Stretch 4

bablake school | issue 4 | autumn 2007

stretch the green issue

climate change affects us all irrespective of age, race, gender and class we can all do something about it

stretch

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the green issue

‘Stretch 4 grew from little seed to healthy young sapling and virulent, verdant, leafy tree of a Green issue, nurtured lovingly by Jess’S expert leadership. A fabulous week of fresh ideas and positive action. More fun than it had business being!’

Mark Woodward

THE CLEAN GREEN STRETCH TEAM: Undoubtedly the cleanest team ever after all the dousing in Original Source shower products Jessica Phillips - (Student Editor) Lil Miss Organised Craig Lawlor - Lil Miss Man Jennie Gardner - Lil Miss Speedy Jenny Maudsley - Lil Miss Arty Kate Green - Lil Miss Green Laura Goldie - Lil Miss Late Natalie Jones - Lil Miss Enthusiastic Niamh Luckett - Lil Miss Retro/ Hands up for Detroit Rosie Tressler - Lil Miss Rock Star Sandy Samra - Lil Miss Smiles Victoria Bolstridge - Lil Miss Giggles SUPPORTED BY: Mark Woodward (Teacher Editor) Fiona Sibley (Online morale-boosting) Russ Thorne (ETC magazine) Luke & Paul Dibbens (Mustard Design) Chris Scott (Team Driving) Original Source (Free samples) Laura Dean and Will Chamberlain (Report from Parliament)

www.bablake.com www.stretch-mag.co.uk www.mustardhot.com Stretch is a student magazine produced by 6th formers at Bablake School in their work experience week. Opinions expressed in the articles do not necessarily represent official school viewpoints.

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It’s a distinctly GREEN issue but we thought you might like to know what GREEN meant to the Stretch team:

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a day in the life of...

a stretch journalist

Rosie Tressler’s trip to etc. magazine

Usually the concept of being in school, or even out of bed by 6.00am, wouldn’t appeal to a bunch of seventeen year olds. But the STRETCH team is a resilient group and excitably stepped onto the minibus. We then realised that Laura was missing and sent the intrepid Mr Woodward to look for our lost student.

With no sign of her, we drove off to find her but don’t worry, we didn’t leave Woody behind. Five minutes later an out of breath Laura ran across the road lamenting the failure of her alarm clock.

7.00am: Several complaints from the sleepy individuals at the back of the bus about the volume of the radio. For some reason they objected to Woody’s choice of the Beach Boys. Not mentioning any names... Jess and Niamh.

8.00am: Grumbling stomachs of hungry teenagers are never good in a cramped minibus, hence the stop-off at the service station. A well deserved Macdonald’s breakfast (yum!) and purchase of supplies, unhealthy sweets and chocolate, soon sent us back on the road. Seeing as this is ‘The Green Issue’, I would recommend you all eat apples and sticks of celery instead of consuming our choice of fat filled fast food.

Shortly after… We realised the excessive devouring of sugary e-number filled food was not the best idea we’d ever had. It led to a lot of excessive giggling and the singing of dubious classics by bands such as ‘B*Witched’. Fantastic…

10.15am: After four hours cramped up in the ‘comfortable, relaxing’ minibus we arrived at the home of etc. magazine and were greeted by the magazine editor Russ. We all sat around the boardroom table except for Mrs. Scott and Mr. Woodward who were forced to sit on the floor. Well, none of us were going to budge!

Russ talked to us about our interests and what we would like to see in etc. magazine in the

future. Hopefully we helped him as much as he helped us, as we discussed all aspects of the magazine including content, design, journalism and editorial duties. The STRETCH team was very intrigued, so we were surprised to be told the discussions had lasted over four hours! Well, time flies when you’re having fun, and we were definitely very interested and eager to express our opinions.

2.30pm: Time for a ‘quick’ team photo, which soon turned into a 20 minute rural photo shoot in the forest, to uphold our green theme. Any excuse to climb or hide in the trees and the STRETCH team is there and you can’t stop paparazzi Woodward once he gets going.

3.00pm: Russ guided us around the offices which segregated the magazine creators from the sales office. We all decided we would prefer to work in the laidback office for writers and designers as opposed to the ‘dark side’ of the smart and scary sales section.

Our tour was concluded with a brief look at the computer programming etc. uses which looked very complex but produced excellent results.

3.15pm: After a long day the STRETCH team was sent back to Coventry on another four hour journey. But we didn’t mind. Gaining ideas for our own magazine was well worth the long trip and provided us with an invaluable insight into how a magazine like etc. is put together so professionally. All in all, an informative day leaving us excited about producing our own STRETCH magazine.

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OK, some thoughts on interviews... These are the five things I always remind myself of before I interview anyone!

01: Do your research. When I started out I had no training at all and thought it was good to get people to tell me everything, where they were from, how they got started, and so on. All this does is waste time, particularly if you’re talking to an established rock band, say; and you run the risk of asking someone a load of questions they’re sick to death of answering. Find out what you can about them, whether they’re a movie star or a molecatcher. Have they been interviewed before? Are they on Wikipedia, the Internet Movie Database or in Who’s Who? Read previous interviews, find out about their past, then you have something to go on. And if they’re brand new to interviews, lucky you – then you can start from scratch.

engineer you’re speaking to may find the workings of their jet engine child’s play, but do you? And if not, how can you explain it to your readers? Ask questions, that’s your job.

People generally love to talk about what they know, and what they can do.

Plan your questions and be prepared.

Some interviews, you ask one question and it all flows from there. Others are like pulling teeth… from glue. In which case, it’s always good to have at least ten questions you definitely want to ask, written down in front of you, so you can prompt the conversation if it stalls. If it turns into a lively chat and you don’t need them, great, but at least you had a backup– that way you never need to be fumbling for questions and looking like an idiot in front of your interviewee. Oh, and make sure your dictaphone has batteries, and isn’t full. I learned all of this the hard way.

Everyone is interesting. You just have to ask the right questions. That’s the skill of a great interviewer (and I’m not one yet), and it takes practice. But keep reminding yourself of the fact that everyone has a good story, or a thing they’re passionate about, somewhere, and that you can find it if you dig carefully. Try to ask them something they won’t be expecting; show that you’re interested in what they have to say; pay attention to what they’re like, so you can flesh your piece out with some character; and listen to their answers.

Ask the obvious. Sometimes as a writer you need to make yourself look foolish for asking something, but remember it’s not about you, it’s about making your piece informative. The

Relax. Even if you’re interviewing the Queen, she’s still just a person. Don’t get dazzled by fame, or power, or how important someone thinks they are – they’re just a person. If they’re rude to you, stay calm, don’t react, then write about it – don’t take it personally!

And even if the person you’re speaking to is your hero, don’t let on until the job’s done.

Then you can gush as much as you like. (I do.)

further info» www.etcmag.co.uk

ingredients for a good interview

Russ Thorne Editor of etc.

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Sandy Samra & Jenny Maudsley

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So, how well do you know your planet and its changes? Try these questions for size

the glo bal warn ing quiz

1 a b c d

What is ozone?

Related to oxygen A pollutant An important part of the atmosphere All of the above

2 a b c

What is the UK’s biggest source of carbon dioxide?

Vehicle emissions Burning fossil fuels Dumping rubbish in landfills

3 Which of these countries has not been affected by flooding? a Bangladesh b Ethiopia c India d Guatemala 4 a

b

c

The Greenhouse Effect refers to: A global temperature increase due to the number of greenhouses being built A naturally-occurring process which keeps the Earth warm enough for life to be possible The ozone layer, which allows heat to pass through the Earth, but not escape

5 a

b c

Why will the number of mosquitoes increase?

The temperature rise in certain countries means that there is a wider region which is suitable for mosquitoes to live and breed in They have moved to areas where more humans live The length of their breeding season increases so they can reproduce for longer

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a b

Human CO2 emissions are small compared with natural CO2 exchange. True or false?

True False

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a b c

Some scientists say North Sea cod stocks are slumping faster than over-fishing can account for. They say climate changes may be to blame. Why? Rising temperatures have disrupted the fish’s breeding cycle Sea birds migrating later are eating large numbers of cod fry The plankton composition of the North Sea is changing, reducing food stocks for cod larvae

8 Cows are guilty of speeding up global warming. Fact or fiction? a Fact b Fiction 9

a b c d

Roughly how fast is the Arctic warming up in comparison to the rest of the world?

Half as fast The same Twice as fast Three times as fast

10

a

b c

What unforeseen effect on climate change might acid rain have?

Speeding it up because sulphur in acid rain can act as a greenhouse gas Slowing it down by reducing methane levels Speeding it up by increasing the heat given off by cities

Answers 1d 2b 3b 4b 5a 6a 7c 8a 9c 10b

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a dist urb ing phe nome non Natalie Jones

Stretch discovers the truth behind the craze dominating the fashion industry. It has been labelled ‘The New Killer’.

Due to excessive dieting and extreme weight loss, ‘Size Zero’ has become notorious worldwide.

size zer0 It has been linked to eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia because of the huge amount of weight women crave losing to reach Size Zero in the 21st century fashion circles.

Recent deaths of models, like Luisel Ramos and Ana Carolina Reston, have been attributed to the trend. Their deaths are known to have been caused by living on derisory foods such as diet coke and lettuce leaves.

Dawn Porter is one woman who experienced the feeling for herself, as she was challenged to become a Size Zero for a BBC programme. Her words create a chilling insight into what people go through to become this weight. She described the feeling of hunger, as ‘never going away, but you begin to enjoy it, trust it and rely on it’. Size Zero means a 22 inch waist which is equivalent to the average size of a British eight year old. Dawn, aged twenty-eight, was exactly the same.

‘Zero’, the word itself, has a significant meaning. If you examine its Arabic translation, ‘emptiness’ can ironically link to the way people in society perceive the Size Zero models and celebrities that are ever appearing in today’s media.

A new off-Broadway show has been produced in America, named bizarrely, ‘The Fabulous Life of a Size Zero’. It looks at the pressures of teenage life as one girl attempts to achieve the ultimate: effortless perfection. It has been described as making people feel as if they are ‘underachieving, worthless and fat.’ This clearly shows the over exposure of the phenomena that surround us.

Professor Janet Treasure, the UK’s leading authority figure on eating disorders, aired her views at the British Fashion Council: ‘The fashion industry showcases models with extreme body shapes and this is undoubtedly one of the factors leading to young girls developing eating disorders.’ Refreshingly certain areas of the industry seem to be listening to these concerns: Madrid Fashion Week banned Size Zero models from its catwalks and vibrant British retailer ‘Topshop’ decided not to use ‘ultra-skinny models’ at its London Fashion Week catwalk show, leading the way for others.

So… despite all of this concern from health experts describing Size Zero as unhealthy and as far away from natural as can be, are some girls and young women actually this weight? The supermarket giant ASDA seems to agree. In 194 of its outlets, the ‘George’ range has begun to stock a size 4 in women’s and teenage girls’ clothes, the equivalent to a size zero in USA. Does this suggest it’s a natural, normal size?

The fashion industry needs to deal with the latest backlash it has suffered but one suspects Size Zero will remain at the forefront until something begins to change. Is this a responsibility of the designers of the clothes or the celebrities and models who flaunt them? Should the fashion industry be blamed for anorexia? The illness is psychological and a complex disorder that derives from issues individuals suffer in their personal life. Seeing thin models on the catwalk is likely to convince sufferers that Size Zero is desirable.

Let’s try and celebrate that feminine curves are essential, learn to appreciate them and be proud of our figures.

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fashion gets the green light Looking good can be easy, but looking after the environment at the same time can make it challenging. However, a new phase in fashion could change all this… fashion is going “green”.

niamh luckett

A few years ago saw the first ethical fashion show in Paris and there is growing research into renewable fibres such as bamboo, corn and soy. The launch of ‘Edun’, the ethical clothing label created by Ali Hewson and New York designer Rogan Gregory, was one of the major influences on eco-friendly fashion. Based in Dublin, and offering both men’s and women’s garments, Edun now has a large number of worldwide stockists, including Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges in London.

Ali Hewson of the ‘Edun’ range says: “Ten years ago, you wouldn’t have thought that people would be looking at food on the shelves and asking what the ingredients are.

Now people are starting to ask that about their clothing”.

Even major clothing groups have moved to improve their ethical manufacturing processes. Companies such as Natural Collection, Dorothy Perkins and Next have introduced a range of organic clothing which includes jeans, T-shirts, dresses, nightwear and underwear. Armani’s jeans are made with hemp and organic cotton and Stella McCartney, Bottega Veneta and Dior have all considered working with alternative leathers.

Dr Richard Blackburn, Head of the Green Chemistry Group at Leeds’ Centre for Technical Textiles, said: “Industry can do a lot and provide alternatives but sometimes new products can only become a reality when they get a real market share so people have got to demand these sustainable alternatives.”

Eco-chic is appealing to the vintage clothes-shoppers who recognise buying second-hand garments is a way of recycling clothes. Shopaholics should also hotfoot it down to their charity shops. Not only will it make the environment that bit cleaner,

but there are some great bargains to be found! This avoids the disposal of garments and therefore escapes the issue of further polluting the environment.

To help save the environment and make yourself ‘greener’, why not donate your old clothes and shoes to jumble sales, charity shops or car boot sales? Or drop your old clothes and shoes into one of more than 6000 recycling banks across the UK. Some garments are made in ways which try to lessen the impact on the environment.

Here are just a few small things you can look out for: » Clothes manufactured from organic or recycled materials are becoming easier to find as companies are starting to produce a wider range. » Hemp-based pieces are a much “greener” substitute for cotton or synthetic fibres as hemp crops only need a minimal amount of water and fertiliser. Fertilisers are harmful to the environment as they cause eutrophication to occur. » Fairtrade clothes are also beginning to arrive on our high street and are easily available online.

I hope that this article has given you some insight into the world of fashion and how you can become much “greener”. If everyone makes a small change to their lives, whether it’s recycling your old clothes or starting purchasing from charity shops, then we will help make the world and its environment a much cleaner and improved place!

10 original source

Laura Goldie, Natalie Jones & Niamh Luckett

illustration created by Laura Goldie

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original source

packed with natural stuff: the test experience Original Source is a brand of beauty product and toiletries which guarantees nothing but the highest quality, natural essential oils, each having their own individual properties.

Inspired by this year’s green theme, the Stretch team decided to test some of these products and see if these natural oils do what they say they do on the bottle. Here’s what they found…

‘Seaweed Luffa Sponge and Milk Thistle’said to revive your senses with Seaweed extract known for its rebalancing effect on the body, Luffa to naturally exfoliate and Milk Thistle extract, renowned for its anti-oxidant properties.

Jennie G “The refreshing sense of the shower gel really woke me up this morning and left me feeling clean and ready for the rest of the day.” 9/10 Jess “Despite some… well, all of my friends saying the scent smelled like men’s aftershave, it still left me with super-soft skin and revived my senses.” 8/10 ‘Lemon and Tea Tree Shower Gel’containing Lemon Oil for cleansing and refreshing and Tea Tree Oil for cleansing and protection.

Rosie: “The gel smelt very strong and was very thick reminding me of lemon curd! It did not lather very well but did leave my skin very smooth. I would prefer to use a different product from the range.” 5/10 Papaya Fruit, Aloe Vera and Bamboo Body Scrub Niamh: “The body scrub left my skin feeling moisturised and fresh. I found the scent revitalising and enjoyed the aroma.” 8/10

‘Lime Shower Gel’- containing Lime Oil for refreshing and rejuvenating skin.

Woody: “After a day in the Press Room or long days travelling to Harrogate and London, rejuvenation was most welcome. The gel looked like Lemon Curd but once smothered in it, I felt I was showering in a big casket of refreshers.” 9/10 ‘Mint and Tea Tree Shower Gel’- with Mint known for cooling and energising and Tea Tree Oil for cleansing and protection.

Jenny M ‘Over 7297 mint leaves per bottle. 1 too many?!’ 7/10 Laura: ‘The mint smell was extraordinarily strong- better for chewing gum than a shower gel? But my skin did feel smooth and refreshed.’ 6/10 Woody: ‘Really invigorating, tremendous aroma and left me tingling all through breakfast!’ 10/10 ‘Almond and Coconut Shower Gel’- with Almond for nourishing and reviving.

Natalie: “I purposely chose the Almond and Coconut flavour bottle because the smell appealed to me. After a frantic Thursday in the Stretch press room, it really did leave me feeling fresh and nourished so.. ‘it does exactly what it says on the bottle’. The directions on the bottle also made me smile: ‘Pour out. Go nuts.’ Well done for producing a product full of natural sources and oils, a perfect fit for our issue.”

Overall then, the Original Source products receive an overwhelming vote of approval from the Stretch team! So get out and experience the natural sensations.

Their products extend to more than just shower gel and include soaps, shampoos, conditioners, hand washes and shaving foams.

Have a look at www.originalsource.co.uk where you can register for a free sample for the price of an email address and early readers of Stretch can claim a free bottle kindly donated by Original Source.

With thanks to Philippa Heywood at Original Source for her support.

further info» www.originalsource.co.uk

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karen carney

photograph courtesy of Ben Duffy

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by Craig Lawlor Karen Carney Fact File Date of Birth: 01/08/87 Place of Birth: Birmingham Position: Forward Current Club: Arsenal Previous Club(s): Birmingham International Caps: 28 International Goals: 5

From what age did you realise that you wanted to be a professional footballer and why did it appeal to you?

I am not actually a professional football player. Arsenal are currently semi professional but it would be a dream come true if the League did become professional. I didn’t think it would become as serious as it has. I just kept playing and it went from there.

What is your earliest footballing memory?

I was a mascot for Birmingham City against Millwall. It was a top of the table clash and very exciting.

How does it feel to represent England?

Playing for England is a dream come true. I always said I wanted to play for England but didn’t know how it would happen. I wasn’t even sure that there was a women’s team but it feels great to play in front of large crowds and play for your country.

What is the best experience you have had playing football?

I played in the 2005 European Championships at 17 which was amazing. I think that is the best, but winning the UEFA Cup with Arsenal this year and

also qualifying for the World Cup when France was always favourite are special highlights.

What are your opinions on the media frenzy which surrounds men’s football, in comparison to the relative lack of media attention which the women’s game receives?

The men’s game clearly overrides the women’s game which is a shame. There are so many positives about the women’s game but these are always overlooked by the media because of how powerful men’s football is.

Women’s football is creating more media and hopefully more people are converting to the idea of women playing football and ignoring past stereotypical views.

What advice do you have for aspiring, young, female footballers?

I think it’s important to enjoy football, especially whilst you are young. I wish I could hold onto past experiences and enjoy those while I could.

Playing for fun is the main thing and if anything else happens, then it’s a massive bonus. Keep playing and keep focused on what you want, as these days there is every opportunity you can progress to higher levels.

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the album ‘tale of two cities’ is available now

and the library

up, up and away

15

Jennie Gardner

Talented Coventry Godiva Harriers athlete, Jennie Gardner gives a fascinating glimpse of the world of Pole Vaulting, one of the most intriguing (green) field events: ‘If I was to say ‘Pole Vault’ to you, I assume half of you wouldn’t know what I was going on about and the other half would wonder why. Well Pole Vault is an athletics event, I’m sure many of you have seen it before, where an athlete jumps over a very high bar, with the aid of a pole. Scary you may think? Or fun you might suggest? Well I’m writing a review on it, just to satisfy any queries you have. When mentioned to the Stretch team, their inquisitive minds led to all sorts of questions!

Pole Vault, unlike most of the other athletics events, is not an ancient sport. In fact the first Pole Vaulting competition only took place in the early 20th century. This is partly due to the lack of safe materials used to make the pole, since it needs to be able to bend to avoid it snapping mid-air or leaving you on the ground.

Poles hardly ever snap and YES, it is as fun as it looks. The thought of being metres high in the air may seem daunting to some, but the certainty of landing on a huge, thick bed may cancel out any worries.

Pole Vaulting is an extremely difficult and technical sport. It takes around 12 years to learn completely and can be very frustrating along the way. Along with the High Jump, it is one of the only events where you will always

lose. In the end, the bar will always beat you and you’ll have to stop because you can’t go any higher. This requires patience and determination to do it next time! Core strength and agility are also fairly essential - don’t worry, they’re easily worked on. Gymnasts are therefore especially adaptable to this sport, and sprinters or other explosive athletes are particularly suited. After all this is achieved and the steep learning curve is made, the sport can be very rewarding and definitely worthwhile.

This sport is so unique that finding coaches is difficult as there are very few qualified coaches around. Just enquire at your nearest athletics club and I’m sure you’ll learn where to find one. Once found, the coach and their students are generally renowned for being extremely friendly in both person and competition, so it’s a fabulous way to meet new people and make new friends, whilst getting some fresh air and exercise. Sport, in general, I think you’ll agree, benefits everyone, no matter what it is.

It’s crucial for that ‘perfect bod’ or just to counteract all that winter blubber gained from curling up in front of the TV or seasonal eating!

Pole Vaulting is a marvellous sport to get involved with if you’ve ever fancied it, however, if it’s

not for you, I’m sure there are many other sports out there to take your fancy, from swimming to dancing or even darts. Whatever takes your fancy, I do suggest to you all that you take something up, to get you out and about, socialising with different types of people, or at the very least, a break from the classroom.

Stretch your legs! Stretch your limits!’

While being photographed in action for Stretch, Jennie beat her Personal Best jumping 2.30m. Her long-term goal is the 2012 Olympics and we all wish her the best for this challenge.

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the colour of money The Millionaire’s shopping experience: Gucci. Armani. D&G. Dior. Prada. Louis Vuitton. Chanel. Fendi. What else would you expect from a millionaire? The latest Fendi handbag retails at around £1,420. Fancy paying that? Most millionaires would probably call it a bargain.

Today, if you want to track down the shopaholic millionaires, hotfoot it to London’s world famous Bond Street. Oh yes, this street caters for the rich with stores selling anything from Rolex watches to the finest art paintings. Bond Street has no equal, due to its exclusive 5 star quality.

Green reality check…

Topshop, H & M and other ‘High Street’ brands provide enough satisfaction for those of us who aren’t so keen on spending our meagre part-time wages on a Fendi handbag that’ll be out of fashion before you can say ‘millionaire!’

Spending your millions on some property or transport: The 10 most expensive… Roads in London: Ashburn Place, Kensington and Chelsea - £5,110,000 Montpelier Square, City of Westminster - £3,966,667 Cheval Place, City of Westminster -£3,711,667 Neville Street, Kensington and Chelsea £3,526,250 Selwood Place, Kensington and Chelsea -£2,505,000 Trevor Square, City of Westminster -£2,485,000 South Terrace, Kensington and Chelsea - £2,412,500 Trevor Street, City of Westminster - £2,386,750 Knightsbridge, City of Westminster - £2,017,807 Jay Mews, City of Westminster - £1,972,500 The 10 most expensive… Cars: Bugatti Veyron - £845,815.29 Ferrari Enzo - £497,515.68 Pagani Zonda C12F - £368,635 Koenigsegg CCX - £298,942.59 Porsche Carrera GT - £240,778.69 Mercedes SLR McLaren - £226,605.48 Maybach 62 - £191,656.99 Rolls-Royce Phantom - £159,196.63 Lamborghini Murcielago - £139,246.90 Aston Martin Vanquish - £126,859.45 Green reality check…

Try Monopoly property and believe it or not Stretch found a car on eBay for just £1.49!

Drinking and Dining your way through your millions?

Again the most popular eating brasseries for the wealthy are based in our capital. Some are even owned by the rich and famous themselves, including Michael Caine, Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay who owns Claridges which ‘defines glamour with ease… the stunning Art Deco surroundings are soft and sublime, punctuated with elegant service’.

Natalie jones and Niamh luckett give the Millionaire a green makeover...

Millionaires who enjoy a quiet evening with friends often head down to the stylish cocktail bars located throughout London. To name a couple: Bar Red and Eclipse.

The millionaires who often appear on the party scene can be found in Umbaba in the West End of the city, which has just launched its £333 cocktail (OUCH!!) called the Magie Noir. It’s presented in a crystal glass and with a cocktail pin of 24 carat white gold.

A moving image backdrop, the first of its kind, plus a Swarovski crystal covered bar can be found in the exclusive Kabaret’s Prophecy, a much liked nightclub by all who can afford it.

Green reality check…

Why not rely on Coventry for a great night out. Jumping Jacks, Lava, Ignite, Escape and Prague are still strong competitors and the taxi ride home will be a lot cheaper too!

Holidays for the millionaire?

Located on Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, The Burj Al Arab is a world famous hotel known for its luxuries and astounding views. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, it dominates the Dubai coastline. It’s described as ‘the best hotel in the world’ with a chauffeur driven Rolls Royce, discreet check in, private reception desk on every floor and a brigade of highly trained butlers who can cater for your every need.

Piccadilly, home to The Ritz Hotel for over one hundred years, has seen many famous faces and delivers the finest cuisine and service. The Ritz Club situated on the lower ground floor offers all casino games.

Courcheval is located at the heart of the three valleys in France.

It guarantees quality snow for the rich and the likes of David and Victoria Beckham have stayed in one of the many chalets, enjoying the wonderful skiing experience.

Green reality check...

You can still guarantee a great time at… Butlins!

Who wants to be a millionaire?

I don’t Cole Porter

17 Natalie Jones

former bablake student jemma handley’s top ten tips for living abroad After a gap year in the South of France, she has worked as an au-pair in Aix–enProvence and Paris, spent a term abroad in Leon, North Spain, completed a year in Paris teaching English to Primary age children, worked for Agent Provocateur and lined up work experience with several prominent publishing houses.

1. Always accept invites to dinner from friends and colleagues. Never pass up the opportunity to socialise and possibly make contacts which could be useful later on. This is how I managed to get a few days’ work experience in a Primary school whilst on my gap year. Plus you’ll have a nice meal and wine thrown into the bargain!

Jemma, 22, left Bablake in 2003. She lives with talented illustrator Alex Smith and puppy Bella and is about to start her final year at the University of Leeds where she is studying French and Spanish. We asked Jemma to give us some advice on how to make the most of time abroad as over the last few years she has become quite a seasoned European traveller.

2. Try as far as possible to immerse yourself in the language. Stay with a family if you canau-pairing is a great way into this. Listen to the radio, watch television and read whatever takes your fancy as long as it’s in the target language. I found Star Academy (the French version of Fame Academy/Pop Idol) an ideal easy watch which helped improve my colloquial vocabulary immensely.

3. Avoid spending all your time with other English students – you can speak English as much as you want at home!- otherwise you will segregate yourself from native speakers and seem unfriendly. If you have no choice but to be with other English students, e.g. if you’re studying in a Language school, then try and only speak in the target language with them.

What may seem silly at first soon becomes more natural and helps with peer learning.

4. Take a small pocket sized notebook to use as a vocabulary book. If you learn a new word you can note it down and double-check the meaning later. Don’t carry a dictionary with you all the time! It’s too heavy and you’ll waste precious time looking up words when you could be speaking!

5. If you are going to au-pair, work or live with a family, always make sure you agree an initial 1 month trial period after which either party can terminate the contract. This is very important as any family or job can sound great on paper but the reality may be different and the need for an escape route… urgent. I had a brilliant time the first time I au-paired but my last experience was disastrous, with the children from hell and an obsessive mother!

I didn’t take advantage of the 1 month trial period and ended up being stuck there for three months before I could find a way out.

6. Don’t talk continuously about home or the UK. People are interested to learn about cultural differences but they soon grow tired when all sentences start with “In England…” or when comparisons become derogatory.

Thinking about home and the things you miss also makes you more homesick and makes time drag.

7. Be prepared for the British clichés– bad food, constant rain and imitation of the accent.

You can’t escape it or change the stereotypes, so accept any in good humour.

8. Learn as much as you can about the country and region that you’re based in. Sample all the food even if you’d never eat it at home, listen to their music and go to the cinema.

People are fiercely proud of their culture and will respect you for integrating yourself as much as possible.

9. Remember that you will be nervous beforehand and quite often during your stay abroad, but if you’re not nervous, then it’s not a challenge and if it’s not a challenge, then it’s not worth doing.

10. And remember… If you spend your time abroad productively, then you will have something extremely valuable to put on your CV and you will stand out from the crowd at University with your superior language skills. Don’t waste any opportunities that are presented to you and remember to SMILE! A smile is a universal language for kindness and approachability.

livingaway fromthe greengreen grassofhome

19

alex smith illustrating success Alex kindly drew the brilliant illustration opposite to tie in with our Green theme and when asked for his own green comment said: ‘Recycle everything’ writes jennie gardner!

We invited new and emerging talent, illustrator and former Bablake student, Alex Smith, to a Press Conference with the full Stretch team. For over 75 minutes, Alex kindly answered our questions and let us pore over his fabulous portfolio. Jennie’s write-up below was one of 3 that arrived by email and met a tough deadline set by the Editor.

‘I spent most of the day trying to make the Queen’s boobs less saggy.’ Alex chuckled. Alex Smith, a young, talented artist with a flair for children’s literature and illustrations, explained the absurdity of choosing between dresses for an elephant or appropriate props for a walking talking dog. Most of his time is spent in an imaginative world agonising over similarly delightful dilemmas for his illustrations!

A former Bablake and Coventry University student, Artist in Residence for the International Children’s Games, Alex’s talents were first officially recognised nationally when he entered the Macmillan Prize for Children’s Book Illustrations competition and gained 2nd prize. As a result, he met his agent through Campbell Books and his dream developed into a reality. Now, Alex, still in his early 20s, has already achieved book deals with leading publishers, Scholastics and Hodder, and one of his designs was chosen for the cotton shopping bags used in Waitrose’s Foundation Penpal Scheme. This August, his illustrations were seen in four Round and Round books,

while next March, we will see his designs for Anne Cottringer’s ‘Eliot, the Midnight Hero’ and his cover design for ‘I Hate Other People’s Kids’ by Adrienne Frost. Later in the year, Alex will see ‘Home Sweet Home’ published, the first book he will have both written and illustrated. Deservedly, Alex is in demand and his growing reputation has seen his work featured in ‘The Art Book 2007’, an industry bible used by art directors and companies.

From an early age, Alex had always wanted to be an illustrator, either that or ‘a chef or a rabbit’, he joked. Creative flair within his family was a key influence. Alex recognises the debt he owes to his granddad, who as well as writing articles and short stories for magazines, would write and leave short stories especially for Alex from an impressionable age. For a long time, Alex has had his studio in his granddad’s spare room and appreciated the keen interest in his work.

Soon, Alex is about to move into his own small studio. An exciting change, he says: ‘I can work in my pyjamas… for at least some of the week.’ Then once his girlfriend finishes university, he would be tempted by a move to Paris. Refreshingly, Alex praises the publishing industry and the wonders of his agency - all his colleagues and acquaintances are so friendly and he frequently stresses how lucky he feels he’s been.

This young man with such talent and passion was bound to be spotted eventually.

We asked him for some advice on how to break into the industry and he forcefully said: ‘Always have a sketchbook with you. Have your own style and it’s the only way you’ll get recognised. Get out there and get it.’ So for all the like -minded or gifted artists out there, keep that advice in mind in all walks of life, if you want your aspirations to materialise.

further info» www.arenaworks.com/artists/ alexsmith.html

20

healthy eating... stir it up niamh luckett

Stir fried chicken with fresh vegetables‌ is extremely quick and easy to rustle up and it will also help towards your 5-a-day fruit and vegetables...

Add the sliced red and yellow pepper and continue to cook.

Add in the spring onions, garlic and mange tout and stir-fry for a further 2-3 minutes.

Ingredients 100g organic chicken breast (diced) 2tbsp vegetable oil 1 red pepper (de-seeded and sliced) 1 yellow pepper (de-seeded and sliced) 3 spring onions (sliced) 1 clove of garlic (peeled and chopped) 150g mange tout 80ml chicken stock or water 1tbsp soy sauce 150g bean sprouts

Pour the stock (or water) and soy sauce into the frying pan/wok.

Cooking Instructions

Add in the bean sprouts and stir.

Cook until bubbling or slightly reduced.

Serve on a bed of wild rice- prepared separately/aside a wholemeal roll.

A small glass of pomegranate or cranberry juice should accompany.

Obviously beware allergies.

This meal will serve two.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok.

When the oil is hot, add the chicken and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.

Live green! Eat healthily!

21

Natalie Jones & Vickie Bolstridge

Amaze and amuse your friends with some of the following morsels: 1.

A snail can sleep for three years.

2. 4000 people are injured by teapots each year.

3. Butterflies taste with their feet.

4. Every year the sun loses 360 million tons.

5. On an average work day, a typist’s fingers travel 12.6 miles.

6. More people are killed annually by donkeys than in airplane crashes.

7.

Right-handed people live on average 9 years longer than left-handed people.

8. 87% of American children between the ages of 3 and 10 believe in Santa Claus.

9. Jaws is the most common name for a goldfish.

10. Alfred Hitchcock had no belly button as it was eliminated during surgery.

11. The plastic on the end of a shoelace is called an aglet.

12. A snail’s reproductive organs are in its head.

13. The fastest growing nail is on the middle finger.

14. Peanuts are one of the ingredients in dynamite.

15. The world’s youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.

16. Wrigley’s ‘Chewing Gum’ was the first product to have a barcode.

17. The King of Hearts is the only playing card King without a moustache.

18. Winston Churchill was born in a ladies’ room during a dance.

19. Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise.

20. Women blink nearly twice as much as men.

21. The dot over the letter ‘i’ is called a tittle.

22. Green is the colour not blue.

23. Every continent has a city called Rome.

24. If someone annoys you, it takes 42 muscles to frown but only four to extend your arm and tap their head.

25. A can of Spam is opened every four seconds.

26. ‘The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog’ uses every letter in our alphabet.

27. Fred and Wilma Flintstone were the first couple shown in bed together on primetime television.

28. The lifespan of a taste bud is 10 days.

Can you believe it?

random facts

28

22

superheroes inteaching Rosie Tressler & Vickie Bolstridge

23 You thought your teachers were (half) normal, but they have been harbouring a dark secret for many years. now we can reveal and confirm the truth... They are SUPERHEROES! We couldn’t resist making our very own Top Trumps pack.

You know the rules, so let the games begin.

Don’t forget; watch out for Dr Evil...

Mwah hah hah hah!!!’

24

travel heaven ‘Travel’ is often rated as the best education student can have. Whether we are standing by the ancient Pyramids in Egypt or walking across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, we have so much to discover and now is our chance, so explore! The World but especially Australia is our oyster.

Vickie Bolstridge

At the mention of Australia, people think of kangaroos, koalas, ‘G’day, mate’, Neighbours, Crocodile Dundee, Shane Warne, Kylie and didgeridoos! On the surface maybe that is what Australia was, but now Australia is taking the lead, as its cities and coastlines become some of the most fashionable in the world, competing with the likes of historical Rome and even the ‘trend– setting’ Paris.

To me Australia is all about freedom. The country is packed with amazing, once in a life time activities- cuddling a koala, scuba diving at the Barrier Reef, travelling the outback and heading towards Ayers Rock… but I’m going to take you to Sydney, a paradise in the making!

Sydney is the capital state of New South Wales and site of the first European colony in Australia, established in 1788. Residents are referred to as ‘Sydneysiders’ and since the city is built around Port Jackson, which includes Sydney Harbour, its nickname is “The Harbour City”. Sydney houses the Australian Stock Exchange and many international corporation HQs. ‘International gateway’ to Australia, Sydney is notable for its beaches and twin landmarks: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, and contains

many bays, rivers and inlets. Its global welcome has been seen recently as host for the 2000 Summer Olympics and the 2003 Rugby World Cup. In 2008, Sydney will stage the 23rd Roman Catholic World Youth Day. The main entertainment centre in Sydney is ‘Darling Harbour’ which is littered with cinemas, museums and dozens of restaurants. It is situated on the western edge of the Sydney central business district, making it a very popular place for locals and tourists.

Shopping defines the Australian lifestyle, and Sydney is home to the oldest shopping mall in the country, with lots of high class shops.

Obviously shops like Billabong, Roxy and O’Neill fit easily in a city with the resources and passion for extreme outdoor sports.

Across the Harbour you can see one of Australia’s most iconic images, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, often referred to as the ‘Coathanger’ due to its arch design. The area adjacent to the bridge is called the ‘Rocks’ and is the eldest part of the city with old warehouses turned into restaurants. The ‘Rocks’ is also home to some of Sydney’s oldest pubs- have a drink and enjoy the live music.

Immediately opposite the bridge is the other familiar image, The Sydney Opera

House, one of the most distinctive buildings of the 20th century. When I’d seen so many pictures on TV and in text books, actually standing in front of this building was extremely overwhelming. Everyday there are tours around the Opera House where some of the finest talents in the world have performed.

That is an uplifting feeling to say the least.

There is another harbour, ‘Circular Quay’, where you can catch various ferries to other places on the Western coastline. These ferries run all day and into the early hours of the morning, and are a lot cheaper than a Harbour cruise. On the ferry you have brilliant views of the bridge and Opera house and tremendous photo opportunities. I would suggest taking the ferry to Manly and Bondi Beach: they are both very upmarket seaside resorts with gorgeous beaches, which are popular for watersports and also for spotting celebrities.

I have definitely not done Australia justice. The Great Barrier Reef, Alice Springs, the hundreds of different zoos which offer a chance to see animals in their natural habitat, the outback and the larger cities must all be visited to feel the energy and enthusiasm that Australia buzzes with.

travel hell

25

Spotlight on Myanmar in Burma Jenny Maudsley

It is impossible to visit Myanmar as a tourist without some, if not all, of the money you spend going directly to the military junta – the powerful force of a brutal military dictatorship which has destroyed over 3000 villages in just the last 20 years as part of a program of ethnic cleansing against the minority Karen people. A military that uses rape as a weapon, tortures political opponents and has a higher number of child soldiers than any other country in the world.

Apart from that, many of the roads, railways, airports and tourist attractions in Burma, such as the moat around the Golden Palace in Mandala, have been built using forced labour. Even if you try to support ordinary people by staying in a privately owned hotel, it is difficult to find out whether what appears to be privately owned is in fact still linked to the military. As The Observer remarked in 2003: ‘A list of owners of the hotel plots at the newest beach resort in the country, Ngwesaung, reads like a Who’s Who of generals and their cronies’.

Apart from those subjected to forced labour, others have been forced from their homes to make room for tourism developments. Personal traditions have been exploited: in 2004 ethnic Salons, known as ‘sea gipsies’, were forced to leave their boat

dwelling lifestyles to live on land and perform traditional dances for tourists.

Some may argue that boycotting tourism to Myanmar would be injurious to the ordinary people in Myanmar. These few people are by no means insignificant, however they are a tiny percentage of the vast population of Myanmar and the most severe threat to prosperity for the population as a whole is still the vicious dictatorship that oppresses them. It is also important to note that the appeal for a boycott comes from Aung San Suu Kyi, the elected leader of the people, who has incidentally been kept under house arrest by the military for most of the last 16 years.

Tourism plays a vital part in upholding and strengthening the military dictatorship that plagues the people of Myanmar and it is vital that we refrain from taking part in it. This action is especially important from the British to make up for our past actions. Some say much of the current racial hatred in Myanmar, that fuels the genocide, stems from our naïve policy of ‘divide and rule’ in the days when Myanmar was ruled by the British.

Last word from Aung San Suu Kyi: ‘Burma will be here for many years, so tell your friends to visit us later. Visiting us now is tantamount to condoning the regime.’

Politics: Burma has been under military rule since 1962; the regime stifles almost all dissent.

Economy: Burma is one of Asia’s poorest countries; its economy is riddled with corruption.

International: Burma is seen as a pariah state by the West, which maintains sanctions; China is its main ally.

further info» fact file from: www.bbc.co.uk

26

volun teering inafrica Jess Phillips

To pay for the four week trip, Anna and her friends had to raise £3000 each and she did this through a variety of car boot sales, cake stalls, working as a waitress and donations.

The group she went with consisted of 14 people from her school and 1 leader from ‘World Challenge’, an organisation that arranges trips to less developed countries in the world.

Travelling through the centre of Tanzania from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro, Anna describes her journey: ‘It took 8 hours, with loads of people squashed on to the bus, including locals and chickens!’

Once in Morogoro, Anna embarked on a 6-day trek through the mountains and rainforest. This took her from Mbeya to Lake Nyasa and Iringa. Once there, Anna and the group spent 10 days helping to build a school for the local children. The nearest school for them before this was 10 miles away- a place they had to walk to every day! The building consisted of making and plastering walls, as well as levelling floors. The group had to go and buy tools and materials, in order to finish the foundations of the building, ready for the next group of volunteers whose task was to start painting the school.

‘Whilst we were working on the school, locals tried their best to help. Local children

Anna Crewe, now 18 years of age, tells Stretch about her trip to Tanzania, on the eastern coast of Africa, where she volunteered, in July 2006.

came to watch us every day and as each day went by more little children kept arriving, which was weird but fun.’ Working from 6am to 1pm and then from 1pm to 5pm, Anna and the group had to keep swapping over shifts because of the harsh heat in the Savannah, conditions that us Brits are just not used to.

At the end of the trip, Anna and her friends had 4 days of relaxation after their hard work. They went on safari in Tanzania’s National Park, followed by a visit back to the coast near Dar es Salaam, where they stayed on the beach opposite Zanzibar and snorkelled on the reef.

Anna describes the highlights of her journey: ‘I really enjoyed the trip, as I visited places I have only ever seen on the TV. It was quite surreal to actually be there. While I was there I made a close group of friends, who went to my school but that I never really spoke to before. It was also really fun learning Swahili, the language spoken in Tanzania. The

food there was basic, as you would expect, so Anna and her friends had to be careful what they bought and ate: ‘It got to the stage where my friend was having jam on dried Weetabix for breakfast because there was nothing else to eat.’

One valuable lesson from the trip: ‘I learnt lots about organising myself and working as a team. We rotated the roles of leader, money keeper, food person and organising accommodation, as we all had to work it out together without any help.’

So there you have it, an insight into the world of travelling and volunteering, to help those who are less fortunate than yourself.

Hopefully some of you have been inspired to do the same thing, possibly next summer or even on your gap year?

To learn more about the kind of opportunities available to you on a gap year and talk to a community of gapers, log onto www.gapyear.com

27

28

coventry & warwickshire’s

winter warmers

jessica phillips & Jennie Gardner

Ok, Summer’s over, time sitting in parks and basking in the sunshine is replaced with shorter days and longer nights, making weekends and evenings harder to enjoy. But not for much longer! There are so many events and attractions in and around Coventry and Warwickshire to capture your interest.

After the arrival of Coventry City’s Ricoh Arena, new shops, gyms, sports facilities, bars, clubs and cafes have arrived. Christmas Live 2007 will offer the very best in production, entertainment and catering, with a lavish four course meal, fairground rides and amusement stalls, a live band and entertainment throughout dinner. Ideal place for over 18s to enjoy a night out.

The refurbished Belgrade theatre, in Coventry’s city centre, has reopened, with new acts, new plays, an extra stage and fantastic eating facilities… just in time for the festive season but there are many other theatrical delights on offer locally: » Civic Hall, Bedworth: The Vienna Festival Ballet, (8th Nov)

and Dick Whittington (12th - 29th Dec) » The Priory, Kenilworth: The Babes in the Wood (14th- 30th Dec) » Hippodrome, Birmingham: Swan Lake (19th - 23rd Feb 2008) Book your tickets now before they’re sold out!

With Millennium Place’s artistic splash, Coventry’s shopping experience is so much more enjoyable. Starbucks has attracted a whole range of new punters and IKEA, opening in November, will bring its posse of fanatics. Late night shopping launches in West Orchards on 14th Nov- a night full of live bands, celebrity appearances, Father Christmas. On 18th Nov, there is the switching on of the Christmas lights- a guaranteed merry ho ho of a time for all ages. More than 25,000 people pack the city from 3-6pm at Broadgate, Upper Precinct and Millennium Place, to see float processions, 3 stages of entertainment and music, the celebrity ‘Switch On’ moment and fireworks. Coventry Cathedral has a ‘Friends Christmas celebration’ on 5th Dec and Warwick Castle’s beauty provides a spectacular backdrop for a festive day out from 1st Dec- 6th Jan. For Halloween and Bonfire night, try Kenilworth Castle. Halloween tours (28th- 31st Oct) whisk you round around the castle and gatehouse with tales of dark deeds, ghostly apparitions and scary happenings.

Strictly suitable for over 16s only, tours start at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm, priced at £15. The fabulously explosive bonfire and fireworks evening is at the Castle on the weekend of Nov 5th.

If retail therapy is your ‘feel-better sport’ and you’ve exhausted Central Six and West Orchards, Birmingham’s Bullring is just a short trip down the M6 while the NEC has a fantastic range of exhibitions. The annual Clothes Show takes place 7th- 12th Dec- ‘the largest fashion and beauty event in the world.’ Ticket prices hurt students, but the freebies, catwalk shows, model scouts, advice from beauty experts, and the infamous Fashion Theatre, a remarkable show, featuring over 40 models and dancers putting on a fashion and dance extravaganza, make it a fabulous experience! Likewise the Eve Style Show, also 7th - 12th Dec, will pamper, preen and tantalise you. The National Work Placement exhibition on 1st Nov has info on voluntary work abroad, sandwich places and holiday work. Graduates should attend the National Graduate Recruitment exhibition with loads of recruiters, free CV advice, mock Assessment Centres and careers presentations, from 2nd - 3rd Nov. The Festive Gift Fair, 22nd – 25th Nov, brings unusual and affordable Christmas presents from over 350 exciting companies.

Music Live, the UK’s biggest music making event comes to the NEC on 2nd - 4th Dec with leading manufacturers of instruments, live performances and seminars. And, as a lovely treat (my tickets are already booked), The Chocolate Show trickles in on 22nd - 24th Feb… and yes, it’s as good as it sounds, with sticky workshops, incredible sculptures and demonstrations!

‘Star City’ in Birmingham hosts restaurants, shopping opps, bowling and cinemas facilities with accessible train links. Similarly the ‘Think Tank’ in Birmingham centre brings to life Science, Technology and Medicine in an entertaining manner. There’s ‘Arts Fest’- the UK’s largest FREE arts festival- on 14th -16th Sept in Birmingham city centre, Gigbeth later in the Autumn and the usual musical temptations at the Academy, Barfly, Glee Club and other venues.

Check out Warwick Arts Centre for a fabulous programme of music, film, theatre and comedy and the Assembly Rooms will soon be open in Leamington Spa offering the town a large music venue at last.

That’s just a taster of the attractions and excitement to be had…

So get out there and make the most of it!

29 vickie Bolstridge

theback for good belgrade theatre

Ladies and Gentlemen…Take your Seats at the much awaited, newly renovated Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.

There’s a newly created, fresh, modern atmosphere for forthcoming plays. The refurbishment includes a new, flexible 250– 300 seat second space, a completely new fully flexible second auditorium known as B2, new rehearsal rooms and a ‘facelift’ of the existing building. The improved facilities will definitely be worthwhile, as Coventry will be welcoming a wider range of work, including an expanded season of 14 home-produced plays in 14 months, as well as productions from visiting companies.

Ray Clenshaw, Press and PR officer of the Belgrade says, ‘the Belgrade is set to become a thrilling new cultural presence in the West Midlands and the UK.’ Artistic Director, Hamish Glen, comments, ‘The Belgrade Theatre was one of the most important landmarks in the UK’s cultural landscape and its reopening marks a true return to its roots. An opening season comprising of new and challenging productions alongside a more familiar range of popular touring work, performed in an outstanding and beautifully restored venue, will give the people of Coventry the theatre they truly deserve.’

The stakes are set incredibly high for the opening of The Belgrade, particularly as it will compete with the excellent Warwick Arts centre, which has had a rather impressive year, and Stratford, famous for its theatre culture. However the Belgrade’s forthcoming performances show a different kind of ‘refurbishment’ as well as keeping the popular family pantomimes and regular hit musicals, which tour from the West End.

Selections from the Belgrade Diary: Main House: 22nd Sep- Oct 6th: Hamish Glen’s first production, a new version of the Brecht’s dark comedy, ‘Mr. Puntila and his Man, Matti’.

David Hargreaves, who will play the part of Mr. Puntila, is fondly remembered for playing Bill Gentle in BBC’s Mersey Beat.

The former Belgrade was really renowned for its pantomimes. Nothing has changed!

Panto legend and Tweenies creator, Iain Lauchlan returns as Dame, as well as taking on writing and directing responsibilities, in ‘Aladdin’ from 27th Nov until 12th Jan. Dust down your ‘magic carpet’ and catch this spectacular performance.

The Belgrade’s diary is jam-packed, so grab your tickets now!

8th- 13th Oct: ‘Visiting Mr. Green’- Warren Mitchell’s production of the comedy drama, prior to a West end run.

15th- 20th Oct: ‘Dancing in the Streets’smash West End musical celebrating the magic of Motown.

Also late in October a great range of single night shows: ‘The Vagina Monologues’ (22nd), Magic of the Musicals (23rd), the Godiva Awards (25th), Rolling Stones tribute act, The Counterfeit Stones (26th) and stand-up comic Stewart Lee (27th).

B2 Studio: 29th Sept- Oct 2Oth- Gadi Roll’s debut production of the Bruckner modern classic, ‘Pains of Youth’ with an award-winning set by Roni Toren 24th- 27th Oct: ‘Stockholm’ Oct 31st- Nov 3rd: ‘Say Nothing’

Tickets are available from the Belgrade website www.belgrade. co.uk or phone 024-7655-3055 for the Box Office.

30 Sandy Samra

With McDonald’s starting to power its delivery fleet on its own waste chip fat, biofuels that are cutting overall carbon emissions are rapidly becoming a proverbial hot potato, so we decided to investigate LPG.

friendly fuels It’s always said the use of cars should be reduced but for some people it isn’t possible to arrive under your own steam. Cars have become a necessity and sometimes it is difficult to get around without them. However, if you still want to reduce your effect on the environment and reduce your emissions of greenhouse gases, there is an alternative available which is rapidly becoming more popular.

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a fuel that can be used just like petrol. It is another product formed by the distillation of crude oil just like petrol and diesel and is produced in large amounts.

When it is pressurised, it becomes a liquid and it is in this form that it is pumped into your tank.

There is no need to buy a new car if you would like it to run on LPG as you can have your car converted to run on either petrol or LPG.

There are many environmental and financial benefits of using LPG: » LPG produces 33% fewer CO2 emissions than petrol and 45% less CO2 than diesel. » LPG vehicles produce up to 82% fewer nitrogen oxide pollutants than petrol and are 99% better than diesel. » 63% less carbon monoxide. » 40% fewer hydrocarbons than petrol and 70% less than diesel. » 50% fewer particulates than petrol and 98% less than diesel. » The life of the engine is improved because of the absence of acids and carbon deposits. » Autogas contains no lead and is therefore cleaner. » Engine noise is reduced.

with thanks to lpg-cars for providing the information

31 bablake school presents...

lucky soul jon allen marie batchelder jess blake disco bizkid 22/11/07 7pm edm ÂŁ5 mgaw@bablake. coventry.sch.uk

raising awareness for amnesty international’s stop domestic violence campaign and karma nirvana

32

tune out

tune in

Ever wondered how your favourite music is produced or how bands have the ability to leave you with a ringing in your ears the morning after a gig? Stretch did, so we headed on down to the Sound Engineering rooms at the Herbert Art gallery to find out more.

Rosie Tressler & Craig Lawlor

33 8 Bablake students had signed up to develop their sound engineering expertise during their work experience week, but why were they interested?

Gavin Harman said he hadn’t yet made his mind up about what to study at university but had been attracted to the course as it was ‘something different and he really wanted to see what was involved’. While he would be unlikely to take up a career in the field, the experience was one he would choose again.

Certainly none of the students had any regrets at being involved in the course. James Plester, who is going to study music composition at Coventry University, realised the benefits for his future music career as it has “expanded his understanding”. Simone Willis agreed that as a musician the course is “good because I need to be able to know my way around the studio and understand the technical side of things”.

We asked Dennis Hands, the sound engineer, about the programme that he has been teaching the students. He told us “they have been doing the shortened version of the course to learn the basics”. Gavin told us the details: “I’ve learnt about studio recordings, compressing, different types of microphone, how to mike up a drum kit and all the specialist terms to do with sound engineering.” He also commented that “the course would be very useful for local bands”.

So if you think you’ve got what it takes to become a sound engineer or you are a mad music lover who wants to know more about what the programme involves, you can complete the full course yourself. Like the students on work experience you will gain yourself a certificate, a copy of your recorded mix and will later be able to record in the

studio for whole evenings for just £20. And let’s face it, it’s rather impressive being able to tell your friends you’re qualified to do your own sound engineering.

Following comments that the programme would be very helpful to local bands, Stretch decided to interview Bablake’s very own Bang a la Bang to see how the course would benefit them. Slouched across chairs in the Herbert Art Gallery, the band’s mood captures the relaxed approach which appears to be one of the course’s selling points. The band describes the course as being very useful, even ‘musically enlightening’ according to lead singer and guitarist Deniz Kog. Lead guitarist Alex Parvis says that the course will be very useful when setting up for gigs and when recording in the future.

As the course gives hands on experience, and although concepts are relatively basic, it has given Bang a la Bang invaluable experience. “I’ve never done anything like this before,” says drummer Henry Swanson.

“It’s exceeded all expectations.”

They describe teachers Dennis and Daz as ‘very good teachers with a good sense of humour’ which they class as very important. To sum up the course, invaluable experience with hard work but plenty of ten minute breaks.

further info» www.theherbert.org

34

ghost town revisited Pete Chambers is a local legend and arguably has done more to promote Coventry’s amazing music scene than any other individual through his passion and enthusiasm. Currently writing the Backbeat feature in the Coventry Telegraph, he is also an accomplished author.

We asked Pete to compare the current hysteria about the Enemy, first Coventry band to have a number one album, with the buzz about Two Tone over 25 years ago.

Coventry in the late seventies and early eighties was a good place to be for a music fan. Forget Ghost Town, more like most town! You see the dichotomy was always an amusing one. For Coventry was being branded with its Ghost Town moniker just at the point it was at its most creative and most vibrant. For this was a local scene fuelled by the energy of the Specials and the Selecter and the Two Tone label in general. Two Tone gave countless fresh-faced local bands the impetus to emulate their local idols. Indeed everyone wanted a piece of Coventry. For 24 months Coventry was the new epicentre of the music industry. Exciting times then for a comparatively young Brum Beat journalist named Pete Chambers.

Years later, Coventry is once again in the position of musical creativeness. While the mighty Ripps entice us with their clever brand of quirky tunes, the Enemy have emulated the Specials and positively stormed the charts, even clocking up their second top ten single this summer. Like the Specials, the Enemy have become the darlings of the press; they also wear their Coventry pride in public and have turned this Ghost Town into a most town.

Pete Chambers

Like The Specials, The Enemy and The Ripps have made this City a good place to be for a music fan, albeit a rather older one!

35

The Ripps are definitely a band to watch out for over the next year. rosie tressler of Stretch questioned guitarist and lead vocalist Patch Lagunas to find out more about the quirky three piece pop/punk band from Coventry.

What was the first record you ever bought? Honest answers please!

Megadeath ‘Countdown To Extinction’. I loved Metallica and lots of metal at the time.

How did you get noticed and eventually signed?

We rehearsed loads, eventually gigged loads, got a manager, recorded some decent demos and eventually with a bit of luck got picked up.

How would you advise a local Coventry band to get noticed themselves?

It’s different for different bands but I’d say practise loads and make sure you’re happy with your songs before you start gigging.

Do networking sites like ‘My Space’ benefit the music industry or are they destroying it?

They benefit the bands in that they can promote themselves more and arrange bookings. I think the industry is kinda scared by the effect of them but it’s evolving with the times.

What was it like to play at Glastonbury?

Amazing! A dream come true apart from the mud!

Did you enjoy playing at Coventry’s own Godiva festival?

It’ll be the highlight of our year.

Coventry crowds always make our gigs special.

Do you think Coventry needs more music venues?

Hmmm... I think it’s improved over the years. There are now a lot of independent promoters which has made a huge difference. The Colly is still our favourite venue. Taylor Johns is also a good venue. Maybe if the Colly had more competition, then it would be even better!

How far did the Specials influence you and would you like to see them reform?

The Specials are local heroes and we respect them greatly. They will go down in history. They were influential in the way they sang about Cov. This is something we can relate to. On our debut album their influence isn’t particularly obvious. I think on the next record u might see the Two Tone influence. We’re really excited by the new material. I think it would be cool if the Specials reformed, although I’d imagine they might think it would compromise their legacy. They were never about the money.

Are you friends of The Enemy or do you see them as rivals?

Rachel (drums) went to college with them and remains friendly with them if she ever sees them.

We know them from when they were in a band called The Bridges. We don’t see them as competition. They play a different style of music to us and so we don’t have the same target audience. We wish them the best of luck. I think other people would like to see a rivalry of sorts!

The Ripps are a talented band clearly proud of their Coventry roots and Stretch wishes them ongoing success and luck, not that they need it! Patch’s green policy, by the way, would be... ‘probably car pooling in order to cut emissions’.

Check out their music at www.myspace. com/theripps

moviezone

36 after checking out the channel 4 top 100 movies of all time, here’s a top 40 to consider

kate green

1 The Godfather/ The Godfather 2 (1972/4) 2 The Shawshank Redemption (1994) 3 Pulp Fiction (1994) 4 Some Like it Hot (1959) 5 Gladiator (2000) 6 It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) 7 Schindler’s List (1993) 8 Psycho (1960) 9 Jaws (1975) 10 The Matrix (1999) 11 Casablanca (1942) 12 The Usual Suspects (1995) 13 Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000) 14 Citizen Cane (1941) 15 ET (1982) 16 Singing in the Rain (1952) 17 Trainspotting (1996) 18 Gone with the Wind (1939) 19 The Full Monty (1997) 20 The Graduate (1967) 21 Alien (1979) 22 Silence of the Lambs (1990) 23 The Great Escape (1963) 24 Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) 25 The Sound of Music (1965) 26 The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1966) 27 The Exorcist (1973) 28 The Italian Job (1969) 29 Sunset Boulevard ((1950) 30 Titanic (1998) 31 Rebel Without a Cause (1955) 32 Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) 33 La Dolce Vita (1960) 34 Spartacus (1960) 35 Bonnie and Clyde (1967) 36 King Kong (1933) 37 Get Carter (1971) 38 The French Connection (1971) 39 Cabaret (1972) 40 Goldfinger (1964) Be sure to watch the age limits on these films!

37

reel releases The Nanny Diaries Released: September 7th Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Laura Linney An emotional and humorous tale of Annie Braddock’s (Johansson) life from New Jersey to New York after she gets a job as a wealthy Upper East Side family’s nanny. The movie contains a few good laughs and a good dose of romance and seems like a promising watch for the autumn! Scarlett Johansson never fails to give a good movie romance however the story doesn’t seem overly original. Still worth a watch!

(Stretch rating out of 5)

Mr Woodcock Released: September 14th Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Susan Sarandon, Sean William Scott Hilarious movie of a teenage boy’s worst nightmare growing up, when John Farley (Scott) comes home after years away to find his mother (Sarandon) is dating his High School PE teacher, Mr Woodcock (Thornton), who had tormented him through his High School years.

Comedy ensues and with Thornton from ‘Bad Santa’ and Scott from ‘American Pie’, it promises to be a great comedy. We think you’ll laugh and feel very lucky Mr Woodcock doesn’t teach PE at Bablake!

The Brave One Released: September 14th Starring: Jodie Foster Jodie Foster plays a normal, happy woman whose life goes through turmoil after she is assaulted and her partner is left dead. The film describes how she deals with the ordeal and is a hard hitting tragedy and drama. This film is a definite if you aren’t in the mood for an average romance or comedy but something different. A tragic plot but it might not appeal to everyone.

with anyone who gets in his way. The movie documents the chase people take after him to collect reward money and glory. But the movie holds twists and turns to keep the viewers surprised. It has something for everyone, the exciting cowboy fights and Brad Pitt’s good looks.

Resident Evil: Extinction Released: September 21st Starring: Milla Jovovich This third and final instalment of the terrifyingly gory ‘Resident Evil’ movies promises the excitement and terror of the previous two films.

Alice (Jovovich) is hiding away in the Nevada desert in this finale and with the help of some other survivors (including Ashanti) they try once again to eradicate the deadly virus that has the dead walking. The movie is great but we recommend if you don’t like gore to bring something/ someone with you to hide behind!

The Kingdom Released: 28th September Starring: Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman With a fantastic A-list cast like this, the movie can’t fail to be a hit! A terrorist attack in Saudi Arabia on a Western compound sparks off an international incident and Jamie Foxx plays special agent Ronald Fleury. He brings together an elite team to combat the terrorism in Saudi Arabia and his team tries to catch the madman behind the bomb attack. The movie promises actions from the start and surely won’t let you down with bomb attacks and revenge missions. Promising to be a brilliant action flick to keep you on your toes!

Elizabeth: The Golden Age Released: October 12th Starring: Cate Blanchett, Clive Owen, Geoffrey Rush, Samantha Morton

The Assassination of Jesse James by Coward Robert Ford Released: September 21st Starring: Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck This movie delves into history with the story of America’s most notorious outlaw, Jesse James. Brad Pitt plays a charismatic and unpredictable Jesse James as he plans robberies, getaways and fights

This tells the story of England’s first queen, played by an amazingly talented Cate Blanchett who isn’t new to the role after her part in 1998’s “Elizabeth” which rewarded her with an Oscar. The movie shows the crusade Elizabeth has thrust on her by her being the first queen. With conspiracies, plots, war and romance, this film has everything and a high chance of bringing Blanchett another Oscar for the role. A definite must see movie. Top marks.

38

the a-z

a couple of a-zs with the stretch team’s recommended listening & reading

music music music

music music A Art Brut, Aztec Camera, Tori Amos, Air B Jeff Buckley, Buzzcocks, Blur, The Beach Boys, The Beatles,

James Brown, Bright Eyes, David Bowie, Edie Brickell, Badfinger C The Clash, Cream, The Cocteau Twins, The Cure, Leonard Cohen, Elvis Costello, The Robert Cray Band D Nick Drake, The Doors, Bob Dylan, Denim E Echo & The Bunnymen, Eels, ELO F Foals, The Fall, The Field Mice, The Flaming Lips G The Go! Team, The Good The Bad And The Queen,

Grandmaster Flash, Grandaddy, Marvin Gaye, Genesis H Happy Mondays, Jimi Hendrix I Imogen Heap, Interpol J Joy Division, The Jam, Louis Jordan, Jack Johnson, Elton John K The Kinks, Kraftwerk, Kings of Leon L The Libertines, The Las, Led Zeppelin M Modest Mouse, Madness, My Bloody Valentine, Bob Marley N The New Radicals, New Order, Nouvelle Vague O Ocean Colour Scene, OK! Go!, Orange Juice P Pink Floyd, Pulp, Primal Scream, The Pixies, The Pogues, Public Enemy Q Queen R Reel Big Fish, The Rolling Stones, REM, Otis Redding, Radiohead, The Red Hot Chili Peppers S The Smiths, The Stone Roses, The Stranglers, The Specials, Steely Dan, Sonic Youth, The Small Faces,

Bruce Springsteen, Dusty Springfield, Saint Etienne, The Shins, The Sundays, The Stooges T The Teardrop Explodes, Talking Heads, The Throwing

Muses, The Thrills, Thin Lizzy, Television U The Undertones V The Velvet Underground, The Verve W The Wombats, Scott Walker, The Who, The White Stripes X XTC Y Yeti, The Young Knives, The Yardbirds, Neil Young Z ZZ Top Go to www.pandora.com and www.last.fm to check these out.

z lists 39

craig lawlor, mark woodward & kate green

books books books A - ‘Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret’: a groundbreaking taboo trampling book about issues the character Margaret is going through, aimed at young adults but definitely a read all would enjoy.

B - ‘Black Beauty’ (Anna Sewell): a simply amazing book about a majestic horse that goes through cruelty. A book for all.

C - ‘Catch 22’ (Joseph Heller): one of the greatest anti war books ever and also probably one of the funniest. This book will challenge you and at the same time make you laugh. A mention must go to ‘Catcher in the Rye (JD Salinger) as it has a satirical edge that it will never lose and it’s a must read.

D - ‘Da Vinci Code’ (Dan Brown): a fantastic modern novel with more twists and turns within the story than anything written in the last 10 years. A fantastic read that you won’t be able to put down!

E - Eoin Colfer wrote ‘Artemis Fowl’, a tale of elves, kidnap and ransom.

An exciting tale that has another different take on the fantasy genre.

F - ‘Far From The Madding Crowd’ (Thomas Hardy): Wessex in the 1840s and Bathsheba Everdene and her manipulation of men. A classic read.

G - ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ (John Steinbeck): one of the best modern American novels ever with its tale of the Joads moving from their Midwestern farm to California.

H - Harry Potter deserves the hype! People of all ages read JK Rowling’s story of the young boy wizard growing up. Not just popular because of movies or the hype surrounding them. Generally good entertaining books and the editor was at Exeter in the same Classics department as the author but didn’t know it!

I - ‘In Cold Blood’ (Truman Capote): real life story of a murder in Kansas which Capote himself went and investigated and then wrote about.

The complicated psychological story about the two felons and their senseless crime makes for a dynamic read.

M - ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ (Arthur Golden): an insightful, fascinating glimpse into the mysterious world of geishas in Japan.

N - ‘Northern Lights’ (Phillip Pullman): a whole new world with original characters and inspiring plots. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter and like fantasy this is for you!

O - ‘Of Mice and Men’ (John Steinbeck): fantastically written book which will touch anyone’s heart with the tale of George and Lenny and their friendship. The description of their journey shows the harshness of the world and is a thought-provoking read.

P - ‘Perfume’ (Patrick Süskind): amazingly written and every word so well describes the creepy story of murder that unwinds within.

Q - Quentin Crisp famous for his book ‘The Naked Civil Servant’, written from his own experiences.

R - Roald Dahl might write children’s books but there can’t be anyone who doesn’t find amusement in the way George made his grandma bigger than his house or when Matilda gets revenge on her headmistress.

S - ‘The Secret Garden’ (Frances Hodgson Burnett): captures imaginations with the story of a little spoilt girl who, after being orphaned, moves to England and finds a secret garden in the house she lives in.

T - ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ (Harper Lee): the Southern American story of a black man going to trial for the rape of a white woman. Not sentimental or simple with a moral complexity that makes you unable to put it down.

U - ‘Ulysses’ (James Joyce): a hard-going but ultimately rewarding novel that many wouldn’t finish but well worth the challenge.

V - Jules Verne, best known for books like ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’, revolutionised science fiction.

J - Jane Austen, known for her classic romances and epic love stories. A definite on the list for her timeless books.

W - ‘Wuthering Heights’ (Emily Bronte): Heathcliffe and Kathy’s epic romance. Say no more!

K - ‘Kane and Abel’ (Jeffrey Archer): Abel escapes Russian imprisonment to go to America where he meets Kane who fast becomes his arch enemy. Totally gripping, realistic and capable of losing you in its world.

X - (Insert Xtra special book of your own choosing):

L - ‘Lord of The Rings’ (JRR Tolkien): the movie trilogy might be over so it’s time for you finally to read this amazing work about hobbits and wizards. Or consider ‘Lord of the Flies’ stripping the myths about childhood innocence away forever.

Y - ‘Y- The Last Man’ (Brian K Vaughan): something different for the list as it’s actually a critically-acclaimed comic strip. Concerns a single man’s survival after the rest of the world has died.

Z - Benjamin Zephaniah is a fantastic poet. Check out ‘Pen Rhythm’

40

agony u n t laura goldie, stretch’s agony aunt, tries to solve all your teenage dilemmas

41

‘I’ve met this guy and he’s really great but he’s a lot older then me and I’ve lied to him about my age and a few other things and now things are getting more serious between us. I’m scared that he’ll find out that I’ve been lying all this time and dump me or something! Do I tell him the truth or do I keep on lying and hope he never finds out? And how would I tell him?’

As much of a cliché as this is going to sound, honesty really is the best policy in this case. You can’t keep on lying about it, as if things go further with you two, he is bound to find out anyway. If you are the one to tell him the truth, he might react better than you would expect. Just explain to him you are really sorry but you liked him and didn’t think he would have gone out with you if he’d known the truth. Once you’ve told him this, you two can start over with a clean slate, and if he can’t accept you for who you are, then he’s not worth getting upset over.

‘My parents are driving me crazy! They never give me any privacy, and whenever I spend a day at home not doing anything, they just assume I can then spend the day doing loads of things for them!’

Oh we’ve all been there! I could tell you to talk to them, explain how you feel, but the truth is, it won’t make a difference.

Sometimes parents are just like that. I’d recommend spending your lazy days at a friend’s house from now on or conveniently not be home when you know your mum is going to nag at you to tidy your room. Or you could just help do something around the house!

‘I’m having a bit of friend trouble... you see at this party, my friend snogged the lad I like and she knew that I liked him. She says she was drunk but I don’t take that as an excuse. I forgave her eventually but recently I found out that she snogged him again and I don’t know if I can ever forgive her or trust her. I know she doesn’t like him and he doesn’t like her so it adds more insult to the betrayal. What should I do? Is she a real friend?’ 17 yr old McFly fan from Coventry Well it sounds like you need to explain to her how much this has upset you, and how by doing it again, it is making you feel like your friendship doesn’t mean a lot. I’m sure that she didn’t mean to hurt you, and maybe over time you can learn to trust her again.

I don’t think it’s a question of is she a real friend, but more, does she realise that her actions hurt you? I’m sure a real friend would choose you over a guy she doesn’t even like. Just be honest with her and, if after getting everything off your chest, she still decides getting with him is fine despite your feelings, then maybe you should distance yourself from her. I’m sure that won’t be the case.

The guy sounds a bit of sleazebag by the way!

‘Hey, what should I do? This guy who I’ve always seen as a friend, has asked me out. I said I’d think about it, but the truth is, I don’t want to go out with him. I can’t see him as any more than a friend but really don’t want to hurt his feelings.’

It’s not fun, but you just need to say you don’t think of him that way as he is too good of a friend. By saying you will think about it, gives him false impressions you have something to consider, which is giving him false hope. So you just need to get it over with, and he might feel a bit awkward for a short period of time, but then you two can go back to being friends.

‘I really don’t know what to do. I keep sabotaging my own relationships and I’m not sure why. Any time I start seeing a guy who appears to have nothing wrong with him and it looks like it could turn into a promising relationship for a change, I always manage to ruin it by looking for faults that aren’t there and blowing them out of proportion so I have an excuse to end it. Either that or I find myself starting arguments over nothing so I have an excuse not to talk to them. Why can’t I just be happy with someone? Please tell me why I’m doing this to myself and how I can stop it! I could have scared off my perfect guy for all I know.’

It sounds like you’re pushing guys away because you’re scared of falling for them and getting hurt. Commitment issues happen to a lot of people, just take things slowly. It might also be a good idea to be honest with the guy you’re with, explain to him your fears and you don’t mean to start arguments. A guy who is worth it will stand by you and won’t be pushed away so easily. The longer your relationship starts to last, the more secure you can feel that you can trust him. Gradually you should start to see all their positive features and you should begin to feel stable in your relationship.

‘My friend always seems to have really bad breath! How can I tell her this without embarrassing her or hurting her feelings? I don’t want her to fall out with me’ Just be honest with your friend. Talk to her in private and just explain to her you didn’t know if she knew, but you thought you should tell her. She would be more embarrassed if you didn’t tell her, and she found out a harder way- hopefully, she will thank you.

And you won’t be embarrassing her if you tell her on her own. Also it never hurts to have some mints you can casually offer around on the days when she’s forgot your advice!

‘Hi, I’m a 3rd year and I’ve just made my GCSE options. We have exams at the end of every year which are a nightmare. I get stressed enough over those as it is, but talking to the 4th and 5th years, apparently those don’t even matter and the GCSEs are so much harder and are actually important. You see the 6th form stressing over their A Levels and uni places and it really scares me. I can’t cope with that much pressure and I’m so not ready to start mapping my whole life out. I don’t think I will cope with the pressure. The future is starting to scare me.’

Calm down, I know it can seem scary but you don’t have to sort everything out now. It always helps to think ahead, but you have plenty of time. When you come to do things such as A levels, you will be more prepared. Right now, focus on the subjects you have chosen, and teachers are always there to help you if you need it. Try and not let yourself get stressed over the exams. When you revise, give yourself frequent breaks and always get a good night’s sleep before your exams. You can only do your best! Also, always talk to your friends about your worries… they probably will be worrying about similar things.

42

day at the commons

Laura Dean and Will Chamberlain INTERVIEW PHIL WOOLAS

With startling projections of an average global temperature rise of 1.4˚C – 5.8˚C by 2100, and a 50 centimetre rise in average sea levels as a result of global warming, it is no surprise that environmental policy is a major consideration for a 21st century government. With environmental issues dominating the minds of many, and with the new Brown government keen to make a positive impression on the voting public, it seems that Phil Woolas, Minister for the Environment, and his colleagues at DEFRA, have their work cut out.

Have you had experience in the environmental field before coming to this job with DEFRA? Only so far as how every area of policy has some environmental element these days, but not in any technical sense.

As Minister for the Environment, what is your view of the ‘Global Warming Sceptics’ who say that climate change is a cyclical, not anthropogenic phenomenon?

There are always going to be sceptics about any science. Some think the earth is flat, but now evidence for anthropogenic global warming is almost as strong as evidence for the earth being round. As an individual, I believe that climate change has been caused by humans. As an elected politician, I take the advice of scientists.

We can’t go on believing the earth is flat when there is evidence there which proves otherwise.

Do you feel that the future for energy production in the UK lies with renewable resources, or with the nuclear industry?

Both. Both sources will be necessary in order to meet our energy needs.

How would it be ensured that radioactive nuclear waste did not jeopardise the health of future generations?

There is always an element of risk in energy policy. With wind turbines, some people worry about birds being harmed, and using raw materials to construct them.

To make the storage of nuclear waste safe, we would have to rely on technology and scientists to provide solutions. I can say that we have never had a nuclear accident,

but of course you can never say never.

However, there is evidence for safe nuclear power. On a positive note, we are using less energy than in 1990.

Households account for 1/3 of emissions, transport for 1/3 and industry for 1/3.

Individuals and businesses can act to reduce their energy consumption, but there is a problem when it comes to transport. However, more energy efficient vehicles are now available to people; my car works on 50% electrical power and 50% LPG. You can’t say this in a democracy, but the public are hypocrites; they want clean air but won’t get on the bus or buy an energy efficient car.

We have heard in the news that Gordon Brown plans for three million new houses to be built by 2020. Where are these houses going to be built, in order to ensure that the UK isn’t turned into one big conurbation? Also, how will the government protect against the threat of flooding, in view of the recent problems in Hull, Leeds and Sheffield?

They will be built in every region. There is a heck of a lot of brown field land available for these properties. We also plan to offer incentives to rail companies, the MOD and utility companies in order to obtain more brown field land for building. A big challenge is the threat of flooding. We will only build on a floodplain if there are flood defences in place. Here in London, we are sitting on a floodplain now, and we’d be three metres underwater if it wasn’t for the Thames Barrier.

Mr. Brown has talked of building ‘ecotowns and villages’; how exactly will these settlements be made ‘carbon neutral’?

The honest answer is that I don’t know.

This is a very new policy area. The most exciting thing is photosynthetic paint, which can be used to generate electricity in these towns. Another big consideration when building these eco-friendly towns is water usage - we all make the problem of flooding worse with patios, concrete drives and the removal of trees; tree roots act as sponges to remove excess water from the soil. There is also the question of how these towns will be made sustainable.

Thanks to Melissa Kite, Deputy Political Editor of the Daily Telegraph, Stretch visited the Commons for an interview with Phil Woolas, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth and Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

43 4th year boys are a complex race! Stretch decided to catch up with them to see what they thought about the state of the planet and tested a sample to see how green they were.

Name: Toby

Donaldson

Name: Alex

Myers

Do you have any heroes?

Yes… Liam Gallagher.

Do you have any heroes?

No.

What do you think of the current state of the planet?

It’s in a slow decline but it sounds worse when scientists talk about it.

What do you think of the current state of the planet?

It is in decline.

What can be done about it?

We need to find alternative energy sources.

What do you do to prevent it?

I recycle and don’t own a 4x4.

Name: Harry

Goharty

Do you have any heroes?

Yes… Johnny Wilkinson and Spiderman.

What do you think of the current state of the planet?

It’s going down the pit.

What can be done about it?

Find a new renewable energy source.

What do you do to prevent it?

I recycle cans and newspaper.

What can be done about it?

If everyone does their bit…

What do you do to prevent it?

I don’t litter and I recycle.

Name: Adam

Walters

Do you have any heroes?

No. What do you think of the current state of the planet?

It’s OK at the moment but we may be faced with a problem in the future.

What can be done about it?

Lower carbon emissions.

What do you do to prevent it?

I recycle newspapers and cans. I also switch lights off when I leave the room.

cr aig law lor

stretch’s green manifesto 67 GREEN TIPS from Jess Phillips & Mark Woodward

Even if you follow just a few of Stretch’s tips, you will be helping sustain a healthier and greener planet Energy: Turn lights off in an empty room Install light sensors Change to energy-saving lightbulbs Only boil the amount of water you need Put a lid on boiling pans Choose a fan-assisted oven Use gas over electricity Don’t leave appliances on standby Switch off multi-plugs Forget air-con Turn your heating thermostat down a couple of degrees and pop a cardie on!

Install double or secondary glazing/draught excluder/plastic film Check decent roof insulation Good cavity wall insulation Upgrade your boiler to high-efficiency condensing type If you need to replace an appliance, look for the Energy Saving Recommended logo Put work surfaces near windows Set your fridge away from heat sources A full fridge or freezer runs more efficiently Defrost your fridge-freezer Investigate green energy from renewable sources (wind turbines/ solar panels) Buy an ‘electrisave’ to work out how much electricity you are using Food and drink: Compost suitable leftovers Drink tap water!

Grow your own veg- vive les ‘allotments’!

React against unnecessary packaging Buy local produce Eat less meat and more veg Don’t clog the sewers with cooking fat Cleaning: Avoid using chemicals - use vinegar and baking soda Wash full loads not half loads Wash clothes at 30o Use eco balls not detergents Avoid tumble-dryers, use a washing line/ clothes-horse Do your washing up in a bowl not a dishwasher Shower (not a power shower) or share bath water Fit a dual-flush toilet Put a brick/ ‘hippo’ into your cistern to reduce water used per flush Don’t leave taps running (cleaning teeth, washing hands) Avoid wet-wipes Use natural/ plant-based oils for moisturisers Transport: Car-share if you must use the car Cycle/Walk Use a smaller, more efficient car for essential short or urban journeys; no 4x4s please Take unnecessary heavy items out of your car Check tyre air pressure to save petrol Investigate biofuels or LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas)

Keep speeds down Avoid excessive air travel Resist the temptation to turn your front garden into a driveway Material goods: Donate unwanted clothes, toys, books and artefacts to charities Recycle electrical items Mend where possible Follow sense not fashion; invest in classics not ‘disposable fashion’ Buy downloads not physical products Share swap and loan Buy eco friendly products Buy natural organic cotton clothes, towels and bedding Give green gifts Buy second-hand General: If you can’t reduce, reuse or refill it, recycle it!

Recycle everything! Paper, glass, metals, plastic, batteries, printer cartridges, mobiles, appliances…

Refuse plastic bags or at least reuse them Reuse envelopes Collect water in a water-butt Go paperless with online bills Plant a tree It’s actually very easy being Green. Kate and Stretch know how but how will you go green and help save the planet?

‘I pledge to take the following 10 measures to help save our planet...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Signed…

Please submit your pledges to info@stretch-mag.co.uk

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