Xplode Magazine Summer 2019

Summer 2019

UNI SURVIVAL GUIDE MEN’S FASHION FOOTBALL EXPLORE Guide to travelling on a budget

XPLODEMA G .CO.UK

up

YOU TH

Pick m e

A MAGAZINE FOR

a

SUMMER INSPO nd

e me home! tak

Hello

I’m

FREE

Credits Team

Saeed Atcha Chloe Bennett Ed Jankowski Saimah Malji Khalil Malji Adam Toorawa Lydia German Kasey Smith Mo Jiva Aliyah Khan Chloe Wilson Shabih Syed Zahra Khan Sabrina Burton Alisha Zahid Kajol Patel Amaan Memon Sufyaan Mahmood Isabel Brennand Abeer Abdulaziz Clara Jarvis Owen Povah Tibby Hussain Suleman Patel Maham Malik Charlotte Fletcher Marianna Owen Jacob Aspinall Claire Chadwick Matthew Lee Lee West Ahmed Adil Megan Valentine

Contact Xplode Magazine Xplode Magazine Miller House, 47-49 Market Street, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 7NS E: info@xplodemag.co.uk T: 0330 1200 619 Search ‘Xplode Mag’ on Socials Disclaimer: Xplode Magazine Bolton, Registered Charity 1155789 strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information. If you have seen any mistakes or anything you are not happy with then please e-mail us: info@xplodemag.co.uk All information is correct at the time of print and any unauthorised copying or reproducing of Xplode Magazine’s content will constitute an infringement of copyright.

Xplode Magazine 2019. All Rights Reserved.

Magazine Welcome...

We give you the opportunities, information and guidance to better your chances in life. We have trained young people in media and business skills and have given them the opportunity to showcase their writing, photography and management skills in this magazine.

We’re not just a magazine either - we train young people across the UK in how to get jobs. From searching for a job to smashing the interview, we’re there every step of the way. Because of this, we’re a registered charity helping thousands of young people aged 14-22 across the UK. All of our volunteers take pride in what they do and we are so proud to have been recognised by Her Majesty The Queen who gave us an award for what we do!

To learn more, go to xplode.co.uk Enjoy the magazine!

58

Since last time...

HATE CRIME

Our team completed a research project to raise awareness of hate crime in Bolton.

Finding a Job

59

Revision Tips

SOCIAL ACTION

46

Youth Combined Authority

We started work on a social action project to tackle child literacy rates.

VOLUNTEER?

We launched our brandnew 3-month volunteering programme!

18

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

68

Amaan Memon: VICI Interview

Artist Spotlight

Photo: Charlie Cummings

Introducing the 24-year-old British rapper, Ben Coyle-Larner, otherwise known as Loyle Carner. He came onto a lot of people’s radar back in 2017 following the release of his debut album Yesterday’s Gone. Unlike, many other hiphop artists, Loyle’s music is almost like a storybook of his life featuring his mum and tales of vulnerability accompanied by laid-back beats. Due to this contrast, Loyle became a two-time Brit award and Mercury Prize nominee following the album’s release.

Two years later, Carner is back with a new album Not Waving, But Downing which is just as personal as the first and features refreshingly honest messages in the form of songs to friends and family. Alongside his music, Ben runs Chilli Con Carner - a cooking school which helps to teach young people with ADHD new skills and ignite a passion for cooking which really helped him deal with his own ADHD as a child. Make sure you check him out!

Next up is Grace Carter. The Brighton-raised singer came third in the BBC Sound of 2019 alongside the likes of Octavian and slowthai. Grace’s popularity has grown since the release of her single Silence in 2017 and subsequently following the release of Why Her Not Me? The track describes the emotional pain she experienced when she found out her dad was not apart of her life due to having another family. Admittedly, most of Grace’s music speaks of her heartbreak but features alongside the strength that she’s gained over the years.

As a 22-year-old, her music is frank, and its creation has helped her deal with issues that a lot of young people can resonate with. Having already toured with the likes of Dua Lipa, it’s clear to see that Grace Carter is definitely one to watch in 2019!

4

BY CHLOE BENNETT

Ella Mai Despite being big in the States, and becoming the first British artist since 1992 to top the US R&B charts with her recent single Boo’d Up, Ella hasn’t made as much impact in the UK until now. Major artists such as Rihanna, Migos, and Nicki Minaj have backed the singer since its release. Following a stint on the X-Factor, Ella found her following through Instagram, where she would upload videos singing soulful renditions of Drake and Kanye West. Mai’s overall style has an incredibly nostalgic nod to the relaxed R&B loved by many but which often doesn’t get its rightful place in UK charts. Influenced by the likes Grandstand Media

of Lauryn Hill, the 24-year-old’s debut album features everything from teenage love to tales of wanting someone to accept her for who she is. With her apparent success in the US, it’s only a matter of time until this is replicated in the UK, so make sure you watch out for this rising star in 2019!

Steve Lacy

With a Grammy-nominated album under his belt before leaving high school and experience writing songs for the likes of J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler, The Creator, this 20-year-old has set his roots firmly within the music industry. His music is saturated with hypnotising guitar riffs complemented by smooth vocals, and features a crossover of rock, R&B, and pop.

Thought to make his music on a combination of his phone and Garageband, Steve started his musical journey when he was asked to work on The Internet’s third studio album, entitled Ego Death, which was later nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the Grammys. This is another star that is truly destined for greatness, so make sure you check him out!

XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/MAG

5

Bolton’s Initiative to Help the Unemployed Dress for Success

Founded by Bolton At Home, the Working Wardrobe aims to give the unemployed the best chance of success in upcoming job interviews. They use the hashtag #firstimpressionslast, and this is supported by the fact that around 50% of all people who visit Working Wardrobe get into work, thanks to the suitable attire they are gifted.

6

What is the Working Wardrobe?

The Working Wardrobe is the final step in the process of helping the unemployed get into work. If you visit, it’s likely that you are on your journey by referral, often through the help of a UCAN or job centre.

The service is available for anyone of any age or gender preparing for an interview for a job, traineeship, or apprenticeship.

What happens?

After your referral, you will be allocated a 2-hour appointment at the Working Wardrobe, located on Bradshawgate, Bolton. You will then be able to choose an outfit with the help of one of the employees who has had specialist stylist training.

Next, you will go into the coaching room to receive specialist guidance in preparation for your interview which is specific to the role you are going for.

The outfit can then be kept,

and if you get the job, you’ll receive support for the next six months following your referral.

How can you help?

The Working Wardrobe is fuelled by public donations, as well as certain companies who donate stock, including men’s suitor Slaters. If you have any old workwear of good quality, you can donate it to the store. They take shoes, bags, accessories and of course suitable work attire.

Currently, there is a need for men’s shoes and women’s shoes (sizes 5 and 6).

As well as donating, in the near future, Working Wardrobe will be looking to take on volunteers to sort the stock room and donations.

Dawn, who works in the store, says this would be ideal for somebody looking for experience in retail or visual merchandising.

If you are interested in receiving help from the Working Wardrobe or would like more information, please visit Bolton At Home or search @ wwardrobebl1 on Twitter.

BY MEGAN VALENTINE

How Hippocrates Influenced Medicine Today Hippocrates was a Greek scientist born on the Island of Kos in the 5th century BCE. He is most commonly known as “The Father of Medicine”.

In Ancient Greece, illnesses were considered a punishment from the Gods. Many Greeks appealed to their gods when someone became ill. Places such as Epidaurus had a temple to Asclepius, the Greek God of healing. This was called an asclepion.

After exercising, resting, giving sacrifices, and perhaps taking certain potions, patients slept the night in the holy place of the temple called the abaton.

Here, the God Asclepius and his daughters Hygeia and Panacea came with two holy snakes and healed the patients. Healing was considered a divine gift from the Gods.

Hippocrates was the first person to challenge the idea that illness is from God, and said “Sickness is not sent by the gods or taken away by them. It has a natural basis. If we can find the cause, we can find the cure.” After this, many scientists and doctors changed their ideas and began to look for cures and remedies in nature such as honey and garlic.

After many years of research, the Hippocratic Corpus was written - a collection of over 60 books written by Hippocrates and other Greek doctors, noting symptoms, treatments and their effectiveness.

This is how Ancient Greece became the first civilisation to develop a medical system in the world and stopped relying on the Gods.

Doctors in Ancient Greece and even every doctor today has to take something called “The Hippocratic Oath”. This means that doctors have to take an oath to treat all patients to the best of their abilities, to keep their records and symptoms confidential, to treat all people well and teach medicine to the next generations.

Even today, a lot of the research that doctors have comes from Hippocrates and the Greek doctors!

BY AHMED ADIL

7

5 Binge-worthy Netflix Series Netflix has recently grown massively and has started to produce more of its own series and movies, including Bird Box, which quickly filled social media timelines with memes! Many feature today’s film stars as well as some lesser-known actors. If you're stuck for something to do this summer, here are my Netflix recommendations. Not all of these listed were produced by Netflix, but they are all available to watch on the platform!

1.

Friends The internet went crazy when the much-loved ‘90s series came to Netflix last year. Many people who grew up with the show rewatched the series for nostalgia, while younger audiences (like me) watched it for the first time. You’ll be able to relate to the characters and laugh in every episode.

8

2. Orange is the New Black This show is an absolute must-watch. It follows the stories of women in a female prison and how their lives unfold. The cast is home to so much diversity and multiple storylines at once, which are told in such a gripping way that they don’t get confusing. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll get angry, and everything in between.

The final series comes to Netflix this summer so catch up before then!

BY LYDIA GERMAN

3. Explained This hidden gem is a short series of 15-20 minute documentaries diving into the history and science behind different topics such as music, astrology, tattoos and more. It takes confusing issues such as cricket and the stock market and makes them understandable and interesting, with graphics and experts in the field simply explaining everything. If you want to expand your knowledge of the world, this should be high up on your list.

4. The Innocents In this mind-bending series, teenagers Harry and June are in love with each other and decide to run away from their families to be together. But this isn’t so easy when it turns out that June can shapeshift, and can’t control her new power. The show follows what happens when they learn from a mysterious professor that there are more shapeshifters just like her in the world.

5. Umbrella Academy This is one of Netflix’s newest shows and is based on the comic written by My Chemical Romance’s lead singer, Gerard Way. The story begins in 1989, when 43 women around the world give birth at the same time, even though none of them showed any sign of pregnancy. Seven of the children are turned into a superhero team called “The Umbrella Academy” when they’re adopted by eccentric billionaire Sir Reginald Hargreeves. In the present day, the estranged siblings learn that Reginald has died and gather for his funeral, where they try to uncover the secret of their family while continuing to fall apart due to their very different personalities and abilities.

With shows for everyone, why not spend a rainy summer afternoon watching something new?!

XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/MAG

9

Porridge 4 Ways!

Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Porridge is quick, cheap, nutritious, and guaranteed to get your day off to the right start!

The Fancy - Chia and Raspberry Chia seeds don’t have to be expensive, and you can find them in supermarkets such as Aldi or Asda for a reasonable price. They’re an anti-oxidant and add fibre and protein.

• • • • •

½ cup rolled oats 1 cup of water or milk of your choice 2 tbsp chia seeds A squeeze of honey to taste A handful of frozen raspberries

Add the oats, liquid, chia seeds, and honey to a bowl and microwave on full power for 2 minutes, or longer if needed, checking often. Stir well and allow to cool, then add the frozen raspberries on top.

The Extra - Carrot Cake Yes – the thought of carrot in porridge is daunting. But when it’s mixed in, it adds a light sweetness and isn’t too noticeable, while adding a dose of vitamin A. • • • • • • •

½ cup rolled oats 1 cup of water or milk of your choice ½ tsp cinnamon ¼ carrot grated 1 tbsp sultanas 4 walnut halves, crushed Honey to taste

The method is simple: add all of the ingredients to a bowl and stir well. Microwave for 2 minutes and check the consistency. Stir well again and enjoy.

10

BY MEGAN VALENTINE

The Classic - Peanut Butter, Jam and Banana The ultimate combination: banana, peanut butter, and jam. Do I need to say any more?

• • • • •

½ cup rolled oats 1 cup of water or milk of your choice 1 tbsp crunchy peanut butter (try to go for a healthier brand such as Whole Earth/ Meridian) 1 ripe banana Jam to taste

Mash half of the banana in the bowl, and then add the oats, liquid, peanut butter and stir well. The banana will act as a natural sweetener, and the peanut butter will melt through. Microwave for 2 minutes, checking the consistency is suited to you. Then, chop the rest of the banana Tip: You can also heat any of these porridge recipes on the on top and add jam to taste. hob if you prefer!

The Convenient - Date and Walnut This quick and simple throw-together breakfast is ideal for every day.

Dates don’t look too appealing, but their soft texture and sweet taste mirrors that of fudge pieces, and the walnuts add healthy fats.

• • • •

½ cup rolled oats 1 cup of water or milk of your choice 4 walnut halves, crushed A small handful of chopped dates

For a convenient breakfast, take all the ingredients and place them in a microwaveable bowl. Microwave on full power for two minutes, keeping an eye that it doesn’t boil over. Stir well, and add more liquid if it is too thick, or heat further until it is at your desired consistency. Leave to cool, then enjoy!

XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/MAG

11

Healthy Lunch Inspo Being back at school, college, and university often results in lunch away from the comfort of our own homes. While it’s convenient to grab an energy drink and bag of crisps, there’s no hiding the fact this isn’t the most nutritious or sustainable. For affordable, healthy, and filling lunches, follow this 4-step guide!

Pick a base Bread, bagel, wrap, pitta bread, pasta, (giant) cous cous or rice.

Pick a spread/sauce Tomato puree, pesto, hummus, cheese spread, butter, mayonnaise, a drop of olive oil, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.

Pick some protein Sandwich meat, tinned tuna, cheese, tinned chickpeas (ensure you cook these first), kidney beans (as above – make sure you cook them), egg, nuts/nut butter.

Throw in some veg Tinned sweetcorn, spinach, mixed leaves, carrot, cucumber, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, peppers.

Tip: Use wholemeal pasta and bread for longer lasting fullness and extra fibre.

12

Pictured is a quick pasta salad I made up. As the pasta was boiling, I grated in some carrot for extra veg and texture.

To make this, boil your desired amount of pasta, then drain once cooked. Leave around a spoonful of water in the pan (this helps create a sauce), and squirt in some tomato puree (as much as you like).

Add salt, pepper, and/or herbs to taste, and mix well. When the pasta has cooled, add whatever other ingredients you want, and then put it in a Tupperware tub for the following day. Be sure to add extra snacks to make your meal more filling - a piece of fruit is a great option, and I added peanut butter for extra protein.

Get creative! Mix and match – for example, use the tomato puree as a base for pizza bagels/wraps. For this, assemble your ingredients, and then place under a preheated grill until toasted (around 5 minutes). Leave to cool before refrigerating until you need it the following day, and enjoy!

BY ISABEL BRENNAND

Perfect Pizza Pastry Ingredients • Asda’s Ready Roll Puff Pastry | 375g • Tomato Puree | 3 tbsp • Mozzarella | 200g • Olive Oil | 1 tbsp • Any toppings you desire • Salt and pepper to season Optional: Cheesestrings for stuffed crust Directions Step 1: Take the pastry out of the fridge 15 minutes before starting, to let it warm to room temperature; this will stop it tearing when rolling out.

Step 2: You will need a baking tray. Cover the baking tray in foil and pour on a light layer of olive oil. Then add a pinch of salt and pepper – this will ensure a seasoned pizza base.

Servings: 4 Prep time: 25 mins Total time: 45 mins

Step 4: Squeeze some tomato puree onto the pastry and smooth out with a spoon.

Then sprinkle on your mozzarella and create an even layer of cheese. If you want to add a stuffed crust place Cheesestrings around the edges of the baking tray and fold over the excess pastry, tucking it in firmly.

Step 5: Add any toppings you desire. I had Step 3: Unroll the pastry dough [toppings]! and place on top of the baking Place in the oven at 180°C tray. It will most likely be slightly bigger than the tray, so for 20 minutes.

Enjoy hot and save leave the excess hanging over the edges if you want a stuffed leftovers for later! crust. Otherwise just cut it off.

BY CLAIRE CHADWICK

13

Travelling on a Budget As a young person, it’s common to view travel as something we can only do once we have a consistent income, and have saved up for months, or even years. While travelling can be slightly expensive, I’m here to show you that it is possible without breaking the bank. Let’s break the trip down into the four main costs; Transport, Accommodation, Food and Activities.

Transport The first thing you’ll need to look at is where to go and how to get there. A great website to use to find the cheapest flights is Skyscanner, an online comparison site which searches hundreds of airlines to seek the cheapest deals.

You can either select a specific location or filter ‘Everywhere’ in the ‘Cheapest month’, and it will search for the best places to go for the lowest price. Germany, Ireland, and Belgium tend to have return flights starting from around £20 (depending on when you go). However, before you select your city, do a bit of research to check you actually want to visit, and what it’s like. For instance, Oslo in Norway has temptingly cheap flights, yet it’s a very expensive city.

Once you go to book your flight, the best option is to take hand luggage only, to save paying for a case – but check the airline's cabin

14

baggage policy to ensure you know what you can take.

Accommodation Next, finding a place to stay. AirBnB, TripAdvisor, and Booking.com are all great websites to find cheap accommodation, where you can filter specifically for your budget and request to find appropriate places. Remember: you’re only really going to be sleeping here, so the more basic, the cheaper. BUT check the location carefully when choosing accommodation.

They tend to be cheaper the further out you are from the city centre, and this can be inconvenient travelling to landmarks you actually want to see. Try to find somewhere not-too-far-out, along a public transport line or within walking distance from a station.

BY MEGAN VALENTINE

While you’re there, the remaining costs can be broken down into two categories: food and activities.

Food Particularly in cities, food can be expensive when eating out.

Many European cities will be home to a Lidl, or other cheap supermarkets. It may not be the most glamorous, but it’ll certainly save you some money. Buy a loaf of bread and whatever else you need to create a packed lunch to take out with you. Bringing some form of Tupperware from home will come in handy.

In terms of an evening meal, TripAdvisor is great to see local restaurants, and you can filter this to ‘Cheap Eats’ to find budget-friendly restaurants which still have great reviews.

for cheaper prices too. So rather than paying for a bus tour to take you around, create your own. Also, look out for free walking tours.

These are another great way to explore.

“The key to a good trip is a good plan. Plan what you want to do in advance, budget sensibly, and this will save you making costly decisions!”

Activities It’s easy to book taxis to take you to places, but using apps such as Citymapper, Rome2Rio, or simply Google Maps can save you a huge amount of money by navigating yourself around.

Most European cities have great public transport systems; much better than the UK, and

XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/MAG

15

Turkey has to be one of my most favourite places to visit, due to the variety and diversity of all the sights the country has to offer. It’s friendly, beautiful, culturally rich, and good value for money, making it one of the world’s top 10 travel destinations.

In Western Turkey, you get to see Greek and Roman cities fully intact. Move further east, and you’ll find atmospheric old Islamic towns and cities, and some pre-historic stuff too.

WHY I’M TAKEN

And I haven’t even covered the beautiful Mediterranean coastline of Turkey. Over the centuries, more than ten civilisations have existed in Turkey, and every single one of them has had a significant impact on the culture, which is clearly visible!

Turkey is the only country that I’ve been to where I’ve seen multiple religions coexisting so peacefully, with the Islamic call to prayer ringing around the cities, or the bells of the beautiful ancient churches!

16

There’s also a great mix of old and new. On one side, I saw an ancient city, with old homes, bazaars, and cobbled streets, and on the other, I saw tall skyscrapers, a modern urban landscape, and the general hustle and bustle of a metropolitan city. Monuments aside, another thing I find irresistible about Turkey is their ice cream – and the always playful ice cream vendors!

Traditional Turkish ice cream, or Dondurrma, is very thick and chewy with an elastic-like texture, which prevents it from melting in the heat.

BY BY AHMED ADIL

After a few days in the mesmerising mountainous city of Cappadocia, we flew to Antalya, which is one of Turkey’s beautiful Mediterranean resort towns!

Referred to as the “gateway to the Turkish Riviera” or “Turquoise Coast”, it has lovely blue waters and ancient cities and streets.

Throughout the week, we went on a day boat ride, went scuba diving into the blue, glistening ocean, parasailed high into the sky, and walked across the ancient and modern city, trying new foods, and discovering Turkish specialities. Of course, going to the rocky and sandy beaches to look at the stunning sunsets was amazing. Everywhere we went there were people singing in the streets, and everyone’s attitudes were the most warming and welcoming thing.

BY TURKEY Our hotel was in the centre of Old Istanbul, a short walk from the blue mosque, and with a direct view of the light Mediterranean Sea. We were so eager to explore this unique city that we set out on foot to walk around and get a feel for the place. We took a cruise on the river from Istanbul to the fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi, located on the Asian side of Istanbul.

“I would definitely recommend this colourful city of contrasts to everyone!”

XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/MAG

17

Looking for your next

Adventure?

After finishing my studies, I was met with a familiar feeling of uncertainty - what next? Now, just a short while later, I find myself about to move to Hungary. Once there, I will spend 12 months volunteering in a media organisation, with travel, accommodation, and food all funded.

“Are you sure it is not a scam?” my friend asked when I spilled the details over a cup of tea. I had to agree that it does sound too good to be true, but rest assured, it is very much real! In fact, having scrolled through the European Voluntary Service (EVS) Database in which I found my Hungarian adventure, I can confirm that there are hundreds of similar international opportunities, available and waiting for those aged 18 - 30 to apply.

This remarkable world of international opportunities was first introduced to me through Volunteer Police Cadets. At the time I was on a gap year (in which I spent the majority working unholy hours in Wetherspoons) before going to university to study chemistry.

18

24

With time on my hands, I jumped at the chance to participate in a 2-week project in Georgia, and then again, a few long months later, but this time in Bulgaria.

The days in Bulgaria were spent learning how to campaign in order to raise awareness of human trafficking, while the evenings were spent socialising!

e all “I would encourag t those curious abou ple the world and peo to begin their own ey!” international journ

EUROPEERS.UK

One of my favourite memories was when we went out into Bankya and interviewed the local public, there was also a bear-like dog who followed us around and rejected me twice. Not bitter.

On reflection, this project was the seed to me recognizing my own interests in social issues and media.

In the spirit of Kanye West’s “find your tribe” tweet, I joined EuroPeers UK; a youth-led network that is made up of people who are equally passionate about international experiences and promoting them. I was and remain, hooked. Meanwhile, I was a good way into the first year of a chemistry degree, but it wasn’t feeling right for me.

There was no bolt of lightning, but these international projects allowed me to learn in a way that I had not been exposed to in school.

My 18-year-old self who embraced that first trip to Georgia would have never have imagined that these experiences would go on to spark my interest in documentary and that the incredible people I met along the way would make it feel possible to pursue it. Hence, I did a 180-degree turn and dropped out of chemistry to instead do a film degree which I recently completed!

Here I find myself again, about to take a step, or rather, a three-hour flight, out of my comfort zone, as my EVS in Hungary is on the very near horizon. I am not without nerves (it’s not every day you move to a new country!), but, I’m mainly excited to see where it takes me! And, I would encourage all those that are curious about the world and about people, to begin their own international journey. See where it takes you!

For more information, head to europeers.uk

EUROPEERS.UK

19

How to Spend Your Summer!

Stuck for things to do this summer?

Here’s my handy guide on what you can do and where you can go this summer holiday!

Retro Revival ‘80s and ‘90s fashion is back in! If you want to get in on the trend, then look no further than Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

The Northern Quarter is home to stores like Retro Rehab, Affleck’s Palace, and Pop Boutique, which sell quirky vintage and second-hand clothes at a cost that won’t break the bank.

Rummage through the racks of period pieces and take home a piece of clothing you won’t find anywhere else. Stay on trend and bag yourself a brand-new wardrobe at a bargain price this summer!

Volunteer!

What better way to spend your time than by giving up your time

to help others! Use your summer holiday to give back to your community and make a change where you live. Volunteering enables you to develop new skills, meet new people, and build your confidence.

It’s also a great way to build up your CV! Bolton Lads and Girls Club, Bolton Libraries and Museum Services, and Bolton FM are always looking for volunteers, so check out their websites for more details on how to get involved. You can also volunteer with Xplode!

It’s Lights, Camera, Action at MediaCityUK! Once you’re in Manchester, you’re only a short bus or tram ride away from MediaCityUK - the Northern hub for broadcasting!

MediaCityUK is the North West home of the BBC and ITV and offers many opportunities to explore behind the scenes of the media industry. You can take a tour of the BBC, walk down those famous cobbles on the Coronation Street tour, or even watch a programme be recorded live at dock10! Who knows, maybe you’ll even spot a famous face or two?

20

BY CHARLOTTE FLETCHER

Summer Reading List Summer wouldn’t be summer without sitting on a beach or by a pool with a bookshelf worth of books. I think half my luggage weight is usually in books, and though I’ve finally given into the Kindle, I still need a booklist to work my way through. So here’s a list of 5 of the greatest books that I’ve ever read – enjoy!

1. The Tattooist of Auschwitz – Heather Morris I know what you’re thinking.

That doesn’t sound very summery and upbeat. And you’re not wrong. Yet it is an incredibly uplifting, exciting and thoroughly enjoyable read. This true story follows the life of a boy in the Auschwitz concentration camp and his fight for survival.

Just incredible.

2. All the Light We Cannot See – Anthony Doerr Even though this book is easily 600 pages, I read it in about a day. I just couldn’t put it down. It is another World War Two themed book, following a young boy and young girl who live in different countries and have incredibly different lives.

3. The Underground Railroad – Colson Whitehead On the other side of the world now, this book is set in a cotton plantation in the American South. The book

follows a slave’s escape through something known as the underground railroad.

4. The Time Traveler’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger I definitely wouldn’t describe this as your average boy-meetsgirl book. The two characters, Clare and Henry, met when Clare was 6 and Henry was 36. They got married when Clare was 23 and Henry was 31.

Utterly bizarre yes, but a great read.

5. The Rest of Us Just Live Here – Patrick Ness A hilarious, upbeat book. The plot follows Mikey, who’s trying really hard to be ordinary while everything around him is certainly not. I love any Patrick Ness book, but this was certainly my favourite.

So whether you’re going on holiday or need something to do on a rainy day – hopefully, one of these books is for you!

BY CLARA JARVIS

21

Drug Store Makeup Favourites If you’re like me and love your make-up, but don’t have a lot of cash to spare, you can’t always afford top-tier cosmetics. Here is a list of drugstore make-up items which are just as good as high-end brands - but aren’t extremely pricey!

Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer This concealer is high coverage and lightweight, with a liquid consistency. There are 18 shades, and at only £4 it’s a steal!

Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter Another Revolution product.

With a wide range of shades and a blinding glow, this product is impressive for a mere £3!

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara Containing a grow lash complex and fibres, this mascara treats your lashes while making them look amazing.

Ranging from £5-£8 it’s extremely affordable too!

NYX Tame & Frame tinted brow pomade A smudge-proof, waterproof brow pomade that is available in 5 shades. It leaves you with natural, carved out brows for only £6.

22

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge The drugstore dupe for a beauty blender that only sets you back £6.

It has a rounded edge, flat edge and precision tip leaving you with a flawless base!

NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette With eight shades including cool and warm tones, this palette covers all your contouring and highlighting needs. All of the colours are refillable, and the whole palette is £19.

L’Oreal Infallible Foundation With 24-hour wear and multiple versions - pro glow, total cover, and pro matte - this foundation can be however you like it for only £12.

With bargains like these, what are you waiting for?! Go treat yourself!

BY ISABEL BRENNAND

Summer Essentials!

Summer is almost here, and it’s time to get ready! When it’s summer, I always read a good book, listen to amazing upbeat music and drink all the cold drinks. So here are my summer essentials, tips and tricks, to help you out once the sun decides to stay!

Take sunscreen everywhere you go!

The sun can be awfully painful if you don’t wear sunscreen and I definitely recommend taking a small spray tube so you can top up on the go - it’s essential that you keep your skin protected from U.V. rays.

Sunglasses Now I know this may seem obvious but having a good pair of sunglasses is essential when summer comes around. Your eyes can’t properly adapt to it being so bright outside, and you’ve got to protect them. I love these ones I picked up from Floozie in Debenhams, a great price too!

Music Having a great summer playlist is such an essential! With old songs like Summer by Calvin Harris and newer ones like Giant and Hold my girl. A good playlist to me makes summer!

Straw Bags!

At first I wasn’t going to include this, but once I found it in Primark, I couldn’t resist picking it up. It’s so practical and let me tell you; it’s the perfect summer bag. It’s amazing to carry all those summer essentials; book, shades, phone, lip balm and sun cream. Oh and also those hay-fever tablets if you suffer like me! It’s a great size and shape and makes any outfit look cute!!

Drinks Don’t you just love making an ice-cold Diet Coke when the sun comes out? I love it. It’s so nice to get up in the morning, sit outside with a cold drink and not freeze but be warm. Ahhh I’m so excited for summer! Drinks matched with summer foods like salad and BBQ delicacies are the most important summer essential.

As you can tell, I’m pretty excited about summer! I’m so ready for some time off to relax and have some fun!

BY CHLOE WILSON

23

She said YES! Summer for some means holidays in the sun, yet for others, it's the beginning of wedding season meaning glamorous clothes and glistening jewellery. I recently attended the wedding of a close friend and if you're going to your first Asian wedding this summer then here are some key things to expect!

A traditional Asian wedding usually lasts an average of 3 days but can be longer.

A tradition solely for Pakistani weddings is Dholkis. These are held at the houses of the bride and groom a few days before the Mehndi celebrations.

Close friends and family gather around a dhol (a large skinned drum) to sing traditional songs about the couple and dance.

24

The first official day begins with a Mehndi ceremony where the bride and groom usually celebrate separately.

This could also be seen as a form of hen/stag do.

However, the ceremony can be done as a couple.

The bride is expected to wear yellow - the traditional colour for a Mehndi. The bride will have intricate henna patterns drawn on her hands and arms. Outfits of guests are to be colourful; the more colourful, the better! Friends and family members will put mehndi and oil on the bride and groom's hands and feed them fruit or Asian sweets called methai.

BY TIBBY HUSSAIN

The groom usually wears a shalwar kurta on his Mehndi and a colourful neck scarf, as do his male friends and family members. The event involves an introduction of the couple's families, food and music. Dances or other performances which are prepared by siblings, cousins and friends are presented to the bride and groom.

The Nikkah is a religious ceremony of the exchanging of vows and the acceptance of marriage by both the bride and groom. It's usually held in the mosque, and this is typically after the mehndi and other pre-celebrations and before the Baraat ceremony.

The Baraat, held and organised by the bride's family, is the next traditional ceremony. Slow music or religious songs are played as both the bride and groom make their separate entrances with their family; however, the groom and his family's arrival can be very extravagant with flashy cars, music, sometimes dhol (drumming) and dancing.

There is more focus on the glam of the clothes and the venue dĂŠcor as this is the big day. Gifts of money are usually given, and pictures and filming of the day is captured. The most important part of the baraat is the Rukhsati which is the sending off of the bride. The final event is the Walima; a dinner and reception held by the groom's family which is all about saying thanks to their guests and family.

All of these events combined make Asian weddings unique.

Depending on where you're from, traditions may vary. Some may be more religious celebrations whilst others will focus more on traditions and culture.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASAM ALI @THE_A.GAME

25

Championship The Changing Face of Promotions

The way clubs achieve promotion to the Premier League is changing, fuelled by cash-rich owners and changes to player development.

Previously, to get promoted to the Premier League, teams would have to ‘win ugly’ and triumph in physical battles. The championship was a slog, and teams would have to ‘grind out’ wins to gain promotion. The infamous “Can they do it on a wet rainy night at Stoke?” phrase used by pundits encapsulated championship teams' playing style. And while much of this is still the case in the second tier,

26

a new recipe for promotion has emerged.

In the last few seasons, there's been a slow change in playing styles, types of players and recruitment processes. This has been accelerated by the arrival of foreign managers such as Marcelo Bielsa, Daniel Farke, and Slavisa Jokanovic. Since 2010, there have been six managers born outside the UK who have won promotion.

This new continental approach that some clubs are taking is complementing well with the emergence of new young players. There is a different breed of players coming through youth systems, with lots focused on technical skill and possession-

BY KASEY SMITH

Perhaps this demand for entertainment is fuelled by rising ticket prices. It's no longer good enough to produce 1-0 wins or draws. But also, there is a lot more money in the championship than there was in the past because the Premier League riches are so vast. There's been an influx of billionaire owners buying lower league Many of the top teams in England have been playing this clubs to try to get a share of the continental style of football for Premier League profits. This has seen prices inflate massively with many years now. This means players such as Gary Madine players coming through their selling for £6m and Scott Hogan ranks will be built around that £12m. This has its own problems style. in a league where club revenue is relatively low. However, it has The championship, in recent meant that better quality players years, has seen players have come to the championship. such as Jarrod Bowen, James Maddison, and Ryan The fact that championship Sessegnon coming through. teams have more skilled players They've been some of the highest scorers in the league – means that teams can change their football styles and be however, top goalscorers are more adventurous than a direct, no longer solely old-fashioned physical style. Germany proved centre forwards. Fans are in the recent World Cup that also demanding more from unless you have the right quality their teams. It's no longer of player to play a particular style, satisfactory to simply win; you will not be successful. This you have to win ‘attractively’. new approach is becoming ever Teams have got rid of fairly more common as every year successful managers to bring passes in the championship. in a more attractive style of Teams hoping to win promotion football, evidenced by Ipswich to the Premier League must be replacing Mick McCarthy with aware that simply being physical Paul Hurst, and Stoke who and hard to beat may not be brought in Mark Hughes after enough.

Tony Pulis departed. based football. English youth systems are now producing fast, attacking players such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Jadon Sancho, and Phil Foden. This is a complete contrast to the old home-grown players like Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, and David Beckham.

XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/MAG

27

PHOTO: AVFC

Uncertain Futures:

Is the current financial model in English football fit for purpose? this once-great club. This was not

26 May 2018. It had all come down to this one game. After a gruelling season, the decision of who gets promoted and who stays in the championship would be decided in this play-off final.

supposed to happen. Villa fans were promised an immediate return to football’s promised land when Dr. Tony Xia took over the club after they fell out of the top flight in 2016.

Worth £174m, this one game was a matter of all or nothing for Aston Villa. On the horizon was a £4.2m tax bill which was due to be paid shortly after their promotion to the Premier League.

Losing around £5m a month, their excessive spending had finally caught up with them in 2018. Miraculously, Aston Villa were saved by a billionaire who took a 55% stake in the club. For many, this type of gamble is not possible.

That promotion never happened, and they were plunged into crisis. Administration became a huge possibility after Aston Villa were issued a winding-up petition.

Desperate for cash, a backyard sale of players was a certainty. The days of spend, spend, spend were no more. Two years outside of the Premier League had crippled

Financial Fair Play (FFP) dictates that any Championship team cannot lose over £39m in three years. FFP aims to keep clubs sustainable, but critics note that punishments for breaking the rules do the exact opposite. If breached, clubs face millions of pounds in fines and a transfer embargo. Many argue this further weakens

28 28

BY BY KASEY SMITH KASEY SMITH

Twitter: @Dr_TonyXia

lower clubs. For example, bigger teams can afford to risk the fine, but smaller clubs can’t.

And chairmen believe that FFP takes away the “speculate to accumulate” ethos.

In Villa’s case, they had the luxury of £75m parachute payments – a result of falling out of the Premier League. Any top flight team relegated receives £90m spread over three seasons to ‘cope with the financial loss of dropping into the championship’.

Many see this as a rewarding failure.

Constant investment is a necessity to keep a club moving forward in the EFL. This is not the case in the Premier League due to the value of the television rights. Over half of top-flight clubs in the 2016/17 season could have had empty stadiums all year and still made a profit.

In that same period, 19 of the 24 championship clubs made losses.

Last year, the average weekly wage in the top-flight was over £50k. This causes problems for EFL clubs because the better players demand more money, and the ones currently in the EFL want pay rises to match the increases at the top EFL clubs are angry because they believe the latest TV rights have been undersold. Each club will get just over £500k more than the previous deal. But this year,

every mid-week game is televised on iFollow or through the Sky Sports red button. At the same time, attendances are down 9%. With this in mind, owners feel that the rights should have sold for double the amount. As each year goes by, the gap between the haves and the have-nots extends.

A way to level out the playing field could be to introduce a salary cap so that lower clubs are not priced out, and would also take away the influence agents have in transfer deals.

FFP could be revamped so that it works for everybody and ambitions aren’t hampered. Parachute payments could be scrapped.

But with reports of top clubs planning a breakaway Super League, many fear greed is ahead of preserving English football as a whole. Getting reform will not happen overnight.

XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/MAG

29

Festival Wear Festival wear that’s fashionable yet affordable!

Be bold in this simple red classic leopard print t-shirt dress, pair with a bum bag and chunky boots, and you’re good to go!

Dress, PLT, £12 Tights, Missguided, £4 Boots, PLT, £40 Bag, PLT, £15

Skirt Edit The go-to mini reinvented for summer!

Stand out in these bold mini skirts this summer, perfect for days out!

LEFT Sunglasses, ASOS, £14 Top, AS0S, £16 Green skirt, Missguided, £20 Sandals, ASOS, £28 Red Skirt, Missguided, £20 Bag, New Look, £15.99 RIGHT Earrings, New Look, £3.99 Top, ASOS £6 Skirt, Missguided, £20 Sliders, New Look, £19.99 Bag, ASOS, £15.99

Minimalist Men’s Oversized Keep it minimalist with the y fit with a Tee! Add a bit of sauce to an sh white two-tone denim and some fre . creps to bring it all together

LEFT VICI Essential Tee Jeans, COLLUSION X004 Trainers, NIKE RIGHT Top, VICI Brainwash Tee Jeans, ASOS Trainers, Nike

Khaki dress, Missguided Top, New Look Boots, Dr. Martens Grey dress, Missguided Scarf, Pretty Little Thing Boots, Missguided

THE

t n e m e t a St

SLOGANS

Nothing screams casual more than an oversized jumper. Whether the pre-kend is in full flow on a Thursday night, or you’re hanging on to every last bit of the weekend on a Sunday, chill out with a casual look.

Occasion Wear

Blue dress, Chi Chi London Silver clutch, River Island Heels, Missguided Pink dress, ASOS Nude clutch, Missguided Heels, Missguided

Dive into a real-life fairytale with elegant lace. You’ll be the Belle of the Ball!

STAND

It’s all about the bright colours this summer! Making sure you blend in and stand out from the crowd with these contrast camo cargo pants. Stay prepped for festival season with a cross-body/waist bag.

T-shirt, £25 Bag, £14 Trousers, £50 All ASOS Shoes, model’s own

OUT! Bring the sauce to summer with a nice pattern shirt to switch things up a bit...the lightweight fabric paired with a few open buttons is bound to keep you cool this summer.

Don’t forget to add some nice jewellery just to finish off the fit!

Shirt, ASOS, £25 Jeans & shoes, model’s own

COAT EDIT Stand out in the crowd and keep cosy and warm with these coats!

Black top, red jacket, jeans, boots and bag, all New Look Black top, ASOS Pink coat, Missguided Skirt, New Look Shoes, ASOS Bag, Missguided

Black top, New Look Orange coat, New Look Red coat, Missguided

LAYERS EDIT

Layers are ideal for when you can’t predict the weather!

With our Layers Edit, come rain or shine, you’ll be fine!

Fashion Credits Fashion Editor: Zahra Khan Photographer: Amaan Memon MUA: Tasnimah Taiyba Models Will Furman Lydia German Emily Metcalfe Jonathan Kaengele Tibby Hussain Isabel Brennand

Black tops, New Look Plum dress, New Look Earrings, Primark Black hat, Pretty Little Thing Dungaree dress, River Island Burgundy bag, New Look

Social Media & Mental Health: The Impacts For some, sites such as Twitter and Instagram allow you to connect with friends and join a new community of people who share the same interests - which can be extremely positive. However, for others, social media can have a significant impact on their mental health.

Social Media and Self-Esteem

Social Media and Sleep

Some young people when using social media are overly focussed on the number of likes and positive comments they get on their posts. They can create a link between the number of likes they receive and their value as a person.

If they post something that doesn’t get enough likes, it can negatively affect their selfesteem.

For some, social media can affect their mental health in more indirect ways. For example, spending a lot of time on social media platforms at night can affect your sleep pattern and can ultimately result in long-term insomnia. This lack of sleep can also lead to issues with your ability to manage your daily life, which in turn can result in feelings of stress or anxiety.

42

BY ALISHA ZAHID

Social Media and Cyberbullying Before sites like Facebook and Twitter, young people would usually be able to escape episodes of bullying at school once they had returned home.

Unfortunately, due to how connected young people’s lives have become due to social media, this bullying can often manifest onto social media as cyberbullying. Bullying itself can have multiple negative effects on mental health. When it’s inescapable it can lead to isolation and loneliness, and even depression and anxiety.

However, despite the negatives, there is a range of positives to using social media.

Relieves Social Isolation As social media can be a great way of connecting people, it can allow young people to share their own stories and connect with those who may be going through similar issues. There are many bloggers that have accounts who share messages of body positivity and strategies to cope with mental health issues.

These support networks can help young people feel that they are not alone and potentially relive feelings of isolation.

Reach for Help There are many mental health awareness pages and campaigns that young people can reach through social media. These can enable young people to get the professional help they need or become more aware of the events and organisations they can reach out to.

Like many things, social media is recommended to be used in moderation. If there are times where you feel overwhelmed or anxious, then take a break. For more information about mental health and for support please visit mind.org.uk

XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/THRIVE

43

The Effects of Nicotine on the Brain Nicotine can be found most commonly in cigarettes, vapes (e-cigarettes), shisha, and similar tobacco products.

By now most people know that nicotine is highly addictive, but many don’t know the other effects it can have on the brain, particularly in young people.

Memory and Attention Young people who regularly take nicotine, in any of its forms, can be more at risk as their brains are not yet fully developed. This means that any negative effects caused by nicotine may not become clear until later in life. The area of the brain responsible for attention is one of the last to develop, which is why 44

young smokers are likely to suffer from attention loss, which can continue to decrease over years of smoking.

Recent studies have shown that nicotine can kill brain cells and also stop the formation of new ones by up to 50%, particularly in the region of the brain responsible for memory (the hippocampus). This has a knock-on effect on studies, as well as home life. Constantly forgetting and struggling to remember small details can increase

BY MAHAM MALIK

your feelings of anxiety and confidence. This impact on your mental health can carry on into adulthood.

Research shows that those who smoke during adolescence have a higher chance of developing mental and behavioural disorders such as panic disorders and addiction to other substances.

Emotional Awareness When you smoke, nicotine travels through the brain within 10 seconds; releasing chemicals that make you feel happy and relaxed. But the more you smoke, the more difficult it becomes to feel the same sensations without increasing your amount of nicotine intake. You then start getting ‘used to’ the feeling because of the way nicotine interacts with your brain’s cells.

Nicotine immediately begins to weaken your ability to feel pleasure

from the first smoke.

This is why smokers tend to increase their smoking over time, known as ‘nicotine dependence’.

Stopping smoking earlier on can prevent further disruption to the brain’s growth, and can be as effective as antidepressants in boosting mental health and wellbeing and can improve your long-term mental abilities.

Globally, nicotine is usually not considered when people talk about the result of smoking. But the impact of nicotine is a large part of the overall effect that smoking has on our bodies.

Aiming to decrease nicotine intake and weaning off of it slowly can ensure that the effects of nicotine on the brain are cut short before more damage can take place without feeling withdrawal symptoms. Similarly, preventing the first incidence of nicotine intake could play a huge role in improving mental health and emotional balance as an adolescent and as an adult.

If you want to stop smoking or are trying to reduce your nicotine intake, speak to your GP for further support.

XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/MAG

45

What is the Greater Manchester Youth Combined Authority?

The first Youth Combined Authority (YCA) of its kind was set up in February 2018 to give young people a voice in Greater Manchester. The group advises and influences decisions made by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, particularly on issues affecting young people.

It is made up of around 40 young people from 20 organisations across all ten boroughs.

Over the past 18 months, we’ve been working on shaping a Curriculum for Life, having our say on health services, and developing the ‘Opportunity Pass’.

46

The Curriculum for Life & health objectives have been developed through our Working Groups.

Curriculum for Life Working Group The YCA has focussed on several key areas. Firstly, our main aim was a Curriculum for Life. We wanted to enforce an education that taught students the life skills that they needed for adult life. This includes information on taxes, housing, university, and work experience.

For us, this was particularly important, as we believe that the education we have at the moment is preparing us for exams but not for what we actually need to know. We also think that this is an important way to improve the welfare and wellbeing of students too. To deal with this issue, we set up a working group to implement the challenge.

BY CLARA JARVIS & ALIYAH KHAN

“The Youth Combined Authority is a great way to get our voices heard!”

Greater Manchester businesses and schools should support young people in finding meaningful work experience.

Following on from this, in July last year, some members of the Authority went to Westminster Secondly, the YCA has a working group based on health. This builds to share their views on work into the wellbeing and particularly experience. In October, we also set up and ran the Young the issue of mental health People’s conference at Bolton amongst young people.

University.

Health Working Group

The working group focuses on how the health system can do more to support young people.

It is something that impacts us all and therefore, is something that is extremely important. All progress made in the working groups feeds into the full team meetings.

The Youth Combined Authority is a great way to get our voices heard, and it’s been great to help to shape a Greater Manchester all young people can thrive in!

All working groups are open to any young people aged between 11 and 18 years old Outside of the working groups, (up to 25 with additional we’ve been developing the ‘Opportunity Pass’ which will open needs) from across Greater Manchester to attend – if you up access to leisure, sporting, want to get your voice heard and cultural activities as well and help shape services that as free bus travel. Check out affect young people then head the next page for an exciting to @youthgreatermcr for more announcement! information!

What has the YCA Achieved so far?

Since the YCA began, there have been some huge achievements!

We’ve drafted work experience standards, which detail how

XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/MAG

47

‘Opportunities’ for Greater Manchester’s Young People!

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham is launching an ‘Opportunity Pass’ from September 2019, that will enable all 16 to 18-year-olds in Greater Manchester to travel on buses across the region for free. In addition to the free travel incentive, young people will also be able to gain free or reduced entry to culture, sports, and leisure activities. This pass is something that all young people at the YCA have been working tirelessly for. Here’s a quick summary about how we got here, the pass, and what’s next!

At our YCA meeting in February this year, Andy Burnham outlined his vision for the pass. “It’s being developed as transport costs are high and can limit what young people can do”. We were then set the task to work on developing a name and branding for the pass.

Over the coming weeks, we met experts from Greater Manchester’s creative and design industry who shared their knowledge of what makes a good brand, campaign and design. We then used this in our discussions where we came up with potential names and those at Transport for Greater Manchester produced a variety of brand designs.

Next up came the consultation period.

Young people from across Greater Manchester took part in sessions to go through and decide on the best brand names and designs. We were then presented with people’s favourites at our meeting in March, where we finally decided on a name - Our Pass!

concern for young people across Greater Manchester for years.

I’m hoping this will show that collaborating with young people when creating services to meet our needs leads to better outcomes.”

Our Pass will also enable young people across the region to access opportunities such as tickets for culture, music and sports; to careers events and taster days over the two-year pilot.

Applications for Our Pass will go live on July 1, 2019. Those aged between 16-18-years-old will be able to use the card from the beginning of September!

Our Chair of the YCA, Hania Sulaiman said: “We’re really excited about Our Pass in the YCA, especially as high prices on public transport have been a

48

BY CLARA JARVIS & ALIYAH KHAN

Photography Tips For almost two years I have developed my skills, knowledge, and experience in photography, as a keen photographer looking to make an impact on the world. With every photo opportunity I get, I always learn something new from the time spent shooting. If you’d like to get into photography, here are my top tips!

Be confident Confidence is the key to success.

Failure can be inevitable sometimes but it always allows us to see where we can improve our photography, to improve is to allow failure to happen.

Show off your pictures Set up your own photography page on social media. It can be a great place to get feedback on your work, but it allows your work to be easily shared with others.

Need advice?

Ask a friend who knows photography or if you’re confident enough, ask a photographer to see what tips & advice they could offer.

Get involved!

Always get involved in any events happening in your local area. It can be a great way to practise taking photos in different environments.

Tips for capturing people and places!

Your camera will have a function which will pick up which way the camera is tilted, if you tilt your camera to its side so the capture button is facing upwards then you will be capturing a portrait image. Keeping it on its normal side will allow you to shoot landscape pictures.

– Search for camera lenses with an F-number approximately F1.8 to create sharp images!

Struggling to know what apps to make edits on?

I always use apps on my phone to edit any images that I feel need editing. I recommend using Enlight Photofox & Enlight Quickshot. However, try not to over edit your pictures. Some pictures can have a little too much editing that they don’t need.

It’s not how you use the camera that makes you a good photographer, but where your creativity leads you, never miss an opportunity to take a picture!

BY MATTHEW LEE

49

Top Tips for Surviving University!

My first year at university is nearly over, and I can’t believe how quickly the time has flown by! Uni is all about the good and the bad times. You make some of the best memories that you will cherish forever, and you also encounter difficult situations that you definitely won’t want to remember. So here are my top tips to surviving uni!

Be confident Uni is such a new surrounding, especially if you’re living in student accommodation. Chances are you will meet new people that you have to live with for the year, but if your friends don’t do the same course or even go to the same uni, you will have to talk to new people. Be approachable, and all will be fine!

Work hard!

I can’t stress this enough. University is entirely different, and I know that people say uni is so much easier than college, but it isn’t. You have to work hard on your assignments all the time, keep up with the reading, and make notes. To me, there is a larger workload, but it’s a subject you enjoy so it comes across easier.

Be proud!

You have moved to a new place and started studying for a degree. You have grown up and gone out there to get that degree and work toward your career. Always pat yourself on the back if you struggled and still succeeded and definitely feel proud when the hard work pays off.

50

Have fun These are three very exciting years of your life, don’t spend all your spare time trapped in your room. Explore the new city around you, go out with friends, be that little bit more adventurous, because uni isn’t just about the degree – it’s about the experience you get out of it!

Build relationships Not only do I recommend building friendships with new fellow students, but also your lecturers. My lecturers this year have been the people I go to when I struggle and when I find it difficult in my flat. I think they’re the kindest people, and they just do everything because they want to help you. Life at uni is a big jump, and they want to make you feel as comfortable as possible – as long as you get the work done.

Have the most fantastic experience at university, and cherish every moment as the time will fly by!

BY CHLOE WILSON

The Science Behind Nightmares How many of you have felt that indescribable jolt of fear and trepidation that grasps you at the darkest hour of the night? And how many of you can explain it? Surprisingly, this will only be a few of you, as the science behind nightmares is a topic which we have little knowledge about.

What are nightmares?

Nightmares are long dreams with imagery that can be vivid and frightening. They often evoke fear, anxiety, or sadness, and are more common among children and adolescents, becoming less frequent as adulthood begins. They occur in the last third of the night, when REM sleep is the strongest.

REM, which stands for Rapid Eye Movement, is the stage of sleep in which your eyes move quickly in different directions. Breathing can become irregular, and limbs can be temporarily paralysed during this stage of sleep.

The research conducted by Quebec’s University of Montreal that illuminated insightful distinctions revolved around 572 volunteers who kept daily dream reports. One volunteer said: “I often have dreams that involve going on crime sprees with different family members. One night, I dreamt I was out with my brother, robbing places and getting chased by the police - it was so realistic, so detailed. My brother died in 2011, and this is the only dream since his death where I’ve seen his face.”

Fortunately, there is a cure for nightmares, and some of the techniques are:

Nightmares v Bad dreams • • •

Nightmares occur more rarely than bad dreams.

Fear is the main emotion in nightmares and is less prevalent in bad dreams.

Nightmares contain more threats to security and survival while bad dreams relate more to broader anxieties.

•

• •

Establish a regular, relaxing routine before bedtime.

Exercise.

Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.

And like Zimbabwean philosopher Matshona Dhliwayo said “Chase your dreams, and your nightmares will grow tired of chasing you.”

BY ABEER ABDULAZIZ

51

Depression: Young people are arguably more connected than ever thanks to the internet and social media. However, some of us are actually feeling lonelier and more isolated as a result, which could be contributing to the rise in young people with mental health issues. Most will admit to times where they feel a bit down – that's completely normal. However, prolonged feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and loneliness could be a sign of much more.

What is depression?

Depression is a common mental health condition thought to affect one in every four young people by the time they’re 19 years old. It’s more than feeling a bit sad every now and again – in its severe form it can significantly impact your ability to manage everyday life.

You may not have all of the symptoms above. However, it’s essential that you see your GP who will be able to give a proper diagnosis and support. Those with the condition, typically experience symptoms most of the day, every day for at least two weeks.

What are the symptoms?

There are different types of depression which vary in severity and the types of symptoms experienced. Generally speaking, though, someone suffering from depression might experience some of the following symptoms: • No longer enjoying or being interested in doing activities you previously liked • Persistent feelings of sadness or low mood • Prolonged feelings of irritability • Lack of energy • Change in appetite • Sleeping difficulties

52

BY CHLOE BENNETT

here’s the truth.

What causes depression?

There is a range of different factors thought to be linked to depression. Research suggests that there might be a genetic link since you’re approximately three times more likely to develop the disorder if a close family member also has or has previously had depression.

Other research shows that your personality traits can play a role. For example, young people who are highly critical of themselves or have low self-esteem may be more likely to develop the condition.

Arguably your environment is just as important. Significant traumatic life events, such as the death of a loved one, family difficulties, or bullying can trigger a depressive episode.

What are the treatment options?

There are several treatment options depending on the severity of your depression including therapy and drug treatments to help you manage your symptoms.

If you have mild depression, engaging in regular exercise might be recommended as well as using self-help strategies, such as mental health apps and self-help groups.

Young people with mild to moderate depression might benefit from taking part in therapy such as counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy which aims to address negative thinking patterns.

For those with moderate to severe depression, a combination of therapy and antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be useful in improving the symptoms experienced.

Where can I go for help?

Please remember that you’re not alone. There is a range of services available, from mental health apps to organisations such as YoungMinds and of course your GP. If you ever need to speak with anyone the Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123.

SUPPORTED BY BOLTON COUNCIL PUBLIC HEALTH 53

How to Create a Quality CV! Applying for a job can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time. If you’ve never written a CV before, you may be unsure where to start. Your CV is the first thing your potential employer will see of you, so you need to make sure it says everything they need to know!

What exactly is a CV? A CV is a document which outlines your educational and professional history and markets you to a potential employer.

You’re selling you, so you need to make sure your CV best reflects who you are.

54

WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY CV? Your personal information This section should include your name, address, contact number, and an appropriate email address.

Personal statement You may have some experience writing a personal statement when applying to college or university. When it comes to writing a CV, a personal statement is a short paragraph highlighting who you are and why you think you’re best for the job. This only has to be three to four sentences in length. Keep it short and sweet!

Education This is where your GCSE, A-level, and BTEC grades belong. Include the names of the high school and college you went to, the years you attended, and the qualifications you achieved. If you don’t have your grades yet, use your predicted grades instead.

BY CHARLOTTE FLETCHER

Work experience In this section, you should talk about any work experience you have done, including volunteer work!

Make sure you include the dates, as well as the roles and responsibilities you undertook. Only include the most relevant work experience; your CV needs to be tailored for each job you apply for.

Skills and achievements

Tip! Don’t lie! You may be tempted to exaggerate or even lie about your skills and achievements.

If you’ve only used Photoshop twice, don’t say you’re an expert!

Have you completed NCS? Maybe you’ve done Duke of Edinburgh? This is where you HOW SHOULD I LAY OUT MY CV? get the chance to brag about • Use short bullet points - these it and any other relevant make it easier for whoever skills you have! You might is reading it to find the speak a foreign language information they’re looking or have a qualification in for.

Microsoft Office. Make sure • Keep it short. Stick to a you have evidence to back maximum of two sides of A4. up your point.

• Make it look professional – don’t use crazy colours and References fonts. Use fonts like Arial or Calibri which are modern and You should have at least two easy to read. references, one personal and one academic. All you need is their name, relationship, and Now you’re all ready to get that CV sorted and sent! If you’re still contact details. Just make sure your references are okay unsure check out some example CVs online. They can give you an with you using them as idea of what a CV Should look like. references first!

Good luck!

XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/MAG

55

Tips for Interview Success Going for an interview can be an exciting but worrying opportunity. To make it as successful as possible, here are our top interview tips.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE? Treat your interview like an exam and make sure you do some work beforehand to increase your ability to answer any questions.

•

•

Research the company. In your interview, you may be asked what you know about the organisation.

You can use their social media accounts or their website, but look at what they do, their mission statement, and what they have done in the past.

Research shows that you want the job.

Check if you need to bring anything with you, such as your CV.

56

•

Plan your route. Make a trip there a few days before the interview, so you know where you are going and how long it will take.

•

Google some example interview questions and get a family member or friend to ask you some as practice.

Generally, at the end of your interview, you’ll be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer. Make sure you prepare any questions for this such as, ‘Are there any training opportunities?’ or ‘What do you enjoy most about working here?’ Asking a question shows you’re interested.

BY LEE WEST

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? Dress to impress - check the clothes policy of the company.

Do their staff wear casual or smart clothes? Make sure you dress accordingly. Sort out what you will wear a few days before. Do you need to polish your shoes, or get something new to wear? Not leaving it to the morning of your interview will allow you to be as prepared as possible.

WHAT SHOULD I DO ON THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW? Eye contact is a must Turn your phone off You don’t want your mum ringing It shows that you’re confident and engaged. halfway through.

This is your time to shine and sell yourself Remember to give examples of your employability skills when answering questions and give evidence of where you developed those skills.

For example, that you Try to be calm and remember it’s developed leadership skills when you had to lead your okay to be nervous team on a 3-hour hike during Employers are not there to give Duke of Edinburgh. you a hard time – they want to get the best from you.

Turn up early, but not too early!

Make sure you’re there 15 minutes early, but try not to get there any earlier than that as the interviewer may be pressured to conduct your interview earlier than planned.

Show positive body language Remember, you’ve only 30 seconds to make the right impression, so make sure you greet your interviewer with a firm handshake!

Finally, breathe! Have the confidence that you’ll do well, and after the interview go somewhere to relax and treat yourself!

XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/MAG XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/MAG

5757

Looking for a job?

A lot of young people go for a job to get experience, but then get turned down due to lack of it, creating a vicious cycle. However, I, like many other young people, volunteer to not only give something back but to make me more employable – and you should too!

Volunteering is simply giving your time up for free to benefit your community. It can be a major stepping stone to employment and you can volunteer to help your community, environment, or a specific group of people. It can help develop your existing skills and knowledge, as well as providing you with the opportunity to gain new ones.

The best part of volunteering is the social benefits such as meeting new people and making new friends. It also allows you to get to know your community a lot better.

I joined Xplode in June 2017, and through increased experience, I’ve gained many new skills. I’m a lot more confident as I’ve been given the opportunity to work as part Employers are looking for young of a team. Being able to have people who have two main types a say in meetings has allowed of skills; soft and hard skills. Soft me to express myself in ways skills include teamwork, I wouldn’t have thought I’d communication and problem have. Xplode has allowed me solving, and hard skills include to express the passion I have being able to speak another for certain issues through my language or experience using software such as Photoshop. If you online articles. haven’t had any work Interested in volunteering? experience before, Do-it.org has a list of all the volunteering can be a great places you can volunteer at opportunity to learn, and demonstrate that you’ve learnt the in your local community. If you are lucky enough to find skills employers are looking for. a place like Xplode, I would definitely advise you to take the opportunity.

58

BY ALISHA ZAHID

7 Best Ways to Revise

Exam season is coming up, and to get those top grades revision is key. If you’re struggling for inventive ways to revise, then try these tips - you never know how they might help!

Colourful mind maps Draw each section in a different colour so that in your exam you will associate the topic with specific colours. You might find this beneficial if you’re a visual learner in particular!

Create a song Creating a song with all the info you need might make it easier to learn. Either create your own song or find one already made; for example, the Periodic Table Song.

Picture notes Challenge yourself to fill a page using only five words and all the rest pictures (but make sure you understand it!)

Watch a video!

Search your topic on YouTube and find a video that you can watch once or twice a week.

Record yourself Record yourself reading your notes, and before or as you go to sleep, play it to yourself and repeat it. This repetition can help move information into your long-term memory – which means you’re more likely to remember it!

Make yourself a quiz Quizzing yourself is a really fun way to learn content. You can either create one yourself or use an app, a great one for this is Quizlet. You can even challenge your friends as well!

Make a PowerPoint Create yourself a PowerPoint with everything you need and work through it.

While these tips are great, remember you can’t study all day – everyone needs a break!

BY BYISABEL ISABELBRENNAND BRENNAND

5959

How to Budget How much money is going in?

Whether that be pocket money or wages, how much do you get, and when? Ideally, all your money should be coming in once a month making it easier to plan your spending. If you’re studying at university and using a student loan, then divide the amount of money up per months until the next payment comes through to give you a monthly income.

What do you absolutely have to spend?

This might be a bus pass or rent and bills. Remember to plan for the whole month, if you need to buy a friend a birthday present or you know you’re going out for a meal that month, put money aside now, of how much you’re likely to spend.

And the rest…

With the rest of your money, divide it by the number of weeks in that month, and you’ll find it much easier to stick to a weekly budget.

Being at college or university can be super expensive, so how can you save up for a holiday with your mates or for festival tickets? Here are some tips on how to manage your money.

60

Divide again!

Consider having a daily amount you’re allowed to spend, and if you don’t spend it that day it rolls over to the next. This could be your motivation to save money by making packed lunches or bringing your own coffee from home instead of buying it on the go, so by the weekend you’ll have ‘saved’ enough money that week to go to the cinema with your friends or treat yourself!

Save save save!

Try to keep building up your savings, set yourself realistic and attainable goals such as: “Every month I’m going to put away £20 and in one year I’ll have £240!”

That’s money you can put towards whatever you want; a new games console, or even a weekend break away!

Last but not least… Keep at it!

Track what you spend and identify the things that drain your account. By looking at your bank statement and highlighting these extravagances, you’ll be able to cut back and save so you can spend on what you really want.

BY CLAIRE CHADWICK

Manchester’s Homelessness Problem When walking down Market Street or through the Northern Quarter, you can hear people complain about the number of people sleeping rough on the streets. You may have even done it yourself after someone puts an empty cup in your way when you’re in a rush.

But have you ever stopped and asked why?

Over the last two years, Manchester’s homelessness problem has worsened. There are over 5,500 homeless people in Greater Manchester, and last year alone over 440 people died on the streets in Britain.

Earlier this year, I visited Longford Centre, which is a new shelter aimed at preventing homelessness in Chorlton. I spoke to the staff and sleepers there, and became aware that they all had their own stories, their own needs, and their own chances. This shelter gave them a chance to turn their lives around.

Along with this, the Manchester Council have tried other tactics to tackle this crisis.

They are setting up more night shelters, and this winter they started a programme called A Bed Every Night which provides a bed for every homeless person in Greater Manchester.

But what can we all do?

Homelessness is an issue that should impact us all and young people are important for helping too, as we’re the next generation.

There are lots of charities like Coffee4craig who want people to buy a coffee and have a chat with someone who is homeless. Lifeshare. org.uk is often the first point of contact to help homeless people to lead a new life. It also has a kitchen and shelter for those in need. Barnabus Manchester helps around 600 people in Manchester every week and relies completely on donations.

It’s an issue we all see. We need to help those that need us most in our community.

BY BY CLARA JARVIS BYCLARA CLARAJARVIS JARVIS

61 61 61

Self Care: How to Love Yourself Self-care is so important. We’re quick to support others and make sure they’re okay, but why do many of us not show the same love to ourselves? Whether you struggle with mental health issues or you’re someone giving support, it’s important to take some time out from the craziness that is life to focus on yourself. It’s not selfish.

It’s necessary. So here are just a few self-help techniques for you to try.

Fuel yourself with nutritional food When feeling low, it can be a challenge to face cooking and seem much easier to grab a takeaway or eat junk. Eating chocolate can be a comfort on bad days, but too much can leave you feeling worse once the sugar wears off. Eating healthily can make such a difference to your state of mind and can fuel your body with the energy you need to function effectively.

62

Get enough sleep Getting a sufficient amount of sleep is so important.

Without it, everyday tasks can become a challenge; especially school. When you have a lot on your mind it can be difficult to switch off at night, even counting sheep doesn’t do the trick. Maybe keep a notepad next to you so you can write things down to release them from your mind. It’s also advised to avoid looking at a screen at least an hour before you plan to sleep.

BY KAJOL PATEL

Move your body The last thing you might want to do is exercise, but it can be a great way to increase your energy.

Going for a run or walk could help to organise your thoughts after a busy day. Breathing in fresh air can do a world of good. Working out with a friend can help with motivation, and it won’t even feel like exercise.

Life can get hectic, especially when it comes to school or work or family, so it’s really important to set aside some time for yourself.

Don’t feel guilty if you’d rather watch a movie in your PJs than go out with your friends. It can be easier to distract yourself with life than face how you’re feeling but this could lead to things building up until you just can’t take anymore. Keep a diary or journal which tracks your feelings and identifies triggers for things such as anxiety. Write down one positive aspect from each day to remind yourself of the things in your life that make you happy.

Surround yourself with love There may be times where you just want to be alone, but try not to shut others out.

You may feel like you’re a burden, but your loved ones care about you and want to be there for you. Your life will be impacted by the company you keep, so it can be necessary to remove those who only bring negativity.

No one person is the same, so different methods will work for different people. Self-care is personal to YOU and should make you feel better, not worse.

If you need further support, then please check out Young Minds, or call the Samaritans for free on 116 123

XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/THRIVE

63

The Truth About Binge Drinking Being 18 means officially becoming an adult, and for some young people, alcohol becomes an important part of their adult lives.

As a generation, we Millennials and Generation Zs are actually drinking less alcohol than our parents. With around a quarter of young people classing themselves as teetotal, those that do drink, do so less frequently but more heavily.

What is Binge Drinking?

It’s recommended that neither men nor women drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week, with one unit being equivalent to one measure of spirit and roughly a third of a pint of beer. You should spread your units throughout the week rather than consuming them all in one night – which unfortunately young people are more likely to do.

Binge drinking is defined as drinking more than six units of alcohol per day for women and eight units for men, but what does this actually look like? Well, just drinking four beers in one sitting

64

will mean you’ve consumed over 12 units, and three double measures of spirits are equal to six units. So, even having a few beers with your mates when watching the football can tip you over the edge, but what are the effects of binge drinking?

Alcohol Poisoning One of the risks of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period is that you can develop alcohol poisoning. This causes your blood alcohol level to be so high that it’s considered toxic or poisonous. Some of the key symptoms of the condition include confusion, vomiting, abnormal breathing, or hypothermia. In extreme cases, you might even develop seizures due to the drop in glucose (sugar) levels, or have a heart attack.

BY CHLOE BENNETT

Alcohol and Drugs Some young people, particularly on a night out, will mix alcohol and drugs which can exaggerate the effects of both on your body. As alcohol is a depressant, if you mix it with a stimulant such as MDMA (ecstasy), the two compete with either other.

MDMA will try to speed up your brain and central nervous system, whereas alcohol will be trying to slow it down – this can put your body under immense pressure. Both drugs also have dehydrating properties, and if fluids aren’t replaced it can be fatal.

It’s Fattening Drinking six pints of beer in one sitting would not only mean you’d have reached your recommended maximum intake of 14 units per week, but it’s equivalent to eating roughly five burgers. This amounts to 1,400 calories and would take roughly 140 minutes’ worth of running to burn them off. So, unless after every night out you’re hopping out of bed in the morning for a two-hour run, chances are regular binge-drinking might affect not only your ability to wake up in the morning, but also your weight.

Alcohol and Anxiety If you’re quite an anxious person and often turn to alcohol to ease yourself into social situations, research has found that this can actually make your anxiety worse.

After you’ve drunk alcohol and its sedative effects have worn off, you might actually start to feel more anxiety about the night before.

If you’re drinking alcohol, you should aim to drink water or non-fizzy drinks in between each alcoholic drink. It’s important to make sure the drink isn’t fizzy as drinks such as Coke can actually speed up the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream. If you’re worried about how much you drink check out Drinkaware or speak to your GP for more support.

SUPPORTED BY BOLTON COUNCIL PUBLIC HEALTH 65

Obesity in Young People: The Risks As a whole, fewer young people are smoking and drinking alcohol regularly.

However, there is a growing trend of young people who are becoming overweight and obese.

What Causes Obesity?

Being overweight or obese is typically caused by overeating and moving too little. There are other social and economic factors which can influence the likelihood of a young person developing obesity. For example, statistics show that deprived children are at a higher risk of obesity.

Besides that, genetics and hormonal imbalances can also cause obesity and difficulty in losing weight.

66

What are the risks of being obese?

Research has found that young people who are obese are more likely to develop a number of both mental and physical health issues.

Type 2 Diabetes This is where your body stops responding to insulin, meaning glucose cannot enter your cells to provide energy.

Coronary Heart Disease When high cholesterol foods such as fast food and processed meats are eaten regularly, they may block your heart’s blood supply.

Depression and Low Self-Esteem There is a clear connection between depression and obesity – depression can cause obesity and vice versa.

BY MAHAM MALIK

How to Prevent Obesity If you’re worried about your weight, there are loads of little changes that you can make which can create a big difference.

Exercise Going to the gym or even going for a walk can be really beneficial. It’s recommended that you take 10,000 steps a day and there are so many apps available which can help track them. If you’re looking for workout inspiration, YouTube has loads of great videos, most of which you can do at home!

Limiting Sugar Intake Over-consuming fatty and sugary foods and not burning them off can cause the excess energy to be stored as fat. A simple change is opting for cereals with no added sugar, like porridge, and eating healthier snacks. If you’re cooking for yourself, be careful about the ingredients you use. The average shop-bought pasta sauce contains three teaspoons of sugar!

Measuring Portion Sizes We’ve all been told that ‘too much of anything is bad for you’. The same applies to any food we may consume.

To portion control, you can use tips such as waiting 20 minutes before reaching for seconds, using smaller plates, and using measuring cups when making meals.

With nearly a third of children aged 2-15 obese, we need to implement small changes into our lifestyles to prevent obesity and its associated health issues to improve our quality of life for the present and the future.

XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/MAG XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/THRIVE XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/MAG

67 6367

Amaan Memon able to through the conventional methods.

I’m Amaan Memon. I’m a 19-year-old student, Magazine What have been the biggest Editor at Xplode and Head hurdles so far?

Designer for VICI; a streetwear brand based in the North West. My biggest hurdle so far has been

the marketing. We live in a world where social media is huge – it Tell me about VICI and what was hard to establish and grow inspired you to set up your own a follower base, especially when clothing brand? there are so many brands out there. A lot of the reaction from VICI is a business that I started family and friends was, “How are when I was 17, during my first year you going to convince people of A-Levels. The name VICI is Latin to buy your clothes and not for “I conquered,” and it was used somebody else’s?” and that was most famously by Julius Caesar, hard to figure out. Luckily the VICI who is almost my inspiration for philosophy stood out and people the whole thing. The idea of a foot bought into it. soldier who then built an empire and worked his way to becoming What have been your greatest the most powerful person in the accomplishments to date? world, if not in human history, captivated me.

I think my biggest accomplishment with VICI was seeing someone Ever since I started high school I wear it in London which is on the have been obsessed with fashion, other side of the country. I was and for me the clothes I wear are ecstatic! I couldn’t believe that a way of expression; but it was some random person from across only after high school that I built the UK was wearing my clothes. the confidence to wear what I Also, I think seeing the CAESAR wanted to, because in my culture Hoodie feature in Xplode’s Issue expression is frowned upon. I 16 was massive too because so started VICI so that people like me many people have seen it and I can can express themselves through finally see the progress of what I clothes because they might not be had originally set out to achieve.

68

XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/MAG

Where do you see the brand in five years’ time?

I have no clue where the brand will be in five years, it depends on whether or not people like the clothes I make! I honestly don’t know, because it started out as just a hobby and the growth over the past year has been brilliant.

We released our AW18 line which sold out nearly straight away!

Now I’m at university in Leeds, expect big things, especially when we have the whole city at our disposal. We are announcing a collaboration with a brand that featured in Issue 17, Saint Aaspire, which will be either a Spring or Summer release...it’s going to be huge!

What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

I think the main piece of advice is to try to be unique; whatever you do, be yourself, because so many people these days try to change themselves and try to be who society wants them to be. Don’t be afraid to express yourself! Also, start early. To be successful you have to have selfcontrol and be proactive. At our age, people want to do what is easy. To be successful, you have to resist that urge and focus on building your character so that we can enjoy life later on. There is a Latin proverb that says, “ex granis acervus,” which basically means, from small things, great things will arise.

XPLODEMAG.CO.UK/MAG

69

Interested in the theatre? Or not so much? Either way, The Lowry have provided 18 to 25-yearolds a fantastic opportunity to take in some culture at a fraction of the price.

Their Under 26 Scheme offers “stupidly cheap” tickets to selected performances – their words, not ours. The initiative means that you can visit a range of shows – including drama, circus, opera, dance, and more – for £10 or under.

All you need to do is sign up at the Lowry’s website, and a newsletter containing the latest offers will be sent to your email every couple of weeks. You can buy a maximum of two tickets at a time, and they cost either £5 or £10. The first time you visit, you’ll need to take some ID to prove that you’re under 26.

In addition to cut-rate tickets, the scheme offers discounts on selected food and drinks at their bar, Pier Eight. You’ll need to be over 18 to capitalise on the cheap alcohol – of course.

A few of the performances included in the scheme are: Russell Maliphant: Slient Lines, The Listening Room, House of Blackwell’s Everything Is Absolutely Fine, The Upside Down Man, The Three Musketeers, and Royal Shakespeare Company: As You Like it and The Taming of the Shrew.

You can sign up and find more information at thelowry.com/under-26/

FUN! FUN! FUN! What Type of Learner are you?

Got an exam coming up? Or maybe you’re just curious! Complete this quiz to find out what type of learner your are!

If I’m teaching my friend something, I usually: a. Verbally explain it b. I show them how to do it first, then let them have a go c. Write notes down for them At the weekends, I mostly spend my time: a. Listening to music and chatting with my friends b. Playing a sport or making things c. Going to the cinema or galleries If I’m deciding on where to go away, I tend to: a. Ask and listen to my friends’ suggestions b. Think about what it might be like to visit the place c. Have a look at travel websites I can often concentrate the most when I: a. Talk through the problems and solutions in my head b. Move around or fidget c. Focus on the words or pictures in front of me

I remember things best if I: a. Repeat the points aloud or in my head b. Do or imagine the activity c. Make notes If I’m doing something for the first time, I tend to: a. Ask someone to explain it that has done it before b. Dive straight in and try and figure it out for myself c. Have a look at the instructions first If I’m learning something new in class, I prefer to: a. Talk it through with my teacher or classmates b. Give it a go and see if I can do it for myself c. Watch what my teacher does I tend to notice first how a person: a. Sounds or talks b. Stands or moves c. Looks and dresses

charts.

Mostly Cs: You’re a visual learner! You tend to learn best when information is presented in pictures, diagrams or Mostly Bs: You’re a kinaesthetic learner! You prefer to be hands-on and prefer physical experiences.

Mostly As: You’re an auditory learner! You prefer listening to information being presented to you.

Answers

Aged 14-19?

Develop your skills, realise your potential and create positive change!

Get involved and join the team Visit: xplodemag.co.uk