EST. 1936
Redbrick Friday 10th February 2012 | Volume 76 | Issue 1406 | redbrickpaper.co.uk
Kaiser Chiefs' Ricky Wilson on new musical direction See Music, p.19
Vote of no confidence rejected Freddie Herzog Online News Editor
The petition for a vote of no confidence in Mark Harrop, President of the Guild of Students, has been rejected. The Guild's Scrutiny Panel held a meeting on Wednesday 1st February and concluded that the petition should be rejected 'on the basis that some of the petition points were either inappropriate or unreasonable in respect of the evidence provided'. Guild Council, the democratic decision-making body of the Guild, was held on Thursday 2nd February but did not discuss the issue. The first five accusations were rejected and the final topic, 'failing to implement Guild Council mandates', was accepted by a majority vote. This was because 'the President acknowledged that the mandate was not completed within the deadline agreed by Guild Council', according to the scrutiny meeting minutes. Harrop was presented with the petition by the Vice President of Education, Edd Bauer, on Thursday 12th January. The petition was signed by 28 Guild Councillors and 22 students who called for a motion of no confidence to be passed against the current President. After the occupation of the North Gate House at the University of Birmingham in November 2011, Harrop was asked by the University to provide a witness statement about the two day sitin. During questioning, he confirmed the identity of a participating student at the University, who is now facing disciplinary action and possible exclusion. The named student posted a copy of Harrop's statement on Facebook, which was later recalled and will no longer be used in the case against the student. In a note entitled 'Withdrawal of Witness Statement', Harrop wrote, 'I gave what I believed was a truthful account of my observations of this incident; however I recognise how parts of the statement could be misconstrued.' In response to the rejection of the vote of no confidence, Harrop said: 'It is obviously regrettable that 28 Guild Councillors signed
Mark Harrop, Guild President
5
6
Proportion of accusations that scrutiny deemed to be unreasonable or inappropriate
the petition for a vote of no confidence. However with the result of the Scrutiny Committee I will continue, as I always have, to do the best job I possibly can, whether that is getting a 24hour library during exam times or fighting for the injunction to be dropped – my commitment is as focused as the
day I took office and I will strive to bring about a better student experience for students here at Birmingham.' The Scrutiny Panel is made up of a student trustee (also the chair of the meeting), a university nominee and a lay trustee. In an email sent out to Guild Councillors who
Freddie Herzog
signed the petition and in a statement on Mark Harrop's official presidential Facebook page, the panel said that 'it was not within its remit to amend or partially accept a motion since it was not possible to know how this would have impacted on the petitioners' support.' The rejection of the petition is the final decision of the panel. Passed: • Failing to implement Guild Council mandates
Failed: • The President's involvement with the disciplinary of a University of Birmingham student • Lying to the Sabbatical Officer group about his witness statement • Chairing of the Appointments Panel • Knowingly misleading students on his Officer blog • Serious and misleading miscommunication of the Bye-Laws to Guild Council
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Redbrick Editorial Editor Glen Moutrie Deputy Editors Victoria Bull James Phillips Online Editor Chris Hutchinson Art Director Beth Richardson Multimedia Editors Rian Lennon Owen Earwicker multimedia@redbrickonline.co.uk Photography Editors Freddie Herzog Millie Guy chiefphotographer@redbrickonline.co.uk Technical Director Jeremy Levett News Editors Anna Hughes Kerrina Gray Rhiannon DoyleMaw Freddie Herzog (Online) news@ redbrickonline. co.uk
Food Editors James Morrison Izzy Gibbin Rosie Sharratt (Online) food@redbrickonline.co.uk Life&Style Editors Sophie Cowling Lara Edwards Lucy Whife lifestyle@redbrickonline.co.uk Travel Editors Emily Booth Louise Spratt Will Spence (Online) travel@redbrickonline.co.uk Technology Editors Joshua Lindsey Ruth Bradley Sam Atkins Dan Lesser (Online) technology@redbrickonline.co.uk Sport Editors Sam Price Raphael Sheridan Joel Lamy (Online) sport@redbrickonline.co.uk
C&F Editors Oscar French Elisha Owen Owen Earwicker (Online) features@redbrickonline.co.uk
Crossword Editor John Rizkallah
Arts Editors Lexie Wilson Alexander Blanchard Anna Lumsden (Online) arts@redbrickonline.co.uk
Editorial Assistants Ellie Jarvis Isabel Mason Sarah Musgrove Ravina Khela Ellie Smallwood
Music Editors Will Franklin Tamara Roper Josh Holder (Online) music@redbrickonline.co.uk Television Editors Charlotte Lytton James Moore Abigail Salter (Online) tv@redbrickonline.co.uk Film Editors Genevieve Taylor Isidore Sanders Matthew Clemens (Online) film@ redbrickonline. co.uk
Senior Editorial Assistant Kate Selvaratnam
Online Editorial Assistants Rosie Pearce Josh Taylor Eimear Luddy Junior Art Directors Lauren Wheatley Sophie Rogers Akhil Kothari Proofreaders Amy Saul Lucy Haffenden Faye Simpson Elizabeth Waind Community Manager Sophie MurrayMorris
Designed and typeset by Redbrick. Copyright (C) Redbrick 2012 Redbrick strives to uphold the NUJ Code of Conduct. The views expressed in Redbrick do not necessarily reflect those of the editors, the Guild or the publishers. If you find an error of fact in our pages, please write to the Editor. Our policy is to correct mistakes promptly in print and to apologise where appropriate. We reserve the right to edit any article, letter or email submitted for publication. To contact us:
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FALKLANDS
Lords are advised to Redknapp cleared of tax evasion back NHS plans
Argentina criticises UK ‘militarisation’
Peers in the House of Lords have been urged to support the plan to let hospitals to more private sector work. These plans are revolutionary and would be biggest shake-up to the NHS since its founding in 1984.
President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner of Argentina made the announcement that Argentina will make a formal complaint to the UN about the UK. She argued that the UK ‘militarisation poses a grave danger to international security.’
The Tottenham manager has been cleared of tax evasion surrounding payments he made to a bank account in Monaco. He denied accepting secret untaxed bonuses from the former Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric.
SYRIA
EDUCATION
City of Homs under attack
Teacher reprimand over to Facebook
On the fifth day of fighting, the City of Homs has seen the heaviest assaults yet by government troops since the uprising began. The rebel fighters of the Free Syria Army have been retaliating throughout the attacks.
Fifty year old Elizabeth Scarlett, who used to teaches at a primary school in Crumlin was disciplined by the General Teaching Council in Wales due to her facebook stating she is ‘100% naughty and liked partying hard.’
LOTTERY
HACKING
Is the monarchy still relevant? Ella Parsons asked 100 students: Do you think the monarchy is still relevant today? This week's sees sixty years since Queen Elizabeth II has been Queen. Her official Jubilee will be celebrated in June.
JUBILEE
UK winner of Euro- Settlements reached millions jackpot over hacking
Queen's Jubilee gig line-up announced
Operator Camelot has revealed that a UK ticket-holder has won more than £45 million in Tuesday’s Euromillions draw. No one has come forward to claim the prize of £45,160,170.50 which is the seventh largest sum ever won in the UK.
The line-up for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee has been announced, with acts including Elton John, Paul McCartney and Ed Sheeran. Ten thousand free tickets are being offered to members of the public through a ballot.
BOOKS
Nine celebrities have reached out of court settlements over the hacking scandles. It has been revealed that Steve Coogan and Alister Campall obtained ‘substantial damages’ with costs and that Paul Gascoigne recieved £68,000. STALKING
MILLY DOWLER
PEDALO
Crook shortlisted Harassment Laws is Levi Bellfield loses Naked pair abandon for book prize inadequate stalking appeal their pedalo bid Mackenzie Crook, best known for playing Gareth in The Office and his role in Pirates of the Caribbean has been shortlisted for the 2012 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. The nomination is for his novel, The Windvale Sprites.
Campaigners have crtitcised Harassment Law. MPs and Peers in the House of Lords want to make stalking a separate criminal offence in England and Wales. Scotland already made stalking an offence in 2010.
Timeline of the Queen's reign
Redbrick Guild of Students Edgbaston Park Road Birmingham B15 2TU 0121 251 2462 editor@redbrickonline.co.uk redbrickpaper.co.uk Redbrick is printed through www.quotemeprint.com: 300667.
Redbrick
10th February 2012
Milly Dowler's murderer, Levi Bellfield, has been refused permission to appeal against his conviction for the murder and kidnap of Milly Dowler. He will now serve a whole-life jail term. Bellfield has complained about abuse in prison.
Kieran Sweeney and Callum MacDonald from Cumbria have abandoned their third attempt of crossing the Atlantic naked on a pedalo. They had to be rescued by helicopter after getting caught in a storm. They aimed to raise £50,000.
1969
1926
1947
1953
February 12: Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary II, later Queen, is born to the Duke and Duchess of York.
November 20: Princess Elizabeth marries Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, who becomes the Duke of Edinburgh.
June 2: Queen Elizabeth’s coronation at Westminster Abbey, the first state event to be broadcast on TV in Britain and around the world.
July 1: Charles, born 1948, is named Prince o f Wales and heir to the throne by the Queen.
News 3
10th February 2012 redbrickpaper.co.uk
Redbrick
News shorts compiled by Victoria Graney
Social discontent: Dickens to Twitter Victoria Bull
FIRE
SPORT
TV chef cookery school burns down
Man United fan guilty of racial abuse
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's cookery school kitchens have been damaged by a fire in Devon. The kitchens, which are part of the TV chef's River Cottage headquarters, were affectd at about 10:15pm on Tuesday night.
Howard Hobson has been banned from all Manchester United games for the next three years. Hobson shouted racist abuse at a Stoke City player during a match. He pleaded 'guilty' in court, stating he is 'deeply sorry'. BIRMINGHAM
Rape trial collapsed after lunch meeting A rape trial in Birmingham collapsed after Prosecuter David Jones had lunch with the 15 year-old victim Dana Baker in his home. He broke strict legal guidelines on witness contact, and later resigned. The accused was sentenced after Dana's suicide.
Spotlight on Societies: RockSoc Who is your president? Mike 'Danger' Berry How long have you been running for? 200 Lives of Men What is the society all about? Socialising, relaxing, rocking out, sharing music Your society's highlights? Lovely people, regular socials, good music, good times Your society in 5 words? The Rooster House Of Societies Three facts about your society? We have an unhealthy obsesTECHNOLOGY
HEALTH
sion with Disney, we have no shame, we enjoy a drink or three. Why should we get involved? We're just a super bunch of people that listen to the best music around, and we know how to party hard. Upcoming events? 14th & 21st Feb – Beorma Bar 28th Feb – Glam Rock night @ Beorma Bar 6th March – Regular Beorma Night 13th March – Movie Night @ Beorma Bar March 20th – RockSoc Veterans night @ Beorma Bar How can we get involved? Come along to Beorma Bar, Tuesdays at 8pm. Don't be afraid! TELEVISION
A 'little too much' alcohol alert
Virgin Media posts £48m profits
The Government has announced that the risk of stroke, heart disease and cancer are increased by drinking 'a little too much' alcohol than they should. A TV campaign will be launched warning of the risks of drinking.
Virgin Media, owned by Sir Richard Branson, has announced profits of £48 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, up on a loss of £73.8 million in the previous quarter. The company has increased customer numbers by 15,000.
A record attempt in TV marathon viewing has been launched in LA. The participants will begin watching back-to-back episodes of the sitcom, and will be disqualified for sleeping. They are aiming to break the current record of 86 hours.
WEATHER
MEDIA
Further snow predicted for UK
Dale Farm unseen footage order
It has been predicted that there will be more snow in the next few days, reaching lows of up to -10C. Up to 6cm of snow is expected to fall in the Midlands, including Birmingham, and East Anglia, with severe ice warnings.
After losing a court battle against Essex police, the BBC, ITN and Sky News have been ordered to hand over hours of unseen footage of the Dale Farm evictions.The court ruled that it is in public interest for it to be released.
ENTERTAINMENT
EDUCATION
Children lack ability Lagerfeld calls Adele 'a little too fat' to study Dickens Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has described singer Adele as 'a little too fat' in the French edition of the Metro. He added that she had a 'beautiful face and a divine voice'. Negative reactions were voiced on Twitter.
According to leading biographer Claire Tomalin the works of Charles Dickens are 'beyond' modern children as they no longer have the attention span to read them. Tomalin blamed 'dreadful television programmes' for the change.
Simpsons marathon record attempt
Deputy Editor
I had begun to think that essays and dissertation deadlines had given me a severe case of writer's block when I sat down to write this week's editorial. No doubt most of you, regardless of subject or year of study are starting to feel the same as we approach the middle of term. While it also took me a while to come to terms with how fast time seems to fly, my writer's block lifted when I considered it's been an utterly unfathomable 200 years since Charles Dickens, one of Britain's most canonical authors, was born. How can I struggle to create something interesting to read in a 400-word column when he practically defined the English realist novel? His legacy got me thinking about the power of writing, which has seen a huge overhaul since Dickens' time. At the time Dickens was writing, he was hugely effectual in representing the poverty and vast social divides inherent in Britain, exposing the problems in the hope of enacting social change. What is lesser known about Dickens is his earlier career as a journalist, reporting on the social issues that so clearly concerned him in newspapers such as the Mirror of Parliament and the True Sun. He continued his interest in the injustices of society through the novels serialised in the journal of which he was editor, All The Year Round. Stories like Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are now undoubtedly ingrained in popular culture, whether or not we've actually read them all. Two centuries later, writing and reporting have taken on new mediums and are far more pluralised – nowadays, anyone can report on issues which are important to them through the simple use of comment feeds on news websites, Twitter, and blogs. This constantly evolving phenomenon has changed the ways in which social discontent can be voiced – whether for the good, as various Arab countries become liberated from regimes of dictatorship, or bad, as the rioting in the UK and the government attacks on such opposition in the Arab Spring have shown. The changes in the way we write and report since Dickens' era does not nullify the influence of newspaper journalism or even literary realism; indeed, it shows how Dickens' ground-breaking representations of Victorian society have paved the way for new, multimedia and amateur journalism to be a means of creating social reform. Words have a power, and in today's world, everyone has a voice.
Ravina Khela
1981 July 29: The Queen attends the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer in the capacity of mother of the groom.
1992 The Queen's 'annus horibilus'. Her son Prince Andrew and his wife separate, her daughter Princess Anne divorces her husband, her heir Prince Charles formally separates from his wife Diana, and a significant portion of Windsor Castle is destroyed by fire
1997 August 31: Princess Diana dies in a car crash, there is public outcry over the lack of the Queen's response which isn't delivered until a day before the funeral.
2002
2011
Elizabeth experiences the loss of both her sister Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother, both within two months of each other
April 29: the Queen attends the wedding of her grandson Prince William to Catherine Middleton.
4 News
Redbrick
10th February 2012 redbrickpaper.co.uk
Victoria Graney asked students: 'What do you think of the sabbatical team so far?' Sunil Grewal, 2nd year, Law 'I have no idea what they have done. I think there is a total disconnection with them from the student body'
Heather Owen, 2nd year, International Relations
'They are not very connected to the student body. The internal politics of the Guild does not get expressed to the population. They are elected on gimmicks and they are not connected with society'
Ryan Dunn, 3rd year, English
'I think the Joe's Card was a good idea and this is the first year I've known much about the Sabb team, maybe because of more publicity'
James Noake, 2nd year, Law 'I am not sure what they have done. They have allowed the internal politics to take away from their roles'
Two Non-Sabbatical officers quit Guild Council special their roles within a fortnight Kerrina Gray News Editor
Two non-sabbatical officers have resigned in the last two weeks, calling into question the time commitments placed upon their role alongside their degree. The Ethnic Minority Students Officer (EMSO) Carl Gayle and the Ethical and Environmental Officer Abby Levy resigned within a week of each other. In a statement on the Guild of Students website Levy is said to have 'stated several factors that have influenced her decision including work commitments and issues within the Guild politically.' The Guild statement detailing Gayle's resignation does not include any reasons. The 11 Non-Sabbatical Officers work part time at the Guild of Students representing and campaigning for students. Last week's Guild Council brought up questions about difficulties of combining work as a nonsabbatical officer and a degree. During last week's Guild Council, various non-sabbatical officers were censured for not blogging. They are required to blog every 30 days. The Home Students' Officer (HSO) Mikayla Jones did not blog between December 1st and January 30th and therefore received a censure, the LGBTQ Officer, Daniel Guzman has not blogged since November 4th and therefore received two censures and the Post-
graduate & Mature Students' Officer (PGMSO) Emily Halford did not blog between December 2nd and January 6th and therefore received a censure. Furthermore the Motion 10r: Support Campaign for a General Meeting originally mandated the officer team to support and publicise the Reclaim the Guild campaign. This was later amended to not include the non-sabbatical officers after various people brought up that many were currently in third year and approaching important examinations and assessments. For example Vici Royle, Satellite Sites Officer (SSO) protested that if the motion passed in its original form she would be forced to visit every satellite site to promote Reclaim the Guild and this was not economically or temporally viable. Motion 10i entitled 'Non Sabb and Other Roles' proposed to ban non-sabbatical officers from sitting on student group commit-
Paper voting at Guild Council
tees. Tim Lucas, the author of the motion, stated he proposed the motion because 'Recently there has been more than one occasion where non-sabbs' lack of work in their remit has been defended by their work load. Not only is this offensive to people who sit on committees it also indicates that the non-sabbatical role can be highly demanding if done correctly.' This motion fell. Guild President Mark Harrop later stated that 'Being a non-sabb at the Guild requires time and effort just like if you were a committee member of a society or an RA. Sadly sometimes the academic work can become overwhelming and you have to put your studies first, that has always been my firm belief that non-sabbs and students should not put the Guild before their degrees, but strike a balance. We'd like to thank Abby and Carl for their work as non-sabbs and they will be missed as part of the team'.
Chris Hutchinson
'Safe space' lost as motion fails Rhiannon Doyle-Maw News Editor
At the recent Guild Council, Women's Officer Kelly Rogers put forward a motion in relation to the removal of liberation association rooms. Motion 10y was put forward by the Women's Officer in response to the loss of the two previous liberation rooms, calling for four in return. Rogers appealed for there to be four rooms within the Guild of Students to provide a safe space for LGBTQ, women, ethnic minority and disabled students who feel that the loss of rooms has left students in a vulnerable position. Fliss Cross VPAD has recently overseen changes to the rooms within the Guild that have led to the loss of safe rooms, something that she argues was 'not the best use of space'. Cross put forward the floor plans of the Guild within Guild Council arguing that there is genuinely no spare rooms and that is visible on the plans. However, priority will be given to the liberation societies when booking rooms. There was much argument
over the meaning of 'safe space', and it was suggested that the Guild of Student's itself should be considered a safe space. The LGBTQ officer argued that it was not the room that provided a safe space but the tolerance and understanding practised within the rooms used. Rogers opened the motion with a speech quoting a supportive letter from the NUS, stating that it is important that people feel that they have a safe space to turn to. The motion then changed so rather than being guaranteed four rooms there would be a working group started to enable Cross and others to work together to come up with an alternative solution. Simon Furse put forward the argument that two large companies, Costa and Santander, had moved into the Guild of Students without having to pass through Guild Council. However, Guild Council did vote in favour of a 'branded coffee offer' and a new dance studio. This was contradicted by a point of information raised which highlighted that where these two companies are currently situated was never bookable space and
therefore societies are not losing any space by the companies being situated within the Guild. 'Supporting Liberation Associations is of integral import to the Guild because of the students they represent and the support that they offer. However, it is also important to recognise and support other student groups who provide activities for 9,461 students, many of which are automatically members of the Liberation groups. We do not have enough rooms for everyone, evidenced by 413 room bookings being made at the University last year.' The motion fell with 18 votes in favour.
Freddie Herzog
Guild Council took place on Wednesday 2nd February in the Guild Council Chambers. Technical difficulties blighted the meeting with the electronic voting system failure leading to paper votes being used. Nine motions were starred and discussed with seven motions passing and two being rejected. All other motions automatically passed without discussion. The mammoth meeting ended up lasting 7 hours after a vote agreed to extend Guild Council an extra half an hour till
12.30am. However, even then the Questions and Scrutiny section of Guild Council had to be limited in order to allow Guild Council to finish at 12.30am. See Comment and Features page 8 for comment on Guild Council.
Claire Lister explains Reclaim the Guild Zahra Damji Reporter
Reclaim the Guild launched two weeks ago as a movement to improve democracy within the Guild. It has since gained 500 signatures for the petition calling for a general meeting to discuss increasing the role of students in the Guild through regular general meetings and an increased student representation in the management of the Guild. In last week's Guild Council, they received support from the council. Redbrick spoke to Claire Lister about the campaign. Can you tell us about how Reclaim the Guild started?
What are the main aims of the campaign – what's the ideal Guild? Because students have a quite quick turnaround, they're only here for 3 years, I think the aim is to make sure that in five years time the students get to choose the way. I think we'd like to see a much more open and transparent way, like with the removal of officers. I mean we saw the removal of Edd Bauer, which was completely undemocratic. We'd have less worry if we had a trustee board full of students but at the moment, we're the only Student Union in the country that has got just 50 percent of the trustees as students.
The idea came from a number of people getting together from different groups and places. We started with the formation of the idea that the way the Guild is run at the moment is not very democratic. It was almost done through Guild Council. There was talk of democratic structures and someone announced the idea for a general meeting. In that way, everyone got drawn in and formed a Facebook group. Then we decided on having a face to face meeting after the Better Governance report was written. From there, we decided on forming the publicity team, which was really successful.
Are there any differences in opinion amongst those involved in this campaign?
What does the campaign involve?
What do you feel about the campaign's position postGuild Council?
It's a petition that is paper based and we have to get everyone's name, student ID, student email addresses and signatures. At the moment we do have 500 signatures. It is only about two weeks since we launched the campaign so we're really pleased about that and we hope to get the remaining signatures (by law, five percent of the student body).
Not everyone agrees with everything. Some people don't necessarily agree with all the points in the petition. But the point of the petition is not all these points will be voted on but that these are the points we'd like to discuss. We will vote on what people want from this, like if there should be more students on the trustee board. It will be up to the general meeting and the body that makes up the general meeting that will discuss the points on the campaign.
Post-Guild Council is brilliant. It's great to have the Sabbs on our side as well. At the moment, Reclaim the Guild is run by a lot of third year and postgraduate students, so a lot of people don't have too much time to do all the door knocking, having the Sabbs on side is a really great achievement and also means the Guild is endorsing the need for a general meeting.
News 5
10th February 2012 redbrickpaper.co.uk
Redbrick
Sohaib Ahmad, 2nd year Economics 'What have they actually done apart from be bureaucratic and whinge about each other? When you have a position of responsibility the aim should be to go above and beyond your predecessors, continuing and developing the organisation. Sufficing in the role is a failure in itself'
Lily Haake, 2nd year, Modern Language
Samantha Phillips, 1st year, International Business
'I enjoy the gossip about them, but rarely hear about what they do.'
'I have no idea who they are, never mind what they have done.'
Guild criticise council Olympics will make B'ham £20m Dominic Jackson Senior Reporter
Birmingham City Council have recently announced that the bin collection day for the Selly Oak and Harborne wards will change to save money and improve efficiency. The new rounds began on 6th February and will see the collection of both refuse and recycling moved to a Wednesday for parts of Bournbrook. The council spends around £3 million a year on fuel for its bin lorries. It is hoped that having rounds in a smaller, more closely defined area will reduce the distance travelled by the fleet. Matt Kelly, Director of the Council's Fleet and Waste Management Department said 'our new rounds will see each member of staff assigned to a particular ward, giving them ownership of an area and delivering a better service. This will both save money and cut pollution'. Students were however given little notice in advance of the change. The Guild of Students were unable to put out an announcement informing students until after many had already put out their rubbish for the previous Monday collection time. Brigid Jones, Councillor for
the Selly Oak Ward, told Redbrick that the announcement was left until close to 6th February to ensure that people did not put their rubbish out a week early for the new collection day. Jones admitted that there 'had been problems' in Selly Oak when trying to inform students of the change, 'The Guild knew that a change to the collection day was going to happen soon, but we didn't give them enough notice to mount a campaign'. VPHC Zuki Majuqwana said: 'The change in bin day in Bournbrook is something that the Guild of Students has been wanting to achieve for a number of years. However, the manner in which the change has been carried out has been very disorganised to say the least and the Guild and University have been given alarmingly short notice to get the message out to students who make up 80 per cent of Bournbrook's population. 'The fact that some areas of Bournbrook will now have different collection days will inevitably be problematic in future. This change will be beneficial to students overall but its execution has been an embarrassment for the Council and one which I will hold them to account for.'
Ryan Jones Senior Reporter
According to recent reports, the London 2012 Olympics are set to make Birmingham £20 million through the decision by both the American Olympic and Jamaican Olympic athletics teams to choose Birmingham as their UK base. The US athletes are to be based in the North of the city at the Alexander Stadium; whilst their Jamaican counterparts are to be based here at the University of Birmingham. Both teams are set to arrive in the city around mid-July; just prior to the Olympic opening ceremony on the 27th July. Councillor Martin Mullaney said, 'Hopefully we'll be all over the American media and raise our profile. There has been a calculation that it's worth £20 million, when you take into account global advertising and the raising of our profile.' Only this week, an American delegation visited Birmingham. The women's head track and field coach, Amy Deem, said 'It's everything we need for our preparations going into London and the city of Birmingham has been very accommodating.' She went on to comment, 'I've just seen a little bit of the city – we
Students complain about Fab disorganisation due to snow Ella Parsons Reporter
Students that attended Fab on Saturday have complained about the way staff handled the enormous increase in demand at the cloakroom. Due to the heavy snowfall on Saturday, many students took extra clothing with them to the Guild. However, complaints have been made that the situation at the cloakroom very nearly got out of hand, and that many students ended up losing items of clothing. One student, who wished to remain anonymous, said that many people became increasingly frustrated at having to queue, and that 'some were particularly aggressive and abusive'. Numerous students have claimed that they were turned away from the cloakroom, despite waiting, and that they then received conflicting advice from members of staff. One anonymous student, said that they were told they could leave their belongings on the floor, only to find at the end of the night that these items had been moved to lost property. As a result, some students were left to walk home in the snow without coats and proper shoes. In total, over fifty items of clothing were handed in to lost property. Among many of the students
there that night, there was a general consensus that the Guild had failed to prepare for the fact that the severe weather conditions would result in an increase in demand at the cloakroom. Facebook comments on a post in the Fab N Fresh Facebook group included complaints such as 'Guild staff [were] giving conflicting help to people – one person says do this another person stops you... People
A snowy campus Katrin Busch
[were] walking home in the snow with one layer because staff moved stuff from where they were told to put it... this is about the organisation of the night and being unprepared considering the amount of tickets they sold.' Another Facebook user added 'There should have been more organisation, I'm not blaming the Guild for my coat being stolen at all, I'm saying they should have foreseen an increase in the amount of people using the cloakroom and then catered for it! It started snowing around 4pm yesterday, that's more than enough time to prepare additional cloakroom space. My friends who were sensible enough to keep their stuff with them ended up carrying coats, bags and wellies for the rest of the night. This seriously impacted on the 'Fab' experience, which in the end didn't live up to its name really.... Disappointing'. VPDR Hugo Sumner said 'It's regrettable that some students experienced issues with the cloakroom on Saturday, this was due to the extreme weather which saw demand exceed our capacity. Everyone who stored coats in the cloakroom were able to retrieve them at the end of the night. Any items that were not stored in the cloakroom will have been moved to lost property as is standard procedure.'
walked around a little bit by the canals and it was very nice. I think it will be a great couple of weeks here.' However, the University emphasises that the underlying value in hosting the American team in the city, and especially the Jamaican team here on campus, lies more in that it 'offers a unique opportunity to raise the profile of sport at the University and in the city.' Zena Wooldridge, Director of Sport here at the university, echoed this sentiment, saying, 'we wanted to host the Jamaicans to enhance the University of Birmingham's already excellent
reputation for sport, to inspire participation and to build sporting links, not to make money.' She went on to say, 'The greatest benefits of hosting two such high profile pre-Olympic camps will be in cementing Birmingham's reputation as an outstanding sporting city and inspiring people, including our own students to take up the sporting opportunities available to them.' Ultimately, only through the passage of time will it be possible to analyse whether the American and Jamaican Olympic athletics teams will have any positive economic effect on the city of Birmingham or the University.
UoB's running track where Jamaican athletes will train Freddie Herzog
Education News in Brief Zahra Damji Reporter
Spelling marks unfair on dyslexic students Plans announced by Ofqual to award five per cent of marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar have been criticised by experts as disadvantaging dyslexic students. There are also concerns for those pupils for whom English is a second language.
Treasury tears up Student Loans chief tax deal The chief executive of the Student Loans Company, Ed Lester, was in the centre of a tax row last week after it was emerged that his £182,000 salary is paid into a special company, allowing for gross tax avoidance. Experience with employers reduces rates of dropouts A report for charity Education and Employers taskforce has revealed that students who complete work experience, receive school visits from employers and take part in enterprise competitions are more likely to be in education, employment or training. Unis threatened over fall in disadvantaged students
Examinations Costly fall in applications from oversees students Universities may lose an estimated £5.6bn loss because of a drop in the number of international applicants. There have been 11 per cent fewer applications from EU students and there have been concerns for not only the economic loss that will result but also for the UK's reputation as a high ranking international education market.
Professor Les Ebdon has warned universities with sanctions of up to £500,000 and forced reductions in fees if they do not do more to increase access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. He described the current attitude as 'mixed' and 'patchy'.
Professor Les Ebdon
6 redbrickpaper.co.uk
10th February 2012
Comment & Features
Guild Council In Focus
Motion 10y: Liberation Rooms James Dolton Commentator
Of all the Motions debated at Guild Council last week, one of the most hotly debated was Motion 10y. Proposed primarily by Women's Officer Kelly Rogers, its summary stated its intentions as 'Providing all Liberation Associations with respective rooms... until they express permission to remove them and belief in a wider existence of 'safe space' in the guild and on campus more generally.' The original format stated that four of the six largest rooms in the guild would be designated solely for the use of the four Liberation Associations (LGBTQ, Women's, Ethnic Minorities and Disabled Students) and any other society wishing to use a room would require full, written and advanced consent. The rooms in question were not directly alluded to, but as they would require Disabled Access the only appropriate ones were the Amos Room, Mandela Room, Thompson Training Suite, Rosa Parks, New Basement Meet-
GLOSSARY Council Chair: oversees the meeting, ensuring there is a free platform for debate, that every member is treated equally and has the opportunity to speak. Sabbatical Officers: present reports based on their work since the previous Guild Council. They can be questioned and may be reprimanded for poor conduct. Motion: items for discussion that any student can bring forward. Either a statement of the Guild's position on an issue, or instigation for Guild Policy change. They are then voted on once the debate has concluded. Procedural Motion: raised as a part of an issue on procedure and voted on. These range from break requests to bringing forward motion votes.
ing Room, Harvey Milk and Old Mentors Office. The key disagreement with the motion, and probably the reason it failed, is the damaging effect this would have upon other student groups. Fliss Cross, VP for Activities and Development, was interviewed at Guild Council and stated that while she understood that Liberation Groups might be 'Worried that it (the room review) was such a big change and they will not be properly supported', that 'equally, it would have had a huge impact for student groups if that was passed in the format it was written in originally.' There is no doubting the significance of the Liberation Groups or the work that they do, but it is a perilous path to say that their constant need for a room is more important than another Societies existence. There are 9,461 students part of Societies, and last year 413 room bookings were recorded on the University system, by over 50 different societies. Many Student Groups require access to rooms in the guild to function: to remove all accessibility to four of the six largest rooms would have a detrimen-
tal impact upon the Guild's ability to cater for the 196 Societies it has a duty to try to provide space for. Furthermore, both the Women and LGBTQ associations had their own rooms prior to the Room Review conducted from September to December last year; both were removed, as their activities were suitable for any room. The LGBTQ association reportedly used their allotted room for storage and used the Liberation Association priority booking scheme developed by the VPAD to book the Beorma Bar for their weekly coffee afternoons. With this in mind, was it really necessary to call for these associations to have constant access to some of the largest rooms in the Guild? However, as well as the logistics, there is a more concerning side to this motion; 'safe space', which was something stuck upon for a long time in Council itself. The Guild Beliefs and Commitments document (available publically online) states in Charter 11 that 'It shall provide no platform to groups that pose a threat to the Guild of Students being a safe space for all students.' What the Motion is therefore expressing is
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Sam Jones A Fresher's Take on Guild Council
Was I expecting an enthralling evening of reasoned debate leaving me exhilarated and inspired by democracy in action? No, of course not, but I didn't expect Guild Council to be that bad. I'm in my first year and this was my first time, so you'll have to excuse my naivety. I knew student politics, even more than regular politics, have a habit of being rather distant from the whole 'being relevant to reality' thing. I am a political science student though, meaning obviously I love that sort of thing (or so I tell myself) and so I was surprised to find that this wasn't what bothered me about Guild Council. After all, several of the motions, particularly on the allocation of 'safe-spaces' for Liberation associations, did indeed have tangible implications for a regular old boring student such as myself. What bothered me instead Jo Thomas was the procedure-content ratio, ie more time seemed to be spent debating how things should be debated than, you know, debating. Hearing speeches for and against an intention to create 'a safe space' a procedural motion to move to within a safe space, which is clearly a vote (which fails) may be aban illogical pursuit. surdly amusing the first time, but There is no implication that you soon realise why all the Guild this University (or indeed, the widCouncil veterans are failing to er world in general) is a place of share your enthusiasm. total harmony and equality: there Some wonderful debate did are instances of discriminatory betake place. It was the memory of haviour. this wonderful debate that kept However, it frankly seems a me going through the speeches for little patronising to suggest that and against a procedural motion this could be rectified by the conto go home at midnight or half an stant ability to flee to a specially hour later. I'm not going to lie to selected room. you though; staying the extra thirIndeed, this suggestion only ty minutes wasn't my preferred permeates a sense of inequalresult. ity regarding Liberation groups So less waffling about with through its clear divisions. The structure and procedure, yes? I Guild has rightly concerned itself really wish that were possible, with the task fulfilling their charter but it's not. It causes me a great and creating a 'safe space', rather deal of anguish to admit it, but I than pursuing redundant Motions can't think of any way in which the that offer Liberation Groups a procedural complexity of Guild faux sanctuary in which to seclude Council could be reduced without themselves and dodge the wider sacrificing fair debate and deciissue. Furthermore, if there is an sion making. If there was someacceptance that the Guild is not a thing obviously unnecessary that I 'safe place' then why should these could rant about removing I would havens be limited to just those who be a far happier man, but I must fit in specific denominations of instead accept that though democLiberation Associations? Any sturacy may be great, there's no guardent can feel harassed or discrimiantee it's going to be fun. nated against.
Motion 10q: Steering Reform Samuel Jones Commentator
If you're looking for what was to blame for Guild Council's 12:30 finish, you're looking for motion 10q – 'Steering Reform'. It argued that the Guild's Steering Committee, in charge of amending and blocking unsuitable motions before Guild Council, needed a bit of tweaking. Unfortunately for those with early morning engagements, deciding on the exact nature of this bit of tweaking took well over an hour of debate involving a total of four proposed amendments, plenty of raised voices and no shortage of emotive rhetoric. As the body responsible for deciding the motions that Guild Council gets to consider, the state of the steering committee is obviously central to ensuring effective democracy within the Guild. Even
this simple idea was however difficult for the council to agree on. Johnny Dolan, the Chair, had done well to identify a conflict of interests (he sits on the committee) and let his deputy take over, though this did lead to him taking a somewhat disruptive role in the debate. His insistence that the committee existed to filter out nonsensical motions such as one simply reading 'blue' and that it did not block motions led to fierce opposition and raised voices from all sides. He eventually dropped (or at least said no more of) both points though, allowing the debate to continue in the knowledge that the committee was indeed relevant to the Guild's democratic legitimacy. The motion itself, with properly defining the criteria by which a motion could be blocked as its primary purpose, was still however a long way from being debated. After a failed amendment to give
the reform the committee into an advisory board, which frequently found its debate dragged into wider ones, the council returned from a well needed access break to find that three more amendments had been proposed. The first, put forward by Mikayla Jones, the Home Student's Officer, suggested that two additional Guild Councillors were placed on the committee alongside the seven sabbatical officers, chair and deputy chair. This was changed to two additional students who did not hold voting rights in Guild Council, a good compromise that addressed concerns about conflicts of interest, and the amendment was passed. Another amendment giving the committee only the power to block motions where there is a legal basis was successfully argued against by Lucas himself, fairly making the point that this changed
his motion into something that he had not intended. Finally, an amendment was put forward to remove a line preventing the Council from debating room allocations. It was a clear and inappropriate attempt to hijack the debate with the issues of the equally controversial motion 10y, but was recognised as such and rejected with relative ease. When the motion itself was finally debated, the Council correctly recognised that with the Board of Trustees already holding responsibility for preventing the Guild from implementing inappropriate or impossible decisions, the power of the steering committee could and should be constrained for the good of democracy. The motion was passed and the Guild emerged with its democracy strengthened and refined, though with all involved significantly less awake after the experience.
10th February 2012
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The Spirit of Republicanism
Comment & Features 7
Editorial Elisha Owen
Alexander Blanchard questions the validity of supporting the British Monarchy in today's socio-economic climate Amongst the correspondence of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the second and third President of the United States respectively, there is to be found a letter from Jefferson in which he remarks on a Greek couplet sent to him by Adams: 'The passage you quote…has an ethical rather than a political object. I agree with you that there is a natural aristocracy among men. The grounds of this are virtue and talents… There is also an artificial aristocracy, founded on wealth and birth, without either virtue or talents.' As a remark on our royal family, this would be unimprovable. With a position founded on wealth and birth, without either virtue or talent, the Monarchy is a relic of our past; an antiquated, outdated, defunct institution. It is the symbolic turd in the water-pipe of democracy and egalitarianism. Our fetishistic obsession with Royalty is rooted in an unhealthy attachment to our imperial past and a nostalgic pining for that now moribund idea of 'Britishness'. An identity originally built on artifice, promulgated by stoic elites as a means to persuading young men to walk very slowly
For an altern
Our fetishistic obsession with royalty is rooted in an unhealthy attachment to our imperial past across no-man's land. Nevertheless, we are besotted with Royalty. The royal wedding was watched by more than 24.5 million on terrestrial TV and before that peak of infatuation there were the masses of glossy magazines brimming with voyeuristic images of Diana (which have since been replaced with Kate – or the arse of her sister). Though one is curious of what it is exactly that we are besotted with. A brief review of the royal family itself highlights a clan of overly expensive, largely uneducated, upright embarrassing figures who barely seem to be in touch with planet earth: a proven racist, who was dogged by allegations of numerous affairs in the early years of his marriage; a woman who prevented her sister from marrying the man she loved, and allowed her first-born to be subjected to the penitential regime of education devised by her barmy husband; a man who associated himself with a paedophile and whose name appears in US dispatches on corruption and bribery far too frequently; a buffoon who looks unnervingly comfortable in a Nazi uniform; a prig proven to have had an affair, who enacted a disastrous first marriage to a woman he didn't love, and who embroiled himself in a frankly bizarre scandal
involving a male royal aide, an alleged sex act, and a press injunction. It's a stunning hypocrisy which allows them to broadcast their moral precepts every Christmas. That said the royal family does have its 'advantages'. As part of an ancient lineage, with power supposedly deriving from God, the royal family are granted access to other monarchs and world leaders to whom most politicians would be barred. Hence why Prince Andrew, uniquely placed as the Queen's third-born, has been endowed with the title 'Trade Envoy' – a term as vacant as its bearer – and charged with the task of selling British arms to countries throughout the Middle East for the immediate extirpation of their indigenous peoples. It's an unscrupulous ethical stance towards massacre that receives surprisingly little attention. There is also the 'tourism' argument. Britain's tourist board says the attraction of royalty accounts for £500 million in tourist spending each year; this is hardly insignificant. It has also been estimated that last year's royal wedding alone generated £750 million as royal fans world-wide flock to London for the ceremony. As a rationalisation of the royal family, this is highly compelling; but it is fallacious. It is the edifices, the reg a l i a and the history that
draws tourism. Further, it is insulting – to suggest that the royal family is greatest asset Britain has to offer tourists is to neglect one thousand years of history and exult dear Albion for being a freak show. Headed by a gracious granny, the monarchy's power is largely obscured by the wide-spread belief that it has no power. The Royal Prerogative aside – a formal power 'derived from the sovereign' which allows the Prime Minister considerable powers – the monarchy induces within us a mental and emotional servility – that 'vicarious living' – at once banal in appearance, though degrading in its nature. In an incisive remark on our relation to the state and our sovereign, the social psychologist Erich Fromm observed that 'The division between the community and the political state has led us to the projection of all social feelings into the state, which thus becomes an idol, a power standing over and above man.' That we come to understand our identity as a country, to evaluate our sense of worth as a people and allow ourselves the degrading title 'commoner' in relation to the Windsor clan is nauseating. What is needed is not necessarily that crude negation of monarchy as espoused by the organisation 'Republic', but instead a spirit of republicanism – that direct virtue of the Enlightenment that Britain has neglected. A progressive, thoughtful spirit – a spirit whereby an education secretary, overseeing severe cuts to education, doesn't at the same time insult us with a proposal for constructing a £60 million royal yacht. It is to let go of our deference to an absurd institution, to foster fraternity and community not in relation to a nation state, as embodied by the monarch, but through our shared values and principles. It is to define ourselves in our progression towards equality and tolerance. We do not need to abolish the Monarchy as such, but it is certainly about time that we grew out of it, for you cannot be at the same time an a d u l t and a monarchist.
ative opinion
Take a look online as Andy Peck celebrates the Royal Family and the Queen's 60-year reign. www.redbrickpaper. co.uk/comment
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Spitting Image?
Comment and Features Editor
Honour has become an archaic term.
In his recent article in The Independent, Paul Vallely raised the interesting question, 'must honour really be a thing of the past?' While a plethora of scandal and corruption continues to dominate the news, the division between principle and politics/ambition is becoming increasingly irreparable. The optimist in me had hoped that this would be the year of change. Where politicians paid their taxes (and speeding fines) and celebrities didn't strive to break their personal record for infidelities and brain-less remarks. Alas, we find ourselves a mere month and a half into the New Year and already we have witnessed a myriad of exasperating headlines. The realms of politics and football in particular have borne the brunt of this. Chris Huhne, former Climate Change Secretary accused of evading a speeding fine, and John Terry, former England Football Captain accused of racism, should consider joining forces. They could tour the UK and teach impressionable children how to ruin perfectly viable careers. While they have indeed been stripped of their positions, one cannot help but feel deprived of any sense of justice. Honour in its truest form is self-regulating. The chivalric notion denotes the idea that reputation comes second to responsibility and self-discipline. However, in today's society honour is more often connected to wealth and power.
'The division between principle and politics/ ambition is becoming increasingly irreparable.' Those in the public eye are liable to make mistakes. Thirty years ago, if a politician made a critical error their resignation and apology would be immediate. Take Lord Carrington, for example. He stood down as Foreign Secretary in 1982 over the Falklands, recognising that he had failed the British public. He didn't fight for immunity; he resigned with honour. It is this that provides a great contrast to today where pragmatism is placed far above principle. I do not believe the notion of honour is completely lost. But it is impossible to deny that it has changed. As we prepare for the upcoming Guild Elections it's hard to ignore the potential for scandal and controversy. Yet, I suppose a shred of optimism remains as I trust that this year will be one where commitment to the job remains the number one focus, and self-respect creates positive results.
8 Comment & Features
Opinion Matrix Views on the News
DEFENCE Tension in the Falklands As the thirty year anniversary of the Falklands War nears, we are approaching a déjà vu moment. Tensions in the Atlantic are brewing after Argentina made the decision to ban all ships bearing the Falkland flag, prompting Britain to send HMS Dauntless in defence of its sovereign isles. This is an entirely correct decision on the part of the UK. The underlying reason for Argentina throwing its prover-
PARLIAMENT
Chris Huhne resigns Often students complain about the media obsession in the Westminster bubble with ministerial resignations and scandals, particularly when the Minister in question is
bial toys out of the pram is that it cannot accept it lost the war back in 1982. Britain has flatly and swiftly refused requests to re-open negotiations on the sovereignty of the Falklands as it is British territory, and no more questions need to be asked. being charged for something many of our parents and others (wrongly) may have done themselves to avoid points on their driving licence. However, the scandal surrounding Chris Huhne is relevant, as he was almost the sole voice in the Coalition championing the environmental agenda, for example at Davos, when the economy and health reforms are dominating political debate at present. With Huhne's resignation, the likelihood of the Coalition being the 'greenest government ever' looks even more laughable.
WEATHER Snowfall across Britain Tens of thousands of airline passengers found their flights cancelled as Heathrow Airport was, yet again, brought to its knees by a smattering of white stuff this weekend. Though an improvement on 2010's snowfall which quashed the travel plans of over a million, British airports were, as usual, in more turmoil than their European counterparts who battled on in temperatures as low as -27C.
PARLIAMENT
An impossible policy During the 2010 general election one of the Conservatives' most important policy decisions was to protect the NHS from any cuts. This was not a small promise by
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Supermarket deals under scrutiny Sarah Cozens Commentator
As students, money seems to override many decisions, especially concerning the supermarket shop. When faced with a decision between two items; one cheap, meaning you can buy other items for the same price as one more expensive option, most students are likely to opt for the cheaper one in order to save money. However, could this seemingly unimportant decision be detrimental to one's health? Although superficially cheap food seems appealing, especially when considering the student budget, there is a hidden danger behind the 'good value' sticker. Despite its name, a pork sausage can contain as little as 40 per cent pork, the rest of the sausage is composed of whatever the manufacturers have available. If we knew what it really contained, I don't think we would be as willing to eat it. Another important issue that comes as a price of cheap food is the farming industry and the price they have to pay to satisfy our desire for cheaper food. If we are only spending a small amount on food, then when adding the profit the supermarket is set to make, that leaves little for the farmers, and little money for them to spend on making sure the animals are healthy, which results in us eating meat that may not necessarily be all that wholesome. 'Price Reductions' or 'Great offers' are signs that immediately
Jo Thomas catch the eye of any shopper, especially a shopper on a budget. However, research has shown that the offers may not be quite as appealing as first anticipated. Panorama discovered that many of the offers that supermarkets were advertising were misleading. One of these
offers was what they referred to as the 'Multi-buy-non-deal', describing supermarkets labelling goods as an offer, but failed to highlight that there was no saving to be made. Due to the eye-catching label of an offer sign however, psychologists argue that it acts as a subconscious trigger, and causes shoppers to make a purchase that saves them no money. As the snow is beginning to fall, our food purchases will change. Out with the ice pops and in with the hot chocolate. Shockingly, however, supermarkets have recognised this and use weather predictions to judge what food will sell at particular times and seasons throughout the year. During the winter months the soup, root vegetables and bird feed fly off the shelves, and as soon as the summer begins, strawberry sales increase by 20 per cent. Research has shown that there is a 4.5 per cent weather impact on the sales of food. To what extent do the supermarkets have control over our food shop? After doing a little research, it could be argued that they have more control than first thought. Although there is evidence to show that the offers might not be quite what they seem, the feeling that you have saved money may override the feeling that you have simply bought in bulk. As students, buying cheap does seem to be the option that most would opt for. After all, there will still be plenty of time to eat well in future!
Vocational Courses are not GCSEs Heathrow might be congratulating themselves on the effectiveness of their new 'snow plan,' but the Met Office was able to pinpoint the arrival of snow at the Airport to within 10 minutes so it hardly caught staff off guard. Snow will always triumph, it seems. anyone's standards; the NHS is the worlds' seventh largest employer. 1.4 million people work for it, a greater number than those working for the Indian Railway and Chinese postal service. To completely ring-fence such a huge organisation from cuts while trying to implement significant reforms seems restrictive at best. Given how easy it has become for Labour to critique the policy at PMQs, it is probably time to leave the policy on the back burner and spend political equity on more achievable goals.
FINANCE Ed Lester avoids tax It was recently revealed that Ed Lester, head of the Student Loans Company, has avoided paying thousands of pounds in income tax. By assuring his salary was paid through a private firm, Mr Lester took advantage of a tax loophole. This is sure to infuriate students across Britain, as well as ordinary tax-payers. It also proves embarrassing for a coalition government that is already under intense scru-
10th February 2012 redbrickpaper.co.uk
Alex Balcombe Commentator
Results day can be one of mixed emotions. Many people who dare open their results on the BBC News often enlighten the rest of the population, with tremendous hand shaking, how nerve racking the day can be. I was one of the lucky ones, someone who could walk away with decent results and be proud of their scores. However, I was always interested in how people could claim they had fourteen or even eighteen GCSEs and with closer inspection it wasn't really the case. 'Well', they would say, 'this one really is the equivalent to four GCSEs' and that's the problem I have, the word equivalent really doesn't rectify why something should be called a GCSE. Now, before you think that I am some hard-nosed educational snob, I would like to briefly explain that I in fact have two vocational qualifications. The vocational qualification is a fantastic idea and allows pupild who are just as intelligent as other kids to show their merit and skill. Many pu-
pils have the ability to show their colours in a range of different skills from horse care to IT. I myself sat two qualifications: a CVQ in Public Services (learning about our Army, Navy and Air Force) and a vocational qualification in Information Technology. I found these really helpful and some skills I still use today at university. However, judging by the fact that one took me a couple of days to complete, realistically this shouldn't classify itself as worth four GCSEs . When I remember the shear effort and academic grit, which infused my body for my exams, I simply cannot see that something as simple as this could be worth four times what I had to do for one GCSE. For me GCSEs are about academic work, not necessarily intelligent work, as I emphasised that intelligence can be found in any qualification, but about something that requires hard examination and pushing the limits of mental capacity. Subsequently, I therefore believe that from my experiences unless VQs become more of a difficult subject, they should not have a G C S E status.
However, perhaps something which is more of a concern is that they have become an ill – fitting fig leaf for a failing education system. The VQs have acted as a booster to propping up schools in league tables, disguising what truly marks success for a school. In particular, when recently listening to a radio programme, it was startling to hear of one VQ class not being able to understand basic English techniques. Therefore this poses a concern, as vocational qualifications may be disguising poor academia. I respect our education system, for having such a diversity of different subjects. It is true to say that not every child's intelligence lies in the typical school subjects and may for instance have more practical intelligence. However, when there is a clear division in the amount of hard work needed to achieve good marks in GCSEs, as opposed to a vocational qualification, then it is simply only right that the vocational qualification toughens up or has its status as a GCSE dropped.
tiny. After it emerged that ministers had approved the scheme, they acted swiftly and added Lester to the payroll that will force him to pay tax and National Insurance contributions. In light of the country's financial problems the government has a lot to answer for.
Written by Freddie Herzog, Luke Jones, Sarah Pullen, Glen Moutrie & Elisha Owen
Freddie Herzog
10th February 2012 redbrickpaper.co.uk
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Comment & Features 9
Antibiotic Action: The growing threat of bacteria
ANTIBIOTIC FACTS
Hayley Brown Commentator
Antibiotic Action aims to speed up present licensing processes and encourage the introduction of new antibiotics. We've all taken antibiotics at some point in our lives, however they aren't just used to treat the throat infection you caught following a brief encounter at Fab 'n' Fresh. Advances in medicine have led to the dependence on antibiotics for many sophisticated treatments now available. Simple surgeries, chemotherapy, and immunocompromised patients all rely on antibiotics to prevent serious infection. The rise of bacterial resistance and the decline in antibiotic development however, might mean we see the end of an era for the use of effective antibiotics. Current media often refer to resistant bacteria as 'Superbugs' and some may claim that such coverage dramatizes the problem of antibiotic resistance. In reality however it would appear that this is most certainly not the case; the rise of antibiotic resistance in bacteria has been ignored for far too long. The first antibiotic to be used clinically was penicillin G, discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. Chemical alteration of penicillin G has led to the vast array of antibiotics today referred to as betalactam (β-lactam) antibiotics which are the most widely used antibiotics worldwide, due to their high efficiency and minimal toxicity. The clinical use of antibiotics has led bacteria to develop numerous resistance mechanisms resulting in the need for new generations of antibiotics effective against resistant strains of bacteria. Such resistance
1) Antibiotics can distinguish between the 'good' and 'bad' bacteria 2) Virtually no new classes of antibiotics have been discovered in recent years 3) Antibiotics may act as growth/obesity promoters in humans as an inadvertent result of antibiotic pollution 4) Green tea boosts the bacteria-killing activity of the antibiotics 5) More antibiotics are used on animals than on humans Antibiotics are essential mechanisms include the development of resistance enzymes including β-lactamases which break the chemical bonds of β-lactams and render them ineffective. Of great concern is the development of bacteria resistant to all β -lactam antibiotics. Furthermore, multiple resistance enzymes are easily spread between other species of bacteria. The mass amount of international travel and medical tourism has meant resistant bacteria have, and continue to, spread rapidly around the world. The treatment of infections with multiple resistant bacteria can be extremely difficult and potentially impossible. Infections caused by
pathogenic bacteria, positive for the new multiple resistance enzyme NDM-1, has led to the death of several patients due to inefficient treatment options. The development of new antibiotics is a lengthy and costly process often taking between 10 and 20 years and costing millions of pounds. New antibiotics should be used sparingly as a last resort against resistant bacteria and thus do not create a substantial profit. It is hardly surprising therefore that pharmaceutical companies invest little, if any, in the development of novel antibiotics. Since the late 1990s only four new antibiotics have been developed.
There is coming a time when simple infections will cause large scale mortality and simple surgical procedures become life threatening. This situation has 'largely gone un-noticed by governments. Even when noted, little effort has been made to resolve this situation' (Piddock, 2011). Antibiotic Action call all parties, UK Government, medical, industry and charities to identify and implement solutions within the research, regulation and economic markets to stimulate and regenerate interest in the discovery and development of antibiotic agents. On 9th November Antibiotic Action delivered a petition of over
4500 UK and international signatures to 10 Downing Street. The Petition was the beginning of Antibiotic Action's global aim of delivering new antibiotics, under new regulatory and economic models. They are continuing to collect signatures from across the globe and want as many people as possible to say to governments all over the world that this arms race is a race worth winning. If this issue is of importance to you, there is an online petition you can sign at the following link: http://www.antibiotic-action.com/join
Comment Cartoon The most important vote in Guild history!
Illustrated by Maximillian Shapiro
10 redbrickpaper.co.uk
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10th February 2012
Arts
'Get to know other worlds, if only for comparison. I am near, too near for him to dream of me.' – Wislawa Szymborska
'Afflict the comfortable, and comfort the afflicted!' Richard Higgs speaks to Josie Long about her Edinburgh Award-nominated The Future is Another Place, a show consisting of the story of a near-fatal car crash, UK Uncut, The Mitford Sisters, The Black Panthers, Harvey Weinstein, a one-person play – 'The Life and Times of the Bronte Sisters' and of course, righteous political ire – 'Let's start a 1980s tribute government!'
Richard Higgs Critic
Josie, can you tell us a bit about your show – The Future is Another Place? My show is kind of about starting to become more politically active and about how I feel about the Conservatives – and about how to deal with my anger with them! I guess my aims are generally to make people who might agree with me feel better, and give people who might feel alone in that way, hope. I think your kind of political satire, while that's not strictly what you do, is an excellent way of disseminating information or opinion, not necessarily with a sort of soapbox, or even having a rally in mind… Well I have that feeling of not really knowing what sort of ef-
fect you might actually have, so you might as well aim them in the right direction. Also, I wanted to see if their ways of talking about sometimes divisive things that I love – like with UK Uncut, I don't like the way people have been fed certain information about them, so I feel that genuinely, from firsthand experience I can say 'This is what I think of them, I trust them – they're cool!' As well, even if all it does help people let off steam, it means they can have more energy in their own lives. It's like that [Finley Peter] Dunne line – 'Afflict the comfortable, and comfort the afflicted!' I really like the idea of being able to give strength to people who feel like sometimes I do – alienated, powerless and scared… Your comedy definitely feels like it is 'about something', not just whimsy… Thank you! I try and write
about the way I feel and the things that matter most to me – things that I'm interested in and what I feel passionate about… So where exactly do you draw your inspiration from? And what are your 'weirder' muses? I just try to be open all the time, and it does just come from the weirdest places. I have a few friends that I really spend much time around with, and I always seem to get stuff from them, but then pretty much anything I do I try to write a joke about – just for the taxman – but yeah, you just kind of carry it all about with you. You've definitely inspired me politically, as well as to try out stand-up – what kind of advice would you give to newer performers? Ah, cool! Thank you! I don't really like – I feel stand-up is so generically broad, you can do
anything you want with it, you can go anywhere with it. When I was 20 I looked at people I really admired like Daniel Kitson and David O'Doherty and thought 'I wanna' be like them, I wanna' tour my shows!' And then you sort of do and realise that you can only do yourself – so it's all about trying to find your voice, write and perform as much as possible, and not shut it down – go to as many areas as you can. But don't feel like stand-up is 'this' and it's not 'that' because actually, it's anything you can get away with onstage and in front of people. And mainly, write for yourself and don't write for other people because then hopefully people who are like you will come to you, whereas if you try to write for other people, you won't have something that really belongs to you… Ah thanks! Lastly, you were
here [at The Electric Cinema] last Autumn too… Yeah, with 'Be Honourable' and Johnny [The Pictish Trail] and James [Acaster]! Yeah, that was ace! The Electric is one of the best parts of Birmingham – what do you think of the venue? It's gorgeous. Tom [Lawes], who got it all together, really had a vision for it and put loads of effort and time and I think it's amazing. All the fittings are Art Deco, and have all been so carefully considered. It's just fantastic. I wish every Arts Venue in the country was like this. It's like one person's beautiful bespoke dream with its own integrity… I love it! Richard is currently directing 'Raw Animal Magnetism' for the Birmingham Footnotes, on 10th February in the Amos Room.
Love Will Tear Us Apart
Lovesick? Moon struck? Starry eyed? If none of these words describe you in the slightest, and the thought of romance leaves a sour taste in your mouth, then help is at hand. Love-Scrooges of the world unite, and take comfort in this cultural guide to the worst Valentine's Day ever… Annie Hodson Critic
Take your beloved to a play. Harold Pinter's Betrayal is sure to get hearts racing and loins stirring with its agonising dissection of marital infidelity! Traditionalist? You can't go wrong with Romeo and Juliet, the greatest romance of all time that ends in, er, a double suicide. On the hunt for the perfect gift? Present your paramour with
a copy of Raymond Carver's What We Talk About When We Talk About Love and watch them coo. Under no circumstances warn them about the dissonance between the adorable title and the utter romantic misery contained within. Get out the old guitar and sing them a love ballad! Perhaps Death Cab for Cutie's The Sound of Settling, or Paul Simon's 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover… What could be more romantic
than writing your partner a Valentine's poem? Some good first lines to start you off: 'When I gaze into your deep blue eyes / The familiar nausea starts to rise,' or 'I swore our love would never end / But I think I fancy your best friend.' Use your imagination! A trip to an art gallery is always a winner. Impress your date by loudly commenting 'I could have painted that' at regular intervals. Did you know that Birmingham has more miles of canal than
Venice? Show your playful side by taking your sweetheart on a romantic canal side stroll, then pushing them in. Everyone loves a kidder! Pop to the opera and wow your lover by singing along with the cast. Don't worry too much about pitch or tone; volume is really the key here. Express your love by performing an improvised
contemporary dance. Wordlessly. For five hours. And finish the night with a slap up meal at Rooster House. Then stick them with the bill.
Rooster House not your dream date? See redbrickpaper.co.uk for the Redbrick Arts team's suggestions of Birmingham's most underratedly romantic places to take your date this Valentines Day
Arts 11
10th February 2012 redbrickpaper.co.uk
Redbrick
Previews
Imaginary Friends at mac James Dolton Critic
Friday saw a performance at mac of an original play Imaginary Friends, which included a lead role for our very own Language lecturer Geoff Barnbrook. Upon entering the hexagon, the audience was greeted with the sight of a purple-haired woman in paint-strewn overalls and an elderly man in a suit miming the building of a wall. This was the first of many surreal touches, including the cast for the first segment of the play being seized apparently unexpectedly from the front row of the spectators, and all the scene segues being accompanied by a cacophony of thoughtful humming. The play was split into three parts, the first seeing neurotic
computer programmer Rod dial a wrong number and speak to wispy Maddy who sets him on a bizarre quest for 'the Holy Grail', causing him to explore his past. There was then an exploration into the logic of love by the unlikely looking couple, Bernardo and Pam, who had greeted the arriving audience, before the husband and wife duo of Geoff and Angie Barnbrook played out the charming relationship of exasperated scholar Sebastian and playful widow Viola searching for a deeper connection and finding it in the writings of Italian humanist Petrarch. Throughout there were some very inventive presentations: the cast in the first segment never interacted face-to-face with one another, instead spending most of the performance sat on opposite
sides of the stage at two tables, a visual metaphor for their differences in character. When Rod set about on his quest for the Holy Grail, his unseen laptop screen appeared to be projected onto the wall behind him, a screen that also saw his 'dreams' broadcast onto it. All performers were confident but the plot occasionally became somewhat convoluted, especially in the more eccentric elements of the first segment and the incessant humming and rhythmic singing during transitions had begun to grate by the denouement. However, there were many moments of excellent humour and the performance in general was creative and thought-provoking throughout.
Footnotes presents: Raw Animal Magnetism The Amos Room 10th February £4
Why Contribute To The Spread of Ugliness? at Ikon Gallery Annabelle Collins
Critic
Stuart Whipps' exhibition at the Ikon could not have come at a more poignant time. The current debate surrounding the scheduled demolition of Birmingham Central Library has caused many to question whether we will lose a significant part of our city's heritage. In Why Contribute to the Spread of Ugliness? Whipps has explored the changing nature of cultural value through the mediums of photography and video. Not only does he focus on the aesthetics of the library but also other buildings designed by prolific Birmingham architect John Madin, including those visited on a tour around America.
The main body of the exhibition, 19 0f 147 Uncatalogued Boxes, is displayed on three large slide projectors; they showed a reel of eighty different slides focussing on three different types of subject matter. Whipps has delved into the archives of John Madin and his Design Group, and produced an unusual combination of archive boxes, their content and the finished buildings. The degree of attention he has given to photographing and presenting the material is juxtaposed against the way they have been left forgotten and uncatalogued. The second part of the exhibition, England and the Octopus, Britain and the Beast, deeply contrasts with the urban nature of the
Over The Rainbow at The Alexandra
Alice Grimes Critic
Whenever someone mentions the name Eva Cassidy, the immediate response from anyone who has any knowledge of her life, understandably, seems to incorporate the words 'tragic' or 'sad' due to her death aged just 33. It was her bitter-sweet posthumous success that brought her international recognition and cemented her as a house-hold name. The Over the Rainbow production, which depicts the lifestory of Cassidy, recommenced their UK tour at the beginning of the year and second on their list was Birmingham's New Alexandra Theatre where they showcased this musical extravaganza for two consecutive nights. The Eva Cassidy Story follows a young Eva from childhood, to her relationship with bassist and recording engineer Chris Biondo up until her poignant death and intersperses these biographic pa
sages with well-loved songs such as 'Songbird', 'Fields of Gold' and 'Over the Rainbow'. Having received mixed reviews from theatre critics, I was keen to see how the musical catered for both Eva Cassidy fans and those who were less familiar with her. Overall, the musical is clearly aimed at an audience who have a thorough knowledge of Cassidy's life story as some moments, such as her break up with on-off lover Biondo were glazed over and never fully developed but the audience didn't seem to mind this. What must be recognised, however, is the outstanding vocal performance by Sarah Jane Buckley. She was pitch-perfect and handled the best-known of Cassidy's classic songs with authority and captured the empathy and musicality Eva conveyed. The live music too was a welcome addition to the production and the entire cast gave impressive performances. Yet, whilst Eva's story was free from excessive drama, the fact she was not recognised until after her death, together with the mass of potential she possessed, makes her story one worth telling, and the cast of Over the Rainbow: The Eva Cassidy Story manages to fuse together the tragedy with a celebration of her musical achievements. As Jazz critic Ted Gioia wrote, 'Cassidy was a huge talent, whose obscurity during her lifetime was almost as much a tragedy as her early death.'
first. Here, Whipps is concerned with the exclusion of Blaenau Ffestiniog from Snowdonia National park, as it was not deemed to be beautiful enough. Although the concept was intriguing and the short film featured stunning locations, the Welsh commentary made it difficult to engage with. The retro style of the overall production is clearly not an accident; Whipps has given his subject matter the attention he feels it deserves. He may be asking us to make our own decision as to what is beautiful, -but a striking aspect of the exhibition is the way he has taken time to preserve records of Birmingham's architectural history, some of which will soon be permanently lost.
Postcards From Japan IKON 15th Feb – 22nd April Free
My Father and Other Superheroes at mac
Elizabeth Waind Critic
A torrent of props and a fancy backdrop were not necessary to help tell Nick Makoha's My Father and Other Superheroes, the story of his troubled relationship with his semi-absent father. The phrase 'one man show' was taken to a whole new level with this play as Makoha took the stage with nothing but a stark black backdrop and one wooden block for a prop. In his one simple costume resembling a school uniform, with his detailed and passionate descriptions, movements and characters he was able to paint the picture of every scene that he was describing in his monologue – nothing else was needed on stage, just him and his story. This was very much a psychological play, exploring the mind and feelings of Makoha through hearing his monologue, rather than about the staging and the visuals.
Makoha's ability to become a number of different characters whilst telling his monologue was impressive – each new character was as believable as the last, and all different. This was a one man show, but certainly not a one character show. Real emotion was also seeping from Makoha throughout the performance – perhaps because this was an autobiographical play, Makoha was able to be true to his feelings, and thus the anger and the happiness that he felt towards his father throughout the performance were equally believable and moving. What did greatly add to Makoha's performance, however, was the use of lighting and music to really set the mood for each new scene – as director Benji Reid said himself in the Q&A following the performance, the lights 'bring this world alive', and that they certainly did. From more natural lighting for the everyday scenes to striking prisms of light coupled with dramatic music to create a more supernatural feel, Makoha's world was created for the audience. Nick Makoha's My Father and Other Superheroes was a believable and impressive one man performance that really got to the heart of troubled father-son relationships and how the absence of a parent can affect a child and their faith and reliance on other things in life.
The Stories That Shakespeare Knew mac 16th-18th February £8.50
An Evening of Music and Dance Symphony Hall 17th February £10
Greyish Quartet The Drum 17th February £3
12 redbrickpaper.co.uk
Technology
$100 billion: The expected value of Facebook after it goes public
Facebook IPO poised to make history
Tom Armstrong Feature Writer
On the 1st of February, Facebook began its long awaited arrival on the stock market by filing an IPO worth $5 billion. An IPO or Initial Public Offering is, as the name suggests, the first offering of shares by a private company to public investors. While the company hasn't yet specified exactly how many shares it intends to offer or how much each share will cost, it has stated that the IPO is intended to raise $5 billion. The announcement prompted a frenzy of speculation regarding the potential value of the company, with the majority of analysts arriving at figures between $75 and $100 billion. While these figures might seem almost comically huge considering Facebook's relatively meagre $1 billion profit last year, the valuations reflect investor confidence in the potential of the company, which doubled its revenue in the last year alone. The future growth of Facebook is tied to its ability to extract advertising revenue from its ever-expanding user base, but just how certain a future is this? Facebook's biggest asset is obviously its 845 million users, a
number growing at a significant rate. However, growth is limited and in many ways Facebook's users are also its greatest uncertainty. 12 percent of its revenue, for example, relies on people regularly playing the games created by Zynga, the company responsible for popular time-vacuum Farmville. A massive 85 percent of revenue is reliant on advertising, which would obviously be hit hard if the number of users began to decline. A recent study also suggested that Facebook is largely reliant on so called 'power users', the 20-30 percent of its user base which spend the most time on the site and account for the majority of activity. Keeping these users hooked is obviously a major priority for the company and will heavily influence its future success. While the quiet failure of Google+ might suggest that Facebook's position at the top of the food chain is unassailable, the company does face some other challenges. Its mobile products currently don't generate much revenue and app developers, with whom Facebook hasn't always had the best relationship, could move from Facebook itself to Facebook-integrated web sites, severely reducing ad revenue for the company.
Redbrick
10th February 2012
While Zuckerberg has stated publicly that: 'We don't wake up in the morning with the primary goal of making money,' and emphasises a focus on the quality of the services Facebook offers, going public would add shareholders to this equation and make profits more central on the agenda. This has prompted some speculation that Zuckerberg's philosophy might be somewhat at odds with Facebook's future on the stock market, whatever that might mean for the company. Despite these issues, the Facebook IPO may well be the largest in history and its valuation, if current speculation is accurate, could dwarf that of rival Google's 2004 $23 billion valuation. Only AT&T wireless, Visa Inc and General Motors Co. have ever sought to raise more than $10 billion with an IPO and although Facebook has stated that it intends to raise only half that amount, there is potential for that figure to increase. The markets won't set a final price for the company for another few months, although at the moment investor confidence appears high. What the IPO might mean for the humble user is unclear at this point but consequences probably won't be drastic. Status as a public company will require Facebook to be more transparent with its data and business risks, and an increased focus on profits might lead to more changes to the site and more advertising among a myriad of other possible share-holder driven initiatives, but we can only speculate for the time being. Worries over yet another drastic change to the Facebook interface due to the new income are ill-advised; there's sure to be complaints from users every time the homepage has an upgrade. One bonus fact to emerge from the Facebook IPO is that Bono, who bought 1 percent of Facebook in 2009, could see his stake exceed $1 billion in value if Facebook achieves its speculated $100 billion valuation. This has been universally heralded as terrible news.
Redbrick Tech goes romantic So Valentine's Day is upon us and we are being bombarded by romantic films and TV shows. But
what about games? While a night blasting your mates online doesn't scream romantic date, some games offer inspiring love stories that would rival Titanic. Here are our top five gaming couples.
#5 The companion cube and Chell
Doomed from the start, this unconventional coupling featured in Portal is nonetheless a classic tragic romance. Player controlled Chell and her cube work together to beat a series of complicated puzzles set by an evil, killer robot in a heart-warming display of teamwork and companionship. And if you didn't shed a tear at the final goodbye, you're worse than GlaDOS.
These heroes from the Metal Gear series may not be the first names to spring to mind when you think romance, but this is an inseparable partnership. Every time Snake is in the field, Otacon is right there watching over him and trying to keep him safe, offering vital advice over the codec. And if you still need convincing you just need to kill Snake to hear Otacon's passionate cries of 'Snake? Snake! Snaaaaaaaaaaake!'.
#4 Snake & Otacon
#3 Mario & Peach
The princess and the Italian plumber, it's a love story as old as time. This romance has lasted over 25 years - no matter how many times she is kidnapped by his arch enemy Bowser, Mario is always there to rescue Princess Peach. He braves ice, mountains, underwater caverns, bombs and mushrooms to get his girl and he always does. If that isn't a sign of true love, we don't know what is.
Alone in a world inhabited by shady ghosts and an evil queen trying to kill them, Ico and Yorda's relationship is genuinely touching. Ico takes Yorda by the hand and guides her through the world and towards freedom. The vast empty landscapes of the game bring this couple together and create a sense of tender intimacy that would put The Notebook to shame.
#2 Ico & Yorda
#1 Mr & Mrs Pacman
With roughly four in ten marriages ending in divorce these days, the fact that this couple have managed to keep their relationship going strong is definitely something to be admired. Throw in the added stresses of collecting dots and escaping from ghosts and its easy to see that Mr and Mrs Pacman are one of the most inspirational couples out there, and so we award them the top spot.
Ruth Bradley Technology Editor
Microchip equipped pills set to make high street debut Andrew Spencer Writer
In September, Lloyds Pharmacy will become the first British high street pharmacy to sell the Helius, a revolutionary new pill which contains an edible microchip. The chip in Helius is a tiny sensor (1mm2) that sends out information upon entering the stomach to a shoulder patch worn by the user.. Then all information gathered will be sent from the patch to a smart phone or tablet via Bluetooth. The mobile device will display the results in a clear and concise manner easily understandable by the user. So what sort of information can we expect from this? The World Health Organisation believes that half of all patients take their pills incorrectly. A key cause of this is forgetting to take medication or overdosing. Therefore, a very clever application of the Helius is that a Bluetooth connected smart phone can contain a record of the type and time of every pill consumed. If the users have not taken their pills at the correct
time, the phone can alert them of this fact before it is too late. Alternatively it can send a message to a family member or carer. This way the problems caused by forgetting to take pills could be dramatically minimised. It is not just frequency of pill consumption that can be recorded though. Other information such as heart rate, activity, respiratory rate and temperature can be measured and shown on the mobile device through graphs and tables. Proteus Biomedical, the company behind Helius, believes that if patients understand how certain behaviours affect their bodies then 'they can make better life choices'. However, the data is also sent to a secure database containing information about the patient from a whole range of different connected devices. For example, data could be obtained from medical systems such as weight scales and wireless glucose metres. Doctors will then be able to access all this data by looking at that one individual database location that will effectively
become the patient's universal health record. This could improve the efficiency of the medical industry by an unprecedented degree. On the other hand, many have seen past this and raised a key issue that has become so important in the current digital age: privacy. The availability of this information to doctors, and possibly others, has led to growing concerns that an individual's health problems will no longer remain private and confidential. Proteus Biomedical has argued that the patient still owns the data and by sharing it they are giving permission to a physician or doctor to look at it and use it solely for the purposes of their own diagnosis and records. They say there should be no issue with regards to data being passed to others without proper authorisation, so don't expect to see patient's Twitter accounts auto-tweeting their medical condition just yet. Helius Pills will cost around ÂŁ50 a month and will be initially targeted at people with chronic health conditions.
Quick Review: Nokia Lumia
Online Technology Editor Dan Lesser offers a sneak peek of his exclusive online review The Nokia Lumia 800 is a return to grace for a once-troubled company. It speeds through Windows Phone 7 with buttery smoothness, has a great camera, a stunning screen, and is a design classic. However, it is held back by platform limitations, poor battery life, and an inexplicable lack of tethering. !
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Read the full review at: www.redbrickpaper.co.uk/ tech
Better Forums give you the chance to raise any issues, discuss any ideas, or make any suggestions to shape your experience here in Birmingham.
Better Forums are open to all University of Birmingham students who want to have a say.
What have the Better Forums done for you? Lower drinks prices in Joe’s Introduced a loyalty card, Joe’s Plus, which entitles you to discounts on various beverages and meals.
Improve signage around the building New signage for the Guild has been designed and installed with a plan to introduce more signage over the coming year.
Personal Tutor system Gained feedback from students on the Personal Tutor system and met with the Director of Student Support to discuss issues raised.
When do the Better Forums take place? Monday 27th February
Rosa Parks Room (Guild of Students) – 6pm
Whether it’s Guild events and campaigns, or housing, community and safety issues, in this forum we want to hear how we can best represent you.
Wednesday 29th February
Rosa Parks Room (Guild of Students) – 2pm
From course content to representation and plagiarism, the Better Education and University Forum covers every aspect of your university experience.
Thursday 1st March
Guild Council Chambers (Guild of Students) – 6:15pm
Topics in this forum cover everything from student group room bookings, to facilities, and representation of sports groups within the Guild.
Can’t make a Better Forum but would like to keep updated? During each Better Forum you can follow a live feed on Twitter. To keep up-to-date with the Forums as they happen, please use the following # tags.
Better Guild and Welfare Forum - #BetterGW Better Education & University Forum - #BetterEU Better Student Groups & Sports Forum - #BetterSGS
Want to know more? studentvoice@guild.bham.ac.uk
@StudentVoiceGOS
14 redbrickpaper.co.uk
Redbrick
10th February 2012
Film
'There is a moment of sheer panic when I realize that Paul's apartment overlooks the park and is obviously more expensive than mine'
American Psycho (2000)
Interview: Viggo Mortensen
Film News
Sarah Coe analyses the analyst in her interview with A Dangerous Method's Sigmund Freud I know that you like to absorb yourself in the character you play. Is there too much information sometimes? Yeah sometimes, especially if you enjoy it, which I do. As with playing Freud and pretty much any other character, I collect a whole bunch of material: usually objects, and in this case a lot of books. Although Freud's ideas w e r e important, his behavior was so important in playing
him, and there were a lot of descriptions of how he spoke, the tone and his wittiness. You mention wittiness, but usually when someone thinks of Freud they view him to be stern. Was that an aspect you wanted to bring out? When I was first offered the part, I thought it was odd that I don't look like him and secondly, how to speak this much intellectual dialogue without it being flat. I started reading about him and finding out that he was pretty funny: he liked to make jokes, and he supposedly met up with Mark Twain in Vienna and they smoked cigars and told jokes. I realised he had a sense of humour, and he had some fun and I could have some
more fun too. This is your third time working with Cronenberg. Why do you like working with him? It's fun. Like Freud was, he's someone who takes his job seriously but has a sense of humour, and I like that aspect of working with Cronenberg because he never forgets, no matter how serious the scene is, to have a good time. He's excited about going to work, and when he gets there he's running around and that's contagious. Was there any difference in preparing and filming A Dangerous Method compared to Cronenberg's other work? Not really. But I think that Eastern Promises was its own story and its quite different from A History of Violence, and this one was different from these two, but I don't think Cronenberg feels trapped by his reputation or his persona. There are some directors, who copy themselves or seem trapped by people's perceptions of them. But Cronenberg seems to be liberated from that somehow;
he takes each movie on as if it's the first movie he's ever made. Do you think that some actors tend to type cast themselves as well? Definitely. But actors who, like myself, are terrified of doing a bad job, don't want to let others or yourself down. You can play it safe and do variations of a previous character year after year, or you can try something completely new to be afraid of. The thing I was most afraid of with A Dangerous Method was the amount and type of dialogue, and the physical transformation. But those things ended up being really enjoyable and then I was no longer afraid of it, and it was just fun.
Matthew Clemens Critic
Child-friendly Chuck
The creators of Terminator 5 guarantee their latest instalment will be 100% blood and guts R-rated as 'God and James Cameron intended', which for UK cinema enthusiasts, translates as a 15 or 18 certificate rating. This will no doubt ring sweetly in the ears of action lovers everywhere, especially the ones K.O'd by the decision to make the Expendables 2 a 12. Mr Stallone Have you ever gone into anal- assures us it's only been done to ysis yourself? make the violence a little less visually intrusive as demanded by Chuck About 20 years ago, I went for Norris. Nothing to do with the extra a short period of months to see money then, eh Sly? somebody and I found it useful. I knew what it was to sit and talk with a friend, but it's not the same as going to see someone who has no emotional family or friendship history with you, to whom you can say anything you want without any fear of being judged.
Five of the Best: Romantic Film Music Moments Luke Jones goes all gooey on us with his Valentines-inspired list of lovely, lyrical film scenes
500 Days of Summer
#2
1
Moulin Rouge
#
Baz Luhrman's 2001 musical / Warner Bros cartoon could fill a list of moments by itself, but it's the final rendition of 'Come What May' that stands out as most joyous. With Ewan McGregor walking out of her life forever, Nicole Kidman sings out the opening refrains of the song a capella. The musical number that follows starts small, ends grand, and leaves you totally unprepared for the sucker punch about to come.
As Tom (Joseph GordonLevitt) walks down the street after spending the night with Summer (Zooey Deschanel) for the first time, the scene becomes an elaborate musical number, complete with dancing extras and an upbeat 80s soundtrack courtesy of Hall & Oates' 'You Make My Dreams'. In lesser hands it could have been crass, yet in director Marc Webb's it's a scene of distilled happiness.
Brief Encounter
want the rainbow, #4 'ifyouyougotta put up with the As Dolly Parton once said,
rain', and so with the happy moments come those which break your heart. As secret lovers Alec and Laura meet for the final time, their last moments underscored by Rachmaninoff's 'Piano Concerto No. 2', a mutual friend interrupts them, unaware of the farewell that she is crashing.
Neeson v. Wolves = $ Liam Neeson has hit the big screen with another box office winner, offering a decidedly chilling performance in The Grey as stranded wilderness expert, Ottway. The movie skated past its opposition on its opening weekend, recording a cool $20 million and confirming the apparent enthusiasm America has for seeing a rusty Irishman fight a pack of wolves. The genius of Hollywood concepts these days are just astounding, aren't they? Still, at least it toppled Underworld: Awakening from the top spot.
Before Watchmen Dirty Dancing
Wall-E
of female minds, could feel emo#5 humans #3 eration Patrick Swayze's iconic tion? As Wall-E follows Forever etched into a gen-
And who said that only
line, 'nobody puts baby in a corner' may get repeated the most but it's the dance afterwards, where Baby finally manages a successful lift (repeated recently in the hilarious, highly recommended Crazy, Stupid, Love), that really seals the deal. CHEESY SIGNOFF ALERT! You'll have the time of your life.
hi-tech Apple wannabe EVA (hey, Facebook has made stalking acceptable now, right?), Louis Armstrong provides the soundtrack, belting out 'La Vie en Rose' in his own unique style. It's funny, it's sweet, and it's heartwarming for everyone who has felt the sting of liking someone who doesn't even notice that they are there.
It may not be strictly movie related gossip, but seven brand new Watchmen graphic novels are in the initial stages of production. Currently titled Before Watchmen, this new collection will be the prequel fans of the series have (or indeed haven't) been waiting for. While a big screen reboot isn't quite in the works yet, it seems likely that, if successful, these comic will spawn further filmic instalments. It'll happen people. Mark my humble yet extremely insightful words. It‌ will‌happen.
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10th February 2012
Television
Redbrick
Read Jenna Kirby's review of Supernanny USA at redbrickpaper. co.uk
Top 5 YouTube Stars
Top TV tweeters
Eliott Rhodes takes a look at people who have made it big thanks to YouTube success
Compiled by Jenny Porter Merton
Smosh
5. This piano whizzkid
was made famous by Chatroulette but has got his fair share of followers. He sat with his piano singing whatever he saw on the other person's webcam. Thankfully it's edited out all of the standard Chatroulette images. Search 'Chatroulette piano man'.
4. Otherwise
known as Anthony and Ian. Their parodies include Mortal Kombat, Transformers and most notably Pokémon. Since then they have expanded to real life imaginings of Pokémon. Search 'Pokémon in real life'.
Juliet
Collegehumour
3. First
set up by a group of high school friends and now an online comedy company, it is difficult to find anyone who hasn't got their favourite from the multitude of videos that these guys have uploaded. Search 'Tetris God', 'Storm Trooper 9/11'.
Rebecca Black
2. Another
musician makes the list as an eight year old girl sings her first "hardcore" song. In this ridiculouly popular video Juliet "rocks out" to subjects like her pet dog and fish. Search '8 year old girl first hardcore song' (Check safesearch is on first!).
1. Perhaps the most in-
famous of internet sensations. Her song Friday is the best evidence of the terrible consequences that can come of the video sharing culture we live in, but she's living it up well enough. Search 'Black Friday' for a real treat.
David Walliams – A Celebrity Profile Russell Webb looks at the career and charity work of everyone's favorite comedian Actor, writer and now judge, David Walliams has become a household name since bursting onto our screens alongside Matt Lucas in their hugely successful sketch show Little Britain in 2003. Walliams was actually born Williams, but decided to change his name after joining actor's trade union Equity which already had a member by the name of David Williams. It is Walliams, however, who has become famous. Having studied Drama at the University of Bristol, Walliams went on to a number of projects for television. These included a late night Channel 4 sketchs h o w that he co-wrote, starring the then unknown names Peter Kay and Catherine Tate. Walliams has also appeared in prestigious BBC soap Eastenders. However, it was his part-
nership with Matt Lucas that found him catapulted to fame. The pair met through the National Youth Theatre and they both starred in the video for Fat Les' unofficial England World Cup song Vindaloo. It was the time between early 2003 to late 2005 that Walliams really made his name with the hit BBC show Little Britain. The show was so successful that a live tour was very quickly commissioned, which went on to surpass the show in many ways – particularly with the criti c s .
The pair even got a spin off series, Little Britain USA. Walliams and Lucas have paired up since then, most recently for airport-based sketch show Come Fly With Me. Walliams has also found success away from his sketch partner with a fruitful writing career in children's literature. Walliams' books have been illustrated by the renowned Quentin Blake and have won awards such as the Inaugural People's Book Prize 2010 for Mr Stink. Walliams has not always been on our screens for purposes of entertain-
ment either. Over the past few years he has completed amazing physical feats in order to raise money for charities including Children In Need. Just last year he swam the 140 mile length of the river Thames in aid of Sport Relief, contracting hypothermia and a stomach bug. He has also swum the strait of Gibraltar, cycling from Land's End to John-O-Groats and completed a 24 hour stint on nonstop panel shows. Walliams has moved into presenting with Sky1 panel show Wall of Fame. Currently he is watching hopefuls compete to be the next winner of Britain's Got Talent. This position alongside all his charity exploits could move Walliams into the realms of Cheryl Cole as a national treasure.
This week in TV News BBC Drama Garrow's Law has been cancelled despite consistently good ratings over the past three series.
The newest series of Skins was actually watched by 1.2m people once online viewings were counted. This came as a relief to Channel 4 after an apparently disappointing inital reception.
Gillian Anderson has joined the cast of The Fall, a new BBC drama series following a killer and his victims.
Alan Carr The Chatty Man consistently encourages the frequent giggle: 'Just realised I have the same voice as Lydia's mum on TOWIE!! Ahh!'
Piers Morgan Piers is engaging in a playful twitter feud with Alan Sugar: '@Lord_ Sugar you've done that joke before. Is senile dementia setting in already?'
Lord Sugar In recognition of the tedious nature of the feud, the Lord retorted: 'sorry cant banter anymore with @piersmorgan tonight got to get priorities right. I have to iron some Kleenex tissues far more exciting.'
Jonathan Ross
Not one to miss a technological opportunity: 'Good morning. My wife can't find her blue leggings anywhere. I am too lazy to help. If you have seen them please get in touch.' It appears he's moved on from voicemails.
Hollyoaks There was a Hollyoaks twitter frenzy when Frankie Cocozza hinted on Celeb BB at a blossoming romance with one of the cast members. Female cast were quick to deny such connections, and Anna Shaffer, who plays Ruby, reiterated the sentiments of most: “It MOST DEFINITELY is not me, I'm far too hygienic”. Well said.
Ricky Gervais
His Globes performance proved that he's no shrinking violet, as have his controversial tweets regarding religion. It appears he's still open to other TV opportunities though. He retweeted an invite from @ BearGrylls to join him on a Wild Weekend for Channel 4, and replied: “Can I choose the hotel”.
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Redbrick
Reviews: This week's hottest shows Love in the Wild Charlotte Goodwin Critic
The American dating show Love in the Wild has come to our screens, promising to push dating to the limit! The game show, set in the romantic setting of Costa Rica, follows 20 men and women as they compete in pairs each week for the ultimate prize of a trip around the world. Each week, high adrenaline challenges and adventures are set for the pairs to compete against
Inside Men Jenna Kirby Critic
The first few minutes of the BBC's new series Inside Men throws the viewer into a frenzied, violent sequence in which masked robbers beat their way towards the safe in a counting house – an establishment that (as is suggested by the name) counts and transfers huge amounts of money for businesses and banks. The sequence includes some flashes of violence that aren't for
Harry Hill's TV Burp Hannah Lloyd-Davies Critic
All of us, at some point or another have tuned into an episode of Harry Hill's TV Burp, as it has been on our screens for a decade now, but it has sadly begun its final series. The show's success is a testament to the ridiculously immature humour that Hill churns out, producing jokes that can be universally understood. He is a firm favourite on a Saturday night,
The Magicians Russell Webb Critic
Hit BBC1 show The Magicians has had a spellbinding second series. This is the show that teams up top current magicians with familiar famous faces. What was already a very entertaining and unusual prime time Saturday night programme has become even better with the changes made since its break. Firstly, and most importantly, it has gone live. There are many sceptics amongst viewers of tele-
Amanda Holden has been confirmed as a judge on Britain's Got Talent. Filming will begin in Scotland this week.
Russell Kane is due to front a new show for BBC Three called Look at the State of You.
each other. These tasks really do either split the partners or bring them closer together, and for many of them, it's make or break. This week the challenge involved building a raft and following a map through crocodile infested water. The winning couple were not only saved from elimination, but it appears there is going to be a chance of romance between them... Looking at the contestants, you would not think it would be hard for them to find dates. However, their lists for the perfect partners are endless! With a mix of extremely su-
perficial, as well as arrogant characters, tensions are high throughout. While the tasks themselves do not really maintain your interest for long, the elimination process is very clever. At the eliminations, the girls and guys can ask to switch partners, but they could also face rejection! The last couple left, who noone chooses to date, leave the competition. This set-up of course led to bitchiness between all the contestants. Obviously, as the weeks go by, it will probably be just the arguments that will sustain the viewers' interest.
the fainthearted, or for those eating their dinner. Just as employees lie wounded and the robbers look as though they are going to get away, the action freezes and we travel back nine months. From here the story unfolds as we watch the dreary everyday lives of the employees in the run up to the robbery. The relatively unknown actors (gathered from television dramas, small parts on the big screen and soaps) are ideal for portraying people who are very 'normal' – seemingly boring law abiders with an unknown darker side.
The frenzied confusion of the opening scenes continue until pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place. The drama is also particularly English in the way that there is little clear portrayal of emotion – most of it is guesswork. This can be a little confusing and caused much debate among myself and my housemates, but the actors pull this off impeccably by the end. This four-part series is guaranteed to catch your attention and keep you hooked, while posing some serious moral dilemmas about the downfalls of greed and temptation.
proving that age doesn't matter when it comes to comedy. In fact, it is the only show I feel completely at ease watching with my entire family, unlike most comedy shows out there that, although perhaps appealing more specifically to my sense of humour, always end up producing moments of uncomfortable laughter when a particularly risque joke is uttered. Hill, on the other hand, very rarely attempts to make a joke that is not immediately understood by the audience, but instead points out the hilariously obvious mistakes and innuendoes that go completely unnoticed in a variety of British programmes. This is hi-
lariously emphasized when 'The Fabulous Baker Brothers' both announce that they are 'masterbakers', which is of course comically misheard by Harry. Nay-sayers may claim that Hill uses banal, obvious humour to lazily poke fun at programmes simply by using scenes taken out of context, but he has raked in numerous awards because he truly is a telly talent. Although I have to agree that the show is a little 'lowbrow' at times, it does offer the only completely family-friendly half-hour on television a week that can actually guarantee at least a few laughs, so it will surely be missed.
vision magic shows that believe in camera tricks and edits that allow the illusions to be performed seemingly seamlessly. By doing this, that avenue of criticism has largely been cut off; however, there are still pre-recorded tricks performed outside of the studio. Having said that, 50% of the tricks performed are in the studio, as well as the customary forfeit for the losers with the fewest votes (more on that later). What was a one hour programme has now become a quarter of an hour longer to allow for three extra dumbfounding tricks. Each pair must perform a grand illusion on location, street magic,
and, of course, close-up magic. The grand illusion on location is a new addition that allows the magicians to perform some of their biggest tricks in front of a gathered audience using props such as buses, cliffs and helicopters to up the danger factor involved. As there was last series, the losers must face a forfeit. Unlike last series the people who decide are the audience at home. Each act has their own number and in true reality TV style you can vote for who you want to win. With bigger and better tricks coupled with celebrities, The Magicians certainly adds a little abracadabra to your Saturday nights.
Whitney Port, of The Hills fame, has been selected as the latest panel member on Britain's Next Top Model, replacing Grace Woodward.
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10th February 2012
Music
Fierce Jukebox
Redbrick
M.I.A may pay fine after Superbowl incident www.mtv.com/news
Live Review
Album Review 9 Django Django Django Django
Joseph Fuller Critic
Tamara Roper Music Editor
Lauryn Hill – Doo Wop (That Thing) Lauryn Hill is proof that many albums do not make a succesful artist. Taken from her 1997 solo debut The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, the song is a breath of fresh air amongst a fair load of heavy content. Light hearted but still just as real as anything from the rest of the record, Ms Hill is a force to be reckoned with. Sticky ft Ms Dynamite – Boo Ms Dynamite at her very best. The song that arguably kick started her career as a garage artist, 'Boo' is addictive. Ms D rapping over an insatiable, boppy bassline provided by DJ Sticky, this showcases Ms Dynamite at her best: what started off as an underground garage song launched one of the fiercest women in UK music. The Velvet Underground & Nico – Femme Fatale One of the most controversial artists of the 1960s, Nico's collaboration with Lou Reed and co. made her immediately associated with Andy Warhol and the Factory movement. 'Femme Fatale' is bittersweet, with Nico's harsh tones over The Velvet Underground's lilting guitars. A formidable character, the song might as well be an ode to Nico herself. Aretha Franklin – R.E.S.P.E.C.T Does this song even warrant an explanation as to how it wound up on this list? To even try and unpick these two minutes of strong independent female magic would be ridiculous. God Bless you Aretha, is all I end with. Shakira – Hips Don't Lie
Just sounding out Django Django's name has a strong rhythmic syllabic pattern to it, and listening to their striking self-titled debut, you can't help but think it's an intentional move. Meeting at art school in Edinbrugh; Django Django is a debut every bit as clever and arty as the band's beginnings would suggest, and every bit as beat-orientated as their name. Rather than crafting a chin-stroking, self-conscious debut opus, the band have instead chosen to make a lush, instantly engaging record that brings to mind laidback West Coast '60s psychedelica, Beach Boys group harmonies and the arch post-punk of acts such as Talking Heads. Each track is incredibly assured for a debut record (though the band have been active since 2009, realising their first double A-side Storm/Love's Dart, and manages to remain cohesive despite splintering off in different directions, track-by-track. Synth player Tommy states that 'we'd let any similarities between the songs
come out by themselves', and despite their shifting structures, the band's breezy group harmonies and rhythmic underpinning remain no matter what shape they're crafted into. Future single 'Default' applies a stuttering, robotic vocal to taut guitar lines and swathes of keyboards to addictive effect, the sleek '80s pop of 'Waveforms' gives us a cowbell-driven highlight, 'Zumm Zumm' provides a hypnotic group-vocal driven by a fantastically simple synth pattern and 'Hand Of Man and Firewater' add lush, folky strokes to their precision assault. Django Django is the sound of a bedroom band crafting a thrilling introduction, full of peaks and crammed with great ideas. Very few bands manage to take such well-trodden influences and craft such a singular sound on their first outing, but Django Django have succeed commendably and provided an early 'album of the year' contender. Sounds like: Talking Heads
Timothy Romain Critic
On Monday, downstairs in the HMV Library, big Rodney Smith waltzed on stage wearing a cream suit with a red bow-tie, a parka and a bowler hat and proceeded to tear the place down. His tour promotes his new album, 4everevolution, (which is the absolute bang-bang and seriously worth checking out. Easily as good as his first two, even if it has a silly name) and sees him visiting all corners of the UK before setting off down under to Australia. The crowd was pretty lifeless at first as the DJ played a few tunes while the band prepped, but things soon hyped up as Smith rocked onstage – his impeccable style and almost instinctual swagger were like a slap in the face and we all realised things were about to pop off. Backed by a live band along with two male soul singers/ co-mcees and an incredibly talented female vocalist he started off with some headboppers from
$#*! My Dad Sings To William Franklin Music Editor
Does anyone remember that one song by The Ting Tings back in 2008 – 'Great DJ'? Apparently it came about when vocalist Katie White was 'playing a D chord on the guitar for hours, because that's all I could play. And then I put my finger o n
the wrong string, and got what I discovered was an augmented chord. And that was the riff'. Well my Dad not only remembers, but doesn't seem to care that it's one of the most obnoxiously repetitive and structurally unambitious pop songs ever. Despite being a competent guitar player and coming from a rich musical background of The Beatles, The Jam, Led Zep and Pink Floyd fandom (which, for the most part, he managed to instill in me).
Shakeeeeera Shakeeeera. Everyone together now. This Columbian princess is surely one of the fiercest ladies around these days. Charitable, undeniably sexy and definitely not a size six, Shakira sums it all up in this perfect pop song. I had difficulty choosing just one song for this playlist. For additional content, including album reviews of Pulled Apart By Horses, The Weeknd, and an interview with The History of the Apple Pie, visit redbrickpaper.co.uk. Follow us on Twitter at @redbrickmusic, or email us at music@redbrickonline.co.uk.
Roots Manuva HMV Institute 30/1/2012
With Marky Mark Franklin
Watching my father enjoy The Ting Tings could be the world's greatest spectator sport. Never in your whole life could you witness something so inelegant. He could
do an air-drumming routine in a crowd full of seizing epileptics and the paramedics would still comment that he was the worst dancer in the room. He manages to dance like a Dad at a wedding, even when he's not. The human mind only has a few options when it tries to process the sight of a middle-aged man in a Cotton Trader sweatshirt doing his best 'sassy Black woman' impression to the upbeat sound of anything remotely Motown. And all of them are to self-lobotomise. This is a man with no time whatsoever for modern music unless it features guitars or moody female vocals and has some kind of middle-class broadsheet recommendation. I accept that music is one of the most subjective of all art forms, but putting your hands over your ears and screaming to drown out the sound of something just because it didn't win the Mercury Prize can't be healthy. It's just a little saddening, because as I said, he had damn good taste once upon a time. I'm not saying that liking selfimportant dross like Keane or being musically picky are the worst things anyone can do with their lives, but if there's a special circle of hell reserved for embarrassing parents, (and I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't believe there was) when my Dad shows up it'll force Satan to shuffle his papers and admit, 'Christ, I don't think I even have a form for that'.
4ever like 'First Growth', 'Skid Valley' and 'Watch Me Dance'. Things were pretty hot but needless to say when he busted out 'Witness The Fitness' the dancefloor went nuts. Arms were flying about all over the place and I've never before heard so many people shout 'cheese on toast' with such passion. He played through other classics like 'Let The Spirit', 'Dreamy Days', 'Highest Grade' and encored with Dub Styles which set the room off again. My only criticism of the night was Smith's quietness when the music wasn't playing. He gave the standard thanks for his welcome to Birmingham, but that was about it. For someone so lyrically talented it would have been good to hear something new that we haven't already in his records - it's always nice to get a bit of intimacy as well as entertainment at a gig. All in all though, it was a wicked night, Roots clearly still has it and he's probably going to keep it for a while.
Single Review Labrinth Last Time
Josh Holder
Online Music Editor
Way back in 2011, Labrinth told us that he predicted an earthquake. It now appears that was just his projection of the earth shaking effect of his next single 'Last Time', due for release in March. Featuring heavily auto-tuned vocals, fast moving string components and Japanese-influenced synths, it has all the required components to become Labrinth's biggest chart success yet. It's the combination of the subtle brilliances that make Labrinth stand out as the hottest producer in the UK. From the track's slow building bass, to the blending of numerous synth layers, 'Last Time' is captivating from start to finish. The less bass-focused sound is a complete change in direction from 'Earthquake', and this track indicates that his forthcoming album Electronic Earth will feature a diverse range of sounds.
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10th February 2012 redbrickpaper.co.uk
Redbrick
This Much I Know... In Redbrick Music's first comment column, Timothy Romain has a bone to pick with bass music.
Redbrick Meets...Kaiser Chiefs Josh Carvell Timothy Romain Critic
A few months ago I was having a chill in my living room, swapping tunes with a couple of people when we got into an argument about what constitutes 'future garage'. I was adamant that the defining tune of the genre had to be Moska – 'Bax'. A popular dancefloor banger with that standard two-step beat going on underneath some nice female vocals. My mate was pushing for some Synkro tune. Things got heated and words like 'post-dubstep' started getting thrown about and we never resolved the conflict. Since then, I've heard people talking about 'Bass Music' as a genre. They use it as an all-encompassing term for bass-heavy electronic music. Some go so far as to call it a 'movement'. Naaaahhh bruv. It's a useless term coined to link what is now effectively pop music to an ever-changing underground scene, and as big man Pinch, founder of Tectonic says 'to sell s*** compilations'. 'Bass music' tells us nothing about anything. When asked what
music they're into, I prefer it when people take a good fifteen minutes to reply, naming the DJs and producers they support. 'Bass Music' implies a uniform 'scene', where everybody is friends with one another and they all appreciate the many different types of music it supposedly includes. You only need to check out any of the Dubstep tunes on YouTube to see how much people hate on other sub-genres with serious passion, and this hate is healthy. By rejecting mainstream music, producers are pushing for deeper, more imaginative sounds that deserve to be classified as different from what is heard on the radio. I could settle my dispute by accepting that it's all bass music so there's no need to fight, but hopefully, this term won't catch on, and in 2012 we will see a continuation of what happened musically in 2011 – more off-shoots, more subgenres, more complicated names for innovative sounds. We want producers to create new varied music and move further apart, not closer together.
Critic
Kaiser Chiefs are no strangers to success. After 15 years, the band are a household name that have been churning out anthems since their debut album Employment was released in 2005. Seven years and three albums later, Redbrick meets their charismatic and amicable front man, Ricky Wilson. After being ushered into the dressing room and told to wait for his arrival, I'm left amongst the band's possessions. On the table sits a vintage camera and a roll of film. Clearly after seven years, being on tour is still worthy of documentation for the band. Shortly after, Wilson arrives. Kaiser Chiefs are certainly a group that can be considered a 'guitar band', and Wilson refutes the idea that rock and roll is dying, claiming: 'it's never dead is it? Personally, I think there are more guitar bands around than ever before'. It's just not as popular at the moment'. Looking forward to the future of music, Wilson predicts a bright future for the genre, claiming 'it's
definitely due a resurgence' and that 'this younger generation are desperate for the next Nirvana, Oasis or Arctic Monkeys to get all the kids back at gigs together and fire up other bands'. Despite these predictions for the future of music, Kaiser Chiefs are firmly focused on enjoying the experience of being in a band. 'To be honest, three albums in, I don't really care about the commercial viability of our music, we're just enjoying being together as a band'. Wilson suggests the reason behind this is that the band have worked their way from the ground up, and haven't let their success go to their heads. 'We know what it's like to play stadiums, but we also know what it's like to play toilets, so it keeps us grounded'. Following the band's 2011 release, The Future is Medieval, Kaiser Chiefs have released a brand new single, 'On The Run'. The single is undoubtedly a change in direction for the band, with Wilson describing the new sound as 'an anthemic, keyboard-led track that will hopefully get people dancing again'. Speaking about the new direction of the band, Wilson
states, 'we got bored very quickly of treading water, so this is a shift sideways for us'. On the current tour, the band has had a chance to gauge the fans' reaction to the new single. 'We've only played it two or three times, but the fans seem to be amazed by it'. Despite the new single, there are no plans for a new album as of yet, with the band's two new songs to be featured on the upcoming US release of The Future Is Medieval. Speaking about their increased popularity over in America, Wilson said, 'it's great to be playing our biggest shows yet over there, its been at least three years since we've gone out so it'll be good to finally be back'. With the band's tour manager ushering the interview to a close, Wilson is whisked away to sound check for tonight's upcoming show. Usually, mainstream music can be a place that egos run unchecked, but Kaiser Chiefs remain as genuine a band as you are likely to see. They show no signs of taking their success for granted and are a band with their feet firmly on the ground.
Lana Del Rey: Born to Lie? Lana Del Rey: 1960s Blues queen reinvented or another manufactured popstar? Tamara Roper has a dig around. Watching Lana Del Rey in any sort of capacity is encapsulating. Obviously, she's incredibly good looking. Everything about her appearance, at first glance, is immaculate. It's the opening of her mouth that does me in. On first hearing 'Video Games' in late September, I was astonished that the song had been released in 2011, not 60 years ago. Here was someone who I, amongst several other better qualified music critics, believed had managed to transcend time to perfection. Names like 'a gangster Nancy Sinatra' had been pulled out, and it looked as though we might have a new Amy after all. Hearing her live changed my opinion swiftly. Critiques of her shows are almost certainly more negative than praise-worthy. A review from London-based music blog 'The Line of Best Fit' from November panned her performance at the Scala, saying: 'the problem is the inherent
unpleasantnesses of watching someone try so desperately to fulfil an image of themselves'. Reading this made me squirm slightly, mainly with pity for Miss Rey, or Miss Grant, as writers who aim to pick out the farcical nature of her persona seem to constantly point out. Watching YouTube videos of Del Rey also make for intriguing viewing. Never having been a fan of musicians being interviewed face-to-face, I forced myself to watch the internet's most popular in some vain quest to find 2012's poster girl crack under the pressure of tough questioning. I was left only with a sense of confusion after 20 minutes perusal. She gives nothing away. Keeping her cards firmly to her chest in even the most simple of questions, it seems that Lana Del Rey is either shy, bland, or far less eloquent than her lyrics might suggest. What about this woman is actually real? Her appearance is certainly impressive, but clichĂŠ calls when I point out that everything underneath appears to be fake. Her accent seems bizarre for someone brought up on the East Coast of America. Her appearance on Saturday Night Live showcases her at her warbling worst, switching from off-key to simply half-arsed. Her self-conscious stage presence adds nothing, and it would seem
that she has only her looks to save her. In an interview with Jo Whiley, she confesses that other than singing, she has no other talents. It would appear that she is merely clinging onto the only one she claims to possess.
Lana performing 'Video Games' on Saturday Night Live.
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Life&Style
Redbrick
10th February 2012
'It's Totes Amaze': April Shacklock discusses the YouTube hit taking the fashion world by storm at redbrickpaper.co.uk/category/lifestyle
Fierce & Finished
Campus confessions: Valentine's special In the name of serious investigative journalism, the L&S team braved the cold weather in the lead up to Valentine's Day to ask Birmingham students the crucial question: 'What would be your dream celebrity date in Selly Oak?'
Fierce Megan Jones Writer
BAFTAs – Tune in this Sunday for an award show and red carpet that we can actually stay awake for. Hollywood, eat your heart out.
Chris, 1st year Ancient History student would take Olivia Wilde to Rooster House for some chicken
Joseph, 1st year Chemistry student would take Scarlett Johansson to Selly Sausage for a fry up
Sean, 3rd year Politics student would take Shakira to Rooster House for a number one
Harrison, 2nd year Economics student would take Amber Heard to TC's
Becks for H&M – The underwear range may be for men, but we're definitely appreciating the new ad campaign featuring our favourite footballer. Reading Week – Only a few more days before a well-deserved break. Apologies to those whose subject doesn't allow one... Sh*t Fashion Girls Say – The viral YouTube video that has had the L&S team in hysterics. Are you guilty of saying 'She's so the Miranda' or 'Do I look OK?' If so. this video is perfect for you.
Xavier, 2nd year Economics student would take Pixie Lott to Joe's Bar
Joe, 3rd year History student would take Jennifer Aniston to the Bristol Pear
Lawrence, 2nd year English student would take Kate Beckingsale to Selly Park on a clear night
Rhys, 4th year Modern Languages Student would take Mila Kunis to Rooster House
Aqua – Struggling to find going out gear with the new Spring arrivals? Head over to aquabyaqua.com to find yourself some of Aqua's unique and sculptural styles, together with a very reasonable price tag. Tom Brady – Anyone married to Gisele is bound to score highly on the Fierce radar. Couple this with his Superbowl player status and hello there perfect. The New Life&Style Editors – Congrats to the lovely Lucy Whife who was this week appointed as section Editor and Megan Jones
Finished Jack, 1st year International Relations and Politics student would take Miley Cyrus to Paprika, the posh kebab place
Callum, 1st year Sociology student would take Lana Del Ray to Rooster House
Toby, 3rd year Economics student would take Mila Kunis to Sudabomb
Alan, 3rd year Politics student would take Zooey Deschanel to Selly Sausage
For more Valentine's campus confessions read online at redbrickpaper.co.uk/category/lifestyle
The 'UGG-ly' Addiction You Don't Want To Fight... Rhiannon Johns Writer
It's sub-zero temperatures outside, you're already late for your 9am lecture and your feet are yet to forgive you for inflicting the devil that is heels on them the night before. Further still, the unattractive march to campus is looming and your flimsy ballet pumps just won't cut it. However, staring at you from your cupboard are those sheepskin rays of sunshine that promise to incubate your abused feet (and half of your leg) for the entire day,
Topshop Miffin Boots £38
no questions asked. pair on cult TV show, The Only How can you possibly Way is Essex. say no? So how is it that these If you're relating Australian-born boots manto this then you've aged to become so popular? made the first step toWe've all made that deadly wards beating your mistake of wearing blisterUgg boot addicinflicting shoes for a day tion and the most of shopping that not important thing to only brutally murder remember is: you your feet, but also are not alone. Though the shopping trip originally associated which has to be with Californian surfcut short (never a Urban Outfitters £48 ers who would put good thing). their Uggs on after a day's surfing, Ugg boots were therefore the Ugg boots soon became a fashion easy, and for a short time, trendy statement among teenage girls option for women who had been who could afford the overpriced suffering from cold, painful feet pieces of wool. Inevitably, fake for far too long. After all, if men Uggs or, 'fuggs' as they came to be can walk around in comfort all day, known, swept across the globe and why shouldn't we? soon enough a cult of elephant feet However, Ugg boots are no took over western society. Even longer the only choice for those men have started to succumb to who refuse to expose their feet the boots and man Uggs or 'muggs' during the winter months with the have begun popping up, with Joey high street providing cheaper and Essex famously sporting an orange more stylish alternatives.
Topshop's Miffin lined biker boots will not only save your student loan a beating but the soft leather and fleece lining also ensure a stress-free day for your feet. Alternatively, Deena and Ozzy's Cuffed black boots (see item two) can be worn with just about anything while the brogue detail together with the knitted lining makes them so effortlessly cool. Unlike Ugg boots that are known to surrender at the slightest hint of rain, these very chic Wellington boots from Ewe promise to withstand the harsh British winter while the 100 per cent Merino wool lining can ease any Ugg addict in to an elephant-feetfree world. Ewe £160
Beccy Culverwell Writer
January - Thank God. False Valentine's Day cards – sending fake Valentine's cards to your friends pretending to be their secret admirer... so last year. Whilst hilarious at the time, it's not so funny when you are the unknowing victim to receive a card from the person you have worshipped for years. Euphoria is followed by devastation on the realization your callous house-mate wrote it with their left hand. Refreshers - we can no longer kid ourselves it is still the beginning of term. It's week 5. Those deadlines which once seemed weeks away are now looming. Shoot. Me. Now. Student loan spending spree - Perhaps we were all a bit overenthusiastic in spending our new found wealth. Gone are the days I take my credit card to FAB with me or offer to buy drinks for 'whoever wants one'. Leather Jackets – an autumn staple but with the promise of snow over the next few days it's sadly time to put them away. Madonna – the international superstar now performing at the Superbowl is too much for us to handle. She's in her FIFTIES and has a better physique than us. Awk.
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Redbrick
The 'Anti-Valentine': singletons unite Vicky Gardiner Writer
Valentine's Day is like herpes: just when you think it’s gone for good, it rears its ugly head. No wonder some people prefer to call it VD. This little gem came from our friends at Be My Anti-Valentine 2012. The truth is, whether you are a lover or a hater, have a lover or are without, the flashy, pink heart that is Valentine’s Day is practically inescapable. After all, this is the day when people finally pluck up the courage to ask their crush out in the form of a personalized Moonpig card, to which the recipient undoubtedly giggles coyly in acceptance, or where the long-awaited ‘I love you’ is finally exchanged, or even a surprise proposal is made on a heart-shaped bed of rose petals. This is the version of events that our trusty friend Hallmark would like you to believe. Now let’s get onto what really goes down on the 14th February: - Girls are disappointed with their boyfriend’s Valentine’s Day efforts, despite the fact that they claim they aren't ‘into all the hype’. - Single girls get together for ‘ladies night’, set up to prove they don’t need men in their lives, only to spend the whole night discussing any and all men (whilst gorging on sweets and chocolate). - Boyfriends look back in anger as their bank balances come through, only to realise they spent £80 on a rose and two pizzas. What is perhaps even sadder is the estimation that 15% of the women in the United States who
receive flowers for Valentine’s Day send them to themselves. Oh dear. It seems that all the pressure of the day is finally taking its toll and, consequently, we are now experiencing a hell of a backlash. For every Valentine’s Day staple is now accompanied by its antiValentine’s Day counterpart. Events, cards, jokes and all matter of memorabilia can now be accessed if you are less than excited about the V-Day buzz. Not only that but Single Awareness Day (we will quickly breeze over its unfortunate abbreviation of S.A.D), also occurring on the 14th, is fast becoming a recognized holiday in its own right. So this year, no matter what your relationship status, regardless of whether or not you choose to indulge in or abstain the hype, remember to try your absolute hardest not to slip into a state of rage, disappointment, contempt and/or severe depression. And come the 14th, if you still find yourself sitting alone in the dark, watching The Notebook and crying into your glass of wine, remember you are not alone. Well, at least not for the other three hundred and sixty-four days.
trendhunter.com
Can you ever be 'just friends'? Sophie Hay Writer
Over twenty years ago, Harry met Sally and declared to her that ‘men and women can’t be friends’. This bold statement has been agonised over and over again with no sound evidence to prove the statement right or wrong. In terms of Harry and Sally, Harry appeared to be most correct – by the end of the film he and Sally had fallen in love. What's more, Harry and Sally aren’t alone – the irony of my favourite sitcom Friends is that mere friendship between the characters seems almost impossible – Monica marries her ‘best friend’ Chandler, Ross and Rachel FINALLY get together after a tumultuous 'will they/wont they' string of hook ups. And even though Phoebe and Joey never get it on (boo-hoo) all of the friends have kissed one another at some point. Okay, these people are fictional, but do their relationships represent reality? Are platonic relationships between men and women impossible, or can men and women be ‘just friends’? I won’t be alone in saying that some of my best friends are of the opposite sex. These friends have made me laugh, seen me cry and listened to me whine. They’ve carried me home from Vodbull, put me to bed when I’ve been incapable of doing so and teased me for drunken mistakes. They are my best friends just as much as my girlfriends are. But, when a friend sent me the viral video ‘Why Men and Women Can’t be Friends’, I got to thinking whether
I had been wrong all this time… According to this video, which became an overnight sensation on YouTube in December, inter-gender friendships are impossible. The independent film makers, Jesse Budd and Patrick Romero, interviewed students at Utah University to find out whether they believed men and women can be just friends. Overwhelmingly, the girls questioned said yes. Overwhelmingly the boys (although at times reluctantly) said no. Budd and Romero concluded that it is impossible for guys and gals to be merely friends. The basic reason? Boys just want sex - even if it’s with their female ‘friends’. So are we deluding ourselves thinking that we can be ‘just friends’ with the opposite sex? Will there always be complications? Perhaps we’ll never really know, but when it comes down to it, friends are the ones that are always there for you, whether they’re male, female or even a little bit inbetween... The ‘just’ part will simply have to take care of itself.
Desert island beauty product Esther Newman Writer
Now, let’s get the bad news over and done with…this moisturiser costs £23.95. I know, I know, it’s nearly reading week and most of our money has been whiled away in FAB, but there is nothing better for a tired and dehydrated complexion than Dr Hauschka’s rose day cream. Think of it as an investment; as the tiniest of dollops will suffice for your entire face so the tube will last a good four or five months. The cream can at first feel a little oily, but its mantelpiece is stuffed full of beauty awards. With each bottle containing over one thousand organic rose petals, it nourishes your face, and, after a few days my skin was reaping the rewards. It soothes those red puffy morning eyes, and calms the blemishes that a walk through Selly Oak in the recent blizzard conditions will leave you with. Named as one of Dr Hauschka’s ‘hero creams’, it is certainly worthy of the title. Not only can you see if the cream is for you with a sample size for a mere £3.50 (how helpful is that?), the cream also comes as a tinted moisturiser, so no need for any more cakey foundation.
bbc.co.uk
The great Facebook debate: Do our social lives depend on it? Sarah Musgrove Editorial Assistant
HALLELUJAH. I don’t want to exaggerate too much, but thank the stars for Facebook. This year, I’ve kept in contact with all of my ‘home’ friends, scattered about the country. I’ve even kept in touch with people outside the country – friends in Vienna, France and Canada. Not that their friendships aren’t priceless, but there’s no way I’m racking up an international phone bill of that proportion. Just ten years ago, to organise my friends to meet in town, I’d have called each of their house phones and politely asked their parents if they were free to come to the landline. Yes, we have mobile phones now, but trying to organise a party of more than two people via text messaging is a frustratingly backand-forth affair. Whilst we all essentially have super-human thumbs now, we have our limit. The alternative is writing on my Facebook friendship-group wall: efficient and private. Bish bash bosh. See you at the cinema. Some might say the way we maintain friendships on Facebook is unhealthy. But then that’s what fifties housewives said about the
intolerably violent and undeniably damaging comic book. I can’t wait to look back fondly in twenty years’ time – ‘Facebook? How tame! Just imagine if they saw the brainwave-transmitting-microchips we have today. How did we ever get anything done?’ So, yes. Facebook may have unleashed our inner exhibitionist and increased our voyeuristic char-
acteristics at an alarming rate, but I honestly don’t know where else I’d go to harpoon a last-minute FAB ticket.
Eve Hynes Writer
It's 4am, and you’re Facebook stalking that boy/girl you’ve liked since freshers. You have a lecture at 9 am but there’s not many pictures left now, and you may as well finish the album… Sound familiar? Facebook states that it, ‘helps
y o u connect and share with the people in your life,’ but did you really imagine you’d be spending most of your free time cyber stalking
when you first filled in that form in the homepage? Because, let’s be honest, that’s what we do. Facebook encourages us to publish ourselves, as if we were an item that needs marketing and selling. We adapt ourselves to suit the image we wish to present, we 'like' what we think is suitable and we attend events we may not even go to because it will make us look busy and popular and cool. However, Facebook does none of these things. Facebook allows you to put yourself out there to be stalked by near-strangers that attended the same school as you 5 years ago. It doesn't improve your social life. Sure, that online calendar is handy, but when you create an event (your birthday for example), how many people who click ‘attending’ actually come? AND THAT’S OKAY! Because the people that came to your birthday are the people you love, and who love you in return. See, life does exist without Facebook. In fact, I’d argue its better without Facebook. Sure, it’s a little harder to keep in touch with people, but isn’t friendship about making the effort for the people you love?
Zucky facts 101: Mark Zuckerberg (founder of Facebook) only updated his status to 'in a relationship' after seven years of being with girlfriend Priscilla Chan...
Eve Hynes Writer
F*** I’m in my twenties is a blog that tracks the musings and rants of its twenty something anonymous blogger creator, all through the medium of the hand drawn doodle. It tries and succeeds in identifying what it feels like to be a twenty something, capturing the frustration and desperation of a generation that faces low job prospects and a life of Facebook politics. This may sound depressing, but trust me, it’s not. These social commentary doodles are so spot on you can’t help but laugh. Laugh, and be relieved that you’re not the only one that gets annoyed.
fuckiminmy20s.tumblr.com
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10th February 2012
redbrickpaper.co.uk
Food Your perfect Valentine's menu
Redbrick
Did you know?
The Varanger crab is the largest species of crab ever to be caught. It weighed somewhere around 15kg and was almost 2 metres, tip-to-tip.
Treating somebody special this Valentine's? Here's our easy guide to sealing the deal James Morrison Food Editor
Starter: Potted prawns with garlic toast Ingredients: 125g small cooked prawns 50g of butter ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger Pinch of cayenne pepper 1/2 clove of garlic 3 slices of bread 25g butter
Method: For
the
potted
prawns
1. It's best to use frozen prawns. Defrost in the microwave on the appropriate setting. Chop the prawns very finely. Melt 30g of the butter over a low heat in a small saucepan. Add the prawns, nutmeg, ginger, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to taste. 2. Stir over a low heat for two mins, or until all the butter has been absorbed into the mixture. Spoon into a ramekin or small dish, press down with the back of
a spoon and then smooth-off the surface. For the toast 1. Heat the oven to 150C/gas mark 2. Chop the garlic and then crush in a garlic crusher (if you have don’t have one, mash with the back of a spoon). Mix in small bowl with the butter. 2. Spread the butter on the sliced bread, and cut them diagonally into triangles. Place on a baking tray and place the tray into the oven for 30 mins, or until crisp.
Main course: Home-made fishcakes with crispy roast potatoes and tartare sauce. Helena Gonda Writer
Ingredients: For the fishcakes 250g/9oz salmon, poached, flaked, bones removed 150g/5oz white crab meat 150g/5oz brown crab meat 1 tbsp good quality mayonnaise Handful fresh flatleaf parsley, chopped Handful fresh dill, chopped 1 red chilli, finely chopped 1 tsp Dijon mustard Salt and Pepper 1 tbsp olive oil Tartare sauce 4 tbsp good quality mayonnaise 4 small cornichons or gherkins, finely chopped 1 tbsp capers Handful fresh flatleaf parsley, finely chopped 1⁄2 lemon, juice only 1 tsp grated fresh horseradish Potatoes 250g/9oz small potatoes 2 tbsp olive oil Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/ gas mark 6.
Dessert: Strawberry tartlets Laura Park Writer
2. Boil 250g small potatoes in a large pan of salted water for 1520 minutes, or until tender. Drain, and then return to the saucepan. 3. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper, and drizzle over the oil. Tip into a roasting tin and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden-brown and crisp. (Alternatively, ignore the previous steps and just place your foil tray of pre-bought roast potatoes into the oven). 4. To make the fishcakes, combine the salmon, white and brown crab meat, mayonnaise, parsley, dill, red chilli and dijon mustard in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 5. Shape the mixture into Ingredients: Filling 125g Mascarpone cream cheese 300g tin of custard Sweet Pastry 250g plain flour 125g unsalted butter 63g caster sugar 1 medium egg (or two ready-made pastry cases) Topping Seedless strawberry jam Fresh strawberries Method: 1. Place the flour in a bowl and rub in the butter until you have a bread crumb consistency. Mix the egg and sugar together in a separate bowl until well combined and then fold the egg mixture into the flour to form a dough. Place the pastry in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to rest. 2. Remove the pastry from the fridge 10 minutes before you need
cakes using your hands, and chill in the fridge until the potatoes are almost ready. 6. For the tartare sauce, mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Set aside until ready to serve. 7. To cook the fishcakes, heat the oil a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Fry the fishakes in the oil for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden-brown and crisp. (If you find frying too much effort, you could cook them in the oven for 15-20 minutes instead – job done). 8. Divide the fishcakes and potatoes between two plates. Serve with tartare sauce and perhaps a handful of spinach. it. Roll it out on a well floured surface until it is around 1-2mm thick. Lightly grease the tart tins and line with the pastry, before placing back in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest. 3. Whilst you wait, make the pastry cream filling. Mix the custard with the mascarpone in a bowl and set aside. 4. Blind bake the pastry for 8-10 minutes in a 200°C oven until it is firm and slightly coloured. Remove the pastry from the oven and allow it to cool. 5. Distribute the pastry cream evenly among the tart bases so that they are two thirds full. Place strawberry halves cut side downwards on the cream in a circular fashion until they are filled. 6. To make the strawberry glaze, melt a small amount of strawberry jam in a saucepan for a couple of minutes before brushing over the tops of the strawberries with a pastry brush. Serve with a dollop of fresh cream and some extra strawberries for decoration.
Splashing out or cashing in? Sophie Attwood and Emma-Clare Dove debate: should guys still be picking up the bill?
Yes
No
Valentine’s Day is that one day where a girl can feel special, and she doesn’t want that ruined when she is faced with a hefty bill after the meal - with a cheeky smile from her Valentine. I should keep in mind perhaps that during Valentine’s Day it’s the thought that counts. All men, especially those attempting to secure a degree, can’t afford a romantic dinner at an expensive restaurant. However, with that said, every man can, with the use of a few simple tricks, afford to treat a girl. It’s ok to use vouchers and to go to somewhere more reasonable. Throughout the year I share the cost of meals with my boyfriend and, in my opinion, that’s only fair. But Valentine’s Day is the day when every girl dreams that their special boy will transform into a Prince Charming. A Prince who opens doors for her, pulls out her chair and turns Valentine’s into an evening of romantic sophistication. I’m sorry guys, but Valentine’s Day is, for a girl, one of the most important days of the year. So you should open your hearts, and your wallets, to show the girl you’re with that they are just that little bit more special than the rest.
Valentine’s Day is a day when couples celebrate being together. And that’s the point, it’s about both of you, together as a couple. However, the commercial pressure to make Valentine's Day special leaves guys feeling pressurised into suddenly transforming into Prince Charming – with a bank account to match. He wants to make you feel special, but unless you’ve managed to secure a secret millionaire, chances are your boyfriend’s also creeping into his overdraft and can’t afford a five star wining and dining experience. So, once you’ve enjoyed your meal together, why not take off some of the stress and suggest splitting the bill? He’ll be impressed with your kind offer and you can both relax and enjoy your evening. I’m all for the chivalrous days of romance and acting like gentlemen, but why does him splashing out on half his student loan suddenly make him Mr Darcy? You’re both in this together. Don’t think he’s being cheap if he doesn’t immediately refuse your offer, some guys think they’re being patronising if they assume the girl can’t contribute. So this Valentine's, share your treat together.
Confessions of a Valentine's Scrooge Sophie Crane Writer
The last Christmas pudding had barely left the supermarket shelves this year before a throng of Valentine’s merchandise began to appear. Teddy bears clutching heart-shaped bags of chocolates, cookies with blazing ‘I love you’ declarations and tacky tailor-made boxes of sweets have been clogging up supermarkets and department stores alike.Nothing, it seems, says ‘I love you’ better than a little bit of Valentine’s Day commercialism, and this year everyone’s jumped on the bandwagon. Call me a Valentine’s Scrooge but shouldn’t you show your number one how much you love them on a daily basis anyway? Why should we feel pressured into buying a cheap-tasting, heart-shaped lollipop just because Sainsbury's is full of ‘Don’t forget!’ banners? It all seems just a bit too money-making for my liking. Paying escalated prices just so you can get a box of chocolates decorated with hearts somehow detracts from what is supposed to be the most romantic day of the year (although, note to my boyfriend, this shouldn’t put you off treating me to a bunch of flowers and box of Hotel Chocolat chocolates if you so wish…). The mass of advertising sur-
rounding Valentine’s Day this year has certainly upped the pressure as we get into February. A look into the foody goods available for any panic-buying partners reveals some odd choices. Lindt has decided to produce its classic Easterthemed gold bunnies in a heart shaped box in order to broaden the seasonal holiday potential of their confectionery. Sainsbury’s offers a pair of gingerbread bears holding paws (the romantic potential of the bear, it seems, is almost inexhaustible, though I admit I’ve never seen the attraction myself). In all, it seems as if we should do a little more for our loved ones than pop into Tesco Express at the last minute to choose one of the boxes of Valentine’s treats on offer and put some thought into it. The goading of the major brands and supermarkets mean Valentine’s Day just can’t be ignored, but instead of rushing to buy the last box of Thorntons left on the shop shelf, why not spend the day trying out some of our recipes together? Treat yourself to some food that you can both enjoy, and cook a meal that doesn’t require buying into the commercial climate that now surrounds February 14th. Save money on the excessive, mass-produced products and simply enjoy the day together, which is, after all, what love should really be all about.
Redbrick
Travel
redbrickpaper.co.uk
10th Februrary 2012
'A traveller without observation is a bird without wings.' Moslih Eddin Saadi
Two wheels are better than four for the adventure traveller Louise Spratt Travel Editor
In cars and buses, it is all too easy to miss the highlights of a trip; understandably, with little to concentrate on, we nod off while intriguing sights, impressive landscapes and unfamiliar communities pass us by. On bikes however, motorised and pedal-powered, there is no other option than to experience the journey; smell the smells, feel the temperature changes and the atmospheres. By cycling or motor biking, you wont feel closeted in and, unlike cars, you'll undeniably feel like a part of the journey. I confess that my experience of motorbikes is limited to being a passenger, mindlessly following the bends skillfully manoeuvred by the rider, the temperatures usually those of a chilly England and the aromas being nauseating smells of local farms. My pushbike experience is perhaps even poorer, but given the sense of achievement I feel after riding up Bristol Road's incline, I can only imagine the achievement of arriving at the next destination, after hours of following a self-devised route, in more exotic terrains. It is the sense of adventure that distinguishes the travelling from the traveller, and what better way to embark on adventure than by being in control of your own expedition, being at one with the road and landscapes? Hoards of tourists on buses and quartets of car travellers go unnoticed as they speed past behind tinted windows and windscreens, yet bikers will tell you their mode of transport is a real ice-breaker with the locals; it is not often groups of cyclists or motorbike riders are seen passing through quiet communities, especially those of distant cultures, and so the natives are naturally more curious to chat to you about where you have come from and where you are going. It's
worth noting that two wheel travellers often receive more hospitality from the locals who, at ease with the face-to-face contact, are more interactive with these strange tourists on their mechanical horses. There is of course the question of safety. The motorbike is often shunned as the dangerous bad boy of transport, but the truth of the matter is that life is not safe. We live in a society that is obsessed with health and safety and risk prevention, but we cannot live in fear. Heck, any one of us could be knocked over crossing the road tomorrow, and if drinking copious amounts of alcohol-infused beverages while dancing in high heels isn't dangerous, then I don't know what is.
Reporter
Venice Carnival Mardi Gras is here again, and that means carnivals the world over. This year in Venice the celebrations run from 11th-21st February and you can be sure to expect beautifully elaborate, hand-crafted masks, inventive costumes, and live music throughout the mesmerising city.
you feel alive, and that is ple ride motorbikes' The whole concept of travelling in unknown countries itself runs several risks but we do it anyway; taking risks makes you feel alive, and that is precisely why so many people ride motorbikes and why it is fast becoming the hottest way to explore the world. Many organisations are catching on to this trend, keen to bring out the Che Guevara in petrol heads and leisurely motorbike riders alike. GlobeBusters, for instance, is one of the world's leading operators of assisted motorcycle expeditions, which boasts partnerships with leading names such as BMW Motorrad, Touratech, and Cotswold Outdoor. Choosing to tour the world with such expedition experts makes the impossible possible. Provided with itineraries of unusual and pioneering routes through magnificent and diverse scenery,
Photo of the Week
yet with the freedom and flexibility to ride at your own pace, enables adventure-seekers to experience colourful cultures across the world. GlobeBusters have successfully completed expeditions spanning the Americas and Alaska with the support of a team. For more information on previous trips, see www. globebusters.com. For the real adrenaline junkie after faster pace action and getting stuck in, there's always the dirt biked option. Trailblazers Pro, for example, is just one of the many adventure biking companies offering the ultimate off-road experiences in Spain, Morroco and India. What makes them stand out is that they provide riders with a bike, all equipment, training and full support vehicle backup, making it possible for experienced riders and novices alike to tackle the most challenging mountainous routes. Get the information of prices and routes at www.trailblazerspro.com. Not wanting to show favouritism, typing 'BMX, motorbike, expedition, adventure' into
ride-earth on Flickr Google will illustrate just how big the travel biking mania has become. Admittedly, motor biking is not for the faint hearted and with student loans and debt on our heads, the thought of owning a masterpiece of mechanical engineering, licences and all the equipment is a distant dream. Bicycles, on the other hand, are a fraction of the price, a hell of a lot more eco-friendly and no less adventurous; a friend of mine embarked on a world -wide pushbike expedition and the stories he returned with would make anyone want to put up with saddle sores for such rewarding experiences. So blow the cobwebs off your bicycle or get down to the nearest motorbike training centre to get the two wheels rolling for your next epic adventure plan. If I haven't convinced you yet, stew on the philosophy that biking brings people with very different lives together, breaking down barriers. It is its own language and can be shared where words fail.
Bob Marley Week 6th of February was the birthday of the world-famous reggae singer and every year people celebrate his life and music in Kingston, Jamaica. This year it ran from the 2nd – 8th February including concerts, karaoke contests, film showings and exhibitions, in a celebratory tribute to the legendary native of the island. Plan for next year or ay your own musical tribute to the Legend. Leap Year Ladies, start planning your proposals, because this year has a February 29th. Traditionally, a leap year meant that protocol was abandoned and women often took the opportunity to propose to their partners. It's up to you if you decide to pop the question in the truly conventional way though – wearing a red petticoat under your dress to let him know what you're planning‌ Glasgow Film Festival From the 16th to the 26th February in 16 different venues, the best of films and filmmakers are celebrated in Scotland's Second City. Highlights include an homage to 1950s film star Gene Kelly, a collection of the 'Best of British' films from past and present, and 'Weimarvellous', an event inspired by the cabaret movement of the Weimar Republic that includes film screenings and cabaret acts.
Look past the Tequila under the Mexican sun Hannah Detheridge Reporter
Mexican woman and child, Hannah Detheridge
This month: February Fun Georgina Clarke
'If you take risks it makes precisely why so many peo-
23
The relief of tripping off the plane after an 11 hour flight is always the best way to start a trip. Mexico is exciting and new and golden, part jungle, part colonial cities, alive with culture and Spanish speaking locals. In Playa del Carmen, a particularly prosperous area in Mexico, impressively designed houses boasting significant wealth line the beach. However, this rich area of five star hotels and expensive holiday homes neighbours poorer parts of Mexico, barely more than shanty towns. While in Mexico, tempting as it is to lounge on the perfect beaches twenty-four seven, it's advisable to get out and do things when you're 3000 miles from home. Bus transport across Mexico is a great way to visit sites such as the Mayan city of Chichen Itza, a collection of ancient temples. These temples are well over a thousand years old. Said to be the mythical capital of the Maya civilisation, and quite a savage one at that: the Mayans were particularly inclined
to regularly hack people's heads off as a tribute to the Gods, as the hundreds of skulls carved onto the walls of their ruined stone walls representing sacrificed humans remind tourists. The underground pool of Cenote in the Yacutan region is stunning. Accessed only by descending virtually vertical steps to reach the clear and clean water, that you wouldnt dare to tinge with suncream. Above, sunlight streams into the cave, and long entrails of vines hang down to touch the water. Under the idyllic surface, large black fish swim around the hundreds of skeletons found at the very bottom, dumped there supposedly by the ever hospitable Mayans, who had been up to their old tricks again with the human sacrifices. There are many common misconceptions about Mexico, mostly misinformed ideas from old cartoons about tequila-swilling men in sombreros and ponchos that went about shouting 'Ariba Ariba!' at the top of their voices. These false stereotypes will be discounted, on the realisation that tourists are the most likely tequila tipplers and sombrero sporters.
The locals are incredibly polite, even if they do hound you down the street with offers of silver, souvenir tequila and cheap sombreros to take home. Walking down 5th Avenue is a startling experience; men wander past playing the guitar to no one but themselves, and eccentric characters may be seen holding a lion cub for people to be photographed with. What does Cancun have that Birmingham doesn't? Glorious picture perfect beaches are pretty thin on the ground in Birmingham, and Mexico in midwinter is hotter than any freak hot spell we have here in high summer. There aren't many Mayan temples along Broad Street either, last time I checked. Mexico's answer to Gatecrasher is the incredible Coco Bongo, three stories high, where acrobats spin from the ceiling on ropes of silk and dancers, actors and Elvis impersonators writhe across the stage. This Central American country has something for everyone: pristine beaches, impeccable hotels, fantastic food and a thriving city life to explore. With the UK blanketed under snow, I'm counting down the days until I'm back.
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Redbrick
10th February 2012
redbrickpaper.co.uk
Sport
Rowing
Turn to page 26 to see how Brum's rowers fared in Worcester.
Birmingham's best size up BUCS With the BUCS Championship finals drawing closer, five Redbrick Sport writers talked to the captains of some of Birmingham's leading contenders to weigh up their respective chances... Women's Lacrosse
Men's Golf
Women's Hockey
Men's Badminton
Women's Netball
Last year: Quarter-finals
Last year: Sixth overall
Last year: Champions
Last year: Semi-finals
Last year: Didn't reach finals
Do you have a good chance this year? Yeah, really good chance and we’re looking to make amends for last year. Our chances have improved slightly also because our Arch rivals Durham have already been knocked out.
Team to avoid? The best team is Stirling University. An Ex- European Tour player is their coach: he’s got a great set up. Bournemouth are also strong.
Do you have a good chance this year? Yes we do, in that we’ve won in the last few years and we’ve played a lot of the teams before: we’ve potentially got Durham in the final, but we’ve got to get through Bath in the semi finals.
Do you have a good chance this year? We should get to the semi-finals.
Do you have a good chance this year? The first team are through to the semi-finals, are unbeaten and definitely have a good chance.
Team to avoid: We have to have the confidence to take on anybody left in the cup. Technical ability or mental strength? Technical ability, although both are obviously important. In a cup match it’s about that one match on the day. Pre-match warm-up: We pump out some tunes and try to get focused on the task in hand. Shooting practice is the main prematch routine because goals are key to success. Match-winner: We don’t have a particular match winner because we need to play well as a unit. Stand out perfomances would be beneficial as well though. Felix Keith talking to Molly Pike
Pre-match warm-up: We meet up half an hour or forty five minutes before we play. Sometimes we go out and practice on the course, which is allowed on Matchplay events. I’d have more of a rigorous warmup with a singles tournament. Match-winner: There isn’t anyone with a hundred percent record, but despite losing on an ice rink in Blackpool last week, I’d pick everyone’s favourite lefty Owen Edwards. However, we do have good strength in depth this year. James Dolton talking to Dan Beattie
The Week In Numbers
60 9 8.5 43 65
million. Total Premier League spending in the January transfer window, which is 70% down on last year's extravagant £225 million.
The number of regular season wins the New York Giant wins have had. This is the fewest of any Superbowl winning team since the modern schedule was introduced in the 1970's. Ian Bell's average after making just 51 runs in six innings against Pakistan. Combined wickets taken by Pakistan spinners Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman in the three test matches against England. Paul Lawrie shot 65 in the final round to win the Qatar Masters. The 1999 British Open winner has made a great start 2012 and will harbour hopes of challenging in a major tournament this year.
Team to avoid: Durham are probably the strongest team, but we’ve got experience of beating everyone: we played Loughborough in the final last year, but we played them today and beat them 2-0. Technical ability or mental trength? We’ve got a team with a lot of technical skill, but on the day it comes down to who wants it more, so in that respect mental strength is very important. What’s your prematch? It depends, but usually we do a 20 minute running warm-up and then further 15 or 20 minutes on the pitch with the ball. Match-winner? We’ve got really strong defenders, a robust midfield and great attackers. It’s a team effort. Raphael Sheridan talking to Emily Atkinson
Technical ability or mental strength? It’ll all about mental toughness on the day. Anyone on our team is capable of beating Leeds’ team, so it’s all down to how we’re feeling on the day. What's your pre-match warmup? Making sure all joints are stretched and practising in the hall. You’d be amazed how the same shuttle can fly at different speeds in different halls. Match-winner: Without sounding big headed, probably me and James, because our doubles pairs are stronger. Despite this, Leeds Met’s singles are very strong and we’d do well to take a game or two against them. Sam Price talking to Andy Wainwright.
The Week In Quotes 'Gutted capello has quit. Good guy and top coach. Got to be english to replace him. Harry redknapp for me.'
England's Wayne Rooney tweets his view on the departure of Fabio Capello and tips Spurs boss Harry Redknapp for the job.
'It is extremely disappointing. We had a lead early in the second half but we did not build on it. When we do press ahead we have to go for the jugular. We are going to have to look at being more ruthless.'
Ireland rugby coach Declan Kidney was left wondering what might have been after Wales staged a late comeback to win 23-21.
'You don't become a bad side overnight. Every time you come across these kind of things in your career you have to overcome them. We are better at the end of the third Test than we were at the start of the first.
Andrew Strauss did his best to remain positive after England slumped to a 3-0 series whitewash against a resurgent Pakistan.
'I will gladly go to jail for a month, in the name of free speech. I have no problem with what I said. Make me a martyr....'
Joey Barton's weekend twitter feed made for interesting reading as he clashed with journalists over the furore surrounding John Terry.
Who are you playing in the next round? Liverpool John Moores, who have a couple of England players but we’ve beaten the team that tops their league already. Technical ability or mental strength? Mental strength without a doubt. You can have all the skills in the world but if you do end up going down it’s the mental strength that gets you back. We’ve been down nine in a cup game going into the last quarter and have managed to bring it back. Both teams had equal skill so it was mental strength that made the difference. Pre-match warm-up: We have a set warm up that takes half an hour - I think everyone could do it with their eyes closed. Match-winner: I would say first team goalkeeper Rose Walker, she keeps her composure and has got the winning interception more than once.
James Newbon talking to Hannah Kennedy
The Redbrick Sport Quiz 1) Who were the last team to win the league title before the Premier League's inception? 2) In tennis, which country will be defending the Fed Cup this year, after being Russia in last year's final? 3) Before Saturday, when was the last time the England rugby team won at Murrayfield? 4) Who was the last British tennis player before Andy Murray to reach a Grand Slam final? 5) How many English managers are there in the English Premier League? 1, Leeds United 2, Czech Republic 3, 2004 4,Greg Rudseski 5, Three - Roy Hodgson, Harry Redknapp and Alan Pardew
Next Round (semi-finals): Exeter
Technical ability or mental strength? Good question! It’s important to have both if you want to be a professional, but when you are competing I think it is more important to be mentally strong. However there are combinations of things: physical conditioning and having the right attitude to the game are also crucial.
Team to avoid: Leeds Met are going to be the toughest. They’ve got two or three Great British players in the men’s team alone, and they’ve one international Malaysian player.
Redbrick
Sport Thoughts Sport Editor Sam Price presents an impassioned argument for getting involved with the 2012 Olympic Games, and reveals what Redbrick will be doing to mark this unique occasion for Great Britain.
Attritional battle sees Brum edge Lufbra Women's Hockey
Premier North
Birmingham 1sts
2
Loughborough 1sts
0
Lucy Hayward Sport Reporter
‘Once in a lifetime’ is a phrase you hear bandied about all too frequently in today’s world, but when applied to this year’s Olympic Games it should hold extra meaning for the people of the United Kingdom. The last time London hosted the Games was in 1948, before most of our parents were born. In an increasingly commercialised international climate where countries from far and wide are looking to reap the rewards of hosting the Olympics, we surely won’t witness another in our lifetime. In terms of the benefits to the UK, the commercial windfall brought about through tourism and the presence of the world’s best athletes will provide a timely economic injection, as well as an increase in employment and improvements in transport and housing. Furthermore, while in sporting terms the UK may have lagged behind other nations in recent years, the opening of the Olympic Stadium will provide an inspiring stimulus to the next generation of elite athletes, as well a fantastic 60,000 seat venue to be utilised again. 2012 is not just about thickening the wallets of those running London; the effort involves the UK as a people. Despite the disappointment many have experienced in applying for tickets only to be told the allocations have been filled, people should not watch all the events unfold in their own living room, or ignore the spectacle as if it were any other Games. As well as celebrating sporting excellence, the Olympics celebrate the host country. Despite recent economic difficulty, we should be proud to flaunt our multicultural democracy, wonderful capital city and passion for sport. The dearth of tickets shouldn’t close the book on your involvement; there are still Olympic projects requiring volunteers and ambassadorial roles, while just to be in the hub of the city for the night of the Opening Ceremony, or to watch the 100m final on a big screen would give you a sense of involvement and pride in London 2012. At Redbrick we’re not getting left behind. An Olympic microsite is set to be created in the coming weeks on our award-winning website, with articles being posted from now until the Games finish, including a special focus on University of Birmingham athletes and alumni hoping to compete this year. Be a part of London 2012 any way you can. There won’t be another chance.
Sport 25
10th February 2012 redbrickpaper.co.uk
Birmingham’s women hockey firsts defeated Loughborough at Bournbrook thanks to two goals in the first 20 minutes from Anna Toman, after which neither team managed to fully break down the other’s defence. Both teams have high expectations for this season, and both coaches, Phil Gooderham of Birmingham and Jerome Goudie of Loughborough each mentioned that they knew it would be a tough match but a good opportunity for them to play against a team of equal skill as preparation in the run-up to BUCS Championship finals. This was Loughborough’s first game of the year due to their pitch being iced over, and saw Birmingham ladies storm into the lead inside the first ten minutes. Brum’s midfield was strong in keeping Loughborough pegged back in their own half, and soon grew in confidence to double their lead. Twenty minutes in and 2-0 down, Loughborough began fighting back up the pitch, taking advantage of the unexpected freedom and giving the forwards a chance to challenge Birmingham’s defence. Co-captain Emily Atkinson was a key part of the Birmingham
back line, artfully weaving the ball back up pitch, while Kirsty Dawson providing some much-needed cover. Tensions were high at the half-time whistle; Birmingham were satisfied with their efforts but knew they were capable of more. The second half was lacking in goals as the well-matched teams cancelled each other out. Nonetheless, an invigorated and improved Loughborough came out of the blocks quickly, their instinctive responses sending Birmingham onto the back foot and proving the
second half would be no walkover. Midfield became a tempestuous battle with Birmingham trying to break through and score a third while also trying to protect the two-goal cushion from a resurgent Loughborough. Meanwhile the hosts were awarded a number of penalties, resulting in Loughborough being given a warning for dangerous use of their sticks. Birmingham’s defence including Alice Sharp and Atkinson were kept on their toes but showed their worth to keep the opposition well at bay.
The match intensified in the last 15 minutes with heated tussles resulting in penalties and off sides going to both teams. It drew to an end with Birmingham’s goalkeeper Amy Jones feeling victorious having fended off numerous shots in the last ten minutes. This key result against their illustrious local rivals will instil the belief in this Birmingham side that they can repeat their heroics of last year and secure an incredibly impressive third BUCS Championship title in a row.
Tom Flathers
During a tight second half, Birmingham's chances were at a premium
Brum ensure Notts pay the Price
Netball
Midlands 1A
Birmingham 1sts
49
Nottingham Trent 1sts 17 Reece Lawrence Sport Reporter
Birmingham’s netball firsts enjoyed a comfortable but wellearned win over bottom of the table Nottingham Trent to extend their unbeaten season to seven victories in all seven games played. The game marked the return from injury of captain Laura Price. The hosts went into this game off the back of a narrow win over Loughborough in the cup competition and confidence was evidently sky-high as they displayed some fabulous attacking flair at times and were ruthless in their shooting throughout. Although the visitors had their fair share of possession they lacked the finesse of their opponents, but nonetheless made Birmingham work extremely hard for the ball – a nod to the fitness levels of both teams. Birmingham stormed into an early lead, going 3-0 up inside the first two minutes, and though Trent tried to force their way back into the game, a crucial early miss coupled with them being repeatedly penalised seemed to set the tone for a frustrating afternoon for the team who prop up the Midlands 1A division. The home side capitalised, extending their lead to 5-0 and scrapping hard for every loose ball in an overall feisty encounter. By
the end of the first quarter they led 12-3 and were determined to extend the gap further. After a stoppage owing to an injury to one of the Trent players, Birmingham’s second quarter performance shifted up a gear - highlighted by a sublime tenpass counter-attack dictated by Centre Ellie Townsend to make it 17. Townsend was switched from Wing Defence after the first quarter and her neat stringing together of passes meant Birmingham more than doubled their advantage to 25-8 going into the second half. Scorers Hannah Kennedy and Laura Brocklebank combined excellently and took advantage of several defensive lapses to put clear daylight between the sides. At the same time, Trent were unable to consistently find an attacking outlet when they had possession. Birmingham dominated the third quarter with a range of quick passing and movement, and while their counterparts kept fighting, they struggled to cope with the quality in front of them. One particular highlight of the third period was a clever dummy and shot from the edge of the scoring zone by Kennedy that dropped wonderfully through the net. By full time, the league leaders’ superiority shone through in a 49-17 triumph. Coach Carl Hallbrook was content post-match, ‘they’re progressing as I’d have hoped’, he said. On his position as a recent addition to the netball setup, he added, ‘hopefully what I’ve brought
Captain Laura Price returned from an ankle injury to them is some discipline and changing the style of play. Each week has got better and better, so I’m expecting good things next week.’
7
Tom Flathers
Magic Number
Brum have seven consecutive league wins
26 Sport
10th February 2012 redbrickpaper.co.uk
Redbrick
Rowers claim varsity success
Sport Shorts European Indoors
The UK Indoor Athletics Championships are taking place on Sunday in Sheffield. A number of Birmingham alumni are competing, including Hannah England and Ed Aston in the 800m, and Julz Adeniran in the 110m hurdles. You can show your support by tuning in to Channel 4 on Sunday; the championships will be televised from 2pm until 4pm.
Badminton
The women's novice team went from strength to strength last weekend (left), while the men's four were also on song (right) Doug Brown
Rowing Correspondent
Birmingham's rowers continued their successful season last weekend with a dominant performance to win the Midlands varsity cup, before a strong showing at the University of Worcester Head of the Severn the following day. Saturday saw the annual varsity boat races against Warwick reinstated after a six-year hiatus. Men’s captain Dan Clarke got the event off to a winning start with a clear victory over his Warwick counterpart in the men’s single sculls, crossing the line outside the Worcester boathouse with an easy lead of two boat lengths. This was just the start of a winning streak that saw Birmingham come home with eight out of a possible ten wins, with vocal support from both sides adding to a raucous atmosphere at the finish line. With the bar set high, the Bir-
mingham pairing of club president James Manfield and Italian ex-international rower Andrea Ferrazzo took their boat to a close victory over the Warwick pair after a clash of boats and oars under the rail bridge. The novice women continued their unbeaten record since beginning rowing in October last year, sweeping Warwick aside in both the fours and eights varsity races, with the women's novice 2nd IV of Cassie Summers, Kate Hurrell, Megan Garner, Fiona Webb and cox Kat Eyles adding insult to injury with a strong win over the Warwick senior women's top boat. The wins kept on flowing, with the men’s novice eight and novice four adding further victories to the Birmingham whitewash, whilst the women's senior eight held off opposition in a tightly matched race before opening up a lead in the home straight to win. Small consolation was offered to the opposition as they gained narrow victories in both the highly competitive men’s
senior four and eight, but this did little to damage Birmingham's huge lead to bring the Midlands Varsity Cup home. Novice women's coach Alex Darby said ‘I’m incredibly proud of the effort my squad has put in this year and these wins are absolutely deserved’, adding ‘we are now undefeated after seven races, and we will be going to the BUCS head races aiming for nothing less than winning it all’. Sunday saw all crews back on the River Severn (despite the snow) for the Head of the Severn, a time trial over 6km. Once again the novice women didn’t disappoint, winning both their classes with a 20-second lead in the eight and a 90-second lead in the four, with the 2nd VIII and 3rd VIII hot on their tail in fourth and sixth place. A crowded river resulted in a wayward University of Lincoln crew crashing into the senior women's four, and denting the pace of what could have been another winning crew. However the squad contin-
Charlotte Wilson
ued their winning ways with the novice four of Joe Cowling, John Scott, Oliver Laband, Alex Steele and cox Mishal Zahoor getting their second win of the weekend, while the senior men’s quad took a convincing victory of almost one minute over the rest of the competition. Strong second places for the women's senior eight, men’s novice eight and men’s senior four capped off an inspiring weekend of racing for the club going into the BUCS head races in two weeks time. Head coach Rich Poole said the results ‘reinforce what we have seen so far this year - the club as a whole is in a very solid position with lots of talent progressing very quickly’. With BUCS points imminently up for grabs he added, ‘I am very happy with what we are currently capable of and I am very excited about where our performance can move on to in the near future’. With the club in such a strong position in the middle of the winter head races, it should be a summer regatta season to remember.
Birmingham girls excel in indoor cricket finals Katherine Barrows Cricket Correspondent
After an exceptionally early start walking through Selly Oak before sunrise, the Birmingham women’s cricket club boarded the coach for London. The six-person team arrived at Lords for the BUCS National Indoor Cricket final, accompanied by their very own ‘Barmy Army’. The first match was against Exeter where Becca Morrell was outstanding with both bat and ball, taking two wickets, two catches and scoring a four off the last ball to provide Birmingham with a dramatic one run win. The next match was the toughest of the day against Loughborough, who put a target of 135 on the board from 12 overs, although Darcy Evans prevented a higher score with some
breakthrough wickets of their strong batting line-up. Birmingham managed to get within 15 runs of the Loughborough target, with a solid run contribution from Harriet Leach. The final match of the group stage was against Southampton, where captain Liz Smart continued her strong form, helping Birmingham to a well-deserved win. Despite winning two of their matches, Loughborough progressed over Birmingham to the grand-final and took an easy victory over Durham. Despite losing to old rivals, there was no disgrace in being beaten by the eventual winners and events may have transpired differently had Birmingham had an easier draw at the group stage. Smart was delighted with the effort, ‘I was immensely proud with our performance and we proved we weren't just making up the numbers.’
Birmingham were well represented at the English Badminton Championships in Bolton last weekend. University scholar James Lauder took part in the mixed doubles and men's doubles, in which he and Birmingham captain Andy Wainwright did superbly to reach the quarterfinals, where they lost out to the eventual runner-ups. Birmingham women's captain Alyssa Lim also had a great tournament. Lim and her women's doubles partner Jessica Fletcher dispatched fourth seeds Helena Lewczynska and Hayley Rogers 21-12 21-17 on their way to the semi-finals, where they came unstuck against the number one seeds.
Squash Winners
This week's results meant that, incredibly, the Birmingham men's first, second and third squash teams have won their respective leagues. Perhaps even more impressively, all three have done so while maintaining unbeaten records. This unprecedented success highlights the strength in depth in the Birmingham squash set-up, and will give them confidence ahead of the BUCS knockouts.
Other Results Men's Rugby Union 1sts beat Manchester 1sts 21-5 Men's Badminton 2nds lost 6-2 against Loughborough 2nds Men's Badminton 3rds beat UEA 1sts 6-2 Men's Fencing 1sts beat Oxford 2nds 135-71 Men's Hockey 2nds beat Lougborough 3rds 5-0 Men's Hockey 3rds beat Oxford Brookes 1sts 1-0 Women's Hockey 4ths beat Loughborough 3rds 2-1 Men's Tennis 1sts lost 8-4 against Nottingham 1sts Men's Lacrosse lost 12-7 against to Nottingham Trent 1sts Netball 2nds drew against UoB 3rds
33-33
Men's Football 2nds lost 4-3 against Coventry 2nds Men's Squash 3rds beat Aston 1sts 3-0 The girls acquitted themselves superbly, narrowly coming up short
This week in... 1955 The Australian golfer Greg Norman was born. He would become the World Number One for 331 weeks. Although a two-time major winner he is remembered more for his near misses and extraordinary collapses.
Sport 27
10th February 2012 redbrickpaper.co.uk
Redbrick
This week on the Redbrick website... Egyptian Violence
Heroes... New York Giants
For the second time i n four years, the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots at this year's Super Bowl. It was won in dramatic circumstances with four minutes remaining.
As Egypt struggles in its transistion to democracy and a security force clings to power, Ross Highfield analyses its uneasy link between football and politics. His conclusions might give English supporters food for thought.
Super Bowl Review
Terry and the FA
2005 Danish golfer Mianne Bagger created history by becoming the first transsexual eligible to play in the Women's British Open. The move was welcomed by fellow professionals, despite fan opposition.
After an enthralling Super Bowl which entertained millions across the globe, Blayne Pereira looks at the pivotal role of self-belief, both within the New York Giants' squad and in their superlative quarterback, Eli Manning.
Following Fabio Capello's resignation, the Wednesday debate focuses on the FA's decision to remove John Terry as England captain. Reece Lawrence argues that the FA were correct; James Newbon believes it undermined Capello.
Couldn't make it up
Where are they now? Weekend Wager
Classic Goal...
A cat invading the pitch in the middle of Monday's Liverpool vs Tottenham game was bizarre enough, but events took a further twist when he became an overnight Twitter celebrity with over 24,000 followers within 24 hours. If you're interested, it's @AnfieldCat
China Rock 9-1 Leopardstown, Sunday 3.45pm It's the weekend of the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup, and in a competitive renewal China Rock offers the best each-way value. A promising start to last season didn't materialise, but a run over hurdles last month should see the Mouse Morris-trained horse go close.
Brazilian forward Neymar recently scored his 100th career goal; an exceptional achievement for someone who only turned 20 last week. To celebrate, his team decided to pour chocolate sauce and flour over him, for reasons that remain obscure.
A mainstay in the Premier League era, recently retired Teddy Sheringham is successfully plying his trade on another green surface this time the poker table. In 2009, he finished 14th in the European World Series of Poker event, and has made close to ÂŁ200,000 since taking up the game professionally.
Olympic Countdown
Club in Focus... Ultimate Frisbee
168
days to go
Great Britain may struggle against Australia in the swimming events, who have won an impressive 168 medals. Ian Thorpe will be making a highly anticipated return to the Olympics, having bowed out at the 2004 Athens Games.
The University's Ultimate Frisbee club is a large and developing squad. Some are seasoned practicioners, others are complete beginners. Constantly improving, they are successfully achieving a delicate balancing act between competitiveness and fun. They have had five players go on to represent Great Britain at International level. Interestingly, even in the higher echelons of the sport, it is completely self-refereed (referred to as 'The Spirit of the Game'). They are also pushing for a top eight finish in this year's BUCS Championships
The Redbrick Crossword
Email Address: Phone Number:
Scribble box
Women's Hockey
The Great Britain Women's Hockey team are s e r i o u s medal contenders for London 2012, despite losing to Argentina in last week's Champions Trophy Final. It has finally ended a frustrating run of bronze medals.
and Villains... Alberto Contador
Club Captain: James Bauld Contact:
England Cricket
Search 'UBSport Ultimate' on Facebook unibirminghamultimate@yahoo. com Training: Tuesdays: Athletics Track, 6-7pm Wednesdays: Selly Park, 2-4pm Thursdays: New Gym, 7:45-9am Fridays: Metchley 3G, 6-8pm
Mordo Nahum Puzzles Editor
Completed crosswords to be submitted to the Redbrick office. (Redbrick Office located in the basement of the Guild)
Name:
Playing for Ajax in 1972, Johan Cruyff had a ball booted up towards him. One of football's finest first touches followed; he swivelled, beat the defender and put the ball on the edge of the area. Sprinting towards it, he curled a shot round the keeper and celebrated wildly.
'The Rocket' secured his first tourament win since 2009 after a rollercoaster German Masters. Despite suffering with glandular fever and being one shot from defeat in the first round, he came back to beat Stephen Maguire 9-7 in the final.
The 2010 Tour de France winner found himself stripped of his title after testing positive for the performance enhancing drug clenbuterol. He has also been handed a two year ban, ruling him out of the Olympics.
This week's prize is a ÂŁ5 Waterstones Gift Voucher
Please complete this form before you hand in your completed crossword into the Redbrick office.
YouTube search: Cruyff Wonder Goal
Ronnie O' Sullivan
Across
Down
1. Cluedo character (9, 4) 8. Ellipse; London cricket ground (4) 9. Courage; music editing software (8) 10. Egyptian city (10) 12. Older (and better?) (6) 14. Stank (6) 15. Cluedo location (6, 4) 19. Cluedo location (8) 20. Agreement; cope (4) 21. Cluedo character (8, 5)
2. Cluedo weapon (8) 3. Black-and-white cartoon cat (5) 4. Cluedo weapon (7) 5. Command (5) 6. Tool used for digging or mining (7) 7. Old-fashioned preposition (4) 11. Drink made from fruit, sugar and water (8) 13. Gratify (7) 14. Meander (anag.) (7) 16. Hangman's knot (5) 17. _____ Cup, golf competition between Europe and the US (5) 18. Jackrabbit (4)
With Pakistan always in control in the third test, England succumbed to a whitewash 3-0 series defeat. The fragility of the batting lineup has been brutally exposed, particularly against spin, and England will need to bounce back convincingly if they want to maintain their number one spot.
12_3_4_5_6_7_ =_=_=_=_=_=_= 8___=9_______ =_=_=_=_=_=_= 0_________=== =_===_===_=a= b__c__=d_____ =_=_===_===_= ===e_f___g___ =h=_=_=_=_=_= i_______=j___ =_=_=_=_=_=_= k____________
28 Sport
Sport
10th February 2012 redbrickpaper.co.uk
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The Contenders As the BUCS Championships draw nearer, Redbrick profiles five teams who have strong medal prospects, p24
Team effort sees Brum eclipse heights Men's Volleyball
Midlands 1A
Birmingham 1sts
3
Loughborough 1sts
0
Tom Cooper Sport Reporter
'That was the best we have played all season. We have played that well in short bursts but never so well over a whole match so I am very proud of the way the team performed.’ The delighted words of Birmingham team volleyball captain Carl Butcher spoke volumes after his side secured a magnificent victory over Loughborough in straight sets. Birmingham had gone into the match with their preparation disrupted by the injury of first team outside player Oliver Holzinger with a broken wrist. The blow necessitated a change for the home side’s formation as Butcher moved to cover Holzinger and Robert Lo was brought into the side as setter. This, and the fact that the previous meeting between the teams had resulted in a narrow 3-2 loss, meant that Birmingham could expect a tough game against their fierce rivals. The first set began ominously for the hosts as the visiting team exploited some early indecision
in the Brum defence to open up a lead that stretched as large as 9-17 in the first-to-25 set. However, Birmingham showed tremendous resolve and stormed back to level at 22 points each. ‘It was always our strategy to keep Loughborough within our sights until around 16 points and then make a big push for victory’ reflected Butcher, ‘and for once our plan worked perfectly.’ A tense final few points kept the Munrow audience on the edge of their seats as Brum finally held their nerve to win 27-25 despite wasting three set points. This was a massive psychological blow for the away team who had lead for most of the set and felt as if they had thrown their chance away. ‘I am not sure we fully recovered from that’ stated opposition coach Felix Tsui, ‘we seemed to lose all our focus.’ With confidence now brimming and the new formation working wonders the second set begun just as Butcher had planned. The two sides jostled for supremacy, trading punch for counter punch until the half way stage when Birmingham upped their intensity and began to surge ahead. ‘We kept the passing easy and the serving tough, but the biggest thing was how consistent we were with our concentration. They were not really hurting us, we just made
too many mistakes so once we cut them out we took control’ beamed the delighted Butcher. The strategy paid dividends as, despite a late Loughborough fight-back, the home team secured the second set 25-21. Birmingham now had the scent of victory. They were only one set away from securing a remarkable straight sets win, which proved all the motivation necessary to kill off their wounded rivals. The dominance of the home side was illustrated by totally controlling the final set from start to finish, one which they never looked like losing and finally won 25-15. ‘Before the game we knew it could go either way’ remarked Tsui, ‘but the margin of victory disappoints us as we know we are better than that. Exams have prevented regular training recently and this can explain our uncertainty and lack of sharpness. But even so we expected better.’ For Birmingham the unexpectedly emphatic score line marked sweet revenge for their early season loss. ‘I cannot pick anyone out for special praise, it was a real team effort from the lads today’ said the winning captain. With confidence sky high, let’s hope the resurgent Brum can keep up this form the rest of the season.
Birmingham pulled off an unprecedented victory
Tom Flathers
Hay and Walker strike gold in Cardiff Frankie Conway Sport Reporter
Anticipation was at fever pitch ahead of the annual BUCS crosscountry championships in Cardiff. The event represents the pinnacle of the university cross-country season, bringing together the UK’s top student distance runners in a fiercely competitive, physically debilitating test of character and endurance. Upon arrival in Cardiff, the Birmingham team were treated to a rousing pre-race rap by the inspirational cross-country captain Josh Gorecki, who would shortly be leading his team out in the first event of the day. Indeed, on the stroke of midday the runners in the men’s long race were in position on the start line, ready to be unleashed on their 10.6 km course. As defending champions in both the individual and team events, the boys from Brum had big shoes to fill and each of the six-man ‘A’ team started in positive fashion. Birmingham’s Jonny Hay, the pre-race favourite, soon assumed perfect positioning in the leading group and looked in cruise control as the race pro-
Jonny Hay and Hannah Walker cross the line in snowy conditions gressed along its 4 lap course. Roared on by an impassioned crowd, a three man group, including Hay, soon broke away from the rest. With the medallists decided, the only question was what order they were to be divided. In a nerve-wracking final lap, the three pace-setters came into view on the home stretch. After opening up a ten metre advantage on the field, Hay was able to sustain his lead along the run-in and finish well to deny Manchester’s Sean Connelly and St Mary’s Ashley Harrell. Having just touched down as a fresher this year, Hay’s achievement is remark-
able. His list of titles continues to grow, and the Aldershot man will no doubt be setting his sights on more glory in the coming months. Hay was soon followed home by his Birmingham team mates. After a barnstorming final lap, Daniel Cliffe came through in 11th place, followed one place later by Niall Fleming, who recently won the under 20’s Southern cross-country championships and Gorecki, who produced a real captain’s effort in finishing in a highly commendable 16th place. Ben Norris and Joe Gratton also performed well, finishing 19th and 43rd respectively. The tenacious efforts
from the star six gave Birmingham a well deserved second place in the team event, narrowly losing out to St Mary’s University. After the drama of the men’s event, the women’s race had a tough act to follow. But the race was every bit as exciting as the previous one with more glory for Birmingham in store. Over the shorter 7.3 km course, Birmingham’s Hannah Walker took an early position at the head of the field. Like Hay, Walker had to deal with the pressure of race favouritism, but this only served to spur on the Birmingham athlete. Demonstrating real determination, Walker gradually built her lead, increasing the gap on second place with a sustained tempo. Coming into the home straight, the lead was decisive and Walker drove home to secure a twenty metre win. The other Brum ladies also had fine individual showings, resulting in a second placed team finish. Notably Pippa Woolven excelled herself to secure a prestigious top ten result, finishing in eighth. Iona Lake (13th) and Claire Pring, (16th) also had impressive outings. The final event of the day, the men’s ‘B’ race, over an 8 km trip, brought more success for Bir-
mingham. This race really demonstrated the immense strength in depth at the university; 12 Brum competitors recorded top 50 finishes, and any one of these athletes would be among the leading runners at most other universities. Of particular note, first year Finn McNally continued his impressive season by recording a ninth placed finish. Other high-flyers for Birmingham included Chad Lambert, Harry Harper and Matthew Jackson, who all finished in the top 20. This quartet managed to pip the St Mary’s third team into bronze medal for the team event, a fine achievement. The other noteworthy factor about the race was the presence of eight St Mary’s runners in the first eight positions to underline their superb showing on their day, which saw them win all three team titles. Following last year’s heroics, Birmingham’s 2012 team produced another sterling performance, collecting two individual gold medals as well as three team medals. Each and every runner can be proud of their efforts on the day. The commitment and heart shown by all really typifies the battling qualities evident across the University of Birmingham Sport.
INSIDE Turn to page 26 to read about how the women's cricket team fared at Lords in their BUCS indoor 6-a-side finals