Trending

ISSUE 1

#TRENDING

What everybody is talking about...

Wet your whistle in Liverpool

Norwegians flock to Liverpool in search of the Liver bird

Flippin’ brilliant treats for Pancake day

Escape reality and discover your sense of wonder on Gap Year

10 mens products to direct you to beauty Styles to keep you fresh on the street

Its all secrets with Mirrors when it comes to Hillsborough

#2

Editorial

#Meet the team Faaizah Ali Editor @Faaizah_ali Sophie Spencer Chief Sub Editor @sophiespencer21 Will Walton Fashion and Beauty Editor @wwalton10 Claire Coward Music and Event Editor @clairelectric Stefanie Zuber Travel and Technology Editor @stefaniezuber21 Joshua Merrick Sports Editor @JMerrick1878 Cathryn Gregory Community News Reporter @Cathryngregory Mark Scully Community News Reporter @MWScully Richard Butterworth Community News Reporter @richardlb123 Dan Webster Community News Reporter @webed_lfc Kristin Estil Jacobsen Reporter @kristinjacobs1

Contents #4 Amputee soldier’s 10k hope #5 Pancake Day #6 Liverpool’s Mayor vote #7 Community news #8 Women’s street style #9 Men’s street style #10 Cheap make up deals #11 Men’s health #12 Pubs reviews #13 Off The Hook event #14-15 Previews #16 Technology #17 Travel #18-19 Sport

#4

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Community News nspirational army veteran Corporal Andy Reid is aiming to get up and running by taking some part in the St Helens 10k in March.

It would be a remarkable achievement for Andy given that only two and a half years he lost both legs and his right arm from an IED explosion whist serving on a tour of Afghanistan.

For the past few weeks, Andy, 35, of the 3rd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment has been learning to use carbon fibre blades at Headley Court Army rehabilitation unit, in preparation for the GPW St Helens 10k run on 11 March, organised by another of the towns inspirational figures, cancer battler Steve Prescott MBE. He said:” The training is going all right. I got back on the blades this week after two weeks off, so it takes a bit of time getting back into it again.

“Its physically probably the most difficult thing I’ve done. I’ve done a bike ride before which was tiring but this is different because I’ll be using muscles that I haven’t used for a long time.”

He is looking to do the children’s 2k route five times rather than the outright strenuous 10k, and the St Helens RLFC fanatic is looking forward to completing the course which finishes on the halfway line of the new Langtree Park Stadium, home to his beloved Saints which is an opportunity Andy is relishing.

“It would be an amazing feeling running into the new stadium. I would never have thought that would have been possible two years ago, so it will be another tick in the box on the list of things I want to achieve,” he said.

Andy is hoping to raise in the region of £1000 for soldier’s charity ABF, a charity that gives lifetime support to serving and retired soldiers and their families. It is close to Andy’s heart and he was recently being made a patron for the cause.

If you would like to sponsor Andy, please visit – www.justgiving.com/ Andy-Reid1

The run of hope Two and a half years ago, Corporal Andy Reid lost both legs and his right arm as a result of a IED explosion whilst on tour in Afghanistan. Today he aims to get up and running to raise money for charity.

Daniel Webster caught up with Andy to hear his remarkable goal.

Community news # 5

Flippin’ heck... pancakes again W

ith the Christian holiday just around the corner supermarkets across the country are awash with people rushing to buy their mix and condiments, with English favourites usually comprising of lemon and sugar, syrup and Nutella.

Marking the first day of Lent the day, which is sometimes known as Shrove Tuesday, is celebrated mainly in English speaking countries on the seventh week before Easter. The date of the celebration depends on the cycles of the moon and is therefore is at a different time every year.

People traditionally made pancakes as they were the most viable way to use up all their rich food products such as eggs and milk before the 40 days of fasting began.

Pancake races, where participants run whilst carrying a frying pan and tossing a pancake, are also still popular in villages throughout England, however, the day is celebrated through different traditions across the world.

The country that mirrors our day most closely is Canada, where it is also customary to eat pancakes.

Another celebration that occurs In Canada, and around the world ,on Pancake Day is Mardi Gras, where elaborate celebrations take place on the streets.

Marie- Éve Bisson, 21, from Québec

As Pancake Day approaches Trending Reporter Cathryn Gregory investigates how the day is celebrated around the world.

City, Québec said: “We usually have the Québec Winter Festival around Mardi Gras so we all meet up and enjoy the events together.”

“We have pancakes, syrup and coco when we get home to warm us through.”

Another country that celebrates the day is America with their elaborate Mardi Gras festivals, the most spectacular being in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday and culminates on the day before Ash Wednesday, Although pancakes play no real role in the Mardi Gras celebrations they are one of the country’s favourite foods throughout the year, Thomas Padilla, 20, from Ramona, California said: “Pancakes are one of the most popular foods in America, with IHOP (International House of Pancakes) being most people’s place of choice for a quick bite to eat.”

“We don’t celebrate the occasion with pancakes here, but in certain parts of the country elaborate carnivals

take place where huge floats, bright costumes and masks are paraded through the streets.”

In Belgium the Mardi Gras festival is one of the most exciting times of the year, especially in the city of Binche.

Dancers and floats parade through the city from dawn until dusk to the tune of traditional festival tunes.

Latin American countries also take pride in their celebrations at this time of the year with the most elaborate taking place in Brazil and Puerto Rico.

Another country that celebrates the day is Germany where Karneval which translates as the “Eve of the beginning of the Fast” is renowned for being one of the the biggest events of the year, with it being bigger that Oktoberfest in Cologne.

Stefanie Zuber, 24, from East Berlin, Germany said: “Karneval is more popular in the West of the country than it is in the east and the most famous celebration is in Cologne.”

“There are parades around the streets and dances at the City Halls. Music is played and people constantly shout ‘Alaaf’, which doesn’t really have any meaning.”

“In East Germany we eat scrambled eggs at this time of the year instead of pancakes.”

It is clear that no matter where you are in the world Pancake Day and Mardi Gras are a time for feasting on wholesome foods and celebrating the beginning of Lent. #

#6

Community news

King of the Castle On May 3 the people of Liverpool will vote for a Mayor to lead the city council. MARK SCULLY takes us through the big issues.

There is anger that the people of Liverpool have been denied a referendum to decide whether they want a mayor at all. In fact, on the day Scousers decide who should be the mayor, 10 other cities, including Manchester, will be carrying out a referendum of their own.

WHY? Ever since London introduced its high-profile mayoral office, many cities have been envious of the autonomy the capital now enjoys. The coalition’s desire to decentralise power has meant the argument for cities to run themselves has finally gained some traction.

The main argument campaigners put forward in favour of a mayor is that as things stand, local government is unaccountable. Major decisions, say A Mayor For Liverpool, are taken behind closed doors and red tape means people have little say in how they come to be. They say a directly elected mayor would represent people in a new way and be accountable for the direction and decisions of local government.

We don’t know for certain yet who the candidates are, as entries do not have to be confirmed until April 4. It is safe to say though, that Joe Anderson, Labour member and current council leader will stand.

If he did, and won, it would mean he could no longer lead Labour in the city council and already, potential successors are gearing up for a run at that post, a powerful one given Labour’s prominence in the city.

Huyton born Phil Redmond, the creator of Hollyoaks, is

HOW? The group ‘A Mayor For Liverpool’ criticised the decision to bypass a referendum and said on their website: “The scrapping of our referendum was a slap in the face for local democracy in Liverpool.”

However, they have urged supporters to continue to embrace the move towards an elected mayor.

Current council leader Joe Anderson has said that he has secured a deal that will see the city granted £130m of Government money to put towards city projects but that one

term of the agreement was that a referendum was scrapped.

WHO? rumoured to be set to announce his candidacy, although in various media appearances so far, he has failed to announce a decision one way or another. Liverpool Echo’s city editor, David Bartlett, said recently he wondered how long Mr Redmond could remain credible if he continued to avoid showing his hand.

One confirmed runner is A Mayor For Liverpool’s leader, Liam Fogarty, who said recently it was only fair that he announced his intentions, given his constant campaigning on the issue.

“Liverpool’s a big city with big

challenges. We need big ideas so we can “raise our game” as a city.

I have plenty of them. I’d love the chance to share them and put them into action as Mayor,” said Mr Fogarty.

Another candidate whose name will be on the ballot paper is Herbert Howe, the celebrity stylist, who announced his campaign in flamboyant fashion recently in the Liverpool Echo. He said that he felt he was “the ideal candidate” because he has no political bias but added he had not voted for 20 years. He pledged that if he won, he would not take a salary.

Community news

#7

yourCOMMUNITY CITY CENTRE CITY CENTRE The Sun newspaper’s plan to be published seven days a week has been met with unsurprising incredulity by the people of Liverpool.

The newspaper was heavily criticised after the way it chose to cover the Hillsborough disaster, a move that has ensured is has never been able to gain a foothold in Liverpool again, as the city have shunned it ever since.

“The Sun will never be accepted in Liverpool ever,” said Mike Connolly, 32, a taxi driver from Wallasey and many residents of Liverpool agreed with Mr Connolly’s scathing opinion.

Colin Sheridan, 58, from Kirby said: “Seven days a week or not, I will not buy The Sun.” Even those young enough to have not been born when the Hillsborough tragedy took place share the same opinion as their older peers. “After Hillsborough and the way they reported it, I will never buy The Sun and no-one I know will either”, said Curtis Johnson, 18 from Huyton.

David Clement, 32, from Smithdown said: “I’m surprised any one still sells The Sun newspaper in Liverpool. I’ve never bought it, I never will.”

Leigh Mattock, 18, from the city centre said: “It’s not my type of newspaper; I would never read it anyway.”

Andrew Milner, 62 from Kensington did admit to reading The Sun before the Hillsborough tragedy. “I used to read The Sun prior to Hillsborough. But I would never read it again after what they did.”

THIS year is the 30th Birthday of the Archbishop Blanch Church of England High School and a series of festivities have been planned to celebrate the foundation of the city centre school.

BROADGREEN

Mrs Jane Griffiths, Head Teacher, said: “We are really excited about the celebrations we have set up, it will be really nice to bring everyone together.”

The school is throwing a Jubilee Concert on the 15th March and a Birthday Celebration Concert and Meal for past students on the 23rd March, more events are also being planned for the summer which aim to include present pupils too.

Footballing legend Jamie Carragher gave a group of youngsters at a Broadgreen school advice on achieving their goals.

MOSSLEY HILL A couple from Mossley Hill celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this week with a romantic meal on St Valentine’s Day.

A thirty minute question and answer session with Jamie was held at the school, which has been running camps for the past five years in association with Liverpool FC coaches and staff from Liverpool Youth service.

Mr Cull, a retired butcher, said: “The secret of our long marriage is to talk to one another and keep smiling. We have a very happy and loving family and our four children have helped to keep us going throughout the years.”

Before signing some autographs Jamie gave the youngsters his advice. He told them: “Be the best you can and set your goals for whatever you are good at, work hard and achieve those goals.”

Mrs Cull, who is famous for her chicken pies, said: “We got married in 1946 just after the war and had our reception at home.

At the time the country was on rations so we had to queue up for the vegetables for it.”

A host of activities were on offer at the camp including football, dance, swimming, multisport and climbing.

The Liverpool star paid a visit to Broad Green International School last week to show his support for budding young sports people during a half-term camp.

Chris Foss Director of Community affairs at the school said “The young people enjoyed the session with Jamie and they had the opportunity to get some first hand football tips. Jamie is a fantastic role model to the children and he explained that it is all about having goals.”

#8

Fashion & Beauty

Women’s Street Style Trending went out into the City centre on the search for

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Jing Li, 25-year-old, Communications Worker at Museum of Liverpool

e love Jing Li’s outfit, it’s the perfect combination of casual style mixed in with an air of sophistication.

Wearing a cream chiffon dress from Zara, teamed with plain black tights and some matching black tasselfringed loafers from Jones, Jing looked effortlessly chic as she spent the day shopping around town.

The cream chiffon dress is bang on trend and paired with a leather jacket teams together elegance and grunge appeal perfectly.

Stating the likes of infamous Indie icon Alexa Chung and Internet fashion blogger, Rumi Nealy, as her main sources of style inspiration, it is not hard to see how Jing has creatively reflected this in her own outfit.

We particularly love her vintage leather satchel bag and her studded leather jacket from All Saints.

Jing spared no expenses with this jacket and although it was on sale she still described it as a big buy.

We think Jing knows exactly how to wear this piece well. This outfit is the perfect example of making on trend items your own.

Fashion & Beauty

#9

Men’s Street Style some local street style icons...

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Dan Chung, 23-year-old, Masters Student at University of Liverpool

an Chung was definitely dressed to impresss in a smart blue blazer and navy blue chinos.

He definitely rids any stereotypes of student style with no sign of a hoody or Vans trainers.

Steering away from the popular colour choice of beige chinos, Dan has opted for a slightly different colour choice of navy blue to match

his formal jacket. He bought these from Shoreleaves.

His blazer is limited edition from Jil Sander’s collection for Uni Qlo. Although it has strong fomal tones, Dan has found a way to wear this on a casual day whilst out in town.

He stated his sister to be his main source of style inspiration and values her opinion whenever he goes shopping - cute!

In this cold weather we think it’s definitely important to keep warm and our street style icon hasn’t spared his winter woolies for the purpose of looking good.

The gloves are a great colour choice and contrast very well with our favourite blue jacket. Dan bought the olive green mittens from Topman and his printed scarf was a great buy from Drakes of London.

Make up essentials for under #10

Fashion & Beauty

Cheap & affordable make up that won’t leave you disappointed or break the bank Sophie Spencer investigates the cheaper side to make up...

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ake up is a necessity to any girl’s daily routine but buying make up can seem a difficult task for most. The different brands, colours, tones and applicators are often a daunting task for most.

But, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Good make up does not have to cost you a bomb and there are hundreds of products on the market to choose from.

Make up does not have to be a particular brand to be considered good, there are many out there that are not well known names but work just as well. Finding low priced make up may seem an intimidating task but it is out there, it’s just a case of knowing where to look. The best places to find good make up are market stalls. Usually they have branded and less well known makes which are sold cheaper to many of the bigger stores.

Don’t write off supermarkets own brand make up either. George at Asda do all the basics and more at a low cost, they have a range of foundations, eye shadows and lipsticks, everything you need to create the perfect look and many more all at affordable prices. One great thing about Asda is

“roll back” some of the best items can often go on “roll back” which again saves you money.

First off you need to start with a good

£15 Next on the beauty essential list is eyeliner. George at Asda does great liquid eyeliner that really doesn’t break the bank.

At £1.53 it really is a steal. Liquid eyeliner is better than pencil as it is longer wearing. Asda’s liquid eyeliner comes in black and will really bring out your eyes.

foundation, I’d recommend Laval its costs £1.75 from any good market stall and can be found To complete the look in a lot of pharmacies.

The liquid is easy to apply when you team it with a good foundation brush. go for Natural The foundation is long wearing Collection Lash and well worth the money.

Care mascara for a cracking The next thing is to get your £1.99. This is head around is a good, long strengthening wearing cheap concealer. mascara and Rimmel hide the blemish will not only concealer is a good one to make your choose. It costs £4.49 from lashes thick Boots, which may seem a and full but little steep but it can often be also strengthen found cheaper from market them and keep stalls. Make sure you blend them looking in the concealer using your healthy. foundation brush.

The price is second to none for the quality of Blush is a difficult one to the mascara and should definitely find. Finding the balance between be one of your beauty essentials; looking too flushed and looking this mascara is enough to rival big like your wearing no blush at all brands. is a difficult one to comprehend with.

This full face of makeup comes Collection 2000 does to a total of £12.75 and will leave a great blush, a soft you looking beautiful and feeling pink that allows confident all day. Try other places you to build up the for cheaper make up such as Avon, colour to the amount smaller make up counters and you want to wear. cosmetic stalls found in Boots and At £2.99 from Boots Superdrug to find the best quality you really cannot go and most affordable prices for wrong with this one. you.#

Fashion and beauty

# 11

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Beauty The Beast

Trending’s Will Walton steps inside the relm of the mtrosexual male to find out what makes the beast a beauty.

Men everywhere are embracing their feminine side in this day and age. Below we have a few basics to keep you fresh.

1.Dove sun kissed moisturiser When the nights out and the lack of your five- a-day is finally catching up with you the walking dead, pale look might not appeal to attractive women.This hidden secret of a moisturiser will help give you that sun kissed ‘I’m alive’ look.

2.Dax Wax.Putting this wax into your hair is definitely a chore. Once you’ve swept it on to your paws getting it off your fingers into your hair can be painful and result in minor hair loss. But it will stay solid through the entire day come wind, rain or an 80 minute rugby game.

3.Vo5 Matt ClayThis clay will work better with short hair. It is not like using super glue but it will keep

your hair styled from at least 9 to 4. Using too much will lead to the greasy look.

4.Single blade razorRazors are personal preference and all vary in price. If you’re an man who doesn’t shave religiously day to day. Using a single blade doesn’t seem to pull on your hair too much and therefore you don’t butcher your face.

5.Aloe Vera Moisturiser Moisturiser will help with all that dry skin.

When your face is weather beaten from Sunday morning football this aloe vera will hydrate your skin 6.Issy Miyake aftershaveThis one seems to go down with the ladies.

Don’t bath yourself in it though keep it subtle. When you lean in to whisper sweet nothings into her ear her knees will buckle and the deal will be sealed.

7.Calvin Klein One aftershaveA classic unisex aftershave, so perhaps it’s not an aftershave…This fragrant is more of an everyday smell, so after your morning shave slap it on and feel the satisfying burn that says ‘I am a man.’

8.HairsprayMore directed towards the metrosexual man and the lads with longer hair. It works a treat in keep your locks in place through night and day. It won’t do much to style your hair but will hold it in place.

9.Sensitive Shaving foamShaving foam will make the blade slide across your face with ease and is another way to avoid shaving rash.

10.Black XS aftershaveNot a lot is need as it is so strong but the black casing and the darkly designed rose gives it a manly exterior but with quite a feminine fragrance. #

Reviews # 12

Music & Events

Sophistication at Hannah’s

H Hawaiian night is a hit

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ou don’t have to go far to find a taste of tropical paradise in Liverpool City Centre.

Tucked away in the basement of the historic Royal Institution building on Colquitt Street is Aloha Bar, where you’re sure to find an array of flower garlands, questionable Hawaiian shirts, funky beach decoration and some very tasty cocktails!

It’s definitely something different, whether you’re out with friends and looking to have a catch up over

“Out of the ordinary” some drinks or you’re gearing up for a much wilder night, Liverpool’s one and only Tiki bar has something for everyone.

With beers starting at £2.50 and cocktails for as little as £3.50, you won’t be breaking the bank either. Obviously the slightly nicer cocktails are going to cost you a little more, but it’s worth the money for how good they taste and look.

Pina Coladas which cost £6 are served in a hollowed out pineapple which is definitely in keeping with the beach theme, does it really get cooler than that?

Most cocktails are rum based so

expect to find a menu consisting of Mojitos, Daiquiris, Mai Tais and obviously Blue Hawaiians.

The staff are incredibly enthusiastic about the work they do and won’t hesitate to offer you advice on the best drink to buy depending upon your taste and will certainly put on a show whilst making it. Aloha pride themselves in hiring bar staff who have a minimum of 1 years prior experience or less, so they are able to get all the benefits the best training opportunities the bar has to offer.

Music is also provided by some great DJ’s and occassional live bands who are sure to keep you moving all night.

All in all, Aloha is the place to be if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary and a “mini-holiday without actually going anywhere”. #

annah’s Bar on Fleet Street offers customers an intimate setting and an almost cosy bar experience in Liverpool’s city centre.

The bar is situated in an area that is predominantly populated by bars and clubs being aimed at students, yet Hannah’s Bar bucks the trend to a certain extent. There are no real drink offers to entice students in, no free shots or all you can drink for £10 and it stays away from pop or dance music. Instead the bar prefers to have live acts on, showcasing Liverpool’s unsigned gems. Its this unique draw that makes people come back again.

Hannah’s Bar main floor is split into two, one side filled with tables, chairs and a stage, and the other side is where the bar is located. The layout shows that this is not a bar aimed at drunken ravers but rather people who want to go somewhere where they can have a chat, a few drinks and listen to some live music in relative peace and comfort.

The bar is smart and modern looking, but with the intimate lighting and the cosy seating area, customers are invited to come in, relax and enjoy the company you’re in.

Hannah’s Bar gives a refreshing air of sophistication in an area saturated with studenty pubs. #

Online game is Off The Hook Music & Events

# 13

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or fashionistas everywhere, take the opportunity to dress up designers in outfits from a range of eras, in a new interactive online game.

Launched last week at The Walker Art Gallery, “Off the Hook”, is a fun and innovative new way to help designers ‘Vivienne’ and ‘Tai’ pick out the best items for their upcoming collections.

The clothes included in the game have all been taken from the Liverpool National Museum’s collection of 20,000 pieces, ranging from an 18th Century Men’s velvet suit to a contemporary horse-print skirt by Stella McCartney.

“Appealing to all fashion-lovers” “Off the Hook” takes inspiration from dress-up games which once appeared in the back of magazines for young girls where little paper dolls were dressed in various cutout clothing.

Lisa Jones, head of web editorial at the Liverpool Museum, said: “The game was inspired by people my age, (now in their thirties) when we had these little paper dolls where you could dress them in different outfits.

“We thought this was a good idea

to bring this up-to-date through the Internet”.

The game is suitable for all ages and includes both a male and female doll to dress, making it something which is appealing to all fashion-lovers.

So if you’ve got a spare minute and you want to get your creative juices flowing, why not give this new interactive a chance and explore the endless possibilities with the wide range of outfits available. #

Big pub with little atmosphere The Flute and Firkin on Hardman Street is a big pub with little atmosphere.

But don’t go dismissing this venue just yet, as there is a great variety of beer on tap, double spirits for £1 extra and £1 drinks on a Monday.

The Flute, as it is known by locals and regulars, seems to cater more for students and football fans.

There are many cheap drink and food deals, including a daily offer

of two meals for £5, which makes it ideal for those on a budget.

The pub is filled with large flat screen televisions, which attracts crowds of football fans on match days, and this is the only time that the pub is full.

It is cold and open plan and would benefit from more seating. But if you are going in for a few drinks, its a good, affordable venue. #

Previews #14

Event Previews

The Wanted The Wanted take their first arena tour to the Liverpool Echo Arena on the 24th of February.

Band members Max George, Nathan Sykes, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness and Tom Parker make their debut arena tour to promote new album ‘Battleground’, after the huge success of their first self-titled album and subsequent tour ‘Behind Bars’.

Critics have said about the tour so far that: “the crowd never tires of screaming” and “there’s an air of celebration throughout the evening.” (thisisnottingham.com) The band have enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame after bursting onto the scene with one radio friendly hit after another, starting off with the first single ‘All Time Low’ which went straight to number one in the UK charts, whilst staying in the top 40 for 17 weeks. The album spawned two more top twenty hits and accolades followed as The Wanted won the ‘Biggest Breakthrough’ gong at the 4Music Awards.

Their second album ‘Battleground’ has seen the band take up from where they left off with another number one hit in the form of ‘Glad You Came’, a song which has been nominated for the Brit Awards ‘Best British Single’.

The group will be supported on the night by Ben Montague (left),

Event and Ticket details:

• Tickets are priced £27.50/19.50 and are available to purchase at the Echo Arena box-office, by calling 0844 8000 400 or by visiting http:// www.echoarena.com/whats_on/ the_wanted.asp • Doors open at 6:30pm, with Fanfair taking to the stage at 7pm.

• Under 14’s must be accompanied by an adult over 18.

• No under 14’s are permitted on the standing area of the floor at the arena.

Stewart Lee

Fanfair, Lawson and Parade.

Stewart Lee brings his new live show ‘Carpet Remnant World’ to the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Saturday 3rd of March.

The mercurial comedian will be sure to convey his mixture of satire and razor sharp wit to his new nationwide tour.

Critics have described Lee’s latest tour as “bleak but tongue-in-cheek, an oddly cheering antidote to our nameless malaise.” (telegraph. co.uk) Whilst Lee is described as “probably the cleverest comedian

working in Britain” and ‘Carpet Remnant World’ “marvelously funny, mordant, thoughtful and crafted.” (The Guardian) Lee is now a veteran of the British comedy circuit, from his early days on Radio Four’s ‘On Hour’ where he gave the first air time to Steve Coogan’s legendary character Alan Partridge. In recent times Lee has kept active and indeed successful with his much acclaimed ‘Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle.’

Tickets for this event have sold out.

The X Factor Live

The X Factor live tour rolls into Liverpool on the 27th of February, and Liverpudlians can expect the excitement that the tour brings.

The tour will showcase nine finalists from last year’s show, including winners Little Mix and beaten finalist and hometown hero Marcus Collins (right).

Marcus will be joined on the tour by fellow scouser Craig Colton, who

So whilst you can expect fireworks, fanatics and the frenzy that X Factor takes with it anywhere it goes in the country, the show will need to add more bangs for its buck this time around.

finished in sixth place on the show.

The trio of acts will be joined on the tour by Misha B, Janet Devlin, Johnny Robinson, The Risk, Kitty Brucknell and third place Amelia Lily.

Critics called some performances at the last tour “genuinely touching” (The Guardian) and the tour itself as “a slick, professional and fastmoving choreographed concert” (The Belfast Telegraph) However last year’s tour was not received positively by all critics as some some said of the acts on tour “next time they grace Wembley Arena they’ll be asking whether you’d prefer mustard or ketchup with your eye-wateringly priced hot dog.” (thisislondon.co.uk) Show producers will also have a task on their hands to renew what is already starting to look like a tired concept, wannabe musicians covering songs, and for many of the finalists this will already be their swansong, as their 15 minutes of fame are about to expire.

Event and Ticket details:

∙∙ Tickets are priced at £32.50 and are available to purchase at the Echo Arena box-office, by calling 0844 8000 400 or by visiting http:// www.echoarena.com/whats_on/x_ factor_2012.asp ∙∙ Under 14’s must be accompanied to the event by an adult over 18. ∙∙ VIP box packages are available to purchase for £109.

Event Previews

Miles Hunt & Erica Nockalls

#15

Music lovers will converge on the iconic Philharmonic Hall this week to watch members of 80’s and 90’s indie band The Wonder Stuff.

Front man Miles Hunt and wellrenowned violinist from the band Erica Nockalls have returned to the city by popular demand.

The duo will perform a small number of new songs along with acoustic versions of Wonder Stuff favourites on the intimate Rodewald Suite stage at the Philharmonic Hall on Wednesday 22 February.

The gig is part of the couple’s ‘never-ending tour’ following rave reviews for their entertaining and original performances at venues over the years, including a memorable show on the Avalon Stage at Glastonbury in 2009.

Hunt and Nockalls’ ongoing partnership has brought them a whole new generation of fans.

Some of the band’s most well known tracks include ‘Welcome to the cheap seats’, which peaked at number 8 in the charts, whilst a collaboration with Vic Reeves on ‘Dizzy’ saw the band at the top of the charts in 1991.

Doors will open at 8pm, with the pair set to begin performing at approximately 8:30pm.

Tickets are still available for the event and cost £12. Tickets can be purchased on 0151 709 3789 or from the Philharmonic website at www.liverpoolphil.com/8063/ events-contemporary-music/mileshunt-erica-nockalls.html

# 16

Technology

Apple vs. Samsung Trending’s Editor Faaizah Ali and Music&Event Editor Claire Coward are trying to discover who made the better phone......... iPhone 4 Weight: Heavy but not too heavy, weighs more with a case on.

Definitely doesn’t feel breakable.

Weighs 137g.

Look: Slim, square with silver antenna lining. Adaption of previous 3GS which was released before iPhone 4.

Circular menu button on the front as it is also touch screen.

Battery life: Need to charge my phone every day as the battery life is used up quite quickly.

There are methods to preserve battery life such as dimming the brightness on phone and also closing all apps after use. Charging does not take long, usually less than an hour to restore 100% battery life.

Touch screen quality: Pretty straight forward and easy to use.

Screen protectors can sometimes affect the ease of use and you find yourself pressing down on buttons harder. Swipe ability is simple and used to unlock phone.

Not much of a leap from using a keypad phone.

Apps: App store is huge has an incredibly wide range of categories.

Everything from games to business is available. Top free games and paid for are listed.

Sound quality: This phone has a great speaker for phonecalls and to play music. Quality is great and I have had no problems with hearing people over the phone or listening to my music on loud speaker. Built in iPod facility means sound quality has a better range.

Camera: Camera is great, there is mass storage space also available to save all pictures. Quality of pictures comes out as good as digital camera with 5 megapixel camera. Recording

abilities are also great with ability to zoom and use LED flash.

Voice command: Voice control ability on this phone isn’t that great although it has been upgraded on the iPhone 4S. I rarely use this feature on my phone but I don’t ever feel the need to. It is able to play music and ring people after pressing menu button twice.

Overall: I love this phone; I rarely have any problems with it. Only

feature I would change is the weight as it does feel a little bulky and heavy at times. Other than that it’s a great phone and definitely deserves a thumbs up from me!

9.5/10

Samsung Galaxy S2 Weight: Lightweight and feels a bit like plastic. A little unnerving as it feels breakable. Weighs 116g.

Look: Slim, very square and almost solidly black and smooth. Reminds me of a small tablet, rather than a phone. Only one button on the front as it is all touch screen.

Battery life: Battery is used up very quickly. I have to charge it every day as I use my phone all day long.

Battery upgrades are available which will last longer. For those who use their phone a lot it wouldn’t be an ideal phone.

Touch screen quality: I often find

myself misspelling text messages and I’m finding it hard to adjust to a touch screen phone after years of phones with buttons. The text has a Swype capability, which means u can slide your finger across the screen to type. Occasionally it’s not sensitive enough and I will find myself jabbing at the screen in frustration, but nine times out of ten it is reliable.

Apps: The market place is easy to access and use. I have only downloaded free games, but there is a very large range of freebies, including Angry Birds and eBay. Sound quality: The phone has a small speaker at the back of the phone which is surprisingly powerful.

The volume is louder than expected from a phone and quality is perfect.

Very good to take on long journeys instead of an MP3 player.

Camera: The phone has a 8.0 mega pixel camera with flash, and also a front facing camera. All images I have taken have been fantastic quality, but the flash is a little bright. The video capabilities are great too. I often use the phone’s camera instead of my digital camera.

Voice command: The Samsung Galaxy S2 comes with a voice command feature. You can send texts, make calls, search the internet, open applications and search for items on your phone just by talkling to it.

I’ve found that regional accents are a problem and you have to speak slowly and clearly for the phone to understand the command.

Overall: It is a great phone, the only issues I have are with texting using a touch screen and the battery life.

Highlights are definitely the camera and the quality of images on the screen. 8.5/10

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Spread your wings and fly away Travel

# 17

University fees are rising, undergraduate unemployment is increasing drastically, and once one managed to get a job, the possibility that redundancy happens is very high.

So what to do? Gap years, is a word which comes up more often nowadays.

Stefanie Zuber talks travel

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ork and Travel is school, and I stayed with them in the Taking every day just as it comes is a type of gap year, same hostel for one week. After that probably the most popular solution which is very popular week I carried on with some new among young people go for. Save with young people. people I met, they had a minibus and up some money, travel around the It’s normally between we drove to Pikton, which is called world and stay wherever it seems six and 12 month, and as the name the Gate to Wellington. After that the nicest. itself suggests, people work and we drove to Nelson, from Nelson to travel around. The most famous Motueka, from there to Cape Verde, Former STA travel agent Olly Storr, places to do that are New Zealand Takaka, the National Parks around who made his living out of planning and Australia, trips for as these people and countries helping have a lot of t h e m , farms and deciding they always hat to do need seasonal d u r i n g workers. their gap If you are y e a r s , interested in decided doing work and with the travel, which age of 24 can be done to do the all over the same. He world not only went to Australia and Australia New Zealand, to work these are just for six the places months in which are the the STA best prepared branch for travellers, t h e r e . there are A f t e r 6 Abel Tasman National Park New Zealand agencies which Blue Mountain Waterfalls Australia month he will help you decided with getting a visa and organise that area, and back to Nelson. In all he wanted be more adventurous, welcome days where you can meet these cities we only stayed for a few and quit at STA to travel Australia. other people who arrived at the same nights.

“After 12 months I left Australia. I time as you.

“After all this travelling I had to went to travel South America for 6 Maria Berz, a student from Germany find work, so I went to Blenheim months, and we just returned to the decided to do work and travelling and stayed there and worked on UK.” after school. She went to New a wine farm, picking fruit. The job “Gap years are an experience hard to Zealand, and booked her flights and was hard, but I enjoyed it. Work and describe, whatever you do travelling arranged her visa by herself, without Travel was a great experience, but as the world is the most exciting thing. the help of an agency, as she had much as I enjoyed it, I was happy to But planning is essential, and as friends who were already in New come back home after three month, much as I would love to take every Zealand. Maria trip was 12 weeks as work and travel also means living day just as it comes, when you are long. “I started in Christchurch, out of a backpack and sleeping in away from home it is difficult,even where I met some friends I knew from rooms with 12 other people.” in places where the sun shines.#

A Liverbird upon my chest # 18

Sports

Svein Brattberg (middle) with his travel mates; Andre Oien in Penny Lane; Terje Larsen and Frode Husby outside Anfield

The pubs around Anfield on a match day for Liverpool FC are crammed to the rafters, and about half of them will be from Norway. But what is it about Liverpool that makes it so attractive for Norwegians? Reporter Kristin Jacobsen was sent out to investigate the phenomenon…

A

ndre Oien, 34, has seen about 90 Liverpool matches and made his first visit to Liverpool when he was 17 years old. No doubt the man has experienced an awful lot through his fascination for football, and among the greatest memories is of course the crazy night in Istanbul in 2005, where Liverpool won the Champions League and Mr. Oien himself was among the 75,000 attendants.

Today he works as a travel guide for a tour operator that organises trips to Liverpool for Norwegians – a job he has had for 15 years.

“The main thing people come to see is the football with all the belongings; the tour at Anfield and shopping in the supporters shops, but I think a lot of them also spend time sightseeing, visiting museums, seeing live music and not to mention getting to know the British pub culture. Liverpool is a fantastic travel destination which has been incredibly upgraded in the recent years” said Mr. Oien.

Last week a new lot of Norwegians travelled over for the clash against Tottenham at Anfield, and amongst them was 31 year old Frode Husby.

His first trip was in 2007 against the same team, where Liverpool won 3-0.

At the time he was a hardworking student, who refused to take up any loan. He worked part-time as a smelter and ate rice and noodles for dinner. However, he was determined on going to Liverpool.

“My first trip was pretty fantastic in every kind of way. I had thought about organising a trip for years, but it just never happened. It was something I thought I would never experience. I was invited by a few mates to go to Anfield and then I was simply bitten by the Liverpool bug.”

Terje Larsen, 28, is Frode’s travel companion. He doesn’t speak too loudly about it, but he actually belongs to the team standing on the

other side of the pitch that Monday; Tottenham Hotspurs. He names Liverpool as a good number two, though, and after two London visits, he’s glad he got to see a different part of England: “It’s nicer here in Liverpool compared to London. It’s a bit homier. This city has a different mood to it as it’s smaller. It’s something about the people and the atmosphere surrounding. And now that I’ve been here, I really would want to go back another time.”

Another Norwegian with a love for the people of Liverpool is 26 year old Svein Olav Brattberg, who was over for his third match at Anfield: “The people of Liverpool are a lot nicer than other places; they don’t take themselves so seriously. And they are by far more open than other places. It’s a good atmosphere in this city. Before the game we always go to a pub called The Park. The atmosphere in there is unbelievable, that’s the only word for it.”

Mr. Husby and his mate were also looking forward to pre-match banter in The Park. Mr. Husby loves Liverpool, even though he thinks the city also has its downsides: “I’m fascinated by England. It smells like urine in every bar, it’s unhygienic with wall-to-wall carpets, it’s cold and I don’t really fancy their food, but it is something about the atmosphere. If you compare it to London it is a lot different here. In Liverpool you actually get to talk to people. However, I wouldn’t mind if there was a bit less Norwegians here.”

Mr. Oien assumes there is an average of 400-600 Norwegians travelling to Liverpool every weekend Liverpool are playing at home. At the bigger clashes there might even be up to 1200 football tourists coming over from Norway.

Today the Scandinavian Liverpool Supporters Club sees an all-time high with more than 38,000 members, despite a disappointing last season, with poor results with Roy Hodgson as a manager in the first half. So what is it about the club that makes them so popular in Scandinavia?

“The popularity probably has something to do with their success in the 70s and 80s, where Liverpool dominated the football in and out of England. Also, you’ve got the Hillsborough disaster that a lot of people have a strong relationship to.

And in addition to this, Liverpool has become a thriving metropolis that can offer something for everyone, including those who are not that interested in football, so that the whole family can enjoy the trip,” said Mr. Oien before he continued: “And King Kenny is back and with new owners follows new optimism and with a bit of time I hope that the club is back again to fight for the most sought-after titles.”

Speaking of titles, Liverpool will be playing their first final since they lost the Champions League final against AC Milan in 2007 on Sunday.

Cardiff City will be ready on the other side of the pitch. Mr. Oien will be travelling to London to follow his beloved Reds, and are confident that they will have something to celebrate in the end.

“Liverpool should beat Cardiff, but we have seen before that finals can live their own lives. For Cardiff this will be a very big day and they will mobilize all they have. Anyway, I think Liverpool will win 3-1”, said Mr. Oien before he concluded: “It’s gonna be great to play another final and not least to experience the new Wembley. Liverpool has won the most at the old Wembley, so I hope that this will be the beginning of a new era with lots of silver polish at Anfield!” #

Sports

# 19

Murray in a hurry Trending sports reporter Daniel Webster catches up with Martin Murray to find out why he’s eager to fight for another world title.

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oxing sensation Martin Murray insists he is no closer to knowing his next opponent despite his scheduled fight looming.

British and Commonwealth middleweight champion Murray, who has not fought since his heroic display against Felix Sturm in their world title showdown in December has been given a fight date by Sky TV for 21 April.

The St Helens fighter has yet to have an opponent announced and is unsure whether it will be a defence of his British title or a world title eliminator.

There have been talks for the 29 year old to fight fellow Brit and world title hopeful Darren Barker but according to Murray, Barker’s promoter Eddie Hearn ‘doesn’t seem to want it.’

He said: “I don’t know what’s happening with an opponent yet.

I leave that to my team and I just turn up for training. They have pushed for the Barker fight but Eddie Hearn doesn’t seem to want it.

“I’m open to all options. Ideally it would be good if a world title were on the line, so I’ve just got to wait and see what happens regarding that.”

Murray got a great reception following the Sturm fight from fans across the country, most notably, the Martin Murray Barmy Army faithful, and the rest of the town and Murray is desperate to repay his loyal fans by staging a hometown fight.

He said: “The support I’ve had has been phenomenal, I couldn’t ask for it to be any better. The town is a million percent behind me, so I’m very proud.

“If I could fight anywhere, then obviously my main focus would be

on St Helens. I’d love there to be a venue there that I could fight in “A lot of people have been saying Langtree Park, the new Saints ground. That’s a possibility next year.”

Although only been professional for four and a half years, unbeaten Murray whose record stands at 230-1 has developed a real hunger for world title glory after being held to a draw by WBA champion Felix Sturm in Germany last December, which many felt Murray had won, but he is first to admit that he still has a lot to learn in the game.

“At first we though Sturm was unifying and we thought, “if you’re doing that then fair play’ but we didn’t get offered the rematch.

“I’m a bit disappointed in that but there’s no hard feelings. I’m nowhere near my prime yet but I’ll get there one day. I learned a lot from that fight and it was a great experience for me so it’s onwards and upwards from here,” he said.

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Next issue out March 5th