Redbrick
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016 Vol. 80, Issue 1465. www.redbrick.me
Students react as MPs authorise air strikes in Syria amid growing public dissent Anti-war protests in Birmingham and across the country News // Page 8
"The votes of the young will be decisive for the future of Europe" French Ambassador Sylvie Bermann delivers Distinguished Lecture at UoB in wake of Paris attacks News // Page 8
Redbrick's 12 Pages of Christmas Exclusive pullout inside
Music's Best Albums of 2015
Cut out and keep Christmas dinner guide
Redbrick's festive film calendar
Music / Pages 2-3
Food / Pages 4-5
Film / Pages 8-9
02 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
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Online this week at redbrick.me... TRAVEL
MUSIC
LIFE & STYLE
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Terrorism vs. Tourism Is it safe to travel to Africa and the Middle East? Redbrick debates..
Album Review: Adele, 25 Does Adele's new album live up to her record-breaking predecessor?
Christmas Must-do's Katelyn Rider lists the 10 things everyone must to do get in the Christmas Spirit
Facebook Addicts Ellie Patten investigates whether Facebook is making us unhappy
This week's winner is this shot of the vigil held in honour of the victims of recent terror attacks, by Alex Crossey
Photo of the Fortnight
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4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
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03
Abortion Rights Conference Held on Campus
Panel critiques university teaching of medical students on abortion Gregory Robinson
News Writer The third annual Abortion Rights Students Conference took place at the University of Birmingham’s Council Chambers on Saturday (November 28). The event was hosted by the Abortion Rights, a national pro-choice campaign. The aim of the campaign is to defend women’s rights to access safe and legal abortion. The event gave students the opportunity to listen to the perspectives and ideas of a variety of activists as well as examining the relationship between public perceptions of abortion and how this is presented in the media and politics. Students from across Birmingham and several from London attended the event. The conference contained a mixture of discussions, panels, networking and workshops for students to take part in. The subject of these activities ranged from abortion, abortion provision, reproductive freedom, politics, the media and gender. The conference aimed to create a space in which students were educated in regards to access to abortion, the pro-life stance, and the lack of privacy for women seeking an abortion. Workshops and activities tested students’ knowledge of the abortion process in the UK. During the first workshop activity, students were asked to arrange the steps a woman must undergo before access-
ing an abortion. Abortion Rights is an independent campaign which was formed in 2003 by the merger of two long-standing campaigns – the National Abortion Campaign (NAC) and the Abortion Law Reform Association (ALRA). There were a number of guest speakers at the event, including Kerry Abel, Abortion Rights Chair; Alex Binnie, Women’s Officer for University of Birmingham Guild of Students; Cat Smith MP, Junior Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, and Dr Sheelagh Mcguinness, Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Bristol. Other events included a panel in on the biggest threats to abortion today. The session explored the current political and social climate around abortion in the UK. The panel was chaired by Rashida Islam, Political Campaigner and included panellists Dr Pam Lowe, Senior Lecturer at Aston University and Sarah Ditum, journalist. The panel raised questions concerning barriers to abortion access, including clinical harassment, stigma and legislation and how they impact women who want to undergo an abortion. Lowe and Ditum raised questions regarding the way abortion is seen today in society. According to Lowe, abortion is too often described as a ‘controversial’ issue which promotes the notion that discussions regarding abortion are more fre-
quently held in politics and the media than they actually are. Lowe said: ‘We should get out of the mind-set of thinking abortion is controversial. Polls show most people in Great Britain are pro-choice’. The panel also discussed the ways in which pro-life supporters use images of foetuses and remove the focus of the mother’s physical body from images. Lowe commented: ‘It seems stories about abortion are illustrated by an ultrasound which makes women invisible’. The topic of the panel shifted to the pro-life group Abort67 who strongly oppose the 1967 Abortion Act which legalised abortions by registered practitioners and regulated the free provision of abortions through the NHS. Abort67 are known
"Doctors using evocative language is completely profesionally unacceptable" for using graphic images of foetuses, protesting outside abortion clinics and suggesting a foetus has a right to life before birth. Ditum said: ‘Those who believe that a foetus is a human with a separate right to life does not understand a woman’s role in pregnancy. It is simply misogyny; women having choice and control over their bod-
ies is extraordinarily novel in our culture.’ One of the most paramount questions of the event came from an audience member who asked how we can make the campaign issues surrounding abortion more relevant to the everyday life of students, rather than an academics’ debate. The questions sparked discussion on whether current sex education in schools across the UK is adequate. Dr Jayne Kavanagh, a sexual health doctor at UCL Medical School presented a workshop exploring the aims and barriers of teaching UCL medical students about abortion. The workshop, titled ‘What should medical students learn about abortion?’, delved into the education medical students receive when studying abortion. Issues raised included the importance of discussing the doctor’s approach to abortion. Dr Kavanagh said: ‘Doctors using evocative language is completely professionally unacceptable in an abortion consultation’. She added: ‘medical students need to know the facts, but also have the skills to conduct a sensitive consultation’. When asked why Abortions Rights have aimed their message at university students, Abortion Rights Chair Kerry Abel told Redbrick: ‘Abortion is a student issue and students need access to information regarding abortion. We need to remove the taboo surrounding abortion’.
Yarl's Wood detainee speaks out over abuse Josephine Cooke News Writer
Speakers from ‘Movement for Justice’ spoke about the Yarl’s Wood Detention Centre at a Women’s Association meeting on Tuesday 1st December. Both male and female members of the student body joined the meeting to listen to Antonia Bright and Maimuna (who has asked to only be named with her first name) speak on the deplorable situation of detainees. Yarl’s Wood has been the at the center of controversy of the treatment of immigrants by the UK government after a report found the centre is 'failing to meet the needs of the most vulnerable women held.' The report was carried out by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons during April and May of this year and published in August. The Inspectorate report 'did not find evidence of widespread abuse in the centre' but concluded that 'the vulnerabil-
"The reasons for being placed in detention are unclear" ity of the women held, the closed nature of the institution and the power imbalance between the staff and detainees – common to any prison – made individual instances an ever-present risk'. Bright, a national organizer for the group, began the talk at the University by addressing increasing racism and anti-immigration bigotry in UK detention policy. Bright said that detainment 'hangs like a shadow', alleging that reasons for deten-
tion are not made clear, and can be used as a threat. The most common justification is to stop migrants from absconding although there is no evidence to suggest detainment is a necessary procedure. Bright continued by alleging that the government’s immigration policy was designed to create hostility. She told students that the proposal to create a ‘hostile environment’ was originally put forward by Theresa May in 2013 and the Immigration Act was eventually passed in May 2014.
"They only care about deporting you" Yarl's Wood holds more than 350 detainees, mainly single women, who are waiting for their immigration status to be resolved. Maimuna was one of these women. She was detained in Yarl’s Wood for 5 months but was not aware this would be the case, instead believing she would be in Yarl’s Wood for 1 day maximum. Relating her own personal account, she retold stories of abuse, one of which was the rape and impregnation of one of the detained women by a guard. The perpetrator was not punished, but the woman was deported. 'They put people in that centre just to torture you,' Maimuna said. 'They don’t care if you are sick; they only care about deporting you.' The talk was not all negative, however. The guest speakers told the audience of future action planned to publicise the case of Yarl’s Wood through protests at the detention centre. Postcards were also handed out to write words of support for women at Yarl’s Wood.
7th November: 800 protest outside gates of Yarl's Wood calling for its closure 9th November: Charity complains over use of handcuffs when accompanying detainees to hospital 25th November: Fire engines called to kitchen blaze 1st December: 28-day detention limit rejected by government as ammendment to Immigration Bill
04 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
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News
UoB Student Sets Up ‘The University Sexism Blog’ to Raise Awareness of Sexism on Campus Danyal Hussain News Editor
University of Birmingham student Imogen Stuckes has set up a blog, titled ‘The University Sexism Project’, in an attempt to raise awareness and educate students about sexism on campus. The blog collects anonymous stories from University students that highlight instances of sexism that they have experienced. The stories reflect both female and male experiences, with the anonymity attracting a number of respondents. Speaking to Redbrick, Stuckes acknowledged the influence of Laura Bates on the project. Bates, the founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, a collection of more than 100,000 women's daily experiences of sexism and inequality, recently visited the University of Birmingham, an event that attracted a huge crowd of ‘nearly 400’. This, said Imogen, made her realise that ‘gender inequality must be a big issue at UoB’. A theme that has emerged through both the Everyday Sexism Project and the University Sexism Project, is the idea that people sometimes don’t even realise what kind of conduct constitutes sexism. Imogen stated, ‘many students told me they didn't even realise that
something as little as a bum slap or a nasty comment could be classed as sexism, even if it made them feel uncomfortable’. This prompted her desire to raise awareness of the issue of sexism on campus. The Guild of Students have also in the past emphasised the need to educate students on sexism through the ‘Not On’ campaign. Imogen praised the campaign but stressed the need to promote the initiative more. The need to promote the topic of sexism and to truly discuss the issues around it, is a key driving force behind the blog; ‘We need to combat it from freshers week with information about consent,' says Imogen.
"students didn't even realise that a nasty comment could be classed as sexism" Freshers are a particular focus, with Imogen stating that ‘fresher boys are encouraged to ‘get with’ loads of girls’. This highlights the lad culture that exists at the University. Sports clubs frequently are blamed as being proponents of lad culture and Imogen supports this asser-
tion, claiming that fresher boys have to ‘prove their manliness’ in sports clubs. Stuckes also shared her concerns about security on Sports Nights and at Fab: ‘security at Fab and Sports Nights is made up of students, some of which are members of sports teams and other societies. I have heard concerns from some students that security staff in these groups may be less likely to kick out their friends or teammates, even if they might have made a sexist comment. I think this has the potential to discourage people from telling security about something that has happened to them in the club’. Second year Policy, Politics and Economics student Kirby Ferran agrees with the sentiment that lad culture is a problem on Campus. Ferran told Redbrick, ‘There's a strong lad culture at UoB that can often be quite derogatory or sexist towards girls’. Ferran added, ‘Listening to the ways guys talk about "pulling" girls I find their terminology pretty sexist’. Whilst the concept of ‘pulling’ may seem relatively harmless to some, Imogen stressed that it can quickly escalate to a disturbing level, referencing rumours ‘that older students go looking specifically for first year students to sleep with. It's pretty vile’, she said.
Whilst this overt sexism is easy to identify, the blog also highlights instances of almost unconscious sexism. This is more worrying as it points to a deeper issue, in regards to sexism. One student recalls, through her submitted story, how the Head of a Physics lab asked her a question, then said ‘no wait, you don't know but he will’, before turning to ask her male partner the exact same thing. Ferran also supports this statement, telling Redbrick that ‘in seminars, occasionally, girls aren't taken as seriously. It can often end up being guys having massive debates and girls just getting shot down when they try and get a word in’. The University Sexism Blog aims to collect stories that reflect sexism at the University of Birmingham, in a bid to raise awareness of the issue. Imogen stressed that, ‘Sexism, unfortunately, is the kind of thing you have to keep warning people about for it to make a difference.’ She hopes that her blog will be the first step to addressing the problems that so many students face. To visit the University Sexism Blog, go to https://uobsexismblog.wordpress. com/. If you wish to anonymously contribute to raising awareness of sexism at the University, email your story to Imogen at imogen.stuckes@live.co.uk.
Petition to Class Sexual Assaults as UOB Student Petition Triumph for the Extenuating Circumstances Goes Viral Homeless Anna Griffiths News Reporter
A student set up petition calling for sexual assault and rape to be classed as extenuating circumstances at the University of Birmingham has gone viral. In just over a day, the petition on change.org entitled ‘Change Extenuating Circumstances to include students affected by rape and sexual assault’ has almost met its target of 1500 signatures, with just 30 more needed at the time of writing. An anonymous University of Birmingham student created the petition, noticing that the University’s Code of Practice on Extenuating Circumstances does not protect students affected by rape or sexual assault. As the petition points out, there are many reasons why sexual assault or rape may affect the academic performance of a victim. These include: depression, the stress of medical tests, the legal process following an attack, potential pregnancy, and night terrors. The National Union of Students undertook research in universities that suggest 1 in 7 women students experience sexual assault or rape during their time at university. The survey calls for those who fall victim of such attacks to be academically protected, and have the assurance that if they come forward and ask for help from the university, they will not be turned away. Comments on the petition have been extremely supportive. Most question why sexual assault or rape isn’t already covered under the extenuating circumstances code of practice.
Abi Farrell wrote, ‘It's unthinkable that sexual assault and rape doesn't have its own, or a relevant clause in the Code of Practice on Extenuating Circumstances. Quite simply, the lack of an appropriate clause is an injustice, which needs to be addressed'.
"the lack of an appropriate clause is an injustice which needs to be addressed" Richard Milne, a university lecturer commented that he ‘would be utterly horrified if [he] wasn't allowed to grant ECs or equivalent to a person affected by this'.
At present, the Code of Practice allows extenuating circumstances to be granted for: - Significant illness, accident or injury - The death or serious illness of a close family member or dependent - Family crisis directly affecting the student - Absence caused by paternity leave - Jury service (deferral of which has been denied by the Court) - Exceptional and unforeseen financial hardship
Nicole Jeary News Reporter
Jenny Hughes News Reporter
HSBC removes anti-homeless spikes outside their New Street branch in response to public pressure. Jenny Hughes and Nicole Jeary interview UoB student responsible for the petition. Birmingham New Street HSBC branch rips out anti-homeless spikes after a local petition received over 13,000 signatures demanding they be removed. These controversial spikes were introduced as part of a ‘defensive architecture’ movement, resulting in the appearance of anti-homeless spikes all over the UK. A similar petition proved successful in Manchester resulting in the anti-homeless spikes removal from outside of Selfridges.
"Over 13,000 signatures" HSBC claimed that the spikes were there for the privacy of their customers; however one petition signatory protested, ‘Of the many reasons I should be ashamed to be a HSBC customer. This one really hits home.’ Chris Brees, a Politics, Philosophy and Religion student at UOB, organised the petition. Speaking to Redbrick, Chris explained the damaging effect of antihomeless spikes, ‘The spikes propagate the idea that they [the homeless] are unwelcome. A lot of homeless people have experiences of abuse and being ignored, this was an architectural way of doing this’. Being his first petition, Chris felt
really great about the result, stating ‘the local people really care about the issue’. Chris, who first started his work helping the homeless with his Church (Oasis Church, Edgbaston), has launched another petition entitled ‘Let Homeless People Sleep in Birmingham Grand Central Over Winter’. The petition wishes to ‘utilise our space in the city, and create an area in Grand Central where there are beds available to those sleeping on the streets’.
"create an area where there are beds available for those sleeping on the streets" Birmingham has seen an increase in population by 100,000 this year from 2014, putting further strain on housing in the city, thus further restricting the city’s ability to help eradicate homelessness. Faced with this challenge Chris proposes that we must ‘break down barriers in society, and truly show that we care’. When asked what people should do if they want to get involved with the cause, Chris told Redbrick ‘There are loads of different charities out there: Sifa fireside, run a drop in line, Crisis do a course for employment. There are also lots of groups that do things like we do at church’. If you wish to sign Chris’ petition to house the homeless in New Street over winter visit https://you.38degrees.org.uk/ petitions/let-homeless-people-sleep-inbirmingham-grand-central-over-winter. If you are interested in getting involved through volunteering, you can email Chris at Oasis_streetoutreach@outlook. com.
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4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
05
Anniversary of the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
James Moore News Reporter
The 28th November marked the 130th anniversary of the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) 130 years ago. It is 130 years old, as of the 28th of November this year. BMAG is home to world class collections from across the globe, including the famous Staffordshire Hoard; the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver ever found and valued at more than £3 million. The gallery also holds the finest collection of Pre-Raphaelite art in the world, with works by William Holman
Hunt and Ford Maddox Brown among many others on display. The gallery is visited by thousands of people from around the world every year. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery celebrated its birthday with a special event featuring live music, special tours of the galleries, dressing up and of course a birthday cake. The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Raymond Hassall, was present at the event to congratulate the Museum. Throughout the day the museum had a range of drop-in activities for all ages such as a raffle, a giant birthday card and object handling. There is also a special anniversary exhibition which runs until January 2016, which traces the past
of BMAG and looks at the future of the museum. In the run up to the anniversary, the museum published a countdown of 130 precious objects on their Twitter and Facebook. BMAG was opened on the 28th of November 1885 by the Prince of Wales (during this time) and future King Edward VIII with the aim of inspiring creativity and learning in the city of Birmingham with displays from across the ages. A founding principle was that it would be free to all and this continues today, the museum is also open at weekends, which means working people can enjoy its galleries. Dr Ellen McAdam, Director of Birmingham Museums Trust said, ‘The
Museum and Art Gallery was founded to improve the quality of Birmingham’s manufacturers in the face of foreign competition by showing Birmingham’s craftsmen the best in art and design'. Peter Knott, Area Director of Arts Council England stated, ‘Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is one of the jewels in Birmingham’s crown and we’re delighted to be able to invest in its work. With world class collections of art to fascinating historical displays Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery continues to play an important role in the life of the city, just as it did when it was founded 130 years ago'.
Birmingham to Elect a Mayor in 2017 after New Deal Anna Griffiths News Reporter
A devolution deal announced by the Chancellor last week means that Birmingham and the West Midlands will elect a mayor in 2017, despite the city voting resolutely against it in 2012. The announcement came as part of a new £1 billion devolution deal, which will see the newly created West Midlands Combined Authority receive £36 million a year, for thirty years. This money is to help the region improve transport links, expand business districts, plan new homes, control the education and training of over 16 year olds and to develop schemes to help the long term unemployed get back into work. The new ‘metro-mayor’ will chair the West Midlands combined authority, which is comprised of Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton. However, critics of the
new deal are keen to point out that the combined authority would have some level of influence over towns in Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire that have not signed up to having a mayor or to be part of the combined authority. Critics also question the large size of the new authority. Birmingham and Coventry in 2012 voted resolutely against having a mayor, with 57.8% in the referendum voting ‘no’. Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield, Wakefield, Coventry, Leeds and Bradford all voted 'no' that year also. Professor Wyn Grant of the University of Warwick, who chaired the Warwick Commission on Elected Mayors, believes that ‘this decision is clearly controversial after Birmingham and Coventry rejected election mayors in referendums’. Professor Grant is concerned by the implications the deal will have on districts within Warwickshire, ‘who have so far refused to join the combined authority, but will be influenced by it'.
Yet this new devolution deal is one that northern cities have been keen to accept. The West Midlands is only the fifth major UK city region to accept a devolution package. Advocates of the deal say that this is because the deal genuinely is a case of Westminster losing power and local authorities gaining power. The £36 million a year can be used to make the West Midlands more prosperous, they argue, with initiatives such as developing new train stations in Birmingham to capitalise on the new HS2 line, expanding the business district near city centre, and home building. Gemma Duggan, external affairs manager for the West Midlands at the National Housing Federation, said, ‘There is a real opportunity to tackle the housing crisis at a local level following [the] devolution deal for the West Midlands. We desperately need more and better homes throughout the region and it’s great to see millions of pounds set to be invested in housing and reclaiming brownfield land
for new homes. This gives the West Midlands the tools it needs to create healthy local housing markets, boosting productivity and improving public sector efficiency'. In addition to the £36 million, it is reported that Birmingham will receive £98 million in funding to expand a Midlands Metro Eastside Tram extension to Digbeth. Coventry is also said to be negotiating a £150 million funding package to redevelop their city centre. Writing for the Birmingham Post, Chancellor George Osborne stated that: ‘local people should have greater control over the decisions that affect their lives'. Osborne continues, ‘Bringing the cities and boroughs of the West Midlands together, creating modern high speed transport links like HS2, making sure that they have strong civic leadership, bringing investment to them - that is how we aim to create a Midlands Engine that will drive growth and prosperity in the region for a generation to come’.
Council Pension Fund Invests in Alcohol and Weapons James Moore News Reporter
The West Midland Pension Fund has been found to have invested more than £168 million in 30 alcohol and tobacco firms. The firms invested in include British American Tobacco, who received £28million; Diageo, the makers of Guinness, Captain Morgan and Smirnoff, who received £25 million; and Heineken who received a total of £8 million. The Fund collects money from councils in the West Midlands and invests it in other companies in order to make a return. This profit is then passed on to
the councils. Despite Coventry council being involved in such investments, they have has of a five year “Smoke Free Strategy” and budgeted £1.28million in tobacco control programs, as well as £4.66million on alcohol and drug services. Smoking kills approximately 400 people a year in Coventry and 4,500 people in Birmingham costing £24million every year due to premature deaths. In the West Midlands 17.8% of the adult population smokes according to Public Health England figures. The pension fund has also invested £51.6million into weapons firms, many of which have been produced technology that has been used in the conflict in
Syria. The firms include Lockheed Martin who received £2.7million and make guided missiles and fighter jets; and Northrop Grumman, which builds bombers and drones and received £1.3million. Two of these firms are located in Coventry; a city that pledges to be a “sanctuary” for refugees. Councillor Allan Andrews said, ‘I think many council employees will be alarmed by where their pension fund is being invested whilst we welcome refugees to the city – we help build the bombs.’ This revelation sparked campaigners to accuse the authority of hypocrisy. At the start of September, Coventry had rehomed 78 refugees out of the 216 taken in by the UK.
Roger Alden, leader of the Conservative group on Birmingham City Council, expressed the importance of the pension fund being for the long term. Alden stated, ‘The important thing is that experts are making the decisions to get the best possible return.’ However, the fund does not make investments based on ethics, but believes its influence over these firms would be lost if it withdrew its funding. The group released a statement in which it said ‘if companies involved in subjectively deemed unethical activities were excluded for investment purposes, there would be very few companies left in which to invest.’
06 4th November - 22nd January 2016
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News £750 million to make way for HS2 station in Birmingham Centre James Moore News Reporter
The Greater Birmingham enterprise zone will be expanded as £750 million is going to be invested in the city following the signing of the devolution deal on the 17th of November. This expansion will aid the development of the HS2 station and surrounding area of Curzon Street, North East of the Bullring. Andy Street, Chairman of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, called the expansion ‘extremely important’. Street also states that this investment shall dispel the belief that the people of the Midlands 'haven’t got the trust of people in Government’. He added, ‘it has taken a Herculean effort to get everyone in the area to work together’ but now they can fund what is needed in the area. An enterprise zone is a designated area in which tax is reduced and planning applications simplified, incentivising businesses to invest there. The Birmingham enterprise zone currently comprises 26 sites across the city, with clusters based at Westside, Snow Hill, Eastside, Southern Gateway, Digbeth, Birmingham Science Park Aston and the Jewellery Quarter. As well as the enterprise zone expansion, £750 million to £1 billion worth of borrowing against future business rates has been set to regenerate Birmingham
city centre. This means that money which has not yet been collected in taxes can be spent on redevelopment. This regeneration is expected to create 36,000 jobs and will support the
"This regeneration is expected to create 36,000 jobs " Curzon HS2 masterplan. The masterplan covers a total 1.4 square kilometres, and aims to ensure the city can capitalise on HS2 when it is built. Birmingham City Council leader Ian Ward called the deal ‘a step in the right direction’ but believes that the plans could still be more ambitious. The HS2 plan grants power to carry out work on listed buildings, demolish buildings in conservation areas and compulsorily acquire land required.
Euro-scepticism on the rise in the wake of Paris Attacks Recent polls reveal 52% of the public are now in favour of exitting the European Union
Nicole Jeary News Reporter
Following the Paris terrorist attacks earlier this month, polls reveal that the majority of the public are now in favour of a ‘Brexit’. A poll of 2000 people, conducted by ORB and released by the Independent this week, revealed that 52% of people think that Britain should exit the European Union. This percentage marks a significant increase from earlier polls conducted in June, July and September, in which only 45% were in favour. On November 10th, prior to the Paris attacks, David Cameron re-affirmed his desire for Britain to stay within a reformed EU in a letter to European Council president Donald Tusk. The Prime Minister demanded measures to protect the single market and exclusion from the Euro, as well as further restrictions on EU migrants seeking benefits in the UK. It is likely, however, that Cameron will now be under pressure to reassess Britain’s position within an increasingly unstable European Union.
Europe was already a contentious issue in the 2015 general election, which saw the anti-EU party UKIP obtaining 12.6% of the vote. The recent poll now suggests a further increase in public concern and a shift towards Euroscepticism following terrorist attacks in Paris and threats in Brussels. Overall, these security fears, in addition to economic problems, such as the on-going refugee crisis, have marked a difficult year for Europe with no signs of foreseeable relief. The upcoming referendum in 2017 regarding Europe could provide a formal clarification of the public stance on the issue, with Cameron declaring the decision to be ‘the biggest we will make in our lifetime.’ Although a referendum remains legally unbinding, it is unlikely the Government will disregard public opinion on such a divisive issue. The University hosted the Ambassador of France, Sylvie Bermann, on the 1st December, where she discussed the future of Europe, following the harrowing attacks in Paris (page 8).
What does the Autumn Statement mean for Students? Ian Rogers News Reporter
Beriwan Ceren News Reporter
Student loans, 'tampon tax', tax credit and housing are brought into discussion following the publication of the 2015 Autumn Statement and spending review. Student loan repayment thresholds for all ‘phase 2 loan’ students are to be frozen until April 2021 instead of rising with inflation as planned from 2015-16. Phase 2 students include all those who began their studies from September 2012 onwards. This key policy change was kept out of the announcements in the Chancellor’s speech, but was later published on the official government website. This alteration of repayment policy could leave many current students – and some who graduated in 2015 up to £6000 worse off. The department for business, skills and innovation said the freeze would ‘reduce government debt’ and would raise an extra ‘£680 million in savings’ over the next five years. Jack Mably, Guild of Students President, told Redbrick ‘The freeze represents a regressive move which goes against the aims and principles of the student loan system as originally designed’. A Labour spokesman told The Independent the government could be hit by a ‘legal challenge’. Many students will agree this move is a breach of contract with Student Finance. James Honke, campaign manager of the
UoB Green Party, said this was another ‘poor budget for students and young people’. Osborne’s speech also announced that grants for student nurses would be removed. Osborne said the grants, which are to be replaced by loans, offered the opportunity to train ‘10,000 extra nurses this parliament’. However, Green Party MP Caroline Lucas tweeted on the matter, describing it as ‘awful’ in its ‘dumping of debt on student nurses’. Recent debate of the so-called ‘tampon tax’ drew a response in the Chancellor’s autumn statement as Osborne reported that £15 million collected by the controversial tax would be given to women’s charities. Major groups of the population have been campaigning to remove the tax duty on female sanitary products as they consider the products to be necessities and not ‘luxury’ items as currently classified. In a recent parliament speech addressing the matter SNP MP Alison Thewiss said ‘it was absurd products like men’s razors, nappies and Jaffa Cakes that were free from VAT, while women had to pay additional costs for a vital product’. The Guild of Students at the University of Birmingham have been campaigning to completely remove the tax – last month they began providing free sanitary products to students. The Tax Credit changes that were proposed in July have taken an expected U-turn in the Autumn Budget. The Chancellor was forced to rethink plans to cut £4.4bn from tax credits for low paid workers from April 2016, after they were rejected by the votes in the House of Lords in October. Lord Bilimoria, Chancellor of
the University of Birmingham, was amongst the Lords who opposed these cuts. Although the benefits will not be cut until April 2018, the tax credits will be phased and replaced with the Universal Credit. Paul Johnson, of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said the move would not change anything in the long run as the cuts will be featured in the new Universal Credit system. But not all tax credit cuts are reversed. The amount of extra money a claimant can earn before losing their benefits will be reduced from £5,000 to £2,000. Prior the speech, the Treasury said Mr Osborne would unveil the ‘biggest affordable housebuilding programme since the 1970s’ and the Chancellor told MPs that tackling the ‘growing crisis of home ownership’ would be his top priority. Labour dismissed this claim, saying, ‘If hot air built homes, then Conservative ministers would have our housing crisis sorted.’ Mr Osborne announced plans to hand £2.3bn to developers to build ‘starter homes’ for new buyers and will increase the stamp-duty rate for purchases of second homes and buy-to-let. This is in the aim to reduce the current competition for first time property buyers in a bid to increase the prospect of encouraging ‘families who aspire to buy their own home’. £4bn will be put into the shared ownership schemes to provide more properties for households earning less than £80,000 (or £90,000 in London) who want to get on the housing ladder. The annual median income in the UK is £18,700 after tax and the average graduate salary is £29k. Buyers of second homes and buy-to-let properties in the UK will be subject to stamp duty sales, 3 percent higher than
those who are first time buyers. This extra revenue will then be used to construct new homes and improve existing properties across the country.
Key Autumn Statement Findings: • •
• • • •
•
Student loan repayment th r e s h o ld s f o r a ll s tu dents are to be frozen u n til 2 0 2 1 Change in repayment p o lic y ma y le a v e c u rrent graduates from 2015 up to £6000 w o r s e o ff Grants for student nurses are to be removed and replaced w ith lo a n s Oppurtunity to train 10,000 extra nurses proposed £15 million collected from 'tampon tax' to be g iv e n to w o me n ' s c h a rities Ta x c r e d i t s t o b e replaced with Universal Credit, and will not be cut until A p r il 2 0 1 8 £ 4 b illio n to b e in v e s te d in to s h a r e d o w n e rship housing schemes
redbrick.me/news
4th December - 22nd January 2016
07
Nationwide 'Don't Bomb Syria' pleas grow stronger in demonstrations
Beriwan Ceren News Reporter
This week thousands of anti-war demonstrators across the country came together in an event organised by ‘Stop the War coalition’ campaign group, to express their opposition to airstrikes in Syria. Approximately 150 people turned up in front of the Bullring in Birmingham on Wednesday to protest against the government’s motion, showing their support in unified chants of ‘don’t bomb Syria’. Emotions were high as numerous people gave moving speeches and poetry. Labour Councillor, Mariam Khan said that ‘they are the richest terrorist organisation’ and that the black market supplying their weapons ‘hasn’t been addressed’. She pleaded, ‘I don’t want my hard earned taxpayer money to be used to bomb the inno-
cent people of Syria...it makes no sense to bomb a country where there are civilians', adding that there was ‘no strategy’ and it would only ‘resul[t] in people caught in horrific crossfire’. In 2013, MPs voted against UK military action towards President Assad's forces in Syria, however just over a year later MPs approved UK air strikes in Iraq against IS militants. Parliament has not yet approved UK air raids in Syria and the Stop War Coalition express their worry on their website that ‘the vote is more likely following the terrible events in Paris. Yet this bombing will not stop terror attacks’. Many MPs, including Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell, have warned against repeating mistakes of the past in Iraq and Libya. McDonnell also questioned how bombing Syria would prevent attacks from home-grown terrorists. Tom from the Revolution Communist Group at the
Birmingham demonstration says the consequences if the UK extend the bombing in Syria will be ‘disastrous’ and that the ‘invasions in Iraq and bombing in Libya created the conditions for IS’. Recent UoB International Relations graduate, Clara MacIver told Redbrick that If IS were defeated, ‘another group can take their place'. She believes that the 'Syrian civil war needs to be addressed’ as ‘their people have been abandoned and need to be spoken to’. The influential Commons Foreign Affairs Committee also warned against extending bombing to Syria without a 'coherent international strategy'. Tensions have been high in the Commons as David Cameron refused to apologise after several attempts from MPs in the Commons after he urged Conservative MPs to not walk through the voting lobbies with ‘a bunch of terrorist sympathisers.’ Selly Oak MP Steve McCabe told
Students react after Syria Airstrikes Vote Danyal Hussain News Editor
After a day of deliberation, MPs have voted overwhelmingly in favour of conducting UK airstrikes against Islamic State rebels in Syria. The final result was 397 in favour, with 223 MPs unsuccessfully voting against the motion. The results of the vote were read out shortly after half past ten following a 10 hour discussion period that saw speeches from a number of high profile figures.
"397 in favour, with 223 MPs unsuccessfully voting against" Prime Minister David Cameron earlier stressed the need to ‘take a stand’ against IS and called for MPs to vote in favour of the air strikes. He was roundly criticised, both in the media and the Commons, for branding Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn a
‘terrorist sympathiser’, but his motion proved to be successful. Considering the fact that the Conservatives have a relatively small majority government of just 17, it will be a source of great joy that the motion was passed with a majority of 174. After the vote, Cameron tweeted ‘I believe the House has taken the right decision to keep the UK safe - military action in Syria as one part of a broader strategy’.
"...the right decision to keep the UK safe " It will be a very different story for Jeremy Corbyn however, with a reported 67 Labour MPs voting in favour of the motion. Most notable amongst them was Shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn whose passionate speech urging Labour MPs to vote in favour of bombing Syria visibly moved the Commons. However, the motion would have passed even without Labour support, a
testament to the size of the majority that the government garnered. In the aftermath of the result, Jeremy Corbyn said ‘British servicemen and women will now be in harm’s way and the loss of innocent lives is sadly almost inevitable’. Immediate reaction from the public has been mixed, reflecting the personal battles that many MPs faced when casting their vote. Similar sentiments were shared on Twitter, with the hashtag #notinourname trending with a vast number of tweets criticising the result of the Commons vote. Scotland seemed to be the area of the UK most aggrieved, with former First Minister Alex Salmond branding the vote ‘a mistake’ amid a reported 96% of Scottish MPs voting against the proposal. Local Selly Oak MP Steve McCabe voted against the proposed airstrikes. RAF airstrikes in Syria were originally predicted to begin within 72 hours of the vote, but the first bombers took off from Cyprus just under two hours after the result of the vote came in.
Redbrick that ‘ISIL/Daesh are a fanatical cult opposed to all who don’t share their views with a particular hatred of Western values’. He continued to say that ‘This is about whether or not the Prime Minister is making the right call, in this country’s interests, and whether his plan is likely to succeed.’ He said his choice of vote ‘won’t be an easy decision’ and it will be influenced ‘about how best to deal with a serious security issue that won’t just go away’. David Cameron claims IS poses a terror threat to British people and insisted the RAF had specialist bombing capabilities that were needed by its allies. He said the UK must strike "at the head of the snake" at IS headquarters in Syria but he ruled out British ‘boots on the ground’ Cameron has set out a plan involving UK military, diplomatic and humanitarian action in Syria. The French, Russian and US coalition forces are currently bombing Syria.
Student Reactions: Alana Forman: ‘I'm really disappointed, it's not a long term solution to combatting terrorism and it’s a shame that despite huge public opposition MPs failed to listen’. James Moore: 'We're already bombing IS in Iraq, this is just a decision to cross an arbitrary line. This was not a vote on whether to use airstrikes or not' Aisha Clarke: All the MPs that voted yes for airstrikes in Syria should be ashamed of themselves. They have sanctioned the killing of innocent Syrian civilians, threatened our national security and given IS more fuel for their propaganda and recruitment campaign'. Beriwan Ceren: 'IS gains more supporters with every bomb we drop. We need to deal with the black market supplying arms to the extremists, the internal conflict within Syria and the threat of homegrown terrorists in the West. The MPs who claim that the airstrikes are a mere crossing of an 'arbitrary line’ have the wrong attitude. The extension of military action from Iraq to Syria is not only affecting separate cities, separate people’s lives, but is also a separate conflict. That line is there for a reason.
08 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/news
News Foreign Relations
What do Paris Attacks mean for the UK? French Ambassador Sylvie Bermann considers French-English diplomatic relations post Parisian Terror Attacks in the Distinguished Lecture at UoB
Anna Griffiths
Megan Stanley
News Writer The University of Birmingham welcomed the French Ambassador, Sylvie Bermann, on 1st December to deliver a talk regarding the future plans for France and the rest of Europe, and why the cooperation between France and the United Kingdom is so important. Security for the event was tight, with security staff stood at every entrance to the hall and bag checks as audience members entered. Due to the size of the audience present, the ambassador was allowed out first, with the audience asked to remain seated at the end of the event. The talk began with the ViceChancellor, Professor Sir David Eastwood, introducing the Ambassador, first in French and then in English. At the beginning of her speech, Bermann, thanked the British public for their condolences and support regarding the recent attacks, mentioning the football match between France and England at Wembley Stadium in which fans of both countries sang the French
national anthem, La Marseillaise. Bermann swiftly moved on to discuss the importance of cooperation between the United Kingdom and France, stating the two countries share similar ambitions and responsibilities, such as maintaining peace within the world as two permanent members of the Security Council. The Ambassador emphasised that ‘the FrancoBritish relationship is more necessary than ever,’ highlighting the need for the two countries to ‘move forward’ in tackling new challenges, such as terrorism, climate change and cyberattacks. The Ambassador then mentioned the issue of the European Union, describing how important it is that the UK remains in the EU, stating: 'In a world that is less safe we must remain united.' The element of trade with the U.S was also included. To end her speech, Bermann referenced the younger generation, claiming that ‘the votes of the young people will be decisive’ for the future of Europe. Questions were then opened to the audience, with the first question aligning the French response to the terror attacks
Opinion
war from breaking out, Bermann agreed, saying that young Europeans take peace for granted. The ambassador also answered questions regarding other events, such as the Syrian Refugee crisis, the impact of the Calais crisis in the summer and Turkey joining the European Union. The final question linked back to Birmingham, regarding the attacks in the 1970s by the IRA, the member of the audience asked why the West wasn’t trying to find out why the terrorists attacked, stating that military action was not part of the strategy within the 1970s. The Ambassador responded stating that ‘nobody in ISIL is ready to talk,’ continuing by saying that security and the prevention of radicalisation to stop further attacks is the top priority at the moment. The event was concluded by a speech by the Vice-Chancellor who thanked the Ambassador for attending the event, stating: ‘Universities are places of debate, and places where we can frame debate. One of the most important debates of recent times is of our involvement in Europe.'
'No serious discussion of the Paris Attacks'
'Syria and Islamic State were hardly mentioned' - Danyal Hussain Whilst the Vice-Chancellor continually spoke about the events in Paris, stressing the importance of solidarity in the wake of the attacks, Ms Bermann used her lecture to focus on the EU. Syria and Islamic State were hardly mentioned, and the upcoming EU referendum seemed to be Ms Bermann’s main focus. To me, this was disappointing. I wanted to hear more about the French and English commitments to bomb Syria, and Ms Bermann hardly spoke of the upcoming Commons vote on the subject. Ms Bermann was questioned on the similarities
with that of America’s during 9/11 and querying the dangers inherent in military response. The Ambassador responded: ‘We are not fighting just to retaliate,’ defending the recent strikes, saying they are strategic as they were targeted at terrorist training centres, not at civilians. Alongside the military action, the Ambassador also referenced the ‘the Vienna process’ – a political campaign alongside the military, however this will take time to become effective. Another audience member brought up the French restrictions on religious clothing that covers the face, referring to the laws which were passed in 2010, asking if the country had struggled with the integration of other cultures. Bermann answered: ‘Everyone is entitled to practice their own religion’ in France despite the regulations, and respect will be given to all. Further questions surrounding the European Union prompted the Ambassador to describe the EU as an ‘unfinished project’, and assert that reformation will continue. When an audience member later asked if the ambassador agreed that the EU was the closest guarantee to prevent
between the French reaction to Paris and the US reaction to 9/11 and gave, frankly, a disappointing answer, disagreeing without presenting any justifications. Asked if the finding of a Syrian passport in the aftermath of the Paris attacks was ‘convenient’, Ms Bermann didn’t endeavour to answer, sweeping anything ISIS- or Syria-related under the carpet. Nevertheless, Ms Bermann’s continued references to Britain’s membership of the union could prove significant in the run-up to the proposed Brexit referendum.
- Anna Griffiths
The Ambassador spoke well, but only for a short amount of time and with a heavy focus on the future of the European Union. As Ms Bermann only spoke for half an hour, there was plenty of time for questions. This section of the Distinguished Lecture proved much more interesting, and the audience focused in on Syria very quickly. However, Ms Bermann’s answers were less than satisfactory to my mind, as she seemed keen to avoid a deep discussion about Syrian intervention and consistently tried to move the conversation back to the EU and Britain’s role in the union. Highlights from the questions asked by the audience, included one audience member questioning the similar rhetoric of ‘war’ between President Hollande after the recent Paris attacks,
and President Bush after 9/11. Another audience member mentioned the Birmingham pub bombings, organised by the IRA, and wondered if France and their response to the Paris attacks was too knee-jerk, and didn’t allow for sufficient rational discussion. Another audience question that stood out mentioned the ‘conveniently found passport’ of one of the Paris attackers, and whether this could be using a tragedy to fuel a political agenda of intervention in Syria. Ms Bermann didn’t respond directly to this comment. However, it is important to remember that Ms Bermann is a diplomat, who has to be pro-French government, and pro-EU as part of her job. Skirting around questions may be deplorable by politicians, but for diplomats it is sometimes
unavoidable. She’s not paid to question the French government. The evening and lecture was exactly what you’d expect it to be, with no serious discussion of the Paris attacks, Syrian intervention or any discussion about the hugely important Paris climate change talks, which was once again swept to insignificance. But it was interesting to see her push such a pro-EU stance, especially in remarks seemingly addressed to the Vice-Chancellor; as Ms Bermann noted, much research that is conducted in the UK universities is funded by the EU.
redbrick.me/comment
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
09
Comment
It's Not All Bad: A Good News Summary of 2015 Joe Goodsall & Daniella Bassett Comment Editors
Birth of Princess Charlotte, May 2015
World Lights Up For Paris, Nov 2015
FGM Banned in Gambia, Nov 2015
US Supreme Court Legalise Same Sex Marriage, June 2015
First formal meeting of the Chinese and Taiwanese presidents, Nov 2015
New Horizons Flies by Pluto, July 2015
It doesn’t seem to have been a great year when you take a look at the news reports over the last eleven months. Even in the Christmas edition of Redbrick things don’t seem too christmassy; an article on Katie Hopkins, one on George Osborne... Hardly festive! One might be inclined to feel that the year is ending on a rather downbeat note. However we, at the Redbrick Comment section, cannot stand to see glum faces at Christmas time and so, in an attempt to make this year seem a little brighter, we have compiled some of the happier more positive stories from across the year to assure you that it’s not all bad.
"In an attempt to make this year seem a little brighter, we have compiled some of the happier, more positive stories, from across the year to assure you it's not all bad." For a start, one of the most prominent and progressive events of the year was, undoubtedly the United States Supreme Court legalising same sex marriage throughout the country. This is a breakthrough for a number of reasons. Previously the issue had been a federal one, with some States choosing to legalise it and others banning it altogether. The Supreme Court’s decision not only ensures that Gay marriage is legal for everyone, regardless of state, but also demonstrates that the right to marriage it is a
fundamental right. After all, if the Supreme Court have examined the issue and concluded that the LGBT community have the right to marry then there aren’t many who can argue with them. Closer to home, there was no need for any court ruling as Ireland became the first country to legalise gay marriage by popular vote; a major step forward as it shows that the public as a whole are becoming more accepting and open minded. In health news there were major breakthroughs as the World Health Organization declared that Rubella had
"In health news there were major breakthroughs" been eradicated from the Americas. The disease was introduced there by European settlers hundreds of years ago so it is a major breakthrough to have finally driven it off the continent. On top of that, Cuba became the first country in the world to eradicate mother-tochild transmission of HIV and syphilis, a major step forward in the attempts to combat aids. While we’re on the subject of Cuba, it and the United States re-established diplomatic relations thanks to Obama’s efforts in reconciling the two countries. There have been over 50 years of animosity between the communist island and the United States and their reconciliation is certainly a sign of the world changing and moving forward. And speaking of reconciling historical enemies, the first formal meeting of the Chinese and Taiwanese presidents took place this year. Communist China and Capitalist Taiwan have been opposed since 1949 when Taiwan became inde-
pendent from China and the meeting, though not a full reconciliation, holds the promise of future relations between the two. Despite the evident tension in the Middle East, there were major diplomatic breakthroughs there too. Particularly with Iran, who agreed to limit its nuclear program whilst the U.S. agreed to lift sanctions. Another major breakthrough elsewhere was Gambia’s banning of Female Genital Mutilation, making it the first African country to do so. More progress for women came when the Sun and Playboy both stopped publishing images of Topless women, these changes coming in a year when social progress has been very prominent in the press and social consciousness. Turning to science, major breakthroughs were made this year, As NASA announces that liquid water has been found on Mars, again sparking interest in the red planet. We sent a probe to orbit Ceres, the first
Comment Christmas Crackers: Our Favourite Christmas Cracker Jokes Why does Santa have three gardens? So he can 'ho ho ho'! How did Scrooge win the football game? The ghost of Christmas passed! What did Father Christmas do when he went speed dating? He pulled a cracker!
"the Sun and Playboy both stopped publishing images of Topless women"
Why is Christmas a busy time for David Cameron? He's got two parties to organise.
time a spacecraft has visited a dwarf planet, and landed another probe on a comet, a feat almost unprecedented in the history of space travel. Finally, NASA's New Horizons spacecraft became the first spacecraft to make a flyby of Pluto, gathering valuable information about the planet and becoming one of the spacecrafts to travel the furthest from our planet. And if that’s not a testament to a bright future, I don’t know what is.
How does Luis Suarez like his Christmas dinner? Bite-sized. Why does Santa put chimneys on Tinder? Because he wants them to be swept right.
10 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/comment
Comment
Redbrick Comment Meets: Dapper Laughs Redbrick Comment sat down with comedian Daniel O'Reilly at the Battle of Ideas Festival this autumn to discuss his comedy, controversy and getting back on the horse.
How did you feel about the controversy surrounding you? 'I felt embarrassed for the public that they could be easily manipulated by the media. And, yeah, they took my TV show away from me and I lost a six figure sum on a tour, and all my brand deals. I lost my job essentially, so, yeah, I was ruined.'
Do you think there's more of a stigma attached to you because you started out on social media rather than like a traditional comedian? 'Of course, yeah! Look at my man Nick Everett. He's a social guru himself, but he's also from films, he's been in films, he's a filmmaker, he's a film star, but he's also on social media and he's feeling a backlash of hate as well just from being my friend!'
Do you think that the media has an influence on what kinds of things there is a lot of uproar about? 'Of course. Listen, I argued with a journalist that worked for three publications, and they systematically made articles and published them through three different news outlets and just kept circulating them. So I watched, from an insider’s point of view, how the media can manipulate. And from one week, I'm going to the pub and people want pictures, to another week people going "what you doing rape jokes for?" I don't even do rape jokes. I feel passionate about it. It upsets me, and it fucking embarrasses me how easily the public are manipulated.'
How did you feel after going back on the road? 'Terrified, because at every gig there's like 10-15 journalists reviewing the show. But you know what, we sold it out so... 'Hopefully now that they know that I'm not going to go away, they'll leave me alone.'
Why do you think there was such an uproar from your controversy and from you in general?
Do you think there should be this stigma attached to certain things which means you can't joke about them?
'I dominate social media. I think people think that I should have some sort of responsibility as a role model. I think in a lot of ways what you do is kind of like a verbatim for the people you imitate and speak for. I know lots of people with the same attitude as you and who would find your humour funny. I just think it's all been blown out of proportion, I think that we are really getting aside from the point that it's comedy, you know? 'Because of my brand of humour it's easy to make me a poster boy for your cause, you know? When we went to Cardiff, I still had to go on BBC Radio World. I still had to have a debate with a woman that heads up Cardiff university, a student union that wants not only to ban my show in the union but wants to ban me from performing in Wales, right, and she's never watched my stand up comedy. I've never released any footage, my DVD came out in November, there people that want to ban my comedy have never been to a fucking show! So, I'm just like, if that doesn't tell you that they're trying to use me for their ... I don't know. Just leave it alright.'
'I think, like I said, it's up to the ticket purchaser. Like, some gigs I wouldn't go to because I don't find them funny, but, you know, you've got the same people who’re raving about Charlie Hebbo, saying that we're allowed to mock Allah and stuff like that, and the media saying that they have the right to make them jokes, but the same journalists saying "hold on a second, he's sexist." I just think that feminism is very popular at the moment.'
Do you think comedy should have boundaries? What do you think of Dapper Laugh's Comedy? Tweet us your thoughts! @RedbrickComment
Tax Credit U-Turn: Another Nail in the Coffin? Harry Tennison
as Randall from Monsters Inc. whenever anyone mentions someone disadvantaged by his savage cuts. Another competitor, Sajid Javid, took the opposite stance to Johnson. Prior to the U-Turn announced today, he claimed that it was essential to cut welfare in order to reduce the deficit without cutting services such as health, and that there would be no U-Turn. Clearly his foresight is not excel-
Commentator
A few weeks ago, I sat here writing about how the Chancellor, George Osborne’s, plans to cut tax credits, which would leave 3 million people worse off each year, had been damaged by the House of Lords. Today, I can sit happy and safe in the knowledge that the immense pressure of public opinion have defeated Osborne, as he announced during his spending review that tax credits would not be cut. Unfortunately, this is only for a short while, as tax credits, as we know them, are set to be phased out and replaced by universal credit by 2018, which critics believe will be harsher on families than the tax credit cuts originally proposed. Whilst inevitably some form of cuts will hit hard working families hard in Osborne’s attempts to drive the deficit down, it is almost unquestionable that such a dramatic U-Turn on his part has to have some form of repercussions for his bid to become the next Conservative leader. There are two sides of the coin, really: By reversing his decision, Osborne ensures that he is not remembered by voters as the person who took their tax credits away. However, since it is only Conservative party members who can vote in any leadership election, this may not matter. Furthermore, it is unlikely that the Conservative party will launch any kind of pay-to-vote scheme similar to that which Labour implemented in its recent leadership election, given the fiasco which seemed to ensue: thousands being either excluded from the vote but charged, or unable to vote.
"We are far too ahead to seriously consider who the next leader of the Conservatives will be, but this is a victory for all those who care about supporting those who need our support."
Secondly, Osborne now appears weak for changing his mind, something he criticised his Labour counterpart, John McDonnell, of when debating budget surpluses. Whilst it was necessary for the party to gain support, the U-Turn may angst some more hard line MPs who believe the deficit should be cut as quickly as possible. Nevertheless, Osbourne may have gained support from backbench MPs on the other side of the political spectrum by conceding
to their efforts to have him change his mind. The other issue that the wannabe Prime Minister has to face now is the reaction of his opponents. Widely tipped as the public’s favourite, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, opposed the proposed tax credit cuts from the off, appearing to be on the side of hard working families. This gifts him a huge advantage over Osborne who manages to display about as much affection
lent, and one would expect to find him licking his wounds this evening, albeit slightly less than the Chancellor. Theresa May, meanwhile, has stayed fairly quiet on the issue. Whilst her views on immigration and the refugee crisis lack compassion, she is standing firm to Osborne in attempts to keep the police force, and her department as a whole, from facing cuts. There is no nail in the coffin for George Osborne here, and we are far too ahead to seriously consider who the next leader of the Conservatives will be, but this is a victory for all those who care about supporting those who need our support. Thus it ensures that the Chancellor will slither back behind another door, waiting for his next opportunity to hit the poorest in our society the hardest.
redbrick.me/comment
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
11
On Katie Hopkins
Harry Daniels Commentator
Katie Hopkins’ place in English journalism is interesting, and I cannot be alone when, at times, I believe that she must be a satirical creation to ridicule the views of the right. In her deliberately inflammatory rhetoric, she swings from only mildly controversial comments about the employability of the tattooed, to the clearly outrageous likening of Syrian refugees to cockroaches; the fact that the word crept in to an article in a major outlet about the crisis is enough cause for concern.
writer, as I do in the case of Katie Hopkins, you cannot stop the public from engaging with her and still claim to be a supporter of
"Every fascistic movement in history is aligned in one sense: they decide who hears what, and how the opinions of the people are publically weighted against one another."
"If a group, in protest, buys the tickets and then organises a mass leaving, you have effectively ...stopped genuinely politically motivated people getting their chance to attack her views" Aside from this, I come to something which has troubled me greatly. Many of you will have heard about the protest by students of Brunel University against Katie Hopkins participating in a debate about the Welfare State. The concept of this demonstration: to buy as many tickets as possible for the event, with some news outlets claiming they bought the entire batch, and when the speaker begins, to turn their backs while she speaks, and then leave immediately. An official statement on the topic came from one Ali Milani of the President of Brunel’s student union, who stated that “It is important to note that the conversation at no point has been about banning Ms Hopkins from speaking on campus”. A noble sentiment, which seems, at face value, to be consistent with the principle of Austerity. It's a bit like your flatmate (who happens to be studying finance) had a huge party, and then went home for reading week. You know you should do something about the mess, but a few more episodes of Breaking Bad is much more appealing, so you keep putting it off until tomorrow. Then BAM – your phone goes. That person from your course you had a massive crush on since you met them at a fresher's night out two months ago wants to come round. Suddenly it's action stations – no more Netflix, no more Spotify, and no more Instagram until this
"Austerity is when a government tries to spend less than it earns, so that it doesn't need to take out more debt to pay for things." whole mess is cleared up. That, in a nutshell, is austerity – the realisation that you can't have nice stuff any more, at least until everything is back to normal. Still, it could have been worse – your other flatmate Stavros came home to find his door broken and everything in his room missing. More technically, austerity is when a government tries to spend less than it earns, so that it doesn't need to take out more debt to pay for things. When politicians say 'reducing the deficit', this is what they mean. The idea is that by making sure they have a little bit left over each year, governments can pay off their debt, and that is good, because everyone knows debt is bad. There is a problem though – the economy is doing pretty
free speech, a principle of almost unparalleled importance. But, it is one which is fundamentally flawed. If a group, in protest, buys the tickets and then organises a mass leaving, you have effectively barred anyone
from listening to the speaker, or stopped genuinely politically motivated people getting their chance to attack her views in a sensible and decent way. If you take umbrage with a particular
free speech. The claim that “she adds nothing to conversation”, as also uttered by Milani, is equally fatuous, and, though unlikely deliberately, dangerous. Who are you to decide who adds nothing to political discourse? Every fascistic movement in history is aligned in one sense: they decide who hears what, and how the opinions of the people are publically weighted against one another. If it is indeed true, that seats were bought in advance, in bulk, in a deliberate attempt to silence and to keep the public from Hopkins. The blatant, and apparently unnoticed, irony in criticising those who add nothing to debate, when that was literally the aim, agenda, and practice of your protest, is almost deliberately inflammatory. In that way, parallels can be drawn between you, and those you protest against. Indeed, if you wish to support the sanctity of free speech, as well as the betterment of the treatment of people, then the appropriate response would be to indulge in your own writings, and enter them into the debate, or otherwise participate a practical way. Show her and her supporters the strength of your arguments. All this mass buyout, and subsequent walk-out, is a bullying tactic under the guise of altruistic intent. Spotify, you should turn I Want To Break Free up to the max and break out the hoover – the whole mess would have been gone in a single montage. Austerity's questionable track record in practice has sparked a huge argument between economists, governments and
Political Dictionary is a column designed to make politics easy and accessible. We take the big words that politicians use and cut them down to size, so that you can understand the big issues you see on the news
This week Josh Hill tackles
AUSTERITY, n. badly, wavering up and down between recession (getting smaller) and very low growth. It seems that the more the government tries to cut, the worse the economy does, and the harder it is to pay off the debt. People have started to suggest that we should start borrowing more money to help us pay off our existing debt, and as crazy as it sounds, they might be onto something. I'm sure you have all heard of the Great Depression, the suitably bleak backdrop for what were ironically some of the best examples of American literature. During the Great Depression the economy crashed, and no-one seemed to be able to get it moving again, until a bohemian named Keynes came along. Keynes advised the American government to spend more, and slowly things started to improve. When the Second World War broke out the government began to spend even more, and by the end of the war, just five years later, the USA was the
most powerful economy on the planet. The war took a heavier toll on the British economy, but Keynesian economics managed to revive that too – the postwar government created the NHS, pouring massive amounts of money into the project, and as a result the economy improved. This works because in times of financial crisis governments can borrow money at very good rates, essentially paying only a tiny bit more back than they borrowed. If this borrowed money is spent on things like paying for more nurses and teachers, or investing in things like houses or power stations, it helps the economy grow, essentially earning a profit that can be put towards paying off the old debt, not to mention the fact that everyone is happier. A Keynesian approach to cleaning would be that instead of depriving yourself of
"A Keynesian approach to cleaning would be that instead of depriving yourself of Spotify, you should turn I Want To Break Free up to the max and break out the hoover – the whole mess would have been gone in a single montage." voters about what the right course of action is. Some want to carry on tightening their belts and endure the hard times, whereas others want to borrow today to build a better tomorrow. It has also lead to accusations from some, including Jeremy Corbyn, that the current budget cuts are 'ideologically motivated' rather than economically motivated – austerity might be a very ineffective way of re-building an economy, but it is a very effective way of transferring wealth upwards. The current debate around austerity essentially revolves around this single issue – is austerity a common sense economic option in times of crisis, or is it a political tool used to enforce the status quo?
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redbrick.me/careers
4th December 2015 - 22 January 2016
Careers Redbrick Explores the Benefits of Postgraduate Study Molly Garfoot Careers Editor
@mollytuesday
Sukhjit Pooni graduated in MSc Embedded Systems in 2013 and is currently doing a PhD in Electronic Engineering. His research is in radar technologies within the MISL (Microwave and Integrated Systems Laboratory) research group. What was your motivation to return to academia? I used to be an electronic engineer, designing and testing the electronics that made the wireless part of mobile phones work. Back in 2012 the company I worked for closed down its UK site and I was made redundant. After redundancy I came back home and felt a bit empty. But I took redundancy as an opportunity to pursue a dream of mine of becoming a Doctor, via the PhD route. It had been some time since I had been out of academia, so I decided to enrol on an MSc course first. When applying for my MSc I decided to only apply for courses that would give me an opportunity to learn new skills that I could apply back in
the job market, if my plans for the PhD didn't materialise. One of the skills that was being asked for was the programming of higher performance digital chips, found in many of the current electronic devices. Birmingham University provided this skill through its
'I took redundancy as an opportunity to pursue a dream of mine of becoming a Doctor, via the PhD route ' Embedded Systems MSc course, hence why I chose it. What obstacles did you face? On coming back to university, the first obstacle I faced was meeting more mature students. The Postgraduate and Mature Students Association (PGMSA) held a welcome week specifically for PG and mature UG students, and this made me very welcome and helped me enormously in meeting other likeminded students. I was impressed by the PGMSA so much so that I became one of its committee mem-
Academia
bers for three years, and became the chair in 2014/15. Academically, the biggest obstacle I had was writing academic reports, which is different to the style used in the business world. For this the staff within school helped.
'I find that the research is at such a slow pace compared to what I was used to in industry '
Would you recommend going into academia?
me technical skill sets that will help me in my future career. But I also developed a lot of soft skills like time management, teaching and working independently.
If you like doing abstract research, I would recommend academia. But I find that the research is at such a slow pace compared to what I was used to in industry. Also access to equipment to do your research, if experimental, is difficult and there is so much red tape to cut through to get things done. In my previous experience in industry there was not as much red tape. The one aspect of academia I really like is teaching. I am a PGTA (Postgraduate teaching assistant) helping the undergrads in lab sessions or tutorials. I like explaining concepts to them and seeing their expressions when it suddenly clicks. What have you personally gained from your Postgraduate study? What value has it added to your career? Both the MSc and PhD had given
What would you recommend students do to increase their chances of being offered a place on a Postgraduate course? To increase chances of being offered a PhD position, networking is a must. When I was searching for a PhD position at this university I joined the student staff committee and got myself known by members of staff. I then asked around about any PhD positions that were available. Don’t be afraid to ask. I was told about a PhD position in radar that was fully funded. I talked to the supervisor about it, I applied and got accepted. So my top tip to getting a PhD post is network!
Jargon Buster We’ve pulled together a few terms that you’re likely to encounter if you’re interested in undertaking a Postgraduate degree.
course. It is a year-long intensive course designed to give non-law graduates a diploma equivalent to a Law degree.
D Phil Doctor of Philosophy. This type of postgraduate degree involves three or four years of research and the publication and assessment of a thesis, which can broadly be in any subject. On completion of this course, you are eligible to the title Dr.
PGCE A Postgraduate Certificate of Education. This diploma would be suitable if you were interested in pursuing a career in Education, though there are also other schemes available.
GDL A Graduate Diploma in Law. If you’re interested in a career in the legal sector but did a non-law Undergraduate course, it is compulsory to take this conversion
PhD The name for a Doctorial Postgraduate Degree, these tend to be research orientated courses culminating in a thesis or dissertation at the end. This type of qualification usually requires at least five to six years of study
and many people take seven to nine years. Masters Masters Degrees can usually be completed within a year of full time study. This type of qualification are career orientated and are focused in specific areas. The titles of Masters Degrees vary on the field you are working in, and therefore may be written as MSc (Master of Science); MA (Master of Arts); MEd (Master of Education) etc. M.Phil Master of Philosophy. A postgraduate research degree qualification midway between an MA and PhD, which requires the completion of
a thesis. Research Courses These courses focus more on independent study and involve less guidance from tutors. Taught Courses These courses allow you to build on knowledge gained during your undergraduate study through lectures, seminars and practical work. Thesis Your own theory or research into a new area that you have explored as part of a PhD. They are like a longer version of a dissertation, usually with a limit of around 70,000 words.
redbrick.me/careers
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
Alumni Interviews Ella Talbot Careers Editor
@ellatalbot33
Last summer, the 300,000th graduate from The University of Birmingham joined the prestigious alumni community. As recognition of this, The University released its ‘Top 12 to watch’ for the Class of 2015, one of which was BA English Language graduate Alice Power. Following this accolade, Alice continued her love of Academia by beginning an MA in English Language and Applied Linguistics at The University of Birmingham. Below, she tells us a bit more about how it feels to be a postgraduate here and why it was the right choice for her. In a climate of internships and grad schemes, what motivated you to choose to do a Masters? My main motivation to study a Masters stemmed mainly from the extent to which I enjoyed my undergraduate course. I wanted to
Industry Focus Ella Talbot speaks to industry experts from Technology, Banking and PR to find out how valuable a Postgraduate degree is for careers within their sector.
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Alice Power UoB's 'Top 12 to Watch' Graduate 'A Masters ticks some immediate boxes and serves as a queue jump for employers ' continue learning more about my course in greater depth which is exactly what the MA was offering. In addition to this, I wasn’t entirely sure on what career path I wanted to take. Instead of just half-heartedly applying for any graduate job or internship, I wanted to devote more time to my education not only to further my learning but to gain a greater understanding of what career I wanted to pursue. Do you think that your postgraduate experience has added value to your employability? Yes, you become well attuned to working independently, collaboratively and generally being more committed to achieving the best of your ability, than ever before. Employers recognise the time and effort you invest into a Masters which ticks some immediate boxes and effectively serves as a queue jump in many cases. If you can also get some work experience in the area you want to work in alongside your Masters, then you’re setting yourself up fantastically. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in choosing to do a Post
Marketing & PR
Recruiter at Citypress Birmingham
While a Postgraduate degree is not something that I would look for in an applicant, it could definitely put a candidate at an advantage if it was related to Marketing and PR. Such fields would include Media, Journalism and potentially English. Having said that, I would value industry experience over a Postgraduate degree when looking at a potential candidate. Experience in an agency or at a newspaper would give you more understanding of the industry than a Postgraduate degree could.
Graduate degree? I think it was knowing which course to choose. I knew all along I wanted to continue at Birmingham, so I didn’t apply to anywhere else! Initially, I wondered about whether to study a PG in something Business-related like HR but I was slightly apprehensive that if I were to realise I wanted to pursue a career in something different, then I’d have made a wrong choice. That’s why I chose to continue with English Language, as I was aware it could take me into any direction and what’s more, it is an academic subject which is rated highly by any employer. What is the biggest difference from studying an undergraduate course? For my course in particular, it is the people I am studying with. It is more multi-cultural as most of the students are international, ranging from Chinese, to Arabic, to Belgian. I’m becoming more aware of people’s different cultures, ideas and knowledge that they bring to the table. An obvious difference that any PG student will tell you is the level of difficulty that increases
'As well as the financial support, my department know me as 'one of the family' Banking
Senior Resourcing Consultant at Lloyds Banking Group If an applicant had a Postgraduate degree, it would not make me any more inclined to employ them than if they had just an Undergrad degree. For us, we tend to look for students that are fresh out of University and put them through a scheme where they learn what they will need through us, therefore a Postgraduate degree is not essential in banking.
from an undergraduate course, but everyone is in the same boat so you support one another... who doesn’t love a good challenge!? What support have you received from the university? The support I have received and continue to receive is incredible. I was granted 2 scholarships when I applied for the MA programme – one was the Birmingham Masters Scholarship and the other was the Distinguished Alumni Scholarship. I recommend taking the time to research scholarships and sources of funding. As well as the financial support, my department know me as ‘one of the family’ now which is really nice. I can therefore talk to any of my lecturers about any issues or general queries I have which they’re always so willing to help with. This is a major advantage of applying to stay on at Birmingham and you know that there are plenty of familiar faces around you to help you with your career prospects. Would you recommend a PG course? Of course! Ultimately, if you love learning and want to further prove that you are capable of amazing things then a PG course is absolutely the right thing to do. Just think, you would become a Master of a particular subject and that's pretty cool.
Technology
Employer at a Birmingham computing business In some specific careers, it may be essential to have undergone a Posgraduate course, however it is rarely essential. The main benefit of having an extra Higher Education qualification is that it will enable you to advance into a higher position within technology quicker than those who may only have an Undergraduate degree. While in this sense it can help your career prospect, it isn't likely to be necessary in most jobs- think of it more as an added bonus!
14 4th December 2015- 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/tech
Science & Technology
Birmingham Heroes Redbrick Sci&Tech discuss a round up of the research on campus Sci & Tech Editor
families or people across the globe, the research that is advertised by ‘Birmingham Heroes’ is what is deemed to be essentially important right now.
‘Birmingham Heroes’ is a massive campaign that was launched this semester by the University of Birmingham nationwide!
Like what?
Rachel Taylor
What is it? It’s a way to show the public the masses of research that goes on at our university and why it's important. UoB is a world leader in research and as a Russell Group university it is committed to world class research.
So is this important to me, as a student? Yes, most definitely! It means that we are being taught the most recent discoveries and that the people teaching us are the ones part of this latest research. Their collaborative research affects industries and the entire world and it gives us a head start in our careers if we are taught by the best!
So, Birmingham Heroes, what exactly does that focus on? It is all about the most recent advances in research that impact people’s lives. Whether that be us as students and our
The research being used in the project has been gathered from departments all across campus. From The Medical School’s innovations in early pregnancy and infertility research that aim to prevent miscarriage in the future, which could save hundreds of lives by improving women’s health internationally, to research into stopping the global energy crisis, by storing used energy and then reusing it to heat buildings. This could have the potential to have a massive impact on climate change and our lives in the future.
Oh ok, so the research only covers things that are already in the news? Well, yes and no. There is ongoing research in areas that we all know about through the news, like climate change. However, there is also many other ventures that plan to tackle some of the equally important but lesser known problems such as mental illness. For example, A 5 year project called Project PERFECT has been funded by the
Winter Blues: SAD
European Research Council. It plans to promote a greater understanding and sympathy for people with mental illness through exploring how the mind works. This will enable research into all mental health, including those who are generally mentally well, but sometimes have irrational thoughts or feel stressed. This research is not highly reported on, but has a massive impact on everyone!
Sci & Tech Writer
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or the ‘winter blues’ is a common mental illness among many of the general public and within student populations. Although paired together in the media, SAD and the winter blues can actually be considered two separate things in terms of their diagnosis – for someone to be diagnosed with SAD it requires consecutive years of symptoms, whereas others experience the milder, winter blues. A report by the BBC last year featured a study by Dr. Sarah Jarvis which compared people who thought they had SAD to those who thought they had a migraine – when it was actually just a mild headache.
What are the causes? Although it’s agreed the causes of SAD and the winter blues are not fully understood, they are linked to a host of factors. A lack of sunlight is heavily linked to the increased number of diagnosed cases in the northern hemisphere in December, January and February; studies make different estimations but generally 10-20% of people are thought to have SAD or winter blues during winter in the northern hemisphere.
"SAD is more prevalent in young people" Although decreased daylight hours is considered a major factor, SAD can sometimes be diagnosed in the summer when daylight hours are longer. SAD is very rarely diagnosed in latitudes less than 30° north or 30° south of the equator as the
hours of daylight changes very little throughout the year. The vast change in the number of daylight hours in the higher latitudes is linked to changes in the body which cause the symptoms of SAD. These changes include the production rate of hormones melatonin and serotonin.
"Decreased daylight leads to increased melatonin levels, which makes you sleepy"
Decreased daylight leads to an increase in melatonin which makes you feel sleepy, meanwhile lower levels of serotonin are produced – affecting mood, appetite and sleep. Finally your body’s circadian rhythm or body clock uses sunlight to trigger important functions throughout the day. Daylight is thought to reset the circadian rhythm; the release of hormones and steroids can therefore be disrupted throughout the winter when much less daylight is available.
Who does it affect the most? One well-cited study by academics at the University of Dakota found depressive university students were more likely to be so-called ‘evening types’. Those who rise later and sleep later miss the morning daylight and it appears these people are more susceptible to the symptoms of SAD and the winter blues. SAD is more commonly diagnosed for women than men, but it is also more prevalent in young people in general. Looking at mental health from a wider perspective, a survey of 1200 students by NUS in 2013 found 20% of students considered themselves to have a mental
Ellen Daughtery Sci & Tech Writer
Are people, outside of Birmingham noticing this research? Yes, the funding from these projects comes from very reputable international bodies. In addition, the ‘Birmingham Heroes’ project is gathering a lot of attention. I was surprised when I was in London a few weeks ago and there were posters everywhere on the tube and up the escalators in busy stations illustrating the ‘Birmingham Heroes’ campaign!
Where can I find out more about this? There’s plenty of information across campus and you can always chat to your lecturers about that. I’m sure they’d be more than happy to let you know what important research in your subject is going on. However, there are plenty more stories online that can catch your attention.
Redbrick investigates why mental health becomes more of an issue during winter. Ian Rogers
Creature Feature: Blue Dragon
health problem, meanwhile 13% also had suicidal thoughts. A staggering 92% of respondents said they had experienced mental distress in the form of ‘feeling down’, ‘stressed’ or ‘demotivated’. These figures perhaps aren’t a great surprise to students whose degrees often leave them feeling like they’ve been buried under a seemingly unclimbable mountain of work. However most students would probably be surprised to find 1 in 5 of their peers would consider themselves to have a mental health problem. Mental health is attached to stigma and social barriers – statistics such as these give proof young people are not talking about their issues. Suicide caused by depression is the single greatest killer of 20-49 year old men in the UK; another statistic highlighting the lack of discussion and understanding of mental health.
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Check out the latest in University of Birmingham research online: redbrick.me/tech
WIKIPEDIA
From its name you might be thinking this creature is some sort of flying lizard? A funky coloured bat maybe? Or even a scaly bird? Well no, the Blue Dragon is in fact a slug. But not any type of slug, this fabulous little critter is the most colourful and bizarre slug you have ever seen. Perhaps you’ve seen articles on your Facebook, about this usually unseen mollusc, as it was recently found washed up on an Australian beach by an aussie out on a stroll. However, the shrivelled up out-of-water slug on the video doesn't do justice to the true enigma of the Blue Dragon. Scientifically known as, Glaucus atlanticus, this sea slug does sort of resemble a mystical creature that once roamed the skies. Unfortunately, it only grows to about 3cm in length and lives in the sea. The main attribute of this slug is its striking colours, which enables it to have exceptional camouflage in the sea. Due to a gas filled sac in its stomach it spends most of its life upsidedown, meaning that the blue underside of its body faces upwards, towards the sky, and blends in with the blue of the sea. Its silvery top faces towards the ground and reflects the colour of the sea bed. This makes it practically invisible in the water to predators, and humans, thus it has rarely been spotted in the wild. But don't be fooled by the glittery colouring, as a sting by a Blue Dragon can cause a fever, localised pain and even cardiovascular problems for any unfortunate human that happens to get stung. Intriguingly, this near deadly venom isn't even made by the slug, and it is in fact stolen from another creature. The Blue Dragons manage to hunt a much larger marine cnidarian that resembles a jellyfish, called the Portuguese Man o’War. This animal is venomous, but is able to be swallowed by mucus on the surface of the slugs mouth that protects it from being stung. Then, it uses the venom from its prey to its own advantage by storing it in each of its 84 ‘fingers’ that emanate from its 6 limbs. Here, the venom is compartmentalised into the cells of specialised glands that secrete the venom when the sea slug is in danger from predators. Sea slugs are hermaphroditic, so obtain both male and female reproductive parts. But not much else is known about the reproductive nature of the Blue Dragon, apart from the fact that they do have an unusually large, and hooked penis. I’ll conclude this feature, about the strange but wonderful mollusc that mysteriously floats through our oceans upside-down, with that.
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/tech
15
Science & Technology
Latest in Fossil Research Sci and Tech summarises the highlights of Dr Robert Sansom's Lapworth lecture Charlotte Ward Sci & Tech Writer
“How fossilization distorts our understanding of evolution?” By Robert Sansom from the University of Manchester As part of the Lapworth Lecture series, researchers from universities across the UK are invited to present their new research developments in the field of Geology. This lecture series is on Monday evenings every fortnight on the University of Birmingham campus in WG5, Aston Webb Block A at 5-6pm. They are open for anyone to go along to and are attended not only by students but also by visitors outside the university and current teaching lecturers for the chance to hear about the latest research being carried out. On Monday the 16th of November, Dr Robert Sansom presented his research
on the preservation of fossils and their links to the accuracy of evolutionary time lines. Dr Sansom is a palaeobiologist at Manchester University with a keen interest in the fossil record, experimental deposition, fossil biases and the origin and early evolution of vertebrates. Fossils are used to assess the past lives of organisms and to define their evolutionary sequence which describes how they have evolved over time. New fossils are being discovered all around the world and they help to unlock the evolutionary time scale from millions of years ago. Many palaeobiologists have different ideas as to where the fossils fit into the evolutionary sequence and therefore by placing the fossils in different places it can cause shifts in evolutionary frameworks, creating an almost knock on effect on the time scales of other organisms. This highlights the importance of being able to date fossils and accurately place them in the evolutionary timescale
Wikipedia
with the least amount of doubt. In assessing the evolutionary past of modern day organisms simple DNA and RNA analysis can tell us a lot. However, fossils from millions of years in the past do not contain DNA or RNA and we have to rely on morphological features to observe patterns in possible evolution. What makes it even more difficult is that these fossils, most of the time, are incomplete or broken up. Therefore bias can be found as only hard bodied organisms are preserved whereas soft bodied organisms are lost to decay. Very specific conditions are needed for the fossilisation process like low energy environments and rapid burial which actually makes fossilisation of organisms quite rare. Dr Sansom’s research involved looking at the decay of lamprey’s collected in Yorkshire and hagfish collected in Sweden. They were kept in 25 degree storage and their decay was photographed every day since collection. They watched how the organism’s body decayed and which characteristics were the first to be lost. By seeing the patterns of decay it can be assumed that the known relatives decayed in the same way. For example, the fossil of the Myllokunmingia had its gill arches present, and in the decay sequences it was found that the gill arches were a feature that was lost relatively quickly and so we can assume that the Myllokunmingia fossil was preserved in an early stage of decay. For the same fossil, no skull was present and at this early preservation we would expect to see one and so it’s highly likely the organism didn’t have one at all. These sorts of
cases allow us to narrow down its classification and decide where they fit in with the evolutionary processes. In addition to this, Dr Sansom also looked at evolutionary sequencing of using teeth as a way of identifying organisms. Teeth are made from denser material which are much harder than bone and tend to be the only parts of organisms that are not destroyed over geological time by decay. There is some question as to whether or not we can trust making assumptions about the organism that lived long ago from just their teeth. Dr Sansom’s research found that the information contained within teeth do not match evolutionary history, as indicated through comparison with molecular data such as DNA and RNA. He spoke also about other research in which teeth are able to be grown in Petri dishes in labs and when they grow; although they are genetically identical, different specimens can grow differently naturally. Therefore, this research shows that it may not be accurate to rely on teeth as way of interpreting the other features of the organism and its evolutionary origin. The next Lapworth Lecture will be on Monday the 30th of December with Dr Michael J Simms, Curator of Palaeontology at The Nat Museums Northern Ireland on “Battered Mars: New evidence from Scotland” in Lecture Theatre WG5, Aston Webb Block A. It can be attended by anyone at any level of geological knowledge.
Wifi Slow? Turn off Fairy Lights! Sci and Tech editors investigate the government's advice on speeding up internet.
Amy Thompson Sci & Tech Editor
Rachel Taylor Sci & Tech Editor
The government watchdog Ofcom, has been sampling wireless signals and has discovered that christmas fairy lights are reducing the speed of your internet. The research by Ofcom also found, that nearly six million homes in the UK also suffer from slow wifi speeds. All this data was taken using the new app that can check your broadband speed. The “Wi-Fi Checker” app, available on both android and iOS systems, aims to educate the general public on their internet connectivity issues. The app also offers advice and solution on how to solve your slow wifi connection problems. The app is also free for all UK residents, so check out your connectivity! Currently only 25% of homes have access to super-fast broadband, however this is an increase to 7.5 million from the 6 million homes that had access previously. Current research, has shown that the high speed connection is not wasted, people are making significant use of the internet with catchup TV services, Skype calls and online business use. Whilst “ultrafast” broadband has been available to 500,000 homes, within the UK, many homes still have only basic access to the internet. Nearly 2.4 million rural homes,
have less than a basic broadband connection, with seeds lower than 10Mb. This problem is being addressed by the government, it is thought it is caused by a large distance between homes and street cabinets, the source of broadband for rural homes. Ofcom: "Our challenge is to keep supporting competition and innovation, while also helping to improve coverage across the country - particularly in hard-to-reach areas, where mobile and home internet services need to improve.” The government has used contractors to make sure the UK has a super fast broadband network, with BT winning £850 million worth of broadband contracts, to businesses and households.
While this may seem unfair on other broadband providers. Ofcom has expressed that this investment into our internet availability pays off, as we can boast better internet than most of European neighbours. The government estimates that nearly 18% of businesses in 2017 will still not have access to wifi or broadband. But for now, you can reduce the problems with your wifi speed by using less electronic devices such as microwaves and christmas tree lights. Ensure your christmas tree is as far away from your wifi source, if you still want to watch christmas movies on netflix this holiday time. So, think twice before you cover your Selly home in Christmas themed electricals!
E&T
Notonthehighstreet
Don’t forget other physical issues could be causing you wifi problems such as, tangled wifi box wires, placement of your box (make sure it's on a high point within the house), neighbours hijacking your wifi (use a password) and even too many devices connected to your wifi.
16 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/film
Film
Must See: Literary Adaptations Critic Rosie Kelby explores the best book adaptations in the business
Fantasy:
Crime Drama:
The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)— by J.R.R.Tolkien
The Green Mile (2000) – by Stephen King Most of us have heard of The Shawshank Redemption (1995), but far fewer have given time to Frank Darabont’s second Stephen King adaptation, The Green Mile. This is an injustice that surmounts even those within the film itself, and being set in Death row, these are large indeed. Much like its predecessor, The Green Mile places us amongst inmates, but this time the prison is touched by an intriguing and transformative supernatural miracle. Despite its gloomy setting, the film has wit and charm enough to comfortably fill a whole 3 hours, and with the endearing Tom Hanks as chief Prison Guard, the film is beautifully human.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is a cinematic force to be reckoned with. Superb directing, spectacular scenery, flawless effects and an impressive cast all combine to make these gripping blockbusters a worthy tribute to J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic and beloved fantasy fiction series. Peter Jackson certainly knows the ins and outs of Tolkien’s world, and the sheer beauty of his films makes it somewhat hard to believe that the writer originally found inspiration amongst the grey streets of Birmingham. Unfortunately, The Hobbit proves that you can indeed have too much of a good thing, even when it involves Orlando Bloom dressed as a kick-ass elf.
No Country for Old Men (2007)— by Cormac McCarthy
Harry Potter (2001-2011)— by J.K. Rowling
This nihilistic Coen Brothers classic is carried by the chilling performance of Javier Bardem as the straight-faced killer Anton Chigurh, unsettling in every detail down to his distinctive bob haircut. The film follows a heated manhunt across Texas that ensues when money is stolen from a Mexican drug deal. While the presence of Tommy Lee Jones as Sheriff creates a distinct taste of the western, the film is also a characteristic example of Film Noir. No Country does not fail to live up to the standards of the directorial duo, and once again champions their killer combination of wry humour, brutal violence and ironic detachment.
What started as a wildly imaginative and successful series of children’s books by J.K. Rowling, with the help of Warner Bros has become one of the most influential film franchises in existence. With a total of 8 films, the wizarding series has seen a generation through their childhood and earnt a rightful place in the heart of the nation. I like to think of Harry Potter like a fine vintage wine: it offers a surprising amount of depth, the acting has improved with age, and we can’t quite reconcile ourselves with the fact that it has come to an end.
Romance: Fantasy:
Sense and Sensibility (1995)— by Jane Austen
Atonement (2007)- by Ian McEwan Whilst adapting this Austen classic, director Ang Lee insisted that his primary aim was to ‘break people’s hearts.’ The empty box of tissues on my coffee table is testimony to his success. With the help of an incredible cast—and notably the Oscarwinning performance of Emma Thompson— Lee creates a poignant love story that attains that perfect balance between heartache, humour and tender reconciliation. Lee successfully rejuvenates Austen’s muchloved characters, and as an added bonus, Hugh Grant manages somehow to fit his standard ‘bumbling English charm’ act into this revered literary classic without raising any eyebrows.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)— by Helen Fielding This feel-good chick flick positions Hugh Grant on the opposite side of the tracks as the sly and sleazy Daniel Cleaver. Luckily, Colin Firth’s Mark Darcy is on hand to save the day, and we can all agree that there aren’t many problems his sudden appearance could not fix. Though this film may not be as high in artistic calibre, it has timeless charm and humour, and above all, in its portrayal of the flustered, disorganised, and fundamentally flawed Renee Zellweger, it is all too identifiable. In the end, if you can’t enjoy a fight scene between Colin Firth and Hugh Grant, what can you enjoy?
This adaptation is heartbreak at its most beautiful. The magic of Joe Wright’s artistry comes in his ability to juxtapose a complex and multi-layered aesthetic style with pure and primal emotion. The film, based on an Ian McEwan novel set in the Second World War, tells the tale of two lovers and charts how one girl’s misperception has the power to shape their tragedy. Interwoven amongst these troubled narrative threads is a broader commentary on the atrocities of the war, and rarely has a film been so successful at evoking pain in its essence at both a personal and universal level.
Of Mice and Men (1992)- by John Steinbeck
Children's Films: Matilda (1996)— by Roald Dahl
Paddington (2014)— by Michael Bond
This is in my opinion the most successful Roald Dahl adaptation to date, and it retains its sparkle even when pitted against the unlimited potential of the current era of digital animation. Both Danny DeVito and Pam Ferris drive the movie with their wonderfully formidable and grotesque performances of Mr Wormwood and Miss Trunchbull, and their refreshingly witty lines have withstood the test of time. The film is quirky and preserves the life and rampant imagination ever-present in Dahl’s works. More than this, it stays loyal to an underlying fundamental morality which celebrates individuality and intellect.
This recent adaptation has ensured that the iconic marmalade-loving, hat-wearing bear will remain a family favourite for generations to come. Paddington is clever, witty and unrelentingly fun from start to finish. By embracing the ridiculous, Paul King runs wild with the possibilities of imagination and even gifts us with the comedy gem that is a cross-dressing Hugh Bonneville. More than this, we are as much welcomed into the family on screen as Paddington himself, so attached do we become to each eccentric and beautifully imperfect character. The film is warmly sentimental, yet retains a knowing humour that is distinctly British.
A great adaptation is complementary to, but not a replacement for, the book on which it is based. I hope someone tells this to the hundreds of GCSE students who have undoubtedly watched this film in order to avoid sampling the labours of John Steinbeck himself. Though Gary Sinise’s Of Mice and Men stays true to this canonical text and aptly recaptures the 1930s America which Steinbeck so expertly conveys, the film also offers an original artistic take on the text, and the performances of both John Malkovich and Sinise himself add a tragic tangibility to the desperation of our protagonists.
redbrick.me/film
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
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Film
Film News Rosie Kelby
Critic Paul McGuigan, director of Victor Frankenstein, has not shied from controversy in a recent all-but-disavowal of Mary Shelley’s canonical text. Although McGuigan evidently saw promise in Frankenstein’s basic plot, he made clear his The matriarch the Kardashian-Jenner conscious efforts toofdeviate from the book, household sixty thisThe week and labelling it ‘dullturned as dishwater.’ director had the most lavish Twenties has taken a modern spin Roaring on the tale, and his themed birthday party. With a $2 milaction-packed adaptation tows a difficult lion budget, thisperspective was the party end line between a fresh andtothe allofparties. Our classic. favourite look was betrayal a beloved Kourtney Kardashian’s Great Gatsby tux.
Review: THG: Mockingjay Part 2 Critic Esther Newman reviews the final instalment in the epic YA franchise...
Details Release date: 19th November 2015 Director: Francis Lawrence Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson Running time: 137 minutes IMDB rating: 7.1
«««««
Esther Newman Critic
The Hunger Games trilogy has always struck a chord, far more than any other franchise. It is a politically charged account of oppression, war and suffering, and the world it depicts is scarily familiar. So far, the franchise has offered a dystopian trilogy for the internet generation; a backwoods thriller, a parody of celebrity culture, and a dark look at tyranny and political corruption. Now with the arrival of Mockingjay Part 2, the franchise is completed by a war film concerned with the psychological impact of that war. The Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) of Part 2 is defeated. She has already survived two turns in the Hunger Games, lost her home district to the Capitol’s vengeance, been reluctantly enlisted as the face of the rebel movement, and had to watch her ally and lover Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) tortured into despising her. As Part 2 begins, Katniss is emotionally silenced. She is suffering with PTSD, that has gnawed at her since the very Katniss battles a final ‘Hunger Games’. The Capitol, we are told, is
rigged with thousands of booby-traps. There are even cameras poised to capture rebel deaths which are framed by the familiar sound of canons. Visually, director Francis Lawrence captures the emotional trauma that Katniss, her teammates, and the country, Panem, has and are dealing with. Physically dwarfed by the destruction around them, crawling through war-torn avenues and clambering over collapsed skyscrapers, we see Katniss’ story itself dwarfed by the suffering of others. Gilded Capitol apartments – evoking the decadence of the Roman Empire – are now scarred by bombing, symbolising the disintegration of President Snow’s political order. Not only do the team drive inwards towards Snow’s palace but they also drive downwards, through the tunnels running beneath the city. It is here that Avoxes like Pollux were kept enslaved, away from the sun for years. The ‘Game’ follows them down. Now believing they are safe in the tunnels, a spine-tingling sequence follows a battle with ‘Mutts’ (genetically modified creatures). This is an episode straight from a horror film. When the Mutts finally attack, this tension is lost somewhat. The action is messy and real – it’s hard to tell who is who – and an important character death is lost within the chaos. While it’s sad to see a favourite lost, Francis Lawrence doesn’t slow the pace to mourn for long. The survivors are given a moment to catch their breath before carrying on; this is war after all. Many of the characters continue to play familiar roles in these games: Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci) presents coverage of the war on TV, Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson) is again Katniss’ mentor and support, and Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks) is there to prepare Katniss’ for her screen time. Disappointedly, many of these characters have only brief cameo appearances in Part 2. As with a lot of the emotional downtime of the final book, they are lost in the momentum of the film.
Despite Francis Lawrence’s attempts to capture the darkness of Suzanne Collins’ novels, there are Hollywoodglosses that jar with the violence of the film. In the novel, Katniss is an emotional wreck. Her film counterpart is markedly put together, complete with perfect eyeliner and lipstick, undermining Jennifer Lawrence’s powerfully emotional performance. When finally allowed to break down, Jennifer Lawrence’s ugly sobbing – complete with drool – is a welcome and cathartic moment. Similarly the love-triangle that plays out between Katniss, Peeta and Gale is an oddity. In the novel it is always second to Katniss’ battle for survival. In Mockingjay Part 2 however, Liam Hemsworth (Gale) appears more like a jealous ex than a fellow victim and soldier. The film’s ending has proved another stickler for fans and critiques alike. It’s not often we get book-to-film adaptations (of a young adult book at that) which not only stick to its original messy and painful ending, but also revels in it. The Hunger Games has, from its premise, been honest about itself – it is essentially a book about kids killing other kids. Suzanne Collins’ concludes her trilogy, not with a great fanfare of explosions and witty one-liners, but with a quiet and hopeful epilogue. Credit to Francis Lawrence; he sticks by this, even using a characters’ monologue as dialogue. Whether this is completely successful is up to debate. Problems with pacing mean that this sudden change, from brutal violence to saturated happiness is a weird one. However, at the risk of being considered cheesy, the direct quotation will please fans and the ending will leave audiences hopeful rather than with dejection. Francis Lawrence has done a remarkable job in adapting the last three instalments of The Hunger Games series. Whether Mockingjay Part 2 is the best of the lot, I’m not so sure, but I am certain that this franchise should continue as a model for other book-to-film adaptations.
Jennifer Lawrence is set to make her directorial debut with Project Delirium, a film based on a 2012 New Yorker piece by Raffi Khatchadourian. The article charts the effects of chemical warfare in 60s America, focusing on the U.S. army recruits upon whom drugs were tested. Lawrence claims that she has had her eye on the director’s chair for quite some time, but has lacked the necessary experience. Evidently, her multiple awards and nominations have left her feeling ready to take up this mantle.
Tom Cruise has joined talks regarding his possible involvement in the Universal Studios reboot of The Mummy, set to be released in 2017. The film marks the launch of the production giant’s new era of monster films, through which they wish to rejuvenate classic characters in a series of blockbusters culminating in a final collaboration. It seems that Universal are following Marvel’s lucrative lead in in creating their own interwoven and self-contained cinematic universe.
Ridley Scott has announced plans to create two more Alien films following the completion of Alien: Covenant, before his prequel series finally links up with the later timeline of his 1979 classic. The determined director, who increasingly begins to resemble George Lucas in the unrelenting expansion of his scifi franchise, has said that he plans to ‘evolve’ the series, and to tackle the unanswered questions of the original films.
18 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/music
Album Review: Justin Bieber - Purpose Kamila Geremek Music Critic
After a turbulent 2014 filled with drug accusations, visits to brothels, arrests, rocky relationships and that monkey scandal, Justin Bieber makes a miraculous and refreshing return to the music industry, with his fourth studio album Purpose debuting at #2 in the UK charts and at #1 on the Billboard 200.
"Bieber makes a miraculous and refreshing return to the music industry" The album begins with ‘Mark My Words’ which showcases Bieber’s ability to create beautiful harmonies and falsettos. A short and sweet melody sets up the following track ‘I’ll Show You’ quite nicely, which begins to bring in the more signature Skrillex beats, having had a significant role in the production of this album. Bieber’s determination to become a legitimate artist who can express emotions through simple melodies is apparent, and this is carried throughout the album. Following on from the soulful start, the album picks up pace and introduces the #1 singles ‘What Do You Mean?’ and ‘Sorry’, both of which have been played a ridiculous amount on any club night; this highlights his growing popularity, with there being a lack of groans when his voice booms through the speakers (unlike the typical reception that hits such as ‘Baby’ and ‘One Time’ used to receive). A personal favourite of the album ‘Love Yourself’, which received much recognition despite not being a single, features solely a guitar and brings out the much hated but secretly-loved asshole side of Bieber as he shades previous companions of his in an Ed Sheeran-style melody (who also co-wrote the track). Bieber leads the listener through a musi-
cal journey with his harmonious vocals to prove that he is a Jack of all trades and can smoothly switch from pop to R&B. Tracks such as ‘Company’, ‘No Pressure’, ‘The Feeling’ and ‘No Sense’ address mature themes of casual hook ups, crushes and missing exes with the perfect mixture of sexy lyrics and drum-laced beats, whilst featuring big names such as Big Sean, Halsey and Travis Scott which make a nice addition to Bieber’s LP. A less lyrically-strong song on Purpose, ‘Children’, appears after the much more successful attempt of Bieber’s at producing an EDM track ‘Where Are Ü Now’ and makes you question why this song is on the standard edition of the album. On the other hand, more empowering songs like ‘All In It’, ‘Hit the Ground’ and ‘Get Used to Me’ were left behind on the deluxe version of the album, completely underrated and abandoned to soak in their amazingness, with near to zero recognition. Bieber redeems himself in this album through not only his musical maturity, but also how he has developed as a person. The pop piano ballads on the album - ‘Life Is Worth Living’ and ‘Purpose’ - are assured tear-jerkers for any hard core fans and focus on his re-established love for God and life after losing himself amongst the money and fame, something we can all take inspiration from.
"...Not just through his musical maturity, but also through how he's developed as a person" Seeing Justin become as successful as he currently stands now is more than just a proud moment: he has finally found his sound within the mixture of EDM beats and soulful R&B. Purpose is a well-refined album that deserves the title of best musical comeback of the year, sure to broaden his listenership.
Local Artist Spotlight: Shannon Farmer sive earworm chorus via stunning jazzy Abi Farrell Music Critic
Originally hailing from Cornwall, secondyear English student Shannon Farmer is lighting up the University music scene with her own brand of jazz-and-soul infused indie-pop. Showing diverse musical talent with a soaring vocal range and mastery of both guitar and piano, Shannon delivered a particularly impressive performance fronting a full-band line up at the Live and Unsigned Music Society’s first Bristol Pear band night of the term back in October, where the most memorable cover was her haunting version of Lissie’s ‘When I’m Alone’. The real highlight, however, was her original song ‘Little Bird Girl’, an acoustic number that begins subtly strippedback, but crescendos towards an expres-
vocal embellishments. Shannon effortlessly hit both low-range and high-register notes with ease whilst accompanying herself on guitar, and intuitively interacted with her audience and band members. Currently hard at work at band rehearsals perfecting new material and developing her sound, Shannon is one to watch over the coming academic year and beyond. Catch her playing live in Selly Oak for Amnesty International on 3rd December, and at the Winter Spectacular on campus on 7th December, where she’ll be showcasing a range of new material.
"Showing diverse musical talent with a soaring vocal range"
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/music
Tweet of the Week @JackGarratt:
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WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE ME FOR LISTENING TO OOPS!... I
DID IT AGAIN THE ALBUM IN ITS ENTIRETY ON THE BUS RN. ITS A HIT FACTORY. #NOWIMSTRONGER
David Bowie - Blackstar Single Review
Live Review: Everything Everything Isaac Withers Music Critic
Jack Lawrence Music Critic
Too often of ageing pop stars do we, the audience, see a substantial decline in the artist’s work, often devolving into easily digestible ‘soft’ music or mediocre, forgettable outputs. This is not the case for 68 year old David Bowie who has maintained his eclectic and wonderfully weird stage persona/s since the 1970s. This is best seen in Bowie’s new single, ‘Blackstar’, a tenminute sprawl that covers both old and new territory for the ageing musical star.
"Bowie exploring the 'darker' side of his spacey, extra-terrestrial themes" Musically, ‘Blackstar’ shares some similarities with Bowie’s so-called ‘Berlin Trilogy’ of albums (Heroes, Low and Lodger), though seems to borrow lyrical themes from his Ziggy Stardust-era albums; topics including the fall of the powerful, fame, success, and aliens. Furthermore, the influences of singer-songwriter Scott Walker’s more recent albums are most apparent on the new track, with Bowie exploring the ‘darker’ side of his spacey, extra-terrestrial themes with his droning, operatic voice. When he repeats lines like
‘On the day of execution/Only women kneel and smile’ under deep synths and dark saxophone leads, it remains a stretch of the imagination to believe that this is the same man who once wrote a children’s song called ‘The Laughing Gnome’.
"It's nothing short of exciting to hear Bowie indulge his weird side again"
Everything Everything are having quite the year. The Manchester four-piece band have received a huge amount of critical acclaim this year, spanning from Zane Lowe naming their single ‘Distant Past’ as the ‘Hottest Record in the World’ to most critics throwing five stars at their album, Get to Heaven, when it arrived. Heck, it’s even in Redbrick’s own shortlist of best albums of the year. But how does it hold up live? The answer has to be: amazingly. Their chosen opener, ‘To the Blade’, pulled the crowd into a frenzy with its heavy, moshable chorus of guitar stabs and driving bass. Boy did that crowd want to be there; the 02 Academy was packed. This third studio album and its level of critical success has brought in a whole new following, along with the core fans, and you could feel the good will coming from the audience towards the musicians, only wishing them to rise higher. The band themselves looked like they were immensely enjoying being on the up too. At one point, frontman Jonathan Higgs shouted out to the crowd ‘it’s crazy to hear my lyrics about Richter scales and stuff sung back to me by this many people’. The main worry with artists who put out such startling studio albums is that outside the studio, on the stage, they don’t sound nearly as good. Of course, this wasn’t the case here, there was no
disparity with what the audience witnessed that night, and what you could download from iTunes. Lead singer Jonathan Higgs is perhaps the reason why this band stand out from the many electronic, alternative bands out there. His bizarre lyricism (‘You are a thief and a murderer too/ stole the face that you wear from a craven baboon’) and his rhythmic, almost rap-like way of singing a verse is weirdly captivating. He can belt out a note like no one else and frequently strutted with his mic in hand, guitar abandoned, to really throw his head back and let loose. His swagger was added to by the long plain robe he was wearing, which was lit up by the pulsing show lights. He looked like some kind of psychedelic priest and carried himself with enough confidence to get away with that look. The highlight of the set list had to be ‘Cough Cough’, a song heralded by an actual cheeky cough from the frontman. The building synth up to the chorus and the interactive call and response of ‘Coming alive/ Coming alive / Happening now/ Happening now’, between band and audience was spine tingling. If you have the chance to catch them on tour, do. It’s well worth witnessing a band this good who still have the humility of a group of lads only now finding major success at album three. They play like they’re on top of the world and it’s apparent to everyone in the room just how much fun they’re having, and rightly so.
However, about half way through ‘Blackstar’, Bowie sheds his darker sound in favour of a more poppy direction, keeping the song interesting and varied before launching into the instrumental, jazz-influenced bridge. Because of the blend of ideas and genres, this new single allows Bowie to remain surprisingly intriguing and modern, perhaps even inviting a new audience to his upcoming album. Honestly, it’s nothing short of exciting to hear Bowie indulge his weird side again, reminding the world that he still remains one of England’s greatest living musicians. As he states in the bridge of this most recent track, ‘I’m not a film star/ I’m not a pop star/ I’m a black star’, further reminding the world that David Bowie occupies a musical world all his own.
Win with Redbrick Love International
Magic Door
We're looking for two winners to head to Croatia for Love International. A gorgeous festival sitting on the cusp of the Adriatic, this 7 day event already boasts a lineup that includes Joy Orbison, Dixon and Ben UFO. The festival takes place from 29th June to 6th July and offers sun, sea and sound to festival-goers. Each winner will receive two tickets. All you have to do to enter is to email us at music@redbrickonline.co.uk with LoveInternational in the subject line.
Birmingham's kaleidoscopic New Year's Eve party is giving away three pairs of tickets. Magic Door promises to provide 'A Space Oddity' of their own creation and to send the New Year in with a spectacular, mind-bending bang. If you want a chance to be one of the three winners of our competition and spend your New Year's Eve at one of the best parties in town, tell us what you think could be behind the Magic Door. Email your answers to music@redbrickonline.co.uk
20 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/television
Television
Christmas TV 2015 This Year's Doctor Who Special
More Top TV Picks for the Holiday
George Sabourin TV Critic
Every year since 2005, Christmas Day has featured a Doctor Who Christmas special, and this year is no exception. With the title 'The Husbands of River Song', the 2015 Christmas special will again star Peter Capaldi as the Doctor, guest starring Alex Kingston as the returning character River Song, who was last seen in the 2013 episode ‘The Name of the Doctor.’ The eisode's synopsis reads: 'It’s Christmas Day on a remote human colony and the Doctor is hiding from Christmas Carols and Comedy Antlers. But when a crashed spaceship calls upon the Doctor for
Luther Tuesday 15th December BBC One, 9:00pm
"When a crashed spaceship calls upon the Doctor for hel, he finds himself recruited into River Song's squad" help, he finds himself recruited into River Song’s squad and hurled into a fast and frantic chase across the galaxy.' This episode will be the first time the character of River Song will meet this incarnation of the Doctor, after previously meeting the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith)
and Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) in previous episodes. On River Song’s relationship with the new Doctor, Steven Moffat (Executive Producer and Lead Writer) said, 'It’s strange because they’re now, in our human terms, the perfect couple. They’re both sexy older people. It’s always been slightly strange before with Matt Smith. Now, yeah, they could actually be married. It works.'
Additionally, the special will be the first since 2011 to not feature Jenna Coleman after her recent departure in the ninth series. Also guest starring in this episode are Matt Lucas (Little Britain, Come Fly with Me) and Greg Davies (The Inbetweeners). The special will air on December 25th 2015 on BBC One, with an exact time yet to be confirmed.
Downton Abbey Christmas Special Christmas Day ITV 1, 8:30pm
The Christmas Soap Preview
While many of us are not soap lovers, someone in our families usually is, and a lot of us will, whether we want to or not, find ourselves watching the soaps during the Chritmas period. TV Critics Tamsin Hackett and James Tyson let us know what to expect this year from three of the country's biggest soaps. Coronation Street EastEnders Jenny Bradley (Kevin’s ex-girlfriend) returns to the cobbles and is welcomed back by Rita – but we suspect the shop owner will live to regret it. Shockingly, Rob Donovan also returns from his prison cell seeking revenge on Tracy and Carla for his imprisonment, threatening a secret that will shatter the Connor family. As Carla proposes to short-term boyfriend Nick will this secret tear them apart? At Number 9, Tyrone continues his mission to bring Lapland to the street this year for his daughters, despite Hope’s illness. He gets himself into more and more debt as he promises Hope the best Christmas ever, but will Fizz accept his proposal and make it a Christmas to remember? Meanwhile, the Platts continue to suffer following the live episode where Kylie killed Callum. This Christmas period is less than jolly as David struggles to keep his sister quiet. Can David and Kylie’s marriage make it through? Sally and Tim are also spending their first Christmas together as a couple but are forced to invite Anna, Kevin, Sophie and Faye to their dinner. As the night’s events take a turn, its Anna and Kevin who are the ones left under the mistletoe.
Emmerdale Chas Dingle is set to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as the soap works in conjunction with mental health charity Mind. Chas, who is currently fearing that she is being persecuted and stalked, will finally have her mind put to rest after being diagnosed with PTSD. However, this diagnosis doesn't go down smoothly in the village. Chas faces doubt and prejudice with Diane wondering whether it is all part of a Dingle scam. Doug publically airs his doubts about the diagnosis, which leads to a furious argument with Chas’s son Aaron. Then there's Eric, who is left reeling when his shrine set up in Val's memory is vandalised and an engagement ring is stolen. With Eric feeling that his world has fallen apart, it's up to David to track down the ring. He hopes this will bring him closer to his father again, as the two have been at loggerheads because of Eric's increasingly erratic behaviour since the death of his wife Val.
Mick and Lynda Carter’s wedding is approaching through the Christmas period with the pair set to wed on New Year’s Day. Could this be the first Eastenders wedding to go off without a hitch? Somehow we doubt it. This winter marks Cathy Beale’s first Christmas after her return to the square. As Bobby Beale’s reign of terror continues, producers say that his story is set to reach its climax this season. It was also recently revealed that Stacey’s baby wasn’t Martin’s but in fact Kush’s, her best friend's husband. Sounds like the perfect storyline to be revealed during the resident’s of Albert Square’s Christmas. Finally, Kat and Alfie are set to return to the square and his long kept health secret is revealed as he settles unfinished business.
And Then There Were None Sunday 27th December BBC One, TBC
Dickensian Boxing Day BBC One, TBC
Peter & Wendy Boxing Day ITV 1, 8:00pm
redbrick.me/television
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
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TV Quote of the Week: Jessica Jones summed up... Malcolm: "You use sarcasm to distance people." Jessica: "And yet you're still here."
The Best of 2015 With the semester over, Redbrick TV recommends the best shows to catch up on over the Christmas break. Doctor Foster
ITV First broadcasted in September, the BBC One Drama Doctor Foster had the entire nation gripping their seats in fearful anticipation week after week, not knowing what was going to happen next. As intensely emotional and evocative thrillers go, Doctor Foster is by far one of the best I have ever seen. Driven by an outstanding performance by Suranne Jones as the doctor herself, the evolution of her story after she discovers that her husband has been having an affair is rendered so powerfully and yet so sensitively that you become completely wrapped up in the isolation of her position as a wife, a mother, and a colleague. If you haven’t watched the series already - you absolutely need to. Amazing. Gemma Allport
Pretty Little Liars
Doctor Who
Netflix
BBC
Even in it's ninth series, Doctor Who still managed to impress, and this latest series seems to be one of the best yet. Peter Capaldi not only proves to be a talented actor but also shows how well he is suited in the role as the Doctor. Jenna Coleman likewise impressed this year, while the show's writers saw a number of original concepts that were maintained throughout the series. For fans of past series and newcomers alike, this is a show definitely worth watching. George Sabourin
You, Me and the Apocalypse Sky
An unlikely choice, but one I think well deserving of the title 'best show of the year' is Sky 1’s You, Me and the Apocalypse. The show focuses on a group of ordinary people who are brought together in a series of unusual circumstances. This results in them gathering in a bunker underneath the ordinary English town of Slough watching the end of the world on a TV. With the last episode of the ten-part series airing on the second of December, if you haven’t watched this yet, it is well worth a binge watch. I think what makes this show so successful is how they bring such a vast array of completely different characters from a white supremacist to a closet gay couple working high up in the government together so smoothly. James Tyson
For me, the best show of 2015 is the penultimate series of Pretty Little Liars! After five seasons of build-up, viewers finally got to find out who A was! Even though many viewers were disappointed with the reveal we did finally get what we had been waiting years for. Even then, this show has so many twists and turns that it is definitly worth a watch either way. Although (Kevin’s ex-girlfriend) there is one more season to come (set for early 2016), this show was on the whole brought to a close in this year which is what made it just so great! Tamsin Hackett
Agree? Disagree? Or do you have your own recommendations? Tweet us your opinions @RedbrickTV
Editors' Picks Narcos
Netflix When you hear the words “Netflix Original”, you know that expectations will be high. This remains true for this TV highlight of the year, Narcos. Based on the true story of Colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar’s (Wagner Moura) rise to power and the DEA’s attempts to bring him down. Clearly borrowing heavily from Breaking Bad, Narcos tells both sides of the story. With excellent supporting performances from Boyd Holbrook and Pedro Pascal, it is a tensely woven story of cat-and-mouse, and the fact that the majority of the dialogue is delivered in Spanish without losing the captivation of the viewer is a testament to the quality of the writing. The music, right down to the catchy theme tune, captures the Latin American vibe perfectly, and with a second series commissioned for 2016, Narcos is certainly one to watch. Matt Dawson
The Returned
Channel 4 After enjoying the first series so much back in 2012, I was delighted to see the show 'return' for a second series. Unlike many shows with a strong first series, The Returned managed to sustain its gripping plot, incredible acting and eerie tone throughout. With so much American TV dominating our screens at the moment, the French drama is a refreshingly different piece of television. It's exploration of the undead is a topic that's been tried and tested in many shows and movies but The Returned manages to take it in a completely distinct direction. It's realistic to the point where you start believing yourself that the spiritual events that occur could actually happen. That's why it's my show of 2015! Ella Downing
Marvel's Jessica Jones
Netflix As another Netflix Original, and one following after Daredevil no less, Jessica Jones had a lot to live up to – and yet, somehow, it only raised the bar even higher. Jessica Jones’ first season was as dark as it was deeply sophisticated; exploring a number of mature themes from rape to PTSD – all in a slick, refreshing noir style. Jessica’s season-long conflict with Kilgrave was thrilling to watch – with David Tennant delivering a disturbingly charming portrayal of a truly twisted individual. Their relationship reaching Batman/Joker heights of brilliance. Although not without its flaws – certain characters grew very tiresome – Jessica Jones is not only easily Marvel’s best export to date, and but also one of the best shows around right now. Fans of the genre should definitely check this one out, and everyone else should absolutely give it a try too. Harry Turner
22 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/culture
Culture
RSC Interview: Mariah Gale as Wendy in Wendy & Peter Pan Nisha Vaidya interviews Birmingham alumna about her latest production Mariah Gale is a University of Birmingham alumna stage actress who has been in many RSC shows. Notable performances include her portrayal of Ophelia alongside David Tennant in Hamlet, who she describes as ‘very nice and very respectful’. This winter she will be starring as Wendy in Wendy and Peter Pan. I had a chat with her about her experience at Birmingham University how it shaped her career and what to expect from Wendy and Peter Pan. You’re a UoB alumna; what do you miss most about being at university and have you been back to visit since graduating? That’s a good question! The great thing is that I’ve stayed friends with some wonderful people who I met at university, which is pretty amazing because I graduated quite a long time ago. When I initially came up on the train and arrived in my halls of residence, I was really feeling a bit scared and shy, then there was a knock on the door and it was my flatmate Jess, who said ‘I’m feeling scared, could I come in?’ Now, I’ve just become god-mother to her son. We’re still really good friends and I see her all the time, so I feel like I have the luxury of not having to miss the best bit of university and I’m sure that that happens to a lot of people; you make great friends and they stay with you for life. Did you get involved in theatre while you were at Birmingham? I certainly did. I probably shouldn’t say this in a UoB publication, but I handed in a few essays late because of plays! I almost got involved with too much, but I had such a good time and I read so many plays just out of curiosity. I’d always been quite studious at school, but I always felt like I was learning to get good grades, or to please my parents. When I came to Birmingham it was the first time in my life where I found my independence in so many different aspects, and one of the great discoveries was I realised that I wanted to learn just for my own personal development. I remember reading Julius Caesar just because I hadn’t read it and I thought ‘I don’t really understand what this whole Shakespeare thing is about’ and I remember going to the RSC because it’s not very far and another friend had a car. We went to the Swan Theatre, which is the smaller RSC theatre and it’s really beautiful and very atmospheric. We then went to the Dirty Duck which is the actors’ hangout afterwards and I couldn’t believe that I was talking to real-life actors, and the rest is history. What would you say to any current Birmingham students who want to follow in your footsteps and become a successful stage actor? I auditioned for drama school when I left Birmingham. I felt like I wanted to have more vocational training. I went to uni to have that whole experience and I wanted to gain independence, and I felt like the course
itself expanded my mind but I wanted to do something more practical. You can do that by doing a lot of theatre outside but I would say that a good way into the profession is to go to a fairly well-known drama school, as they have showcases and a string of performances where agents and casting directors will come to watch. That’s how I got my agent and my agent is how I got my auditions. You can absolutely do it without drama school and some Birmingham alumni have done exactly that, but I personally felt like I didn’t have any contacts in that world and I felt like I needed more confidence. But some people are ready so it’s different for everyone really. Does the storyline of Wendy and Peter Pan differ from the Peter Pan we’re used to from Disney? Very much so. I really liked this version, and it almost feels like it’s not a version of Peter Pan, it’s a departure. We’ve almost used that as a springboard and it’s told much more from Wendy’s perspective than it is from Peter’s, and I think Ella Hickson who wrote this version was saying she read Peter Pan and went ‘hey, there are holes in this!’ She hasn't made Wendy into a passive onlooker. Now it's more about her journey from being the person wanting to play all the games that the boys are playing and isn’t accepted, to the person who then goes to Neverland and realises that even if she isn’t going to be accepted, she’s going to strike out on her own and find her own courage and her own version of bravery. It’s very wonderful for me to get to play that part because she’s transformed into a heroine of 2015, and that’s very different to the perspective on female narratives in 1908. I think she has really modernised it in its attitudes, but retained the magic and the wonder of the original very poignant story. You’ve taken over this role after it’s been reprised from a very successful 2013 production. How have you found the experience of putting your stamp on Wendy? Well, the original fantastic actress Fiona Button was due to play Wendy again, and got halfway through production until she had an outside work injury, which is really sad as an actor, so I came in at quite short notice. I had just finished a show on Saturday night and then had a call on Sunday morning. I did see her in the 2013 production and she was absolutely brilliant, so a hard act to follow to be honest. However, Wendy has this scene where she says to two girls in the show that she really admires ‘I’d really love to be like you but I realise that I am not like you’ and then she finds where her own strengths and attributes lie and that’s a great message. Especially if you’re doing a revival of something, it’s very tempting to ask ‘how do I emulate and step into those shoes?’, ‘how do I live up to that great performance?’ and a bit like Wendy, you have to think well, that was wonderful, but maybe it
will be worth presenting my interpretation to the world as well, so it’s definitely challenging! It’s a very big part and it’s got two sword fights, two dances, one circus trick (which is a surprise!) but the part is not for the faint hearted and you cannot be afraid of heights. So there were a lot of fears I had to confront to pull it off, and lots of lines to learn and not much time to learn them, so I feel a sort of kinship with Wendy because my journey has been quite similar to hers. What sort of person is going to love this show? Anybody free-thinking. Anyone who has ever lost anyone and [has] had to work through how to deal with that. Anybody with a rich imagination, any grown-ups who still want to climb trees, anyone who feels like they don’t fit in. Anyone who tries to disguise the fact that they’re actually really silly and a child inside... everyone! Basically everyone. What three words would you use to describe Wendy and Peter Pan? Beautiful Funny Profound
Dave Gorman Gets Straight To The Point Holly Reaney was in for a treat at Birmingham Symphony Hall Do not let the PowerPoint, checked shirt and series of graphs fool you. This is not a lecture. Best known for his television program on Dave, ‘Modern Life Is Goodish’, comedian Dave Gorman took to Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on Thursday (26th November) for a two hour stand up set. Armed with his signature PowerPoint presentation and trademark formula, Gorman entered the packed hall to a round of ‘If you happy and you know it...’ which he then wordily deconstructed with the assistance of a graph, predictably merging maths, comedy and technology in perfect harmony.
The familiarity of Gorman’s brilliant formula, and also the self-assuredness of his routine, meant that he was relaxed and owned the stage. This did however, sometimes lead to you forgetting that he was not on your TV and that your living room was not full of a mass of strangers. Having said this, Gorman’s dive into the audience upon seeing a phone attempting to take a photograph was a surprise that successfully reminded the audience of the lack of ‘fourth wall’. His routine was skilful and hilarious, living up to high expectations. The palpable excited murmur and cheer when the words
‘Found Poem’ appeared on one of the slides, illustrates the individuality of Gorman’s style, as we were treated to two ‘poems’ constructed from the dark depths of internet comments. Gorman was supported by an hour set from the lesser known, Nick Doody, who was superb. His material was a world away from Gorman’s light hearted and ‘academic’ antics, as Doody discussed terrorism, racism and even the recent Paris attacks. Fortunately, this was done with a comic sensitivity that eased the audiences’ uncomfortable winces as he got very close to the bone. He was terrifically original, current and political in a
way that more mainstream comics struggle to achieve for want of ‘political correctness’. More than capable of holding his own, he lacked the stereotypical weak and unwanted ‘support act’ style, and was thoroughly entertaining. I’m looking forward to seeing more of him in the future. But this was Dave Gorman’s show and his night. Gorman’s childlike glee is infectious and resulted in a hilarious evening for both newcomers and pre-existing fans. Tickets for the tour can be found at http:// www.davegorman.com/livedates.html
redbrick.me/culture
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
23
An Example of why Hamlet is More Relevant than Ever Harry Daniels discusses the importance of Hamlet In terms of Literature, what has been more hotly debated than the role of Shakespeare in the modern day? What has been more contested than his position in the Western Canon, and his relevance as we’ve moved into a different way of life? Critics of his, including Tolstoy and Shaw, have deemed him contrived and outdated, and many have found his works insincere in form, and too reliant on style over substance. Worst of all, perhaps, they’ve deemed him unimportant. Insincere? Unimportant? We can see the, at risk of sounding superior, stupidity of this statement throughout Shakespeare; we can see it in Lear, in Macbeth, in Antony, in Cleopatra. But, it is in one of his creations that we see it most strikingly: in Shakespeare’s acclaimed, which in itself is an understatement, masterpiece “Hamlet”. There are so many examples of sincerity and reaching genius in this remarkable drama, but one of particular beauty and reach is found in his most iconic of scenes. When Hamlet reaches for that bone, thrown so casually by a grave-digger, which protects the brain and “soul” of every being, and holds it up to examine it, he finds it dirty, stinking and decayed, and his whole dilemma reaches its critical point. Hamlet, in seeing his mother move so quickly on, and seeing his father so quickly replaced in the eyes of queen and country, has died before his death. His faith in his own importance, and the importance of anything and everything around him, is taken from him. The beauty and fulfilment in love is reduced to a temporal waste, and with it goes his desire for his “mortal coil”. This intellectual figure is in a state of decay, and at this point he reaches the void. Standing in the looming “silence” of eternity, he cannot find sound. Its perceived emptiness leads him to question every expression of his fellow man, and he finds it
question of us all.
"This writing is amongst the most heartfelt and despairing of all Literature, at least in my experience."
stripped and reduced. All the happiness and misery of life, one of the few universals of our existence, will disappear from the world, as if it had never been. How could Hamlet find any dignity afforded to us when our virtues and failings are just sparks which so quickly cease to be? His faith in God and Heaven, a far more common quality of Shakespeare’s day, is equally questioned when, in his desire to end his life, he fears what may be on the other side, if there's anything at all: “in that sleep of death, what dreams may come, when we have shuffled off this mortal coil must give us pause”. So, when he gazes into Yorrick’s eyeless orbits, and lipless Maxilla and Mandible, and sees all those times that were, and now are not, his aura of nostalgia is palpable, both for his lost childhood and his motivation to exist. In the shadow of the cavity, he sees the “walking shadow” – as stated in another of his masterpieces – that we all may
be. Insincere? No. This writing is amongst the most heartfelt and despairing of all Literature, at least in my experience. Unimportant? Certainly not. As we become a more learned animal, Hamlet’s questions about the “silence” and the purpose of it all drift ever closer to the centre of the stage. Importantly, it is not only Shakespeare who dwells on it. That silence has been reflected on by almost every poet, from Tennyson’s masterpiece Ulysess, where he paraphrases Hamlet, remarking on the need for joy, fearlessness and bravery, such that “every hour saved from that eternal silence” is made worthy of us, to Alexander Pope’s “Elergy” on suicide – another question reflected on by the prince, in which he remarks that the poet “shall shortly want the gen’rous tear he pays”, in an attempt to survive his passing. But it is not merely the subject of these artistic geniuses, it is the
Are we all to die as Hamlet did, long before death truly comes for us? Is the answer to lose ourselves in pointless attempts, in his framework, of mirth? But, that is not the only message we can draw from his ramblings. There is a point to be drawn from him which is just as prudent: this universal and existential question humanises us. Across countries, continents and indeed the world, the fear of death is equally expressed, and never, in my opinion, as accurately and eloquently and beautifully as it is through Shakespeare’s most remarkable creation. We would do well to remember, as yet another artist and believer in the supremacy of this particular play, one Charles Dickens, who remarked that “we are all fellow passengers to the grave”. Indeed, the proof and expression of this is found in the works of that pre-eminent dramatist and genius, William Shakespeare. Hamlet’s self-interest is not limited to him; we can all only see the world through our own filters, which leads to us, ultimately, being egocentric. But, this demonstration shows us we are not alone in fear, that we are connected and part of a collective whose every part likewise struggles. And, in a world which is continuing to encourage isolation and self-interest, we need to know remember the we're all “fellow passengers” now more than ever.
Interview with Marnie Riches – The Girl Who Broke The Rules Holly Reaney talks to Marnie Riches about her new novel
How would you describe ‘The Girl Who Wouldn't Die’? It’s a crime thriller that will appeal to fans of Jo Nesbø and Stieg Larsson, simply because when I wrote it I was an enormous fan of the euro-noir and had fallen in love as a reader with the daring do of Lisbeth Salander, Stieg Larsson’s heroine. I decided that when I was going to write a crime thriller, I wanted to write my own with a
feisty kickass heroine. So, 'The Girl Who Wouldn't Die' is about a really strong and fearless heroine from the mean streets of South East London, who takes on the criminal underworld. So, your second novel, ‘The Girl Who Broke The Rules’, directly lead on from your debut? It’s a stand-alone story, all three that are coming out are stand-alone, so you can read them out of sequence. But 'The Girl Who Wouldn't Die', which was my debut, is set four years earlier, so it ['The Girl Who Broke The Rules'] moves on. All of the same characters are present again, so you can come to it fresh without having read the first one. However, if you have read the first one then you understand George’s backstory. What do you want your readers to take away from this novel? I want them to be thrilled by it and be slightly horrified by it because the book is about trafficking and the exploitation that goes on within the sex industry. I want readers to be wiser at the end of the book and find it quite satisfying. It reflects, very much I think, what goes on in the real world in organised crime circles. A lot of it is set in the red-light district and in Soho. I want readers to experience a really gripping thrill run, but I also want them to come away understanding some of the stuff that goes on in seedy but sanctioned industries. So, what drew you to the underworlds of Amsterdam and Soho and trafficking as a main theme? Well, all three of the books in the series have a lot to do with trafficking of some sort: the first one has a lot to do about drugs; the second one is more about the sex industry and then the third is about children - that is a
much darker book. Also, the books have a real international flavour because I’m a linguist, I did a languages degree. Trafficking is such an obvious crime topic for a linguist to pick because it crosses continents and I’ve always been fascinated by the idea that cocaine that’s taken in the streets of London has made its way all the way from South America, or the idea that women who work in our nail bars in Britain, a lot of them, have been trafficked from South East Asia. There’s an awful lot of slave labour in Dubai, people who’ve been fleeing Bangladesh, and there are people who are profiting from that. So, as someone who is very interested in world affairs and as someone that has studied languages, which makes you think about what goes on in other cultures anyway, it was an obvious topic for me to focus on. So, rather than just having serial killers bumping off victims or having a domestic murder to solve, I wanted to tackle subjects that were geographically and politically broad. They say ‘write about what you know’ – are there elements of yourself within your novels and characters? Definitely, like George I grew up on a rough estate and came from a single parent family. Like George, I grew up in quite difficult financial circumstances and I managed to learn my way out of the ghetto. So I basically worked very hard at school and managed to get to Cambridge and those were formative years for me, which is partly why I decided to write about a young heroine at university, because they’re such magical years. In fact, George in the first book is an Erasmus student in Amsterdam, and I did a year abroad as part of my course [at] university in Utrecht because I did a German
and Dutch degree. A lot of the stuff that happens to her, happened to me. In 'The Girl Who Broke The Rules', it’s less so because the story is starting to move on and George is doing a criminology PhD, but even so that relates a little to my own experiences because when I was a student I did want to do a very similar PhD, studying the feminist take on hard-core violent pornography. In the second book, George is studying hard-core violent pornography. There is an autobiographical element, but then she’s just a much more kickass and exciting person than I ever was, lots of it is fiction. What other projects have you got in store? Well, I’m just doing the edit on the third book which comes out in March. By that stage, George is a fully qualified criminologist, working on studies for the home office and she’s also still very much entrenched in academia, doing some stuff at Cambridge University on the subject of trafficking. That should be quite an exciting book and my publisher thinks that it'll be the biggest out of the initial three. Then, I have a women’s novel that's on submission to editors at the moment that I wrote last year which is probably of less interest to a student readership because that’s about midlife crisis and all the stuff which afflicts forty year old women. My agent is currently negotiating for more in ‘The Girl Who...' series. I am busy working on new stuff and hopefully more George. If you want to continue reading this interview, head to http://www.redbrick.me/culture
24 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/lifestyle
Life & Style
Fab 'n' Fresh vs. Magic Door: Life&Style writer Emily Billington takes the Fab side against Rebecca Bulman for Magic Door. In the battle of Birmingham's clubs, which team do you belong to?
TEAM FAB
TEAM MAGIC DOOR
It’s the shining beacon of light at the end of a draining week of uni. If you’re going to do anything worthwhile with your weekend, let it be a night out at Fab. Cheaper than Seedy Sonics, half the stress, and you’ll be in an actual furnished building rather than just a glorified warehouse! So what else has Fab got that Seedy’s can only dream of? Not only are the tickets for Fab cheaper than Seedy’s, but if you decide not to go, all is not lost - some tidy profits can be earned from flogging a ticket on Saturday night for any budding Alan Sugars out there! The drinks are also significantly cheaper at Fab than at Seedy’s, where the overpriced Vodka mixers end up losing out to a good old bottle of H2O anyway. If ever there was a convenient night out, Fab is it. So long as you’ve got your beer jacket on and a strong drink for the road, there will be zero stressing over getting there. As it is walkable for virtually everyone, your designated cab caller can have the night off and no one will end up getting blacklisted by Castle Cars. Not to mention the extra two quid that everyone saves for their Rooster’s on the way home. Secondly, the dress code at Fab is just about anything, unlike Seedy’s which is one massive effort to make yourself look as edgy and as hipster as possible. Shorts and converse or dress and heeled boots - it doesn’t matter what you’re feeling in the mood for, no one’s judging at Fab. The music at Fab has something for everyone. If you happen to go on a silent disco night then prepare to spend your entire time in there. What’s better than being your own DJ and getting to switch between Beyoncé and the Lion King, Taylor Swift and 50 Cent? If Disney soundtracks aren’t your thing, the main floor offers pure chart hits (requests accepted) all night, before Cotton Eye Joe is whacked out at around 2am and the music spirals into the weird and the wonderful. If you’re more of an RnB kinda person then the Underground is the place for you, with back to back RnB songs, old and new, all night. Let’s face it, the music at Fab is a little bit of everything, Seedy’s just has monotonous house drones that you’ll probably pretend to be enjoying when really you’re dying for a bit of Bieber. At the end of the day, Fab is cheaper, more convenient, and more diverse. You’ll probably know half of the people there so if you get lost (which you most likely will in the maze that is the Guild) after a few laps of searching you will inevitably find someone you know. There’s a reason people will offer a limb just to get themselves a last minute Fab ticket - it’s clearly the best student night out in Birmingham and if you’re not there you are quite simply missing out!
Not many clubs could be put up against UoB’s very own student night Fab ‘n’ Fresh, but Magic Door is definitely a worthy contender. Unlike Fab, Magic Door isn’t held every weekend, but this is precisely what makes it so good. They pull out all the stops every ime and you can guarantee that each night will always be completely different and even more exciting than the last. Venues vary, but are usually in Digbeth, at Boxxed or Lab 11, adding an element of mystery to the night. One of the great things about Magic Door is that you can be super creative with your outfit and still be comfy. Trainers are a yes, as are funky patterns and creativity. You can go with eccentric, sequinned, jeans, skirts, playsuits – whatever you fancy, and, often, the funkier the better! Just make sure you’re comfy and ready to dance all night, as the party goes on until 6am. The main selling point of this night however, is the actual Magic Door that leads into a wonderland. As they so aptly put it: ‘Magic Door is not a metaphor, there is a real Magic Door’. Once you’re inside, there is more excitement in store that you won’t get at any other night out. How many other nights out have you been to where you can exchange a magic bean for face paint, glitter or fancy dress? And if that wasn’t enough, you get to go down an actual slide on your journey into this wonderful place. This is before you’ve even started dancing. When you’re glittered up and ready to go, there is a main room and a second room, playing a variety of underground dance music, with plenty of choice depending on what you fancy. Rather than being pushed around and working up a real sweat as you do in Fab, there’s space to dance, drink and relax throughout the night. The smoking area is nice and open if you need a sit down from all the dancing and there’s even a converted caravan at the back which works brilliantly as a place to unwind. The most recent Magic Door event, held last Friday, was at Boxxed and it had a distinctly forest-based theme. With the tree in the middle of the room and the combination of colourful lights and leafy ceilings, it certainly was a magical place to be. So even though Magic Door doesn’t come around all that often, it’s sure to be a good one when it does. Glitter, slides and mystery themes – what more could you want?
Top 5 Festive Party Shoes Marilyn Monroe once said: 'Give a girl the right pair of shoes, and she can conquer the world.' With this in mind, our Travel editor Daisy Holden has compiled her list of shoes that are sure to wow this party season.
1. Velvet Ankle Boots
2. Jewelled Block Heel
3. Glittery Heel
4. Laser-Cut Sandals
5. Fancy Flats
Zara £59.99 Velvet is the party fabric of choice, and these blue heeled ankle boots from Zara are perfect for the party season. Zara raise the party shoe game with these boots, ideal to transform your outfit from day to night!
ASOS £40 The Christmas Season is the perfect time of year to get away with overthe-top accessories! These jewelled block heels are the definition of party shoes - they have combined every element into one shoe and we love it!
New Look £29.99 Christmas is not complete without a little glitter! These heels will go with any outfit, and will definitely get you in the party mood.
Topshop £52 Metallic shoes are always a great choice for parties as they instantly glamorise your outfit! We love these gold cage sandals from Topshop.
Next £28 It's all about fancy flats this season, and this pair from Next are perfect for that understated glamour. Faux fur and pompoms have also been all over the catwalks making these shoes right on trend, and ideal for dancing the night away!
redbrick.me/lifestyle
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
25
Life & Style
Unlikely Fashion Icon Bethany Barley Life&Style Editor
Buddy the Elf Now, we know what you’re thinking: why on earth would you ever want to dress up this Christmas like the nutty yet adorable Buddy the Elf? But we at Life&Style like to think outside of the Christmas box. Whilst ‘elf couture’ might not be a thing just yet, we have to give Buddy kudos for his amazing green jacket, complete with a beautiful fur trim. Buddy struts around New York City in tights that Blair Waldorf would be proud of, rocking shoes that wouldn't be out of place on a creative catwalk show during London Fashion Week. Only when Buddy is forced into removing his outfit in favour of a boring business suit halfway through the film do we realise just how much better his Christmas wardrobe is. Quite frankly, if everyone dressed like Buddy during the festive season, the world would be a much jollier place. Not many men could rock the oversized belt, canary yellow hosiery, AND top it off with such a funky hat, but Will Ferrell in his iconic role looks Christmas-runway ready!
Fierce
Christmas Jumpers There is only one time of year when wearing the tackiest, most in-your-face knitwear is allowed and accepted Christmas. Think fluffy, sequin bedecked, pom pom covered knits which colour clash in the most perfectly Christmassy ways and you won’t go far wrong.
Sparkles Everywhere When else can you wear so many sparkles than at Christmas time? From shoes that twinkle like Christmas lights to sequinned party dresses that are sure to blind under the spotlights, there is no limit to how many sparkles you can pull off during the festive period. Even guys are getting in on the act by weaving tinsel and glitter into their beards!
Family time
8 Types of People at Every Christmas Party The arrival of December means the arrival of the inevitable Christmas party. Life&Style writer Katelyn Ryder lists 8 types of guests who are sure to turn up! As we enter the festive season, we all love to get together to celebrate and catch up with friends and family. However, there are always a few stock characters we run into every year. So whether it be at the office or among our nearest and dearest, here are a few characters to watch out for during the countdown to Christmas... 1. 'The Oversharing Aunty’ who just has to show everyone every single picture from your family holiday when you were five. The non-stop chatterbox and gossiper who won’t hesitate to ask you about every detail of your private life, and later will voluntarily give you advice from her own experience. Warning: entering into conversation with this one may be difficult to escape from... 2. ‘The Boozy Brother’ who has finished work for the year and can afford to splash the cash and drown his sorrows in some top-quality mulled wine or cider. You’ll find him sitting in a corner mumbling incoherently and most likely complaining about his boss or last-minute shopping chaos. 3. ‘The Dancing Queen’ : the one who loves a good boogie and will probably end up dancing on the table at some point in the night. Be sure to get your Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook at the ready to record the moment so you can remind them of "last night’s antics!" 4. ‘The Lovebirds’ : the two finding an instant love connection under the mistletoe, but will probably end up avoiding each other for the rest of the year - just wait until Blue Monday... 5. ‘The Grateful Granny’ who appreciates every single present and can’t help but compare the latest futuristic technology to the oranges she received in her day. She’s sure to have made everyone Christmas jumpers, which are probably itchy and uncomfortable but you ‘love’ them anyway. 6. ‘Dressed to Impress’ : the one who’s dressed up to the nines but is probably unable to walk in her towering shoes. She’s got her hair, nails and spray tan done, but what she doesn’t realise is that ‘pale’ is the new ‘bronzed’ during a typical British Christmas. 7. ‘The Nibbler’: this will most likely be your uncle - he’ll be not-so-subtly nibbling away at the food table the whole evening. Either that or he’ll be asleep by the fire after a hearty Christmas lunch. 8. ‘The Joker’ : this is the best day of the year for them, and the time when their energy-levels reach overdrive. They’ll never stop cracking jokes and will almost certainly insist on a family game of charades. You can bet they’ll be the one with the camera, taking endless photos when you least expect it!
Four weeks away from university for the Christmas holidays means there is plenty of time to spend some quality time with your nearest and dearest. Whether you have a good catch up cosied up in front of the fire, have your traditional family argument over a board-game or all fall asleep in front of a movie, Christmas is the perfect season to spend time with the people you love.
Rudolph Noses Yes, the weather is cold. Yes, the weather is unpredictable. And yes, it is nearly Christmas. But that does not mean that we appreciate winter colds that leave us looking like Rudolf the Red- Nosed Reindeer!
Christmas Shopping Shopping should be something enjoyable, not a frantic dash through heaving crowds of people to find the perfect present. It’s probably out of stock anyway, or in a box that has been mangled in the crush. The Christmas crowds definitely take the fun out of shopping!
Wild Weather Makeover You spend all that time getting ready in the morning only to arrive at lectures looking as though you slept in yesterday’s makeup, a bird is nesting in your hair and you decided to have a shower fully clothed. Brilliant (not!)
By Zoe Screti Life&Style Writer
Finished
26 4th December 2015 - January 22nd 2016
redbrick.me/gaming
Life & Style
Carnival RAG Special: Naked Calendar Carnival RAG's naked calendar - featuring members of 12 societies - is raising money for four charities: Dementia UK, Kids Adventure UoB, Freedom from Torture and Haven House Children's Hospice. Take a sneak peak with Redbrick before getting yours they'll be available on the Guild tickets website soon!
redbrick.me/gaming
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
27
Gaming
An Underwhelming Year James Marvin talks about how 2015 was a disappointment for gaming Details
Out of the gate I know that this will not be an overly popular opinion. But 2015 was a relatively underwhelming year for games. “But Fallout 4! Witcher 3! Metal Gear Solid!” I hear you shout, yes we had a few big hits this year but that was about it. There was nothing revolutionary and everything this year that was big has been re-releases or sequels. When one of my most anticipated titles for my PS4 is the Nathan Drake Collection (games that came out years and years ago) then surely something must be wrong? And that is the fact that there is nothing original. Nothing new.
"Publishers think it's okay to rehash something from the mid2000's and call it a 'new experience'" Now don’t get me wrong I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in games like Metal Gear Solid V (my personal GOTY) and Fallout 4 but I couldn’t help but think that whilst they’re good they are more of the same of what I’ve done before. Metal Gear Solid is just MGS4 with an open world and Peace Walker’s base building mechanics. Fallout 4 is just Fallout 3 with a fresh coat of paint and a crafting system and is set in Boston as opposed to Washington D.C. Whilst there is nothing inherently wrong with that, after all a sequel is generally meant to be more of the same but bigger and better which is what they have been, but when every massive release is more of the same of what we played a few years ago it does start to fatigue me. When I started Fallout 4 I genuinely couldn’t get into it for the first few days as all I could think was “This is so similar to Fallout 3”, and as someone who had over 200 hours in Fallout 3 that was something that did heavily affect my experience of Fallout 4. Now I did get over that obstacle eventually and do really love Fallout 4 as a good game but when every game I’ve played this year has had that same thought train as I’ve been playing them it does start to suck your
enjoyment out of gaming. On top of that you have the heinous amount of re-releases and HD Remasters and “Definitive” editions of games coming out just adding to this mess. I mean this year alone we’ve had Saints Row IV Re-Elected, Resident Evil HD Remaster, Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered, God of War III Remastered, Dark Souls II re-released on next-gen platforms, Dishonored: Definitive Edition, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition and Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition. You can’t say all of those titles in one breath, that’s how many there are! The thing is that because there is nothing new and fresh we as consumers feel compelled to buy these re-releases as something to fill the time until the next proper big release comes out which makes developers and publishers think it’s okay to rehash something from the mid-2000s with some sharper textures and better lighting and call it a “new experience". Unfortunately, 2016 isn’t looking much better for this scenario. Apart from a few big name new IPs such as Quantum Break, Hellblade and Horizon Zero Dawn we are getting the same sequel, re-master and reboot recipe. Again let me stress, it’s not that I’m not excited for those sequels and reboots; Hitman is one of my favourite series as is Mafia and I look forward to seeing what their next iterations hold and judging from what marketing has been released so far it looks like those titles are shaping up fairly well. My only concern is as aforementioned I am concerned that we are becoming too saturated with these sequels, reboots and remasters to the extent that new IPs are becoming something of a rarity. Think about how many big triple-A games you played this year. How many of them were something new and fresh ? Not a lot I bet. It’s not anyone’s fault I mean understandably people look forward to more of what they like and will buy it upon release and then publishers will commission for another and another to satisfy those people but at some point we have to draw a line and say “We’ve had enough of that, at least for a while, give us something new” or we risk stifling the creativity of the industry that has the most creative potential. I mean I can only climb so many towers Ubisoft before I’ve climbed them all.
Mario Mayhem
Roshni Patel talks us through the "Clash of Karts"
This week sees another step towards televised eSports, as Disney XD airs a one-off Mario Kart competitive gaming TV show. ‘Clash of the Karts’ airs this Saturday in the US, in Disney’s second team up with Nintendo for an eSports broadcast. Their first being the Nintendo World Championships, which were held at E3 in June and successfully broadcast in September.
"eSports finally begin their ascension from bredroom streaming to sheduled living room broadcasting" The hour long special will invite 8 young gamers to team up with YouTube celebrities in a multi-round, Mario Kart tournament. YouTubers such as Strawburry17, Andre from Black Nerd Comedy, AtomicMari and SethBling to name a few. Airing at 8pm
local time in the States, the players will be playing Nintendo’s most successful Wii U game to date, Mario Kart 8, which has sold over 5.87 million copies worldwide. But broadcasting like this is just the tip of the iceberg, as eSports finally begin their ascension from bedroom streaming to scheduled living room broadcasting. Over a decade ago in its infancy, competitive video gaming was unsuccessfully broadcast on all the major channels, such as MTV and USA Network to name a few. Lessons learned and rebranded as eSports, the competitive gaming, has returned with a flurry of excitement and a horde of loyal fans. Supported with apps such as theScore, to provide live score updates, the world eSports is starting to compete for screen time with the physical sports. Even sports broadcasters, ESPN, have got in on the action, airing Dota 2 and League of Legends tournaments on their ESPN 3 in the past, with ESPN 2 recently covering university eSports fixtures like Heroes of the Dorm in April, a Heroes of the Storm tournament. Even though it only drew 0.1% of the viewers on the night, over 1 million viewed it on their website, apps
and Twitch, and it showed ESPN the potential of eSports. Whilst it’s still early days for eSports, with over 135 million viewers to capitalise upon, it won’t be too long before they’ll be as common place in the TV guide as cricket or tennis. Especially as analysts are estimating the eSports industry is worth over $600 million (~£400 million). In the wake of this year’s successes ESPN has already hired an
"Analysts are estimating the eSports industry is worth over $600 million" eSports editorial team and reporters and other broadcasters are following suit, with US network TBS already confirming ‘Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’ as a weekly series for the New Year. Could 2016 be the year eSports takes TV and streaming by storm?
28 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/travel
Travel 1. Singapore
4. London
There’s something about the juxtaposition between the grey sky-scraping buildings and colourful shop houses that makes Singapore unlike any other jungle infused city. Located right on the equator is the small island that is Singapore; it may be almost hidden on a world map but that’s exactly what makes it a hidden gem. There are endless things to do, from café hopping in the quaint neighbourhood that is Duxton Hill to enjoying a local Singaporean chilli crab at your favourite hawker. Singapore takes pride in the variety of chic and hip restaurants and cafes it has to offer; you can spend hours roaming around finding secret corners of the city and can do that without the hassle of wearing five different layers. Christmas for many means being near a warm fireplace as you sip a hot coco, and do everything in your power to avoid the snow outside. However, for others it may be quite the opposite. In Singapore it’s hot and humid all year round, but what’s not to love? It means going swimming on Christmas Eve, horse riding through the jungle on Boxing Day and enjoying cocktails on a rooftop bar on Christmas Day without getting frostbite. A sunny Christmas holiday in Singapore means you can indulge in exotic fruits all day long without having to pay an obscene amount of money. It also means you don’t have to worry about bringing lots of luggage, as you’ll most likely be living in t-shirts, shorts and flip flops during your stay. A warm festive holiday may seem unusual but there’s nothing more exciting than waking up to the sound of exotic birds and a window view of green trees. If that doesn’t convince you enough, then I’m sure the wild monkeys roaming around the nature reserves will. Giulia Bardelli
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in London, as the capital’s festivities are well under way. Why not take a day trip and go exploring? London is fairy-tale like at this time of year, and there are a variety of things you can do to make the most of the festive buzz. What better way to get involved in the fun than ice-skating at the likes of scenic Somerset House and ever-popular Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park? To combat the cold weather, head to one of London’s many Christmas markets for a steaming cup of mulled wine. East London alternative Winterville at Victoria Park is a brilliant option. The Barbican, The Southbank Centre and Borough Market also boast fantastic Christmas markets with independent sellers, family activities and seasonal food stalls to satisfy your taste buds. Covent Garden is home to a variety of great restaurants, all with mouth-watering Christmas menus. To add even more excitement to the festivities, Elf the Musical has come to The Dominion Theatre. Based on the well-loved blockbuster, the musical is proud to host Kimberley Walsh from Girl’s Aloud and boasts fantastic reviews. If you fancy splashing the cash, the Oxford Street area is fantastic for a bit of Christmas shopping. If you’d prefer something a little less hectic, try the Spitalfields Market for antique gems. In the midst of all the celebrations, don’t forget to relax and take a stroll around the city to admire the many magical, twinkling light displays. Lastly, and definitely worth a mention are London’s world famous New Year’s firework displays, predominantly based around the London Eye. At midnight Big Ben will chime and the fireworks will commence, usually followed by a crowd’s rendition of the good old favourite ‘Auld Lang Syne’. Tashaa Naidoo
Christmas Cheer Around The World A collaboration of our Travel writers come together to share their favourite places around the world to spend the festive period
2. Portes Du Soleil
3. New York
Skiing is a stereotypical Christmas holiday option, but with good reason – with snow, cosy cabins and roaring fires, it epitomises Christmas spirit. A stunning and sophisticated ski destination for this year is Portes du Soleil in the Alps. Soleil is a huge destination with twelve linked resorts spanning over the French-Swiss border. Only an hour from Geneva and with easy public transport options, it’s easy to grab a cheap flight taking you practically to the doorstep of this winter paradise. Try booking your holiday here for early December to get the best deals, whilst also giving you the opportunity to enjoy the freshly powdered slopes before the peak season hits. The scenery of Portes du Soleil is unparalleled, boasting thick forests, scaling mountains and quaint chalets. Soleil is a unique as its widespread resorts mean you could be gliding through a snow meadow in France in the morning and cutting through challenging off-piste sections in Switzerland by the afternoon – truly magical. With a total of 285 slopes, 11 snowparks and 90 slopeside restaurants over a 400km squared area, there really are slopes for all abilities and preferences. If you’re heading out before Christmas Day, be sure to check out Transition. The electronic music festival will take place from the 13th-19th December at the Avoriaz resort in France. With huge names gracing the stages for après-ski parties, such as Bondax ad B. Traits, it’s not one to miss. If you’re looking for something a little quieter during your stay, from the 19th-26th December there will be ice sculpting demonstrations, skating rinks, and lots more that will be on offer to boost the Christmas cheer. Marianne Lampon
New York is one of the most magical places in the world anytime of the year, but it truly comes to life at Christmas. Think Home Alone come Miracle on 34th Street, the lake in Central Park freezing over and the unveiling of the magnificently extravagant Fifth Avenue store decorations is enough to make even the most grumpy of scrooges join in the festive cheer. The tree at the Rockefeller centre is one of the most beautiful Christmas trees in the world, and is famous for its multi-coloured lights and life-size nutcrackers that stand tall guarding it. Tradition since 1933, the tree is a whopping 75 ft tall and is decorated with 18,000 lights. The Parker Meridian hotel holds an annual gingerbread house competition for the best bakeries in town. Take a visit to the foyer anytime in December or the New Year to marvel at the delicious and delicate displays, many including sugary Empire States, icing-covered yellow cabs and sugar dusted World Trade centres. In Brooklyn, free toboggans are lent out at the local parks, and the German markets at both Columbus Circle and Union Square are truly unforgettable, packed full of independent treasures and interesting gift ideas. Radio City glitters with excitement as it hosts it’s annual Christmas Spectacular performances from the world famous Rockettes. One of the city’s most hallowed traditions, the pageant of glitz includes performances from the NYC Ballet and much more. Pop into Serendipity for one of the most mouth-wateringly delicious hot chocolates you can possibly imagine, and take a cheeky stop by Magnolia Bakery for delectable Christmas sweets and treats. New York is mesmerizingly beautiful all year round, but their Christmas cheer really takes the cake. Ally Head
5. Budapest Christmas markets are synonymous with the beginning of the festive period, and see millions of people flock to various city centres for a jug of beer and Germany bratwurst. When deciding which Christmas market to head to this year, why not venture beyond the schnitzels and steins and go to a traditional Hungarian market instead? Dotted throughout Hungary’s capital city Budapest, these markets guarantee authentic Hungarian food and drink, live music, art and plenty of culture.
If you fancy splashing the cash, Oxford Street is fantastic for a bit of Christmas shopping The largest market resides in Vörösmarty Square, a beautiful plaza at the heart of the city. An elaborately decorated Christmas tree embellishes the entrance, whilst glittering fairy lights float over the market stalls. The merry festivities create a truly remarkable atmosphere. There could not be a better environment in which to please your taste buds on a selection of local and traditional foods. From the renowned and utterly delicious goulash soup, to the arguably more authentic stuffed cabbage, here you can immerse yourself in Christmas celebrations, Hungarian style. Next, treat yourself to one of the popular and piping hot chimney cakes and accompany it with a mug or two of mulled wine. Meanwhile an equally stunning setting for a Christmas market is found at St Stephen’s Square. The market sits directly outside the unmissable Cathedral, giving it the perfect location for you culture vultures. A visit here is highly recommended as it offers various opportunities to purchase individual handicrafts ideal for presents. Another essential buy is the thick, creamy hot chocolate, and must not be overlooked. It is no wonder that Lonely Planet voted Budapest the 7th best place to visit in winter, as not only are these enticing markets only available during the festive period, but the city also has other exclusively seasonal treats. A blindingly obvious example is the number 2 tram, which passes major tourist attractions while journeying across the city.
Here you can immerse yourself in Christmas celebrations, Hungarian style While this tram continues over the Christmas months, a slight change is seen as trams are transformed into magnificent works of art, covered in LED lights. Explore the city yourself this Christmas to find more hidden treasures and events that occur only during this magical time of year. Sophie Braybrook
Read more online at redbrick.me/travel, or follow us on twitter at @redbricktravel
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4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
29
Top 3...
New Years Eve Firework Displays
Travel writer Ellen Smith explores the best locations around the globe for firework displays to welcome in the New Year. 1. Sydney
2. Rio de Janeiro
3. London
Two of the city’s most iconic landmarks take centre stage for Sydney’s firework display to herald the New Year with the biggest bang of all. Ejected from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the sails of the Sydney Opera House the twelve minute display is inspired by a unique theme every year, for 2015 it is ‘colour’ from which we can anticipate a very vibrant and sunny Australian farewell. To get the best view away from the crowds, reserve a seat on the water from a selection of ferries, cruises and water taxis. A variety of vantage points also make the on-land viewing alternative just as spectacular. It’s easy to see why, Sydney is the place to be at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
The Brazilian party vibe pulsates through Rio de Janeiro as the offshore firework display gets underway each New Year’s Eve at Copacabana beach. Live music entertains those eagerly awaiting the arrival of midnight, which triggers the release of a line of fireworks from barges, to the delight of an excited crowd. Traditions such as wearing white during the festivities to optimise the likelihood of a prosperous year ahead and releasing flowers out to sea as offerings to the ocean goddess, Yemanja, ensures the active participation of the audience. Sun, sand, Samba and fireworks makes for the perfect combination to bring in the New Year.
It is essential that we acknowledge an equally impressive New Year’s Eve celebration that is a little closer to home. The classic chime of Big Ben sets off the Mayor of London’s fireworks with the London Eye as its focal point, which itself provides a stylish pyrotechnic display. As the enormous sparklers ascend from the River Thames, they set alight the old and new features of the surrounding cityscape. The event is ticketed so an accessible spot to see every bit of the action is guaranteed. This truly explosive night in London is sure to shake up the start of 2016.
Top 3... Travel Gifts for the Festive Season Travel writer Beckey Bulmann reveals her top three travel inspired gifts ideas.
1. Happy Jackson Travel Wallet
2. Lonely Planet Day Planner
3. Scratch Map
This travel wallet is the perfect companion for your journey, no matter where you’re headed. Its three compartments, with space for money, passports, tickets and anything else you’d like to fit in there means there’s no need to worry about losing anything important on your travels. And if that wasn’t enough, it’s pretty – and waterproof.
Lonely Planet has got to feature here, being the go to brand for keen travellers – and what better present than their new day planner? Perfect for planning your days as well as being packed full of useful travel information, such as timezones and international money conversions, it’s the perfect travel companion for all ages.
When you return, and the travel blues are creeping up on you, what better to record and remember your travels than a world scratch map? Gold to start with, you can scratch off the gold for the countries you’ve visited to reveal a different colour. The more places you visit, the more colourful your map will be.
30 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/food
Food
Four Foodie Gifts to Give This Christmas Food writer Felicity George puts together a small selection of great gifts for under £15 so you can avoid any stress-fuelled shopping trips for Christmas presents this year
Chocolate Santa Hats and Gingerbread Men
Gin Selection and Glass Tumbler Set
For those people you know who have a sweet tooth! A set of 9 Belgian chocolate treats, each is adorned with a cute chocolate Santa hat or gingerbread man. At only £5.50 on www.handpickedcollection.com this box is a real bargain and will be suitable for any chocoholic!
An ideal gift for the gin and tonic pre-drinker, this pack contains miniature bottles of Bombay Sapphire, Gordon’s and Broker’s gin and your very own glass tumbler. Priced at £13.20 on the Debenhams website, it’s an easy way to make a simple yet thoughtful gift.
'A Saucy Threesome' Sauce Selection For any fans of please-don’tsay-cheeky Nandos, this selection includes hot, medium and garlic sauces and even comes with 3 handy drizzler caps. Costing only £11.20, it’s a perfect gift for a chicken-loving flatmate or friend. You can find them online on the Debenhams website.
3-Dimensional Dinosaur Cutters A perfect gift for keen bakers, these dinosaur cutters allow you to bake different parts of a 3D dinosaur. You slot the pieces together to form a fab 3D snack. At only £7 they’re a great small gift for secret Santa or younger members of the family! Find these adorable creatures on www.suck.uk.com.
Christmas Market Foodie Highlights Rhiannon Stickley gives a whistle-stop tour of the food highlights at Birmingham Christmas Market The Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest Christmas Market outside of Germany, stretching along the entire length of New Street and up into Victoria Square. The annual tradition boasts hundreds of different stalls. Paired with the Birmingham Craft Market on Centenary Square, the two festive markets offer an enormous variety of indulgent seasonal food. When you do decide to visit the markets, be sure to shove any of the following in your gob and you can thank us later! Be prepared to come away feeling full to brim with both food and festive spirit! As overcrowding is inevitable for a market of this size, use this list of our Foodie Highlights to help you navigate those bustling crowds!
Half a metre long Bratwurst £6 Though one of the pricier items on our list, you get a lot of meat for your money. One Bratwurst could feed two people, or if your appetite is anything like ours then you’ll probably manage one on your own. Bratwurst is completely different from British sausage as it is distinctively smokier and the crispy skin creates an interesting crunch with every bite. Add a squirt of sauce to the delicious Brötchen roll that encases your meat feast and you’re good to go.
Pulled Pork Roll £5 Slightly hidden away by the outdoor ice rink, this gem can be found at the Christmas Craft Market. It really is worth the extra walk for this unbelievably tender pork, which melts in the mouth and is drenched in smoky bbq sauce. Served with handmade crunchy coleslaw in a squishy white roll, it is a physical impossibility not to enjoy this! Plus all the ingredients are organic and locally sourced.
Cheesy Garlic Bread £3 Perfect for those who are sick of the sight of all that pork, this Cheesy Garlic Bread is loaded with extra strong mature German cheese and dripping with garlic butter. Warning: your breath will stink for days after consumption - so best to avoid if you're visiting the markets on a cute date!
Schmalzkuchen £2.50 Served in a paper cone with a little wooden fork, these mini cake pieces taste just like donuts. You can choose between a sprinkle of cinnamon or pay an extra pound for a huge dollop of Nutella.
The portion size may leave you feeling slightly sick, but nevertheless, Schmalzkuchen is an edible Christmas miracle of truly scrumptious proportions.
Marshmallow Tea Cakes 12 for £5
'It really is worth the walk for this unbelievably tender pork...'
If you’re looking for something yummy to take home with you, a box of these would be a great gift to share amongst your housemates. These teacakes are composed of a layer of crisp wafer, topped with marshmallow fluff and coated in various flavours of chocolate. I would highly recommend including the honey-almond flavour and gingerbread flavour in your box.
Festive Foodie Highlights
Drinks from £3.50
5 December The Custard Factory
Not forgetting, you’ll definitely need to wash down this mighty German feast with your favourite festive booze. It really has to be a toss up between a mug of warming winter mulled-wine or an enormous tanker of German beer - both coming in at £4.50 each. The hot chocolate (£3.50) is also a rich and velvety alternative, if for some bizarre reason you don’t fancy an alcoholic beverage.
Digmas
Winter Market 5 December The Bond Company
Winter Spectacular
7 December Chancellor's Court, University of Birmingham
redbrick.me/food
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
31
Digest more at www.redbrick.me/food
Mushroom Wellington Isabelle Fogg Food writer
Vegetarians don’t have to miss out on Christmas day! This indulgent Wellington is better than turkey, and can be served with all the trimmings plus some veggie gravy! Wellingtons can be tricky to make, but by buying pre-rolled puff pastry you are one step closer to Christmassy vegetarian perfection!
You will need: - 1 butternut Squash - 1 small bunch of Sage - 250g chestnut mushrooms finely chopped - 2 red onions - 100g chestnuts finely chopped - 2 cloves of garlic, crushed - Splash of white wine - Splash of lemon juice - 250g spinach - 500g puff pastry - 1 tbsp. thyme leaves - 1 egg
Top tip: use prerolled puff pastry to save yourself time.
Method: - First heat the oven to 200°C and peel and chop the squash into small chunks. - Put the squash on a baking tray, scattered with half of the chopped sage leaves and some olive oil. Roast for 35 minutes, or until the squash is soft enough to mash. - Then, chop the onions and add to a pan with olive oil, garlic and the rest of the sage. - Once the onions are browned add in the chestnuts, followed by the mushrooms and a knob of butter. Keep stirring until everything is cooked, adding seasoning to taste. - When cooked, add the white wine and lemon juice and cook for another two minutes, and then leave to one side. - Wilt the Spinach and drain it of any moisture, to prevent the pastry from going soggy. Roll out the pastry on a surface scattered with flour and the thyme leaves. - You want the pastry to be a rectangle of roughly 30cm by 40cm. Place the pastry on a flat baking tray covered with baking paper. - Start the filling with the spinach, add it only to the middle leaving enough room to roll the remaining pastry over the top. - Next top the spinach with the mushroom mixture. While you spoon it drain the mixture of any liquid. - Finally add the mashed up squash. Fold over the sides to make the wellington, making sure everything is sealed. Break and beat the egg and brush the wellington all over. - Cook for 45 minutes at 200°C.
Alternative Christmas recipes
These recipes are vegetarian and can also be made gluten-free to ensure everyone can enjoy the festive foodie fun.
Gluten Free Molten Chocolate Pots
Mince Pie Samosas
Jennifer Cook
Jess Ennis
Food writer
Whilst this recipe is not exclusive to the festive period, this chocolate treat is the perfect way to finish any meal. Best of all, this thoughtful recipe by Hemsley and Hemsley is healthy, or at least healthier! After seeing the sisters in action at the Good Food Winter Show, I felt compelled to share this wonderful gluten free recipe.
You will need: - 3 medium eggs - 75g coconut oil - 4 tablespoons of cacao powder - 1 pinch of sea salt - 3 table of maple syrup - 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
Method: - Preheat the oven to 180°C. - Melt the coconut oil over a low heat and remove from heat. Add the cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt, date syrup, vanilla and leave to cool. - Separate the egg yolks from the whites but keep both as you’ll need them later. In one bowl beat the egg yolks and add into the cooled chocolate mixture. In another, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. - Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture using a metal spoon (as to avoid beating air out of the mixture so they stay light and fluffy). - Spoon the mixture into 4-6 ramekins, leaving at least half a centimeter for them to rise! - Place on a baking sheet and cook for 7-13 minutes.
Food writer
If, like me, one too many cheap mince pies have turned you against the traditional snack of the festive season, this is the recipe for you. By making the smallest change to the mince pies we all know so well, you can create something that works well as a snack and on a Christmas party platter.
You will need: - Ready-made puff pastry (don’t worry, homemade puff is something even the hardest of bakers won’t attempt) - Jar of mincemeat (for the sake of your guests, buy the one with fruit it in) - 1 egg (to seal the samosas) - Some icing sugar, to top
Method: - Preheat the oven to 160°C . - This recipe is more a case of using the ingredients until you run out, so roll each sheet of puff pastry thinly to get the most out of it and for a good rise to the puff. - Cut the pastry into squares (about 15cm x 15cm), and put a heaped teaspoon of mincemeat into one corner of the square, leaving roughly 1cm around the edge. - Spread the mixture out if you need to, and then fold the square diagonally from one corner to the other to form a triangle, pinching the sides as you go to hold the samosas shut. - Whisk an egg, then use it to glaze and seal the edges. - After that, simply bake for 15 minutes and decorate with icing sugar.
32 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/sport
Sport
BBC Sports Personality Awards 2015 Nicola Kenton gives us the lowdown on the contenders for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards for 2015. Nicola Kenton Online Editor
On December 20th 2015, there will be a gathering of sport stars in Belfast in the Odyssey Arena where an 8,000 strong crowd will watch the 2015 edition of the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY). The evening will include entertainment by Ella Henderson and Sigma; as well as rounding up all of the sporting events that have happened over the past year. Finally, the reason for the ceremony is so that the awards can be handed out the categories include: Young, Overseas, Team, Coach, Lifetime Achievement, Unsung Hero and the Helen Rollason Award. It will also be a poignant evening, as the world of sport remembers those it lost in 2015 and this will include the first presenter of SPOTY Peter Dimmock, who died aged 94 last week.
Rutherford (Athletics), Kevin Sinfield (Rugby League) and Max Whitlock (Gymnastics). According to the betting the 2015 winner is likely to be Andy Murray with Jessica Ennis-Hill and Tyson Fury completing the top 3. Even though Andy Murray did not win a Grand Slam major this year he reached the final of the Australian Open and semi-finals of Wimbledon and the French Open but his biggest achievement was helping Great Britain win the Davis Cup for the first time in 79 years by winning his 11 cup matches. 2015 was Jessica Ennis-Hill’s comeback year, after missing the Commonwealth Games due to giving birth to her son Reggie, the aim for this year was to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympics but Ennis-Hill went to the World Championships in Beijing and claimed gold. Tyson Fury became the first heavyweight world champion from Britain for the first time in six years by beating Wladimir Klitschko – who had not lost for 11 years.
points from 112 tests. The French Open was the only Grand Slam that Novak Djokovic didn’t reach this year, with victories at the Australian, Wimbledon and US Open; he won 11 titles in 2015 and reaching the final in one Grand Slam and winning the other three has not happened since Roger Federer in 2006 and 2007.
the favourites to reach the top 3 seem to be: Tully Kearney, Tom Marquand and Molly Summerhayes. Tully Kearney has a condition that causes muscle weakness, and this year she won 4 golds, 1 silver and 1 bronze at the IPC World Swimming Championships – as well as improving European records in three events. It was the maiden season for Tom Marquand, who got 54 winners and won the Champion Apprentice title – he finished 26th in the Flat Jockeys Championship with just five fewer wins than Frankie Dettori. Freestyle Skiing runs in the genes of Molly Summerhayes, whose sister came 7th at the Sochi Olympics, the 18 year-old became Junior World Halfpipe Champion after winning the FIS Freestyle Junior World Championships; she also placed 11th in her debut at the World Cup and World Championships.
Gymnast Ellie Downie has been nominated for Young Sports Personality of the Year.
Finally, the Young Sports Personality of the Year shortlist is: Brinn Bevan (Gymnastics), Sam Curran (Cricket), Ellie Downie (Gymnastics), Sophie Hahn (Paraathletics), Tully Kearney (Para-swimming), Morgan Lake (Athletics), Matthew Lee (Diving), Tom Marquand (Horse Racing), Molly Summerhayes (Freestyle Skiing) and Rebekah Tiler (Weightlifting).
Above. Last years winner Lewis Hamilton
There was a panel that choose the nominees for different awards such as: the main Sports Personality of the Year, Overseas Sports Personality of the Year, Coach of the Year and Team of the Year. The panel included sport stars such as Dame Mary Peters, Maggie Alphonsi, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson; as well as Jermaine Jenas and Hazel Irvine, plus representatives from National newspapers, UK Sport and BBC Sport. The Young Sport Personality of the Year was decided by the votes through the public and then a panel of John Inverdale, Youth Sport Trust representatives, former winners Amber Hill and Josef Craig, a Blue Peter presenter, a Blue Peter 2015 Sport badge winner, Radio 1’s Tine Daheley and Jermaine Jenas. The contenders for the main award were announced on Monday 30th November 2015, usually the list is only 10 nominees but due to the sporting events recently the list was extended to 12. These are: Lizzie Armitstead (Cycling), Lucy Bronze (Football), Jessica Ennis-Hill (Athletics), Mo Farah (Athletics), Chris Froome (Cycling), Tyson Fury (Boxing), Lewis Hamilton (Formula 1), Andy Murray (Tennis), Adam Peaty (Swimming), Greg
Jessica Ennis-Hill is one of the contenders for the main award following another impressive season Davis Cup Star Andy Murray is the favourite with the bookies to win this year.
For the first time, the Overseas Sports Personality of the Year will be decided by the public, the nominees for this are: Usain Bolt (Athletics), Dan Carter (Rugby Union), Novak Djokovic (Tennis), Katie Ledecky (Swimming), Jordan Spieth (Golf) and Serena Williams (Tennis). Similarly, the favourite for 2015 Overseas Sports Personality of the Year is Usain Bolt, followed by Dan Carter and Novak Djokovic. Usain Bolt had another successful year after winning three gold medals at the World Championships in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay and defending his Moscow titles, whilst winning Bolt had to beat American Justin Gatlin’s 28 race unbeaten streak. Dan Carter ended his All Black career on a high, as they became the first side to win back-to-back World Cups beating Australia and he claimed Man of the Match– Carter is also rugby’s all time leading points scorer with 1,598
Sprinting superstar Usain Bolt is the frontrunner for the Overseas Award
The top 3 for the Young Sports Personality will be announced on Blue Peter on 10th December 2015. Currently,
Every year there are sports stars whose achievements are not deemed 'good enough' to make the list, this year some of the athletes include Ashes Winner Joe Root, and Hannah Cockroft who won three golds at the IPC World Athletics Championships. In the last five years, the main award has been won by 2015 nominees Lewis Hamilton and Andy Murray, as well as Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and AP McCoy. In order to vote, you now have to be registered to the BBC website and this allows you to vote in both the main award and the Overseas. The ceremony will be a chance for athletes to relax and appreciate the hard work and achievements of each other; however the show also shows appreciation for the volunteers across the country who help to run sports clubs. In a time, where the legacy of London 2012 is being questioned it is broadcasts like these which show the achievements of the sporting world that can help to inspire the next generation.
redbrick.me/sport
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
33
What Next for Tyson Fury? Danny Hussain examines the next step for the newly crowned Heavyweight Champion of the World. Danny Hussain News Editor
Tyson Fury stunned the world as he became the first man in 11 years to defeat heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko. Widely derided by experts in the run up to the bout, Fury controlled the fight throughout - his jerky, difficult style not allowing Klitschko to settle. A combination of head clashes and repeated jabs left Klitschko bloody, with Fury hardly scratched as he went on to become Great Britain’s fifth world heavyweight champion. With his entourage proclaiming a new dynasty and the man himself stating that he’ll be the most charismatic champion since Muhammad Ali, which fighter will be the first to challenge the new IBF, IBO, WBO and WBA heavyweight champion?
"The rematch unsurprisingly seems to be the most likely title defence for Tyson Fury. However there are a multitude of challengers.." Unsurprisingly, Wladimir Klitschko immediately announced his intention to invoke his rematch clause, stipulated in the pre-match contract. His older brother, fellow boxing great Vitali Klitschko, told the BBC ‘I'm quite sure Wladimir will take the rematch chance and show the world who
the real Wladimir Klitschko is’. The fight itself was a sedate affair. From the first round, Fury was comfortable. He kept Klitschko at arm’s length and discouraged him from opening up and using his devastating right hand. According to Peter Fury, Tyson’s uncle and trainer, this means that his fighter would win any rematch. He went on to say that Fury could still raise his game and that he is ‘even better’ than what he showed on Saturday night. The rematch, unsurprisingly, seems to be the most likely first title defence for Tyson Fury.
"David Haye was the fighter that was supposed to do what Fury did on Saturday. The Klitschko conqueror" However, there are a multitude of other challengers that could interest a man like Fury. He’s repeatedly stated his desire to build a legacy and what better way to start than to unify the heavyweight titles and become the Undisputed King of the division? Deontay Wilder, current WBC Heavyweight Champion, would be an attractive challenge for Fury, with the man himself tweeting his desire to fight Fury. A unification bout would sell itself, but Fury is seemingly reluctant, dismissing Wilder as a ‘novice Basketball player’. His scathing
Left, the new Heavyweight Champion of the World Tyson Fury
remarks are reflective of how the wider boxing world views Wilder, as a man who has yet to defend his title against a challenger of any worth. Whilst the mandatory challengers, boxers such as Vyacheslav Glazkov, can make a case to be the next in line, Fury is a man that lives for the big occasion. For British boxing fans, that means two names immediately come to mind; David Haye and Anthony Joshua. David Haye was the fighter that was supposed to do what Fury did on Saturday day. The Klitschko conqueror, the man to topple the throne. A broken toe and retirement later, he’s back on the hunt. He doesn’t see Fury as a challenge and thinks Klitschko is washed up. The fact remains however, that Haye needs the fight more than Fury does. After being the darling of the heavyweight division, Haye is a shadow of his former self; he failed where Fury succeeded and, after he pulled out of two fights with Fury last year, he could find himself well down the pecking order. It cannot be denied that Haye is a draw. Fury vs Haye would sell out Wembley stadium, but there just isn’t that pro-Haye clamour anymore. He needs to go back and earn his shot all over again. British fans would turn up in their droves to watch Fury vs Haye, but there is one man who’d generate even more fanfare, golden boy and rising star Anthony Joshua. The Olympic Gold Medalist has rampaged through the heavyweight division, knocking out everyone in his path. To some, Joshua
"Haye and Joshua would both generate massive hype. Wilder would present a chance for Fury to do something that hasn't been done in 15 years" represents the ideal of what a heavyweight boxer should be; big, powerful and destructive. There’s none of the careful and clinical dissection that has defined the Klitschko era. Joshua fights like a warrior, blitzing his opponents as quickly as possible. The fighter himself is convinced he’d beat Fury, but he has yet to be truly tested in the division. Although only a year younger than the champ, Joshua has yet to prove himself against some of the tougher opponents. It is inevitable that he’ll challenge for the World title sooner rather than later, but it is unlikely that he will be Fury’s first challenger. Tyson Fury reached the summit of the division when he beat Wladimir Klitschko. He now has to look down and face the challengers that are eyeing his spot. Haye and Joshua would both generate massive hype, Wilder would present a chance for Fury to do something that hasn’t been done in fifteen years but I don’t think the Klitschko situation is resolved. Fury vs Klitschko II. Now that is something I want to see.
Deontay Wilder holds the WBC title and wants a unification bout with Fury
Keep up to date with the world of sport online: www.redbrick.me/sport
34 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
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Sport
A Better Way to Watch Football? Zak Rowe
NBL Comes to UOB's Great Hall Nicola Kenton
Sports Writer
Online Editor
Sky Sports recently showcased their next advancement in its televising of football by simultaneous showing, on a split screen of Manchester City vs. Liverpool and El Classico between Real Madrid and Barcelona. With Sky already having introduced ‘Tactical Cam’ on its Monday Night Football programme this season, allowing us to view the game as analysts Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher do, it appears as though the broadcaster is continuing to explore new and unique ways of enhancing our viewing experience. However, is this a step too far? For the vast majority, including myself, who held no strong allegiance to either side in both Manchester City vs. Liverpool and Real Madrid against Barcelona on Saturday evening, the idea of being able to watch the concurrent matches at the same time certainly had
its benefits - notably not having to constantly change between channels, or furiously having to reload Twitter every few seconds to ensure nothing had been missed. Yet, in reality, the split screen proved completely impractical for anyone who wished to enjoy both games. Whilst it would be impossible to listen to both commentaries, as one game commentary had to be selected, I was subconsciously drawn to the match for which I had 1 chosen the commentary, in my case the Premier League game at The Etihad. As a result, it became very difficult for me 1 and to give any focus to El Classico hence I had very little idea of what was actually going on until I did a quick Twitter check.
On Monday 30th November 2015, the National Badminton League arrived back on campus for the Lions to compete in their first match of the season in the Great Hall. The match was against the University of Nottingham and shown live on Sky Sports 4 with coverage headed by Olympic silver medalist Nathan Robertson. This was the second year the event had happened and some stars returned such as Fontaine Chapman and Nico Ruponen for Birmingham and Nottingham team captain Chris Adcock. The University of Birmingham won the fixture last year by coming back from 2-0 to win 3-2 and the Lions were looking to replicate the result. The fixture consisted of five matches, starting with the Men’s Doubles, then the Women’s and Men’s Singles, the Mixed Double’s and finally finishing with the
Women’s Doubles. Each match earned a point for the University and depending on the result at the end of the night, the league table would change – if a team win by 4 matches to 1 then they will gain more points than a team who won by 3-2. The other teams competing in the league are Loughborough, Derby, Surrey and Milton Keynes. Redbrick Sport live tweeted the whole event, as well as interviewing the competitors of each match and doing match reports online. The NBL returns to the University's Great Hall once more next March, as the Birmingham Lions take on the Surrey Smashers live on Sky Sports. To read all of the reports from the night, you can visit: www.redbrick.me/sports.
Gary Neville in Shock Valencia Appointment Alex Davies Sports Writer
The footballing world was shocked on Wednesday when former England and Manchester United full back Gary Neville was appointed as head coach of Valencia CF until the end of the season. Neville, who retired from playing in 2011 after making more than 400 appearances for the Red Devils takes the reigns officially next week and will take charge of his first game next Wednesday against Lyon. Gary becomes the second wellknown Englishman to join the current coaching set up at Valencia, joining younger brother Phil who made the move as assistant manager in July. Gary has confirmed that Phil will remain at the club, as a duo who will hope to be as successful off the field as it was on it. There will be no time to lose for the pair after Valencia’s poor start to the campaign which has seen them pick up just five wins in their opening 13 games; a run which ended in former manager Nuno Espirito Santo parting company with the club last Sunday. Despite the news coming as a major surprise to almost everyone, Valencia’s billionaire owner Peter Lim does have close ties with the brothers and has a 50% stake in Salford City; the club notoriously owned by the class of 92. The appointment signals Gary’s first opportunity in management, however this hasn’t fazed those at the top of Valencia. Club president Layhoon Chan said 'He is hugely respected in English football and it was his personal qualities which persuaded us that he was the right choice to lead Valencia until the end of the season'. Indeed the Mancunian has been anything but quiet since his retirement from playing four years ago. On top of his part-ownership of Salford City, he has
taken on roles within the England coaching staff and earned huge praise with his excellent punditry on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football programme. England fans needn’t worry though as Neville has confirmed that he will retain his role within the national side in a decision backed by England manager Roy Hodgson. Indeed Hodgson believes that this appointment will only serve to benefit England: 'As far as I'm concerned, this will be an extra string to his bow and the experience he will gain working in the Spanish league can only be beneficial to our work together with the England team. Gary's commitment to the FA's preparations for Euro 2016 will not be in any way affected by the fact that he will be coaching abroad during the next five months'. For fans of Monday Night Football however, the news isn’t quite so positive. Neville has stepped down from his position with immediate effect leaving a huge void in the highly successful show. He had become an integral part of the punditry team, offering astute insight and analysis in an impressively articulate manner. Indeed Sky Sports managing director, Barney Francis, was sad to see Neville go but has stated that ‘the door will always be open’ for a return to the broadcaster. Managing abroad hasn’t always been straightforward for British managers. Most recently David Moyes left his role at Real Sociedad after just 42 games and a measly 28.57 win percentage. Indeed it is often the language barrier which proves most problematic, unless of course you’re Steve McClaren in which case an awful Dutch accent was sufficient to see his FC Twente side clinch the Dutch Eredivise title in 2009-10. And learning the native language will be
of paramount importance to Gary after brother Phil’s recent hiccup on Twitter. Aiming to write about his morning run on the beach, Phil got it horribly wrong and instead announced how he’d ejaculated on said beach instead. All jokes aside and it’s anyone’s guess how Gary Neville will get on in Spain. A first managerial role is a baptism of fire for anyone, let alone in a foreign country. Whatever Neville’s success, one thing is for sure: Monday Night Football won’t be the same without him. You can watch Gary Neville's first game in charge on BT Sport as Valencia take on Lyon.
redbrick.me/sport
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
35
From the Editor's Desk: Hamilton Takes Foot Off The Gas After securing his third World Championship title at the US Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton went on to lose the last three races of the season. Nicola Kenton examines why... Nicola Kenton Online Editor
The 2015 season of Formula One has just finished with Lewis Hamilton being crowned World Champion for the third time and being the first British man to win back-to-back titles. Hamilton clinched the title at the US Grand Prix, with three races still left in the season but that was also the last race that Hamilton won - since then teammate Nico Rosberg has won the final three races of the season (the first time he was won three races in a row). There has been a lot of speculation around why Hamilton has seemingly not performed as well in the latter part of the season. Mercedes have said that they will look into why Hamilton struggled in the last few races, in case it was an underlying problem with the car. In comparison to 2014, there were less reliability issues for Mercedes and thus more racing could occur on track between Hamilton and Rosberg and from the outset it seemed that Hamilton had continued his streak from the end of 2014. Apart from Malaysia when Vettel took advantage and won, Hamilton was clearly the frontrunner in the Championship with Rosberg consistently behind his teammate. The points difference that the Brit was gaining over both his teammate and Vettel meant that early on both German drivers were having to play catch-up. There were points in the season that could have proved pivotal e.g. Rosberg winning in Monaco instead of Hamilton, due to a tactical failure by Mercedes, another race was Hungary where both Mercedes drivers made mistakes to finish well down the field. Finally, the defining point for many was Singapore,
where the Brackley-based team could not get their car to work but they also couldn’t define exactly what was wrong. Hamilton has stated that after Singapore, he has felt less comfortable with the balance of the car because it was changed to try and prevent further issues. However, for the three races after Singapore, Hamilton still won and finished ahead of his teammate – who had qualified on Pole Position for the Japanese, Russian and USA Grand Prix. After the Constructors’ championship and
"Both drivers seem happy with their lives, but the big change in Rosberg's plus the continuity in Hamilton's may have added to the Brit winning the title race earlier" Drivers’ championship were won in Russia and the USA respectively – Hamilton did not win a race. He is still waiting for his 50th pole position while Nico Rosberg has been converting pole positions into race wins (the only other time he has done this in this season was during the Spanish Grand Prix). So with both drivers seemingly being at the top of their game, why did the season
The Redbrick Crossword Ho ho hold up: This week's prize is a box of mince pies! Completed crosswords to be submitted to the Redbrick pigeon hole, located in Student Development.
Please complete this form before you hand in your completed crossword to the Redbrick pigeon hole. Name: Email Address: Phone Number: Christmas Message:
turnout to be one of Hamilton’s dominance, until he won the title, followed by Rosberg’s resurgence? This year off the field, Rosberg has had a big change in his life – his wife gave birth to his daughter between the Belgian and the Italian Grand Prix. Of course the driver wanted to spend as much time with his family as possible but did this have an impact? It is well known that the first few months of a baby’s life are hectic and tiring for parents, and with Rosberg competing in top level motorsport, the adjustment to life with a new born could have hindered Rosberg’s performance. Hamilton has not had as many big changes off of the track but continued to live his commercial and philanthropist lifestyle. Both drivers seem very happy within their lives, but the big change in Rosberg’s plus the continuity in Hamilton’s may have added to the Brit winning the title race earlier. Once Hamilton won the title for the third time there was bound to be a sense of relief, but as a race he said that he still wanted to win. In the Mexican, Brazilian and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix it was evident that Hamilton was trying to find different strategical ways to win the races but they did not pay off. Rosberg reigned supreme throughout the rest of the season and Mercedes finished the year with two happy drivers – perhaps happier than they would have been if Hamilton’s dominance had continued. Although we will never know, if Hamilton did take his foot off the gas after securing the title it is evident that Rosberg got his confidence back and the battle in 2016 will be fiercer than ever.
Lucie 'Dasher Dancer Prancer' Turner
Across
Down
2. In 'Olive, the Other Reindeer', Olive is a ___. (3) 5. "The best way of spreading Christmas ___, is singing loud for all to hear!" (5) 6. The name of Scrooge's deceased business partner in 'A Christmas Carol' was Jacob ___? (6) 7. You would recieve 364 gifts in ____ days in this famous Christmas song. (6) 9. Frosty the Snowman had a ____ for a nose. (6) 10. How many sizes did the Grinch's heart grow on Christmas day? (5)
1. In the Christmas song, which family figure was seen kissing Santa Claus under the mistletoe last night? (5) 3. Which Dinklage was described as an "angry elf" by none other than Buddy himself? (5) 4. Which Culkin found himself living independently? (8) 7. How many times does Santa check his list? (5) 8. What direction did the Grinch live in relation to Whoville? (5) 11. Where breakfast foods meet alcohol in one very peculiar Christmas beverage. (6)
Lewis Hamilton. F1 Champion 2015
36 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
Sport
redbrick.me/sport
Winners of Student Publication Association Best University Sports Coverage Award 2015
NBL COMES BACK TO BIRMINGHAM Will Robey Chief Sports Editor For the second time in two years, Sky Sports' elite badminton competition, the National Badminton League, came to the University's Great Hall. Showcasing some of the worlds biggest talents in Badminton, the Birmingham Lions once again took on Nottingham, who's star studded line up included Chris Adcock. Lining up for Birmingham was the ever impressive Fontaine Chapman, who like last year dispatched her opponent in the women's singles with relative ease. Chapman was not the only success of the night,as the entire Birmingham team battled to a 3-2 victory over Nottingham, for the second successive year in the Great Hall. The event returns to campus in March 2016, where the Sky Cameras will once again be fixed on a crucial econcunter, as the Lions take on the Surrey Smashers, looking to repeat the success of their last two visits to the University of Birmingham. You can read the individual match reports online, as well as find out Nicola Kenton's take on Monday night's action on page 46...
Dear readers,
Merry Christmas from Redbrick!
Twelve pages of festive features inside...
02 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/music
Music Everything Everything Get To Heaven
Hannah Coles Get To Heaven defies convention with its sonic surrealism and lyrical unpredictability. Alleged to be the result of watching breaking news on repeat, the tracks of this album explore life, death, seasons, the future and the past with blistering artistic vision. Melodically experimental, manipulating electronic essentials and layering atmospheric samples, this work defines their dark, reckless and innovative outlook. It abstractly confronts contemporary fears through a sibylline lens, rendering it both dazzling yet endlessly obscure.
Father John Misty I Love You, Honeybear
Jamie xx In Colour
Marika Hackman We Slept At Last
Matt Moody
George Deaville
Like all great philosophers, Josh Tilman's secret weapon is his sense of humour and like all great comedians, you’re never quite sure when he’s joking. It's this knowing duality that informs I Love You, Honeybear, from the scathing satire of 'Bored in the USA' to the fierce introspection of 'The Ideal Husband', via meditations on ex-girlfriends and technology. It's musically captivating too despite lush instrumentation and flawless vocals refined by his time as Fleet Foxes' drummer, Tilman still manages to evoke an almost mythical vision of the grit and glamour of Hollywood.
Giulia Bardelli
Jamie xx's debut is a piece of art. An assembly of a vast majority of genres, including reggae, dance, grime, dubstep, Jamie xx has created something magical. In Colour, narrowly missing out on this year’s Mercury Prize, is an atmospheric representation of timeless UK club land. It has a soft rave, almost muted ambience, redefining the associations of ‘beat-based’ music. Taking inspiration from every angle you can imagine, Jamie xx, in my opinion, defines the music industry of 2015.
Marika Hackman’s iridescent yet calm vocals create the perfect phantom-like illusion that she very much portrays throughout her debut album. Hackman’s soothing, almost whispering vocals are flawlessly accompanied by subtle harmonic guitar strings that could almost classify her as a folk singer/songwriter. Her perfectly selected songs almost resembles short stories, in which the listener is thrown into a dark narrative. Hackman has no doubt found and defined her niche with a debut album that continues to awe listeners.
Redbrick Music Drake If You're Reading This, It's Too Late
Kendrick Lamar To Pimp A Butterfly
Justin Bieber Purpose
Mark Ronson Uptown Special
Greg Woodin
Conrad Duncan
Ally Head
Megan Gibson
Perhaps the main appeal of Drake’s surprise 2015 mixtape/album, If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late, lies in the fact that it doesn’t try too hard. From start to finish, a series of stripped down, nocturnal beats provides a stark backdrop to Drake’s infectious raps, with Drake contemplating the familiar topics of fame, money and women in his signature style. Nowhere here is the equivalent of ‘Tuscan Leather’, the epic opener to 2013’s Nothing Was the Same, but IYRTITL delivers track after track of solid, entertaining music with tons of replay value. Highlights include ‘Energy’, ‘No Tellin’’ and ‘Star 67’.
It feels fitting that, in a year where the world seemed to become ever more divided, the album of the year should be as strong a celebration of self-love, solidarity and openness as this. Everything about TPAB, from its cover to its striking videos, is a dazzling show of skill from a man confidently crowning himself as one of the greatest of his generation. As Drake & co. argued over statistics, Lamar focused on what mattered – influence. TPAB is our generation’s ‘Stankonia’, our ‘There’s a Riot Going On’ and our ‘Sign o the Times’. It’s the masterpiece that most vividly defined what it meant to be alive in 2015.
Bieber’s fourth, and by far biggest, album Purpose has taken the world by storm this year, topping both the ARIA and Billboard charts. If the stats aren’t convincing, listen to singles ‘What Do You Mean?’, ‘Sorry’ and ‘Love Yourself’ to hear both the musical and seemingly moral transformation of the megastar. The mere child of first album My World 2.0 has been miraculously reborn into a mature adult, combining R&B, pop and acoustic tracks deliciously into a killer album. Its success is undeniable and has won over even the most reluctant of fans.
Pioneering producer Mark Ronson is bringing the funky freshness of ‘70s disco back into our speakers. We’re talking Sister Sledge, Sylvester and the almighty Stevie Wonder. If Stevie is a hero of yours, I would especially recommend that you listen to ‘In Case Of Fire’ featuring Jeff Bhasker, as it sounds like Mr Wonder has produced it himself; he does, however, feature on the first and last track. This album is buzzing with groovy synths, sexy brass and melodic harmonies all produced to perfection, not to mention including the hit ‘Uptown Funk’. You can rely on Mark Ronson to make a bloody good album.
redbrick.me/music
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
Tame Impala Currents
Laura Marling Short Movie
Phil Jones
Danni Ferrante
Currents is the album of the year because it’s packed full of greatest hits-esque bangers. ‘Let It Happen’ will melt your mind. ‘Yes I’m Changing’ and 'Eventually’ will make you sob beautiful tears. The bass riff from ‘The Less I Know The Better’ will bring you more joy than any human ever could. Kevin Parker has transcended this world and achieved God status, and listening to Currents is the closest way of joining him.
Marling’s return with her fifth album saw the nu-folk singer-songwriter turn electric. This album introduces a Marling who is fierce, and independent. Marling is really testing her boundaries and trying something new, and the result is successful. Her lyrics are unbelievably relatable and there’s an underlying ‘girl power’ vibe to it all. She strikes the right balance between her sassy comments and sweetly sung curse words. Marling’s new found confidence is exciting and paired with her already well-esteemed talents, makes Short Movie a real stand out of the year.
Wolf Alice My Love is Cool
Josie Graves My Love Is Cool screams courage and defines everything that Wolf Alice are about. This debut album was long awaited but definitely worth the wait. Classics, ‘Bros’ and ‘Fluffy’, have been re-mastered to fit the mature tones and the North London band prove that they are here to make a racket with massive grunge tracks ‘You’re a Germ’ and ‘Giant Peach’. But underneath all its indie charm, My Love Is Cool holds a lot of meaning and moments of profound emotion in ‘Silk’ and the climatic breakdown of ‘Your Loves Whore’. Wolf Alice have proved themselves with this statement of a debut, which marks out the striking sound of 2015.
03
The Vaccines English Graffiti
Kirstie Sutherland
Each album that The Vaccines have released thus far has deviated in sound, English Graffiti being the most grownup and well-rounded example of this to date. From the inescapable Ramones’ influence on ‘Handsome’ to the driving ‘80s guitar on ‘Dream Lover’, their third effort is both catchy and other-worldly. Abound with brooding lyrics on love and lust, and choruses that will be stuck in your head for days on end, English Graffiti is perhaps exactly what we’ve been expecting from The Vaccines and illustrates how despite their indie-rock status, they’re not afraid to break out of their shell and try something new and exciting.
Albums of the Year 2 0 1 5 CHRVCHES Every Open Eye
Mac DeMarco Another One
Alabama Shakes Sound and Color
Sufjan Stevens Carrie & Lowell
Hannah Whale
James Garrington
Matt McCrory
Jack Lawrence
The electro-pop trio CHVRCHES have flourished more than hoped in their follow-up album Every Open Eye. The sincere vocal performance of Mayberry, combined with Cook’s powerful synths, preserves the distinct sound of their debut album, whilst subtlety coalescing with a more powerful undertone. The album begins with the punchy singles ‘Clearest Blue’ and ‘Leave a Trace’ displaying a new grown confidence in the band and sense of ambition. Though the explosive choruses are more evident, they don’t dismay us from the beautiful and sincere Glaswegian charm that flows through the gradual build-ups.
Mac DeMarco is old news by now, but for those who aren’t aware, he was pushed into stardom by a performance on Pitchfork’s ‘Safe For Work’ in 2013. Since then he has done nothing but release impeccable, laid back guitar driven tracks. Another One is DeMarco’s fourth album and it's every bit as good as the last three. DeMarco perfected a sound and song-writing formula in 2012 that worked and he has stuck by it. Some might consider him lazy for this, but each instrumental melody on Another One is crafted to perfection.
Sound & Color manages to epitomise the angst, sorrow and passion of mid-20th century blues records and package those indescribable feelings into an incredibly polished and modern release. Fronted and defined by Brittany Howard, this record will hit you with gorgeous counterpoint guitar lines, fantastic production and stellar vocals. This album manages to inject a whole range of sentiment and progression over its runtime. From the gut-punch of 'Don't Wanna Fight' to the sorrowful falsetto of 'Future People', this album will keep you coming back for more. It's beautifully simple on its surface but endlessly intricate under the skin.
Coming from a man who once devoted himself to the task of creating an album for each of the 50 states in the USA, Sufjan Stevens’ latest effort, Carrie & Lowell, is almost shockingly minimalistic. Inspired by the death of his mother in 2012, the eleven songs borrow from the roots of Stevens’ indie-folk origins, with the vulnerable lyrics covering death, depression and failed relationships in a beautiful fashion. Because of this, the album includes the most emotional and powerful songs in his discography so far. Featuring sparse instrumentation and whispery, fragile vocals, Carrie & Lowell is simultaneously the saddest and most cathartically enjoyable album of 2015. Listen and weep.
04
redbrick.me/food
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2015
Food Step-by-step timetable Assemble the troops for a Christmas dinner before the end of term. Assign each house mate with a job, adjust this timetable to fit your own timings and stick it up so everyone knows when dinner will be ready!
14:40 This cooking time is for a 5.5.kg Turkey, which serves about six people. Make sure you cook your turkey the correct time for its weight. Prep with seasoning then put in the oven on 190C. You can relax, but keep an eye on it. Baste every hour for a crisp skin.
17:30 Peel and chop potatoes in half and half again. Pop them into a pan of boiling water. When they're just about done, they should feel slightly soft when you put a knife in them.
18:00 Shake up the potatoes, then pop them into hot fat (or around the turkey) to roast. Cook for 15 minutes then turn over and cook for another 15, or until they are golden brown.
18:15
It's probably about time you popped the pigs in blankets in the oven. Get the veg out ready to steam. Steaming veg is better as boiling can destroy some of the flavours.
18:30 Start cooking the veg, it shouldn't
take longer than 15 minutes to cook. Get the turkey out of the oven. If it's cooked, the juices should run clear. Leave covered in foil until you are ready to start carving.
18:45
Get the gravy and stuffing ready! Put a little of the turkey juices in with the gravy for extra flavour. Set the table with christmas crackers and festive napkins. Call in your turkey carver to get going. Pop the cuts of meat onto a warm plate and keep in the warm oven until you're ready to eat.
19:00
Dish up, and enjoy the immense satisfaction that comes with cooking a Christmas dinner. Psst ... Whoever doesn't cook, washes up!
The Christmas Dinner Guide
From a step-by-step cut out timetable to inspired recipes, we've got everything you need to have a fantastic festive meal, whether you are taking charge on Christmas day or are head chef for your house dinner.
Sophie Neal Food Editor
The Turkey For a perfectly roasted turkey, prep the bird at room temperature. Smother in butter and season with salt and pepper. If you are feeling indulgent, cover the breast with streaky bacon. How long should you cook it for? Well, a turkey needs 20 minutes per kg. If your turkey is under 4kg, It will need another 70 minutes at 190C. For a turkey over 4kg, it will need an extra 90 minutes in the oven. Carve the turkey with a sharp knife and a big fork if you have it. If your bird is paricularly big, it may take a while to carve so allow around 15-20 mins if you aren't a pro.
If your turkey is a different weight to our example, use the BBC Good Food cooking calculator for an accurate guide!
The Vegetables For ease and student budgets, a big bag of frozen veg works best. We'd recommend making your own roast potatoes and sprouts, as these are always best when you DIY. For beautiful roasties, boil the peeled potatoes until they are just done. Add a little bit of flour into the saucepan and give it a good shake (with the lid on,
please). If you have room in the oven, pop a baking dish in there with some oil in to heat, then put the potatoes in there to cook. If not, put the roasties around the turkey to come out at the same time. If you have a few sprout lovers (or even haters) this recipe is bound to convert anyone. Simply steam the sprouts and toss them in plenty of butter. Serve them topped with chopped chestnuts and streaky bacon. It's a flavour sensation, we promise!
Top tip: buy the trimmings ready made for ease!
The Trimmings A Christmas dinner just wouldn't be the same without pigs in blankets, cranberry sauce or stuffing. No one is going to judge you if you buy these premade! Pigs in blankets can be popped into the oven just before everything finishes cooking (just check the pack for cooking time!) and stuffing can be made at the same time as your gravy before serving. Give your meal a festive feel complete with crackers, mulled wine and a good old game of charades.
Uncle David's Mulled wine
Felicity George shares a family recipe for a festive favourite to wash down your meal! Felicity George
Food Writer This recipe is a firm family favourite in my house this time of year. The spices help to fill the house with a warm Christmassy smell, and the added brandy always succeeds in getting Grandma drunk. The recipe is quick, simple and delicious so don’t hesitate to make it yourself this Christmas.
You will need: -
1 2 2 2 1 2
teacup sugar teacups water cloves cinnamon sticks bottle of red wine lemons (thinly sliced)
Method: Put the water, sugar, cloves and cinnamon in a large saucepan and boil for 5 minutes. Take off the heat and add the thinly sliced lemons. Cool for a few minutes then add the bottle of burgundy (or cheap Aldi equivalent) and a small glass of brandy. Heat gently, being careful not to boil! Strain into a jug and serve into glasses or mugs.
redbrick.me/food
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
05
Digest more at www.redbrick.me/food
How to Finish Off Your Christmas Leftovers Try these post-Christmas recipes that will turn your leftovers into another Christmas cracker!
Turkey and Potato Curry Gemma Allport Food Editor
Method:
This simple but tasty curry recipe is a family favourite and an excellent way of using up any leftover Turkey from your Christmas dinner! As an aromatic, rather than spicy curry recipe, this dish will leave you feeling warm and cosy this Christmas.
First you should heat the oil in a large pan over a fairly high heat and then cook the onion and pepper for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and brown slightly. Add the curry paste and garlic and fry for a further 1-2 minutes. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and water, and bring to the boil. Let the ingredients bubble for 5 minutes. After the 5 minutes are over, turn the heat down and stir in the turkey and potatoes. Allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes before seasoning and adding in the mango chutney. Sprinkle with coriander and serve with rice and/or naan - delicious!
You will need: - 1 tbsp sunflower oil - 1 large onion, thickly sliced - 1 green pepper, deseeded and chopped - 2 tbsp curry paste (or gluten-free alternative) - 2 garlic cloves, crushed - 400g can chopped tomatoes - 150ml water - 300g leftover turkey, diced - 300g leftover cooked potatoes (either boiled or roast), diced - 2 tbsp mango chutney - Small pack coriander, roughly chopped - Rice or naan bread, to serve
Top tip: Freeze your turkey if you aren't ready to use it yet. It will keep for a while.
Bubble and Squeak Gemma Allport Food Editor
This is something my Mum cooks every year on Boxing Day and is as much a tradition at Christmas for us as the Christmas Roast itself! Bubble and squeak - although admittedly very odd sounding - actually has nothing to do with bubbles or squeaks but it is a fabulous way of making use of your Christmas dinner trimmings.
You will need: - Any leftover veg/stuffing (e.g. parsnips,
sprouts, carrots, peas, onion, potato). - Salt and pepper to season - 1 tbsp oil
Method: Boil all of the leftover vegetables in a pot of water until soft (this should take approximately 20 minutes). Drain, and using a masher or the back of a fork, mush all of the vegetables together until you create a consistency much like mashed potato. Don’t worry too much about creating a completely smooth texture - chunks of veg will add crunch anyway! Using a separate, wide pan, heat the oil and then add in all of the veg mixture. Flatten out with the back of a spatula or spoon and allow to heat through until the vegetables begin to brown off a bit. Remove from the pan and serve with gravy and any leftover cold cuts of meat. Enjoy!
Christmas Pudding Sundae Sophie Neal Food Editor
If you have leftover Christmas pudding, this ingenious sundae from Jamie Oliver is bound to banish those boxing day blues!
You will need: - 200g leftover Christmas Pudding
-
Leftover cranberry sauce Red or Mulled wine 500ml vanilla ice cream 1 handful flaked almonds, toasted 100g 70% cocoa dark chocolate
You could also top it off with brandy butter ...
Method: Fry the pudding in a pan on a medium heat for around 4 to 5 minutes. In a seperate pan, stir up the cranberry sauce and wine on a low heat until it thickens slightly. If the sauce is too tart for your liking, add a teaspoon or two of sugar, and for extra flavour add a little cinnamon. Once the pudding is warmed and crispy, divide half of the pudding between four bowls. Add a scoop of ice cream and drizzle over the hot cranberry sauce, and a good sprinkle of flaked almonds. Add a few more layers of each ingredient and top it off with grated dark chocolate. Enjoy before the ice cream melts!
If you still can't eat it all ... Get the family together for a big festive smash n' grab to polish everything off.
Experiment and invent your own recipe; it could become a festive favourite!
Create sensational sandwiches with cranberry sauce, cold meats and stuffing.
Keep leftovers on the top shelf of the fridge in air tight boxes, where you can see them.
06 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/travel
Travel 1. Floating Christmas Market
3. Winterbourne House and Gardens
Follow the twinkling lights down to the city’s charming canals that will put you in a merry mood as you find cheery traders and joyous thick-nit jumpers. For three (potentially chilly) evenings between the 11th and 13th December, the waterways will be brightened by Birmingham’s first Christmas floating market. I’d recommend for you to take to the towpath and grab those last-minute gifts from an exciting mix of local traders. Of course, the now famous Frankfurt market is another fantastic assembly for the city to be proud off as people sip hot chocolate, snap gingerbread hearts and dig into Berlin donuts.
‘Winter’ is already in the name of Birmingham’s most pleasant Edwardian botanical garden. There are more than 6,000 plant species to observe, ponds to ponder over and bridges to glide across in Winterbourne. The gardens are the ideal December retreat away from the high street as you indulge in the splendor of neatly trimmed greenery. The Winterbourne House itself is an attraction on its own with its delightful decorations, carol singers and a Santa’s Grotto.
2. Ice Skating in Birmingham Whether you glide or shuffle, your skates will gleam under the crystal-light sparkling at Birmingham’s symbolic ice skating rink. Enjoy the thrill of this wintery activity and be dazzled by the iconic surroundings which includes the luminous big wheel and goldtopped city library.
4. Christmas films at The Electric Cinema Stop by Station Street’s Electric Cinema – the oldest working cinema in the UK and waltz out of the winter chill into a foyer decked out in a festive and velvety red that Santa would be proud of. This December, revel in delight at this temporary-tinseltemple of Christmas classics. From one ‘Grand Central’ to the next, follow Buddy (Elf), Eric (Home Alone), and George (It’s a Wonderful Life) into the hustle and bustle and mostly merry scenes of a cinematic New York Christmas.
5. Christmas at Cadbury World If you think Christmas is the time for chocolate then Cadbury World is the place for you. Drop your baubles and skip along to Bournville – the picturesque chocolate-box village worthy to be on many Christmas cards. Cocoa-induced Christmas cheer awaits visitors as there is extra entertainment such as the Santa Show in addition to the ordinarily spellbinding zones of Cadbury fun. Don't forget to load your sleigh with Dairy Milk and co!
6. Santa Charity Run in Birmingham
Festive Treats in Birmingha
If you’ve already emptied out your box of Quality Street then perhaps you’d be in need of some yuletide exercise. Start December in a sociable, sweaty yet Christmassy fashion by dashing through the quaint canals of Brindley Place
Christmas Abroad: Wonderful or Weird? Travel writer Carys Bedford discusses the pros and cons of spending Christmas away from home.
With just under a month until Christmas, preparations for the festive period are already completely underway. The final presents are being bought, the turkey has been ordered and the Christmas decorating is about to take off. Organisation of Christmas starts now and doesn’t stop until the beginning of January. Don’t get me wrong, there is something magical to the hectic atmosphere of Christmas but is there not a part of you that wonders what it would be like to be able to celebrate Christmas without all the stress and hassle? That is where the option of spending Christmas abroad comes into play. The idea of lying on a tropical beach on Christmas day seems to trouble a lot of people. I’ve had many questions ranging form ‘how does Santa know where to find you?’ to ‘how do you cope without having your annual dose of turkey.’ Spending Christmas abroad can be weird to adjust to but it is 100 percent worth it. You come home with glowing, tanned skin and completely relaxed instead of drained from the Christmas strain. Once you immerse yourself in the country and adjust to the climate and culture, you have the opportunity to experience an unforgettable Christmas.
South Africa is one of the best locations in the world to spend Christmas. Crisp white beaches, temperatures of around 25 degrees and most importantly it is a country where they actually fully celebrate Christmas despite it being summer. This means that even though you are halfway across the globe, you still get to experience the feeliof Christmas. Cape Town is the perfect location with its ng of Christmas. Cape Town is a perfect location, being a buzzing city with a beautiful coastline. You can fill your days leading up to Christmas with strolls on the beach, a trip up Table Mountain to experience the spectacular views over the city and then make the most of the local cuisine and sip cocktails on the beach by night. If you are someone clenching hold to that Christmas spirit then Cape Town is the city for you. The city is thriving with Christmas activity and decorations. A major event is the Kirstenbosch carols by candlelight. Set with the backdrop of Table Mountain, the locals gather in the early evening with picnics to watch the sunset. After sunset, the carols begin whilst everyone lights up the area with candles making it a special evening to remember. The waterside area of the city with its modern shops and restaurants prides itself with a great and beautifully decorated Christmas tree right on the waters edge - a constant reminder that even though you are soaking up the rays, you are still in the Christmas spirit. From Cape Town, it is very easy to continue your trip elsewhere. A top recommendation is to take a flight to Port Elizabeth where you can access some of the major safari parks. This is a perfect way to unwind and celebrate New Years by moving from coastline to the outback. Another popular Christmas location is Thailand, where you can find remote islands with its beautiful 5 star hotels, the clear blue sea and loads of authentic foods. This is a Christmas location in which you can experience a completely different culture, although you may face the issue of it being a Buddhist country. This means that strictly speaking, they do not actually celebrate Christmas. However, you are most likely to find yourselves on tourist islands such as Phuket
or Koh Samuai in resorts with other like-minded, festive tourists. The resorts do make huge efforts to create a festive feel and obviously offer an array of Western foods. It can sometimes challenge your festive spirit when you wake up on Christmas morning to be greeted with a buffet breakfast which includes noodles and dumplings. Nevertheless, this is ignored by the fact that you can spend the rest of the day drinking Singha beers or Thai cocktails on the beach. Post breakfast activities can also include a Thai massage. Most of the hotels have their own spas, but you could also easily find spa treatments that are very good and dirt-cheap outside the resorts.
"The city is thriving with Christmas activity and decorations" Visiting Thailand allows you an insight into a totally different culture; a culture where I’ve met some of the friendliest people and you just cannot fail to fall in love with the locals. If you are genuinely looking for a location to escape home and completely relax in beautiful surroundings then Thailand is the place for you. You are more likely to feel like you have skipped right past Christmas and found yourself in January but you will find yourself ending up with bronzed skin and great memories. If you want to extend your trip, Bangkok is an incredible city to experience New Years. You can spend the days touring the temples and floating market to experience the city’s buzz. New Years Eve in Bangkok is a huge boasting one that is home to some of the most highly rated firework displays in the world. My advice is to embrace a Christmas abroad and step outside of the comfort of your annual family Christmas traditions to try something new. Although the traditional log fires, brandy hot chocolates and pine trees may be missed, you will reap the rewards of trying something a little different, and celebrating the festive season an alternative way. You get to experience Christmas in a whole new environment and see what Christmas is like in the other hemisphere. Personally, I would recommend for you to stick to countries that do also celebrate Christmas but that’s not to discount away those places where Christmas isn’t as prominent.
redbrick.me/travel
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
to the finish line on the 5th of December. The parade of red and white will also be a wondrous sight to behold. It is also important to mention that proceeds from the run goes to the Acorns Charity for children and families - ‘tis the season for giving after all.
07
sugarplum and high in Christmas spirits. The Nutcracker is showing at the Birmingham Hippodrome until 13th December.
7. Digmas at the Custard Factory
10. The Wonderful World of Trains and Planes
Once upon a time, Digbeth’s biggest factory complex was devoted to instant custard but today it is home to some of Birmingham’s brightest minds, as they bring together a mistletoe-strung showcase that will include vintage clothing and quirky bits-and-bobs. An elven toy-making workshop for children and a Santa’s Grotto (for ahem, children) will surely induce some Nordic spirits in you. The highlight of this festive place will be the presence of enchanting reindeers and a feast courtesy of the the Digbeth Dining Club that set to the tune of carols and live music on the 6th of December from 12pm.
This interactive locomotive museum and exhibition will surely become one of Birmingham’s leading days out destination with its chugging locomotives that steam and puff through marvelous model villages depicting Birmingham’s ‘Wonderful World’. This is certainly something that will delight all ages. The Christmassy theme is incorporated here through its twinkling townscape models, a snowbound Santa’s Express train and a German market replica. The Christmas cheer will ring throughout the gingerbreadfilled café, railway gift shop and the Santa Sleigh simulator (once you’ve landed of course!)
8. A Winter Less Ordinary in Digbeth
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Travel writer Gino Spocchia provides us with an array of festive traditions and activities for the holidays in the second city.
If the bratwurst from the market has bored you then Birmingham’s creative hub, Digbeth is the new antidote. For one weekend, a warehouse will transform into an alternative wonderland that is home to puppet shows, popup ballets, spoken word poetry, sketches, art and the Digbeth Dining Club street food traders. The postindustrial setting festooned with the festive spirit will be an unmissable experience. The Digbeth Dining Club’s Winter Wonderland occurs through December, and is the opportuneo event for indulging in the best of the Midlands’ food mastery.
9. The Nutcracker at the Hippodrome Send yourself off into a dreamy winter tale of charm and beauty with Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. This spellbinding production of physical passion and artistry has danced its way to enjoy the status of being a Birmingham Christmas staple recommendation. The Royal Ballet is bound to leave you feeling as sweet as a
Festive Traditions Around the Globe
Travel correspondent Maja Karpowicz gives us an insight into some weird and wonderful Christmas traditions from around the world.
1. Poland
2. Mexico
including food sellers, a woman making tortillas and more exotic animals and birds such as.
Poland celebrates its main festivities on Christmas Eve, or ‘Wigilia’ as they call it. Traditionally, it is only when the first star appears in the sky that the twelve different dishes symbolising the apostles can be placed on the table, which has straw beneath the tablecloth that symbolises the stable. Before everyone can start eating, a blessed wafer called ‘Oplatek’ is shared between the family members as they exchange good tidings and wishes for the New Year. If the family has a pet, they often offer a piece of the ‘Oplatek’ to them also as it is believed that animals can talk at midnight. The food that is served on Wigilia is a clear beetroot soup, ‘Barszcz’ with or without ‘Uszka’- dumplings stuffed with mushrooms and/or cabbage. Meat isn’t consumed on Wigilia out of respect for the farm animals that shared their stable with Jesus and in memory of Christ’s sacrificial body. Therefore, only fish is eaten such as ‘Sledzie’, which is salted herring and carp, the main dish of the meal. For dessert, ‘Kompot’, a drink made out of dried fruits and fresh apples is served alongside popular dishes such as ‘Makowiec’, a poppy seed cake, ‘Kutia’ which are dried fruits mixed with nuts and wheat seeds and ‘Piernik’, a moister version of gingerbread. There is always a spare seat left at the table for strangers, as Poles believe that no one should be hungry or alone especially on Wigilia. If an unexpected visitor were to appear, they would be welcomed in. Likewise, it is left empty for family members who have passed away or couldn’t be present. After dinner, Christmas Carols are sung and presents left by ‘Swiety Mikolaj’ (Saint Nicholas) are opened beneath the Christmas tree. At midnight, the family attends ‘Pasterka’, a candle lit mass.
In Mexico, Christmas is celebrated from the 12th of December to the 6th of January. From the 16th to the 24th, children perform ‘Posadas’, a procession celebrating the part of the Nativity Story where Mary and Joseph search for a place to stay the night.
3. Sweden
"Like previous nights, fireworks are released to celebrate the beginning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus."
The children taking part in the Posada are given candles and a board where a painted clay figure of Mary on the donkey and Joseph stand. The procession visits friends and neighbours houses where they sing a song about Mary and Joseph asking for a room. All except one house turns the children away and the last house welcomes them in to say prayers and thanks, which is then followed by a party with food, games and fireworks. This ritual continues for the following nine days and then after a meal on ‘Noche Buena’ (Christmas Eve), a manger and shepherds are put on the board for the final procession. When the destined house has been found, baby Jesus is placed in the manger and the families take the board to ‘Misa de Gallo’ (midnight mass). Like previous nights, fireworks are released to celebrate the beginning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Although Christmas trees are becoming more favoured in Mexico, the most popular form of decoration is the ‘Nacimiento’, a Nativity scene, which can be bought from city markets all over Mexico. The figures are often life sized, meaning that sometimes whole rooms in a house are dedicated to them. The figures are somewhat an heirloom, as they are passed down through the family. In addition to the more classical figures of the Nativity, other very different and comical figures can be added
Along with its crisp white winters and cosy log fires, Sweden celebrates Christmas with huge feasts and mystical candlelit traditions. Similar to Poland and Mexico, the main festivities occur on Christmas Eve. Early morning mass is attended followed by a ‘Julbord’, a lunchtime buffet where a range of cold fish is served such as herring and smoked and ‘gravlax’ salmon, which is cured in salt, dill and sugar. A variety of other cold foods are included from meats to cheeses and breads. Warm dishes are also served, such as the traditional ‘Koldomar’, cabbage rolls stuffed with meat, the ‘Lutfisk’ which is dried cod with a white sauce and ‘Janssons Fretelse’ which are matchstick potatoes covered in onion, anchovies and cream, baked to golden brown. Homemade sweets, pastries and ‘Pepparkakor’ (ginger snap biscuits) are eaten for dessert. It is also on Christmas Eve when presents are opened in the evening with the accompaniment of another popular dish called ‘Risgrynsgröt’, a rice porridge eaten with cinnamon or ‘Hallonsylt', or raspberry jam. In Sweden, St Lucia’s Day on the 13th of December is
"If an unexpected visitor were to appear, they would be welcomed in." one of the most celebrated holidays around the Christmas period. St Lucia, which appropriately means light, was a young Christian girl martyred for her faith in 304AD. Her story tells of her secretly bringing provisions to persecuted Christians hiding in the catacombs of Rome. She would wear a candle crown in order to free her hands of carrying the food. In celebration of this brave child, a new girl is selected every year in schools to play her part and to wear a crown made of lingonberry branches, in which evergreen quality symbolises prevailing life in winter. They perform processions where carols are sung and visit hospitals. Boys are fortunately also included in this tradition with the opportunity to dress up as ‘Stjarngossar’ (star boys).
08 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/film
Film
The Redbrick Festive Film Calendar Critic Jess Ennis gets us in the mood for Christmas with her seasonal must-watch list...
1: The Holiday It’s been suggested – mainly in my household – that The Holiday isn’t deserving of the title of ‘Christmas favourite’, but I’d argue that the sheer fact that it’s shown on television every weekend from midNovember is enough justification in itself. Story-wise, it’s exactly what you want; warm, improbable romances, a quaint English cottage in a snowy field, and the tale of a Hollywood veteran rising back to greatness. Kate Winslet is perfectly charming, as is Jude Law, and there’s just enough snow and Christmas decorations to get you in the festive mood without overloading you.
5: Elf This list would probably fall victim to numerous complaints if I didn’t fit in Will Ferrell’s hit comedy in somewhere. Elf tells the story of Buddy, a human brought up to believe that he’s an elf, as he embarks on a quest to New York to find his real father. Featuring some wonderful comedic moments, it’s Ferrell on fine form – the film is so well loved for a reason. But I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that.
The Grinch Stole 9: How Christmas It’s an obvious one. I know that, you know that, but that doesn’t make it any less good. Starring Jim Carrey as Dr. Suess’ delightfully grumpy Grinch, who schemes to steal Christmas (the film does what it says it will, give it that much) from Whoville. Full to the brim of Carrey’s over-exaggerated humour and delightfully bright thanks to Ron Howard’s direction, nothing screams Christmas like “Am I just eating because I’m bored?”
Trains, and 2: Planes, Automobiles Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is perhaps the definitive ‘the world is conspiring against you’ Christmas film. Neal Page (Steve Martin), a somewhat controlling businessman, attempts to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving, but finds himself stranded in Kansas with the world’s most inept man, played wonderfully by John Candy. With some classic 1980’s slapstick humour and a really lovely moral heart, it’s a wonderful film to watch with family.
6: Arthur Christmas This is perhaps not the first film to spring to mind when competing with such festive heavyweights, but Aardman studios’ recent Christmas release is actually rather earnest and clever. Currently standing at a whopping 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, Arthur Christmas is a charming look at how Santa delivers his presents on Christmas Eve, with a now traditional bit of family dysfunction thrown in on the side. Featuring the vocal talents of James McAvoy and Jim Broadbent, Arthur Christmas is an animated gem to add to your nice list.
3: Bad Santa
4: It's A Wonderful Life
If I were teach you one thing in this in entire feature, it would be to please, please never a show a child this movie. Bad Santa follows Willie Stokes (Billy Bob Thornton), a lowlife criminal masquerading as a mall Santa – if you like your festive films with a bit of bite, you wouldn’t do much better than this. Thornton is fabulously horrid, boozing and smoking and tarnishing the red jacket with profanities hitherto unheard of this side of the North Pole as he sleazes his way around the local shopping centre. It’s about as vile as Christmas gets, and it’s wonderful.
As far as Christmas classics go, It’s A Wonderful Life pretty much wins across the board. George Bailey is a man who dedicates his life to helping others, and after a near suicide attempt brings forth his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, he is shown just how different his community’s lives would have been without him. Featuring beautiful direction, gorgeous performances, and easily the most wonderful writing in a Christmas film, it’s worth sacrificing technicolour to see this instrumental part of the festive season.
Lampoon's 7: National Christmas Vacation
8: Home Alone
All Clark Griswold wants is a nice, traditional Christmas. Then his extended family arrive, and his dreams quickly dissipate. Following in the footsteps of the previous National Lampoon movies, Christmas Vacation is as slapstick as you could possibly imagine an 80’s film being, but it’s played just right by Chevy Chase as the bumbling patriarch. We’ve all felt the stress of having one too many family members in the living room, perhaps making National Lampoon the most festive film of them all – after all, what’s Christmas without a drunk family member and overcooked turkey?
10: The Santa Clause
11: Miracle on 34th Street
How are you feeling – Christmassy enough yet? If not, this next pick might just get you there. Tim Allen plays Scott Calvin, a divorced dad who accidentally kills Santa on Christmas Eve, and is forced by elves at the North Pole to assume the great white beard. It might sound morbid, but Tim Allen’s easy charm and the lovable nature of his son, Charlie, makes sure that the film is both funny and warm. Featuring some ridiculous moments as Scott tries to hide his new role from his family, The Santa Clause will keep family laughing out loud the whole way through.
Frankly, if something has been used on the Coca-Cola Christmas advert, it was always going to do well on Christmas related lists. A remake of the 1947 film, Miracle on 34th Street tells the story of a lawyer and a young girl who team up to defend a man who claims that he is Santa Clause. It’s a quieter film, more sensitive and with less festive gimmicks – and the inimitable Richard Attenborough brings a beautiful sparkle to the role of Kris Kringle, a man hired to play Santa in a Thanksgiving
If you didn’t attempt to trip up unwitting house guests with harebrained after first seeing Home Alone, you’re probably lying. And if you’re one of approximately three people in the world who haven’t seen it before, you’re in for a treat. Starring a young Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, an eight year old left at home by his parents over the Christmas vacation and forced to protect the family home from robbers, Home Alone is a masterclass in slapstick comedy. From the melodramatic ‘Holy Cow!’ to the bumbling burglars, the whole piece screams Christmas fun.
12: The Polar Express This is, without a doubt, one of the most wonderful Christmas films of recent years - featuring some fantastic animated effects and various entertaining set pieces. The film follows a young boy who boards a mysterious train that arrives on Christmas Eve to take him to visit Santa, testing his belief and forcing him to confront the idea that there are many others less fortunate than him who more than make up for it in spirit. There’s some wonderful songs, including a slightly eerie Santa Clause is Coming to Town, that gives this film as much heart as you could possibly want from a festive movie.
redbrick.me/film
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
09
The Defining Film Moments of 2015:
Redbrick Writers round up the best moments in this years releases (so far!) A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night: The "White Lies" Sequence
Rakuen Tsuihou: Expelled from Paradise: First Meeting
To so effortlessly display your themes in a super-slow motion sequence with no dialogue and very little in the way of action is no small feat. Ana Lily Amirpour’s debut masterpiece takes the established trope of vampires as a metaphor for the destructive capabilities of love, sex and vice and applies it to teenage infatuation with unabashed frankness. Captivating performances from the tradition of silent films reveal the awkward nerves and paralysing fear of our two leads as they build to their first kiss, with the ever present threat of violence just a heartbeat away. The reflections from a spinning disco ball dancing across the far wall and a pulsing, 80’s-inspired rock soundtrack cement this as the stand-out moment in a very special film. Joe Ryan
Specifically the first moment our two protagonists (Angela and Dingo) meet; it sets up their own personalities and their relationship. Angela has just arrived at their rendezvous point to find no sign of Dingo. She tracks him with a satellite and sees he’s being followed by a herd of giant bugs. Angela wastes valuable time and ammunition killing the bugs, but after the fight sees Dingo was dragging metal cans behind his buggy. Dingo explains he dragged the cans to attract the bugs so that Angela would kill them. It is then that a bunch of other trucks show up to collect the bug carcasses, after paying Dingo a small fee. Angela is revealed to be strong, strict and to the point, Dingo to be wily, laid back and ready to capitalize on any situation. James Moore
Jurassic World: T-Rex
Mad Max: Fury Road: Furiosa
Fast & Furious 7: Paul Walker's Tribute
One of the most anticipated films of 2015 was undoubtedly Jurassic World, the long-awaited fourth instalment to the series. In short, it did not disappoint. I’m dedicating my favourite film moment of the year to the final scenes of the movie, to what can only be described as a fangirl moment for film-buffs: the release of old Rexy from her enclosure. The original T-Rex, or Rexy for friends, is sought by manager Claire – the wearer of ridiculously high-heeled shoes at the most inappropriate times – to defeat new dinosaur-villain, the Indominus Rex. A great end to a classic saga made all the more emotional when Rexy surveys the park after the Indominus is killed; overseeing the kingdom she once terrorised. In my eyes, this was a moment of closure, a link between old and new. Sophie Glenn
For a testosterone-fuelled, gas-guzzling blockbuster, Fury Road is, essentially, about the dismantling of a patriarchy. This is a world where women are locked away, either to be pumped for breast milk or to be kept as sex slaves, their worth based on their fertility (the ‘Wives’). Enter Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron). She is a one-armed, shaven-headed, gun-toting warrior and, despite the film’s title, she is Fury Road’s undoubted star. Furiosa is a rarity: a strong and complex woman in an action film not defined by the men around her. However, she is no exception. Furiosa is not pitted against the other women of the film – the ‘Wives’ – who, superficially, appear to be her antitheses. Instead, these characters too are equally strong and complex, and notably fighting to be considered as more than just “things”. Esther Newman
After the untimely death of Paul Walker, huge question marks were raised over how his death would be handled onscreen, especially since the series has a penchant for melodrama. The film itself definitely had rough edges, but the send-off for Walker’s character was perfect; they managed to produce a touching and incredibly heart felt tribute to their original star with a montage that would leave long-time fans of the franchise wiping away tears. There was a danger that Walker’s swan song would be melodramatic, but the ending is a wonderful blend of sensitivity and optimism. Beyond the cars and insane physics, Fast & Furious has always been about family, and Vin Diesel’s speech is perhaps more poignant than ever as it feels like a family’s bittersweet goodbye to a beloved brother. Alex McDonald
Spy: Statham's Rick Ford
Mad Max: Fury Road: 'MEDIOCRE!'
Macbeth: Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane
‘I make a habit out of doing things that people say I can't do: Walk through fire, waterski blindfolded, take up piano at a late age.’ This is just one of the magnificently ludicrous statements which make Jason Statham’s Rick Ford one of the most successful cinematic characters of the year. Statham, best known for his portrayals of cockney gangsters, manages to perform the perfect parody of himself: self-assured ‘tough guy’ who puts on a façade so macho he makes himself wince. Statham retains a deadpan sincerity that ironically cracks the composure of even the most stubborn viewer. Though Feig’s script goes a long way, Statham’s delivery is flawless, and his impatient irritation with those who doubt his uber-masculinity, matched with his absolute incompetence, make an explosively funny combination. Rosie Kelby
That one word spouting from the mouth of a 70 year old man dressed like some kind of Aborigine Devil, was enough to solidify Mad Max: Fury Road as this year’s best film. It wasn’t just the fact like the film played out like a demented Fast and Furious, or that Tom Hardy managed to spend over two hours practically mute (he’s the titular Max) or that Charlize Theron was blasted back into relevancy with a spiky, tortured but ultimately human depiction of the best heroine cinema has been gifted with in years. No, despite all this, this one word MEDIOCRE- managed to encapsulate people’s preconceived thoughts about this film (who ever wanted a fourth Mad Max film?) and what happened when George Miller threw out the rulebook and said ‘screw it, let’s give these kids a show to remember.’ George Griffiths
Justin Kurzel’s epic take on Macbeth starring Michael Fassbender, has a number of inspired moments – but the pinnacle of them all is the bringing of Birnam Wood to Dunsinane. The original playtext, called for tree limbs to be hacked off and used as to shied the approaching forces giving the wood the impression of movement; but here Birnam Wood is set alight and a shower of ashes rain down on the doomed usurper. Its visual realisation is beautiful. This adaptation is drenched in blood and fear (shout-out to the stunning slow-mo opening battle scene) and Kurzel manages to maintain this brutal atmosphere to the final signifier of Macbeth’s impending ruin with the same intensity. Flames and smoke drown the frames in blood red and cinematographer Adam Arkapaw captures the scene in all its chaos and grandeur. Gurnesha Bola
Ex Machina: Dance Party What better way to wind down after a hard day of Turing tests than to tear up the dance floor? After so much insidious tension, this scene is a mood breaker. We are blessed to witness the prodigious dancing of Oscar Isaacs and Sonoya Mizuno; who could light up the dancefloor better than Sandy and Danny Zuko. It was unexpected and irrelevant to the plot, and therefore brings a brilliant breed of comic relief. As soon as Oliver Cheatham’s track Get Down Saturday Night starts playing, the eyes of the audience light up. The synchronized moves of Isaacs and Mizuno are so slick and well shot that one can do nothing but sit, and appreciate the greatness that is Isaac and Mizuno. This delightful scene is simply one of the most entertaining moments of the year. Johndy Surio
10 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/gaming
Gaming
Redbrick's Top 10 Games Of 2015... Star Wars: Battlefront
Assassin's Creed: Syndicate
10
9
You'd expect a sequel 10 years in the making to be the shoo in for everyone's game of the year wouldn't you? Unfortunatley that's not the case here! Although still worthy of a place in this years Top 10, players for the most part were underwhelmed with the lack of space battles, tauntauns and the only 4 playable Jedi's. All things considered however fans of Star Wars will still highly enjoy this game.
Life Is Strange
7
Rise Of The Tomb Raider
8
The series back on track? After Assassins Creed: Black Flag everyone had such high hopes that the AC series would return to it's high standard after a few dissapointing installments, however Unity was quick to dash these hopes. Now Syndicate has us apprehensively rasing those hopes again, delivering a new and excting story and location and returning to the fun gameplay elements that made the series great!
The explorer with a record that would put Nathan Drake to shame returned again this year for the 11th time. Following on from 2013's reboot of the series, Rise of the Tomb Raider provides ample amount of the exciting adventure and exploration gameplay that we want from the reboot series, and living up to fans expectations in a franchise that has had as many up and downs as Assassins Creed.
Until Dawn
Batman: Arkham Knight
6
5
Life Is Strange is certainly the one entry on this list that will make many heads turn but it earns it. After picking it up as something to just fill time until the next big release it becomes an experience that sticks with you. It revolutionises the TellTale-esque story driven genre with it's time travel mechanics and crafts a story that they could only dream of telling. Life Is Strange is just phenomenal.
Story driven games that exploded in popularity in the last few years, with the likes of Heavy Rain and TellTale's Walking Dead and Game of Thrones series showing how great the genre can be. Until Dawn can go down as another example of how good these games can be!. Though not without flaws, such as little variation between the games "hundreds of endings", Until Dawn is still an excting ride for gamers!
Many thought Arkham Knight to be a copy-paste rehash of Arkham City but a bit bigger and with a Batmobile and whilst they aren't wrong at the end of the day it's Batman and Arkham Knight is the best Batman game to date especially as a fitting conclusion to an epic trilogy (we don't really count Origins). Being the Batman has never felt as genuine as Rocksteady's masterpiece of comicbook videogame.
Bloodborne
Metal Gear Solid V
Fallout 4
4 Bloodborne is a work of art and despite not having the 'Souls' name attached it outshines that entire series and is arguably Hidetaka Miyazaki's magnum opus. With a greater focus on attack rather than defence many 'Souls' veterans may see it as a step backward but they couldn't be more wrong and if you own a PS4 and don't own Bloodborne you are doing yourself a great disservice.
3 When you go back and play the first titles in this series you wonder how it grew to become this beast of a title. With an epic open world spanning two continents and being the ultimate PMC Simulator with it's base building MGSV earns its place in the top three. Some may say it's story is subpar but all in all MGSV is a masterpiece of the stealth genre and is the goodbye from Kojima that fans deserve.
1 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Our pick for Game of the Year. Narrowly beating out Fallout 4, the incredible undertaking and achievement that is the Witcher 3 meant that we just couldn't refuse it for our top spot. The best installment yet in the acclaimed Witcher series, Wild Hunt lived up to everyones expectations whilst delivering one of the most dynamic and intricate game worlds ever made. The reason Wild Hunt has to be considered game of the year over Fallout 4 is simply due to the technical masterpiece that the world of the Wild Hunt. Features such as the natural migration of NPC villagers to safer locations and periodical attack
from monsters on settlements mean the game continues to be playable and exciting long after the end of the main storyline. The immersion in Wild Hunt is unlike that of any other game released this year and you actually feel invloved with and a part of the world in a way you don't really find in Fallout 4. Smaller noticed features such as the animosity your actions can attract from NPC or the greater still dynamic beard growth mean that Wild Hunt cannot be considered anything less than the most techincally brilliant game to be released this year.
2 I know what you're thinking, not number 1?! Fallout 4 will certainly see it's fair share of Game of the Year Awards this year and for good reason. Dropped into a post apocalyptic wasteland, Fallout 4 is a phenomenal adventure that's become routine from RPG juggernauts Bethesda, providing a masterclass in how RPG's should be made. Not without bugs, they do little to stop the game being one of the best of the year.
redbrick.me/culture
4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
11
Culture
Christmas Books
Imogen Tink Culture Editor, reminds us of the importance of reading Since going to University, the weekend I come home for Christmas has become a major event, largely brought about by my mum and me venting out much pent up festive excitement that we have been suppressing since about mid-November. The decorations are brought down from the loft, I drag my dad out of bed in the early hours so we can tour the deepest darkest corners of Suffolk countryside in search of a perfect tree, we switch on the Christmas music and exclaim over some truly dreadful decorations, lovingly handcrafted by my brother and I when we were quite small (a particular favourite is what seems to be two plastic bottle ends stuck together and stuffed with tinsel, complete with an incriminating ‘Imogen’ label attached to it, so there is no escaping my artistic past). One of the parts I love the most is digging out the Christmas Books which, to me, harbour as many special memories as any other part of the festive celebrations. Some of them were bought on a whim – Slinky Malinki’s Christmas Cracker, I’m looking at you – and others, like Enid Blyton’s Balder the Bright and the Beautiful and The Christmas Book by Dick Bruna, were my mum’s when she was a child. These books all harbour happy memories which are reignited each time I pick one of them up to read. Whilst the Christmas stories appealed to me more when I was small, reading Carol Ann Duffy’s Christmas books is by far one of my favourite festive past times now. She has a great capacity to induce a chuckle, a sigh and even a small tear all at once through her powerful work. Over the past few years, she has published a festive book every Christmas. Last year she brought us ‘Dorothy Wordsworth’s Christmas Birthday’, a wonderful poem showing us the frozen Lake District landscape on Christmas Eve as Dorothy Wordsworth, sister of William Wordsworth, is patiently awaiting both Christmas Day and her own birthday. In 2009, the wonderful ‘Mrs Scrooge’ was published, a modern retelling of A Christmas Carol, where the eponymous Mrs Scrooge is
visited by the ghosts of past, present and future, and is reminded of the true meaning of Christmas spirit. And in 2011, with an utter emotional punch, she published ‘The Christmas Truce’, a poem dedicated to the memory of the infamous football match which took part between enemy soldiers on the Western Front during the First World War. An unsentimental and thought provoking piece of literature, which I would encourage everyone to read. This year Carol Ann Duffy bestows upon us a new literary delight, ‘The Wren Boys’. The poem depicts the adventures of a group of children, on a chilly Boxing Day as they through the snow-filled countryside. I fully intend to add this to the wobbling tower of family Christmas books! A few weeks ago an article caught my eye, advising parents on what to buy their children for Christmas. Initially I read it out of irritation, sighing in consternation at yet another sanctimonious person telling parents how to be a parent. But as I read onwards, it made a whole lot of sense. It simply said buy your children something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. I think this is a brilliant approach to helping children appreciate Christmas for more than just how many gifts they receive. As a booklover myself, I completely support the final gift, something to READ. Reading opens up our eyes to worlds, experiences and emotions that we have never encountered before; for a child this is essential as a way of educating them past their everyday experiences. This is particularly relevant at Christmas, as literature like Carol Ann Duffy’s breaks through all the monotonous Christmas adverts, the food consumed, the copious amounts of money spent and gifts bought, and reminds us of the true meaning of the festive season. Over the next few weeks, take a spare ten minutes, a mince pie and a cup of tea, find a secluded corner of the house and settle down with a Carol Ann Duffy poem. I can guarantee a gloriously sentimental festive mood afterwards. Merry Christmas!
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Rosie Twells fills us in on an amazing production, Spell-binding and magical are just two of the words that could aptly describe The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, directed by Tessa Walker. Based on C. S. Lewis’s storybook, the tale of four children, Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy, evacuated from London during World War II to live in a remote country house, is brought to life on stage with sparkle and wonder. The sibling bond between the four central characters was dominant throughout the play and it was easy for the audience to attribute personal qualities to each one. A stand out performance was given by James Thackeray who played the role of Edmund, and displayed perfectly the two sides to his character: gluttony versus gratitude. His desperation to become Prince under the control of the White Witch is surpassed at the end of the play as he realises that blood is thicker than water, or snow in this case. Whilst some of the character attributes were exaggerated slightly for the benefit of the children watching the show, there was plenty for the adults to enjoy. Mr Tumnus (Jo Servi) confidently directed Lucy, and the audience, round the fantasy world of Narnia with charisma and wit. Likewise, Mr and Mrs Beaver (Thomas Aldridge and Sophia Nomvete) were comical geniuses, especially in regards to the high energy performances they sustained throughout the performance, alongside the lyrical word play of their song. Anyone who can rhyme ‘fishes’, ‘dishes’ and ‘delicious’ in three lines and still gain several laughs from the audience deserves an award for services to comedy in my book. In addition, set design was one of the most striking elements to this production. The number of different scenes was astounding and it was interesting to see the intricate details which allowed seamless transitions
between acts. An access portal into Narnia was represented by the wardrobe door, whilst a silhouette screen functioned as rooms in Professor Kirke’s house and part of the snowy landscape. The White Witch’s castle was visually imposing as the harsh, angular icicles hanging down from the walls contrasted against the later scenes of Aslan’s return to power and the revival of summer. Allison McKenzie fitted the role of the evil royal queen precisely: her regal and imposing authority shone through in almost every scene she was present. The wonderful efforts of the design team cannot go unnoticed here either. For example, Aslan, voiced by Nuno Silva, constituted of three separate puppets, each with space in between his head, front and back. The result was a magnificent, three-dimensional lion sculpture constructed in origami. This was an extremely clever technique used by technicians as it strongly encouraged the audience to use their own imagination and be part of the illusions taking place on stage. Aslan’s presence took on greater significance in the final battle scene, as the sheer magnitude of the puppet dominated the floor, defeating the White Witch in the process and proving that good always conquers over evil. The final song of the play drew upon the importance of adventures, magic, honesty and trust for children and this was all made possible by the creative inspiration that a theatre setting provides. It is only in this environment where bewitching and captivating performances can truly provoke the idea that anything can happen. For the two hour and twenty minute show, the entire audience was transported to another world and imaginations roamed free in a magical land.
12 4th December 2015 - 22nd January 2016
redbrick.me/lifestyle
Life & Style Life&Style writers Jade Woodhouse and Esther Newman met up with event organiser from Magic Door, Jit Coulter-Patel, to learn more about Digbeth's latest multi-faceted Christmas event. R: How did you come up with the idea for ‘A Winter Less Ordinary’? J: It’s from going to other events really. I spent a lot of time in Goa in January where there’s this amazing Saturday night market which is a real vibrant mix of retail, music, bars, and it’s a lovely sort of atmosphere to be around. It was quite a cultural hub, and it inspired me to create something like that for Birmingham.
R: What is it about Digbeth that made you want to hold the event there? J: It’s no big secret that Digbeth is becoming the independent, creative part of the city. I've already hosted events there which connect people, and I thought this would appeal to a new trend. The combination of lots of people and Digbeth's diverse atmosphere definitely makes it; there’s nowhere else like it in the city. As well as this, the support from the creative community in Digbeth has been great. There’s a lot of communication between us and, even though occasionally we might be competitors, everyone helps if they can.
R: We noticed that the ticket costs are really low [the cost is £3 in advance, which is obviously great for us, being students! J: Yeah, to be honest, initially we wanted
it to be free, however a bit of cash flow helps us to put on the best show! We’ve got a lot of support from the national press, as well as big hype on social media, but because we’ve got a limited capacity, we didn’t want people to turn up to an oversubscribed event which, in the winter, would be a horrible situation!
R: How have you tied everything together into one cohesive event? J: For the original idea, I wanted everything in one space, and there will be only one specific thing happening at one given time, and so it wasn’t a whole distraction from events going on. It’s a pretty vast and cavernous space, and I don’t want to sprawl it too much - if something is going on and everyone can experience it without feeling like ‘I’m missing out that over there’.
R: Could sum up in three words why University of Birmingham students should come visit 'A Winter Less Ordinary'? J: Do something different!
R: We've found that students are very conscious of doing things that aren’t just ‘on the surface Birmingham’ things. J: Completely. It's always that same perennial question, whether you’re a student or not – we’re all constantly asking ‘what should we
do?’, ‘what is there to do?’ Our event provides something out of the ordinary!
R: What is it about this event that makes it different - something that people in Birmingham won't have done before? J: What we’re trying to create is a little hub of creativity where people can experience new things. There will be a huge range of talent on display, from pop-up ballet, to theatre performances and live music. We have such a diverse programme - the music especially. We’ve got people like Mendi Singh who plays a ten Tablas. And then we’ve got this guy, Chickenbone John, sort of tobacco-box guitars, a real blues thing! They’re not all things that I would go to or potentially listen to, but in the context of a varied event, where’re you’re getting a little snippet of it, you don’t need to be a avid listener of every style of performance to be able to appreciate it.
R: Would you say it's not like with a theatre ticket where you have to invest a lot of money - you can just pay a couple of pounds and try something really different with your weekend? J: Definitely! We’re allowing people who aren't normally into ballet or theatre access to a whole new type of entertainment. It’s very much a two way street with it all - we've got people coming who normally would never even think to go to the ballet, and yet they can
watch an amazing performance from the Birmingham Royal Ballet dancers! As the second most prominent ballet company in the country, having them and their little pop-up event in a warehouse for £3 in Digbeth is such a unique opportunity. Equally, we're working with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, who will be performing some more edgy things, and reaching out to a whole new audience.
R: What’s your favourite thing about Birmingham in terms of culture? J: That’s a hard one! I think that perhaps in terms of the people, it’s probably one of the most diverse cities in the country and it’s a lovely environment to immerse yourself in. This diversity can't be found in every city - even in the heart of London. There are so many people in Birmingham, it doesn’t matter who you are, you can have an idea and, if you’re determined and focused with it, you can get it out there. There’s a fair chance that the city is big enough to achieve your goals, and small enough for it to succeed. So, I’ll say it’s the people and the openness of the city to accept creativity that makes Birmingham so special.
'A Winter Less Ordinary' is on from the 12th - 13th December.