Issue 1355

Best Albums of the decade Music's Top 40 countdown of the best albums since 2000 starts on

The Joker lives

Being British

Film looks into which actor is best suited to take on the role in a sequel

Is ethnicity linked to nationality?

Stephanie Jenner on the BNP's latest controversial statement

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P12

P6

REDBRICK

23rd OCT 2009 ISSUE 1355 VOL 73

THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1936

www.redbrickonline.co.uk

Chelwood residents fight to stay put

News

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Guild of students debating new fertility clinic - log on and have your say.

Arts

17

Theatre reviews from the best on offer in Birmingham

Lifestyle

21

Are you in a long term relationship?

Turn to page 21 for the debate.

Sport Chelwood residents outside their halls Photo: Laura Rainsford Ned Murray A GROUP of first year students are challenging the university to make a u-turn on its decision to relocate them at the end of this semester.

The university Hospitality and Accomodation services wants students out of the Chelwood halls of residence so it can accomodate groups of international students and academics visiting the university for conferences. Chelwood has traditionally been used for these purposes.

Students living in Chelwood want the university to allow them to stay on at the makeshift halls because of its strong community spirit and its attachment to Aitken halls of residence.

Aitken have taken on the Chelwood students under its Residents Association, a task that was designated to it by the Guild only two weeks before the

start of welcome week.

Furthermore Aitken received no extra funding for the additional students it took on. The university has planned that current occupiers of Chelwood will be moved to into spare rooms in other halls of residence vacated by students that have left unviersity prematurely.

Mark Harrop, President of Aitken halls of residence told Redbrick: 'First year students in Chelwood have effectively become part of Aitken; some students even refer to Chelwood as "Block D".

The Aitken Residents Association wants Hospitality and Accomodation services to give students living in Chelwood the opportunity to remain there. I would like other students to think to themselves "what if this was happening to me?" We have to persuade the university to put the interests of students and eductation first over conferences.'

Despite the plea from students, the university made it

clear to Chelwood residents they would only be living there for the first semester of this academic year.

However Harrop wants Hospitality and Accomodation Services to rethink the plan. He added: 'Students and education should be the university's top priority and not conferences'.

Ed Sparkes, who represents students as VP for Housing and Community, said: 'Aitken Residents Association have done a brilliant job taking on Chelwood residents at very late notice and we're very proud of them. We also support the residents request to stay together as a group under the Aitken Residents Association and as far as we're concerned this would be the best possible outcome'.

There were 26 students living in Chelwood out of a possible 50 rooms, though 4 have since been relocated.

Lesley Stewart, General Manger for Student Accomdation

said: 'It was made very clear to the students given rooms in Chelwood that they would only be able to stay there for the first semester. We were only able to do this when we realised we had no bookings for Chelwood over this period.

Hospitality and Accomodation Services can assure these students that we are helping them to find accomodation in halls they want to move into.'

The university faced a similar problem in 2006 after the Eden Wing of Chamberlain Hall failed fire and safety checks after the first semester. The rest of Chamberlain remained open, though those students living in Eden Wing were rehoused in Selly Oak and taken away from their first year community.

If you wish to show support for the first year students there is a petition available at http:// bit.ly/VxTMu.

25

Jon Gilbert interviews Birmingham's fantastic four.

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2 News

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

On Campus

News

Calendar

Contributors: Ned Murray, Becky Shewell, Catrin Shi and Natalie Vincent Cheerleaders scrub up for charity car wash THE University cheerleading squad are teaming up with the firemen of Bournbrook to raise money for charity. The Birmingham Pussycats approached the brigade, based on Bristol Road, with the idea of a car wash in support of Help For Heroes, a charity founded to support wounded servicemen and women.

The event will take place on Saturday 31st October at Bournbrook Fire Station on Bristol Road, opposite the Gunbarrels pub, 10am – 3pm.

Each car will be charged at ÂŁ4 to be washed, with donations appreciated.

The money raised will be divided equally between the cheerleaders and the firemen, each half giving a majority percentage to the charity.

Help For Heroes (H4H) was founded in 2007 after a profoundly moving visit to Selly Oak Hospital. The founders, Bryn and Emma

Parry, met a group of severely wounded servicemen at the hospital, and decided to do all they could to help. Money raised for the charity goes towards grants which aim to provide practical and direct support for our wounded. The current focus for the charity is to set up a series of regional Recovery Houses to be built across the UK, which would serve as the last stage of rehabilitation before a serviceman or woman returns to their unit or transits back into civilian life.

'We chose the charity because we felt that everyone could relate to the cause,' explains Charlotte Hamilton, PR representative for the squad. She added that; 'the benefits from the money we make will also be felt nationwide, so we can help as many people as possible'.

For more information visit www.helpforheroes. org.uk.

Student Engineers benefit from new BP Energy Scheme

to

STUDENTS are set to benefit from a new collaboration between the University of Birmingham's School of Mechanical Engineering and BP Energy.

In the new scheme, BP will be funding 'training workshops' where students will be able to gain hands-on industrial experience through interactive lectures within the University.

The initiative that BP are using, 'design challenge,' will benefit students by giving them the knowledge to understand and solve real world issues in engineering.

Matt Atkins, BP's University of Birmingham Campus Team Leader, says that; 'we are very pleased to be able to help better equip the next generation of graduate mechanical engineers for the challenges they face in the future'.

Picture of the week Laura Rainsford

Runners taking part in the Acorn Fun Run on campus last Sunday 18th October

Guild Panel Discussion: Equal Pay, Glass Ceiling Effect and Gender Stereotyping Friday 30th October, 5pm Guild Council Chambers THE discussion is aiming to raise awareness to students, lobby for tighter measures in the Equality Bill (such as all employers conducting an equal pay audit), and to make students savvy about the discrimination they may receive once graduating.

Currently there is a 17.1 per cent average pay gap between men and women in the work place.

Therefore, if women worked for the amount of time they were paid for, their last day of work in an average year would be 30th October.

NUS Women's Officer Olivia Bailey, Peter Kerr and Sue Welland from the Careers service are confirmed to attend. Students will also have the opportunity to sign a let-

ter which will be sent to MP's.

Bodies Revealed exhibition with Dr. Roy Glover comes to Birmingham Opens Friday 30th October at the Custard Factory THE major international exhibition features real, whole and partial body specimens that have been dissected and preserved through an innovative process, giving visitors the opportunity to view the complexity of their own organs and systems.

Dr. Roy Glover is Associate Professor Emeritus of Anatomy and Cell Biology. He taught anatomy for more than 30 years at the University of Michigan Medical School where he developed and ran the University's Polymer Preservation Laboratory until his retirement in 2004.

The exhibition comes to Birmingham having already visited other major

international cities such as New York, Las Vegas, Dublin, Vienna and Athens.

A week celebrating being a Brummie.

24th to 31st October in various places around Birmingham.

BIRMINGHAM City Council celebrates its citizens in a week-long party for people of all ages and tastes this week, with events planned from a chocolate eating competition to an interactive percussion session.

There will be a guest appearance Maeve Clarke, a local author, will entertain the adults with discussions on how growing up in this city influenced her writing.

There will also be a 'Brainy Brummie Quiz' and a discussion on how Tolkien's upbringing helped shape his infamous novels Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit.

News

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Campus News

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University of Birmingham students pioneer the future of charities Danny McCarthy THREE students from the University of Birmingham have come together to found a charity helping disadvantaged people in India. Alessandro Capozzi, Richard Adams and Nik Jackson, all third year International Relations students, created the Procedo Foundation after spending a summer internship in a number of areas in India and witnessing first-hand the standard of living conditions facing some of its citizens.

Capozzi commented: 'We had a small idea we wanted to help people but the main inspiration was seeing the level of poverty in the villages that we were placed in and this was enhanced further by the people that we encountered'.

The charity plans to finance the construction of a drainage system in the village of Karakahdi while also providing vocational training, senior citizen care, educational resources, and better sanitation and healthcare

facilities for the community.

Adams said: 'The aim is to tackle underdevelopment and poverty through a variety of approaches.

Essentially we want to improve the quality of life and opportunities in the district'.

While the charity is still in its early stages, its founders seem to have a clear vision for the project ahead and have planned accordingly for the progression of the scheme.

Jackson revealed: 'We'll be starting the survey phase of the process

in the near future which entails sending a field team to assess the needs of the villagers. This will allow us to target our resources where they are most needed and ensure our development is focussed in the right areas'. The success of the

project rests on the ability of Procedo to raise enough money for its intended investment. It is looking to generate around £42,000 to fund the necessary improvements and is looking to a number of sources to provide the financial backing

Richard Adams, third year University of Birmingham student, takes part in community life in Karakahdi, one of the areas which is set to benefit from their new charity, Procedo Foundation Photo provided by: Alessandro Capozzi

required.

Capozzi said: 'At this stage we're relying on grant-making trusts, businesses with an interest in India, the University, and any individuals who feel our project is a worthy one. Basically, we're looking for donations and corporate giving wherever possible'.

It is a commendable endeavour from the three, who have committed considerable time and effort to the cause despite the demands of their degrees.

They plan on returning to India to monitor the progress of the scheme after their final exams.

Jackson said: ‘We intend on going back to see the impact of the project next year and perhaps extend it to other areas as well.’

Adams added: ‘The key to the project is establishing the long term sustainability of it and raising the awareness of young people in the UK towards to schemes such as this.’

If you are interested on finding out more or making a donation to Procedo; visit www.procedo.org.uk

Advertising of new fertility clinic considered for University campus Jane Hickman Natalie Vincent THE University of Birmingham's Guild of Students are considering advertising a fertility clinic where students can donate sperm and eggs to needy, infertile couples, after withdrawing their support from a private donation company several years ago.

The private egg and sperm donation company previously supported by the Guild, discriminated against gay men by excluding them from donating, resulting in the Guild quickly withdrawing their support. The Job Zone currently promotes paid sperm donation for medical research only and hasn't supported any clinic that pays for donations for over five years.

However the issue has once again been raised this week with the National Gamete Donation Trust opening a new clinic in

Birmingham's Women's hospital. The hospital recently held a press day with the aim of advertising the NHS funded clinic that is constantly in need of sperm and eggs for over 230 couples that are currently waiting in the Midlands for a donation.

The clinic encourages everyone to donate, including the gay community, and although they cover up to £250 in costs generated from donations, they do not pay out cash sums for egg and sperm contributions.

The process of egg or sperm donation is around six months from the donation to the insemination, due to the various tests that are performed. On average, around thirty clinic attendances are required and one person can donate to up to ten families. The donor is also offered counselling to ensure that they are able to deal with the emotional consequences of donating sperm or eggs to a fami-

ly.

Claire, who has been on the waiting list for over two years, describes having 'an empty void' in her life as she so desperately wants to be a mother; 'If a special lady were to come forward, it would mean the absolute world to me, and would be an unbelievable gift of life.' Laura, a donor, and herself a mother of two, vows that donating was the best thing she has done in her life, and described the process as 'quick, simple and no worse than a heavy period'.

The new local branch of the National Gamete Donation Trust as part of the Give Hope, Give Life Egg Donor Appeal, want to encourage female students in Birmingham to donate. The average wait currently is 3 years for those couples waiting on the NHS to be matched to donors on blood type and physical characteristics.

They are currently desperate for women of eth-

nic minorities aged 18-35 to donate.

The Guild of Students are considering supporting the fertility clinic and wants to raise the issue among students, however they are worried about endorsing it because of issues surrounding egg and sperm donations.

Current Government legislation means that

children born from sperm and egg donations can contact their biological parents once they turn 18 through HFEA, even though their names are not written on the child’s birth certificate.

Johnny Davis, The Guild's Vice-President Welfare, said 'The Guild wants to know how students feel about the Guild

endorsing such a project,' and would like to encourage students to have their say on the issue by logging onto the Redbrick website (www.redbrickonline.co.uk) and voting on the poll. For more information on egg and sperm donation visit the National Gamete Donation Trust website at www.ngdt. co.uk.

Birmingham Women's Hospital, where the new 'fertility clinic' has been created Photo: Tom Flathers

4 News

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Campus News

New shuttle bus to replace No. 44 service Meg Franklin STUDENTS at the University of Birmingham will soon benefit from a new University shuttle bus that is being implemented after the 44 bus service is stopped on 25th October.

The service, which is being launched on the 26th October, will run between the Edgbaston Campus East Gate, the Munrow Centre and Selly Oak Campus on a half hourly basis during term time.

Students and staff at the University will be able to use the bus service for free after showing their University ID card as they board the bus.

The Council's number 44 bus was a popular service, in particular for first year students living in halls of residence as it ran past the Vale and via Edgbaston campus to Selly Oak.

When asked to comment on the new shuttle

bus service, President of the Guild, Fabian Neuner said: 'It is important to ensure that students who study at the Selly Oak campus can access the site easily. The 44 bus

was important for students who study there and I think the new shuttle bus is a good service for the students who travel from main campus or the Vale to Selly Oak cam-

pus.'

To find out more about the new bus service and to view its timetable, visit http://bit. ly/1pzRB1.

One of the many buses acting arond the University of Birmingham's Camus Photo: Tom Flathers

Hustle films on campus Nadia Tavana BBC One's TV drama series, Hustle, brought glamour to the University of Birmingham's campus last week as filming started for the new series.

The hit TV show which follows five conartists as various events unfold, stars names such as Adrian Lester and Robert Vaughn.

Camp was set up behind the sports pitches at the beginning of last week, for the filming.

Numerous costume, make up and canteen trailers were buzzing with life early last week across the campus, much to the excitement of students: many of whom spotted filming in the Arts building.

Filming has taken place in Birmingham all summer, and has included scenes at other venues across the city such as Brindley Place and Victoria Square.

All the well-established actors have been staying in the Rotunda Hotel during the period of filming.

Stars seen floating around campus have included Matt Di Angelo, spotted near costume and makeup, who was quickly whisked away as filming is evidently kept under wraps.

The filming has benefited Birmingham's, as it is set to bring around ÂŁ1.2 million into the city, and has created film crew jobs for local trainees.

The TV series has moved to Birmingham to cut costs in production.

They are pulling out all the stops to make it seem as though they are still hustling in London; even bringing telephone boxes, W1 signs and post-boxes to the region.

The sixth series of the show will be aired early next year.

Local News

Station gets Children's Hospital a facelift facing bed shortage Helen Clough NEW Street station is undergoing a facelift as part of a ÂŁ600 million renovation scheme.

'Project Gateway' will see the station, often dubbed a 1960's concrete eyesore, transformed into a modern transport hub by 2015.

The first phase of the development is a new passenger concourse due to open to the public by 2012. Funding is being provided by Network Rail, Birmingham City Council, Network West Midlands and Centro, and is expected to deliver ÂŁ2bn to the region's economy and create over 10,000 jobs for the city.

Geoff Inskip, regional transport authority Centro's chief executive, said: 'It's fantastic to see work get underway on what will become another iconic landmark for the city. This new station,

with a Midland Metro tram link stopping right outside, will give passengers the world class public transport system that the West Midlands needs and deserves'.

The station, which has been criticised for its dark platforms and dated design, will now provide a more welcoming experience for commuters with a new station facade, and eight new entrances for pedestrians. It is also hoped to stimulate the improvement of buildings immediately surrounding the station.

Jo Kaye, Network Rail's route director, said that they aim to provide 'a massively improved station which will be bigger, brighter and better'.

The work will not affect the journeys of the forty million passengers who pass through the station each year, however it has meant that the lower level of the Pallasades car park has been closed.

Elisabeth Roberts REPORTS have highlighted that Birmingham Children's hospital has had to reject sick children due to bed shortages.

Local newspapers have reported great concerns about the condition of the hospital over the last year, including distrust of staff and procedures. The bed shortage it seems to be experiencing has been one of the growing concerns.

A student nurse, who has worked at the hospital and who wishes to remain anonymous, has witnessed the overpopulated situation, which she explains has led to an obvious bed shortage. She said: 'Fundamentally there are not enough beds for the population of Birmingham's children.'

However the main problem is not the amount of patients being sent to the hospital but the

'changeover' of patients with some needing to stay longer and therefore needing to keep their bed.

The student nurse also said that the health service is good but there is no

time control which cannot be blamed on anyone. She believes that government cuts will worsen the situation.

Angry parents and citizens have voiced their

opinions in local newspapers but it is now up to members of the local NHS foundation trusts to provide better services to reach all children in need.

The Children's Hospital in Birmingham, currently facing problems

News

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Local News

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'Kindest kid' Women's March fights in Brum against fear of the night Natalie Vincent HARRY Moseley, a nine year old boy from Birmingham, has been named 'Britain’s Kindest Kid' after raising almost £15,000 for the Brain Tumour UK charity.

Harry, who has an inoperable brain tumour, was voted by the public to win the prestigious award after his story, along with the other finalists, was shown on Five News and Live From Studio Five.

Harry began fundraising for the charity on behalf of the fifty-five year old man who was in the bed beside him at hospital and suffered from the same condition as he did.

He began making bracelets, which are still being sold in over 30 different shops around the Midlands.To add to this, he also started his own school initiative whereby he visited schools and did a presentation on why they should get involved and begin making and

selling their own bracelets for charities.

The prize Harry received was £1,000 pocket money, which he vowed to spend on a playhouse for the garden, and to give £200 to his brother and sister. The prize also included a further £1,000 of vouchers to donate to a charity of his choice.

As well as the prize, Harry and the rest of the finalists, managed to secure a trip to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister and his wife, with Natasha Kaplinsky accompanying them to report on it.

Kaplinsky said 'Harry is an inspiration . The fact that he is continuing to think of others and to raise money while battling his own illness shows an incredible amount of bravery and compassion, especially in someone so young, and we were delighted to name him Britain's Kindest Kid.' The competition is run by Charities Aid Foundation and Five News.

Edwina Moorhouse LAST Saturday evening a peaceful women-only march took to the streets of Birmingham to 'Reclaim the Night' from the fear of walking alone, often because of being scared of sexual violence.

Crowds of women gathered at Five Ways roundabout, bringing with them homemade banners and posters to broadcast the injustices that the 'Reclaim the Night' marches have been keeping in the public eye since the 1970s.

Accompanied by police escorts and community support officers, the women walked a large circuit from the Five Ways roundabout, along Hagley Road and into the surrounding residential area.

They chanted slogans an finally ended the walk at Ladywood Community Centre.

The centre was transformed for the evening into a platform for influential women speakers from Birmingham and the

West Midlands. Among them included Shahida Choudhry of Stepping Stones, Louise Walsh representing Amnesty International and Jenny Lumsdon from Sandwell Rape Support.

The women were keen to highlight issues including prostitution, the legal

system concerning rape victims and domestic violence, whilst also showing their great appreciation for the evening's turnout.

The University of Birmingham's Women's Association was part of the march, joining women from other Birmingham organisations including

Birmingham Feminists.

Maudie Wyatt, President of the Women's Association said: 'Although this march will not change the issues facing women overnight, it is an important step in keeping it a forefront issue since there are still so many things to be done'.

Women protestors at the beginning of the march to 'reclaim the Night' Photo: Courtesy of Edwina Moorhouse

National News

A grade not good enough Student for Oxford and Cambridge Ghettos Samuel Lear AMBIGUOUS signals from the United Kingdom's leading Universities have resulted in potential problems for some of the nation's finest young minds, it has emerged.

The controversial implementation of the new A* A-Level grade has only resulted in murkier waters, as teachers have become ambivalent as to whether or not they should predict the grade for the brightest students this early on in the dawning of the system.

Oxford's director of admissions Mike Nicholson, warned during the Headmasters' and Headmistress' Conference that teachers needed to be assured in their judgment of pupils before forecasting an A*, otherwise it should not be bestowed upon them, whereas Geoff Parks of Cambridge welcomed such predictions.

'We hope [the A*] will

be a fairer system, because those who get into Cambridge will have higher grades than those who don't.'

Tim Hands, the Headmaster of Magdalen College urged universities to be 'transparent about what they are doing',

whilst able students fear their hopes extinguishing as a result of this lack of clarity from their hoped for institutions.

The introduction of an A* grade means more slogging for young students Photo: Laura Rainsford

Helen Clough RECENT proposals by the Government have considered giving local councils the authority to limit areas of HMOs (houses of multiple occupancy) to deter mass student housing spots, like Selly Oak.

Andrew Griffiths, policy officer for The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health alleges that such areas 'create a problem for sustainable communities… because of the sort of things that close down – things like nurseries, schools'.

Such areas also generate excess litter, anti-social behaviour and often a feeling of isolation amongst the non-student members of the community. A long term resident of Heeley Road, Selly Oak, who did not want to be named, told Redbrick that 'we feel more forced out year after year. The students treat Selly Oak like a holiday camp and we

are often woken up in the middle of the night by them coming home drunk'.

However, Alice Jackson, 2nd year Human Biology student, said; 'Who says we like living like this? I dislike dodging sick on the pavement on a Tuesday morning as much as anyone. We are respectable and it is a small minority that cause the problems'.

The 2001 national census found that Selly Oak has a population density of 4,236 people per km² compared to the Birmingham average of 3,649.

NUS is looking for ways for student unions to work with the local communities to reduce the tension. On their website they reiterate that; 'this expansion of higher education has also been beneficial for communities; universities and individual students provide a substantial economic and social contribution to the surrounding area'.

6 Comment

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Comment: Do students have it too good?

Martin Theaker wonders whether the skint student is truly a notion of the past 'SORRY mate, I'm broke'. How often do you hear that? Did the person saying it really mean it or was it merely a ruse to avoid buying a round?

You're a student, so it follows that you're probably in debt. According to Kevin Sharpe, a professor at the University of London, it’s your fault for having such a great lifestyle. Rather than living in Young Ones-esque squalor, he argues that today's students shop at Waitrose and spend more on lattes than learning.

Their pampered middleclass lifestyle provides access to plasma televisions, broadband internet access and large disposable incomes.

I confess that when I first read this I was so enraged I almost spat my foie gras sandwich over my new iMac. A crisis was averted, however, once I called Father and asked to have the situation addressed.

I jest, of course, but it would be very easy to deride Sharpe's comments as just 'good old days' nostalgia without seeing that there is actually a grain of truth in what is being said. Modern students are

Do students splurge or simply survive? Photo: Rob Senior pretty well looked after and the numerous successful businesses on the Bristol Road will testify that we do tend to spend a bit of money on eating out and drinking. Nightclubs, taxi firms and last but not least landlords, also benefit from the money we pay out. It's understandable that young adults are going to want to take opportunities to socialise and the colonisation of Selly Oak as the student

suburb means that we don't have to walk far to see tutors, each other or a friendly barman. There aren't many who have to choose between eating and buying books.

Then again, I do know plenty of people with no heating, faulty radiators and broken washing machines. Actually, I'm not sure if the latter counts as a 'necessary' item or not – Mr Sharpe would probably argue that we should do

our laundry in the Worcester-Birmingham canal. The very nature of being a student these days involves a large amount of money, so it's not surprising that some of that overflows into how people live. It's also no coincidence that students lived in flea-pits at a time when governments were funding most students via grants; more came from lower-income backgrounds and had to live just on what the gov-

ernment gave them. Yet the number of students who have to work, sometimes to the detriment of their education, just to fund their attendance is still considerable. Indeed, if I was being cynical, I'd argue that someone with an Oxford education currently working in London (ring any bells, Mr Sharpe?), probably isn't getting a representative view of the average student.

Some things do change, while others remain the same. For instance, I'm willing to bet that the rats living on my road are the direct descendants of the vermin which have annoyed students since Neolithic times.

Nonetheless, complaining that people in the information age have access to fast internet access is like a legionary moaning that Caesar has a new-fangled chariot; it's called progress.

As I check my Rolex to make sure I have enough time to finish, it's probably fair to say that as a general rule, people will live within their means.

That applies to everyone, not just students. We live in a society which encourages thousands of people into higher education and then forces them to pay for it. Students these days do, on average, have it pretty good. However, the excesses of the few do not justify pigeon-holing the entire group as cashhappy wasters, especially when many struggle to make ends meet. Use this argument next time you want to avoid buying your mate that drink you owe him.

Comment: Being British Is ethnicity linked to nationality? Stephanie Jenner on the BNP's latest controversial statement ASHLEY Cole has been labelled by two BNP members as not being 'ethnically British' in a BBC radio interview.

This causes confusion over exactly what 'British' means, especially as Cole was born in Stepney, London, has an 'ethnically British' mother, and represents England in world-wide sporting matches.

The BNP seems to have found a magic word, 'ethnically', which essentially allows them to define (and discriminate against) people in terms of race, but without obviously being seen as racist.

Clearly, Cole's ethnicity is not purely that of Northern Europe, but there are very few people who can claim to be totally and completely British in an ethnic sense.

While the British are defined as 'Citizens of the United Kingdom, of the Isle of Man, one of the Channel Islands, or of one of the British overseas territories, and their descendants' (thank you, Wikipedia), the BNP seem to be using 'British' in a historical context, referring to

the ancient Britons.

But how many people solely of that gene pool actually exist now? Since the eleventh century the British have been mingling with Europe. Indeed, even the Roman invasion must have diluted this narrow definition of British ethnicity. There have been non-white people living, working and reproducing in Britain since the medieval period, and black people in particular since as early as 1600.

Skin colour is not the issue upon which citizenship or national identity should rest.

This country has thrived on great ethnic diversity. We owe the countries we once ruled a great debt in terms of labour, manufacturing, knowledge, transport, exports, science and technology.

Arguably, Britain would not exist today if it had not been for the diversity and multiculturalism which has strengthened us over the centuries. Besides, according to this definition by the BNP, 75 per cent of England football players would not be

British, which would probably severely dent British national pride.

To deny someone their national identity on the basis of colour or ethnicity is ridiculous. So what does it mean to be British?

The problem is that Britishness cannot be concretely defined; it means something different to each individual based on religious, political or cultural elements. For some, sporting events may invoke feelings of national pride, for others it's contribution to technological advancement of the country, or pride in British history. Serving Britain through military service, a dependence upon tea and scones, or a knee-jerk reaction to defend Girls Aloud, Shakespeare, Hugh Grant or The Wombles (one of which, incidentally, is named 'Stepney') ,are all part of the wide variety of things through which people define themselves as British.

To me, Britishness is so much more than ethnicity. If Cole is not 'ethnically British' it is highly

doubtful that most members of the BNP are either.

If the BNP were to be given the power to implement their campaigns, they would probably have to throw most of their party out of the country.

Britishness is about feeling a sense of pride in Britain, about contributing to and enjoying being a part of this country, via the incredible diversity which the multicultural history of Britain has enabled. Cole was born and raised in Britain and represents his country globally at its national sport – how can his Britishness be questioned? Besides, if being 'ethnically British', according to the BNP interviewees, involves being a self-confessed Nazi (Mark Collett) or believing that while foreign people are welcome to come to the country to do all our less savoury work, they can never be granted full citizenship rights (Joseph Barber), then I'm quite content to be the halfbreed mongrel that I am.

Cole: ethnically British? Photo: Tom Flathers

8 Features

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Fe-man-ism

Clocking Off

Can men be feminists? Seb Mann finds out HAVING asked a plethora of individuals this question over the last couple of weeks, I have grown accustomed to the looks of stunned disbelief which so often accompany the answer. It seems that it is most readily answered with either a hearty 'yes, of course' or a belligerent 'no' and that some sort of happy medium is rarely considered, if at all.

As a male, I can argue without bias that gender-irrelevant support of feminism is something that should be more widespread. There still exists a pay-gap of 17 per cent between men and women which is clearly unfair, despite being largely attributable to the fact that men and women tend to work in different fields of employment.

This wage disparity cannot simply be written off as the symptom of an innate gender difference.

Encouraging a broader outlook of equality in the workplace and shattering the 'glass ceiling' will encourage more women to progress further up the career ladder and even enter into professions which are currently largely inaccessible (at the moment, for example, less than 20 per cent of our MPs are female).

The potential wider economic consequences of this shift in values and attitudes are impossible to ignore. If more women can progress further in new and current fields of

employment, then there will be more individuals with more advanced skills and employment capabilities in the workplace; a change which would have a direct impact on economic stability and growth.

Can men really be feminists though? What I have already said, which barely scrapes the surface of the pro-feminist argument, makes it clear that support of feminism is certainly not gender exclusive. But can a man actually label himself a feminist? Perhaps the indignant 'no's I encountered were in fact right, because I don't think he can.

However, this has nothing to do with some misconceived view of feminists as hairy-legged radicals wielding flaming bras. Neither is it due to the obvious fact that I don't have the appropriate genitals. No, it is rather more complex than that.

Brian Klocke of the National Organisation for Men Against Sexism recently said: 'I do not believe [men] can be feminists in the strictest sense of the word in today's society. Men, in this patriarchal system, cannot remove themselves from their power and privilege in relation to women. To be a feminist one must be a member of the targeted group, not only as a matter of classification but as having one's directly lived

Laura Hewitt

Can a man be a feminist Photo: Lucy Percival experience inform one's theory.' This is essentially the understanding that the extent to which we can empathise is limited, but I don't think it completely encompasses why a man should not label himself a feminist 'in the strictest sense of the word'.

There is a fine line between supporting the cause and trying to take it over. By engaging so directly with the issue as a feminist, aren't men reaffirming the gender hierarchy that they should be trying to subvert, patronizingly implying that 'we can do it better'? Maudie Wyatt, of the University of Birmingham Women's Association, highlights that 'feminism is a term that defines our struggle, and men labelling themselves as feminists aims to look progressive but in reality waters down

the movement, making it seem as though we're closer to equality than we really are'.

Perhaps this fine line comes down to language and how strictly we define terms. Would I call myself a feminist? No, because I feel it shows a lack of awareness of the importance of the term.

Would I call myself a profeminist? Absolutely, and, even as a man, I would encourage people to keep their eyes and ears open to the issue on 30th October, which is Equal Pay Day nationwide and on campus.

The discussion of Women in the Workplace continues at a panel discussion in the Guild University Chambers on 30th October at 5pm. Lecturer in Politics Peter Kerr and the NUS Women's Officer will be present.

Too cold to type Layered up inside just to keep warm? Jenny Reid talks fuel poverty WHEN thinking of adjectives to describe the typical student bedroom, several spring to mind: 'disorganized', 'untidy', 'chaotic' perhaps; but 'cold' is not immediately one of them. Talking to students residing in Selly Oak this year, I was surprised to discover that many are living and studying in uncomfortably cold conditions.

Several students mentioned that they are having to wear layers of outdoor clothing inside, such as hoodies, coats and scarves, due to the freezing temperatures in their houses. 'There's only so many jumpers and blankets you can pile on', says Hannah Parker, second year English student and resident of Selly Oak. As the first few leaves are starting to fall from the trees around the campus, we are reminded that

although winter is waiting just around the corner, we are yet to experience the first truly cold spell of the year. If students are shivering at their desks in October, then January and February look set to be unbearably cold.

But why are students this cold? Switching on the central heating seems a simple enough task – but then, of course, it costs money. As most houses share the utility bills between all their residents, heating becomes a major cause of conflict and disagreement within many student households. Anyone reading this who lives, or has lived, in a house in Selly Oak will more than likely have a good idea of the problems I am referring to.

Inevitably some students are going to be more willing to let their housemates suffer than their pockets. Often

strapped for cash, many are reluctant to fork out for large heating bills.

It seems that this issue is tangled up with a larger, national concern: the 'Fuel Poverty Debate'.

Fuel Poverty is defined as being part of a household which spends 10 per cent or more of its income on keeping warm. Under the government's 'Warm Front' scheme, measures have been introduced to help vulnerable, elderly and low-income households. The Warm Front Scheme provides a grant of up to £6,000 as a contribution towards costs such as insulation. In addition to this, the winter fuel allowance pays £250 annually to millions of people who receive a state pension or other social security benefits.

However, there is currently no such aid available to students. Some

may argue that the maintenance loan and bursary provided by the government cover such bills; yet many students struggle to cover the costs of textbooks, food and rent, let alone the ever-increasing costs of gas and electricity. The average household fuel bill has increased by 125 per cent over the last five years, and costs look set to keep rising. (Source: Fuel Poverty Advisory Group).

This article continues on our website where you can add your personal experiences with 'heating scrooges' or outrageous fuel bills that have come through the door. Please feel free to log on and comment .

QUESTIONS of worth have been on my mind this week. Namely, the question 'Is it worth it?' which is on my mind every morning when I wake up at the moment.

I'm not lazy. I enjoy lectures – usually. I even like getting up early and getting on with the day.

But there is something about this time of year which makes it incredibly hard to get out of bed.

I blame autumn: what's to like in a season where everything is brown and dying? I also blame the ridiculous temperatures in student housing: the Michelin Man has become a new fashion icon in our house. Mainly I blame week four: the parties are over, the work has kicked in, and it's two weeks until Reading Week; it should be removed from the academic calendar.

Whatever and whoever I blame in my autumnal grumpiness, asking myself whether it is worth leaving my warm cocoon of a duvet for a misty, soggy campus, will, I have found, elicit one answer only: nope, no, n.., zzzzz.

This is not a good attitude to take. Life still has to be lived, even in winter. I am not a hedgehog, as much as I often wish I could bury down deep in some leaves and go to sleep for half the year.

The days can be made easier, however, with fun and friends. I woke up on Sunday immediately prejudiced not to get out of bed due to the fact that it was, well, Sunday. Then I turned on my computer and checked the Redbrick website (as everybody should first thing in the morning), and saw the team live blogging from the Acorns Fun Run. After reading a few amusing comments on the unfolding event (runners wear Lycra, not Spandex, Ned), a quick glance at the glorious winter sunshine outside, and I got myself down to Old Joe pronto.

It was a great morning. I ran the 5k road race, meandering my way around campus at a very leisurely pace, with the sounds of some cheesy pop in my ears keeping me smiling. The atmosphere of the crowd did an even better job and the cheers on the

final leg meant I couldn't help grinning as I crossed the finish line.

Possibly the best bacon sandwich ever felt like a well-deserved reward afterwards. But even taking part was a reward in itself, as I know that the tenner I paid to do a run I might have done by myself along the canal contributed towards the ??? raised by the event – and all for a fantastic cause. Seeing the event's organisers out on campus in all their enthusiasm, and thinking about the Acorns hospice itself and the work that is done there, made me feel guilty that I even thought about staying in bed.

This is a frame of mind I will need to remember over the next six months, as next April I will be running a lot more than 5 kilometres.

It will be 42 actually, all round the streets of London, for the 2010 Virgin London Marathon.

I will also be raising £2,000 for the children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent, which will be a challenge in itself. I'm pretty sure it will be the hardest thing I have ever done, but I'm fairly confident I will do it. And I know for certain it will be worth it.

We may think that the steps we make as students don't count for much later on in life. But the skills and experience and feelings of selfworth we accumulate now won't disappear when we graduate.

Some things really don't disappear. Here's an amusing anecdote: my dad recently found on eBay an LP record that he and a group of friends made a hundred copies of as students in the eighties. Dad has five in the cupboard as a reminder of good times in his student band. But some fanatic in Japan has got their hands on one and is flogging it for – wait for it – £600.

'No offence,' I asked, 'But why?'

My dad grinned.

'Because I'm worth it.'

Are you interested in writing for Features?

Come to meetings on Tuesdays at 5pm, Student Development, or email features@ redbrickonline.co.uk

Features

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Legally high

9

Tom Lane reports on the increasing popularity of the drugs you can't be prosecuted for

Should drug dealers bother with illegal drugs anymore? Photo: Laura Rainsford IMAGINE for a moment that one of your friends is physically removed from a night club; sat on the stairs, looking a little worse for wear, taking a little breather from the dancefloor, when he/she

is not-so-politely asked to leave immediately. After they have been bundled out, one of the heavies demands: 'Mate, you taken anything tonight?'. No doubt still smarting from their enforced exit, your

friend might reply, 'Sure, I'd say I've had about five grams of heroin and a nice side portion of crack.'

Supposing this little wise-crack led to a visit from the police asking about your illegal drug

taking or resulted in a ban from the club, you might be a little upset, even surprised.

Several questions are brought up by this story – not least whether security staff receive adequate training in irony, but here's something worth considering: If he had instead said, 'I've knocked back about a kilo of mephedrone and three litres of liquid mood enhancers,' the bouncers couldn't have done anything, no matter how wasted he was.

If the concerned reports in some newspapers are to be believed, the legal drugs industry is booming. Furthermore, this does appear to tally with anecdotal evidence within universities.

Remember alkyl nitrite, otherwise known as poppers? You will last have seen them in the toilets of your school disco in about 2001 while Dancing in the Moonlight

by Toploader was blaring out. Well, they're on the way back in. You can buy them from behind the bar in prominent Birmingham nightclubs under the

guise of 'room odoriser'.

When my friend asked for a bottle, the bartender at one place poured him out a glass of water as well and told him, 'mix it with this. It'll get you even more mashed'.

When I heard that drugs were available online, I was intrigued enough to run a Google search that led me to the website highlylegal.co.uk, where, in three working days, you can order any number of mind-altering substances I'd never even heard of. And it's not just designer headaches like poppers on offer.

One popular fix is the plant salvia divinorum (sage of the seers), which is a substance so phenomenally potent that when my friend smoked some he genuinely believed for five minutes he was a small, seaside town. This is not a herb that comes served with your Sunday joint (not the type your grandma cooks anyway).

It's not hard to see why legal highs, including ecstasy and cannabis alternatives, are finally shaking off their second-

rate image. They actually work; they're not sherbert in disguise and they don’t involve the whole tedious process of having to break the law to get hold of them. Last year students could get weed (I am told) from a prominent Selly Oak dealer. I won't name him but I'm sure some will know who I'm referring to if I say that buying from him was a bit like ordering a Virgin media box – there was always a chance that the delivery would come on the agreed day, but it would be a pleasant surprise if it did. He had all the time-keeping abilities you would expect from a man who'd been smoking marijuana for three decades. This year I've heard he has disapeared, so I imagine his customers are waiting even longer.

Why put yourself through all that for something that will ultimately fry your brain?

And, since you ask, not all of the friends in this article were actually me.

For sale: student debt Caroline Mortimer looks at how students could be affected by the sale of the loan company IT was reported the other day that Gordon Brown plans to sell off the student loan book as part of his new plan to offload £16bn of assets to help clear the public debt. This means that instead of paying back maintenance and tuition fees to the Government through the Student Loans Company, upon graduating, students will now pay back money to a private third-party loans company.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has released statements to assure students that this will not affect them in any way. But the Government does not have the best track record when it comes to keeping promises. Last year the EMA scheme for funding students from unprivileged backgrounds was heavily criticised for students getting their payments late or not at all. This year as many as 175,000 students are still waiting for their student loans to come through. In the current economic climate, many graduating students facing an uphill battle to find

a job are right to be anxious about the possibility of their debts being sold off to a privately-owned, profit-driven company.

The Government, as with many of its recent proposals, have been rather vague about how they plan to ensure that whoever buys the debt will make sure that students are unaffected. It does state in the terms and conditions that the interest rate for repayment will not increase beyond the yearly RPI (Retail Price Index) inflation rate. This may mean that current students will be unaffected by the change in debt owners but it remains to be seen what will happen to future students who will not agree to these contracts before a buyer is found.

That is if they can even find a buyer. Debt with a fixed low rate of interest that can only be repaid when students are earning above a certain amount is not exactly the most desirable investment opportunity and will not return much profit. Therefore they will have to reduce

the price of sale by 10 - 20 per cent before it'll even be attractive to a potential buyer. This again raises the question of whether, in this case, the sale of the Student Loans Company is even worth it; considering it will not make a big impact on reducing the public deficit and just throws many graduates into uncertainty.

This proposal was first put forward in 2007. Yet it seems that now, in light of the credit crunch and the Tories' lofty claims that they will somehow cut public spending without cutting any public services, Labour want to be seen to be doing something about public debt with the election in June approaching. The student loan book is part of a larger proposal to pay off £16bn of mounting public debt as a political gesture to entice people away from the Conservatives. The other goods up for sale in what has been called a 'national car boot sale' include the Channel Tunnel crossing, Tote and the Dartford Crossing. It seems that students could

potentially be paying for part of Labour's desperate bid to hang onto power.

However, it could be worse. It seems likely now that the Conservatives will win the next general election and their proposals include charging students market rates on their loans. They say it will earn

around £1.2bn. Whether or not this will be backdated to those who have already or are in the process of doing a university degree is yet to be confirmed, but it is clear that more people will think twice about whether or not they should go to university at all. At least with Labour,

Will Gordon Brown be cashing in on our loans?

existing students have the surety written into their contract that these companies cannot charge more than the RPI inflation rate. Although I don't agree with students being used as political pawns, I'll take uncertainty under Labour over unsurity under the Conservatives.

10 Features

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Bare necessities Jennifer Waghorn reveals the new naked airport scanners APPEARING naked in an airport: it’s surely some kind of terrible dream, isn’t it?

Well, it might be about to become reality. New scanners being trialled in the check-in process at Manchester Airport show xray images of passengers minus all their clothes.

The scanners – costing £80,000 each - beam electromagnetic waves at passengers while they stand in a booth, creating a 3D image. This image doesn’t show the passenger’s face, but it does show everything else, including body piercings, false limbs, breast enhancements – and genitalia.

In theory, the new scanners are supposed to remove the discomfort of being frisked or having to remove items of clothing (such as shoes), also shortening the check-in time.

The scanner can instantly detect any explosives or weapons a passenger might be concealing. Sarah Barrett, head of Customer Experience at the airport, has defended the security of using the scanner - she claimed: ‘The scan's black

and white image will be seen by one officer in a remote location before it is deleted’, adding that ‘the images are not erotic or pornographic and they cannot be stored or captured in any way’.

But exactly how safe is this new system, really?

The use of the scanners has already been met with fierce resistance from civil rights campaigners.

More seriously still, some have claimed that the use of the scanners may breach child pornography laws. The UK children's advocate from Action on Rights for Children declared that 'the scanner will breach the country's 1978 Protection of Children Act, which states that it is an offence to "show" and "make" an indecent image of a child’. Manchester Airport's grudging acknowledgement of this criticism has been to ban the use of the scanner for under-18s, despite their claim that the images ‘cannot be interpreted as erotic or pornographic'.

Public reaction to the naked-image scanners ap-

pears to be a mixture of horror and indignation. An online survey has shown that nearly 70 per cent of people believe the scanners to be more intrusive than the traditional frisking method. Some people are also concerned about the side-effects of being exposed to the radiation used in x-rays. The old search system of being patted down is still available on demand as an alternative. Surely the vast majority of people will choose this option, making the expensive scanners pretty inefficient?

Asking around at the University of Birmingham, I've heard various references to 1984, as many feel that the idea of baring everything 'for the purposes of security' belongs in some kind of Orwellian setting, not in reality. 'It's removing a basic human right', said Jenny Hunt, a second-year Anthropology and African Studies student: 'it's outrageous that they can choose to examine people naked, however effective it is for security.' Tim Moss, a first

Over-exposure? Photo: Rob Senior year Classics student, shared a similar view, stating that he'd 'rather be frisked than seen naked – it's ridiculous!'

The trial period for the scanners is to last for the following year, before the Department of Transport decide whether to

install them permanently in the UK. A similar system is already being introduced in America. So will a naked-image scan be an inevitable part of checking in at the airport? Public opinion suggests the idea may never take off.

The official line to

quell all these worries about security is 'If you've got nothing to hide, you've got nothing to fear'. I reckon the best answer to this is Guardian reporter Ariane Sherine's response: 'We all have things to hide. That's why we wear clothes.'

The rumour mill

Gossip spreads quickly - but it's just human nature, says Rosa McMahon

Campus whispers Photo: Laura Rainsford 'A RUMOUR grows as it goes.' Oh yes Virgil, you classical poet, this week it certainly does. And I'm pretty sure the Sociology department are jeering 'hear hear' in agreement.

The week following Redbrick's front page news

about the department's possible closure certainly initiated a whirlwind of whispers discussing the possible outcomes, ranging from the plausible – a boring restructure – to the very laughable – 'all Sociology departments in the

country are closing!'

No prizes for the clever clogs who distinguishes which is the least likely to happen. But despite the latter being utterly ridiculous, it still kept me talking. I told some friends – in a tone of jest,

perhaps – but all the same I certainly found myself fattening up the idea…

We are all guilty of feeding a rumour to the point of clinical obesity.

So what is our obsession with business that is not our own? Suddenly it seems we are all Big Brother in Orwell's world, obsessed with knowing exactly what other people are doing, and telling others about it. Technological advancements certainly walk hand in hand with the modern individual.

Bloggers now take all human forms – not just a geek in glasses, but writers, actors, and even politicians give us relentless updates of what they're doing, buying and thinking. An explanation of announcing to the world all but our underwear colour could be explained as vanity and narcissism. Yet the very fact that people respond, gossip, and interact disproves this explanation utterly.

Many people would argue that this fluidity in society is healthy and allows us to overcome many obstacles which before may have hindered modern man. Loneliness eradicated, time filled, relationships strengthened?

Perhaps; yet I can't help but feel that all these intense interconnections we form through Facebook, Twitter, and Blackberries are our needs immediately gratified, and barely scratch the surface into our relationships. So in turn, the cynic and sociologist in me says that discussing these superficialities in other people's lives (The Hills is a good example) takes the focus away from our own existence and allows us to forget our own woes.

Perhaps all these expiations cut a little deep for why Molly gossips to Polly about what Ollie did last night. But even from walking around campus,

this same idea rings true.

From waiting in a queue, to sitting close to loud people in the library, or simply having tea and a chat with a friend – we all love to talk about others, and I have to conclude that surely this is natural and, along with manners, what maketh man.

The virtual community is definitely ablaze, and having the ability to share instantly is a gift of our time. But a keyboard, or a phone screen, is without a doubt no substitute for seeing shock, laughter or disgust on a

This week on redbrickonline.co.uk Maud Wendling reports from student climate summit 'Powershift': 'It made me feel the challenge of our generation to get involved and start the future.'

Jennifer Reid asks if students need a fuel allowance: 'Many students struggle to cover the costs of textbooks, food and rent, let alone gas and electricity.'

Sarah Verrall on healthy food on campus: 'Our university's sumptuous salad central has been converted into hangover heaven.'

Film

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Opening Credits

Genevieve Taylor takes delight in Wes Andersons Fantastic Mr Fox

Alex Jacques & Rosie Willmot OK, so this is our first joint editorial, and to be honest, it's going to mainly be an excuse to brag about what we've been up to. This week saw the official launch of the 53rd London Film Festival, or as we call it, October Christmas. This was our chance to mingle with the stars (Viggo Mortenson, George Clooney, Kevin Spacey, Jason Schwartzman, to name but a few), have a chat with them, watch their films, stroll up the red carpet, that sort of thing.

Yep, it's a tough life being a Film editor. We'll be giving you a proper lowdown on the interviews and reviews during the coming weeks; you'll have all of Reading Week to seethe with jealousy. But anyway, back to this week.

Genevieve gives an awesome review of Fantastic Mr. Fox that does credit to the film itself, out today, and Sam

Director: Wes Anderson Cast: George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman Cert: PG

(Alex aged 20) Jansen and Sandra Heng take a look at Triangle and The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, starring the late Heath Ledger.

Mike Brownlee justifies the existence of Michael Mann, and Rachael Hewison brings her muchloved Bargain Bin segment (previously in the wilderness of online) to sheer brilliance of print.

Read on for more.

Finally, having established long ago that Alex looks like a pint-sized Justin Long, we've finally found Rosie's lookalike, and though it isn't flattering, it is dangerously accurate. Russell from Up, step back, we've found your understudy.

(Rosie aged 11)

Film News Jonathan Jordan Last Wednesday saw the opening night of the 2009 London Film Festival, an event which showcases the best new releases in film from all over the world. George Clooney was among the stars present, promoting two November releases, Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Men Who Stare at Goats, titles which pretty much sum up his role in each film. Also starring in two big films this movie season is Robert Downey Jr. Having cemented last year's rise to top form recently in The Soloist, Downey hits the big screen again in December in Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes adaptation. This fresh remake, including an original score from multi-award-winning Hans Zimmer, will be a must-see when it's finally released at Christmas.

In the more immediate future is the release of the highly-anticipated concert film This Is It, a documentary following Michael Jackson's preparations for what would have been his final tour.

Whether you are a fan of the King of Pop or not, the film is set to break records with its limited

Film of the Week

11

two-week run. No matter how the piecing together of the movie turns out, you'll probably love the soundtrack.

Also hitting cinemas next week are zombielike thriller Dead Air, hoping to bring a more in-depth take on the genre; and Skin, an emotional biopic on the life of Sandra Laing, a black child born to white South Africans during the apartheid era. A moving story, especially when you realise it is taken from real life.

Finally for this week, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has revealed that the Government has approved ÂŁ45 million in funding for a National Film Centre to be built in London, finally realising the long-cherished dream of the late directing legend Anthony Minghella.

The Royal Tenenbaums meets Ocean's Eleven meets Roald Dahl. Perhaps not the likeliest combination, but then nothing in Dahl's work ever was. The essence of his writing, some of the greatest in children's literature, was just this; a contrast between light and dark, old and young, happy, sad, heartfelt and carefree. In directing Fantastic Mr Fox Wes Anderson has captured this spirit to perfection in everything from visuals to voice talent and even the folk/ indie soundtrack of the wonderful Jarvis Cocker.

The tale of course concerns the daring Mr Fox, his wife and children, hunted and terrorised by three farmers, Boggis, Bunce and Bean.

Its theme is very much rooted in family values and solidarity, two things with which Anderson is clearly attuned. The director is known for sticking with his regulars and this is no exception, resulting in one of the starriest voice casts to grace our screens. University chum Owen Wilson cameos, while Anderson-alumni Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, Adrien Brody and Anjelica Huston

provoke laughs, affectation and sympathy along with Anderson's own brother, Eric, as cousin Kristofferson. A newer addition is the main man himself George Clooney, who brings the charm and swagger of Danny Ocean to proud Mr Fox with both cockiness and vulnerability. He is joined by the wonderful Meryl Streep, who lends a motherly and homely feel to the picture as well as honouring Dahl's widow Felicity in character name, a nice touch.

The look of the film is the most staggering feature of it, perhaps meriting these five stars alone.

The stop motion animals are both sinister and sweet, echoing the aforementioned oxymoronic

soul of the book. They seem at once intricate and simplistic, and their eyes especially, although clearly fake, brim with emotion.

Their toy-like appearance evokes a homemade quality in the piece, aided by Anderson's hands-on approach to recording dialogue.

Although animation is typically filmed in studio, this was mostly done on location, in forests, fields and barns.

The animation also highly contributes to the humorous tone of the film. The eyes particularly help in this area as they react with simplicity and hilarity when characters are knocked out, fall asleep or display confusion, seeming to hark back to old videogames

or cheesy TV animation.

The animals' clothing adds to the strong indie flavour that Anderson nurtures in plot development. Mr Fox's suits in particular are especially personal to the director, as they are based on his own unique style. In fact, they're even made meticulously from swatches of the same quirky material as his.

VERDICT Evoking the spirit of the original book in every way but with Anderson's welcome indie inclinations the film is a perfect Dahl blend of sweet and bitter. Funny, beautiful and wonderfully endearing, Fantastic Mr Fox is simply that - fantastic.

The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus Sandra Heng Director: Terry Gilliam Cast: Heath Ledger, Lily Cole, Andrew Garfield Cert: 15 Come view the fantastic imagination of Dr Parnassus! Terry Gilliam succeeds in transporting his audience to a separate world of bizarre landscapes, surreal effects and the most unexpected events. Be prepared for Salvador Dali-styled art scenes in all their madness and expect everything from heavenly glowing jellyfish to giant talking gravestones.

Adding to the superb scenery is the dashing cast of Jonny Depp, Heath Ledger, Jude Law and Colin Farrell.

After losing his talented lead actor, Terry Gilliam has managed to round up a star-studded cast to continue his role.

Ledger doesn't let his fans down; this is another of his great roles and the completion of the produc-

tion is a tribute to him.

The four-man cast for protagonist Tony adds to the eccentricity of his character, each actor bringing their own twist to his person. To counter the masculinity is the beautiful Lily Cole, although she appears to be the only leading female in the cast.

The story follows the wagers between Dr Parnassus and the Devil (the devil is played by the musician Tom Waits, and is straight out of the 18th century - he's developed a taste for cigarette holders and a bowler hat, but the

thinly-drawn moustache could use some work, and his edgy acting does get on the nerves.) Up for grabs is the possession of Valentina, Dr Parnassus' beloved daughter (Cole), and the bet depends on who can win five souls first. However, the plot can be confusing if you don't already understand the bets made and their chronological order.

Candidates of Dr Parnassus' Imaginarium are invited to walk through his magic mirror to enter the wild world of unrestrained imagination.

After flitting through their

best dreams, the candidate has to choose between offers from the Devil and the Doctor. The movie takes us along with the competing sides and one has to admit here that the plot does run a little thin.

Verdict Despite the slightly dismal plot and complicated storyline, the superb acting and amazing scenes more than make up for it.

The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus is one movie to cure your insomnia with colourful dreams.

12 Film

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Top Ten: Actors who could play the Joker 7) David Tennant

Simon Fairbanks ON the 22nd January 2008, film fans everywhere received the devastating news that Heath Ledger had died of an accidental overdose, aged just 28. Ledger embodied the spirit of our acting generation, missing out on an Oscar for Brokeback Mountain but ultimately rewarded with a posthumous Oscar for his representation of the Joker in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight.

His performance as the Joker was so iconic that many would argue he cannot be replaced. They should stop making Batman films or the Joker should simply be written out of future sequels.

Well, Warner Brothers will definitely be making another sequel. The Dark Knight is now the fourth most successful film of all time, and the Joker has to appear. But who could live up to filling such a legendary role?

10

Post-Who, Tennant is looking for a new character to play, and he has the widest mouth I have ever seen. Or should we save him for the Riddler?

and early.

8) Bradley Cooper Like Ledger, he oozes charisma and could handle the Joker's one-liners.

Let's cast another pretty boy and see where it takes us.

Recommended for every role nowadays, let's get him out of the way nice

6 6) Mark Hamill After voicing versions of the Joker for decades, he is arguably the definitive Joker. Also, bringing Skywalker back to our screens would be the biggest comeback since Travolta in Pulp Fiction.

8

Well-versed in playing creepy characters (Grendel, Willard and the hair-sniffer from Charlie's Angels), Glover is an extremely physical actor who could own this role.

Triangle

Director: Christopher Smith Cast: Liam Hemsworth, Melissa George Cert: 15 Cinema still has the capacity to surprise us.

Just when it seemed that the horror genre had run out of ideas, along comes a film like Triangle to show that there's life in the old dog yet.

The film begins with short excerpts from the seemingly normal life of mother Jess (George): comforting her son after a bad dream; cleaning up a spillage; packing for a journey. All of a sudden we're transported to a harbour, where a group of friends are getting ready to go sailing for the day.

4 Day-

After bringing us two psychopathic Oscarrecognised performances (Bill the Butcher and Daniel Plainview), he could easily face-off against Bale.

3) Robin Williams Robbed of the Riddler role in Batman Forever, this could be his chance to shine. He has played a psychopath for Nolan

Very post-modern and a nightmare to film but there is no reason why Bale cannot play both Batman and the Joker.

Who better to emulate Ledger's performance than the guy who starred opposite him? And I would love for Bale to return to his American Psycho roots.

1) Joseph GordonLevitt Many of you will be thinking: who? Basically, the guy from (500) Days of Summer. There are five good reasons why he should be the Joker.

Firstly, he is an awesome

actor: just go and watch Brick.

Secondly, he is finally becoming a big-screen regular; it'd be good to see him in something massive.

Thirdly, he was friends with Ledger, starring together in 10 Things I Hate About You. Heath would be proud.

Fourthly, he looks a lot like Ledger.

And last of all, he has been cast in Nolan's next film, Inception (set for release next year), and Nolan famously re-uses the same actors.

So, bring back the Joker. In 2008, cinema lost one of its greatest actors. It should not lose one of its greatest characters as well.

5) Crispin Glover

10) Johnny Depp

Sam Jansen

2) Christian Bale

4) Daniel Lewis

9) Adrien Brody We know he can act, and his angular features resemble the Joker from the animated series.

before (in 2002's Insomnia) and we know he can dish out the comedy.

Jess arrives, minus the son, and the alarm bells are already ringing – something's afoot. The group sail out to sea and are caught in a storm, but just when all looks lost, a ship sails out of the mist.

They board to find it completely deserted. Deserted, that is, apart from the psychotic killer who seems intent on murdering them all.

So far, so typical.

There are, however, hints to the fact that all is not as 'average horror film' as it seems. Why does everything on the ship seem so familiar to Jess? Why is the apparent climax reached so early in the film? To reveal any more of the plot would be to spoil the film, but suffice it to say that what follows is a refreshing departure from the usual 'run, hide

3

1

Silverscreen

and slash' formula of the modern horror-thriller.

That's not to say that this isn't a flawed work: the mechanism behind the events portrayed goes completely unexplained.

To focus on defects such as this, however, would not do justice to the efforts of the director. He has created in Triangle an entertaining story based on an intriguing premise, and one which comes full circle with an unexpected ending.

VERDICT Triangle provides proof positive that this genre of film hasn't gone entirely stale. An imperfect beacon that nevertheless shines bright amidst a sea of pointless remakes and frigid gore-fests.

Holly Edwards If you have a spare eternity between lectures and work, then Gone With The Wind is definitely worth a watch.

In order to really love it though, you have to try and put yourself in the mindset of the people who originally watched it; I always find this is the best approach with older films. It's always easy to say that some of the big iconic scenes are a little contrived and cliché, but this film created most of the clichés, so you have to give it some license.

The film follows the story of the tempestuous Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) whose ambition drives most of this plot forward. Admittedly she is quite hard to like as she

is a manipulative, selfish and self-involved cow for most of the film. I also tend to dislike girls that are forever stealing other girls' men, but I can't help admiring her spirit. She never lets anyone get the better of her and she never gives up, which for a woman in the 1860s is very impressive. Besides, I always found the pitiful sap Ashley (Leslie Howard), who leads her on for most of the film despite having a wife, much more annoying. I tend to take the attitude that most of the problems in this film could have been cleared up simply by him telling Scarlett in the first half hour that he didn't like her in that way, rather than letting it go on for four hours.

You might wonder, considering that I've slat-

ed most of the characters in this film, why I even like it. Well, there are a few reasons. There is something about the plot, some indefinable magic that always keeps me rooted to the sofa until the very end. Also, it's so old that there is a handy intermission scene where you can refill your bowl of popcorn and nip to the loo.

Best of all, I love it because of the performance of Clark Gable as Rhett Butler. I won't ruin it by telling you what happens to him, but his and Vivien Leigh's chemistry is partly why Scarlett and Rhett are regarded as two of film's greatest lovers.

Their scenes together are what make this film truly unforgettable, and I thoroughly recommend it.

Film

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

13

Justified existence

Bargain bin

Mike Brownlee tells us what's hot about Heat director Michael Mann

Rachael Hewison spends a pound on Autopsy: A Love Story

Praised by audiences, critics and his fellow film makers, Mann has given us some of the most interesting characters and storylines in an area which can so easily fall prey to bad stereotypes and thin dialogue. When most people think of crime films, they think of those classic gangster movies which have been perfected by the likes of Coppola and Scorcese. Mann doesn't make gangster films, he makes crime films that are about both sides of the law and the setting in which it all takes place.

1986's Manhunter was the first (and in my opinion, the best) film to feature legendary villain Hannibal Lecter, in this case played brilliantly by Brian Cox. The film sets the tone for so many of Mann's later films: the good guy, the bad guy, their similarities, the city they inhabit and the people they affect. Sound familiar?

Christopher Nolan cited Mann's mostpraised film, Heat, as an inspiration for The Dark Knight and especially the relationship between Batman, the Joker and Gotham itself.

Heat is unquestionably Mann's best work as a writer and a director. It is quite simply the best cop thriller ever made. Robert

Director: Guy Crawford Cast: John Scott Mills, Dina Osmussen Cert: 15

de Niro plays a master thief in Los Angeles and Al Pacino is the detective determined to bring him to justice. It gave us two of the most memorable scenes in recent cinema: the coffee shop scene, which would have been, if Righteous Kill was never made, the only scene Pacino and de Niro share as the two finest actors of their generation at the top of their game and, secondly, the heart-racing heist scene, which is a fine example of Mann's love for shooting out in the open, and not in a

Hollywood sound stage.

2004's Collateral was another smart, slick LA crime thriller in which Tom Cruise gives one of the best performances of his career, and 2009's Public Enemies was also a highly enjoyable and intelligent story about America's most notorious Depression-era criminal, John Dillinger (Johnny Depp).

Mann is only human, and he has made a couple of forgettable films, including the awful Miami Vice remake. However, there aren't many film

directors who can legitimately claim that their work defines a genre.

Michael Mann is certainly one of these special few. He makes films which challenge the thin line between cops and criminals, good guys and bad guys; brilliantly capturing the feel of law and order in a modern day city.

Check out the first ever Film podcast, available from the early next week through the Redbrick website and on iTunes.

Cirque du Freak

CHARLIE, a gentle but slow pathologist, is sent to collect the body of Jane, who has committed suicide. He immediately falls in love with her and has to hide her from his greedy boss, Dale, and his suspicious girlfriend Mary. Jane's twin sister then comes looking for Charlie, and she has to face the consequences.

At first glance the storyline for this film is quite disturbing.

However, John Scott Mills was the right man for the job. He portrays a very innocent character, bullied by both his girlfriend and his boss, and a small part of you feels sorry for him and understands why he has attached himself to Jane. He is very adorable when he takes her out for a picnic and tries to push her on a swing (think Lars and the Real Girl, but with a corpse).

Dina Osmussen, who plays both Jane and her twin sister Jill, is the only good actor in this film.

Joe Estevez, who plays the mean Dale, is simply awful and irritating.

The make up effects

are also terrible. The artists' main challenge is to make Jane decay effectively, and they fail miserably: the colours are much too bright. Surely decomposing bodies should turn grey?

My main complaint was of the overkill of the protagonist's name. I counted and 'Charlie' was said a total of 157 times, which by the end became frustrating. However, the soundtrack was spot on and much like the older generation of horrors, the music had a massive part in building up the suspense. It consistentlymatched the mood of the moment.

Overall I would say that Autopsy: A Love Story had the makings of being a really excellent film, but ultimtely it just didn't cut it. This is a watch once and forget about it film.

Out next week

Clare Doolan Director: Paul Weitz Cast: John C. Reilly, Josh Hutcherson Cert: 12A VAMPIRES are cool again.

Who knew? Well, let's be honest, everyone. The hysteria-inducing success of the Twilight saga has opened the trapdoor for horror's least threatening and most sexually ambiguous characters to gaze moodily at us all day, every day for about a year now, in both film and TV. As far as the film industry is concerned it's time for the vampire revolution to hit the tween market with the upcoming release of 12-year-oldfriendly adventure romp Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant. Based on the popular teen book series, The Saga of Darren Shan, the film roughly follows the plot of the first three stories, charting Darren's initiation into the Cirque du Freak, his coming to terms with his partial vampirism and his destined involvement in the upcoming war between the Vampires

AN EDUCATION This is the third screenplay from Nick Hornby, after Fever Pitch and About a Boy, so assume it to be brilliantly acted, but an average film.

and the Vampaneze.

Although, considering the current climate, it is not exactly awash with originality, Cirque du Freak is surprisingly good, with impressive performances from both John C. Reilly as the timewearied vampire in need of assistance, and Salma Hayek as his semi-psychic bearded lady. In fact the 'freaks' of Cirque du Freak boast a host of familiar faces with Orlando Jones as 'Ribs', Jane Krakowski as 'Corma Limbs' and Patrick Fugit who plays the role of 'Evra the Snake Boy' convincingly, using his real life ability of still

being able to perform the roles of high-schoolers even though he's pushing 27. Chris Massoglia as Darren Shan, the eponymous vampire's assistant, handles the lead in his first major feature convincingly.

In fact Massoglia's pretty boy innocence and appropriately vampiric brooding are sure to help to turn this currently stand-alone film into the cash wrangling franchise the studio clearly hopes it will become.

All in all it is a solid fare from director Paul Weitz in his most recent directorial feature with-

out collaboration from his brother Chris Weitz.

Whilst tween-friendly content might not seem like the natural realm of the man who wrote and directed American Pie, he manages to weave in just enough romance and humour into a film that could easily have got lost in its own spectacle.

JENNIFER'S BODY Not many clothes and not much acting ability: she may be as wooden as the desk this computer sits on, but what can you do but stare?

VERDICT Decent teen thrill fare, but if you really want to see a grown-up friendly kids' film you should probably just see UP!

THIS IS IT Did you hear Michael Jackson died? Oh you did, because you live in the West. Ah ok, well here's a hastily thrown together documentary.

14 Editorial

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

REDBRICK EDITORIAL

Please send all letters to letters@redbrickonline.co.uk. Letters/emails for publication must be marked 'for publication' and include your name and course title. Letters without these details will not be published. We reserve the right to edit letters.

Nick Petrie A LOT of comment and many opinions have been shared since Jan Moir decided to enlighten us with her world view last week. Charlie Brooker articulated an excellent response and as such I do not feel the need to wade in with my own thoughts. However, (you all knew there would be a however) it has left me wondering about the Press Complaints Commission (an industry regulated body) and the invitation to the BNP to appear on Question Time. I will tackle these thoughts one at a time.

First, the PCC; it provides an 'Editors code of conduct' which is a set of rules regarding responsibilities when reporting and publishing stories. It covers (amongst other areas) accuracy, reporting on children, rules for hospitals and guidelines on harassment - it is essentially an ethics code as well as a conduct code. Many of you will be aware that the PCC's website crashed last week after the publication of Jan Moir's piece in the Daily Mail - this was due to the level of people attempting to access the site to make a complaint and these people will expect a fair and appropriate response from the PCC. An interesting question to pose, it to what extent can you trust a industry regulated body to stand up for those it is designed to protect (the citizen) and not the industry that comprises it?

As it happens they have a section on their website addressing this very issue, they state that through a system of lay appointments system the board manages to maintain a high level of impartiality. Also the fact that it is an editors code, written by and for and as such adhering to it is a matter of principle

and pride.

The body rules on a regular basis on many complaints -most receive nowhere near the attention of the Daily Mail piece - complaints usually pertain to small factual inaccuracies and papers tend to be well behaved when it comes to apologies. Redbrick adheres to the code and does its best to uphold it at all times, but from time to time we do get things wrong - although we always act to correct or apologise. We want to be accurate and honest so that we can be trusted by our readers and this is great motivation to make sure we get it right first time around.

On the idea of 'getting things right' the BBC will be wondering today (being Friday - I write this editorial in the run up to the question time debate) if inviting the BNP onto Question Time was the right thing to do. I am waiting with baited breath to see how the audience, the panelists and the numerous commentators react during and after the debate. It is worth remembering that Nick Griffin has been interviewed extensively on Sunday AM and BBC breakfast news. Yet the argument raging between myself and all my friends at the moment is that of being given a platform and a sense of legitimacy - The BBC argues it is representative of the population at the moment - two MEPs, two million votes and that entitles the BNP to a seat around the table.

Are we afraid to allow such a right wing party on TV because we believe that people will be convinced by their arguments and point of view? Well maybe we need to have more faith in the ability of the people of the UK to make resoinable decisions and not to be swayed by sound bites and stupid solutions to not exisistant problems.

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16 Arts & Culture

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Note from Jess @ the Redbrick office

INSPIRED by our comrades over at Film, I've felt compelled to have a little têteà-tête with you, our gracious reader this week.

So we're in week four, how on earth did that happen? Time apparently flies when you're stressed and disorganised. But, a look on the bright side perhaps. All of you first years are hopefully settled in by now and have had time between your lectures to head into town and explore past the ode to consumerism that is the Bull Ring and find the more elegant face of the country's second city.

While queuing for Snobs you will have noticed the Town Hall in all its pseudo-Roman temple glory, near it you have the cavernous BMAG which is currently in possession of the much publicised Staffordshire Hoard, and if you head in the Broad Street direction – but stop before you hit Birmingham's answer to Tacky Mile, you will of course find the reputable Rep theatre and the sonorous Symphony Hall. This, to name but a few (and the most mainstream) of our city's more tasteful and less VK-fuelled delights.

Hopefully in our pages you have and will continue to be inspired by

our recommendations in the Previews box and our reviews of current events to venture further into the wonderful world of West Midlands cultural pursuits.

Online this week we had a competition to win tickets to the hit musical, Scrooge, at the Hippodrome and our two winners were Neil Chanchlani and Simon Fairbanks so a congratulations to both of them and I hope they enjoyed the energetic, if seasonally premature, production!

Early autumn is always a fun time for the visual arts – the big winter exhibitions open in all the galleries and of course the ultimate source for serious (read, pretentious) debate, the Turner Prize,

Interview with...

Eoin Colfer opens at the Tate leading to a flurry of high profile press in an area that for most of the year, takes a back seat. Who's causing a kafuffle at the moment?

Ol' Damien H's exhibition at the Wallace (a juxtaposition of space and artist that causes a bit of a short-circuit in my brain) is being slated, at the beginning of the month the Tate Modern took down their controversial photo of the naked 10-year-old Brooke Shields and the Anish Kapoor retrospective at the RA is getting attention just for being so fucking amazing. So go young Culural padawans and find some art to awe and inspire you (and give you something pretentious to talk about in Urban Village).

Sam Langtree Sam: So you yourself went to Dublin University. How did you find that?

Eoin: I remember having a really good time, and the few lectures I actually attended were somewhat helpful.

S: So do you have any sequels planned for the Artemis Fowl Series?

E: I'm currently in the middle of writing another one, hopefully it'll be published at somepoint in the middle of next year.

S: I'd be really curious in seeing Artemis Fowl the character at uni. How would you envision that?

E: (Laughs) I'd imagine him to be pretty ruthless, like Tom Ripley but without the murdering. I think he'd probably be able to excel in any degree but would go for a business or economic related course.

Kapoor's work at the RA, photo courtesy of RA

S: Something really exciting for you right now is of course the opportunity to write a sequel for Douglas Adams' iconic series, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. How have you

found that?

E: Of course it's a huge opportunity for me, it's been an extremely exciting process.

S: Were you a fan of the books when you were younger?

E: At university, me and my friends would have our own little catchphrases taken from the books. We'd constantly drop it into conversation, so yeah, I was a pretty big fan.

you don't read, you can't write. Originality is also very important. If you want to write about a wizard, make sure he doesn't ressemble Gandalf or Dumbledore.

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Part Six of Three...And Another Thing by Eoin Colfer is published on the 12th October (Penguin Books, £18.99)

S: How did you find the actual process of writing it?

E: It wasn't as bad as could be imagined, I was mainly trying to highlight the entire of the series.

S: Do you have any advice for budding writers at the uni?

E : First a n d foremost, if

Eoin Colfer, photo courtesy of Penguin

Do comic books count as 'art'?

Of course, they're aesthetically masterfull Rosie Price I'M willing to bet that when you were a kid, you had a favourite type of sweet, favourite television programme, favourite place to play, favourite toy and amongst all these: a favourite comic book.

I'm also willing to bet, however, that it was the characters and their adventures that kept you buying every week- not the way in which these characters were drawn or the artistic background touches in the frames.

But how would you feel if the likes of Dennis the Menace or Bart Simpson were suddenly drawn differently? Would you even recognise them for who they were?

When it comes down to it, drawing technique in comic books and graphic novels define what you're reading. Characters are consistently drawn in the same style so you can instantly recognise that character. Genres such as Manga, for example, have a distinct artistic style that you can instantly recognise. Comics with gritty content, like Frank Miller's Sin City, even fea-

ture a 'messier' style of drawing so that you can recognise and register the seriousness of the plot.

Even mainstream heroes in films such as Batman take their inspiration for costumes and sets from the original comic book art. In short, it is impossible to see comic book drawing simply as a series of meaningless doodles. The art is a type of trademark.

Ok, so drawing style is important but comic books have never been displayed in art galleries, right? Wrong. You may have heard of a certain artist named Roy Lichtenstein who painted an image called The Kiss or you may have come across the occasional Pop Art image of Marilyn Monroe on your gallery travels. Well, many of the works from this artistic movement took their inspiration from (yep, you guessed it), comic books. In the end, there are examples of comic book art everywhere you look. It catches the eye, makes characters and genres distinctive, makes artists famous and let's face it- you don't buy comics because you want heavy reading material.

It's all about the aesthetic and comic books don't disappoint.

Nope, it's business – pure & simple Sam Langtree

The supericonic Spiderman

AS an actual fan of comic books, someone who picks them up weekly from the huge store by New Street Station, it seems strange that I find myself on the opposing end of comics being considered high artwork. The standard of comics and graphic novels is constantly increasing, and the high demand of quality means that the genre has never looked so aesthetically pleasing.

However, despite the beautiful images being produced I would argue that comic books are lacking in several fields that truly define art and artistic expression. Truly, there is little to no room for creativity within the profession. The 'artists' are hired by Marvel or DC are given very specific images to draw out. Not only does this cancel out the chance for progression in the industry, it also leads to repetitive images. How many Spider-man comics feature the hero in the same stock pose swing from building to building? How many Batman comics showcase the dark knight looking menacing on a rooftop?

Carrying on from the idea that any work pro-

duced by an 'artist' is under the direction of Marvel, DC or any other comic book company, it could be argued that now more than ever graphic novels and comics are just being mass produced as an incentive to make money and produce films.

The artistic heart of anything comics may have once had, has been lost through consumerism.

Yes, comics are increasingly influencing media from all angles, but does that really leave it count as art? Disney's recent $4 billion purchase of Marvel is proof that comic books are today more of a cash cow than an artistic form.

In light of this, I would suggest comics hold about as much value in the art world as the newest season's Nikes.

On a final note, that so many different people work on the same panels that go into the comics makes the actual process of production a mechanical and automated thing.

For every issue there is a penciller, an inker and a colourist. This isn't art being made, it's an industrialised process where the creative and artistic input is watered down.

Arts & Culture

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

The Idiot Colony @ The REP Victoria Shires AS the lights came up in the still, intimate and very darkened Door Studio of the REP, the small audience was confronted with a near empty set and three women, each eager to tell the story they had been waiting to for decades.

The RedCape Theatre Company prides itself on 'telling stories that matter, move and entertain' and that is exactly what they did with The Idiot Colony. Inspired by real

events, the play portrays the harsh and tragic lives of Joy, Mary and Victoria who were locked up as young women in a 1940's mental asylum to avoid their families being involved in any social scandals.

After decades of loneliness, forced medication and disgusting brutality, the truths and turns of these women's lives are discovered through unusually amusing songs, dances, stunning visuals and sound effects.

The Idiot Colony is astounding and thought pro-

The Grapes of Wrath @ The REP voking. It was fascinating to see the audience's hesitant reaction after being plunged into 70 minutes of uninterrupted devised performance, which reflected the horrifying truths that occurred in our society less than a century ago. The mentally damaged characters seemed so separate from each other, one of them didn't speak a word in the whole play and they rarely vocally communicated directly, yet they connected so deeply on other levels, lending importance to not only the stylised movement and beautiful visual imagery throughout, but the skill and pure talent of the three actresses who shone and connected with the audience, despite the unsettling and dark atmosphere.

'My name's Joy, as in happy' was one of the opening lines that encapsulated the play for me. The irony of this line is stark and the play as a whole was so edgy and inventive that it was strangely enjoyable, entertaining and quite literally left the audience in the dark. This play will spark conversation, debate and confusion and is definitely one not to miss.

17

Jessica Bull SET amidst the Great Depression in America, The Grapes of Wrath depicts the effects of this devastating event and follows the Joad family on their journey to find work in California, after their farm is repossessed following a drought. Directed by Jonathon Church, this production allows the involvement of a large cast, who for the majority were very talented with the exception of a couple of actors whose fluctuating accents were at times, less than consistent.

The most striking aspect of this production was the excellent use of the set and props, which when looked upon initially seemed simple, however the onstage stream, working car and rainfall suggested otherwise. Other aspects of artistic direction shone through, such as the projected images of billboard advertisements from the time of the Great Depression, illustrating the context subtly in a tasteful fashion.

Overall, the play was a powerful, well-directed performance that is arguably topical in the current financial climate.

Photo courtesy of The REP

Photo courtesy of The REP

Return to the Caribbean @ The Drum Sian Evans WHILST you are all secretly wishing this were about the return of Johnny Depp, my first article for Redbrick led me in search of theatrical treasure in the Jewellery Quarter.

Victor Richard's play is the middle piece of a trilogy being performed in Birmingham across three years. Writer and oneman performance actor, he provides the audience with a limited insight into

the world of a Caribbean national returning home after fifty years in England.

The homely, cluttered set of a covered table (photos including one of Martin Luther King, a telephone and a predominant can of beer) was juxtaposed with the rather relaxed atmosphere of the theatre itself and in a sense that worked.

Unfortunately, little else did. His acting in the one-man play was ef-

Photo courtesy of The Drum

Ha Ha Hitler! @ The Old Joint Stock ficient, but as he told us afterwards, he had been doing it for years. He presented a character difficult to connect with, leaving us waiting for the chance to feel some empathy, or indeed any emotion towards him. The theme of wanting more was evident throughout. The audience wanted more laughs than the odd chuckle, seeing as it was advertised as having 'humour and light wit'.

The integration of musical interruptions on the radio was technically clever but theatrically disjointed. Squeezed into fifty-five minutes, every issue raised (from childhood memories to racism in 1950's England) was approached like it were a boiling pan; the temptation to touch being too great with the immediate reaction of drawing away to avoid damage.

Richard's post-show talk explained his main focus was workshops with children and plugging acting at The Drum. Clearly his audience tonight were not the normal recipients.

Overall, it was an interesting experience and an alternative night out, but the final play will not be a date in my diary...

Rebecca Targett Teodora Barzakova AFTER the critical success of Ha Ha Hamlet! the Ha Ha boys were back with their new show, Ha Ha Hitler! at the Old Joint Stock Theatre. The play is set in 1942 in German-occupied France and tells the story of three British idiots trying to escape, parodying the infamous film The Great Escape.

The three British idiots in question are Tommy (Ben Langely), Dick (Paul Taylor) and Hilary

(Andrew Fettes) accompanied by the love interest, Sophie Ce Soir (Lizzie Frances). All of the cast are natural comic performers, who are also given the chance to brilliantly impersonate famous historical figures.

Director/writer Ben Langely immediately welcomes the audience, putting us at ease and creating an informal atmosphere, one that was sustained throughout the play. Audience participation and an eager attitude were vital for a good

Photo courtesy of The Old Joint Stock

evening. The simplicity of the plot, and the fact that there was no hidden meaning, all added to the charm of the play.

Not once did the energy of the actors dip, effectively moving the set and interacting with the audience at the same time. Due to the small space, much of the set was doubled up so that one prop could be used for many different scenes. For an evening of entertainment, Ha Ha Hitler! certainly delivered.

18 Arts & Culture/Music

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Previews

Birmingham Contemporary Music Group @ CBSO Centre Gwen Taylor Joseph Ladlow TO mark the BCMG (Birmingham Contemporary Music Group) 2009-10 Season Launch, the internationally acclaimed ambassadors for their home city and committed proponent of the most exciting classical music of our time, went all out in preparing for their eager audience a mini 'festival' of contemporary music. They put on two concerts, a handful of world premieres, an intimate post-concert chat with the composers and some improvisation thrown in for good measure.

The evening started at 6.30pm with a short conc e r t that

showcased the work of Matthew Sergeant, an emerging talent and BCMG/Sound and Music's Apprentice Composerin-residence for 2008/9.

Our highlights included Matthew's depiction of an imaginary animal (the Squonk) for solo cello in Heard weeping under the boughs of hemlock trees and some particularly beautiful blending of orchestral timbres in his new piece, Listening to a still small voice.

The second concert was a challenging and varied programme, including two premieres, the first performance of a major r e -

vision, as well as classics from Donatoni and Moderna. The two premieres came from Richard Causton and from Vic Hoyland, the University's very own professor of composition!

Simon Holt's revision of his Capriccio Spettrale and Causton's Chamber Symphony both offered distinct sound-worlds, from Holt's nightmarish visions to Causton's adept use of percussion. It was especially exciting for us, however, to hear the premiere of Hoyland's Hey Presto!...

Moon – Flower – Bat. As with his other pieces, Hoyland's distinctive compositional voice could be heard,

despite the intentional homages to other prolific composers.

The post-concert discussion was also of particular interest to us and it was refreshing to hear such experienced artists talking about their work with modesty. In all, the launch was a long but very successful event. As for the evening's performers, we know that the hardest thing for a musician to do is to breathe life into new musical works, but, as BCMG proved, that level of musicianship is definitely abundant in Birmingham today. Be sure not to miss the rest of this season's upcoming concerts.

Upcoming events & shows to titillate and tantalise your soul, ears and eyes Gershwin and Soul @ Town Hall, Friday 23rd October, 7.30pm . A funky take on some classics, featuring Birmingham soul diva Jaki. Tickets £12.50 - £19.50.

Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance @ The Alexandra, 7.30 pm - A new breed of musical theatre compilation featuring two hours of song and dance numbers from stage and screen. Tickets £16 - £18.

Birmingham Bach Choir - Inspiring Masses @ Symphony Hall, Saturday, 24th October, 7.30pm - Mozart's unfinished 'Great' Mass in C minor performed today with the recent, convincing and acclaimed completion by Robert Levin. Tickets £5 - £30.

Jazz & Blues Jam @ Joes', Friday 23rd October, 8pm 'til Late - JABSOC Jam is back! Now in its fourth year, this is your chance to experience the way improvised music is done at the University of Birmingham. If you play an instrument, bring your horn/ sticks/strings and get some grooves going with likeminded people. If you don't, come along and listen we've played host to some incredible sessions in the past and this Friday will be no different. Free entry all night.

Animal Farm @ Deb Hall Sunday 25th October at 7.30pm - WatchThis bring you their first 48 hour play of the year, where the cast have only 10 days to learn their lines, 48 hours to rehearse and just 1 night to get it right! Tickets available on the door, £3 members/£4 non-members.

Simon Amstell @ Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Monday 26th October, 7.30pm.

The retired Buzzcocks presenter takes his comedy show on the road. Tickets £20.

Einaudi @ Symphony Hall, Tuesday 27th October, 7.30pm - For anyone who has a mother that has ClassicFM on in the kitchen 24/7 and hence has heard station-favourite, I Giorni, more times than they can possibly count. Tickets £15 - £25.

The BCMG ensemble. Photo courtesy of BCMG

What's On...

Music Diary Friday 23rd

Live Reviews NME Radar Tour 17/10 @ Wolverhampton Civic Maisie Meredith

DOORS opened for the NME Radar Tour at 6pm, so, whilst normal people were settling down for Hollyoaks, I was rolling off the train to Wolverhampton and into the small Civic Hall Bar to see Marina and the Diamonds, a band that has whizzed up my iTunes since the release of the brilliant Obsessions.

However, on arrival I find that Marina is ill, and no longer on the bill - £2 cans of Red Stripe were on hand to calm everyone's rage. Soon the synthy sounds of Yes Giantess' three keyboards cheered

up the surprisingly small crowd. Next up was Local Natives, whose moustaches alone merit praise, not to mention their mighty stage presence and beautiful harmonies (at one point all four front men were singing). Shockingly, the performance with the least wow factor came from headliners Golden Silvers, who defied my expectations with a lacklustre set. Nonetheless, I felt privileged to be introduced to two great new bands that everyone needs to hear.

Max Raptor 15/10 @ The Kerrang Radio Studios James Caroll BEFORE the gig I'm led to high tempo drum solo, bebelieve Max Raptor are fore an infectious guitar primarily a punk/rock riff takes over. There are band. Kerrang! magazine elements of Brand New, actually criticised them Biffy Clyro and even The for sounding too similar Cure. After, I asked the to Billy Talent, so I'm ex- band about their influencpecting screamy vocals es; Alice in Chains, Jimi and harsh breaks.

Hendrix and The Shins However, I'm pleasant- are all mentioned, which ly surprised. Throughout, goes to show the versatillead singer Wil is extreme- ity of this band when they ly energetic. The band are draw upon grunge, classic reasonably tight, thanks rock (does Hendrix have to drummer Matt. The a genre?) and alternative songs are catchy enough. indie for inspiration and Days That Changed the end up with this punk World builds up for 3 min- sound. Good live, lyricalutes, with deadpan vocals ly insightful and with well à la Placebo, before guitar, written songs, Max Raptor bass and drums culminate are certainly a band worth for an all out noise explo- keeping an eye on in the sion. Highlight The Great future. and the Good starts with a

Morrissey Symphony Hall I Like Trains Hare and Hounds Noisettes O2 Academy The Kabeedies The Flapper Johnny Flynn Glee Club The Young Republic The Rainbow Charlie Winston O2 Academy 3 Spandau Ballet LG Arena

The Dead Weather O2 Academy

Tuesday 27th

Green Day LG Arena Billy Talent O2 Academy Owen Tromans/Everett Hare and Hounds Jeremy Warmsley Hare and Hounds

Wednesday 28th

Bring Me The Horizon O2 Academy Phoenix O2 Academy Dreadzone Hare and Hounds My Passion O2 Academy 3

Greenday LG Arena The Rakes O2 Academy 2 The Nolans NIA Oysterband Hare and Hounds Everything Everything The Flapper Maxwell O2 Academy

Sunday 25th

Thursday 29th

Saturday 24th

Tommy Reilly O2 Academy 2 Maps Hare and Hounds

Monday 26th The Proclaimers Symphony Hall The Twilight Sad Hare and Hounds

Calvin Harris Hare and Hounds IdleWild O2 Academy 2

Music

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd October 2009

Spotlight On... influential female musicians Ellen Tout explains why, when it comes to music, ladies are just plain better.

WHEN I first began thinking about influential and inspirational female musicians a few names of personal heroes came to mind. However, with each new person I spoke to, a new name would join my ever-growing list. From Natalie Imbruglia (famous for Torn and still recording twelve years later), to Debbie Harry of Blondie fame (responsible for countless hits accompanied by electric blonde hair and a fearless rock chick image). It would be impossible to mention everyone, so please forgive me!

First, a personal icon: P!nk. P!nk rose to fame in 2001 with her second album M!ssundaztood. Flowing with emotion and honesty P!nk proved she had much more to offer than most mainstream pop stars. With a career now spanning ten years, P!nk is renowned for her acrobatic live performances and side projects working

Photo: www.annielennox.com with animal rights organisation PETA. However, artists like P!nk and Kylie would have been nothing if it hadn't been for those preceding them. Janis Joplin was a pioneer in the otherwise male-dominated world of late 1960s rock and is more than worth men-

The Top 40 Best Albums of The 21st Century: #40 - 36 Intrigued by anything our writers have so eloquently flattered? Desperate to hear any of the albums? Go to bit.ly/2Dq7WF for a Spotify playlist of a couple of top tracks from each album as the list unfolds. Or tell us how wrong (or right) the Top 40 is online, at redbrickonline.co.uk/music.

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The Libertines Up The Bracket 2002

Ross Fisher IN this day and age, most people seem to have heard less by the Libertines than they've heard about them. When they

have heard something, it has been from The Libertines; the second album which signalled their arrival in the big leagues, and their collapse. This is unfortunate, because the first was much better. Up The Bracket is a mission statement for the independent movement that even those who aren't conceited narcissistic sheep can appreciate. The production values are shoddy, the lyrics obscure and some of the tracks frankly rubbish. But as an entity, it works so bloody well that I'm both perturbed and secretly overjoyed that more people haven't heard about it.

tioning. Anthems such as Piece Of My Heart still ring clear today, declaring 'I'm gonna show you, baby, that a woman can be tough'. Although Joplin's life was short-lived, her impact upon music is undeniable.

Many artists have had an influence through

more than music; this is the case with singer and political activist Annie Lennox. Most famous for pop duo Eurythmics, Lennox began her solo career in the early 90s and still hasn't halted. Responsible for 2007's Sing, a charity collaboration between 23 female artists, it is clear

that Lennox is both passionate and talented.

Beth Ditto seems to warrant mention for her fearless attitude and unique persona. Most famous as the lead singer of indie rock band The Gossip, Ditto has become both a feminist and LGBTQ icon. Unfazed by the

19

opinions or expectations of others, her music and live performances are daring and controversial.

The Gossip's most recent album Music For Men continues to tackle themes of discrimination, whilst maintaining their punk rock sound.

Thinking about the R&B genre, Mary J. Blige is owed masses of credit.

With nine albums under her belt, Blige is now celebrated as an artist, record producer and actress. Her soulful music can be accredited for bridging the gap between R&B and rap and truly re-defining their sound.

Looking through history there are many women whose impact upon music cannot and should not be ignored. The music of Vera Lynn carried England through the war, whilst Kate Bush was the first woman to have selfwritten a number one single, when she was only nineteen. Lily Allen, The Bangles, Alanis Morissette, Mariah Carey and Madonna, are all more than worthy of recognition. For now though, in the words of Gloria Gaynor, remember: 'I will survive'.

Welcome, one and all, to our new weekly feature. As 2009 draws slowly to a close, so does the decade. Here at Redbrick Towers, we love nothing more than to look back with a tear in our eye and a CD in our hand. For many of us, these were probably our formative years, getting past the humiliating obsessions of youth and into sexy musical maturity. So we present, for your delectation, the 40 best albums of not only the '00s but the entirety of the millenium (so far). This week we countdown from the 40th to 36th. Enjoy...

40

Amy Winehouse Back to Black 2006

Matthew Way YES, she is now as popular in Heat magazine as she is in NME, but she has undeniably blessed these past few years with some great

37

Kings of Leon Youth & Young Manhood 2003

Will Hunter ONE of the biggest drawbacks to my personality, aside from social ineptitude, is my habit of developing too much of an

songs and an incredible album. Back to Black is a superbly written and performed second record from Amy Winehouse, who spills out lyrics with great honesty and perfect delivery.

Rehab marked her return to music as less of a jazz singer and more of a soulful artist, as Tears Dry On Their Own could very easily stand as a classic on any Motown hits compilation. Annoyingly well produced by Mark Ronson, this is an album that deservedly should sit in this list, and rest there comfortably for a good while to come. emotional attachment to bands. So you can imagine my distress when it came to choosing my favorite Kings of Leon album.

This is by far one of the greatest debut albums I have heard this decade.

Resonating with an analogue raw recording quality, as accustomed to the bands' Nashville roots, every track flows neatly into the next, alternating nearperfectly between up-beat and somber whilst keeping the listener engaged throughout. With more of a blues influence than their other works, this album is so good it almost makes me forget how awful Only by the Night is.

39

We Are Scientists With Love & Squalor 2005

Edwina Moorhouse THIS album is a knockout punch of sing-a-long songs with quirky attitude, and for that rare novelty, there was no way

36

Justice Cross 2007

Matthew Way HUGE, roaring, monumental, party dance tunes.

Justice are in a league of their own on Cross, forging the musical metals of

it wasn’t going to be in the Top 40. You can put this on in the morning to drag yourself out of bed, or crank it up before a night out or maybe just sit in a queue on the Bristol Road to Inaction.

Whenever you hear the energetic riffs, pounding drums and catchy vocals, you can’t help but find yourself in a great mood; that’s just the We Are Scientists magic. It stood out like the grey hairs on Keith’s head when it was released, impacting on the music scene and showing it was always destined to be a great contribution to this generation. disco, electro and rock to create a melodic monster of great proportions.

Learning from their predecessors, the likes of Daft Punk and Mr Oizo, Cross brings together a great mixed bag of sounds and vocals, to form an album heavier than their sound system.

Highlights from the album include the rhythmic high injecting Phantom Pt.II and sing-a-long, future disco fuelled DVNO. Gaspard and Xavier have certainly added something new and exciting to this millennium, while proving, in actual fact, the French do it better.

20 Music

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Album Reviews

Mando Diao Give Me Fire

3 Yasmin Ahmed SWEDISH outfit Mando Diao say that their inspirations are The Beatles and The Clash, Quentin Tarantino and David Lynch. Personally I thought their song Gloria sounded more like Ricky Martin trying to sing his way back into pop music.

The honky-tonk parade and carnival style of Mean Flaming Lips Embryonic

9 Noel Byrne VERY few albums exist where, every single time you listen through, you get to experience new, strange and interesting sounds without it sounding forced or unlistenable. The Flaming Lips have created an 18-track tour-de-force in the weird and the wonderful side of alternative rock. It might be off-putting at first - the wall of sound it produces at times demands to be deciphered - but if you

Street feels like a really bad fairground ride that's going to make you sick.

The screechy vocals try for The Clash, but it just doesn’t work. The guitar riffs are bland enough to suggest the band really isn't trying that hard, but rather trying to recreate an era that has been and gone. Badly.

To give them some credit, it's impressive that Mando Diao are relentless enough to release album after album: they've been going since 2002, and this album, their fifth, is possibly their most ambitious sounding yet.

However, this album just doesn't live up to its title. Give Me Fire seems an ironic choice of name, given it's already just embers of some songs I once heard.

take the time you will be rewarded by the complex sounds it has to offer.

Throughout the album the band offer sprawling psychedelic guitar jams and thundering drums, occasionally switching to tender and haunting moments. The raw sound of the album fills all 18 songs with an energy and an urgency that makes them a pleasure to get through rather than a chore. From the musings of a German mathematician on Gemini Syringes to the charming I Can Be A Frog with its playful animal sounds (provided by Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Embryonic showcases its originality without ever being gimmicky.

The album isn't perfect; a few songs seem like unnecessary extended jams that could have been more concisely distilled, but this is nitpicking a near-flawless double album.

Editors In this Light and on this Evening

5 Edwina Moorhouse SO the newest venture from Editors goes something like this: classic haunting vocals, familiar references to God, typical solemn song titles, and, well, bad 80s synth.

Editors have taken the rejected synth patterns and electro rhythms of the 80s and threaded it through their classic style.

I've been a fan since the start, so it's a shame Frank Turner Poetry of the Deed

6 Dan Richford FRANK Turner is here once more with his third album in as many years, and, as expected from the folk-rock rapscallion, there's not really been much change in quality.

However, there's not really been much change at all.

Poetry of the Deed's got some enjoyable folk riffs, in songs such as The Fastest Way Back Home and Dan's Song, and Frank's lyrics are as hon-

their third album is a disappointment. Take for example You Don't Know Love or The Boxer – they start well, then, just as you're starting to enjoy them, the music becomes erratic and you can't hit the mute button fast enough.

Despite this, I'm still a sucker for Tom Smith's deep, sometimes melancholy, vocals and he still brings something to the album that makes it worthy of a listen – but that's singular, not plural.

Despite multiple listens I'm still not convinced, but maybe those new to Editors will come to a different conclusion.

It's not easy being so critical of such a talented band, but if I'm going to be honest, in taking the fans off in a new direction I can't help but find myself lagging behind.

AFI Crash Love

est, witty and endearing as ever, with lines such as 'There's no such thing as rock stars, there's just people who play music/ And some of them are just like us and some of them are dicks'.

But it just feels like I've heard it all before, that there's not anything really new. It's a shame because it's not a bad album; there are a few decent tracks - single The Road is pleasantly catchy and the addition of a piano makes for some nice melodies in Our Lady of the Campfires, but it's not enough to elevate the album to anything specially worth taking notice of.

If you're a fan of Frank, then you'll more than likely find the album a bit flat and inoffensive compared to his other work. If you're new to him, then I'd pick up one of the earlier albums instead.

Fighting Fiction Lesser of Two Evils

Redbrick Meets....

This is your second album. Some artists talk about a 'difficult second album', was that a problem for you?

It wasn't really; we were touring the first album for so long that I was gagging to get writing again.

I threw my whole life into it, and I'm really pleased

with the way that it turned out. I think that it's better than the first and I hope that people connect with it.

I guess audience reaction is quite hard to guess when you're writing?

4 Deborah Bazeley ACCORDING to the back of their CD case, Fighting Fiction's 'socially aware' lyrics are 'catchier than herpes at a Skins aftershow party'. I don't believe that anyone who would attend a Skins party would even remember to listen to this.

There are promising moments: Lesser of Two Evils introduces itself with infectious reggaeska guitar and ends with the same style in Sanctu-

Your last album – 'We Can Create' – was nominated for a Mercury Award: how did that feel?

Well, we've been playing quite a lot of live gigs over the summer; we played a few festivals. But it is hard when you're playing an all-new set and none of the crowd knows the songs.

How would you describe your own genre? You've

AFTER 18 years and 8 studio albums, AFI's musical career has been in a constant state of flux. Yet paradoxically, their sound is unwavering; like a maggot relentlessly worming its way through a box of stale dog biscuits.

This is frightfully obvious in their latest offering. It seems the band haven't progressed in recent years. The more critical will hear a band that

I think we were perceived as a guitar indie band. I've been really trying hard to get away from that. When I started Maps I decided I wanted it to be an electronic project; I don't really listen to indie and guitar bands. I think that with the live sound, we're trying to make it as danceorientated as possible.

Now it's just the two of us and a lot of synths, a lot of strings, and a lot of stuff you hit. I'm really looking forward to this tour.

Redbrick's leading man of mystery Ross Fisher interrogates the unsuspecting James Chapman, aka Maps.

It's been alright, I've done a lot [of interviews] today, and you're actually the last one. It's cool; I've been talking about the new album.

Aisling Marks

been labelled as 'shoegazer'...

Maps How's it going?

6

Photo: myspace.com/mapsmusic

How did it feel? I was really surprised because it's only ten albums, and to be one of those ten albums 'of the year' is a really big deal. It helped Maps no end. Not only did it get

hasn't changed since their 2003 release Sing The Sorrow.

However, Sing The Sorrow was one of AFI's most successful albums, and many tracks off Crash Love are beautifully reminiscent of the former's agonized-yet-snazzy guitar licks and unique vocals of Davey Havok. This is especially noticeable on End Transmission, in which Havok sings in his usual melancholic way over a sexy bass groove.

Meanwhile, Torch Song is an uninspiring start to the album, but does give room for marginal improvement; the more you listen, the more the record as a whole starts to grow.

Ultimately, however, this isn't one of AFI's better releases; a severe lack of passion unfortunately debases what is otherwise laudable material. ary. If you appreciate an intense British accent, lead singer Jacob Glew provides a passionate performance: I am very sure that you could clap and shout the words, 'All people are entitled to the right to life and liberty!' to your heart's content at their gigs.

However, the audience you would be standing amongst would be predominantly made up of sixteen-year-olds.

The political lyrics come across as plain try-hard.

The cool reggae sounds, interrupted by youthful punk chords, are reminiscent of Kids in Glass Houses (just listen to the opening chords of Cameraphones and Choruses).

Arguably, comparing Fighting Fiction to herpes is quite accurate. Catchy, yes, and also very annoying. So do the right thing and give it to the younger generations. The album, that is; not herpes. more people listening and help to increase sales, but it's great to have that kind of achievement that noone can take away from you.

But at the same time, the Mercurys have been labelled the 'kiss of death'; there are many artists who are awarded one who are never heard of again.

Well, to be honest, I don't think that's the Mercurys' fault. If you're nominated for the Mercurys you've made a good album; so you come back and you make a better one. You don't just sit around. I think to say it's the 'kiss of death' is an excuse that you use if you can't make an album that is as good as the last one.

You can catch Maps at the Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath, this Sunday, the 25th October.

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Lifestyle

Catwalk: Salut to all you Lifestyle The best of Online Fashion readers! ways shop without feeling to Levi's, to La Senza. And Hello again all you lovely people! We hope you are having as interesting and exciting a week as we are! (OK, slight exaggeration on our behalf).

After another alcohol-fuelled week we are feeling slightly worse for wear and still reeling from all the drama and gossip; starting to wonder if it's actually possible to get through a week without the standard house fall out, break-up tears and overt promiscuity.

Oh the life of a student eh?

Well, this week we have another scintilating and poignant issue of Lifestyle. We've had so many great articles coming in that we have been spoilt for choice. We are having so much fun reading your articles that we have stopped buying magazines!

In this week's jampacked issue we have the pick of online fashion from Jean Standley; Derrina and Lara discuss long-distance relationships and if they work at uni; Sarah Verall gives us the low-down on the Munrow Centre; Daniel Kelsey asks if it's okay to confront people about their sexuality and is a Starbucks in hand the new Birkin bag? Lauren and Lydia investigate! Byyyeeee (off to google Robert Pattinson).

Jean Standley

The cold weather is officially here. In true British style over the coming months there is likely to be lots of windy, cold, wet days when the last thing we feel like doing is stepping foot outside, traipsing round the shops bumping into lots of busy Christmas shoppers.

Don't get me wrong, I love shopping. But the idea of running for the bus with all my shopping bags and falling flat on my bum in the rain does not sound appealing to me. This is why I am going to give you a round up of the best of fashion and beauty from the World Wide Web. After all, what sounds better than curling up on the sofa with your duvet and satisfying all your shopping needs at the click of a button without having to even leave the house! www.asos.com It's hard to believe that ASOS.com has been around for nine whole years, and has become one of the biggest fashion and beauty retailers.

Originally starting out as a website just for the ladies, it now has a section for the guys, the kiddies, plus designer and outlet sections so we can always shop to our hearts content! Although the stuff on the website is pretty affordable, there is always a sale section so we can al-

too guilty even when the bank balance is looking a bit sorry for itself. www.ebay.co.uk Even though it started out being just about collectables, eBay has grown into one of the biggest online marketplaces and with 25 million different things for sale on there, you will always find something you love! Not only is it a great way to get a cute new Paul's Boutique bag that you've not been able to find in the shops, it is also a perfect way to make a couple of quid selling all the bits and bobs in the back of your wardrobe that you never seem to wear! www.treasurebox.co.uk We all like a bit of sparkle now and then, and this is a really great website with a multitude of different types of jewellery to satisfy all your accessory needs! It mixes designer with high street, ranging from French Connection and Kath Kidston to Dolce and Gabanna and Just Cavalli. As you would expect, the designer jewellery is a bit pricey, but there are lots of offers on the website so you're always going to find something that's within yourbudget. www.amazon.co.uk Amazon now sells clothes and accessories! Like the other websites it stocks women's, men's, children’s and outlet, with its brands ranging from Oli,

the best part is its free delivery! Plus, Amazon has just launched a new website (Javari.co.uk) filled with lots of gorgeous shoes and bags and again offers free next day delivery which is well worth a look. www.my-wardrobe.com This website fulfils all your designer needs. For the women it’s got Malene Birger, J Brand, Twenty8Twelve, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, and for the guys it's got Acne, D&G, Lyle & Scott, Nudie Jeans, Paul Smith and many more. This website is best if you have a bit more money to spend, but if you fancy something designer and don't have a lot of cash to splash there are lots of great discounts in the sale section.

Derrina - For: Whatever your opinion is of relationships, I accidentally ended up coming to university with a boyfriend. By accidentally, I mean our intentions never included a long distance relationship when we first hooked up well over a year ago.

I enjoyed my time as a singleton, however, there are so many more perks to being attached whilst at uni. Yes, the distance between our universities isn't ideal, but a train from Birmingham to Nottingham is do-able and offers the slightly romantic waiting for the other half at the station.

It's a chance to visit a different city – don't do Saturday nights in Nottingham, and another uni lifestyle – really not that different, but still a nice opportunity to escape.

It also tests the trust within your relationship to the max. I agree it's not

Lara - Against: Freshers, Facebook tagging and copious amounts of alcohol are a catalyst for disaster when it comes to the survival of a long distance relationship at university. Not many people can cope with the uncertainty of having their partner living hours away and as a result many couples who went to university with the best intentions end up breaking up. But it’s not all doom and gloom.

Personally, I think being single at university is definitely a positive. Student life is meant to be about new experiences; a fresh

Fierce True Blood- the latest in the vamp-craze, but unlike the boring, and frankly unrealistic, chaste relationships of Twilight this is practically soft-porn. Far more entertaining.

Grunge-glam: it's fierce, it's fashionable and it's the perfect excuse to roll into lectures scruffy and unwashed after a night out.

Eighties flashbacks from SATC2- if you haven't seen these photo wonders you need to check them out, if only for pure giggle factor. www.fmylife.com and www.textsfromlastnight.com for if you're ever having a moment of self-reflective despair. Who says laughing at others' misfortune isn't fun?

Freshers' promiscuity there's nothing like the grand excuse of 'Well, it’s the beginning of term...’

Sports season- there's nothing like wrapping up warm, getting some casual perving on the go and drinking some atrociously cheap cider!

Flashforward - it's sexy, scary and thought provoking... and it’s on Five, whodathoughtit!

Victoriana lace-up shoe boots sexy in a schoolmistress sort of way and totally comfortable; the boys don’t need to know that they're M&S. Fancy dress fashion- Louis Vuitton Parisian chic bunny ears: bring on the crazy headwear!

It's cold enough to wear scarves again!

Finished Supernoodles and basics food products-how did your diet descend so quickly into the realms of penny priced (and flavourless) products?

Crimped hair - another 80s relic attempting a comeback; I’m sorry but this is staying strictly in the realms 'f preteen disco-wear.

Debate:Can long-distance relationships work at uni? Derrina Jebb and Lara Edwards investigate. the nicest thing seeing attractive girls all over his tagged photos; but at the same time, I'm not a bunny boiler and I'm not about to flip out over a few keenos.

Unlike others, I don't have to deal with the embarrassment of a one night stand and don’t have to sweat about painfully approaching a guy, only to be rejected.

Beneficially, it's strengthened our relationship and means the time we get together can be spent catching up – in more ways than one.

All of this aside, it gives me the perfect excuse to bat away greasy old men in Walkabout.

21

start where you can explore new interests and meet people that are similar to you. These are the years for having fun and finding out who you are, so the last thing I want to be doing is sitting in my room pining over my boyfriend and analysing his Facebook photos. After all when else is it going to be acceptable to run around in school uniform and body paint? Of course, for many singles that 'new experience' may be a drunken encounter with that geeky boy in your halls who you end up avoiding for the rest of the year, but who cares?

Making mistakes is all part of the student package. I want the full student experience, embarrassing encounters and all, and if I meet Birmingham's answer to Robert Pattinson; I don’t want anything holding me back.

Facebook relationship status'- I don't need to know that your relationship 'is complicated'; that's between you and the gf/bf- and doing it as a dig at your other half is sooo not subtle!

Drunk messaging - if only someone could invent a breathaliser app. to prevent morning after humiliation.

Unprotected freshers promiscuity- no-one wants to start the year with a case of herpes.

Selly Oak parking- a lesson to all: do not bring your new or fancy cars (if you’re spoilt enough) to brumdrunken and rowdy students are clumsy/criminal!

Jeggings and short tops- it's 9 am, I'm hungover, and I don’t want to see what is basically your bare arse Sundays - you're hungover from Fab, your room is a mess, you’ve done none of your work and lectures begin again the next morning. Great.

Walk of shame! Enough said. And what is even more annoying is that this little treat only applies to girls- one more thing to add to the list of 'why girls have to put up with far more cr*p than boys'.

Special thanks to Charlie Barrett for her contribution to F + F this week.

Give your opinion on these articles by commenting on our website. Visit us at www.redbrickonline.co.uk

22 Lifestyle

An apple a day: The Munrow

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Issue: Judge and the Jury Daniel Kelsey

Sarah Verrall We all know that the University of Birmingham is extremely pro-sport, and considering its consistently fantastic performance in the British Universities & Colleges Sport Championship, it has every reason to be. It seems that everywhere I wander on campus, I am likely to be greeted by the fabulous red, blue and yellow ensemble strolling with pride ahead of me. And anyone who frequents the Munrow Centre in particular, will know that this is where these sporting folk generally flock. But I, alas, am one of those who are not so fortunately adapted to playing sport. I'm a member of the Munrow Gym, but am more often than not overcome with a feeling that I don't quite belong in such a densely sports-orientated atmosphere. But I confess, I am something of a getfit-wannabe, believe it or not, so I want to know how our university sports centre is going to cater for my needs. How can it benefit me and all the other non-sportily inclined students.

With this in mind I took it upon myself to amble up to the Munrow centre, take a look around, get the low down on the facilities on offer and get an idea of whether the general consensus is a thumbs up or thumbs down. Walking towards the Munrow, I had to have a little chuckle to myself as I followed a pair of strapping lads from the Hockey team into the building, only to be met with a Korfballer stood at the desk. It has to be said there was a noticeably large population of redyellow-blue-wearers loitering around, but admittedly at least half of the people I saw were regular students. I asked a few for their opinions.

Sarah Tibar who studies Economics and Politics told me that; 'I don't use the gym, but I do attend yoga at the Munrow regularly and I think the classes are great'. Meg Franklin, who studies Politics, offered similar sentiments

as she walked in to attend a bodytoner class. There are as many as forty different fitness classes on offer at the Munrow and another twenty sports groups. Alex Parker who studies Politics was on his way to play squash and commented that; 'there's a lot for people to get involved in casually without feeling pressured to be part of any official team.'

However, he did add that the gym itself does seem excessively expensive, which doesn't do much to bring in potential student members.

It seems that there is in fact a wide variety of get-fit facilities to suit everyone, but it appears to me that the Munrow centre needs to do a lot more to promote this to all students at the University, not just those who are inclined to play sport.

Everyone knows that keeping fit and healthy is important, and I believe that the Munrow needs to work harder to attract the masses of every-day students wanting to know how he or she can get involved.

WE WANT YOU! ITV is looking for outgoing over 18s to be contestants in a brand new dating show Take Me Out, sure to get the nation talking (and dating). Hosted by funny-man Paddy McGuiness, Take Me Out sees intrepid single men thrown into an arena of 30 single women, firstly announcing just their name, and where they are from. Each of the girls has a light in front of them and if at any point they decide the guy is not for them, they switch it off.

This process continues as the guy reveals more and more about himself.

Eventually the tables are turned and the single man chooses his date from the girls who still have their lights switched on. If you want to get involved please contact Vicki.Barsby@talkbackthames.tv and get dating!

Dannii Minogue is a homophobic, talentless nobody that shouldn't be judging the X Factor.

OK I'm joking (I do agree with the last bit) but you can't deny that the world's most infamous sibling has generated her fair share of controversy this week.

If you didn't see the X Factor, Ms. Minogue essentially made a comment alluding to the fact that a bisexual contestant had made a gender change to the lyrics of a Jennifer Hudson song - audience and judges stunned, a few OMGs and a sprinkling of drama. Now, it'd be unfair to label it as homophobic; to me that's a very strong word and if anything she's just ignorant. But should we even joke about sexuality, and when and where is it appropriate?

Firstly, bringing up sexuality at a time when she was asked to comment on his performance was inappropriate, simple as. It was as if he was being judged for the gender change in the lyrics and not the performance. It'd be like countries voting for each other at the Eu-

rovision Song Contest because of political ties instead of the quality of the music, which as a fanatic I know for a fact doesn’t happen.

er it's ok to joke about sexuality. In a word: yes, but you have to remember who else is listening.

Even if there was a private joke, the viewers at home

Fair play, she did apologise, although to be honest it seemed as staged as a government sliming its way out of a sex scandal.

She mentioned how she had been joking about the lyrics backstage and added that it was only meant light- heartedly. Aside from the show itself, this got me thinking wheth-

weren't to know, leaving many offended. Also, if people think it's alright to make jokes, it becomes more difficult to find the boundaries between banter and bullying.

Profound ponderings about Dannii's impact on homophobia aside, I started thinking (it didn't hurt that much) about whether

we should confront people about their sexuality.

In this case, the poor guy wasn't just forced to give an answer for one person, but was put on the spot in front of millions of viewers as well. In my opinion, it's often better not to get involved. Pressuring someone into coming out can have one of two consequences: they'll either roll over (no pun intended) and admit it, or more than likely they'll move so far into the closet that they find themselves in Narnia.

Apart from all this, we have to wonder if we should even discuss people's private lives. Celebrities expect invasion of their personal lives but sometimes, it's just not fair to gossip and speculate about intimate details that people might want to keep private. At the end of the day, as my Mum used to say (and often still does say) 'Think before you speak'. It may seem patronising, but before you comment on someone's personal life (not mentioning any names) consider if it's appropriate.

If it's offensive, consider the drama it may cause.

Culture: Starbucks we salute you!

Lauren Nuttall Lydia Gibson.

Along with jeggings, velvet and the latest pair of shoe-boots, a Starbucks cup is the latest fashion must-have being paraded around campus. Since taking the University by storm following its grand opening in The Muirhead Tower earlier this term, hoards of excited students have been flocking to welcome the Uni-

versity's newest arrival.

From fresher to finalist, and even the odd lecturer too, everyone's getting involved. Providing that perfect post-seminar boost or a much needed caffeinated kick before embarking on that mammoth library sesh, the new Starbucks seemingly hits every spot. And as if that wasn't reason enough for paying our new neighbour a visit, we hear their cakes are pretty scrummy

as well! Not only has the coffee icon succeeded in breathing new life into the grey and drab facade of the Muirhead Tower, the cool kids are using it to spice up their outfits too. Flip through the pages of this month's glossy and you're sure to see the latest famous fashionista with a Starbucks cup in tow – we've heard it on the grapevine that Britney favours the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino (with an added splodge of caramel just for extra indulgent fun), while Cheryl Cole is more of a skinny latte girl! And the boys aren't escaping either – Brad's personal favourite being the Iced Soy Tea. Who says Celebville gets to have all the fun? This is a piece of Hollywood that we can all get our hands around.

With your polystyrene cup in tow, even the most dishevelled look can feel put together, just right for Starbuck's very own mini catwalk – (aka the twentyfive minute queue.) And you've got to admit it, when somebody waltzes nonchalantly into your 9 o' clock – cup in hand, it's not just the silky aroma of freshly ground coffee leaving you green with envy. It's that same ageold jealousy, we've all felt it – remember the days of the Furby, the bomber jacket and the Spice Girl

inspired bubble shoes?

Through every year of teenagedom there's been a new craze for those fashion-followers amongst us to keep up with. It seems that here at University things are no different.

The skies may be grey and that post-Gatecrasher hangover is only getting worse, but with Starbucks in hand, what started out as a slow-amble towards your personal tutor's office is transformed into a coffee mission along Fifth Avenue à la Devil Wears Prada. Or else, what was once the Mason Lounge suddenly appears to have morphed into the glamorous common room of The OC's Harbour School, set under the California Sun. All that's missing now is our very own Seth Cohen.

Whilst we might not be swept off our feet just yet, everyone's day is made that little bit sweeter by a caramel frappuccino and a greedy helping of chocolate fudge cake.

Want to hear Jess and Alex's musings on everything from fur to fake tan (and other such pressing issues)?

Then look out for the Lifestyle Podcast coming very soon at Redbrickonline.co.uk

Television

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Top Ten: Annoying TV characters

23

A step too far?

Harriet Tisdall and Sara Sherwood take us through the characters they love to hate...

Matthew Williamson examines the latest scandal to hit Saturday night TV and asks whether Strictly Come Dancing star Anton du Beke has gone too far...

10. Tracy Beaker (Tracy Beaker) This adaptation would have been welcome if it wasn't for the selfish, whiney and unbearable characterization of Tracy Beaker. What's worse is that the actress actually thought she could be the British Hannah Montana. Not with that hair, Tracy.

NO Saturday night TV phenomenon is complete without some sort of scandal, and this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing has proven no exception.

Professional dancer Anton du Beke has incited great debate in the media world by allegedly saying to his dance partner, Footballers' Wives and Primeval actress Laila Rouass, that she 'looked like a Paki' after she applied fake tan for the show.

The incident is alleged to have taken place during their training period, before the show began, and was witnessed by around 15 people.

Rouass was said to have stormed off, clearly upset at the remark, but has since accepted du Beke's apology, with the duo appearing on spinoff show It Takes Two where they stated that they had cleared the air, whilst du Beke issued another unreserved public apology.

Matters have not ended there, with the BBC firmly refusing to give in to calls for du Beke to be sacked, whilst there are also rumours circulating that increased security measures were put in place in the studio in the weeks following the incident in order to protect du Beke from any backlash. So the

9. Ben Mitchell (EastEnders) Despite being part of the hard-man-Mitchell dynasty, Ben is a squeaky-voiced, tap-dancing dweeb. With one facial expression, he is an embarrassment to his father and to viewers. Somehow, with Ian Beale and Peggy Mitchell for inspiration, we sincerely doubt he'll improve with age.

8. Marissa Cooper (The OC) With more issues than outfits, Marrisa's only forgiving aspect is her hair and abundance of Chanel. Continually splitting up with Ryan, befriending stalkers, an alcohol addiction and a suicide attempt: there's no compassion from us, just irritation.

7. Serena Van Der Woodsen (Gossip Girl) Gossip Girl belongs to acid-tongued Blair Waldorf, certainly not rhombusboobed Serena Van Der Woodsen. With her inconsistent character, selfish behaviour and irritating relationship with moralising Dan Humphrey, Serena catapults herself into the most annoying characters.

6. Carrie Bradshaw (Sex And The City) 'I love Big, I hate Big, I'm writing a pseudo-witty article about Big.' Oh Carrie, shut up! The fact she did not choose the gorgeous, reliable Aidan is bad enough, but her constant whining and fretting certainly contributes to the irritation factor. With added wardrobe envy, we don't see why there has to be a second film about a character with no likeability factor.

5. Monica Geller (Friends) In the early seasons of Friends, when Monica hasn't yet transformed into a caricature of herself, she's bearable. But somewhere between sleeping with Chandler and their wedding she becomes shrill, obsessive and generally unwatchable.

4. Charlie Harper (Two and A Half Men) Why is this show still on? Not only does it feature the most awful laughter track ever heard in an American sitcom, but also the unbearable Charlie Sheen in a role mirroring his own existence. His perpetual antics around LA make him not only irritating but insulting to our intelligence.

3. Sarah Barnes (Hollyoaks) Given her horrific death, we feel slightly guilty about including Sarah. But then we remembered why we weren't that bothered that she had died. Prancing around claiming to be a model, sleeping with anything with a pulse and her very irritating way of breathing heavily at the end of every sentence, Sarah definitely won't be missed by us.

2. Peyton Sawyer (One Tree Hill) Peyton is just a whiney attention-seeker with awful taste in music. A horrible best friend to Brooke, she has a narcissistic video blog in which she strips and later becomes confused as to why she has psycho internet stalkers. Thank God she's left.

1. Dawson Leery (Dawson's Creek) Pretentious, nineties hair and an unnaturally large forehead. His pathetically angst-ridden 'relationship' with Joey Potter is possibly the most nauseating storyline ever. Dawson also has the ugliest crying face ever, inspiring nothing but raucous bursts of laughter. There's a reason she chooses Pacey.

question must be asked: does du Beke deserve to be allowed to move on from his mistake, or, in light of the scandal, is it time he left the dancefloor?

Some have compared the issue to an incident involving TV personality Carol Thatcher in February of this year.

Speaking in the green room to her colleagues on the BBC's The One Show, Thatcher allegedly used a racist term in conversation and, after a complaint from someone who had overheard the remark, was asked to publicly apologise for what was said. Strongwilled Thatcher refused, explaining that what she had said was not in any sense meant to be racist.

She subsequently had to step down from her position of reporter on the show. So if Thatcher was forced to leave her role within the corporation, why has the same fate not awaited du Beke?

Perhaps du Beke was saved by the mere practicalities of the show's format. Each duo of professional dancer and amateur celebrity train for months prior to the show's launch and it takes weeks to build up a rapport between dancer and partner. Removing du Beke from the show would not have been fair to Rouass, who would

have been at a great disadvantage if she had to change partner or, worse, drop out of the show altogether.

Equally, du Beke's speedy apology and the show of unity between the duo after the story broke certainly seem to have helped his cause.

Realising he had caused offence, and publicly admitting how he has struggled in the bitter aftermath of the incident, will have helped him to redeem his previously squeaky-clean public image.

The fact remains that with incidents like this occurring more and more regularly behind

the scenes of our favourite shows, TV personalities today have to be very careful about what they say, whether it be on screen (Dannii Minogue's controversial comments about X Factor contestant Danyl Johnson's sexuality still make this particular writer cringe with embarrassment) or behind the scenes with their colleagues. With political correctness inescapable, it seems that there's a fine line between what the public find acceptable and what they don't. And du Beke, it seems, is dancing very close to it.

Desperately Seeking Housewives...

With the series five finale leaving us on romantic tenterhooks, Natalie Timmins gives us some tantalising teasers as to what to expect upon our return to Wisteria Lane...

THE outcome of the SusanMike-Katherine wedding will be ridiculously crazy, with both potential brides in dresses and at the altar.

Although, let's be honest, we all know who should win this battle.

Our favourite housewives aren't the only ones flirting and frolicking. Oh yes, golden oldie Mrs McCluskey has filmed a sex scene and will have her very own love interest!

Just make sure you're not eating when it screens!

Creator and writer Marc Cherry has hinted that Lynette and Tom's new twin trouble could be short-lived, but after season four's cancer trauma, can the Scavos cope with another major tragedy?

Maiara Walsh, who plays Carlos' new-found niece Ana, has been promoted to series regular, so expect new mayhem.

Meanwhile our fashonista Queen Bee Gabby battles it out for supremacy. And while we're on the subject, Jesse Metcalfe (John Rowland) is making a very

welcome return, so could Ana be out to conquer Gabi's former conquest? Just imagine what Carlos' reaction might be.

This year's newcomers are the Vitales. Angie, Nick and Dominic flee from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, on the run from some as of yet unkown entity. Drea

de Matteo (from Joey and The Sopranos) plays matriarch Angie, and unfortunately looks like she may fall foul to inevitable comparisons with the irreplacable Edie Britt.

Shawn Pyfrom, who plays the reformed Andrew Van de Kamp, has apparently decided to go from series regular to

guest star. Although we must admit, he was definitely more interesting when he was out to ruin his mother's life by coming out, so maybe it's a step in the right direction.

'There's not much I can do for someone who would rather be good than happy.' Is Susan's ex, Karl Mayer, walking away from a womanising opportunity? Surely not! And can cheating housewife Bree overcome her obsessive, compulsive ways to find a motel clean enough for her affair?

And finally, prepare for a spoiler which is even more ridiculous than McCluskey's sex life: there are rumours of a crossover with hit US show Lost, in the form of an oceanic airliner landing slap bang on top of the privet fences.

And that's apparently just a mid-series drama! So will the finale intertwine with something even more obscure? True Blood lurking in Wisteria Lane anyone?

24 Television

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Office renovation

Simon Fairbanks explains why his fears for an American version of the British comedy classic proved unfounded...

I'M sure I wasn't the only Ricky Gervais fan who groaned at the announcement in 2005 that an American version of The Office had been commissioned by NBC. They were surely going to take the BAFTAwinning, Golden Globewinning original and butcher it with canned laughter, studio sets and an impossibly-attractive cast? And how could anyone replace Ricky Gervais as the boss?

Well, the US adaptation of The Office is now entering its sixth season and I'm happy to report that these concerns were unfounded. The American adaptation has gone from strength to strength, retaining the documentary feel (and therefore the realism) throughout, whilst propelling the comic talents of relative unknowns into the spotlight. These include John Krasinski as everyman Jim, Jenna Fischer as receptionist Pam, Rainn Wilson as the ever-annoying Dwight and Steve Carell in a career-defining role as boss Michael Scott. All are now household names and rocking the credits of huge Hollywood films. The Office has even won its own fair share of awards, rivaling

those on Gervais' mantelpiece. And most importantly, it is funnier now than ever.

Admittedly, the millions of Brits who tuned in for the pilot episode would be forgiven for having abandoned the show there and then.

The episode was not a reassuring launch to the season. It was a wordfor-word remake of the British pilot, leaving viewers constantly comparing the two versions.

The actors seemed to be speaking, or rather stealing, the lines of the much-loved British characters. I very nearly switched off myself.

However, I stuck with it. More to the point, an average of 5.4 million Americans did the same and the first season's mere six episodes (a tiny number for an American show) had surpassed all expectations. NBC did not hesitate in commissioning a full-length 22episode second season, and this gave the writers the opportunity to really shine. Characters and sub-characters now had a whole season to develop. Major story arcs, such as Jim's love for the betrothed Pam, had room to expand and cover angles that could not be

squeezed into the mere fourteen episodes of the British edition. Crucially, Michael Scott's character was revised to suit Steve Carell's talents. Viewing figures sky-rocketed.

And this was just the beginning.

In fact, this is the key difference between The Office on each side of the Atlantic. Clearly, both have great writing, recognisable characters and huge belly laughs.

But there is one key area where America beats us: longevity. As of yesterday, America had aired 107 episodes of The Of-

fice. This long-term duration is typical of American shows and offers fans a viewing experience that the BBC version could not. The last we saw of Tim and Dawn, they were getting together at the Christmas party.

Their love story ended there. Conversely, we get to follow Jim and Pam's whole relationship. They have not only hooked-up, but they are now married and Pam is pregnant. And the story is still ongoing.

The other great thing about long-running series is that the background characters get

their own moments to shine. In the British version these characters were comparable to extras; their names and personalities forgettable.

But across the Atlantic, they are as memorable as the stars. Their stories are often brought to the foreground: Stanley has a heart-attack, Meredith is an alcoholic, uptight Angela and timid Phyllis feud over the Party Planning Committee, airhead Kelly and cocky temp Ryan have an on/off affair and Oscar turns out to be gay. The list goes on and on.

Furthermore, since Season Three, Ed Helms (who recently appeared in The Hangover) has been added to the cast as Andy Bernard. His role has been expanded greatly, beginning as a salesman with anger management issues but developing into Michael's foolish protégé. A proud Cornell graduate and unlucky in love, he is fast becoming a fan favourite.

The argument that the British Office is superior will never be ruled out. Gervais' version definitely has a higher laugh rate per episode. This is understandable: they only had fourteen shows to cram in the jokes af-

ter all. The American version is more comparable to Friends. You will sit through each episode with a big smile on your face but you may only laugh out loud once or twice. But I don't mean that negatively. The actors and writers have made us so fond of the characters that you simply tune in to catch up with their lives; an impressive feat considering most of the time they are just sitting at a desk.

Ricky Gervais' blog reports that Steve Carell is signed on for at least two more seasons of The Office so there are plenty of Dunder-Mifflin belly laughs left on the horizon. Currently, Michael is having an affair with Pam's mum, Andy is chasing new receptionist Erin, Jim has been promoted to co-boss and Pam will give birth before the end of the season. So if you are not already addicted, then now is a great time to jump onboard.

The original Office will never be replaced.

But remember: it's over.

So if you're looking for more mockumentary paper-merchant shenanigans, then the American Office is always open for business.

John and Edward: A confession Matthew Williamson admits he may have been mistaken over The X Factor's most memorable contestants ever and gives his verdict on Cheryl Cole's debut solo performance...

SOME television moments unite the nation and attract discussion and debate, regardless of whether people are, or are not, regular viewers of the show in question; Susan Boyle's legendary first performance on this year’s Britain's Got Talent being a classic example.

This year's X Factor has attracted similar attention due to two very specific reasons: John and Edward.

I have a confession to make: this week they entertained me. There, I said it. Yes, on these very pages just last week, I vented my hatred for the gruesome twosome. I may even have ordered their immediate banishment from our TV screens.

But that was before this week. That was before Oops I Did It Again.

Wearing red suits as a tribute to the original Britney video, completely failing to synchronize the simplest of dance moves and high-fiving each other far too frequently, this was classic Saturday night TV. And then came the best bit: moving to the front of the stage, the twins proceeded to perform a full length,

cringe-worthy version of the spoken section of the song, complete with the lines: 'But I thought the old lady dropped it into the ocean in the end'…

'Well, Edward, I went down and got it for you.'

Yes, I was embarrassed, but I have to confess, it was highly watchable and probably the most memorable performance of Saturday evening.

Part of me has actually begun to feel a little

sorry for the twins. We all went through an annoying teenage phase (yes, most of us left it behind at fifteen and didn't drag it into adulthood). But few of us have transferred it to the small screen, had our lives dissected and our characters torn to shreads by the British media. It does take guts to sing weekly in front of 12 million people and, although they do it out of tune, they should nevertheless warrant at least a little respect.

They are, of course, far from perfect and, at the bootcamp stage of the competition, they did prove themselves to be ruthless in their desire to succeed, singing over one fellow contestant in order to outshine her.

All that before we have even considered their hairstyles. Surely reports that people are wandering into barber shops nationwide and asking for a 'John and Edward' are completely unfounded?

Upon her first act being voted off the show (poor Ricky Loney never really got a chance to shine, did he?), judge Cheryl Cole took to the stage and boldly stated:

'I can't believe he's going home and John and Edward are still here.' And, yes, to be fair, she did have a point. Genuine talent is now being lost at the expense of amusement and there is a certain sense that we are laughing at the dismal duo, rather than laughing with them. But for now, let the guilty TV pleasure continue and let's hope the twins can come up with even more cringeinducing, car-crash television. After all, it's not like they are ever going to win, surely?

Speaking of Cheryl, no analysis of last week's show would be complete without discussing her performance on Sunday night's results show.

Opinion has been divided on her outfit choice and whether or not she sang the whole song live, but let's be honest: few people seemed to care. Proving herself worthy of the number one spot which surely awaits her, and showing that she could probably survive if forced to compete on The X Factor herself, Mrs Cole's performance brought in a peak of almost 15 million viewers, beating the

numbers that saw last year's finale when Alexandra Burke triumphed.

She had fleets of backing dancers, surprisingly good vocals and ended with a dance remix, complete of course with an abundnace of pyrotechniques and explosions.

Leaving Whitney Houston's comeback in the shadows, Cheryl pleasantly surprised us all. Is there any stopping her?

Sport

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

25

The dream team (from left to right): Charlotte, Lauren, Lucy and Sian

Fantastic four show boys how it's done Jon Gilbert talks to golf's golden girls about their victory over the old enemy on their own patch IN June of this year the University of Birmingham sent two golf teams to the 2009 World Student Matchplay Championship held in Ingolstadt, Germany. Both the men's and the women's teams had managed to qualify for the prestigious event which, since its inauguration in 2006, has been an important fixture on any university golf calendar.

The women's team, made up of club captain Lauren Spray, first team captain Lucy Williams, Sian James and Charlotte Hope, had already made history when they brushed aside Cardiff University 4-0 to finish third in the UK qualifiers and book their place in the championship proper, something no all-female team had previously achieved.

However, it was in Germany where they would really excel and, quite unbelievably, go on and win the event, outperforming 25 other all-male and mixed teams representing universities from the UK, Europe and the USA. Sitting comfortably on brown leather sofas in Urban Village, the four University of Birmingham sports scholars are happy to discuss how the two-day championship unfolded. 'We got to Ingolstadt on Thursday for the practice round and it felt like one of the longest days ever. We had woken up for our flight at 4am' explained Williams, who flies to Brazil next week for the Faldo Series Final.

In order to have a chance of winning the tournament, the team would need to be placed in the top four by the end of Friday's strokeplay singles. And because of a late night indoor rugby game played out by some bois-

terous members of the all-men teams, the girls didn't manage to catch up on their previous night's lack of sleep. 'We played the Friday on adrenalin,' said Sian, the only player in the team to have competed in a ladies' professional tournament.

Sleep-deprived, but determined to beat their University of Birmingham male counterparts, the girls did not let the wet conditions hinder them and, on a day when low rounds were near impossible, scores of 78, 81 and 85 were enough for them to finish as the top-placed team and earn the right to challenge for victory in the tournament. The girls were subsequently drawn in the semi-finals against fourth-placed University of Warwick.

A strong and fiercely competitive team, Warwick's first two players out were both scratch golfers.

Williams and Hope won the first and third matches respectively, but Spray, second out onto the course, lost 5&4 to Nick Brooker. Fortunately for her, she'll soon have the opportunity for personal redemption: 'I've got to play him again in an up-and-coming BUCS game,' she said.

With the team 2-1 up, all the pressure fell upon R&A scholar James to avoid a playoff-inducing tie and secure their passage into the afternoon final. She delivered a 4&3 win, ensuring an emphatic 3-1 overall victory for the 'Brum girls', as they were known amongst the tournament's competitors.

The final would be played against the hosts, the University of ErlangenNürnberg, but rather than being phased by the prospect of playing yet anoth-

er all-mens team, the girls were looking forward to the challenge. Third team regular and level one qualified coach Charlotte Hope explained: 'Playing with men throughout my career has really helped my game. You hit it harder when you're up against a guy. You're more determined. There's actually more pressure on the men than there is on us.'

James added that, in what is a traditionally male-dominated sport, golf is seeing a gradual shift towards parity: 'I think ladies' golf is changing quite a bit. It's improving.

Governing bodies such as the LGU [Ladies' Golf Union] are really helping to get more young girls involved. And those that do stick with the game end up improv-

ing drastically by playing with the men.'

With respect to the Birmingham men's team that had also travelled to Ingolstadt, the girls were keen to point out the great camaraderie between the two groups of players.

'Because we play together in England, we were like a close-knit group. On finding out that we were through to the final they, and the other English universities' men's teams, really got behind us. They had a lot of respect for us because we had qualified first on the Friday,' explained Lauren.

The final, for which the girls had arranged to wear colour co-ordinated ribbons and hair bands, was played in the foursomes format. The Birmingham men's team, in

Photos courtesy of Sian James

an admirable gesture of support, would be their caddies.

In a searing 30°C heat, Williams and Hope were the first pairing out, whilst James and Spray followed in the second and final match. When the latter two reached the 18th tee at all-square, Williams and Hope had already wrapped up their match 2&1. 'It was close all the way through, but we kicked on from the 15th and won it,' explained Lucy, who hails from Hertfordshire.

In James and Spray's game, the lead up to the final hole of the championship had not been without controversy. On the 16th green, James had been aggressive with a birdie attempt. The ball just slipped by the hole, which left her partner with a tricky six footer.

As Spray struck the putt she heard the snap of a camera, courtesy of a German photographer on the fringe of the green. The putt lipped out and the pair found themselves 1 down going into the final two holes.

Her caddy, Chris Jones, made his thoughts clear to the offending photographer. Lauren was, understandably, furious.

'It wasn't the first time it had happened. It'd been going on the whole round.

On the 18th tee I had to readdress the ball three times because there were photographers, only a few yards away, moving about and taking photos. It was so inconsiderate.'

On the par five 17th Sian and Lauren showed their fighting spirit to get up and down for an improbable birdie and win the hole. Lauren held her nerve to hold out from ten feet, which gave way to, what promised to be,

an exhilarating finish. It turned out, however, to be an anti-climatic final hole, the Erlangen-Nürnberg pairing found trees before conceding the match and the championship.

All four girls were obviously ecstatic with winning the tournament and, four months on, the sweetness of victory is yet to subside. 'When we arrived we didn’t have any expectations. It was the first time the four of us had played together as a team. We honestly thought the Birmingham men's team or perhaps the University of Central Lancashire might win it. But it's a great title; we're the World Student Matchplay champions!' said Lauren.

Four handicapper Charlotte added: 'There was a real feeling of England versus Germany. All the English teams in the competition wanted us to win, but as we walked down the first in the foursomes, there were hoards of supporters surrounding the Germans! It was fantastic to win.'

Lauren, Lucy, Sian and Charlotte were clearly delighted to have beaten a male-dominated field, but they preferred to focus on the way the teams, from across the globe, had enjoyed a brilliantly organised event. 'It wasn't just about playing golf.

On the course it was extremely competitive, but off the course we had a great time too.'

The girls celebrated until the early hours and, inevitably, were once more well short of a full night's sleep before their 8 am flight back to Gatwick.

As defending champions they will be exempt from qualifying for the 2010 event and cannot wait to defend their title.

26 Sport

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

Brum battle and block their way to tight win Men's Football 1st: Birmingham v Nottingham 1-0 Dave Rudge THE University of Birmingham mens football 1st team opened their account in the BUSA Northern Premiership with a 1-0 win at home to newly promoted Nottingham. But it took a late deflected shot

by Adam Farnworth to seal the victory.

The game started at a frenetic pace with fierce tackles and robust challenges from both sides.

Birmingham almost took the lead on six minutes when a Jamie Williams free-kick resulted in pingball in the Nottingham box, the ball eventually trickling agonizingly past the right-hand post.

The fast tempo ensued with neither side really finding their rhythm.

A sustained spell of Birmingham pressure led to a great chance for Tim Parry on 16 minutes but his close-range shot cannoned off the post.

Birmingham's approach play gradually began to improve. On 24 minutes, Jamie Williams brilliantly nutmegged his

marker and whipped in a dangerous left-footed cross which was well snuffed out by the Nottingham defence.

Nottingham's first shot on goal came on 33 minutes, Iago Moreno's acute low shot forcing a good near-post save from the hitherto spectator Simon Lynn. Lynn was called into action again from the resulting corner, rising above the Nottingham strikers to punch the ball to safety.

Birmingham were back on the attack moments later. Parry again, almost found the net when his long-range strike whistled inches past the left-hand post, leaving the keeper well beaten but the scores still level.

Nottingham almost pinched the lead on the stroke of half-time when a lapse of concentration in the Birmingham back line allowed Lee Raji to spring the offside trap. But a superb saving tackle from Dave Bellis spared the centre-back's blushes.

The sides went in level at half-time with the home side looking the more likely to score but still failing to really assert control over the game.

The second half began miserably. Both sides struggled to keep the ball and neither looked liked breaking the deadlock.

Birmingham appeared totally bereft of ideas and their lack of chances led to growing frustration among the players. Their

opponents, though fired up, were equally devoid of creativity.

The hosts continued plugging away and eventually the chances came.

An audacious 40-yard effort from full back Rob Godfrey on the hour mark had Nottingham keeper Patrick Simson sprawling to his left and only missed by a whisker.

Birmingham were in the ascendancy and eventually broke the deadlock on 74 minutes. Dave Bellis' long ball, headed down

by Sammy Ross, found it's way into the path of Adam Farnworth; who, turning his man fired his shot in low and with the aid of a deflection deceived Simson in the Nottingham goal. The despairing keeper got a hand to it but it wasn't enough to the keep it from creeping over the line.

Nottingham used up their substitutes and went gung-ho in search of the equaliser. The pressure began to build but Birmingham defended resolutely to prevent any clear cut chances. Then, in the 95th minute of stoppage time, a heroic last-ditch piece of defending from substitute James Secker saved a certain goal, ensuring the three points were Birminghams, and sparking loud celebrations from the home supporters.

After the game, Birmingham manager Chris Wright said he was pleased with performance: 'In the

Farnworth goes close before scoring the winner late on first half I thought we retained the ball really well, especially with how we switched the play. We didn't panic under pressure.

The performance was much improved from the last game.'

Unfortunately though, he revealed the injury sustained by star striker Rich Powell in the last game is a fairly serious one: 'The physio says it will be at least 5 to 6 weeks. He's damaged the fibres of his medial cruciate ligament.

They did say it would be ten weeks, but now we're hoping to have him back by around Christmas.'

When quizzed over Birmingham's poor goalscoring record of late though, Wright seemed unperturbed: 'It's not really a concern because we're keeping clean sheets.

Yeah, it's nice to win by three or four but Nottingham defended well and looked threatening on the attack. I'm pleased with the win.'

Photo: Tom Flathers

It was a crucial first win of the season for Birmingham but not an altogether convincing one. Birmingham's starting line-up consisted of six changes from the side that lost to Cadbury in pre-season and the team have only managed to score one goal in their last three outings. But the win will no doubt boost the confidence of the squad and stand them in good stead for their next league match away to Leeds.

Epic battle ends in heartache for brave Birmingham Men's Volleyball 1st: Birmingham v Oxford 2-3 Oli Sly THE University of Birmingham's sporting achievements are well documented amongst the many that follow the numerous teams of a Wednesday afternoon but perhaps the men's volleyball side is a rare exception to this.

For a club making all the right noises both on and off the court, it may be surprising as to how many people are aware of their recent success. The team were unbeaten for the whole of last season bar the season finale, preceding an unbeaten start to the current campaign.

Alongside the club's heavy emphasis upon community support which in-

cludes the five hundred juniors that are currently participating in their junior school's programme, this is a team and a club that appears to be moving in only one direction – upwards.

That said, the men's team will be under no illusions as to what lies ahead in the coming season. After promotion from the second division last year, all seemed in order ahead of Wednesday evening's encounter against Oxford University after last week's 3-0 defeat over the other half of Oxbridge.

However, a well drilled Oxford side turned out on Wednesday night laden with experience in their ranks, and it showed early on against a nervy and quiet Birmingham side, with the away side taking an 18-12 lead in the first game. As the first set seemed to be running away from the home side, Brum coach Graham Fowler called a halt to proceedings and delivered a team talk.

After a quick regroup, Birmingham shot out the blocks, helped by excel-

lent defensive digging from home libero Tin Wong.

Having levelled the score at 22-22, it was from here that both sides struggled to get a grip on the game.

Fifteen minutes of play later, the score was still tied, this time at 3939, and it was at this point that communication broke down within the home ranks. A bad call to leave a spike from Oxford's Asaiah Passwater, led to the ball flying in at the back of the court to hand the away side the first game at 41-39.

Birmingham were again slow out of the blocks in the second set, finding themselves 6-2 down early doors. The hosts continued to lag behind the visitors for the whole game before eventually succumbing to a second set defeat at the hands of a powerful spike from Scott Hale.

But a tiring Oxford side slowly surrendered their two game lead, to a more focused, settled and communicative Birmingham side who raced to a 19-13 lead in the third

under the excellent leadership of captain Tom Hirt coupled with superb frontcourt play from Brum number nine Andrea Zaucker.

Oxford had hit a wall as the home side were well and truly in the driving seat, taking the fourth game to level the match at 2-2 after an unforced error from visitor Passwater ended up in the net after excellent serving from Hirt.

However, all the work to claw the match back was in vain, the men in red and yellow failing to get close to the visiting side in a fiery deciding game that finished 15-5 in the Oxfordshire team’s favour.

Despite defeat, there will be positives to take out of this mid-week encounter, particularly for a side who have experienced such a major transformation over the summer from last season's near unbeaten side. Wednesday night's defeat will not go far to dampen the spirits around a club aiming to continue it's long and secret success story.

Hands up who loves volleyball? Photo: Tom Flathers

Sport

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

27

Birmingham flying high after thrilling game Men's Basketball 1st: Birmingham v Edinburgh 85 - 75 Blayne Pereira THE Munrow Sports Centre played host to a fantastic game of basketball on Wednesday evening as Birmingham entertained Scottish opponents in the shape of Edinburgh University. Edinburgh are new to the division, having just gained promotion, and were soundly beaten last week by Leeds.

Home team coach Peter Mintoft was confident of victory while his opposite number, Adrian Flynn, insisted that his side held no fear towards their opponents.

Given the 10-point winning margin, it would be easy to assume the game was a one-sided affair. In fact, it was was quite the opposite. Edinburgh opened the scoring, courtesy of Estonian Gert Merisalu and both teams then proceeded to exchange baskets in fairly cagey start, with Birmingham opening up a 12-4 lead thanks to 6'5 Andy Blakeway and Matt Watson both nailing a couple of early shots.

That eight-point lead would not be seen again until the final quarter as the Scots quickly hit back to lead 21-19. Merisalu was pulling the strings, and he scored all but nine of their points, with Ian Black contributing seven.

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After the controlled attacks of the first quarter, the second quarter became a little more scrappy as the defense of both teams came to the fore. Only five points were scored in the opening three and a half minutes and they all went to Edinburgh, who increased their lead to six.

Jake Barr and Labib Feidy, a Cuban-Palestinian-German on a masters degree, stopped the slide with Feidy muscling through the Scottish defense using all of his 6'4 frame. Black then drained consecutive shots from downtown as the Scots increased their lead to seven. Feidy hit back with a three-pointer of his own but Birmingham were still down by three as the clock ran down. Canadian Ravi Mandair forced a steal and he sprinted down the court to set-up Feidy in a thrilling Brum fast-break to end the quarter.

The second half begun, and Birmingham immediately took the initiative with Watson, Uche Umekwe and two free-throws from Lawrie Hall giving the hosts a five-point lead. The Scots hit back through the insatiable Gert Merisalu and a three-point play. As the half-way mark approached in the third quarter, both teams were struggling with the accumulation of fouls, with Birmingham over the limit already.

This and the numerous free throws missed by both sides meant that the respective coaches were far from happy at the game's end.

The tempo had risen significantly since the break with points being scored in almost every attack. Edinburgh main-

tained the trend as Douglas Taylor cruised through for a deuce just seconds after Watson had drained a three for Birmingham.

The play could not have been further from the defense-dominated earlier periods, and Blakeway and Barr added to Birmingham's tally to increase their lead to eight. With Brum's support in full voice, Edinburgh's Austrian player Yuri Haumer gave them a cheeky wink as he swished a free-throw. The cocksure gesture was met with rapturous applause from the home fans, who took pleasure in the banter.

Birmingham ended the quarter well on-top, with an awesome play to finish the quarter. Mandair beating the buzzer with a fine three which sent both the players and crowd wild.

With Birmingham cruising to victory at 64-56, a victory was in sight for the home side. Merisalu was beginning to get frustrated, having given away a cheap foul before being tripped by Mandair.

The home team looked like they had sewn up victory early in the fourth quarter as a double steal from Barr led to four points and a twelve point lead. But, just like a dog after a bone, Edinburgh refused to go away and they managed to narrow the gap down to just four points with less than five minutes to go.

That was as close as they would come to victory though as the instrumental Merisalu lost possession at 76-72 and Mandair set-up Barr for a massive fast-break turnover score. Barr missed out on the chance to make it into a three-point play but Umekwe caught the

A Birmingham player attacks the basket on the way to victory Photo: Tom Flathers

rebound and nailed the shot for an eight point lead. Edinburgh's Lazar Vukadin did not give up though, running through the paint unchallenged for a basket before muscling his way through to cut the lead by two. It was a step too far for the Scottish team though and, as the final ninety-seconds dawned, an exhausted Merisalu missed three free throw opportunities amidst some deafening chanting. An epic fast

break from Watson and token free-throws from both Barr and Mandair ended the scoring at 85-75.

Birmingham head coach Mintoft admitted after the game that he had underestimated the Scottish opponents but he felt that the victory was welldeserved. He highlighted the fact that Birmingham gave their opponents too much room in the first half and singled out the freethrow misses as key areas for improvement. Flynn,

=the===redbrick==crossword= Sephron Mansell

Redbrick 1355

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Sponsored by Waterstone's at the University of Birmingham The prize this week is the book 'Emma' by Jane Austen

Across

Down

1. To Kill A ___________, Harper Lee novel (11) 5. The _____, Frank Kafka novel (5) 6. Digit next to forefinger (5) 8. ___ Pothas, South-African cricketer (3) 9. Scottish delicacy (6) 12. ____ Project, Cornish biomes (4) 13. _____ de Bernieres, author of Birds Without Wings (5) 15. ____ Mess, Meringue dessert (4) 16. The ______ Boosh, comedy starring Noel Fielding (6) 19. Slender plastic runner worn on the foot (3) 20. Flower (5) 21. H.G. _____, author of The War of the Worlds (5) 22. Fyodor ___________, author of Crime and Punishment (11)

1. ___________ Seven, Western directed by John Sturges (11) 2. The _______ in the Rye, novel by J.D. Salinger (7) 3. Cake topping (5) 4. An extremely small quantity (4) 7. Person who receives funds or property under a Will (11) 10. Winston _____, author of Forrest Gump (5) 11. Lead vocalist of The Police (5) 14. _______, James Joyce novel (7) 17. Cut in two (5) 18. Literary composition (4)

meanwhile, was happy with his side's gutsy display. 'The players gave it their all, so I can't complain. Free throws costs us dearly though.'

All-in-all, it was a solid win for Birmingham, who will look to build on the momentum gained from this game. Without the free-throw misses, they would've been very near the century mark in terms of points. The outlook is bright for the forthcoming season.

Last issue's solutions:

kilimangaro== i=y=a===l==== n=dogmatic=== g=i=n=====j== stamina=p=a=i h===t===rants o=i=ultra=e=o lucid===t===m m=o=e=cyclone ==n=====h=t=t ===flaubert=r ====e===t=e=i ==prehistoric Think you've cracked it? Pop your completed crosswords (and bribes, naturally) in to the Redbrick office with your NAME, COURSE, YEAR and EMAIL ADDRESS for a chance to win Jane Austen's 'Emma' from the University's Waterstone's branch.

The deadline for the crossword is Tuesday 27th October 2009.

Last issue's winner was Daniel Tarr, 3rd Year, Mathematics. We will send you an email to confirm a time to collect your prize .

28 Sport

REDBRICK 1355 / 23rd OCTOBER 2009

SPORT

26 Volleyball Birmingham suffer a narrow defeat to Oxford

25 Golf Four girls flying the flag for Birmingham abroad

Birmingham keep cool to seal win Women's Netball 1st: Birmingham v Loughborough 36 - 32 Patrick Surlis THE University of Birmingham netball 1st team performed excellently on Wednesday night to seal a hard earned win against perennial contenders Loughborough. On the back of the visitor's impressive demolition of Nottingham Trent in their opening game of the season, Birmingham could have been forgiven for fearing the worst. However, an extremely efficient performance led to a welldeserved win for the team which bodes well for the rest of the season.

A frenetic start to the game at the Munrow Sports Hall led to a great deal of turnover ball for Birmingham, via a combination of good Birmingham defensive pressure and self-inflicted Loughborough mistakes. This ensured Birmingham controlled the opening five minutes, with centre Kate Roberts marshalling the middle third of the court.

With the Brum defence blunting the Loughborough's attacks, sharp passing throughout the opening exchanges led to the home side taking the lead and steadily extending it throughout the quarter. The forward line of Hayley Taylor and Olivia Barber finished off a host of chances created for them, in stark contrast to the stuttering forward line of Loughborough.

Numerous Loughborough mistakes as they looked to attack, allied with their almost incessant conceding of pen-

alties, meant that at the end of the first quarter Birmingham had carved open a 13-7 lead.

This pattern continued into the second, although greater Loughborough pressure in defence did initially cause Birmingham some problems, However, as the quarter progressed it was clear that the Birmingham goal shooter Taylor was in superb form, scoring almost at will as space began to open up around the goal circle.

Throughout the quarter the ability of the Birmingham shooters to find the net, even as they had the ball much less frequently than their Loughborough counterparts, was the difference. With the Loughborough coach becoming increasingly frustrated and calling for greater movement from her players, the Birmingham defensive pressure culminated in numerous penalties conceded by Loughborough in threatening situations. Loughborough looked startled by the intensity of Birmingham's play and any opportunity they did get to score, was often squandered, ensuring Birmingham led 21-13 at the interval.

The Birmingham halftime consensus seemed to be the need for greater urgency in getting the ball forward and the eradication of the numerous square passes. However, it was Loughborough who started the brighter with their centre pressing all over the court. Possession began to be dominated by the away side, who were searching for a way back into the match.

Once again though Loughborough opportunities were wasted, and allowed Birmingham to preserve a healthy advantage.

A further feature of the game was Loughborough's continued indiscipline, giving away penalties and further limiting

Despite Loughborough pressure, Birmingham were always in control of the match their attacking effectiveness. Consequently, their players became visibly frustrated as the quarter progressed, allowing Birmingham to exploit lapses in concentration and extend their lead further.

It resulted in a 29-20 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Resuming in the fourth, the complexion of the match changed considerably. Previously Birmingham had scored consistently and regularly whilst controlling the tempo; the fourth quarter, in contrast, started scrappily with loose balls and turnovers a feature of the early exchanges.

However, as a desire to put pressure on Birmingham grew, Loughborough attacked with an

increased sense of urgency and a greater efficiency. This improvement in attack saw the deficit reduced to five points with eight minutes remaining.

As the quarter continued, both benches offered increasingly exasperated calls of encouragement, Birmingham's head coach Dionne Williams pleading with her players to keep possession and see the game through. With five minutes left Birmingham's lead had been cut to a precarious three points, with the advantage just 32-29.

The pace of the game was as frantic as at any point with Birmingham looking to consolidate and Loughborough desperately seeking to overturn the scoreline.

However, as the final

minutes ticked away, Birmingham rallied, keeping possession and scoring on the break when given the chance, frustrating Loughborough's forward momentum.

Whilst the game had briefly become stretched earlier in the quarter, the Birmingham defence tightened up to good effect, with Sarah Bishton and Abi Barber denying the Loughborough forwards space to find their passes on several occasions. The stout rearguard display allowed Birmingham to eventually see the game out and seal a 36-32 win.

The result was an brilliant start to the new season for the hosts and left head coach Williams extremely pleased come the

Photo: Tom Flathers final whistle. The game represented 'a good start to the season, with the ultimate aim being a return to the Premier Division' she said afterwards. In particular, Hayley Taylor performed exceptionally scoring 26 of Birmingham's 36 points, with an extremely efficient display of shooting against a Loughborough team that Williams said she 'always felt were going to be very strong opposition.'

The result and the performance sets the team up nicely for their next game against Nottingham Trent University.

The girls will no doubt be full of confidence following this superb performance against some very formidable and dangerous opposition.