Hospital are worried that he may need an unrelated bone
marrow donor to save his life. The ACLT Charity are hosting their annual bone marrow and blood recruitment session at Choice FM Studios (Global Radio) in Leicester Square on Saturday the 2nd June, between 11am till 4pm. To help Dennis and other people with similar condition, the hope is to find a matching donor. We are on the verge of pushing Endz 2 Endz into the media limelight, having established partnerships with ACLT Charity, Spirit of London and Kiss Fm. Check out our YouTube account: it is packed with entertainment, interviews with musicians Kal Lavelle, Castro (Starz Up), DJ Pioneer, and documentaries on The mayoral election. Also check out our new fashion show ‘Fashion Friday,’ on the last Friday of every month. Now to the juicy part! Issue 6, the Renaissance of E2E mag, re-launched today May 31st, 57 days before the opening ceremony for 2012 Olympics. We wanted an Olympic theme for this issue, with exclusive interviews from athletes including Christine Ohuruogu, Darius Knight, Chloe Spiteri, Richard Young, and James Dassolu. Plus Amanda Farnsworth, London 2012 BBC Project Executive, talks about her role showcasing the Olympics on the UK’s national broadcaster. Remember, if you’re interested in working with Endz 2 Endz, email your info to Tyrone@endz2endz.com Follow me on twitter @Tyendz2endz
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Endz 2 Endz Team
Follow us
Editors: Sabina Arthur @SabinaArthur Sarraounia Christianson Janeice Ladnar @JaesJournal Jaya Shakira
Twitter: @Endz2Endz
Graphic Designers: John Northman Emanuela Raggo @emanuelarago Madhu Sidhu
Instagram: @Endz2Endz
Illustrators: Ana Marta Huffstot @amhuffstot Lorna Leigh Harrington @LornaLeigh
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Endz-2-Endz-Magazine
Photographers: Ashli Smith @SoloConsepts Dark Zac @inphotopia.com
Subscribe to our YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ Endz2Endz?ob=0
Contributors: Dennis Gyamfi @dennisgyamfi Mia Labelle @MiaLabelle Diva Mauthoor @Diva_M Seun Oginni @YourBoyPapz Writers: Zindzi Rocque-Drayton @ Zindzi_RD Ridhwann Yusuf @FCCatalansGaffa
Contact us If you have any advertising queries, would like to work with Endz 2 Endz or contribute to our next issue, contact us through email: Info@endz2endz.com
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Regulars
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20 Fashion Friday
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Mysterious diary
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NITE OUT
Photo-lab
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Young voice / old voice
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5 Top Films / 5 top gadgets
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Editor’s letter
ISSUE 6
“Who’ on da w Who’s on
Special features
Endz 2 End Percelle As Freddie Os comedy ske Wall, which
E2E: What'
Dee AKA Yu three youth their every types and p are facing w London rio portrayed in On The Wall tackling a wid the power of co
E2E: What made y
Izzy & Freddie: The id concept of a past exp after school and havi my mates. After a few crew, Mandem On Th we all collectively cre today.
E2E: What’s the proc like?
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Freddie: Everything i eight hour shoots. W finish by 2pm or 3pm It’s enjoyable to shoo on set while we’re sh
10 Christine ohuruogu
E2E: What do you se
Mandem on the wall E2E - 30.04.2012 - MOTW.indd 2-3
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INTENSI-T
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Amada Farnsworth
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30 Castro
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abiodun
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Endz 2 Endz / aclt visits the olympic stadium
TORRON-LEE
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TILESHA G
Izzy: Success. That w avenues. But hopefu screens, on tour, live The potential of this we haven’t even ima
Page designed by Ana Marta Huffstot
Young voice / old voice
YOUNG VOICE JL: I don’t feel the vibe because I’m from Brixton and it’s happening in east London. I think more has to be done for people who live outside Newham to get a feel for the Olympics. For our ‘young voice’ Tyrone met up with Juliana Lucas, a young politician. She spoke to us about how she became a politician, what she thinks of today’s society and the much awaited London 2012 Olympics.
E2E: Do you think the Olympics coming to London has created jobs?
E2E: So how did you become a young politician?
E2E: What are your views on the politics in UK society?
JL: I represent Labour. I felt there was no one to go to address general issues in the local community so I sent e-mails and I also knew Michael Situ (Southwark Council councillor for Labour), who guided me.
JL: The Government we have at the moment is making cutbacks too quickly. The people who voted for them were not the majority, showing that we need a lot more people to vote.
E2E: What do you think of London 2012 Olympics coming to London?
JL: There have been jobs advertised regarding jobs based on the Olympics, I think potential they may be a growth in jobs.
E2E: Do you think there is support for youth today?
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JL: Since last summer, the mainstream media created the impression that those rioting were only young people. Businesses have taken that on and we have seen increased youth unemployment. If youth club cuts continue the younger generation will only get more out of hand. E2E: Who will you be rooting for in the Olympics 2012? JL: (Smiles and grins) I will be rooting for the Nigerian football team: The super Eagles! But if they get knocked out, I’ll back Great Britain!
old VOICE
‘Our founder’ Dennis, met up with London mayoral candidate Siobhan Benita to discuss her views on voting, her thoughts on how politicians should support youth and what she thinks of the Olympics coming to London. E2E: Which party do you represent? SB: I ran in the London mayoral election as an independent candidate. E2E: How did you become a politician? SB: I worked in the civil service and have worked with a host of ministers. In January of this year I resigned from the civil service to run in the mayoral election.
E2E: Do you think voting is a crucial thing?
ment to East London and should lead to further employment.
SB: I realise that many voters are disillusioned with traditional politicians and can understand why they might feel that it isn’t worth voting for any of them. I strongly believe we need different types of public leaders and greater diversity of political figures.
E2E: Do you think there is a lot of support for the youth today?
E2E: What do you think of the Olympics coming to London? SB: This is a once-in-alifetime, historic event and I’m really excited, I like what they signify peace, unity and friendship between countries. London will do a fantastic job of hosting the event. The long-term success of the 2012 Olympics will lie in its legacy. E2E: Do you think the Olympics will create jobs in the UK? SB: I hope so. The Olympics has brought invest-
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SB: No, we need to ensure that opportunities are open to everyone and that they lead to job offers in the longer term. Youth clubs and organisations can make the difference between a young person taking a productive path not a destructive one. E2E: Who will you be rooting for in the Olympic 2012? SB: I enjoy watching diving, hockey and gymnastics but I’ll be rooting for all of the GB team members. It will be wonderful if our athletes can secure some medals!
E2E - 30.04.2012 - MOTW.indd 2-3
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Page designed by John Northman
Mandem on the wall
“Who’s that jamming “Who’s that jamming on da wall? Mandem. on da wall? Who’s that Mandem. jamming Who’s that jamming on da wall?”
on do wall?”
Interviewed by Seun Oginni
Endz 2 Endz meets up with Dee Kartier, Percelle Ascott, Izzy Rahman and Freddie Osborne, cast and crew of new comedy sketch show Mandem On The Wall, which is blowing up the Internet. internet. E2E: What's MOTW all about? Dee AKA Yungah Baker: It is about three youths on a London estate, and their everyday lives. It tackles stereotypes and problems the youth of today are facing with a comic twist. The London riots saw the majority of youth portrayed in a negative way. Mandem On The Wall is out to change that by tackling a wide target audience through the power of comedy! E2E: What made you think of the idea? Izzy & Freddie: The idea generated from a simple concept of a past experience, sitting on a wall after school and having a laugh with a few of my mates. After a few meetings with the MOTW crew, Mandem On The Wall was born. As a team we all collectively created what it is you see today. E2E: What’s the process of shooting episodes like? Freddie: Everything is organised into seven or eight hour shoots. We start around 7am and we finish by 2pm or 3pm depending on the scene. It’s enjoyable to shoot, and difficult to not laugh on set while we’re shooting! E2E: What do you see for the future of MOTW? Izzy: Success. That word in itself has so many avenues. But hopefully TV, the big cinema screens, on tour, live performances and so on. The potential of this project can take it to places we haven’t even imagined!
E2E: What inspired you to act? Percelle AKA Yungah Baby Tiny Winie: At the age of 14, inspired by my drama teacher and a lot of phenomenal actors/actresses, I was amazed at how you can manipulate an audience’s sense of escapism by unlocking the human emotion. E2E: What other projects have you been involved in? Freddie: I’ve been directing since 2006, initially corporate commissions then onto some independent projects, and I’m currently doing my PhD and working on several other big projects which can be seen at www.Fredeofilms.com. Izzy: I’ve been studying and practicing in the media since 2007 but directing since 2009. I have dreams of directing amazing films in the future & showing the audience visuals they’ve never seen before! www.irmedia.net watch this space! Percelle: While I am a professional actor, I am also heavily involved in directing and scriptwriting. Setting up a production company will soon happen, but for the meantime, my focus is on acting. I will be appearing in a few TV shows. Dee: The future plans will be continuing to put out more episodes, get on TV and in cinemas even! Eventually take it on tour, and perform it at live shows. You can watch MOTW on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/user/MandemOnTheWall Follow them on Twitter at: @MandemOnTheWall
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01/05/2012 19:54:39
What my Life’s Like?
What my life’s like? Up until I was 11, I would say I had a normal childhood, but when I ended up getting kicked out of my primary school only six months before the end, my life just went downhill. I was always getting into trouble. I wasn’t a stupid guy; it was just my behaviour. The teachers didn’t like me, they thought I was the worst person in the school, then one day they just couldn’t take it no more and they told me to never come back. Being at home was hard. I lived with my grandma and I could see how tight money was, I wanted to help take the burden off her. I never asked my nan for nothing, because I knew she couldn’t afford it. I was doing crime in order to survive, to eat, just to live. As I got older the crimes got worse - I began robbing people, then started drug dealing.
The first time I got arrested I was only 11 and by the time I was 16, I had been sentenced to three years in prison for robbery. I didn’t even serve half of that. It was nothing to me, I was still a teenager so when I came out I had my whole life ahead of me and I still felt like a criminal. My friends were criminals as well; we weren’t a gang but more like a family unit. When I was 17 one of my friends was shot dead. That had a big effect on my life, we all knew the guy that killed him as well, after that I found it hard to trust people.
His mother brought him inside so I could meet him. That’s when I realised I had to change. Although I stopped committing crime for a few years, I was back in prison by the time I was 20. But this time it was different. Before
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Being at home was hard. I lived with m Grandma and I coul see how tight mone was, I wanted to he take the burden off her. I never asked my Nan for nothing because I knew she couldn’t afford it. I was doing crime in order to survive, to eat, to just live.
I went in, I knew I was becoming a father. I couldn’t even believe I was having a son until I saw him. His mother bought him inside so I could meet him. That’s when I realised I had to change. I wanted to be a good dad.
my ld ey elp f
g,
n o
Luckily, I heard about the organisation ‘Tomorrow’s People’ and they helped me find a job within two months. Whilst I was inside I had a course and with I’m a good dad, I’m earning good studied that, I was able to get a money. job as a railway engineer. I have a career now. of support, you just get thrown out of jail. I came out of prison 14 months later. People don’t understand, but when you come out of prison there’s not a lot
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I’m a good dad, I’m earning good money, I’m out of crime and I haven’t looked back since.
Christine Oghuruogu Page designed by Emanuela Raggo
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Phot
Christine, 27, was born and raised in East London, just one mile from the 2012 Olympic site. With fond memories of growing up in the Borough, “It was b great. I come from a large family and we always had a lot of fun as kids”, she drops her often stoic exterior to reveal her pride at the prospect of the Games coming so close to home. “It will be amazing! The Olympic Games is a very special event and to have it in my home city will be a once in a lifetime experience”.
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Having successfully combined sports with her studies, a career in athletics was one of many options. If she hadn’t been an athlete, Christine imagines “I Christine Ohuruogu imagines may have competed in anomay have“I competed in another sport ther sport oras worked as a teacher”. or worked a teacher”. While While studying for a degree in Linguistics at the University College London, Christine also excelled in the university’s netball team. Outside of university, as a member of the Essex and Newham Beagles, she was found, almost by accident, to have a particular aptitude for the 400 metres. “There wasn’t really an athlete who inspired me – it was more a case of nobody else wanted to do it. I tried it, was good at it so stuck with it.” Since then Christine has gone on to impress and by the age of 20, she was representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games. But her rise was temporarily cut short by a 12-month ban, and loss of funding, in 2006 after failing to turn up to competition drugs tests. Her error was later ruled to be due to "significant mitigating circumstances", and Christine was cleared to compete in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She’s now keen to put this experience behind her explaining: “I have moved
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on from that, and was fortunate to have many high points in my athletics career since then.” Ohuruogu went on to win the gold medal at Beijing, an accomplishment she describes as “the highlight of my career so far”. She says, “To win the gold with the whole world watching was a great moment.” Famous for her assertion in an interview in The The Times that “holidays are for wimps”, Ohuruogu is known for her commitment to sport and her strong work ethic. She describes her rigorous training regime “I train 6 days per week, usually for 3-4 hours per day” and is aiming for further success in 2012. Christine manages to find the time to relax during her rigorous schedule and sees music as an opportunity to take some time out. She admits, “I don’t really listen to music that much before I race. I use it more to relax”. So what advice would she give to future Olympic hopefuls? “Enjoy what you do and success will come with determination and effort”. Christine will represent Great Christine Britain in the 4x400 m relay team in at London 2012 in in August.” August. “at the London games
Written by Sabina Arthur
Chasing for gold Page designed by Emanuela Raggo
On being asked about his inspirations, Richard Riakporhe names “many people - Muhammed Ali and Dr Ramson Mumba to name a few".” His feeling that “the world has deviated from the right way to be for many years” is somewhat pacified by the fact that “Dr Ramson Mumba is just one of the few people in the world setting it straight today.” While it is very early on in his career, and he did not try for the 2012 Olympics, Young does have aspirations of competing in the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Yet winning gold at the Olympics is a huge dream of his, described in his own words as being “the full manifestation of [his] faith.” On the subject of training, he finds it “good, though sometimes hard.” Young believes that “dieting is the hardest thing in boxing and that it takes a lot of mental stability not to eat the things your body craves.” When asked how it feels not being able to eat all the foods he had to give up, he describes it as “do-able.” The fact that “” “The importance of the 2012 even athletes like him still crave a lot of bad Olympics coming to London,” says foods should give hope to the table tennis superstar Darius Knight, is rest of us! mainly in its “impact on youth demographics: a time to show them a lot of amazing athletes and what they can do in the biggest entertainment on earth.” Modestly describing himself as being overwhelmed just to qualify, he also stresses the fact that “table tennis is not a high profile sport, with the result that it is quite difficult to get support and financial help through the government bodies.” To better his game, Knight moved to Austria in January. He details the advantages of this: “In England, I am probably the second or third best; in the hall where I train in Austria I am not even in the top ten so I am playing against a higher level of competition.” Knight started playing at an adventure playground in Battersea, as it was the only facility available to him at the time. His motivation stems from the fact that he fell behind his table tennis peers: “I used to get picked on and harassed by the older guys and younger guys when they used to beat me at table tennis. I always wanted to be the popular guy at table tennis and try beat them all” he says. His advice for anyone trying to get into the game is wise and succinct: “Train as much as you can. Be patient, do not expect anything to come quickly. Work hard and believe in yourself.”
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Diagnosed with epilepsy and autism at the age of three, British wrestler, Chloe Spiteri is motivated by her resolve to defy expectations. She works part-time as a personal trainer and graduated from Brunel University last year with a degree in Sport Sciences. Chloe estimates that she has accumulated 3,000 voluntary hours, working with schools to inspire young people to get into sport. At thirteen, Chloe was moved from a special needs school into mainstream education and contrary to initial expectations, left with ten GCSE A-C grades. She says: “With a lot of barriers in my way, what keeps me going at the end of the day proving people is wrong.” Chloe, now 22, has persevered despite a lack of governing body support. “I have had very little funding, probably like, two percent, and I have received no proper training or advice.” Although aiming for 2012 Olympic success, Chloe sees the 2014 Commonwealth Games as a more achievable goal. She hopes: “Due to the lack of support I have received, I feel that rather then enter the games this summer, it's more realistic to first compete at the 2014 Commonwealth games. After I gain more experience and support, I will then try to win a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics.” She adds: “With the barriers I am experiencing through sports right now, I know I can overcome it, like I did with my education.” After a year of misfortune, sprinter, James Dasaolu, is determined to get back on team GB for this year’s Olympic Games, despite being hit by injury and a loss of funding in 2011. With a rigorous five-day week training schedule at Loughborough’s High Performance Athletics Centre, Dasaolu is aiming to “reach the 100m final and get a relay medal in 4x100m”. This year is a particularly strong motivator for Dasaolu. “It is a great, once in a lifetime, opportunity for athletes like myself to compete in an Olympic Games in their home country… not many athletes will ever have this opportunity so it is such a privilege.” Although not initially inspired by athletics: “I really loved my football growing up as a child. I did watch bits and pieces of track and field, but never followed it properly,” his potential was recognized early. He remembers: “Being the quickest in school, my PE teachers advised me to go my local club and join up.” James began to take athletics seriously following London’s successful 2005 bid and he is optimistic about the opportunities the Games will bring. He says: “There are a number of grass roots programmes running to help get young people into sport. Grass roots programmes are supposed to be the lasting legacy of the 2012 Olympics.” “With so many negative aspects in the UK these days, including the economic situation, it is a positive for the people of Britain to be hosting the greatest show on earth.”
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Fashion Friday
es Sho dan
Jor 3.5
Boots- Dr Martens Skirt - Mango , Jumper - Cos Jewellery - Topshop
Jumper - Topman , Hat -Topman Jumper- Lazy Oaf , Cap - New Era Female Clothes - Vintage Chinos - Topman
Shoes - Nik e skateb
oard
Fashion FridayJH
Jumper - Vintage, Cap - New Era Shorts- Topman
Photography by Ashli Smith
Boots- Office Vest top - Topshop Skirt - Topshop
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Shoes - Vans Cap - Size, Jeans - Pull & Bear Shirt and Cardigan - Zara
Shoes - Vans
1.Whole oufit- Vintage 2.Leggings - American Apparel 2. Shirt - wrangler
T-shirt- Size Chinos - Topman
Shoes - Converse
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Shoes - Creepers
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Wedges- Primark
Jacket - Zara, Jeans - H&M Dress - Primark
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Our new monthly feature ‘Fashion Friday’ takes a look at the latest styles that young Londoners are wearing. We took a day out Carnaby St. to check out the swag the fashion hotspot had to offer. Fashion Friday comes every last Friday of the month on our YouTube channel, make sure you subscribe: www.youtube.com/user/Endz2Endz?ob=0
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Shoes - Vans Jumper & Jeans- Levis Body warmer - Uniqlo
Shorts - Bricklane, T-Shirt - H&M 1.Jumper - Newlook, 2. Obey 1.Jeans-Customised, 2.Topman Vintage Jackect - Bricklane Cap- Something About Eliazabeth
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Amanda Farnsworth
so many monumental events in
my life,
Page designed by Madhu Sidhu
j Amanda: A lot of things are similar such as organisation, receiving information and sorting out what’s most important as well as making decisions quickly. Communication between colleagues/people involved with the BBC is essential. In this job I deal with a lot more people outside the BBC than within, we’ve developed a good partnership to which is why we’ve have such an amazing year. Generally there are a few differences but overall the essential core skills are the same.
passionate,
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“Learn a lot and keep learning to show that you are committed.�
E2E: What is your favorite Olympic or Paralympic sport? Amanda: Usain Bolt in the 100 meters is just unreal but I do like most sports. I got tickets to handball and hockey. I will be seeing the best handball and hockey players in the world. E2E: What advice would you like to give to someone who would like to get into the media? Amanda: The media is one of the fast moving areas of jobs, so skill yourself up. Learn a lot and keep learning to show that you are committed. I did hospital radio and worked for free for a newspaper. Do whatever you can do, so when you do get an opportunity to impress someone you have a good portfolio.
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Abiodun balogun E2E met up and spoke with poet, Abiodun Balogun along the riverside to discuss his inspirations, football and politics. E2E catches up with the poet Abiodun Balogun, discussing inspirations, football and politics. E2E: What inspired you to become a poet? Abi: Everyday living, it was a natural progression from writing lyrics to poetry. I love the art of poetry, and reading the works from poets such as Shakespeare to someone as different as Tupac ignited my urge to go from being an ordinary writer to becoming a poet.
E2E: What was the first poem you ever wrote? Abi: It was a comical piece entitled ‘Stop Beating Me’. It encompassed some light and heavy challenges a young man growing up in two completely different societies faced. This was written whilst at secondary school and was also performed a few times. E2E: What is your style of poetry? Abi: I don’t have a specific style, I would say my writing is unpredictable and can be dependent on the mood I’m
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in whilst working. Honesty is the best policy so I tend to try and be as honest as possible in all of my works.
E2E: If you had a choice to be a rap artist in this present time who would you be and why? Abi: I’d probably be Wale, a fellow Nigerian who’s going from leaps to strides. He is mindful and articulate plus has a great flow when delivering lyrics. E2E: Who do you think will win the Premiership?
E2E: What is “London Invisible Tears” about? Abi: The book is inspired by the capital of our country and tackles issues many of us face within the city. E2E: Does the book express your experiences? Abi: There is a section of the book entitled “through my own eyes” which takes a view from my personal experiences and opinions. It was mainly written to inspire the youth to believe that they don’t have to take conventional routes of sports and music to be a success. With the hope of highlighting the positives of reading and writing.
Abi: My team Liverpool have been slacking recently and im not happy about that lol but it’ll probably be Manchester United! E2E: If you became Prime Minister, how would you run our country? Abi: A few simple changes I’d make would be to make school compulsory until the age of 18, lower taxes and impose free trade with the rest of the world, and finally make more of a financial investment into our youth and local communities.
E2E: Can you describe London? Abi: I love London; I was born and raised in this beautiful city, it’s the most unique and exciting place in the world if you ask me. It’s just unfortunate that the weather sometimes mirrors the mood of a heartbroken teen.
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Castro
Interviewed by Mia
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Our presenter Mia caught up with Castro of Starz Up at their ‘Make a Movie’ video shoot for a quick interview. He discusses an unusual pet choice, tattoos and his future plans. E2E: What are you filming today? Castro: We are doing a hotel scene, part of the video shoot called ‘Make a Movie’ by my team Starz UP, Junior Bratt , MVP and Stars . E2E: Tell us about the song? Castro: We are going all out and representing what we do. It’s called ‘Make a Movie’ because every time we do something we want it to be epic. We are only going to get bigger: this is a stepping stone. E2E: How would you deal with being as big as Jay Z or P-Diddy? Castro: They don’t want me to be that big because crazy things will happen! I’m buying a monkey (Starz Up members laugh!)
E2E: What do you mean you’re buying a monkey?
E2E: Do you have any music projects ready for 2012?
Castro: Yes, I’m buying a little monkey.
Castro: I am currently working on my album and the Starz Up mix tape, which are going to be insane- not to mention the Junior Bratt Ep that’s coming out before that!
E2E: So you’re doing it Michael Jackson style! Can you tell us any events you have coming up? Castro: We’ve got a lot of performances coming up. Junior Bratt has a festival and a performance in Cambridge. We have a lot of performances coming up, just keep up to date on Twitter. E2E: I can see you are a big fan of tattoos, can you tell us a bit about them? Castro: Where do I start? I’ve got a butterfly on my hand representing new life and new beginning as butterflies only live for one day. I’ve got D-Fam on one hand: dedication, family and music. I’ve got a skull and roses representing life after death. I have the Starz Up symbol on my neck: dream, belief, work and achievement.
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E2E: How’s your career going so far? Castro: Every day is a new battle so I take it as it comes. My career is good at the moment. I am comfortable and it only can get better. You can watch the behind the scenes interview on our YouTube channel. Also follow Starz Up on Twitter: @CastroDfam @JuniorBratt @SongwriterStarz @MVelite
Torron-Lee
Torron-lee Meet Torron Lee, an inspirational dance troupe leader who
works with young people across the Capital. Fresh from being picked to bear the Olympic flame this summer in London 2012 Torron is on a high! E2E: How did it feel to be chosen as an Olympic Flame Torchbearer? TL: It’s an amazing feeling, I am so thrilled to be carrying it, no-one can bring me down after such great news. E2E: How were you elected to carry the Olympic Flame?
TL: I was nominated by 1,000 individuals living in and around London for all of the work I carry out in the community. E2E: What was it like to start your own dance group at the age of 16? TL:It gave me something positive to work on, as there wasn’t much else to do in my neighbourhood. The group had a sense of belonging and commit-
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ment; we worked as a team and had a great time in the process. Many halls were too expensive, so my grandmother let us use her garden to practice, which was a very big help. E2E: How did the name Alliance come about? TL: Alliance is another word for team or union, which sat well with what we’re all about.
It later got its full name, Alliance Dance Unit when we started to run more classes, do more shows and reach out to a wider spectrum of people. E2E: What are your plans for Alliance Dance Unit? TL: We hope to continue doing what we do best: teach people and have great fun at the same time. We have turned unconfident people into performing artists and become one big family. ADU has won many awards for its ability to turn lives around and help in the fight against anti-social behavior and gun or knife crime.
out of trouble, giving people a sense of belonging and offering something they can work towards and commit to. Tax is never used wisely in this country, and people wonder why young people go around in gangs, and hang about looking bored. It’s because there’s nothing else to do. It’s common sense really but try telling that to the government. E2E: What was it like to perform at the Spirit of London award nomination ceremony?
was an excellent turnout and everyone had a great evening. It would be nice to see more events like this. E2E: What advice would you give someone who would like to dance or start a business? TL: Take time to figure out what you want, think about how you’re going to get to where you want to be, work hard, be committed to your aims and let no-one get in your way. Only you can make it happen. Have faith in yourself, you can be anyone you want to be.
TL: It was a real honor to perform for Spirit of London at City Hall. It
E2E: Do you think there is much support for youth organisations? TL:There could be much more support from companies in London. Instead, people end up struggling to run what they love to do, and have to turn away students due to costs. More money should be spent on projects that keep Londoners fit and entertained and keep youth
www.alliancedanceunit.co.uk www.facebook.com/ TORRONLEE
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Endz 2 Endz / ACLT visit the Olympic stadium
ENDZ2ENDZ with the afro Caribbean leukaemia trust at the Olympics.
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ENDZ 2 ENDZ was given a sneak preview of the Olympic Park this month, thanks to the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) . Our writer, Darkzac, shares his impression of the venues and considers what legacy this year’s Olympics will leave behind for East Londoners. London 2012 will be Great Britain’s third time as a host of the Olympic Games and is sure to be a momentous occasion. Built in the old industrial heart of the East End, birthplace of the ‘New Unionism’ faction of the trade union movement and Annie Besant’s match factory strike of 1888, the Olympic Park is long overdue for the people of East London. New transport links, housing and job opportunities have started to transform the area but it took the Olympics to make it happen. Athletes from all over the world will take up home here to compete for gold as anthems from a myriad of nations echo through London’s soul. With 7.6 million tickets sold, London is bracing itself for the footfall of thousands coming to share in the Games. Despite the controversy surrounding funding, the Games rumble on, pulling Britain into the global spotlight. The Olympic Park architecture rips into the skyline, offering a modern vision to a new generation. The stadium is very lean, almost like a Mecccano set, and already has become an icon of London. The ArcelorMittal Orbit, beside the stadium, promises panoramic views of London but would be my only criticism of the site. For me, the £19 million observation tower, created by sculptor Amish Kapoor, is a mess: complicated and over-engineered. The VeloPark, clad in wood with an upturned roof, moulds itself like a crisp in to the surrounding buildings. The Basketball Arena seats up to 12,000 and is the largest temporary building of its kind in the world. The Aquatics Centre, shaped like a wave, is bordered by two temporary structures. The athletes’ village is high density low cost housing built to last beyond the Olympics; it will be interesting to see if such an intensive build will truly give residents what they need. Written by Darkzac
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Photo-lab
For our sports themed issue, we’ve decided to share some exclusive photos of the Olympic Stadium taken by our photographer DarkZac. If you would like your photos featured in the next edition of PhotoLab email your photos to our chief editor at Tyrone@endz2endz.com
Title: Observation tower rips into the skyline
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Title: The main venue
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Title: Olympic park under construstion
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Title: Basketball Arena long shot view
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Title: Basketball Arena side view
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Mysterious diary
Question
Can the contraceptive injection affect the results of a pregnancy test?
Answer
Pregnancy tests work by looking for a particular hormone, HCG, which is only produced by the body if you’re pregnant. The contraceptive injection contains the hormone progestogen, which won’t affect the outcome of a pregnancy test. It’s worth bearing in mind that the contraceptive injection is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, which means it’s very unlikely that a woman on the injection would become pregnant. If you think you might be pregnant, you can buy a home-testing kit from a chemist, or get one done by your local doctor (GP). Pregnancy tests can work as soon as a period is late (one day overdue). If you don’t have a regular cycle it can be difficult to know when a period is due. It’s best to take the test three weeks after having unprotected sex, as this is roughly how long it takes for the hormone levels to show up fully on the test. If you’re under 25, you can get a free test carried out at a Brook clinic. Here, you’ll also be able to talk through how you feel and what your options are. This will be done in confidence, which means nobody will be told about your visit unless you want them to. If you are pregnant, it’s important to get advice as soon as possible to decide what you want to do next. If you’re not pregnant, you may want to get further advice about the right contraception for you, especially if you want to avoid unwanted pregnancy in future. To do this, you could call Brook’s free helpline on 0808 802 1234. ‘Questions were submitted to AskTheSite, a free and confidential online service on www.thesite.org for 16 to 25’s in the UK. For more advice on any issue go to TheSite.org.
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Question
My friend has started smoking and last time I went out with her I really wanted to start smoking too. I know the risks and it’s not because I want to be like her, it’s just that I’m really tempted to start. I’ve tried one before and liked it. Is it OK to start smoking?
Answer
You’re definitely doing the right thing by trying to find out information before making a decision. The tobacco in cigarettes contains the drug nicotine . Nicotine is a stimulant. Stimulants do exactly what their name suggests; they stimulate the way your body works. They speed up your heart rate and blood pressure. Rather than relaxing you, smoking does the opposite by speeding your body up. It’s worth knowing that although you might feel able to smoke now and again without getting addicted this isn’t very often the case. Even by just smoking every so often it’s possible to begin to depend on them both psychologically and physically. You may be able to be an ‘occasional smoker’ for a long time but few people manage to smoke this way without eventually becoming dependent. In addition, cigarettes are dangerous because they contain a mix of chemicals that are bad for your health. Basically, the best way to stay safe is to avoid smoking altogether. Before you start smoking you might find it useful to find out more about what is involved when someone tries to stop smoking. It’s also worth giving some thought to whether or not you want to start doing something that is expensive and could lead to wrinkles, cancer and some fairly nasty health problems. If you want to get some further support about this you can contact Quit, a dedicated helpline for people who want help and advice about smoking and giving up. The helpline number is 0800 00 22 00. You can find TheSite.org on: Facebook: TheSite.org Twitter: @TheSite
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Page designed by John Northman
intensi-t
Talent comes in many shapes and forms. Some are gifted musicians while others may be gifted in sports or other activities. A short while back I met a young artist from Norwich whose talent is beat boxing! It was great to see someone with such a unique talent perform live in front of my eyes. People may not believe there’s a market for beat boxers in this day and age but the remarkable journey intensi-t has been through just goes to show if you’ve got a talent and you want to pursue a career from it hard work and dedication is all it takes. He has beat boxed for many big artists including girls aloud star Nicola Roberts, Rizzle Kicks and the wonderful Ed Sheeran. Intensi-t said “At first I didn’t know how to [beat box], someone taught me basic sounds and with practise the beats just started to flow”. If only we could all just pick up such a unique talent. As well as beat boxing regularly, intensi-t is also studying at university. At just 19 years old, he seems to have his head screwed on... and has his eyes set on being at the top. When asked how he found his fame he calmly said “at 16 I just used to come down to London’s live gigs and perform. I eventually got noticed and recognised for what I do and started handing out my business cards. With this I met the right people”. His confidence didn’t go unnoticed. Even before the interview, he was freestyling and you could just see he was very comfortable in showing off such an incredible talent. The realities of being amongst such household names haven’t fazed him either. He went on to say “I’m not awe-struck by working alongside the likes of Rizzle Kicks and Ed [Sheeran]. Me and Ed gigged back in 2009 and it’s great to follow his career step by step. I’m happy at his success as he’s such a great person and such a talented musician”. 2012 is big year for the beat boxer from Norwich. I have no doubts he will be performing with many more stars and making even bigger name for himself. I think it’s only fair to finish in a befitting way to Intensi-T… “Burum bum psshhhh”. Ah who am I kidding just check the man out yourself on YouTube. I’m sure you’ll be as amazed as I was. Written by Ridhwaan Yusuf
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5 top films / 5 top gadgets
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5 Written by Dark Zac
Avengers Assemble (2012) | Certificate: 12A 4.5/5 Six super heroes battle against a super villain who has the Tesseract any energy source that could destroy the world. Starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr. and Samuel L. Jackson the acting is right up there and the movie kicks bad guy ass! Avengers Assemble will leave you wanting more!
How I Spent My Summer Vacation (2012) | Certificate: 15 3/5 Rihanna getting
Mel Gibson plays a career criminal is on the run from the law. He is arrested by the Mexican authorities. With the help of a young boy he learns to survive in the town like prison. The movie is a gun romp through the darker side of Mexicana..
wet is one solid reason to watch this film! The epic-adventure film based on the board game about sea wars doesn’t live up to the hype. The CGI and special effects are great but isn’t enough. Call me shallow, but Rihanna saved it for me!
The Dictator (2012) | Certificate: 15 4/5 Sacha Baron Cohen’s
Men in Black III (2012) | Certificate: PG 4/5
new picture is full of jokes! Playing a dictator of a fictional country called the Republic of Wadiya, General Aladeen is a hero! He risks his life to ensure that his country doesn’t become a democratic! Unlike Borat and Bruno this film is completely scripted and as a result does not have the same impact. Having said that I laughed my head off!
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The world’s favourite alien fighting agents are back in black for the third time with a timetravelling twist! Agent J (Smith) goes back to he 60s to save Agent K (Jones) from being killed by an alien and altering history! It’s a great laugh and Josh Brolin does a great job portraying a young Agent K.
5 Written by Tyrone Smiley Acer Iconia Tab A700
Tablets are a must have gadget as mini notebooks aren’t as cool as the used to be. Apple’s iPad is leader where tablets are concerned but don’t underestimate what Acer has to offer. The Acer Iconia Tab A700 is a small and powerful device with a 1.3GHz quad-core processor. It has 1GB RAM and a 10.1, inch 1080 high definition touch panel. The A700 goes one up on the iPad with a HDMI, MicroSD and a micro USB port allowing you to connect it up with your computer and television easily.
LG has launched a new range of TVs, starting from 55 inches to a very wide 84 inch! The high definition 3D TV is as thin as a picture frame, and will mount nicely on the wall at just 4mm thick with a 1mm bezel rim. Though it will be highly priced, there is no worry about buying the right 3D glasses. Equipped the Film Patterned Retarder technology, this TV allows use of any FPR-type 3D glasses that are less expensive that active shutter 3D glasses.
LG 5EM960V (3D OLED HD TV)
Project Fiona Imagine your X-box 360 as a tablet device, portable with a 10 inch screen. Well Razer™ has come up with ‘Project Fiona’! The gadget combines a Windows 7 tablet with two fixed analogue game controllers on each side. The only tablet in the world designed for PC gaming is powered by Intel’s 3rd generation Ivy Bridge Processor.
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JVC GY-HMQ10 Earlier this year JVC launched the world’s first 4K handheld camcorder. The GYHMQ10 is capable of capturing ad recoding real-time footage at a sky high resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels - 4 times that of a full HD camcorder! If you want for full video quality you can now get that with this brilliant selfcontained camcorder.
Nokia 808 PureView Phone photographer is blowing up. People instantly share their photos on Twitter, Facebook and now Instagram, and with photography it’s all about the quality. The Nokia 808 is blessed with an impressive 41 megapixel camera with full HD at 1080p. Though the camera has the functionality to compete with DSLR cameras, other aspects of the smartphone such as its operating system let the phone down.
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Nite out
NITE OUT
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Nite Out @ OMDZ 1st May 2012 OMDZ is an eventful night that provides you with organic top-quality music, dance and comedy, while simultaneously engaging with real life issues. They used each event to raise awareness and money for various charitable causes. This night benefited ACLT – a leukemia charity that Endz2Endz works with. It’s clean entertainment for the family, with a buzzing atmosphere and great food. What’s more, this night will not leave a hole in your pocket: £3 before 6.30pm and £5 after, so arrive early to catch a bargain for great entertainment! Watch out for the next OMDZ event Sun 3rd June @ The Arc, Angel!
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