Issue 5 Spring 2013
supported by The BIG Bolton Fund…
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Credits Team Saeed Atcha – Editor Mithun Kerai – Sub-Editor Naim Ismail – Sports Editor Chloe Bennett – Showbiz Editor Saimah Malji – Showbiz Journalist Beth Stevenson – Fashion Editor Jasmine Moore – Fashion Journalist Khalil Malji – Financial Director Tiana Marie – Journalist Sholah Martins – Journalist Kennedy Johnson – Journalist Adam Toorawa - Journalist
With special thanks to Ronan Dunne, CEO O2 UK Inayat Omarji, BCOM Amy Doram, O2 UK Kamran Rashid, Live UnLtd
Contact Xplode Magazine There are many ways you can get in touch with Xplode Magazine Bolton. Give us a ring on: 07531 192 591 Send us a present: Xplode Magazine Bolton BCOM 1 Vicarage Street Bolton BL3 5LE ‘Like’ us: Facebook.com/xplodemagazine ‘Tweet’ us: @xplodemag ‘Email’ us: info@xplodemag.co.uk Distributed FREE in the Bolton area. Contributions welcome. Design & Print by Trendy Design Co www.trendy-designs.co.uk
Hello! Spring is here. Honestly! The sun is shining and the snow keeps on falling, at least that is what is happening while I write this. The clocks have gone forward too, there’s finally no more waking up in the dark, either way, at the end of the day it is night. I know I start each issue with, “I can’t believe it’s this issue”, so I’ll continue the tradition, I genuinely can’t believe we’re on the 5th issue! Our brand new website is finally up and running and I need your help. I would like you to come on board the Xplode ship. If writing articles and blogs on what really matters to you, we’d like to help you showcase your talent across Bolton! Take a trip to the website and apply to be a part of our team today! Without your help as a reader and without the help of all the companies mentioned on the front page, we would not be here today, I would like to thank you for all of your help. Both readers and supporters. There’s lots more than you can treat your eyes to into this edition, so get turning those pages, and once again, THANK YOU!
Saeed Atcha
Disclaimer: Xplode Magazine Bolton is a constituted community group and we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information. If you have seen any mistakes or anything that 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 2012, All Rights Reserved.
Contents
18
Poverty
14
6
Fashion
16
What’s Wrong With Being A Size 12?
Music Reviews
Summer In Bolton!
4
15
12
Bolton’s Congeniality
CV Tips
17
Teenagers And Society
16 PS 4
3
Music Reviews
NEW RELEASES Calvin Harris ft. Ellie Goulding – I Need Your Love ‘I need your love’, is the latest single to be released from the Scottish DJ’s album ‘18 months’ featuring the British singer- songwriter Ellie Goulding. The song is incredibly catchy due to the repetitive yet meaningful and beautifully sung lyrics by Ellie, which complement the upbeat melody produced by Calvin Harris. This single looks to be hugely successful like previously released tracks, such as ‘Bounce’.
Artist Spotlight This issue’s artist spotlight is on Taylor Swift, following the success of her award winning album “Red”. Real Name: Taylor Alison Swift Born: 13th December 1989 Star Sign: Sagittarian Birthplace: Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, United States
Article by Chloe Bennett
Did you know?
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Aged 14, Taylor moved to Nashville, Tennessee in the hope to pursue her dream of having a career in country music. This turned out to be a great move for her career as she was later signed to Big Machine Records. 2006 was Taylor’s year, not only did she release her debut album, ‘Taylor Swift’, this year also saw the release of her third single, ‘our song’ which awarded her as the youngest person to write and perform a number one song in the country chart. Her talents don’t just lie in music however; Taylor’s made several appearances in the film industry too, with her first acting debut in ‘CSI’ and film debut in ‘Valentine’s Day’ back in 2010
Article by Saimah Malji
DO YOU DREAD EXAMS? Do you struggle to revise for longer than 10 or 20 minutes? If so,this article will help you!
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First of all, make sure you plan ahead, this means you should work out what you will revise and when you will fit the revision in during the day (create a timetable*). Its best to revise the areas you find the most difficult first.
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Now for the tricky part; you need to understand how your memory works. Some people remember information by making mind-maps whilst some prefer reading from textbooks or typing up notes. Make sure you highlight the important information in your textbooks or worksheets.
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Make sure you eat properly. Milk and eggs are high in protein which is used by your brain. Nuts and bananas are good sources of food for energy. Oh and skipping meals is never a good idea – eat breakfast every day!
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Work somewhere quiet and comfortable. Not too comfortable though – you might get tempted to fall asleep! Make sure you take breaks. Don’t revise for hours and hours. Leave a little time for a bit of television or a chat with friends
a great website which will make your timetable for you, check it out!
Sleep well. It could be very stressful during the time leading up to your exam so make sure you go to sleep relaxed. A hot chocolate before bed might help. Finally, get hold of some past exam papers so you can get into the habit of answering exam questions. Study the papers and make yourself familiar with the layout and types of questions.
NOTE: It’s important to remember that an exam is a test of your knowledge, not just your memory, so pay attention in lessons too! I hope this helps and good luck in your exams!
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Seasonal Trends
I love the outfit I've chosen, its all from Warehouse except from the bag which is my own and the belt. The dress is gorgeous and would be perfect for spring/summer this year. I love the material and the pattern! The cut out shoulders are also different which is another thing I love about this dress. Wear it with a simple denim jacket, some jewellery and some pretty shoes and you're ready to go! I absolutely adore the colour of this bag! It reminds me of the Victoria Beckham bags but at a fraction of the price. £45 Dress Warehouse £35 Denim Jacket Warehouse £35 Bag Red Herring Debenhams
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Seasonal Trends
Taking inspiration from classic Burberry style, this look is perfect for chilly British summers. All from Warehouse, the mac is shorter than the usual kind which means that people of all heights can pull one off! Team will a classic pair of worn skinny jeans, and this beautiful sleeveless Tshirt and you have yourself a look that is chic, urban and ideal for spring/summer 2013. BELTED SHORT MAC Price: £60.00 DISTRESSED BOYFRIEND SKINNY PRICE: £42.00 DIAL PRINT VEST PRICE: £25.00
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Back in February, Sony held a massive press conference in New York which was streamed live all over the internet. Being a massive PlayStation fan boy, having owned a PS1, 2 and 3, I stayed up late and watched the conference. The new console will have 8 GB of RAM which is a whopping 16 times more than the PS3 and Xbox 360. The PS4 will incorporate quite a few new features including the ‘suspend/resume’ feature which means that the system will no longer shut down. Instead the new system will freeze and go into a low power state so when you turn it back on it will start from exactly where you left off which is good if you need to go and do something! Another cool addition Sony are adding is the ‘remote play’ function if you’re stuck on a level you can now hand control of your game over to a friend who can complete it and let you carry on. I can already sense some friends asking me to complete levels!
Article by Adam Toorawa
And finally, the new dualshock4 controller looks promising with a touch pad and a share button that lets you share videos to the internet. It looks a tad weird but it’ll grow on you!
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Recess (1999-2001) Six best friends; TJ and the gang? Do you remember them yet? Of course you do! Recess was an amazing show covering the lives of 6 friends as they grew up and got themselves into weird and wonderful situations. Due to it being such a huge success, we wanted more and we got given ‘Recess: School’s Out’ which was a film based on TJ being abandoned during the summer and then finding out the school has been taken over by an evil genius. I sometimes secretly wish my primary school days were as fun as theirs, but surely I can’t be the only one.
Arthur (1996-Present) “What a wonderful kind of day, if we can learn to work and play, and get along with each other.” That could possibly be one of the best songs of our childhood, it was just so catchy. ‘Arthur’ is a show about a group of friends and how their lives run in Elwood City. The show focuses on the value of education and the fun you can have with friends. My favourite character in this show has to be Buster the rabbit! His silliness, laziness and obsession with aliens created a brilliant character that was hilarious.
The Story of Tracy Beaker (2002-2006) Tracy Beaker was a show we all must have seen at least once in our lives. The girl with the wild and wacky imagination was created by Jacqueline Wilson in her books and she was soon brought to life in 2002. Tracy was put into a care home (The Dumping Ground) when she was 10 years old, as the series goes on she makes friends and causes trouble where ever she goes. Tracy made an appearance again in 2010 with BAFTA winning TV show ‘Tracy Beaker Returns,’ where we saw her take on the surprising role of a care worker.
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Article by Mithun Kerai
Jungle Run (1999-2006) The temple of the jungle king awaits you! How can you not have loved this show? A group of friends were challenged to collect as many monkey statues as they could, each giving them 10 seconds of time in the temple, and 20 seconds if they found the ruby monkey statue. For some reason, it used to really bug me how some teams couldn’t even do some of the simplest of challenges! I wish I went on the show!
Bear in the Big Blue House (1997-2006) We are going back some time now aren’t we? I could have written about Teletubbies, Tweenies or even Bananas in Pyjamas, but Bear in the Big Blue House was a show I absolutely loved as a child. Bear had a great sense of smell and his curiosity made the show amazing. He lived in his house with his friends Ojo, Tutter, Treelo, Pip, Pop, and Shadow, together they would have a fun adventure during the day and at night Bear put everyone to sleep before singing the famous good bye song with Luna the moon.
Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999-2002) I seriously don’t know how this passed to be a children’s show. Courage, Muriel and Eustace live on a farm in the “Middle of Nowhere” and are visited by scary creatures beyond our innocent imaginations. We see disturbing scenes in the show such as a headless chicken taking Eustace’s head and Courage making puppets out of his dead owners, but weirdly, the darkness of this show is what makes it so fun; it makes it unique and sets it aside from other shows. If you have never seen an episode of Courage the Cowardly Dog, I highly recommend you watch one so you know what I mean and don’t think I’m completely bonkers!
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CV TIPS! Teacher mithering about CV? Knocked one up to shut them up?
Now you want a job and your CV needs updating? The CV is possibly the most influential tool in your ‘I need to get myself a job’ toolkit – let’s be honest, there’s probably not much else in that toolkit apart from a whole host of skills and experiences! I’m going to look at how you can enhance your CV and add a bit of spice to it by being a little different and not falling into the very tempting traps. First though, spell check. Please spell check and read through everything you write. LinkedIn (A very posh version of Facebook used for ‘professional’ people) have put together a list of the most overused words on CVs. I’ll give you 5 of them and explain why you should stay clear from them and because I’m nice, I’ll give you some tips too.
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Motivated, Creative, Effective, Responsible and Communication Skills are the most used ‘buzzwords’- not really much to ‘buzz’ about is there? All of these words are fine but only if you back them up with evidence! Give examples of what motivates you, be creative with your CV (it’s not a piece of art though), be effective – get your application in miles before the deadline. Have you ever had to close up at work? Ever managed a team in college/school or during a project? If you have, note it down – that way, you won’t have to type the ‘r-word’. Communication Skills is a cliché and a half! Talking to someone is the most normal and natural thing you can do so leave that out unless you’ve had difficulty in communicating and you’ve worked on that – if so, note that down and well done!
Do some volunteering – it might seem a bit daunting at first, but it’s easy to do and will pay off in the long run. The National Citizen Service is a great way (Check out page 18 and the back cover for more). Did I mention that you get a certificate signed by the Prime Minister?
CV Tips
The Duke of Edinburgh is also a great way of having lots of fun whilst learning lots of new skills. You can get involved in physical activities, volunteering placements, brush up a skill and even go exploring! This scheme is widely recognised and valued by employers and you can even do your volunteering with us guys and girls here at Xplode! I hope this is already inspiring you to do something with your CV apart from deleting it! vInspired are a great company who are all about rewarding you for the volunteering that you do. On their website, you can search through a marketplace of volunteering opportunities in lots of different areas including sports and coaching, arts and performance and even events! Did you know that 1 in 4 people lie on their CVs? Crazy – why would you go against everything your mum told you about fibbing! Seriously, you will get caught out and in the end you could lose your job, or even worse, get prosecuted for fraud so don’t do it! Just getting noticed is already hard enough. I’ve had a bit of experience with this one; I sort of ‘jazzed up’ my work experience placement where I basically made tea and coffee for a whole two weeks. When they found out, I had one word… Awks. Concisely – don’t lie!
I’ve just given you lots to work with, so carry on reading, jazz up the CV, get a job and tell all your friends about this fabulous article ;-)! Article Written by Saeed Atcha
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Article written by Naim Ismail
WHAT’S THAT? Summer is on its way, we’ve had a glimpse of the heat already and I bet you’re thinking, what shall I do in the summertime? Well, lucky for you, I’ll give you a few cheeky tips on how to get through it with a little bit of excitement, enjoyment and hopefully, make it a summer to remember! Here are a few guidelines to make summer a very special one.
Be Active - As funny as this may sound, reports show that being physically active can have a very huge impact on the way you think. It also improves your body state and is crucial to relieving stress so you can enjoy life more. In that way, you’ll feel more energetic and the ‘you up for it?’ challenges won’t be a struggle when you go for a crazy adventure with your mates or running round soaking wet with your family and the water pistols! Go Places - Staying at home watching T.V all day isn’t going to make your summer any better, trust me! Go out to different places like Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Moss Bank Park. You could even try something new like swimming at Bolton One or playing football with friends. Why not hit up local events at parks such as Moss Bank Park. They host family fairs and exciting events all the time so why not go down and make the afternoon of it?
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There are lots of crazy and wonderful things you can do to have a blast this summer. If you want to do something for the local community, volunteer at a charity workshop or join us at Xplode Magazine. Be creative and do something different this summer to make it a summer to remember!
At Xplode Towers we’ve chatted to Bolton’s own Miss Congeniality, Nicole Jackson and now we’re delighted to release Miss Congeniality 2. (No film puns intended)! Aside from the fact she’s not an FBI Agent, I did manage to grab a chat with beauty Queen Mell Treppas! 16-year-old Mell Treppas is year 11 student at Ladybridge High School and currently holds the title of ‘Teen Face of North England 2012.’ Mell said “My sister inspired me to apply for the pageant and when I got through I went through a gruelling day in Manchester City Centre which saw me go through lots of different photoshoots followed by an interview. When I won it was a big big shock. These pageants are great way to meet new people, I’ve already gained new friends and it has also been a big confidence boost.” Speaking of what’s next Mell said “I’ll be taking part in Miss Junior Bolton which if I win, I will have a place in Miss England where I could have the chance to go onto Miss World. My future looks set to be great as the final is in Torquay where I’ll battle it out in different stages modelling eveningwear and party wear on a catwalk. I’ve even been practising at home!” The Miss Bolton and the Miss World motto is “Beauty with a purpose.” In line with this, the organisers are looking for an ambassador for Bolton; someone who is well presented, confident and able to communicate as well as actively encouraging to raise money for charity. Those are just a few things that the judges will be looking for and I have every belief that Mell hits all of that criteria! Good luck and we’re fully behind you Mell!
Article written by Saeed Atcha
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Article written by Kennedy Johnson
SIZE 12 WHAT’S WRONG WITH THAT?
Very recently, I found out that a size 12 is considered as a plus size, so I thought I’d share my thoughts about this: In my opinion, a size 12 is a perfect curvy size. It’s just ridiculous that it’s being considered as a plus size. I also think that sometimes society is to blame. People have this perception and an 'ideal thought' of what everyone should look like... but why? I really want to know why it matters what size you are. It’s just a number.
www.katiegreenofficial.com
It’s also recently come to my attention that people often feel like they are limited to what they wear depending on their size. It can’t just be me can it? I have always loved the curvy figure, and as a girl of this size, I was quite offended when someone told me it’s a plus size. Why are there plus sizes and petite sizes? I have heard people say numerous times ‘Fat girls shouldn't wear leggings.’ but why? What is even considered as fat? Why should people be limited to what they wear? To be honest, I wish I could answer these questions myself.
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Is it just me who’s heard people say ‘She’s so skinny!’? This got me onto thinking, is there such a thing as the 'perfect' body. Or is it just a designer’s perception? All that I'm certain of is that society shouldn't label people because of their weight, and everyone needs to realise no matter what your clothing size, you are still beautiful in your own way. Most importantly, your weight doesn't define who you are and that’s how we all need to think!
Each and every one of us judges people. We might say that we don't, however it’s something the human mind can't help. The problem is, being judged is what affects most of us teenagers because we care about what people think is seen as ‘fashionable’ and ‘acceptable’. It baffles me how most of us teenagers won’t even buy what we truly like because we’re scared of getting judged. Society should not control us! We have the right to live life how we want to live it, not how society wants. The fact that one in 12 young people in the UK have self-harmed* and the increasing number of thought about suicides, and emotional disorders such as anxiety, paranoia and depression is staggering. This to my eyes and surely yours is truly horrific. I’ve been 'judged' because of how I look and what I do, which makes me feel as though I can't fit in. But why would I want to? We were born to stand out. Let’s all BE ORIGINAL AND FREE. We shouldn’t try and deal with being judged by physically and emotionally hurting ourselves. There’s help out there from various organisations. So if you're thin, chubby, tall or small, wear 'funny' clothes or even listen to 'emo music’, who cares? You like what you like, and you are who you are. People will judge you whether you ‘fit in’ or not. All in all, believe in yourself. *Figure from survey conducted by ChildLine, YouthNet, YoungMinds and Selfharm.co.uk.
Article written by Tiana Marie
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POVERTY IN AFRICA,
IT’S CLOSER
THAN
YOU
THINK!
Poverty in Bolton. In Britain for that matter is shocking. Red Nose Day has been and gone. And so have their heart sinking movies. But the reality portrayed in those movies hasn’t gone anywhere. Earlier this year, the Greater Manchester Poverty Commission published a report which revealed that Bolton has the highest poverty in Greater Manchester. Specifically highlighting Farnworth as having 36.4% of children living in poverty. As Bolton Council set-out their budget. We expected cuts. But we did not expect £1 Million pounds to be set aside as part of an anti-poverty strategy. Although details are yet to be defined. We are assured that it will act to kill the root cause of poverty in Bolton. And help those who are most in need of support. More and more food banks are needed to cope with demand. My local food bank is a lifeline for many. But I thank God every day that neither my family nor anyone I know have ever had to use it. It's been documented more than once that parents are going without food in order for their children to have a meal on the table. Some work ridiculous hours on a minimum wage currently set at £6.19 per hour (for over 21s). And lets be clear the living wage (£7.45 ph) is not compulsory, so many employers do not offer it. Its estimated over 100,000 people in Greater Manchester work but earn less than a Living Wage. The Anti-poverty strategy has a lot of potential. Potential to improve life for not only Farnworth, but young people across Bolton and Greater Manchester.
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For more information on www.povertymanchester.org
poverty
in
your
area
visit
Article written by Edward Jankowski
Imagine you are in a room, no doors, windows or anything. How do you get out? Stop imagining. I'm a god, a planet and measurer of heat. Who am I? Mercury. I go up and down stairs without moving. What am I? I’m a carpet. What goes around the word and stays in one corner? A stamp. I have holes in my top and bottom, my left and right, and in the middle. But I still hold water. What am I? A sponge. What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries? A towel
Most lipstick contains fish scales. You burn more calories sleeping then watching TV. Marilyn Monroe had six toes. Turtles can breathe through their bums. More people are scared of spiders than death. According to a Magazine - More than 60% of women say they are willing to kiss a guy on the first date if he talks about his mum! More than 9 out of 10 people say it's ok to steal from a hotel.
Q: What do you call a sleeping bull? A: A bull-dozer! Q: What part of the turkey is musical? A: The drumstick! Q: What did the ground say to the earthquake? A: You crack me up! Q: How does the Easter bunny stay in shape? A: Lots of eggercise! Q: Why are ghosts bad liars? A: Because you can see right through them!
Article by Sholah Martins
The "sixth sic sheik's sixth sheep's sick� is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language.
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One small step, one giant leap An exciting week away from home in the great outdoors. Meet new people, build your confidence and try new challenges led by fully qualified staff.
Lessons that can’t be learnt in class Live independently in a local university halls of residence or youth hostel. Discover more about your community and learn vital new skills.
Fast forward your future Be inspired by business and community groups. Design a project to help a local charity or cause of your choice.
Make your mark Work with new friends to deliver a social action project in your community.
Graduate Celebrate your team’s achievements of a special graduation ceremony. Receive a certificate signed by the Prime Minister.
Continue the journey Take part in further social action, use your new skills in study and work and enjoy exclusive NCS graduate opportunities.
Are you leaving school this year? Do you want to try new things, make new friends and have some fun? Contact the club or visit our website for dates of our Information Sessions Web: www.blgc.co.uk/ncs
Email: ncs@blgc.co.uk
Phone: 01204 540105