Featured Articles

Explore a featured selection of my writing work below.

From Campus to Champions: In conversation with Joy Eze & Etienne Maughan

On February 14, Newcastle University Athletics & Cross-Country Club (NUAXC) participated in the BUCS Indoors championship with high chances of taking home some medals.

Two of their athletes, Joy Eze and Etienne Maughan, came home with two medals, and Joy managed to break the BUCS Indoor record for 60m. I had the chance to sit down with them and ask them a few questions, and we talked about expectations and dealing with university while taking part in a performance sport.

The team returned to S...

Should students be reimbursed for teaching time lost during strikes?

When strikes occur, students are often deprived of vital learning opportunities. Lectures, seminars, and other forms of direct teaching are cancelled, leaving students to miss out on essential content that forms part of their course.

This loss of academic time can result in delays to degree progress, potentially affecting graduation timelines. Additionally, students may find themselves facing increased stress and anxiety as they struggle to make up for lost learning.

Some argue that students s...

Inhaler live at O2 City Hall review: one of the most exciting bands of their generation

From the moment the lights dimmed, and the first notes of the opening song echoed through the room, it was clear that Inhaler had come to deliver a performance that would be hard to forget.

The four-piece band, consisting of Elijah Hewson (vocals/guitar), Robert Keating (bass), Josh Jenkinson (guitar), and Ryan McMahon (drums), exuded an infectious energy that instantly captivated the audience. Their blend of soaring guitar riffs, tight rhythms, and catchy melodies provided the perfect soundtra...

In conversation with MARISAM: 'It's really important to target that student demographic just because they are the future'

When talking about their biggest successes since leaving university, she talked about launching their business: ‘This was created through a module when we both did our degree, BA Contemporary and Popular Music’. She mentioned one lecturer, Jale Nolan, lecturer in Music Enterprise, module which inspired the creation of MARISAM.

After talking about how their business was built, she mentioned the creative scene in the North-East: ‘It's definitely been tricky, especially as young females. I think r...

Boston Bruins trade legend Brad Marchand after 16 years on the team

The hockey world is shocked after Brad Marchand, a 2010 third-round pick, was traded to the Florida Panthers before the NHL trade deadline.

The Boston Bruins have received a conditional second-round pick for 2027, which can turn into a first-round pick for 2028 if they win two rounds of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Marchand, who was on his second season of being captain for the Bruins, had trading rumours around him, but it was expected that the Boston team would come to an agreement with th...

Air pollution causes 1,100 cases a year of the main form of lung cancer in the UK

Air pollution is responsible for over 1,100 cases of lung cancer each year in the UK, particularly the most common form of the disease, adenocarcinoma. New findings from the World Health Organization’s cancer agency highlight that exposure to toxic air was linked to 515 men and 590 women developing adenocarcinoma in 2022.

This research reveals alarming figures, with the UK showing higher rates of lung cancer linked to air pollution compared to the US and Canada, and rates four times higher than...

Automatic by The Lumineers album review

The Lumineers' fifth album, Automatic, released on February 14, 2025, marks a significant evolution in the band's sound and thematic exploration. Known for their folk-rock roots, the Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites duo crafted a collection that delves into the complexities of modern life, relationships, and personal introspection.

Automatic showcases a raw and spontaneous approach to music-making, inspired by The Beatles' ‘Get Back’ documentary and Bruce Springsteen's ‘Nebraska’. The album...

The Panic Years by Bradley Simpson review: a captivating journey through heartbreak

With this album, we delve into his experiences and offer us his most personal and introspective side.

The album opens with ‘Cry at the Moon’, released in March 2024. This song offers an emotional exploration of a broken relationship. Simpson's emotive vocals and vivid storytelling set the tone for the album's themes.

‘Not Us Anymore’ continues this narrative of heartbreak and is arguably the best track on the album. Its introspective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation highlight his growth from...

Dean Lewis live at O2 City Hall review: brimming with emotional depth

Part of his 'The Epilogue World Tour', the concert was a testament to the Australian singer-songwriter's ability to turn intimate, personal stories into universal anthems. With a blend of heart-wrenching ballads and anthemic pop tracks, Dean Lewis managed to strike a delicate balance between vulnerability and energy, leaving an indelible mark on everyone in the room.

The night began with a performance by Sofia Camara, an up-and-coming artist whose soulful sound resonated well with the crowd. He...

Northeast Derby: Newcastle Knights defeat Durham Palatinates in a clean sweep

Newcastle Knights celebrated a commanding 3-0 win in their latest match against Durham Palatinates, securing a comprehensive victory over their opponents with three straight-set wins.

The team’s performance was a testament to their strength, teamwork, and consistency, with each set showing a clear progression of dominance. The match ended with score lines of 26-24, 25-19, and 25-15, showcasing Newcastle’s superior skills and determination.

The first set kicked off with both teams showing stron...

How to pick the perfect lip shade for your outfits

When it comes to selecting the perfect lip shade, it’s not just about choosing a colour that complements your complexion—it’s also about harmonising with your outfit.

The first step in choosing the right lip shade is to consider the overall vibe or theme of your outfit. Are you going for a casual, laid-back look, or is it more formal and polished? If you're wearing a bright, casual outfit, like a t-shirt and jeans, a soft nude or light pink can keep things relaxed and natural.

However, if you’...

Why I love to hate love

Love is supposed to be a beautiful thing, right? We’re told that finding it will make everything in life seem more fulfilling, that it’s the key to happiness, and that it’s the ultimate goal. But as a single girl, I can’t help but feel like love is both a blessing and a curse, a source of joy and frustration all rolled into one.

In fact, I’ve come to realize that I love to hate love. It’s a complicated relationship, but one that feels all too familiar.

For one, love is often portrayed as somet...

Fashion in La La Land

The 2016 film La La Land, directed by Damien Chazelle, captured audiences' hearts with its vibrant story of love and dreams in Los Angeles and made a lasting impression with its impeccable fashion.

The film’s costumes, designed by Mary Zophres, play an integral role in setting the tone of the story, blending classic Hollywood glamour with contemporary sensibilities. Through its colourful wardrobe choices, La La Land is a celebration of both vintage style and modern chic.

From the very first sc...

How do dogs respond when the clocks change

In Ontario, Canada, sled dogs encounter a unique challenge when the clocks change twice a year. Researchers have found that this shift in time can be disruptive for working dogs, whose routines are highly structured and governed by specific schedules.

In a fascinating study by scientists from the University of Toronto, sled dogs were equipped with movement sensors to track their activity before and after the time change. The results were eye-opening: after the clocks fell back in the fall, the...

‘Montoya, por favor’: Spanish TV becomes a Viral Meme

Whilst everyone in the UK has been paying attention to Love Island, the world has been focused on the Spanish TV show ‘La Isla de las Tentaciones’ (Temptation Island). But what makes this show special?

The show's premise is simple but compelling: a group of couples is separated and sent to a tropical paradise, where they are introduced to a group of singles who will try to tempt them away from their partners.

The couples are each given a chance to test the strength of their relationships, with...

Love at first bite: Valentine’s Day treats to make

Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, a friend, or family, here are some creative and heartfelt Valentine’s Day treat ideas that are sure to make their day extra special.

Nothing says love like something made with your own hands. Baking heart-shaped cookies is a timeless Valentine’s tradition, and it’s an easy way to show someone you’ve put time and effort into their treat. You can customize them with your loved one’s favourite flavours, and decorate them with colourful icing, sprinkles, o...

Durham claims trampolining varsity victory over Newcastle by razor-thin margin

The competition, held at Durham University’s Sports Centre, featured a series of individual and team performances across various trampoline events. Athletes from both universities showcased their incredible skills, including flips, twists, and high-flying routines that left the audience in awe. The level of talent on display was truly remarkable, with competitors pushing themselves to new heights to secure victory for their respective schools.

Athletes like Laura Scott (Level 1) and Purdie Clif...

KAWALA Collection by KAWALA review: a vibrant farewell

On January 31, 2025, the British indie-pop band KAWALA released their highly anticipated album KAWALA Collection, making this their last release as a group.

With their signature blend of infectious melodies, introspective lyrics, and soulful instrumentation, KAWALA delivers an album that both honours their roots and pushes their sound to exciting new heights.

KAWALA Collection is a testament to the band's ability to create emotionally resonant tracks while maintaining their unique indie pop es...

Track, set goal, connect: The new era of reading with book apps

In the digital age, technology has transformed how we engage with books — not only in how we read, but also in how we track and manage our reading habits.

Book tracking apps, a relatively new but rapidly growing phenomenon, have revolutionized the reading experience. These apps allow readers to track the books they’ve read, manage their to-read lists, set reading goals, and engage with fellow book lovers. But how have these tools impacted the reading world?

One of the most immediate benefits o...

Kraven The Hunter: Disappointing performance from Sony?

The film’s premise offers an intriguing hook: Kraven, Sergei Kravinoff, is a wealthy Russian aristocrat who becomes obsessed with proving his superiority over other hunters and the "wild beasts" of the world (especially his father). After a violent encounter that sets the tone for the film, Kraven finds himself on a path of redemption, seeking to protect the weak and confront his monstrous nature.

This more nuanced portrayal of Kraven, who is often portrayed as a villain in Spider-Man comics, i...

Cardiff University set to cut 400 staff

This decision was released to the public after different briefings with academic departments stipulating that some subjects, such as nursing, music and modern languages could be merged.

Professor Wendy Larner, the University’s Vice-Chancellor said, "It is no longer an option to continue as they are".

She previously stated that the University would develop new ways of producing income and look at international partnerships like the one recently announced in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The Cardiff Univ...

A Toast to Spanish Tavern Culture

León, a historic city nestled in the northwest of Spain, has recently earned the title of "the city with the most pubs in Spain," a distinction that highlights its vibrant tavern culture. Known for its Roman architecture, stunning cathedrals, and rich history, León is now also making a name for itself as a hotspot for nightlife, particularly when it comes to its abundance of pubs, bars, and taverns.

According to recent studies and local government reports, León boasts a staggering number of pub...

Beyond the fairytale: Love in romance novels

Romance books have long been a popular genre in literature, providing readers with a compelling portrayal of love in all its complexities, capturing the emotional highs and lows of romantic relationships. But what makes the depiction of love in romance books so powerful and relatable?

At the core of most romance novels is the notion of love as a transformative force. Whether it's the slow-burn chemistry between two characters or the intensity of a passionate encounter, the love story involving...

Notre-Damn or Notre-Nah: New look of the iconic cathedral

One of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral has long stood as a symbol of French history, art, and resilience. After a devastating fire in April 2019 caused severe damage to the centuries-old structure, the question on everyone’s lips was: What will Notre Dame's future look like?

For many, the restoration of this iconic landmark was a moment of national pride and an opportunity to preserve a masterpiece that had withstood centuries of change. But after seeing the final produ...

NUGC Crown Themselves in UGC Competition

Newcastle University Gymnastics Club attended the UGC North Manchester tournament on 24 November. This marked the season's first competition, and all 11 participants have been looking forward to this date since the start of the academic year.

The team's first competition was quite successful, as they came home with seven medals. Even though a few gymnasts fell off the beam, Ellie Prentice managed to steal first place in the Balance Beam category and crown herself as the winner of this edition....

Newcastle University Volleyball Club delivers nail-biting action in Varsity Showdown

Varsity Volleyball never fails to deliver excitement, and the most recent showdown on November 27th was no exception. With both teams showing fierce determination and skill, the matches prove the level of competition and athleticism that defines varsity sports.

The first match between the two female teams was thrilling, with Newcastle coming out on top after a tightly contested series. Set 1 was an intense battle, with both teams going back and forth. Newcastle edged out Northumbria in a nail-b...

Mufasa: The Lion King, the prequel we didn't know we needed.

While it doesn’t quite live up to the legacy of its predecessor, it offers a heartfelt and visually stunning exploration of Mufasa’s origins that will resonate with fans of all ages.

One of the film’s biggest strengths is its rich world-building and lush animation. Set in the vast, vibrant savannas of Africa, Mufasa introduces audiences to a new cast of characters, as well as the journey that shaped Mufasa from an ambitious young cub into the regal king we all remember.

The animation here is b...

People prefer AI-generated poetry over classical poets

This study, led by the University of Pittsburgh, showed the participants poems written by ten famous English-language poets—Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, Samuel Butler, Lord Byron, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, TS Eliot, Allen Ginsberg, Sylvia Plath, and Dorothea Lasky—as well as poems generated by ChatGPT in a similar style.

The study's results showed that when it came to identifying whether a human or an AI wrote a poem, participants were more likely to misattribute an AI-generated...

Christmas around the world: festive food in Spain

Whilst English people have a Christmas dinner with roasted turkey, gravy and stuffing, Spanish people have roasted lamb with different side dishes often containing a mix of Spanish ham, cheese and roasted shrimp.

Realistically, my favourite part about Spanish Christmas food is the different sweets we have. Fudge and nougat are the most popular sweet treat: you can find so many flavours that you won’t have enough time to try them all. My favourite one is ‘Suchard’, a chocolate nougat with cereal...

This is what dreams are made for: A history of popstars in films

Seeing pop stars star in films is not a surprise anymore. Eminem's performance in ‘8 Mile’ and Dolly Parton's in ‘9 to 5’ are probably some of the most recognisable performances. Still, in my generation, Disney Channel was the OG of recruiting and shaping pop stars for their films. When I watched Camp Rock for the first time and saw both Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers star in the film, I thought I was dreaming. Ever since the film's release, their fame has skyrocketed, and they have gone on...

The worst Horoscopes to date

If you’re starting to see someone, here is a ranking of the worst Horoscopes that are most likely to break your heart:

TAURUS

Tauruses are loyal, stable, and affectionate partners but can be stubborn, possessive, and insecure without reassurance. While they crave physical affection and devotion, their guarded nature can make them hard to get close to. Patience and trust are key in a relationship with a Taurus.

CAPRICORN

Capricorns are driven, goal-oriented, and loyal, but they are also serio...

Hobby Hub: Volleyball

I have always liked volleyball. It is a sport that brings me joy (except when I play it; that’s when things start to get tense in this relationship), and it was also a great way to make friends during my first year.

When I tell my friends I play volleyball in my free time, they always say that I’m insane. I will not blame them for this because every time I play, I tell them I’ve managed to add three more bruises to the many more I have accumulated.

Whether or not you have played before, this i...

Actor Spotlight: Adelaide Kane

With her Aussie humour, Adelaide Kane is one of the most renowned Australian actresses. Gaining a leading role in Grey’s Anatomy, let’s look back at some of her most iconic roles.

Teen Wolf (2013)

Teen Wolf is a show known to many teenagers, and it’s where I first saw Kane’s acting skills. She played Cora Hale, sister of Derek Hale, who ran away when she was only 11, thinking that she was an orphan when, in reality, she was lied to. The rage and power she transmitted playing this character dre...

Déjà vu: Olivia Rodrigo removes her song from TikTok to stop Trump using it

Olivia Rodrigo endorsed Kamala Harris for the whole campaign, so when Trump used her sound on his 'victory video' the singer took down the sound from TikTok, stating:

This comment has been deleted, but the video still has no sound, per the singer's request.

To be honest, I don't know what the marketing team from Trump's office was thinking when they did this. Rodrigo has publicly supported the Democrats since Joe Biden was elected president. She was one of the public figures who encouraged you...

Addressing the stigma: Being single during the Christmas holidays

Christmas is the time of year when all the couples decide to hard launch their relationships and make us, single and lonely people, regret opening social media every time we do it.

After being single for a long time now, seeing couples having their romantic moment under the Christmas lights or holding hands while they’re walking through the market makes me wonder if I’ll ever find my ‘other half’.  Or even when my grandma asks if I’ve got ‘a special friend’, that’s the funniest bit about going...

My body, my choice: self-expression through tattoos and piercings

From fine lines to colourful pieces of art, tattoos are the most popular form of self-expression. What first started as marks of tribal affiliation or religious beliefs have become personalised art reflecting individual stories and emotions.

In my case, I got my first tattoo done at 16, and I didn't know I was embracing the beautiful world of expressing myself through drawings on my body. That first tattoo is probably the most important one I will ever get. Losing a parent is challenging as it...

Newcastle and Northumbria agree to work together to help the city.

Both universities formalised this agreement in July 2021. Since then, they have worked together to support the local economy and build a sustainable and inclusive future for the city and its surroundings.

Newcastle University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Day, stated that ‘both universities play important roles in our city and it’s right that we look for innovative ways to work together’.

On the other hand, Northumbria University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andy Long, said that ‘The Coll...

Memory Card: Pokémon Black & White

Pokémon Black & White follows the life of a young Pokémon trainer in the Unova region. Through the game you discover what this region hides as well as getting to fight against Pokémon Masters in their gyms all whilst trying to run from the antagonist force, Team Plasma.

When you start to play, you have the chance to pick your first Pokémon before you start exploring. For some reason, I always chose Oshawott, and my favourite part was when he evolved into Samurott.

The exciting thing about this...

Sir Mark Cavendish confirms retirement

He competed in his last professional race on November 10, winning said race. He shared the podium with Jasper Philipsen and Arnaud de Lie, who are said to be his successors in the racing world.

The ‘Manx Missile’ kicked off his career in 2005, although he started to gain people’s curiosity in 2007 after he got called up for his first Tour de France.

In 2009, he reached the Champs-Elysees, having tasted victory ten times, arguably reaching the peak of his career. In 2011, he crowned himself Wor...

Rafael Nadal retires: the King of Clay lays down his racket for the final time.

Rafael Nadal made his retirement announcement public on October 10, shocking tennis and sports fans.

He will hang his racket after the Davis Cup, scheduled for mid-November in Malaga, after representing Spain for the last time in almost 20 years of his professional career. Nadal, known for having 22 Grand Slam titles and for being one of the most successful tennis players of the decade, made this decision after several injuries put him out of the court and made this past two years more difficul...

La Liga presses on with Gameweek 12 amid Valencia flooding

The main factor that led to this decision was mainly economic, but is money more important than the loss of lives? Nobody wanted to play these matches, yet Tebas said in his most recent Twitter post, “the best message to the affected people is to stay on the front line in our jobs, giving visibility to the problem.” The post came alongside a series of pictures and videos from the flooding, and minutes after received an array of critiques in the comments and beyond.

La Liga's decision to only po...

Sport membership costs increase causing concern on student mental health

Since last academic year, Newcastle University Sports Centre’s membership prices have increased by 10% across all subscriptions. This has caught the eye of many students, who now look for opportunities to play sports outside of the university community.

The change could mean an increase in mental health problems for University students, as many use sports as a way of releasing the stress accumulated from their studies.

The Sport and Fitness membership saw the highest price increase of almost o...

Rising punks Millie Manders & The Shutup: "A lot of my younger adult years were spent putting walls up, being quite arrogant"

Before Millie took the stage at the Cluny, the supporting artists for this tour, Ramona’s Tea Party, set the vibes for the rest of the afternoon. With their incredible stage presence and interactions with the crowd, the Norwegian band conquered the public's hearts. Ramona Lundberg, lead singer of the band, stated, “The crowd were really cool, and they answered all my questions, which doesn’t normally happen, so I’m thrilled.”

When Millie Manders and the rest of her band took the stage, the publ...

FIFA and its Format: Why are Players Getting Injured More Frequently?

Over the last few months, players have been complaining about the significant number of matches and the little rest they have between them. How well does FIFA implement the new format? Is it worth it?

After Rodri’s ACL injury, fans and players have debated this new format that has shaped football differently these past two years. With more matches and less time to rest, the football world has seen players getting more severe injuries like ACL tears, Achilles Tendon ruptures and hamstring strain...

Defending the Castle: The Newcastle Knights defeat the Malory Eagles in a thrilling match.

The newly rebranded Newcastle Knights kicked off the season on October 12 in the National Volleyball Centre, located in Kettering. What was set to be an easy match turned into a breath-taking 5-set game that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

During the NVL Opening Weekend, we saw great volleyball. Freshly promoted London Giants took last year’s champions, Durham Palatinates, and even though they took the first set home, they got beaten 3-1 by Durham University’s team. Chey Coop, a playe...

The Driver Era live at O2 City Hall review: Ross and Rocky give their everything

I had the privilege of sharing this experience with one of my uni best friends, and I’m so grateful we got to have such a great time together. Before The Driver Era took the stage, we heard two great bands, Your Favourite Color and Almost Monday. They hooked everyone from the beginning, interacting with the audience and setting the vibes for the concert. I have to highlight the performance of Your Favourite Color. They had me hooked since the beginning, and their songs, especially ‘Medicine’, ca...

David Alonso Wins the Moto3 Championship, how is the Future of MotoGP Looking?

On the 6th of October, 18-year-old Moto3 driver David Alonso was crowned champion after an outstanding rookie campaign. With more than 100 points separating him and Daniel Holgado, second in the standings, the Colombian rider made history as he was the first from his nation to win a World Championship.

After impressing everyone during his rookie years, nobody was surprised to see him make his Moto3 debut before his 18th birthday. From the first moment we saw him riding, we knew he would be a st...

Perfect replacement: Ollie Bearman’s astonishing F1 debut.

After securing the pole in F2, Ferrari called the English driver to take up the spot of Carlos Sainz, who had been recently diagnosed with appendicitis.

The F1 world woke up on Saturday 9th to the news that Carlos Sainz had been diagnosed with appendicitis on Thursday afternoon. Fans were speculating about who would be his substitute, as Antonio Giovinazzi, former F1 driver, and Robert Schwartzman, F2 runner-up in 2021, were the favourites to take the seat. Still, they were never considering 18...

Beginning of Sainz's revenge as F1 season kicks off

In his post-race interviews, Sainz’s statements were positive. He was surprised at how well the car performed during the race, as he could battle with two of the fastest cars on the grid, Sergio Perez's Red Bull and George Russell's Mercedes.

The Spaniard didn’t have the perfect start to the season, qualifying 4th on Friday, but he battled his way through to earn the last spot on the podium. This has caused fans to reconsider whether Ferrari has made a good decision in not offering Sainz anothe...

The End of an Era: The European Leg of the Eras Tour

She not only equalled Take That's record of most nights played at a single venue, but as a solo artist, she broke the record set by Michael Jackson during his Bad Tour in 1988 for most sold-out nights played at Wembley Stadium.

Before Taylor took the stage for her 131st show, Paramore, who was touring with her this summer, thanked all of the "swifties" for making them part of one of the tours that would go down in history. Hayley Williams, lead singer for Paramore, was "incredibly proud of havi...