Redbrick- 6th June 2014

Redbrick

6th - 20th June 2014 Vol. 78. Issue 1450. www.redbrick.me

Est. 1936

Scottish Independence would leave a hole in British culture COMMENT / P7

Does UKIP's victory signal the end of majority governments?

COMMENT / P7

Guild Women's Officer on Preventing Sexual Assault

Godzilla: the best big budget action film since The Avengers?

NEWS / P3

MUSIC / P19

Clean Bandit Replaced With Sigma for GradBall 2014 NEWS / P6

TEDx Debut at the University of Birmingham

FILM / P17

Lana Del Rey returns with new single 'West Coast' How to deal with the inevitable 'Graduation Blues' LIFE&STYLE / P21

How to visit London without forfeiting your student loan TRAVEL / P24

HT

IG SPOTL

8 page ut pullo culture

NEWS / P5

Interviews: The Marriage of Figaro Feature: Humans of Birmingham Visiting the Barber Institute

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News Tweet of the Week

Society Spotlight

Humans v Zombies Members play area games as zombies or humans. All players begin as humans, and one is randomly chosen to be the ‘Original Zombie’. The Original Zombie tags human players and turns them into zombies. Humans are allowed to defend themselves. Throughout the games there will also be a variety of 'missions' for the players.

Look out for your Junkbusters bags- get rid of any unwanted items and donate them to charity!

Look out for your Junkbusters bags- get rid of any unwanted items and donate them to charity!

JunkBusters is a joint project between the University and the Guild, scouring the streets or Selly Oak for donation bags.

All proceeds go to charity! @junkbusters1

Email: zombies@guild.bham.ac.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/159100197438/ "Its a bit like tag, but with more drama"

Online in Redbrick News

Read about: - Trojan Horse developments - GradBall follow-up - New Chancellor appointed - European and Local Council elections results

Photo of the Week: GMTG's The Phantom of the Opera Eleanna Kounoupa

Redbrick Editorial Team Editors Josh Holder James Phillips editor@redbrick.me

Comment Editors Julia Bayer Charlie Moloney Jonathan Simpson comment@redbrick.me

Deputy Editors Charley Ross Adam Rowe George Bearman deputy@redbrick.me Digital Editors Ashley Kirk Julia Yan digital@redbrick.me News Editors Tara Dein Sabrina Dougall Vanessa Browne Vedika Bahl news@redbrick.me

Life&Style Editors Amy Wakeham Bethany Barley Lizzie Green lifestyle@redbrick.me

Crossword Editors Matthew Robinson Thomas Hutchinson

Film Editors Jay Crosbie Tom Lofkin crossword@redbrick.me Hayley Allanson film@redbrick.me Arts Editors Katherine Keegan Music Editors Stuart Found Ludo Cinelli Charlotte Spence Jack Crowe Olivia Renshaw Matt Moody Benjamin Carver music@redbrick.me arts@redbrick.me

Multimedia Editors Molly Garfoot Julia Yan multimedia@redbrick.me

Editorial Assistants Molly Garfoot Bethany Tilston Ellie Jarvis Ella Parsons Toria Brook-Hill Michael Smith Lucy Moseley Emily Trivette

Travel Editors Hannah Stevens Jessica Flanagan Sara Tryon travel@redbrick.me

Food Editors Gemma Bridge Lynette Dakin Millie Walker food@redbrick.me

Sci&Tech Editors Soumya Perinparajah Claire Harris Senior Editorial George Bearman Assistant technology@redbrick.me Isabel Mason

Television Editors Hannah Mason Daisy Follett Rochelle Stanley tv@redbrick.me

Sport Editors Alex Kronenberg Aman Harees David Morris sports@redbrick.me

Photography Editors Charlotte Wilson Emily Hickey-Mason photography@redbrick.me

Redbrick Guild of Students Edgbaston Park Road Birmingham B15 2TT 0121 251 2462 editor@redbrick.me Redbrick is printed through www.mortonsprint.com 01507 523 456 Advertising Contact Linda Langley in Guild Marketing on 0121 251 2524 Designed and typeset by Redbrick Copyright (C) Redbrick 2014 The views expressed in Redbrick do not necessarily reflect those of the editors, the Guild or the publishers. If you find an error of fact in our pages, please write to the Editor. Our policy is to correct mistakes promptly in print and to apologise where appropriate. We reserve the right to edit any article, letter or email submitted for publication.

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Anger Over Government Cuts to DSA News Writer Deborah Hermanns meets Duncan Kennedy and Nick Cook who rely on the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) What do you get through the DSA? Duncan: Special software to record lecturers, funding for mentoring, note takers Nick: Money for books and printing, dictation software, a laptop, dictaphone, funding for a scribe for exams. Other students get funding for taxis for transport in to Universities and their studies, funding to help them with specialist housing needs.

DSA may also help with items of equipment that are essential to enable a students learning experience. For example, for students with back problems they may provide specialist office chairs. There are many more things that DSA fund to enable students to study at University.

Why is the DSA so important to you?

Duncan: When I first started University, my mentors went a long way helping me adjust to life at University and helping to ensure I was working effectively. The fact that I have note takers allows me to ensure that I am more focused on the lecture instead of trying to listen and take notes. In the run up to exams I have used the comprehensive set of notes I have been provided with alongside the recording of lectures to effectively revise for my exams. Without DSA I feel that I would not have completed this year.

Nick: The software that I used was instrumental in ensuring that I have completed this year successfully. My laptop was unable to accommodate the specific

software that I required, which includes dictation software. The dictation software allowed me to complete my essays, without which I would have struggled to hand the essays in on time if at all. I would not have been able to finish my exams or they would have been illegible. Disability affects me in lectures, exams and reading. I would not have been able to study effectively without the use of DSA, this is why I was so shocked when the announcement for the cuts to DSA happened.

What is your message to local MPs? Duncan: Without DSA I could not be at University, studying Maths. Funding for note takers, equipment to record and playback lectures, and especially trained mentors has been essential to my success here.

Without it, I could not have learned some fascinating maths, done lots of things I haven’t done before or meet lots of new friends.

Nick: You may think that these issues affect only a few minority of those going through higher education, but you are wrong. We deserve this opportunity to study at a university as much as anyone else. You may think that taking away DSA won’t impact people with a disability going to University, but you are wrong. I can say with certainty that almost all disabled students currently entitled to DSA won’t be able to go to University and study to our full potential.

The changes to the DSA were announced in April. David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science noted that the changes ‘will look to HEIs [Higher Education Institutions] to play their role in supporting students with mild difficulties’.

As part of the adjustments, students who require a computer ‘solely by virtue of their disability’ will still receive fund-

ing. Financial assistance will also continue for students with Specific Learning Difficulties. The government has also pledged to fund ‘the most specialist NonMedical Help’ for students with disabilities at university.

The changes will apply to all fulltime, part-time and postgraduate students applying for the DSA for the first time from September 2015.

Feature: Sexual Assault Awareness Redbrick speaks to Women’s Officer Mae Rohani about sexual assault awareness, victim blaming and ‘rape culture’ on campus.

Tara Dein News Editor

@taradein

Vanessa Browne News Editor

@vanessabrowne94

Trigger Warning: Sexual violence, abuse, victim-blaming, rape culture.

In 2010, the National Union of Students conducted the ‘Hidden Marks’ survey, inquiring into over 2000 British female students’ experiences of sexual assault on campus. The first of its kind, the survey revealed that 1 in 7 students experienced a serious physical or sexual assault during their stay at university, and that 68 per cent had been a victim of one or more kinds of sexual harassment while they were at university. The majority of the perpetrators were fellow students. ‘Preventing sexual assault is not something that can really be done actively, in that it isn’t so much up to victims to protect themselves but perpetrators not to do it’, explained Mae Rohani, the University’s Women’s Officer. ‘The majority of campaigning around sexual assault is to do with raising awareness and rejecting the social acceptance of assault we see in rape culture’.

Rape culture is defined as the cultural normalization of sexual assault, to the extent to which individuals become desensitized to it. Concerning police definitions of assault, Rohani specified that ‘sexual assault relates

to any unwanted sexual contact, including groping. Serious sexual assault covers rape and any form of unwanted penetration into the vagina, anus or mouth.’

Public concern over rape culture has become increasingly prominent; the NUS Lad Culture Summit took place this February as a follow up to the Hidden Marks survey.

As well as this, the Everyday Sexism Project, founded by Laura Bates, which has been trending on Twitter. Although sexual assault does not solely affect women, Rohani maintains that ‘rape culture is something that disproportionately targets women and those with complex gender identities. However, it should be a priority for the Vice-President Welfare as a full-time elected and employed member of the Guild’.

The NUS Hidden Marks Survey further revealed that a 4 per cent minority of female students who had been seriously sexually assaulted reported it to their institution, and 10 per cent to the police. Due to the private nature of such information, specific data surrounding students at the University of Birmingham itself remains withheld, however there are plans for the Guild of Students and Women’s Officers to look at collecting data about our demographic anonymously through a survey next year.

‘The Guild’s Zero Tolerance Policy is also in place to deal with sexual harassment, which happens when unwanted sexual touching or comments are directed at a person and persist after being asked to stop. I am hoping to raise awareness about this policy and what sexual harassment and assault consist

of more throughout this year and during Welcome Week next year in conjunction with the Vice Presidents Welfare and Housing & Community.’

In terms of raising awareness on campus, Rohani detailed this year’s activities and aims, which have been self-defence classes, to ‘increase confidence levels for students walking home at night,’ and ‘encouraging people to ask for their partner’s consent before engaging in any sexual activity to ensure respect and clarity’ through the Consent Week campaign, both organised by the Women’s Association. ‘I try to make it clear that our campaigns are about consent, and that the responsibility for rape is entirely at the hands of the rapist’, she clarified, ‘I personally am aiming to set up support groups for survivors with Elms Road next term, and I know that this is something my successor will also be taking forward.’

However, in terms of the way the university utilises resources and contacts, Rohani commented ‘I think the information and clarity about reporting as well as the support available are sorely lacking. The fact that there currently are no support groups or specific targeting of survivors at the Student Support Services illustrates the lack of priority in dealing with these attacks.’

The University currently recommends that students should report sexual assault to the police, through the emergency services, via 999 in an emergency or using 101 after a few days. Currently, the university policy on harassment and bullying states, ‘The University is committed to creating a work-

ing and learning environment free from harassment and discrimination in which all staff, students and visitors to the University are treated with dignity and respect. All staff and students are expected to uphold these principles and to support and promote the creation of a Harassment-free working and learning environment’.

However, Rohani commented ‘the system is quite unclear. If your case is dealt with well from the start, it should get flagged up immediately as a confidential case and your department should facilitate support without being made aware of the details of your situation. However there are gaps in this policy in that it requires a knowledge of where to turn first’.

In response to the question of what measures female students could take to prevent attacks, Rohani stated, ‘I would always encourage everyone to ask for consent before engaging in sexual activity with a new or regular partner, and respect their decision, body and comfort, to not touch someone’s body sexually without their consent, to not catcall or harass anyone verbally, to keep an eye out for your and friends’ drinks, to be aware of your surroundings as you walk home, to ensure you only use marked taxis and to challenge rape jokes and common misogyny as well as victimblaming when it happens around you’.

If you would like to find out more information about this topic or give input into what you would like support for survivors to look like at the University, take a look at the Women’s Officer’s blog.

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News

Remembering Stephen Sutton Feature: The story of the teenage cancer patient who inspired a nation Lucy Moseley News Reporter

@l_mosely

Many students will have scrolled down their Facebook page over the past month and come across ‘Stephen’s Story’: the courageous and inspirational tale of a 19-year-old cancer patient.

In between trips to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital just around the corner from us here in Birmingham, Stephen Sutton was enjoying the indefinite amount of time he he had left. After finding out his cancer was terminal, he spent his final days trying to teach everyone that ‘we shouldn’t have to rely on tragedy to remind us to have a good time’. His journey, which has gone viral over the past few months, followed not the struggle of cancer, but the determination to make the most of the time he had.

After first being diagnosed with cancer in 2010, Sutton created a bucket list of 46 things he wanted to do before he died. Some of these included fun and silly things such as crowd surfing in a dinghy boat, (which he completed) as well as more sincere goals, such as inspiring someone else to become a doctor or fundraiser.

"Bad things happen but it's how you react to these things that define who you are" He explained, ‘physically my cancer may be taking over my body but overall and emotionally I am winning the battle against my cancer because I am living life to the full despite it, and perhaps in spite of it.’

In his last few weeks, the West Midlands-born teenager met some of his favourite celebrities from his hospital bed, raising further publicity for his cause. He also achieved a Guinness World Record, gave inspirational talks to large crowds and received a trophy from his

school named ‘The Stephen Sutton Award for Inspiring Others’.

In addition, Sutton organised a huge event in Birmingham on 10th May called ‘National Good Gesture Day’, which consisted of young people in 10 cities across the UK ‘giving out free high fives, hugs, handshakes and fist bumps. The aim of the day was to have fun and spread as many smiles as possible.’

"I'm not too bothered about completing the bucket list anymore" Sutton completed 34 of the 46 items on his bucket list, but commented, ‘I’m not too bothered about completing the bucket list anymore. The main thing I want to do is help others.’

Teenage Cancer Trust will certainly agree that he achieved his goal by raising over £4 million for their charity.

He commented, ‘I don’t see the point in measuring life in terms of time anymore, I’d rather measure life in terms of making a difference’. After meeting the teenager, Jason Manford described this as ‘a great philosophy for life’.

His witty personality shone through his blog posts, posting after he said his goodbyes in April that, ‘I genuinely thought I was a goner but hey, I’m still here!’. When readmitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for the last time, Stephen’s final post described ‘the whole thing is very inconvenient aha’, as he had more exciting plans, such as being interviewed by the BBC.

"His spirit, bravery and fundraising for cancer research were an inspiration" His mother broke the news to his millions of followers when Sutton passed away, posting on his facebook page, ‘My heart is bursting with pride but breaking with pain for my courageous, selfless,

inspirational son who passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 14th May’.

David Cameron, who met the teenage icon, said, 'I'm deeply saddened to hear that Stephen Sutton has died. His spirit, bravery and fundraising for cancer research were all an inspiration'. On the same day, Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister, tweeted that Sutton was 'a brave, selfless and inspirational young man.'

Stephen Sutton will undoubtedly be

remembered for his positivity and spirited outlook on life, and hopefully we can all learn from his experience that, ‘bad things happen, but it’s how you react to these things that define who you really are.’

More can be read about Stephen’s incredible story on his tribute Facebook page, 'RIP Stephen Sutton'. Further contributions are still being collected on his justgiving page: http://www.justgiving.com/stephen-sutton-TCT.

Trojan Horse: Ofsted updates Birmingham school cleared of discriminatory allegations Amy Bainbridge

News Reporter Ofsted has recently cleared Park View academy of the discrimination allegations in its first inspection, reverting back to its outstanding rating. They have, however, given more serious criticism than the previous minor recommendations, that could be implemented early next week.

The ‘Trojan Horse’ saga, surrounding claims that Islamist extremists planned to take over schools, has become a political row. Although the documents’ validity has been questioned they are still deemed credible enough to undergo investigation. It has even led Michael Gove, Education Secretary, to recruit the Ofsted Chief Inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw as a special education commissioner. Moreover, Peter Clarke, who headed the Met’s counter-terrorism squad during the London July 7th bombings, has been appointed to investigate the allegations of extremism.

The investigation initially surrounded Park View school. The first inspection was on 7th March, which made minor recommendations and criticised the school’s leadership. Ofsted claimed they wanted the moral and cultural development programs reviewed so as to prevent extremist behaviour. They then returned on the 17th March and announced a full-blown investigation, changing the rating to ‘inadequate’.

Ofsted’s first inspection of Park View cleared the school of allegations of discrimination and retained its outstanding rating, according to a leaked draft of the inspector’s recommendations.

Furthermore, they overturned their initial findings and replaced minor recommendations with more severe criticism that could see it placed in special measures as early as next week.

Ofsted reports into 21 schools under investigation are expected to be published within the next few weeks. As part of this, six schools are predicted to be downgraded to 'adequate' ratings.

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x TED inspires students across campus Olivia Renshaw Arts Editor

28th May saw the first ever TED× talk, entitled 'Throwing Caution to the Wind' come to the University of Birmingham.

TED is a not-for-profit organisation ‘devoted to spreading ideas’ through live presentations. TED addresses a variety of multidisciplinary concerns and concepts, and the best way to learn something new is of course to step out of your comfort zone.

These short, powerful talks are shared on the TED website as part of the promise to reach a global audience.

For Throwing Caution to the Wind, the university team partnered up with TED’s sub-project, TED×. A secondary branch of the original program, TED× sets out to ‘spark conversation and connection through local TED-like experiences’. By providing its reputation and branding to locally hosted conferences, TED allows independent forums to spread its goal of ideas networking.

"The evening was fast-paced and challenging" The tickets for Throwing Caution to the Wind sold out in just three days – due to licensing restrictions there were only 100 audience members allowed at Birmingham’s first TED× – but the student team, led by Digital Communications Officer Thomas

Farrar and supported by student ambassador Diana Murgulet, are hopeful that this restriction will be lifted for the next event held on campus.

After sales for this preliminary experiment rocketed, many felt that the hard work of UoB’s student team came to fruition as this unprecedented merger truly lived up to the hype.

Combining the ethos of the global ideas machine TED with the local talent Birmingham has to offer successfully captured the lively spirit of the city, presenting Birmingham in its best light through the tried-and-tested TED format. In addition to two pre-recorded TED sponsored speakers, students heard from resident academics, artists and activists to name a few.

The talks, in keeping with TED’s online collection, covered an impressive range of areas. One particularly popular talk was that of artist Gavin Wade’s which used the primary focus of visual art to draw many strands of life into one ideology. Wade’s talk was about his ten-year vision of Birmingham’s artistic future. (See page 14 for more information about Eastside Projects, Gavin’s groundbreaking artist-led space in Digbeth).

Fortunately for non-polymaths in the audience, every one of the speakers attained a good balance between expert detail and general accessibility. The evening was fastpaced and challenging without being alienating on any front. For those who missed out on tickets, recordings of the presentations will soon be accessible online via the TED× Twitter feed, @TEDxUniofBham.

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News With over 50,000 subscribers and 3 million views on her channel, UoB student Hannah Witton has become a YouTube sensation.

News Editor Vedika Bahl finds out what makes her a success.

What’s your YouTube story? How did it all start?

About 3 years ago, I was just bored and started watching other people on YouTube.

I thought it looked really fun and I thought I’d give it a go myself - I wanted in on the action!

Your channel has grown massively - how does it feel to have nearly 50,000 subscribers watching your videos?

When I’m online it’s just a large number I see on my channel - if it was 50,000 human beings it would be very different and overwhelming! But it’s just such a massive number and I don’t even know that many people, so it’s so strange to comprehend a number like that. But it is very cool, I’m so glad so many people enjoy what I make.

What response do you get from other students about your YouTube channel?

It depends, sometimes I don’t tell people about it and just talk about other things, but sometimes I’ll be in a seminar and people will just turn to me and say ‘Oh I didn’t know you make YouTube videos! I found your channel!’ People often find them through my Facebook page, where I share them and friends comment on them. But I don’t often tend to ‘advertise’ myself, and it is quite interesting when people react to them.

A lot of your videos focus on sex and sexual health - is this something you feel passionately about as a student?

Of course. I do make other videos but I seem to be more ‘known’ to talk about sex a lot on my channel, and I don’t mind that.

It’s something that needs to be talked about.

How did you manage to balance your university life (especially third year) and your YouTube videos?

It was difficult. It took me a while to get the balance right, and even now it’s a bit hit-and-miss trying to get videos done on time. Second year was hard because I was still figuring out my routine. First year I had loads of time to make videos but second year really damaged my viewership as I’d go a month or so without making a video. Third year I got into more of a routine, separating my work time and YouTube time.

What were your friends/family/coursemates' reactions to your channel?

I think at first they thought I was just this weirdo who speaks to a camera! But then once the impact of it settled in - I mean, I went to Florida and LA and London for conventions and it became more of a career option - so, seeing how big it actually became, they were very supportive!

Do you have a YouTube inspiration?

Right now I’m loving Ashley Mardell.

Her username is heythere005, she makes videos often about sexuality and identity and things like that. Her editing is phenomenal, she’s awesome at giving videos the extra level of awesome.

Does your post-graduation plan involve YouTube?

Yeah, definitely. I’m going to keep making videos. It’s not really enough to sustain a ‘career’ just yet but I plan to use it as a launch pad for now. I hope to go into social media or presenting, maybe even a ‘sex show’ one day!

Campus sees reduction in begging complaints Sabrina Dougall News Editor

@Sabrina_Dougall

Since anti-social behaviour (and begging in particular) became a priority for the Edgbaston police last year, Police Sergeant Peter Sandhu has said he is ‘not aware’ of any recent complaints of begging on campus. Sgt Sandhu told Redbrick that ‘begging has decreased since January this year’ due to ‘positive action’ such as more arrests and convictions made. Although the police admit that September to January saw a ‘dramatic increase’ in the amount of begging in the Edgbaston area, students can now feel a greater sense of security on campus.

The decrease can be put down to a number of reasons. In addition to greater police action in the

areas of Five Ways, Hagley Road and Bristol Road where begging was most severe, Sgt Sandhu also suggests that the change in EU law allowing Romanians and Bulgarians to work in the UK ‘can’t be discounted’ and may be ‘a major factor’ in the reduction of localised begging.

Sgt Sandhu stated that the reduction in such crime ‘has sent the message that we in Edgbaston will not stand for people begging and breaking the law.’

‘Ultimately, the people of this country have voted that begging is illegal, and we as the police are here to uphold that.’

‘You don’t have to help people by giving money,’ he added, suggesting that students wishing to help the homeless can ‘direct [a beggar] to housing services and food banks’ rather than donating cash.

Clean Bandit pull out of GradBall due to 'promo commitments'

Tara Dein News Editor

@Taradein

The Guild of Students has announced that they are ‘deeply disappointed and frustrated’ that Clean Bandit, the UK chart-topping act, will no longer be performing at this year's Graduation Ball.

Despite the fact that they will still be performing at the University of Liverpool this week, the University received an email from the band’s management stating that due to ‘promo commitments’, they can no longer perform in Birmingham, despite the short notice.

However, it is all not all bad news, as the Guild has managed to secure a replacement at very short notice. The acts confirmed for Thursday 12th June are the British drum and bass duo Sigma, the replacement headlining act. In addition to this, Gorgon City will be playing, along with singer-songwriter Jess Glynn (who has already secured two number ones this year and provided the vocals for Clean Bandit's, 'Rather Be').

A third year Maths Student has told Redbrick, ‘It’s disappointing. We were very excited to have such a successful band performing at Gradball.

To be fair though, Sigma is also great and it should be a night to remember’.

Students escape hot water after police drug search Sabrina Dougall News Editor

@Sabrina_Dougall

Police were surprised to discover the true contents of what was believed to be ‘a large bag of drugs’ after being called to an address at Tennis

Courts. The drug search, carried out on 1st May, was prompted by a call from the University.

Whilst ‘drug paraphernalia’ was discovered at the students’ residence, police told Redbrick that the substance actually turned out to be ‘French herbal tea’. The materials were retained by police. No arrests were made.

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Comment

Scottish Independence: To Be, or Not to Be, That is the Question Dominic Worku Commentator

On the 18th September the people of Scotland will vote to see if independence is the fate in which it hopes to invest. This day of reckoning could abolish the Union with England Act of 1707 and see nearly 300 years of unity dismantled and a new meaning to the term 'British'. But with this discussion that has dominated news columns and captured the public imagination since its inception, many have focused on the possible future of Scotland. After all are we not stronger together? This is a question that has proven most difficult to answer and harder to evaluate.

It is hardly surprising that devolution has not enticed the Scottish to consider staying indefinitely after all it involves Westminster controlling crucial aspects of Scottish society from its economy which is suggested to be ranked as the 14th wealthiest country per head within the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), as well as issues such as

pensions and national defence projects such as Trident.

Now I do not question that Scotland is a land of opportunity and growth, a growth that economic analysis suggests outstrips other parts of the UK, however, this is relatively recent growth spurt and a move such as this has never been attempted, to break up both a political and currency union. But why are the SNP so sure that this move will leave them untarnished and more wholesome than before? It is the vast natural resources that are amongst our northern cousins. It is acknowledged that Scotland holds over 99% of the UK’s offshore oil production over the next 30 years a truly humbling statistic and that while since 1967 over 42bn barrels have been removed from the North Sea that 15-24 bn of both oil and gas. This, with spiralling prices for that ‘black gold’, means a fortune of epic proportions lies in wait- almost £1.5 trillion in fact. But what about the effect this recoverable oil will have on our aims, according the 2008 Climate Change Act, which suggests we cut our greenhouse gas emission by 80% (from 1990 baseline) by 2050. It is considered that whilst Scotland can by all

means recover that oil, the planet as a whole cannot afford to allow all the oil left in the North Sea to be burned. It seems unfair to say and worse still to execute but should the interests of one nation supersede that of the greater good and the celestial body we call home?

But before I cause too much disquiet with such remarks, it is important to note that Scotland is truly a land of opportunity with much industry for green energy to more than just be a politician’s key point in a manifesto but be a reality. This land of often abject weather holds 25% of the EU’s offshore wind and tidal power potential, 10% of it wave power potential and 90% of the UK’s hydro capacity. It is certainly easy to see why Alex Salmond (First Minister of Scotland) while boasting such figures should like to see them used to secure the future of a country that has in itself the power to exist solely for itself. But this green dream to come into fruition will take time and money to allow subsidisation and Salmond's 100% green electricity target of 2020 which for that year alone is considered to be £1.8 bn by the Department of Energy and Climate

Change.

At the moment, opinion polls suggest a no vote could be an outcome that we will see, with public opinion swaying torwards the argument that long term Scotland may be worse off. But while this world deals with numbers and forecasts, I think we should look torwards a shared history that has come to define us both. I would be sad to see Scotland leave the UK, alas I feel worse thinking that Scotland feels the desire to leave to begin with, this represents a failure, a failure to listen to the wants of a people and one which has pushed our neighbours away and threatened so very much.

For I do believe that the hole left by their leaving will be greater than the sum of its parts. It would mean a culture lost, a fibre of society plucked from the tapestry that is the British Isles and yet another reason to consider that Great Britain is no longer Great.

Either way, history will be made on that day and lives will be changed I just hope for those both north and south of the border such a division merely exists on a map and not in the souls of those who may wish to vote yes.

The End of Majority Politics James Phillips Editor Elect

@JMPhillips92

The formation of a coalition between the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats in 2010 was unprecedented. It signalled a public distrust of both of the two main parties by demonstrating that no party had the overwhelming support of UK citizens.

As we approach 2015, a coalition between the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats is entirely possible, with a majority government for Labour hanging in the balance. Meanwhile, UKIP and the Green Party have seemingly derived a large portion of their support from the larger parties, stealing away vital votes needed to secure a majority government. Thus, we should be asking whether the likelihood of coalitions is higher, and whether we are likely to see a new one in 2020, if not next year.

History shows that neither of the parties need to reach a particular percentage advantage over their opponent to be able to gain a majority government, let alone have over 50% of the recorded votes. In 2005, Labour remained in power with 35.2% of the vote and a majority of 66 seats. Yet, in 2010, the Conservative Party gained a larger proportion of the vote at 36.1%, yet missed out on being able to form a majority government by 20 seats. This is an obvious example of how the First Past the Vote system requires tactical campaigning in target seats, with centralised support being necessary to be able to take control of the required number of seats. This is what allows for the parties to have safe seats and often beats off competition from smaller parties who are incredibly unlikely to win. However, with votes for UKIP and the Green Party rising in numbers, this centralised support will weaken and give rise to a more competitive politics with more players.

Although UKIP secured 31% of the vote in the 2014 European Parliament elections and were incredibly successful in gaining over a hundred more councillors in this year's council elections, it can be guaran-

teed that this vote share will not translate to elections to the House of Commons. As previously discussed, First Past the Post requires centralised support and UKIP's votes are spread out across the country, rather than situated in small areas. Despite this, some of its increased support will remain in areas where a UKIP success is not ruled out such as in Thanet and Folkestone in Kent. These are both areas where levels of confidence in voting for the party have dramatically risen over the last year and, if UKIP campaign well, the party are likely to gain seats in Westminster next year.

UKIP's increased vote share is also driving down the vote share of the other parties as it commandeers their supporters. In many areas, this is unlikely to garner them enough support to gain a seat in Westminster, but it will close the gap between them and their leading opponents. Furthermore, if UKIP are successful in some areas, like those above, confidence in supporting the party will increase even more, closing that gap even further. It is a slow process, but it is a process of confidence-building that may become apparent. Just under a half of UKIP voters are ex-Conservatives and another third coming from the Liberal Democrats and Labour combined, according to YouGov data.

Similarly, the Green Party are benefitting from defecting voters and politicians. In Solihull, the party gained the position of official opposition on the council following defections from Liberal Democrat councillors earlier in the year, and a rise in support from the local electorate in the council elections. Furthermore, the party predicts that it can win the Bristol West constituency seat if voters demonstrate the same amount of confidence as they did in the recent European Parliament elections, where the Greens managed to secure the highest percentage of the vote in the wards.

Regardless, if the smaller parties want to secure a higher share of the vote, they are going to need to inspire confidence in the electorate to not vote tactically, they will need to centralise the support to demonstrate their chances of winning in a seat and they must also argue that a coalition government with them in would be better than a Labour

or Conservative majority government.

Labour and the Conservative Party not only need to retain the majorities they hold in their local seats, but also must ensure that the gap between their vote and their oppositions does not narrow as smaller parties gain

increases in support. If they are not successful with this, their chances of a majority government will weaken, small parties will gain seats in the House of Commons and coalition governments will become a common occurrence.

8

redbrick.me/comment

6th - 20th June 2014

Comment

There Will be No Wi-Fi at The End of The World Aqib Khan Commentator

@AqibKhan_

The effect of social networks on the rapid spread of civilians across the Arab world undoing political dynasties was succinctly summarised by Guardian journalist Peter Beaumont, who was in the centre of the inferno as it raged in Tunisia. ‘The barricades today do not bristle with bayonets and rifles, but with phones.’ This increased interconnectedness is also preventing wars.

A video emerged on YouTube in Turkey of an alleged phone conversation between the deputy head of the armed forces and the intelligence chief, planning to launch a false flag operation inside of Syria, to invoke a casus belli that would justify Turkish intervention in the Syrian Civil War. The attempts being made to curtail this democratic surveillance on powerful figures are already being made at the time of writing. In the United States, the home and base of operations of the world’s largest social networking sites and other internet apparel, a bill has been given the nod of approval which would allow American Internet providers to make more lanes on the Internet highway available for companies willing to pay the extra price. Netflix videos for instance would load faster, as it buys up more lanes for all its extra traffic. Under the old rules, a Turkish American immigrant dissatisfied with the state of news media could set up the world’s most watched online news outlet, The Young Turks, without having to worry if his stories aren’t liked by the Internet providers and their owners. A student at Harvard could set up a social networking site for his friends called The Facebook, without worrying to pay to get equal treatment with then giant MySpace.

With the new proposed rules the age of free markets on the Internet could effectively be over. It would leave future generations, who will hopefully be more interested in these issues than the inner dynamics of the Beyoncé household, with fewer and less relevant means of interaction and cultural enrichment without knowing the reason for the lack of new innovations and stunted political environment that surrounds them to

begin with.

A recently published study, conducted by professors at Princeton and Northwestern Universities, looked at the influence the American public have on policy outcomes.

After studying 1,779 policy issues from 1981-2002 and the opinions of the majority of people on those issues compared with the opinion of business elites, they concluded ‘the preferences of the average American appear to have only a miniscule, near zero, statistically non-significant impact upon public policy'. If elites want to kill the even playing field on the internet, then all they have to do is ask.

The institutional failures of a tired and corrupt system are beginning to show in the media also. Take for instance the recently determined fact the Western Antarctic Ice Sheet is melting at an unstoppable rate, which will cause a 10-foot rise in global sea levels. The projected number of people that will need to be relocated in New York City alone is almost 1 million. Less developed regions of the world will be less fortunate.

The President of CNN came out to explain his network’s lack of coverage of such climate change stories, citing the ‘lack of interest’, or ratings, amongst the audience. This coming from a network which brought on guests to discuss whether supernatural events caused the disappearance of flight MH370, to capitalise on the 100% ratings surge it pulled in out of the tragedy turned reality TV show. To assume a global reckoning doesn’t quite cut the mustard amongst the audience is absurd. Another more likely reason why establishment news outlets won’t give real stories the weight they deserve, in the words of Daniel Simpson, a former foreign correspondent at the New York Times, is because ‘the “news fit to print” was pretty much the news that's fit to serve the powerful in fact, it's their job to become their friends’, friends of other giant corporations who need to side-line the issue.

This complete lack of attention and care displayed towards the planet as we alter its equilibrium is taking an ironic twist. We dump so much of our waste into the oceans – that sustains our existence - without a second thought, that for a while scientists were unsure where all that waste was going. A

recently published scientific study has found the waste could circumnavigate in the oceans, before ending frozen up in the ice sheets of the Arctic, which unbeknownst to us was acting as a global sink. Because we're melting the ice through greenhouse emissions, the melting Arctic ice is about to take a dump to the tune of trillions of pieces of plastic back into the oceans, effectively flushing the toilet back on us. We needed to wash our moral compasses and retrieve our

binocular vision, but the way nature is poetically flushing the toilet on us whilst we are instead diverted to consumerism and news about Solange, is quite revealing to where we are and where we’re heading as a species; nicely summarised by a Cambridge theologian: ‘Modernity: making love in the middle of an earthquake’ – Sheikh Abdul Hakim Murad.

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redbrick.me/comment

Comment

Prince Charles: More Heroic Than the Average Monarch Giles Longley-Cook Commentator

I don’t really feel sorry for Prince Charles for being called out on comparing Vladimir Putin to Hitler. Making vague, hardly-enlightening comments is the man’s profession, the family business in fact.

It’s even harder to feel sorry for Putin.

Leaving aside the fact that his recent attempts to resurrect the memory of Josef Stalin as a Russian icon and his shocking record for persecution of homosexuals and political dissidents one wonders how he couldn’t see any such comparisons coming.

The blatant opportunism and aggression behind his intervention in Ukraine was bound to draw comparisons of this kind, largely from much weaker political minds, among them Charles Windsor.

The fact is though that comparison is a necessary part of framing a narrative. The call to not compare, whether it is in discussions about governments, wars, drugs or individuals, is censorship. When we cannot compare or contextualise events we gain no frame of reference and thus become unable to judge them, something very beneficial to

men like Putin. Having silenced the stronger minds of politicians and other public figures wary of causing scandal or offence, it is ensured that only the weaker minds will remain to combat injustice. The rise of the Far Right in Europe is clear proof of this danger. Likewise making a comparison to Adolf Hitler may indeed be crass, inarticulate and, to be fair, most likely off-thecuff, but it must have seemed sensible because no sensible alternatives had been offered.

So if we are to compare Putin to anyone, crooked nationalist opportunists like Milosevic and Stalin (who probably wins, being also Russian and clearly someone Putin is keen on) definitely seem more compatible than a dogmatic psychopath like Hitler. But from a different point of view there is one thing that draws the two together, and ironically it actually has little to do with either of them personally.

One of the key facilitations of Hitler’s rise to international power was the indifference of people throughout the West. To many, looking at him from a distance that did much to blur his harsher edges, Hitler presented a favourable possibility for Europe’s future. Prominent citizens and

leaders who were chaffing under the supposed restrictive tyranny of the League of Nations applauded the rise of a leader who brazenly flouted its laws. Many more took faith from Germany’s seeming ability to stand up to the ominous hordes of Communists both within and outside of the West. For those who hated the liberalist power of the United States, Germany also offered a pleasant alternative, one steeped in classism and nationalist totemism.

This relationship is certainly one that Putin could relate to. To the growing political entities in Europe who see the EU as a dangerous dictatorship, Putin is as much a beacon of hope as Hitler was in the 30’s.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage has openly expressed his admiration for Putin, making sure to point out that it only extends to Putin as an operator and not as a human being, a suitably slippery and disingenuous distinction. Marine Le Pen of France’s National Front has stated that Putin and she defend common values, namely Europe’s Christian heritage. Ultra-conservative commentator Peter Hitchens has been even more open in his support for Putin, particularly praising the return to austerity in Russia under his regime.

Like Hitler’s anti-Semitism and despotism, the persecution in Putin’s Russia, particularly that of homosexuals, while not on the same scale, has been made clear for all to see. Hitchens, Farage and their ilk cannot claim ignorance any more than the Heideggers, Mosleys and other sympathisers could in the 30’s. The problem is that while they are doubtlessly less extreme than those they defend, they do to some extent condone it, maybe simply as a necessary evil. The casual anti-Semitism of Westerners back then made it easy to ignore the rising horrors in Germany.

Western culture was being rescued after all, wasn’t it worth a few undesirables? Can we honestly expect today’s separatists to compromise their dream of obstinate national sovereignty for the sake of people that they hold in contempt, no matter how mild?

The only thing necessary for Evil’s triumph is that good people do nothing.

Prince Charles may not be a clever man but I can believe he is a good one, and no matter how ham-fisted, he’s doing a better job of raising debate than those we have elected for that purpose. Perhaps what separates Putin from Hitler is that this time our Royal family isn’t supporting him.

ligent, sophisticated, I have a sense of style – and yet you girls don’t see it”. He’s pretty full of himself, right? Maybe not, because I don’t think he bought it. This front of narcissism was a defence mechanism. We can see him practising it in a couple of videos, one aptly named ‘I’m Awesome’, where he turns his camera on himself, and makes some cringe inducing pouts, eyebrow raises and winks to the audience. He was trying to act like what he thinks a ladies man might have acted like.

The way he tries to portray himself in the videos is a fantasy.

This is made abundantly clear in his ‘manifesto’, which he called ‘My Twisted World’ and is now available online. It is the scribblings of a very confused young man.

In the conclusion he outlines his ideal world, where he would get rid of sex. He says “in order to completely abolish sex, women themselves would have to be abolished. All women must be quarantined like the plague they are”.

Dr Harold Koplewiz, the president of

the Child Mind institute, has said of him “this young man seems to have had a complete lack of ability to interact with anyone, let alone people of the opposite sex”. This is what really shines through in the ‘manifesto’. Behind the bile is the story of a social failure. He describes an incident where he goes to a party and is beaten up after he tries to push some girls, who he hates for ignoring him, off a ten-foot ledge.

He also describes his anger and humiliation when he hears his younger sister having sex in his house.

Elliott has his own cult following, and it has become clear that he discussed his ideas and theories with a large online chat forum of like-minded people for a long time. They are out there; huddling outside in the cold: vicious and deadly online but not much to look at IRL. We must not entertain the idea that Rodger was anything other than he was. ‘Attention seeker’ is an insult that’s levelled all too freely at young people today, but I think that’s what would read best on Rodger’s tombstone.

Elliott Rodger: Cut the act Charlie Moloney Comment Editor

Elliott Rodger was the wealthy, privileged son of Peter Rodger, the assistant director of The Hunger Games. On May 23rd 2014 he went on a killing spree in Isla Vista, California. He began by murdering his two flat mates, and their friend, apparently in their sleep, with knives and a hammer. He then went to the Alpha Phi sorority house, “the hottest sorority”, where he intended to kill every “spoiled, blonde slut” that he could find. Writing about Rodger takes a darkly ironic twist, as this is exactly what Elliott wanted, his chief goal being attention. My own opinion on this is that if he really believed that his life was worth five minutes of fame, then I think he’s deserved our attention, but only for those five minutes.

Rodger has captured public imagination since his attack through his now famous videos, where he blames women for his crimes. He says that, because girls did not like him, he would destroy them. The blunt misogyny of his comments has caused a massive reaction on Twitter, with the hashtag #YesAllWomen, where women discuss their experiences of everyday sexism. Also Richard Martinez, a father of one of the victims, has boldly campaigned for further reforms to gun control. The pedantry of our society have met these movements blow for blow. Some claimed that feminists are hijacking the issue and using the victims to

serve their own political ends, and the same is being said of Martinez and his supporters, YouTube videos and online “free news” sources going as far to claim that he is an actor.

As interesting as this battle between the angels and the tin foil hat wearers is, it has been covered in detail. I would like to look instead at Rodger’s YouTube videos.

Some of the other videos are fairly normal. Most of the videos are mundane. He creates a short series called Elliott Rodgers Adventures, which are all non-descript videos of him recording his drives from a first person perspective around Isla Vista, whilst blasting out cheesy 80’s music, including “I’m Walking on Sunshine”.

When he does talk business, what he says is rehearsed and melodramatic. The most famous example of this is his final video, now removed by YouTube, entitled “the day of retribution”. Here he outlines his plans, with flawless delivery, a few dramatic laughs and a B-Movie script. It’s so typical of American killers to have planned their media appearance well in advance. Serial Killer Richard Ramirez, known as ‘The Night Stalker’, gave a strange and embarrassing interview after being captured where it was clear he had memorised exactly what he had wanted to say. Maybe they watch too many movies.

He also puts himself forward as a narcissist. He says, in a blog entitled ‘Why do girls hate me so much’, “because I am so magnificent. I should be the one with the girls. I mean look at me, I’m gorgeous”. In another video he says “I’m civilised, intel-

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redbrick.me/food

6th - 20th June 2014

Food

Summer Picnics Sarah plans her summer picnics now that exam season is a thing of the past Sarah Dickinson Food Writer

With the highly anticipated end of exams now finally here no doubt we’ve all begun the celebrations in our own way. Not only can we rejoice at the end of a challenging but also stressful exam period, we can also look forward to the prospect of a relaxing or even a wild summer. As we are beginning to experience the joys of potentially lovely summer weather, I can’t help wanting to enjoy all the great things that summertime has to offer, including picnics. I’m always excited when the chance to have a picnic arises, even though it may seem like effort to plan. Picnics are becoming more and more about simplistic eating and limited preparation, which is perfect if you just want to kick back and enjoy the free time after all the hard work.

"Picnics are about simplistic eating and limited preparation" Picnics first became popularised by aristocratic families during the Victorian era and were all about civilised alfresco eating.

Nowadays the occasion is known to be far

more casual, which is great for us students.

Unsurprisingly, the types of picnic foods we would choose today also contrasts to classic Victorian style picnic foods. Just how unlucky the Victorian society were to be missing out on a bag of tangy cheese doritos or a can of coke from their picnic hampers.

There are however, some traditional picnic foods that remain popular today, simple classic foods you just can’t go wrong with such as the Scotch egg or the sausage roll alongside various cakes, breads, cheeses and fruits. The great idea about a summer picnic is that you can pack whatever foods you want, preferably light easy to eat foods such as salad, fruit, muffins/scones, sandwiches, quiches and lemonade, or get the Pimms out and enjoy it all outside basking in the afternoon sunshine. You can even have a mix of cuisines

Here's one recipe idea to get your picnic started: Apple, cinnamon and sultana scones (Makes about 8 scones) Ingredients: 50g butter 225g of self-raising flour 1½ tbsp. caster sugar Pinch of salt 110ml of milk 1 tbsp of cinnamon 1 apple, cored and chopped 20g sultanas (optional)

"Why not try Grove Park in Harborne or Selly Park" If you’re looking for an ideal spot for picnicking why not try Grove Park in Harborne or Selly Park, both of which are close to home and give you an opportunity to explore a little further afield.

Lemon Iced Tray Bake A quick and easy cake to celebrate the end of exams Safiyyah Gareeboo Food Writer

@SafiGareeboo

This is a great recipe for sharing, and can be quickly whipped up post-exams to celebrate summer. The citrus flavours and sweet icing go well together and can be added to with other fruits or decorations. The ones in this recipe were topped with some orange and lemon flavoured cake decorations, but other sweets such as jelly beans, Smarties or Love Hearts could be used instead.

Top Tip: Lemon rind can be made and kept in the freezer for use as and when needed. It can last up to three months!

Ingredients: 200g butter 200g sugar 175g self raising flour 2 medium eggs Rind and juice of one lemon or 5 tbsp of bottled lemon juice For the icing (optional): 100g icing sugar 5 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp yellow food colouring (optional) Water Decorations as desired.

Top Tip: Lemon rind can be made and kept in the freezer for use as and when needed. Simply grate fresh lemon skin and put it in an airtight continer. The rind may stick together but using a teaspoon the right amount can be scraped up and used. 1 tsp is roughly the rind of one lemon. The frozen rind can last up to three months!

Method: Preheat the oven to 170C/325F/Gas 3 Cream the butter and sugar till they are blended well together and appear fluffy. Add in the eggs, lemon rind and juice and whisk until mixed in with the butter and sugar.

Sieve the flour directly into the same bowl, then fold in to the mixture using a spatula.

Pour into a lined oven tray and cook for approximately 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake; it is ready when the top is golden and if it is lightly pressed the cake should spring back up. To make sure, poke a knife into the middle, if it comes out clean then the cake is ready. Remove from the oven and leave to cool on a cooling rack.

Whilst the cake cools, prepare the icing by forming a well in a bowl of the icing sugar. Add the lemon juice and food colouring and slowing mix to form a paste. If the icing is too dry, add a little more water-bit by bit- and mix in till it forms the right consistency. Add more icing sugar if it is too wet.

When the cake is cooled, spread the icing sugar over the top with a knife, and add decorations. Leave the icing to set for ten minutes and then cut the cake into squares.

Method: 1. Preheat your oven to 220C/200fan.2.

Rub together the butter and flour to make a breadcrumb mixture.

3. Add the sugar and the salt then mix.

4. Stir in the cinnamon, sultanas and apple chunks.

5. Slowly add the milk to the mix then using a knife combine all the ingredients to create a dough.

6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 3cm in thickness.

7. Use a metal cutter or a small glass as a template to cut the dough out into circles.

8. Place them on a greased baking tray and cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

6th - 20th June 2014

redbrick.me/food

13

Restaurant Reviews If you're looking for somewhere new to visit, why not head to the website and check out the huge selection of local restaurant reviews? The range will give you plenty of opportunity to explore Birmingham on your search for brilliant food!

Here are some of our current favourites:

Coast To Coast, Broad Street

Bodega, (near New Street)

Coast to Coast is a lively American restaurant and bar that offers excellent food and drink. The Birmingham branch of Coast to Coast is located on Broad Street- the perfect location for a party or pre-night out meal with friends.

Bodega describes itself as ‘a contemporary cantina bringing fresh South American inspired cuisine to Birmingham city centre.’

It is a true hidden gem in the centre of Birmingham.

GO! Food Outlets on Campus

To suggest ingredient issues that you want solved, email: food@redbrickonine.co.uk

The team each explore a different GO! food outlet around campus, and even go behind the scenes...A great read if you'd like to know where to grab something to eat between classes.

Henry Wong, Harborne 'The staff at Henry Wong were friendly and welcoming which was much needed following a long day and a cold and windy walk to Harborne. I had an awesome time at Henry Wong. The service was fabulous and the food was the most flavorsome Cantonese food I have ever eaten.' says Redbrick Editor Gemme Bridge.

Ingredient Ideas As Summer parties finally start picking up paces, it's likely that if you host one there'll be plenty of abandoned juices and soft drinks left over. Here are a few summery ideas that will make sure they don't go to waste!

Juice 1. Ice cubes This may seem odd, but if you make ice cubes out of the leftover juice, then when you add them to your drinks later on it will avoid the inevitable watering-down caused by regular ice cubes! They can provide a lovely pop of colour in

THURSDAY 19TH JUNE

Guild Council Chamber, Guild Building, 6pm With elected student representatives meeting several times a year, Guild Council is the democratic voice of students at the Universityof Birmingham. Through Guild Council, students at the University of account and ensure it’s working for its members.

Guild members have submitted a number of motions on a range of topics, if you would like to know what is being discussed, email council@guild.bham.ac.uk.

And, as always, a chance for you to about the work they have been doing for you!

All students can come to Guild Council and speak on any of the agenda items. All you need to do is turn up to the Guild Council Chamber on the night of the meeting.

If you can’t attend the meeting, follow what’s happening on twitter using #guildcouncil

For further information please email: council@guild.bham.ac.uk

lemonades or even be used to add extra flavours if you mix it up!

2. Layered Ice lollies When you've got a little of lots of different fruit juices, and a bit of spare time throughout the day, this option could even be a welcome addition to the next party you host...simply fill some ice lolly moulds partway, freeze and then add layers as each previous one freezes. You can do this with as many different juices as you like, depending on how much time and patience you have! If you don't have specific ice lolly moulds then a great alternative is to use plastic cups (yet another party remnant!) and insert a stick in to create disposable moulds. Things such as takeaway chopsticks make unexpectedly brilliant lolly sticks.

3. Jelly It's easy to make your own jelly if you buy some gelatine (or vegetarian substitute such as agar agar) and replace the water in the recipe provided with fruit juice, or if you're daring leftover fizzy drinks.

Alternatively, using flavoured jelly sachets can also add a fruity bonus if you again replace the water in that recipe with fruit juice. Flavours such as apple and mango, orange and pineapple and strawberry and cranberry are all mixes which can be created by mixing flavoured jellies and fruit juice.

4. Cake A quick internet search of 'soda cake' or cakes wth 'carbonated drink' as an ingredient will show that this is a growing trend in American cooking blogs. Some are as easy as using citrus soft drinks as water substitutes in bought cake-mix packs and others come up with made-fromscratch recipes that use other soft drinks. If making a plain cake, why not turn some leftover fruit juice into a syrup and pouring over to add another flavour? The syrup topping can be made by simmering two parts fruit juice and one part sugar on a medium heat till it forms a syrup consistency. Allow to cool to room temperature and then brush or pour over the cake.

14

redbrick.me/arts

6th - 20th June 2014

Arts

"I've Been Thinking About Forever..."

Redbrick reports on Gavin Wade's vision for Birmingham's artistic future "Culture cannot be separated from the quotidian process of living"

Olivia Renshaw

Critic/Incoming Arts Editor

Artist-curator Gavin Wade presented a talk on Art in Birmingham as part of the Tedx UoB Conference ‘Throwing Caution to the Wind’, which sold out just three days after tickets were released. Gavin Wade is a pretty wacky guy.

His stand-out rectangular glasses give this away even before he has started speaking. He takes the stage with a quiet confidence and five pages of prompts, which he carefully places each a metre apart across the front of the stage, mapping his impending journey from intro to ending.

We wait. We listen. And by God, he delivers.

the city’s list of USPs, is one which sounds very appealing – especially when considering areas such as education that would be transformed by this change in cognitive approach.

However, where artists are seeking truth, most people are seeking profit, and Gavin’s aim to override shallow marketing incentives with broader arts thinking seems a little naïve to me in this respect. In the long term, of course a city built on truth, storytelling and artistic values would make for a truly enhanced society – but who is going to pay for the short-term grassroots development of this vision? Next week I’ll be taking a trip down to Gavin’s artist-run space in Digbeth, Eastside Projects, to find out how he is beginning to implement his vision of Birmingham as ‘the city of a thousand art works’ – watch this space for an upcoming report on my findings.

"‘Forward’ has become a damaging slogan for the city" Having decamped to London for a period of time to attend art school, Gavin doesn’t sound much like a Brummie, but there is no doubt where his heart lies when you hear him speak about his magnificent city. The way Mr. Wade sees it, the original coat-of-arms motto ‘Forward’ has become a damaging slogan for the city and the people of Birmingham; as we erode the original landscape by re-and re-building, the narratives of Birmingham become lost in a constant cycle of upgrading and narrow-minded innovation. A prominent symbol incorporated into the Birmingham coat-of-arms is a strong arm holding an engineer’s hammer. This suggests Gavin is pretty spot on in interpreting the action of ‘forward’ as a destructive one. The state of the city calls for a new action. What Birmingham needs – what it deserves, Wade says – is a motto that incorporates ‘accumulation, storytelling and complexity’, and an accompanying action with which future generations can shape the city. This, indeed, is visionary. Have we become so obsessed with newness and modernisation that we begin to eliminate the very roots of

this richly cultured place?

As a city originally defined by industry and art, the representatives of which can be seen side by side on the city’s coat-of-arms, there is a growing need for the ‘art’ side of things to come back to the fore. Gavin presents to us the idea that art is a natural part of everything in life – culture cannot be separated from the quotidian process of living.

Art is ‘in the thinking and in the layers of the city’, he tells us, proposing a vision in which all areas of both work and play are recognised to be infused with art. Wade takes this so far as to say we should be thinking in terms of ‘Art and Economy’, ‘Art and Place’, ‘Art and People’, and so on, when we approach any sort of development within Birmingham – and in this way, we will change the reality of the patterns of our city.

I, for one, agree with him. The 10-year-plan to make Birmingham a cultural centre of art, putting art at the top of

Simon Stephens for Creative Minds Don't miss out! Thursday 19th June (17:15-18:30) Main Lecture Theatre, Arts Building Olivia Renshaw

Perhaps we hate Paul, but we feel for him desperately.

“It’s hard to calm down”, he croons, later dropping heroin onto his eyeballs. Later again, he is completely alone, talking to himself, or the ghost of a memory of someone who was once there - so, yes, talking to himself. He becomes a caricature of fame whilst all the while seeming tragically human. These soundbites of emotion - "Is there a heaven?"

"Do you think some people live forever?" - are a recurrent feature of his dialogue, which through their simplicity manage to convey a kind of innocence behind Paul’s selfish, corrosive personality.

Critic/Incoming Arts Editor

Birmingham is excited to welcome one of the most prestigious writers of his era, Simon Stephens, to speak about his work as part of the the School of EDACS Writers & Artists Distinguished Speaker Series.

Stephens is well known for being part of the ‘in-yerface’ theatre generation, a style which emerged in the 1990s.

He is well known among the current body of UK students for his adaptation of Mark Haddon’s bestseller The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, a book most of us grew up with, which premiered at the National Theatre to great critical acclaim. Earlier this year I saw his rocking new piece of drama Birdland at the Royal Court, where Stephens has taught on the Young Writers Programme for several years. The following review will hopefully give you a sneak preview of Stephen’s genius.

"Stephens is well known for being part of the ‘in-yer-face’ theatre generation" Birdland opens with a lone figure, standing rigidly still before breaking into dance; he is hyper-alert, almost electric, clicking and toe-tapping centre stage of a sparse set.

Clad in a leather jacket and too-tight jeans, Paul (played by BAFTA award winning Andrew Scott) is the epitomised image of a rockstar. As the lights begin to come up, you notice that the stage, which is to become this man’s domain over the next few hours, is surrounded by a low-laying frame of neon-lit water.

"Stephens deftly takes us on a journey from money to madness" The stage comes alive. He is joined by a buddy, his musical collaborator, Johnny, who flies over to him adolescent-like on a wheely chair. Within minutes he has asked for a peach which is then served to him on a silver platter, its domed lid reflecting the bright stage lights back into our eyes. We are dazzled, if only for a moment.

Birdland reveals to us, in layers, in strokes and then with harsh blows, the dark underbelly of the world that today’s most rich and famous dwell in. Stephens deftly takes us on a journey from money to madness and back again; all the while, the water is rising around the now tilting stage, literally slopping at the ankles of Paul and his looming ego. Birdland - whose title was inspired by the Patti Smith song of the same name - is a sharp critique of a figure we will no doubt recognise, both in today’s celebrities and in ourselves. It is as self-aware in the best kind of way: "None of this is really happening. This whole thing is made up. Who are all those people?"

Lead Andrew Scott’s portrayal of Stephen’s hedonistic creation was unflinchingly honest. Scott is perhaps better known among readers as ‘Moriarty’ from the BBC’s award winning crime drama Sherlock. He made quite an impact in the Jerwood Theatre of the Royal Court; whether or not from his reputation, or his all consuming embodiment of Paul the rockstar, it is hard to say. Arriving just in time to find my seat, I hadn’t checked the cast list, but as soon as the lights went down I sensed from the taut hush of the auditorium that we were in the company of a great presence, and by the end of his performance I was completely under the spell of the disturbing world Scott and Stephens weaved together.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to hear Simon Stephens speak about his past and present work in the world of theatre - reserve your free student admission now, by booking through the Events portal on the University website.

redbrick.me/arts

6th - 20th June 2014

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What to See This Summer Katherine Keegan Arts Editor

Birmingham

shops such as Blakeley-Browns and Circa Fifties. Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair and the Vintage Kilo Fair are also regulars at The Custard Factory, so there is never a shortage of unique items. With its live comedy and music, as well as art and creative design exhibitions, the Custard Factory is truly an amazing creative space.

Avenue Q at The Old Joint Stock 16th - 22nd June, 7:30pm

“Here, time becomes space” Wagner’s Parsifal is like no other opera. Andris Nelsons and the CBSO make their first journey into its enchanted world; a realm of passion, transcendent grandeur and music that glows from within. This should be very special indeed, and it’s a ravishing upbeat to Elgar’s mighty Second Symphony; music of epic vision, secret sorrow and beauty that’ll break your heart.

The Custard Factory This is great venue for all things vintage and retro, with

Notting Hill Carnival is famous for being an exciting way to spend a long weekend surrounded by a taste of the Caribbean, from steel bands to Calypso music. Street stalls selling food and drink will be plentiful, so go along and surround yourself with bright colours and good summer vibes.

BBC Proms 2014 at the Royal Albert Hall 18th July - 13th September

If you fancy a relaxed evening, having a few drinks with some mates and a bit of entertainment, then The Old Joint Stock pub and theatre is where you should be.

Avenue Q is about real life; it's about finding (and losing) a job, getting an apartment (then getting kicked out), being different, falling in love, hangovers and discovering the world. A laugh-out-loud musical, Avenue Q tells the story of recent graduate, Princeton, who moves into a run-down New York apartment on Avenue Q (Avenue A was far too expensive) He meets the other residents there including an aspiring comedian, an internet sexpert and other colourful types who help Princeton in discovering his purpose in life.

CBSO Wagner and Elgar at Symphony Hall 25th August, 7:30pm

24th - 25th August

With ticket prices starting from just £5 there is no excuse for not giving this immensely popular global event a try for yourself. Every year the Proms showcases a variety of artists and premieres many contemporary works, with this year’s focus commemorating the hundredth anniversary of the First World War. Expected highlights include a special War Horse prom featuring life-size puppets from the hit show, a performance of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem based on the poetry of Wilfred Owen and Sally Beamish’s violin concerto inspired by the famous novel All Quiet on the Western Front written by Erich Maria Remarque.

London Galleries and Museums A super student-friendly way of spending a rainy afternoon!

Free to visit with plenty to see, these attractions are perfect for filling up a few hours. Ranging from art galleries such as the Tate Modern to the newly refurbished Imperial War Museum, there is always bound to be something to grab your interest over the long summer months. Also, check out the website www.visitlondon.com for a full list of all the special events and exhibitions that are on.

Notting Hill Carnival

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redbrick.me/film

6th - 20th June 2014

Film

Focus on: Anime Redbrick Film Editors Ben Jackson and Tom Lofkin consider their experiences with the Japanese animation genre...

Review: Edge of Tomorrow

Details Release date: 30th May 2014 Director: Doug Liman Cast: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton Running time: 113 minutes IMDB rating: 8.1

´´´´´ Tom Lofkin Film Editor

As is often the case with most beloved genres, I can remember quite clearly the first time I encountered anime. It was the first time I saw Katsuhiro Otomo's cult classic Akira that I truly fell in love with the medium. Despite being too young to understand the philosophical and metaphysical questions the film posed, and the more subtle nuances in Otomo's storytelling, I was completely blown away by the balletic and stylised action sequences and terrified and delighted by the ultra violence and gore in animated form that I had previously never encountered.

"I had literally never seen anything like this. It was an animated feature film, but it dealt exclusively with purely adult themes..."

I had literally never seen anything like this. It was an animated feature film, but it dealt exclusively with purely adult themes and concepts, and as a result, transcended to new levels of creativity and art. And who says cartoons are for kids?

I was hooked. I started actively seeking out anime, at local DVD shops and video rental services, and found it quite difficult trying to find imported Japanese cinema in a small, northern british town. Luckily, around 2001, Hayao Miyazaki's fantasy anime Spirited Away attained huge success in both America and the UK, and I was able to rent a copy. Again, the film was a revelation to

me. It was like the Disney films of my youth, only with a better story, better characters and better everything. It was all a children's film should be.

However, for all its creativity and wonder, it is probably worth mentioning that there is sometimes a darker side to anime which several people mistake to be the majority of the genre. This is not at all the case, and these particularly dodgy few are clearly marked and easy to avoid.

Anime shines in its ability to create an entire universe on a blank page. Whether it is the contemporary fantasy world of Spirited Away or the dark and dangerous streets of Neo-Tokyo in Akira, anime is a truly unique genre with a wealth of art to offer which more people need to experience.

cal ways, painted in an unmatched gorgeousness that has recently made its way to games with Nino No Kuni. I'm also talking about Mamoru Oshii's Ghost in the Shell, which for all its exciting sci-fi action is one of the most thought-provoking meditations on robots ever (even reminding me of Her at certain points).

Ben Jackson

As with all vibrant genres, there are times when something is a little too weird.

But, because of the essentially 'total' creativity that goes into animated film, coupled with the disparity of culture that comes from East to West with anime, means it's hard not to find it interesting. I'm thinking here of High School of the Dead, with its 'skirt-eyeviews' that nonetheless frame a very welldrawn zombie story; and also the Korean anime King of Pigs, which is a coldly depressing melodrama that still manages to convincingly shock, if mainly in the presentation of an abusive Korean school.

As much as I am interested in Miyazaki's new The Wind Rises, and in catching up with the current Ghost in the Shell: Arise saga, I'm more excited about finding more of these moments of genius. Anime has a lot to offer, and I'm looking forward to getting to grips with Neon Genesis Evangelion as much as I am to discovering more of Miyazaki & Takahata's Studio Gibli back catalogue. Oh, and also that thing with giants. That looks cool.

Online Film Editor

Animated cinema (and television) seems to me to have huge, unique potential that is easily scuppered. Considering the time effort it takes to craft mise-en-scene from the ground up, the fact that investors aren't willing to take certain risks is hardly surprising. As I understand it, this is most definitely the case for anime.

In Japan, it is dwarfed by manga - and while there are great anime adaptations, sometimes the desire to replicate the appeal of the source material means the series requires some patience (e.g. the admittedly very watchable Death Note).

However, in this context, against these odds, we sometimes see the potential of animation achieved more successfully than anywhere else in the world. I'm talking about Miyazaki's career, which I've recently learnt more about: his struggle with his own Marxism is tackled only in the most fantasti-

"We sometimes see the potential of animation achieved more successfully in Japan than anywhere else..."

Tom Lofkin Film Editor

Essentially Groundhog Day meets War of the Worlds. Edge of Tomorrow is the latest big budget sci-fi romp from Tom Cruise and is, despite a reasonably original and unique plot device, pretty standard fare.

The film follows Major William Cage (Cruise), a military man with a background in advertising rather than any actual combat experience. He is also a coward and will do anything to avoid fighting in a war against an invading alien race known as ‘mimics,’ who are laying waste to most of Europe. After attempting to blackmail a high ranking general, his punishment is being sent straight to the frontline of the war, where he immediately dies and wakes up earlier that same day.

Yes, through contact with an alien, Cage is now trapped in a time loop where his death triggers the day to repeat over and over again, and as a result, he begins to learn from his frequent deaths, and the film sees him go from deserter to badass killing machine. On the way he encounters Special Forces soldier Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), also known as the ‘Full Metal B***h,’ who may be the key to breaking Cage’s seemingly endless cycle and winning the war.

The acting is pretty standard, with the exception being Blunt, who shines as veteran alien killer and symbol of humanity’s war effort. The action is consistent with explosions, aliens and even Vrataski herself repeatedly killing Cage, all in aid of training him to become a better soldier. All in all, Edge of Tomorrow is an exciting and imaginative sci-fi flick which requires your 3D glasses on, popcorn in hand and brain left at the door.

redbrick.me/film

6th - 20th June 2014

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Film News Tom Lofkin Film Editor

In a joint announcement with Marvel, ‘Hot Fuzz’ writer-director Edgar Wright has left Marvel’s Ant-Man project, due to ‘differences in their vision of the film.’ Marvel Studios are now looking for a new director.

The potential candidates now include Rawson Thurber (Dodgeball) and Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland).

Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow has recently announced that there is some truth to the leaked plot details circulating the internet. According to Trevorrow, ‘Jurassic World will revisit the original digs of Jurassic Park’ and Chris Pratt’s character will be observing the behaviour of raptors.

Review: Godzilla Critic Amar Desai reviews the Hollywood reboot of the Toho classic...

Details Release date: 15th May 2014 Director: Gareth Edwards Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston Running time: 123 minutes IMDB rating: 7.2

´´´´´ Amar Desai Critic

This is the right time for Godzilla to reemerge. Released almost sixty years after Toho Studios' original, this incarnation of Godzilla is faithful to both 1954 and 2014.

The original sought to portray post-war anxiety and fear in Japan in the wake of the nuclear horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Here, we are given cold reminders of our generation's tragedies. Images of firemen burrowing through building rubble, seas retreating down the beachline so they can gather and pulverise the mainland, areas of land cordoned off by authorities due to fallout, jets colliding with buildings, motorways packed with escaping citizens and a nuclear reactor going out of control, and people without homes sheltering in a sports stadium as they did in the wake of Katrina. The images are tailored for us, and it is to these that we can attribute the films unremitting seriousness.

Given the heaviness of the material, and the decision to avoid campy or overly badass monster stereotypes, the film needed to be

handled by the cast and creators very carefully indeed. Thankfully, the script and production manages well and we become emotionally involved.

A good movie, particularly a good blockbuster, isn't necessarily one that doesn't do anything wrong, so much as it is a film whose mistakes you either ignore or forgive because of the power that the film has over you. I was won over by the film by the time it was ten minutes in, long before the sight of any monster, as we see Bryan Cranston give the film's best performance as a slightly crazed man who knows something is wrong far before the authorities let slip. The tragedy he encounters sets a strong emotional tone. For the most part, Godzilla's mistakes can be overlooked because there are things that occur around them that you care about.

"A good movie, particularly a good block-buster, isn't necessarily one that doesn't do anything wrong, so much as it is... the power the film has over you..."

Take the scene in which two M.U.T.O.s (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Objects) meet for the first time... they chew on an atomic bomb together in a way reminiscent of Lady and Tramp did so over spaghetti.

This might be funny out of context, but within the film, this means trouble. There is also a five minute faux pas where Las Vegas is attacked, there's a precise moment you'll notice when things get silly, but this is again mitigated by what precedes and follows the sequence.

The reason we don't fall for this is actually fairly simple: we care about the humans that exist in this film. The protagonists may be slightly dimensionless, but whenever

tragedy strikes, we aren't spared the details, as the deaths of construction workers and soldiers are depicted horrifically by Brit Gareth Edwards. The result is that we fear the monsters, and are at the mercy of the film.

"The reason we don't fall for this is actually fairly simple; we care about the humans in this film... whenever tragedy strikes, we aren't spared the details..."

Contrast this with Transformers, where Optimus Prime might casually trip over a skycraper, felling it in the process. We don't think about the people inside, and don't particularly care about the consequences. This film is different and superior because we have seen shots of people huddled in fear within the buildings of the destroyed cities, and because we see a power outage occurring in a hospital which is far over capacity.

Failing to give us a sense of the gravity of events in the film would make this unwatchable and uninteresting.

Sadly, some of the more fleshed out characters fail to impress, most notably the guy who is unlucky enough to encounter every attack, but fortunate to be one of the few survivors in each case, or Sally Hawkins' character, whose dialogue seems to consist in underlining whatever it is Ken Watanabe says. But perhaps this is just nitpicking, extended characterisation would take away from the fantastic and devastating action sequences that you buy the ticket for. In honouring Gojira's legacy and not falling into the mistakes horrendous Jurassic Park cash-in that was the last Godzilla, Gareth Edwards has succeeded, and done so with style, perhaps crafting the best big budget action film since The Avengers.

Two more actors have been confirmed for Disney's upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII. Announced to be joining the cast is 12 Years A Slave's Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o and Game Of Thrones Gwendoline Christie, who portrays Brienne of Tarth in the show.

Speaking at a Q&A following an Alien/ Aliens double-bill at the Hero Complex festival, Sigourney Weaver has revealed that she would like to revisit the character of Ripley one more time, saying, ' There's more story to tell...'

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redbrick.me/music

6th – 20th June 2014

Music

Album Review: Lykke Li - I Never Learn Matthew Freddura Music Critic

In the third part of her trilogy Lykke Li is back with a string of slow burning heartbreak ballads which show off her credibility as a songwriter and her stance as an artist.

But these are not the same charms that we first fell in love with the Swedish songstress.

I Never Learn is a far cry from the scandipop of her debut Youth Novels which is the result of produced by Björn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn and John who also produced her follow up Wounded Rhymes. Their collaboration continues on this album but with this being Lykke Li’ first outing as a co-producer the result is starkly different from the ‘Patti Smith, but with D’Angelo’ sound she was striving for at her debut. Li has been noted a number of times saying that she hates the label ‘pop star’ and doesn’t want to be one but working with producers such as Yttling, even on this album and having your song covered on Glee doesn’t help to dispel this image. Upon her debut she was immediately classed as part of the Scandinavian pop renaissance along with Robyn and Oh Land but on this album she has ignored the growing trend of house-infused electro pop, sitting more comfortably alongside Adele and Florence with its flood of cavernous torch songs that rebel against the fluttering delicate sounds of her Scandinavian peers.

Lykke Li said in a recent interview that she wants to be known as a songwriter and on I Never Learn we can see this is what she is striving for. Now at 28 and on her third album she has a new found confidence, her harmonised vocals powering through tower-

ing drums in a 60s girl group melodies. But unlike her peers who sing about the turmoil of a break-up from the other side; having overcome heartbreak and it having made them stronger, for Li sadness is a blessing, it is a state of being which she is comfortable with and one she can’t be creative without.

The album's opener and title track I Never Learn is a tempest of mounting emotion, epitomising the whole album – this album starts with the storm and ends with the calm. At its chorus the towering guitars collide with a piercing flutter of strings and reverberating vocals into an instrumental that leaves you wanting more. Lyrics like ‘I'm your star crossed lover’ would sound contrived if sung by other artists but with Lykke Li there is a sincerity. This is no more obvious than on 'Love Me Like I’m Not Made of Stone' which is the original demo version of the song, giving us pure vocal emotion at its most raw. The more simplistic productions are where her artistry shines through with songs such as 'Sleeping Alone' the final song on the album being a highlight. Songs such as 'Heart of Steel' and 'Never Love Again' contrast this stripped backed produced but verge on overpro- duc-

Redbrick Meets: Gary Numan Amar Desai Music Critic

Gary Numan recently entered another phase in a career that has spanned many decades and seen many transformations. His latest evolution culminated in the acclaimed release of 'Splinter', an introspective work in which the troubled songwriter deals with depression and the liberating but also claustrophobic effects his career has had on him.

Prior to embarking on a new, more intimate UK Summer tour, as well as beginning fiction writing, he took time to answer questions from Redbrick Music.

You've not only been influenced by musicians but also visual art, novels and films amongst other mediums in the past; was there anything outside of music that particularly influenced Splinter?

I was diagnosed with depression in 2008 and was put on medication for that. It took me several years to get through it and come out the other end and those experiences were still very fresh when I started to write Splinter. That was, by far, the biggest contributor to the album. However, as it was written at the point I started to move into a better place it's more an optimistic look back rather than a wallowing account if being in it. It's not a down album at all; it's actually a mix of aggressive and haunting in my opinion.

You’ve succeeded to the point where you probably don't need to work again, so what is it that draws you into the studio still?

I wish that was true. I have three small

children so I will probably need to work until the day I keel over. To be honest, though, that's no problem or hardship for me. I love writing songs and putting music together in the studio and I especially love touring. Creating music is still a challenge, still exciting. With each new technology that comes along new things become possible so electronic music continues to be the most forward looking genre out there. I love that.

How does it feel to see artists as eclectic as Tricky, Wu-Tang Clan and Lady Gaga citing you as a major influence? Is there any current movement in music that you identify with, and do you have a favourite artist you've influenced?

It's very cool to see all these people saying such things and I feel honoured that they do that. There are a huge number of others who have covered my songs, or sampled them, so it's all very flattering. I don't really identify with any particular movement in music, I just do what I do and then watch other people slot it into various categories.

As for a favourite artist I've influenced that's hard to say. I'm just very proud that I seem to have had an influence on such a wide and diverse range of amazing artists, from Prince to Lady Gaga. It's a good feeling.

Is there a particular favourite of yours amongst covers of your work?

The Nine Inch Nails version of my song Meta' remains a big favourite but there have been many great covers over the years.

Grace Jones did a really cool version of my 'Me, I Disconnect From You' song, for example, which was released recently, and Foo Fighters did a great version of 'Down In The Park'.

tion, sounding too much like Florence or Adele rather than the fuzzy layering that sets her aside from them.

'Gunshot' and 'No Rest for the Wicked' are where she seems to have got the balance right, showcasing her ability to write a pop song with a great hook without ‘selling out’ – on these tracks there is a distinctiveness that showcases her ability to compete with other artists without trying to b them.

But perhaps these songs would have been better on someone else’s pop album because a whole album of torch songs can be a bit much.

She has a history of depression and no-one can doubt that she stays true to her art and to herself. This album is no doubt atmospheric and all encompassing, but if you aren’t in the mood then thirtythree minutes of lovelorn songs can be a bit too much.

Lykke Li has said that she was ‘born with a broken heart’ and on this album we can see that more than ever.

Given some of the tracks on Splinter were written a few years ago, and some fairly shortly before the release, do you feel the album tells more of a story within your life?

The first half of Splinter was mostly written in 2012 with just a couple of songs underway prior to that. I immigrated to the US in late 2012 so the second half was written in late 2012 and early 2013. Much of the album looks at how the depression messed things up, but other songs are taken from ideas from a novel I'm working on and a few others from other life experiences. Most of my music comes from my life experiences actually.

Was writing Splinter a healing process?

It was a vitally important part of sealing the final stages of the depression yes. By writing about it you need to think about it very deeply, very carefully. It's not dissimilar to talking it through with a close friend or, for some, with a therapist. Although I was essentially talking to myself the effect was the same, on that I was able to get all those feelings out into the open. I've come through it with no scars whatsoever, no lingering baggage or worries. Writing about it helped close the door on it in many ways.

The forthcoming tour is more intimate; do you prefer the atmosphere of a large stadium or the more personal venues? Do you notice a difference in the makeup of fans at the two?

I love them both but they do, obviously, give you quite a different experience. One is a huge, exciting event; the other is a closer, arguably warmer, experience. I can't say I've noticed a difference in the make up of the audience although it's harder to see that detail with the bigger crowds. I'm just grateful people turn up at all. I genuinely appreciate the fact that people pay to come and see me.

redbrick.me/music

6th – 20th June 2014

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Tweet of the Week: @Billy: "more mumbly musings"

Festival Preview: Nozstock Blaise Radley Music Critic

Single Review: Lana Del Rey West Coast

For all those of you looking for a slice of mid-summer music to get your claws into this year, Nozstock is shaping up to be a veritable smorgasbord of good quality artists. Latest to the line-up are renowned Scooby snacks connoisseurs Fun Lovin' Criminals, who join the likes of ska-rockers Sonic Boom Six and Charli XCX on the Orchard Stage this August at the pre-

historically themed Jurassic Farm. Now entering its sixteenth year, the family-run festival takes place in the sun-kissed valleys of Herefordshire, and offers a wide variety of live music, DJs, arts, comedy, cinema and performance theatre.

For hip-hop fans there's the veritable legend Roots Manuva, who is joined by a good showing from the rest of the strong UK scene, including Split Prophets, the boys from High Focus and The Mouse Outfit. This is certainly a festival for those who enjoy something a little out of the ordinary, and a wide variety of genres are covered. For the techno lovers there's Dense & Pike, drum & bass aficionados are treated to Walsall legend Andy C, whilst those looking for a slice of grime have Devilman to look forward to, and that's just scratch-

Redbrick Meets: Jagwar Ma

Matthew Freddura

Ludo Cinelli and Jack Crowe

Music Critic

Music Editors

The lure of Lana Del Rey has often been one that has captivated me, but has also something that has wavered from one release to the next, leaving me feeling like I’m often willing her to do better than she is. As an artist who was well and truly established on the internet, and arguably the biggest global star to rise to fame via the blogosphere, a lot of pressure has been bestowed upon her leather clad shoulders.

With a debut as big as ‘Video Games’ it was hard to maintain that kind of a standard, but my initial infatuation with her means that I still want her to, for her sake as much as my own.

This week the visuals were released for her latest offering ‘West Coast’ which is the lead single off her upcoming album Ultraviolence. It is her first official release of new material since Born to Die: Paradise Edition in 2012. Like most of Del Rey’s work it preys on the mythologies of America, discussing icons, dreams and dropping her usual mentions of ‘Elvis’, ‘Movies’ and ‘Queens of Saigon’. As tired as this message could get, her ability to write a catchy pop song is undeniable.

Granted, she may not be quintessentially pop and this song isn’t going to be a top ten hit. I think that she has found her place in the pop-sphere and would much rather sell albums than singles. The classic sultry sounds of Del Rey play out over lonely guitar riffs and escalating drums reminiscent of 80s Love Ballads like Chris Isaak’s 'Wicked Games' into a shimmering chorus. The sound of the coast is well and truly alive here with nods to previous beach anthems such as Washed Out’s ‘New Theory’ and All Saints’ ‘Pure Shores’ in a glitzy golden crescendo of timeless glamour. The influences of classic American country, Rock n’ roll and rap are fused together into a sunshine anthem with her vocals breezing through the multiple layers.

After her live debut on SNL back in 2012 and the backlash from fans – mainly those on the internet Del Rey must have realised that she can’t please everyone, and those on the internet who helped to raise her will just as quickly tear her down. Since then she has seem to focus on doing what she wants as an artist rather than being the pop princess she was first penned to be.

She has proven her ability as an artist in every sense of the word with her short films 'Ride' and 'Tropico' proving the use of the Internet to keep her fans in a constant state of anticipation. Regardless of how contrived she may sometimes be I still find her enigmatic persona alluring and look forward to seeing the West Coast video and whatever else Ultraviolence has to offer.

'Photorealism’ says Gabriel Winterfield nonchalantly, ‘Everything’s a reaction to everything else’. Jagwar Ma are leaning on a wall outside the HMV Insitute just after their soundcheck. Lead singer Gabriel is wearing black dungarees, synth whizz Jono Ma looks on contemplatively from under a flat cap, while bassist Jack Freeman scours his skinny jean pockets for a lighter (after the comparatively uncool Redbrick reviewers were unable to provide one).

‘People used to commission the most lifelike paintings possible before cameras were invented, especially in the 18th Century.

Once people had cameras, abstract painting started. Art always comes from a need for something.’ This is quite an unusual response when asking a band about their influences, and you get the impression Gabriel is used to answering it. Jagwar Ma’s music is littered with influences, from the pop of the 1960s to drum and bass, but it isn’t quite any of them. Gabriel and Jono met in Sydney when playing in different bands. ‘We were just both really loud’, explains Gabriel.

‘And so was Jack’s band’. This seems one of

the few common denominators in the band’s members, and their innovative, eclectic style might come from the meshing of the three backgrounds of shoegaze, post-punk and punk.

Bassist Freeman joined in 2012 to be part of the band’s rise as a live act, and he seems the most laid back of the trio - ‘We played in Leeds last night and everybody ran out at the end ‘cause they had an exam next day’.

While he quips and Gabriel philosophises, Jono Ma is quiet, nodding sagely when his lead singer reminisces about first amps turned up to eleven and playing with [Australian contemporaries] Bridezilla.

‘Going home is fun. All our old friends come to the gigs - its like a family reunion’.

Jagwar Ma, having recorded debut album Howlin’ in Paris, have relocated to London.

‘The scene over here is bigger, definitely’.

It’s the band’s first time in Birmingham, though Jack reveals, in a Redbrick exclusive, that he was conceived here. Howlin’ has definitely been a hit here, chiming with the city’s ever burgeoning B-town scene.

‘Oh, loads’ says Jack when asked what bands they were listening to when recording; but they were not the names you might expect. The likes of psych-dance and Madchester bands Primal Scream and The

ing the surface.

One of the few truly home grown festivals on the circuit these days, it's still put together by a bunch of grass roots supporters seeking something a little different from their Summer. Quintessentially British with plenty of eccentricities to look forward to, Nozstock is certainly shaping up to be a festival for those who love music in all shapes and forms. If something out of the left-field sounds like your cup of tea, then make sure to get yourself down there.

Nozstock takes place 1st - 3rd August in Herefordshire.

Weekend tickets cost £105.

Stone Roses were ignored in favour of names such as The Beach Boys and Vampire Weekend, not to mention a slew of dance music.

Questions from Redbrick’s competition for gig tickets and merch provoke similarly interesting answers. Blaise Radley wanted to know where the ‘G’ at the end of Howlin’ had gotten off to. ‘I don’t think it was ever there’ responds Jack, joking that slowly letters will disappear from the title one by one, until the album will only be referred to as ‘H’. The album was going to be called ‘Uncertainty’, but the influence of beat poet Allen Ginsberg’s masterpiece ‘Howl’ emerged together with the howling stray dogs around the Parisian studio the album was recorded in.

Lily Blacksell’s question based on the lyrics of latest single, now named ‘Uncertainty’ was ‘Do you ever feel gloomy? And if so, how?’ Gabriel looks up and considers this seriously. ‘Don’t we all? The lyrics of the song were inspired by the weather, and how that can affect your mood - it becomes a state of mind’. He cracks a smile for the first time. ‘Bet you weren’t expecting such a sober answer’.

And this could be said of the whole interview. Behind the party-like syncopated drum machines and unstoppable bass riffs is a cool, collected and inventive set of minds with great cultural awareness and a fascination with the unity of seemingly disparate art.

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redbrick.me/lifestyle

6th - 20th June 2014

Life & Style

My Fashion Faux Pas of 2014 (so far...)

Alexandra Landes Life&Style Editor

Every year, magazines, Instagram and the high street are awash with the new trends of the season that have filtered down from the catwalks and design houses. And every year (and I know I am not alone in this) we try to incorporate said looks and trends into our wardrobes, à la mode a chic fashionista, that

"the advantageous hope of looking chic, irresistable and effortlessly stylish." has no qualms with rocking shoulder pads one season and gingham dresses the next.

However, this open the gates to girls and boys everywhere branching out from their usual jeans and t-shirts and boldly incorporating a new item or look into their daily ensemble. For many - this works, and those lucky few can be safe in the knowledge that they can proudly walk down Bristol Road, while the rest of us look on wistfully at the ease that they carry off tartan, leather and Chelsea bots in one fail swoop. But for many of us, we attempt to rock these new trends in the advantageous hope of looking chic, irresistible and effortlessly stylish, but quite frankly many of us fail to pull this off at the first hurdle. But friends, do not worry.

I am very much in this boat with you and therefore I thought I’d shared my failed fashion looks of 2014 (so far) with you all.

Tartan

A look adopted by many this season and, don’t get me wrong, a tartan scarf has been one of my favourite accessories of the year.

However there was a fine line between a carefully styled accessory and looking a bit like a Scottish national enthusiast. I personally fell into this trap following the promising purchase of a green tartan dress which has done nothing other than gather dust in my wardrobe, only to be worn once at a Scottish themed birthday party. A tricky look to work this season and one that I unfortunately failed.

Leather

There is nothing sassier than a bodycon leather number and most items can transform a daytime outfit to a nightime look with ease. Consequently wearing a real leather skirt to Vodbull or Stuesdays seems like a perfectly legitimate idea. However, by 2 a.m. the leather look is wearing a bit thin as the stiff fabric restricts you from dancing the only way you know how at 2 a.m. and the lack of ventilation in Stuesdays makes your leather skirt equivalent to an insulating pair of salopettes. All in all, a sweaty and uncomfortable drunk, is not the look most of

us were going for when we slipped into our leather numbers at the beginning of the evening.

Wedged Trainers

Now thankfully, this is an item I have never felt compelled to purchases because quite frankly, they look ridiculous, yet my dislike for them is so strong that I felt oblidged to include them in this article. Who ever felt that the one thing missing from the humble trainer was a heel, is nothing other than a fool. Women have enough uncomfortable footwear as it is – so why you would transform one of our most comfortable shoes into a bizarre booted affair is beyond me. Trainers are for running, heels are for nights out – let’s do everyone a favour and keep the two separate.

"à la mode a chic fashionista that has that has no qualms with rocking shoulder pads one season and gingham dresses the next."

A Week Without Social Media In a world of status updates and selfies, it's hard to imagine life before social media. Life&Style writer Beth Coveney accepts the challenge and tries a week without the temptations of Facebook and Twitter.

If asked how long I could survive without any form of social media for, I’d say it was indefinite. I would never put myself down as someone obsessed or reliant on social media – I barely Instagram, I’ll always favour a face to face catch-up with a friend over sending them a Facebook message, and Twitter - okay, maybe I’m a little obsessed with Twitter. I honestly thought it would be easy – that is, before I actually attempted to give it up for the week. But if I was going to try this, what better time than when I should be hard at work revising?

My first step was to delete all social media apps from

unconnected. I’ll do the same before I go to sleep, and I’ll browse aimlessly through my feeds at any point in the day that I’m walking, waiting or queuing anywhere. It’s ridiculous thinking about it, but I know I’m not alone in this. One day I went for a coffee with three close friends, and at one point they were all scrolling through Facebook, Twitter and

"It was a shocking realisation that while we're more 'connected' online than ever before, we're getting less and less connected in real life."

"I logged back on to Facebook at the end of the week to find out I'd missed a good few impromptu pub trips and takeaway nights." my phone. I never use social media much on the computer, but in the age of smartphones everything’s in our hands anyway. At the beginning of my social-media-free week it was definitely the ease of social media on my phone that I missed the most – and it shocked me to realise just how often I wake up in the morning, grab my iPhone and immediately scroll through my emails, the news, Twitter and Facebook to see what I’ve missed in the 7 hours I’ve been

and not being able to Instagram every moment immediately after; watching Made In Chelsea without following the hashtag at the same time, and fighting the urge to take to Twitter whenever I had inane questions, questionably ‘hilarious’ stories, or a rant about housemates. Adding to the pain, I logged back on to Facebook at the end of the week to find out I’d missed a good few impromptu pub trips and takeaway nights. It seems texting plans has gone out of fashion now – we just post in a group or tag everyone in a status, which means us social-media-less creatures

Instagram while I sat there like a lemon – I don’t blame them and I would’ve done the same if I could, but it was a shocking realisation that while we’re more ‘connected’ online than ever before, we’re getting less and less connected in real life.

It was the everyday social media uses I 'd never really considered that I missed the most. Going to an amazing gig

miss out.

Once I got used to being without social media, it was great not to have it as a revision distraction (though I’ll admit I found other ways to procrastinate – Buzzfeed quizzes anyone?). It’s nice to be back, and I won’t be deleting my accounts any time soon, as they can be so useful – but after this week I’ll definitely think twice about how much time I spend on social media for no real reason at all.

6th - 20th June 2014

redbrick.me/lifestyle

The Graduation Blues

21

Fierce

Life&Style editor Victoria Haworth shares her thoughts on how to deal with the inevitable Graduation blues.

As that end of exams feeling slowly begins to wear away, we final year students are finally being forced to come to terms with the inevitable truth: our time at UOB is over.

Even amongst those lucky sods who have their perfect job lined up, a wave of graduation blues is slowly circling the Selly Oak area, with its insufferable aura forcing aging third years to attempt to mimic their fresher’s experience, only to discover that the seven day bender is well and truly a thing of the past. Yes, the graduation blues is certainly a thing, and it is affecting us all. But lets try to be optimistic, because we should at least attempt to put a positive spin on our impending doom.

Enjoy this summer; it may be your last.

I have some dreadful news. In the life of work, there are no summer holidays. Since the age of five we have been lapsing in an epic break of summer sunshine every year, an entire season of lazy bliss, But I am afraid to say that the world of a work does not take an elongated summer hiatus, and from this point on, you will be watching the beautiful summer rays from your office window.

There are two ways to get around this issue.

On the one hand, you could teach. Teachers

"Its insufferabel aura forcing third years to attempt to mimic their freshers experience,only to discover that the seven day bender is well and truly a thing Moving back home: there may of the past. " be some benefits.

still get a summer holiday, and whilst that might come at the detriment of paid holiday for the rest of the year, it really is a great selling point for the role. But if you, like me, cannot imagine anything worse than returning to school to be horrendously outnumbered by an entire classroom of snotty nosed children, this summer might well be your last, so do it well. Set aside the next few months for an entire summer of sunbathing, sightseeing and possibly even some exotic trips.

It is inevitable. Many of the jobless amongst us will soon have to move back home.

Returning from the Neverland that is Birmingham back into the depths of middleclass suburbia, poses - for me - many challenging questions. For example, where will I go if I want to buy food after 10pm? How will I deal with the judgmental attitudes of my parents when I try to apply student lifestyle onto my family home? Eating out of the pan to avoid washing up is no longer an option. But remember, moving home could have many benefits. For one, my diet may finally become more varied than simply pasta and pesto. And on the other hand,

moving home means returning to an acceptable standard of living. No more mouldy bathrooms for me!

Doing work for payment and not paying to work.

Yes. After three years of paying for what was seemingly a very expensive library card (yes I am an arts student which meant four hours of tuition a week), when someone finally hires me, I will actually be paid to do work. They say that money doesn’t buy happiness, but it is certainly a great incentive for post university life.

Life&Style Meets...

Francesco Group Life&Style editor Bethany Barley interviews stylists from the famous hairdressing company Francesco Group to get the latest on this summer's upcoming trends.

Are there any particular hairstyles or colours that you anticipate becoming popular this summer?

For summer 2014 I think we will see a rise in people opting for pastel shades and textured waves. Taking inspiration from celebrities such as Nicole Richie, Ireland Baldwin and Kylie Jenner, whether it be a vibrant or softer shade, the tone can be chosen to compliment your skin tone.

Do you have any tips on how to keep your hair healthy during the hot summer months?

Keeping hair healthy in summer doesn’t have to be difficult! There are pre-holiday precautions you can take as well as quick fixes whilst in the heat. Blondes should be particularly cautious as their hair is more prone to sun damage, as it is normally chemically treated, which strips hair of its natural moisture and oils, leaving it feeling dry or frizzy and looking dull. The UVB rays from the sun are responsible for this loss of protein within the hair, and its' UVA rays often cause colour to fade. So it is important to replenish the hair and add nutrients back. The Wella Professionals Sun range is great and offers a wide range of products for different hair types. My favourite product is the Wella Professionals Sun Protection Spray, as it contains a double phase formula and really does the job. Phase 1 protects the hair against UV rays whilst Phase 2 restores the lost vitamins and helps hydration. I also recommend to my clients the Wella Professionals SP Hydrate Shampoo, as it provides a gentle yet effective cleanse to combat the drying effects of salt water and chlorine from swimming. Using a twice weekly mask whilst on holiday is also a life-saver, as the 5 minutes that it's left on your hair can make all the difference!

Do you have any advice for students also looking to start up businesses in the beauty or fashion industry?

It's important to always focus on your final goal. Both fashion and beauty are very tough industries and throughout your journey you will endure hard times, but always take on constructive criticism from your peers and build on that. Never lose your focus on what you want to achieve and always have your passion at the forefront of your mind!

As a student, I have little time or money to spend on making my hair perfect! Do you have any styling tips for someone who is always on the go?

YES! Styles such as a topknot can be quickly styled to create a relaxed or sophisticated up do! Another of my favourite styles is the beach wave, as it takes seconds to create and again can be styled in different ways to create different effects. I feel you can pretty much create any style on a budget. Using hairpieces is also a great way to create your ideal style on the go!

Is there really all that much of a difference between cheap and expensive shampoo and conditioner?

Yes yes yes! By using a branded named product such as Wella, you are benefiting from their knowledge, allowing your hair to be in the best condition possible and ensuring your hair is looked after properly.

Using cheaper shampoos can sometimes, believe it or not, be damaging to you hair due to the high volume of silicone added to give an added shine.

Co-ords The absolute must-have for summer, these are available from every possible retail outlet you can think of - from blazers and skirts to tops and shorts in an arry of prints; you will find something to suit your mood and style!

Kim Kardashian's Wedding You either love her or you hate her, but no one can deny that her and Kanye’s wedding wasn’t incredibly romantic, and she looked incredible in that Givenchy Haute Couture dress.

Hollyoaks After being voted Best Soap at the Soap Awards, the show just keeps on winning with excellent story lines. And as it's aired every day, it’s the perfect break from revision.

Jelly Shoes Sure, you used to wear them as a toddler, but they’re back and bang on trend this summer. They’re comfortable too: bonus!

The Rain Typical British weather: we had a weekend of rare sunshine but then it was back to dull, grey and raining England.

We’re over the rain. Bring. Back. The. Sun.

Revision With exam season nearly over, we’re growing tired of being in the library all day, especially when our housemates are finished. Roll on the end of exams (and hand us a drink!)

Katie Price's Marriage After the scandal of her husband Kieran Hayler cheating on her with her apparent best friend, will this marriage last the distance? Maybe it’s time to give up on husbands for a while, Katie.

Britain's Got Talent Is there reaaaaally any talent left in the UK that hasn’t been discovered? You're scraping the barrel, Mr Cowell.

By Olivia Scott

Life&Style Writer

Finished

22

redbrick.me/television

6th - 20th June 2014

Television

Review: House of Cards

BAFTA TV Awards Winners

Rochelle Stanley TV Editor

The BAFTA Television Awards took place this year on the 18th May, celebrating a year in TV. Many actors and production teams were nominated but there could only be one winner. Below, are some selected wins from this year’s ceremony.

Actor Sean Harris - Southcliffe Actress Olivia Colman - Broadchurch Supporting Actor David Bradley - Broadchurch Supporting Actress Sarah Lancashire - Last Tango In Halifax Comedy and Comedy Entertainment Programme A League Of Their Own - Danielle Lux, Murray Boland, David Taylor, Jim Pullin

Shannon Carey Critic

House of Cards has all the makings of a smash-hit television series, but this is a series you won’t find on TV. Its main cast boasts double-Oscar-winners Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, the latter perhaps better known as ‘Jenny’ from Forrest Gump. It has episodes directed by David Fincher, who has had notable works with the likes of Fight Club, Se7en and The Social Network.

Moreover, it regularly receives rave reviews, scoring a 9.1 out of 10 from IMDB users.

"House of Cards has all the makings of a smashhit television series, but this is a series you won’t find on TV." The show is one of the online, on-demand service, Netflix’s original TV shows . It is one of many shows to be shown exclusively on the online channel as part of its attempt to revive the bigger, premium television networks. This is alongside other hit shows

like Arrested Development and Orange is the New Black.

You may suspect online series to be of a lesser quality – it seems a recurring theme that popular TV shows are often quickly snapped up by the network giants to bring in mass viewing figures. But don’t let House of Cards' origins put you off – the series shows that online channels can hold their own, perhaps signalling a change in the way we watch television.

Based on the 1990 British series of the same name, House of Cards gives an insight into the complicated world of Frank Underwood (played by Spacey), a Machiavellian politician who, after losing

"It’s no wonder that the character has received great praise as one of the best television antiheroes of the 21st century." out on the role of Secretary of State, devises a ruthless plan to push himself to the top position of President. And in his plan, nothing is off-limits: not murder, manipulation

5 things you didn't know about Kevin Spacey 1. His Labrador dog's name is Legacy. He also has a black mongrel terrier called Mini, "named after the car."

2. His mother was his date for the Oscars the night he won, in 1999.

3. In 2004, he suffered a head injury after tripping over his dog while pursuing a young man who stole his mobile phone.

Initially, he reported that the injury was the result of a mugging, but later admitted the truth and stated that he was embarrassed by the situation.

nor seduction (with either gender, for that matter). Frank is unapologetically evil – he frequently breaks the fourth wall by addressing the audience and exposing us to his lies and darkest thoughts. It’s no wonder that the character has received great praise as one of the best television anti-heroes of the 21st century.

Like in Macbeth, no villain can be truly great without a villainess: step forward Frank’s wife, Claire (played by Robin Wright), who mirrors many of her husband’s attributes, such as being cruelly ambitious and void of emotion. The pair stand as truly dark power couple, who seem attracted to each other mainly due to their shared desired for power through destruction. Frank describes it best when he states he loves his wife “more than sharks love blood”. With two strong leads like these, it’s hard not to be drawn into the deliciously malicious world of the Underwood’s.

While I have relatively no idea how accurate the television show is in its political base (prepare for much talk of cabinet positions and policies), you can the impression that what Frank is doing is serious business. The breaking of the fourth wall makes you feel like an accomplice to Frank’s dirty deeds: and that is seriously entertaining. So, if you have Netflix, give House of Cards a chance: it’s the best thing not on television.

4. To pay his way through Juilliard, he worked in Juilliard's admin office. After dropping out in 1981, he worked as a shoe salesman and a super in his apartment building.

5. He was ranked #10 in the 2008 Telegraph's list "the 100 most powerful people in British culture".

Male Performance In A Comedy Programme Richard Ayoade - The IT Crowd Female Performance In A Comedy Programme Katherine Parkinson - The IT Crowd Drama Series Broadchurch - Production Team Entertainment Performance Ant and Dec - Ant And Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway Factual Series Bedlam - Production Team Soap and Continuing Drama Coronation Street - Production Team International Breaking Bad - Vince Gilligan, Mark Johnson, George Mastras, Sam Catlin Mini Series In The Flesh - Hilary Martin, Ann HarrisonBaxter, Dominic Mitchell, Jonny Campbell Reality and Constructed Factual Gogglebox - Tania Alexander, Paul Broadbent, Chantal Boyle, Stephen Lambert Single Documentary The Murder Trial - Nick Holt, Marina Parker, Kate Barker, Ben Brown Current Affairs Syria: Across The Lines (Dispatches) Chris Swayne, Eamonn Matthews, Olly Lambert

redbrick.me/television

6th - 20th June 2014

23

This Week on TV

Orange is the New Black Midnight, Friday 6th June on Netflix

The Island with Bear Grylls Alice Anderson Critic

On Monday 5th May, Channel 4 aired its first episode of The Island with Bear Grylls.

As it turns out, Bear Grylls is less present than first thought. He simply drops off 13 men with ages ranging from 70, Tony, a retired chief inspector, to 21, Ryan, a call centre worker. The challenge is to see if they can last a full month on an island, living off the islands resources alone.

Some of the men have been chosen with practical skills in mind. The series is filmed with the help of Matt, who is an experienced documentary filmer. He and the men film the process themselves, with no help from an external camera crew. There is a medic, Sam, and a farmer, Joe, who is able to help

"As the episodes unfold it becomes clear that this is not simply another reality TV show." with the slaughtering of animals. However, there are also members that are simply on

the Island to see how long they can last and test themselves, such as hairdresser Dean and funny-man Craig.

As the episodes unfold it becomes clear that this is not simply another reality TV show. Vibes of Shipwrecked and Love Island are instantly dismissed as it is not a beach holiday for catching a tan and taking a break.

The first episode shows the struggles of finding water and a safe place to camp. The images show just how alone the men are and are most certainly not being shipped off to a nice hotel at the end of a day of filming. The next episode brings up issues of food, with the lack of refrigeration meaning their catches of fish soon go rotten and are wasted.

Two members of the team manage to spot a caiman crocodile (pictured below) on their walk around the island and manage to catch it. The footage doesn’t hold back, and there are images of the men killing the crocodile.

To some of those watching this was shocking, however it’s fair to say that in our daily lives we do forget where our food comes from. The supermarket shopping experience takes the reality away and the men on the island are faced directly with this reality. The third episode brings a more social aspect to life on the island. The question of how long people can remain calm with each other comes up as the youngest

member Ryan shows his immaturity and seeming inability to help out in the camp.

Feeling victimised by the more vocal camp-

Britain's Got Talent Final 7.30pm, Saturday 7th June on ITV1

"The footage doesn’t hold back, and there are images of the men killing the crocodile." mates, Ryan heads out into the jungle and thus endangers himself. He eventually is found, but tensions are only exacerbated, and the viewers are left wondering how much longer they will all last.

The Island with Bear Grylls moves away from any typical reality show, and shows raw human emotions. It also reminds the viewer of just how easy life has become in the 21st century. The men are fast losing weight, and patience, and I personally can’t wait to see what happens in the upcoming weeks.

This show is already boasting a second season, with suggestions of an all-female camp. To see how long you would last, take the test on the Channel 4 website; http:// www.channel4.com/programmes/the-island-with-bear-grylls!

Big Brother 9pm, Friday 6th June on Channel Five

8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 9pm, Friday 6th June on Channel 4

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redbrick.me/travel

6th - 20th June 2014

Travel

The Capital's Your Oyster Learn what not to miss in London without having to forfeit your student loan...

Valerie Ogadi

Travel Writer London is known as one of the greatest cities in the world but also one of the most expensive. Here are a few tips on avoiding those hefty prices with things to do in each part of London.

Firstly, get yourself an all-day travel card or a Visitor Oyster card. Prices for an off-peak day travel card range from £8.90 (for zones 1 and 2) to £12.10 (for all zones up to 9). It can be used from Monday to Friday from 9:30am

"London is known as one of the greatest cities in the world but also one of the most expensive." onwards, and during weekends and public holidays from 12:01am to 04:30am the following day. Alternatively, you can purchase a Visitor Oyster card which can be topped up from £13.00.

Secondly, make sure you plan your journey on TFL (Transport for London). Despite being from London myself, there are times I feel like a tourist and get lost on occasion.

To avid this happening, visit www.tfl.gov.uk and fill in the relevant "Plan your journey" box with your choice or destination, and place of origin. This will give you a list of different routes (including the quickest) with direction and a detailed map of how to get to your destination.

Lastly, my advice would be to stay in hostels instead of hotels during your time in the capital. There are numerous websites which will help you on your quest to find such cheap accommodation, and on these, you will find places to stay for only £10 a night, with reviews alongside.

When visiting North London, there are three landmarks that can't be missed: Emirates Stadium, Camden Passage and the Roundhouse Theatre.

Sports fans will choose the former, and can decide between a museum only tour, a self-guided audio tour, or even upgrade to a premium legend guided tour. This last tour includes tours from Arsenal Legends such as Lee Dixon, Perry Groves or Kenny Sansom, and one of these will show you around the 60,000 capacity stadium, answering any of

your questions regarding their successful careers. Prices for these tours start from £7.50.

Those looking for an opportunity for bargain shopping will head to Camden Passage. This is home to an array of specialist shops occupied with vintage and antique pieces.

From African waistcoats to Japanese ceramics, you are bound to find something that suits your style for a bargain price. Explore Camden Market, which is open every Wednesday and Saturday, and find more antique jewellery, handbags and hats. Complete with pubs, restaurants and coffee shops, Camden Passage is sure to fill up your day.

The last must-see in North London is the Roundhouse in Camden, the performing arts centre for young people, as well as a popular gig destination for numerous artists during the year. Ticket prices usually start from £15.

Moving East, we have the Brick Lane's edgy and vibrant scene, as well as Lea Valley. Brick Lane is popular for its artistic crowd and is filled with trendy art exhibitions, clubs and bars. Try different foods from around the world (such as Jewish bagels and Bangledeshi curry) from the street food vendors and restaurants, reflecting London's multicultural crowd. Brick Lane is also famous for its street art, featuring artists such as Banksy and Ben Eine, perfect for any budding urban art photographers. Sunday is the best day to visit this East London market, with up and coming designers selling jewellery, handbags and clothes, accompanied by local street performers.

Furthermore, the 18 mile walk by Lea Valley in East London starts from Waltham Abbey and ends at Limehouse Basin. This is a traffic-free, quiet and picturesque route,

"Brick Lane is famous for its street art...perfect for any budding urban art photographers"

which includes open spaces and a nature reserve, and is great for those who enjoy long walks or cycling. The Olympic Park based in Stratford is similarly located in the Lower Lea Valley.

West London is museums galore, home to many free exhibits and galleries. There are a variety to chose from, including The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Natural History Museum, The Science Museum, The British

Museum and The National Portrait Gallery. From art to fashion, to zoology, technology or artefacts, these museums truly offer something for everyone.

Or why not catch a West End Show? Many classics are constantly offered, including Billy Elliot, Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera or The Lion King. Avoid paying up to £70 for a ticket, and instead head to the TKTS booth which offers discounts, located in Leicester Square.

A last hotspot in West London is the infamous Chinatown.

Why pay for an expensive meal when there is a wide selection of cheaper Chinese restaurants all located on one street?

"Hop on a London red bus and take your own tour around."

Whether you choose to have a sit down meal or a quick takeaway, you are guaranteed to find one that pleases your appetite (well, that's if you like Chinese food).

Finally on this tour, we find ourselves in South London, popularly known for the South Bank or the 02 Brixton Academy. South Bank is home to the famous London Eye, which offers a thirty minute panoramic view of London.

Queue times can reach to an hour, if not more, so booking online is recommended.

The London Dungeons and London Tombs can also be found nearby, providing a scary tour of British history, and the latter, a suspenseful experience through a terrifying maze. South Bank also boasts a wide variety of restaurants and pubs.

Lastly, the O2 Academy in Brixton is the place to head to check out many different artists and bands who are playing gigs. Tickets sell out fast, as most gigs are very popular.

Compared to many shows at the O2 Arena which start at around £60, tickets at the Academy tend to start from £20, but this obviously depends on the artist.

If you are interested in sightseeing, but are adverse to paying the prices of official London bus tours, my advice is to buy an oyster card or all day travel pass, and hop on a London red bus to take your own tour around the city.

London is an expensive city, but there are definitely ways around paying hefty prices to ensure that you don't need to break the bank to get the full London experience!

The 5...

European Festivals Sara Tryon picks her top 5 European festivals which still haven't sold out..

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Sonar 12th-14th June, Barcelona

Exit 10-13th July, Serbia

Sziget 11th-18th August, Budapest

Outlook 3rd-7th September, Croatia

Bestival 4th-7th September, Isle of Wight

If you’re in need of post-exam plans, Sonar could provide a welcome reward. With Four Tet, Bonobo and Richie Hawtin all taking to the stage, there’s sure to be a party as the festival celebrates its 21st year in style.

With acts including Damon Albarn, Disclosure and Jamiroquai, EXIT Festival spans a range of music genres. To celebrate their 15th year, they’ve added the Sea Dance Festival in Montenegro to the proceedings.

One of Europe’s largest festivals, Sziget attracts nearly 400,000 festival goers. Headline acts include Queens of the Stone Age and Bastille, whilst theatre and circus shows provide an alternative to the music across the weekend.

Croatia has become renowned in recent years for the festivals it hosts, and Outlook ends the summer as one of the best. It’s beachside setting in a 19th century fort and acts including Andy C and DJ EZ make it one not to be missed.

If you can’t make it abroad, then a trip down to Bestival is the next best thing. With Outkast, Foals and Disclosure all making appearances and one of the best festival atmospheres Europe, it might just be worth risking the mud.

redbrick.me/travel

6th - 20th June 2014

25

An Indian Summer Travel writer Tom Walsh discusses an alternative place to study...

Much to everyone’s relief, exams are finally over. However, the inevitable question from family, friends and tutors regarding your summer plans is yet to be answered.

Students will find themselves in a tussle between working, holidaying and, if you are lucky enough, interning. As students, we are increasingly being told of the invaluable nature of an internship, and its ability to open doors to graduate recruitment.

I found myself in this same situation last summer. I was sat at home wondering what I was going to do with the rest of what seemed, at the time, an eternal summer when I received an email from the university careers department.

The email would ultimately give me a summer experience that I doubt will ever be surpassed. It was an unforget-

table experience spending three weeks in India on the UKIERI Study India Programme.

The programme provides an unrivalled opportunity to learn about what it takes to live and work in India by spending 3 weeks in two of the great Indian cities: Mumbai and Delhi. It is partly government funded so all accommodation, food and transport whilst in India is accounted for by the UK and Indian Governments, so all you have to worry about is your airfare.

The partner company of the programme and the team providing you with your introduction to India are Indogenius.

The organisation is headed up by Nick Booker, a veteran of 7 years’ experience living in India.

Nick and his relentlessly hard working team guide you through your Indian adventure with a carefully constructed timetable of cultural, historical and economic activities.

This ensures that you are offered an insight into what it would be like to both live and work in India.

I was lucky enough to begin my Indian adventure in Mumbai (Bombay in old money). Quite literally a sensory bombshell, you experience the full range of emotions as you spend a week using arguably the world’s most fascinating mega-city as your classroom.

Participants are offered many activities that form the

immersion into India; we were even taught the art of Bollywood dancing – although naturally some were better than others.

However, regardless of ability I can assure you that the moves learnt in these lessons are still on show in the nightclubs of Broad Street!

Many have asked me what my highlight was. The crown

"The real beauty is the fusion between cultural and economic immersion." for this accolade falls to the early morning bike ride tour around 'Colonial Bombay.' A unique experience offered by the programme, and one that I never shall forget.

Setting off at 4:30am from the hotel, meandering through the still stifling streets as the sleeping mega-city begins to wake up and descend into organised chaos, is like much of what you see in India - indescribable.

You dodge women balancing extraordinary amounts of seafood at Sassoon Docks, sacred cattle lazing in the middle of streets, and the famously crazy Mumbai traffic as you take in the best of the city.

Other activities included a treasure hunt around South Mumbai, a visit to Bollywood studio, a local school visit, and a tour of the unforgettable Dharavi slum.

It feels as though I am doing the week grave injustice by being so selective, however I could be here for hours writing about my all too brief experience as a 'Mumbaiker'.

Those lucky enough to be chosen in 2014 can also expect to spend two weeks in India’s capital city, New Delhi. Here, along with undertaking a work placement and yet more cultural activities, time will also be spent at Delhi University, or ‘DU’ as you will quickly come to know it.

Here, you undertake classes with your fellow Indian stu-

World vs. Food

Each week, Travel brings you an iconic dish from around the world. Experience the delights of foreign cuisine, without having to dig out your passport...

Peruvian Ceviche This tasty dish originates from the South American home of the Incas, Peru. Filled with vegetables, herbs and citrus flavours this is the perfect summer meal which is quick and easy to make. The combination of fresh ingredients and high protein content will keep you full whilst still feeling healthy.

Here is the need to know about Ceviche...

Origin: Peru Main Ingredients: White fish of your choice, peppers, spring onions, lemon, chillies, mint, coriander Where best to find in Vietnam: Punto Azul, Lima, Peru Where best is find in the UK: Lima, Tottenham Court Road, London

dents and get a taste for what it is like to study in India.

This experience is a real eye opener, and despite being 4000 miles apart, you will be surprised that being a student in India is very much similar to being one in the UK. The experience at DU gives you the opportunity to form lifelong friendships and ultimately continue your invaluable Indian relationship when back home.

The real beauty though of the UKIERI Study India programme is the fusion between cultural and economic immersion. Under the programme, you undertake a week’s work experience with a major Indian company or NGO. This offers a real grasp of what it is like to work in an Indian multinational firm.

Placements ranged from a week with Air India to Tata Motors, from the UKIBC to Grant Thornton, or if you are seeking experience in medicine, you could find yourself spending the week with the Som Datt Foundation in east Delhi, working in a medical centre for the poor and disadvantaged.

Wherever placed, you can be sure of an experience that will not only stand out on your CV, but also provide the opportunity to socialise and connect with your Indian colleagues, who are likely to form part of what will be one of the world’s great economic powerhouses.

In the competitive graduate market employers want to see people that are both willing and able to adapt to new cultures, and show that they have experience in the developing world. The economic immersion provided by the Study India Programme goes above and beyond this. It equips you with a superior knowledge of the increasingly global Indian economy, and recognises the relationship that you will share with India in the years to come.

So if you really are stuck for something to do this summer, then please do apply for the Study India Programme.

It is an opportunity that is simply too good to pass up.

Applications close on Sunday 8th June, and more information can be accessed through www.studyindia.co.uk.

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Science & Technology

Seaside Treasures For All Science and Tech Editor Rachel Taylor explores the mystery behind cuttlebones washed up on shore As exams come to an end and summer time officially begins for the student population, many of us will find ourselves on beaches all around the world, fascinated by the creatures that lurk in the Mediterranean. However on the British seaside over the summer, you may find a washed up cuttlebone from an amazing creature. A question that many people often ask is “Where do they come from?” and the nonchalant reply is “Cuttlefish of course”, but what exactly are cuttlefish? Would you know what one looked like if you saw it in the water?

It is one of the strangest creatures out there. As the sea temperature rises in the spring, the cuttlefish arrive from the cold 100m depth of the English Channel to the shallows, powered by their 10 limbs and their whopping 3 hearts!

They look similar to a squid and can grow up to 50 cm in length.

The highly intelligent animals communicate by shifting patterns of their fins, similar to a Morse code and can change colour to show happiness, disappointment or excitement. Their acutely sensitive eyes that detect polarised light (invisible to the human eye) search for a mate during breeding season.

Once the male has fertilised the female’s eggs it is jealously protective over their mate to ensure

that there is no competition for his offspring.

The eggs, known as sea grapes for their dark colour from being

"Powered by their ten limbs and their whopping three hearts!" coated in ink, are checked on by the mother before she dies. All that’s left after she dies is the buoyancy aid – the cuttlebone.

However, this may sound like a very simple life cycle, but cuttlefish are in decline. They often lay their eggs on lobster pots which are then brushed off by fisherman and die. You can even sometimes see the empty egg cases on the beach.

Next time you see the treasure of a cuttlefish on the shore and hand it to your budgie to peck on, you will know everything that has happened to bring it there and the amazing creature that it was in the water!

I found out about cuttlefish from watching Springwatch on BBC One, an amazing programme for biologists or wildlife lovers.

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Creature Feature: Neon Flying Squid Belonging to the Ommastrephidae family, these squid are found in Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans and only live for about a year on average. They come up to the surface to feed at night but then retreat as far as 300m underwater during the day. To escape threats such as predators, they shoot out of the water, and are often mistaken for flying fish. In the water, they are hard to miss, thanks to their light-emitting photophores.

6th - 20th June 2014

redbrick.me/tech

Spotlight on Bacteria: Antibiotics and Biofilms Soumya Perinparajah investigates biofilm formation and their link to antibiotic resistance Biofilms Characteristic of at least two thirds of bacterial infections, biofilms are essentially sheets of bacteria held together by proteins called extracellular polymeric substances. When there is antibiotic resistance, the number of biofilms formed can increase by up to 100 fold, making it harder for our immune systems to fight the bacterial infection.

A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens presents exciting results, focussing on some of the ESKAPE pathogens, which were identified in 2008 by The Infectious Diseases Society of America as those posing the greatest risk to society due

Antibiotics In the 1930s, the first antibiotics were introduced to treat bacterial infections in humans.

Despite being very effective for several decades, seventy years later, we are now run-

"The threat drug resistant infections pose is similar to global warming."

to their resistance (ESKAPE is an acronym for the following bacteria: Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp).

Researchers have identified an anti-biofilm protein, 1018, that inhibits, and in some cases completely eradicates, biofilm formation in four of the ESKAPE pathogens and others strains such as E. coli and MRSA. The protein works by blocking a protein that has an important role in regulating gene transcription, for example upregulating stressrelated proteins.

"When there is antibiotic resistance, the number of biofilms formed can increase by up to 100 fold"

ning out of effective antibiotics to treat disease due to antibiotic resistance. The chief medical officer for England, Prof Dame Sally Davies, said last year that the threat drug-resistant infections pose is similar to global warming.

The World Health Organisation has also recognised antibiotic resistance, with a recent report saying antibiotics are a “major global threat”. It is fast emerging as a global public health issue, so much so that it was even included in the World Economic Forum Global Risks Register in 2013.

The apparent solution may be obvious – why can’t we just find new antibiotics? A

key factor hindering is that research into antibiotics is not a traditionally funded area, which has led to most pharmaceutical companies withdrawing from this area. New incentives are urgently needed for pharma to re-engage in this much-needed research. In an attempt to contain the spread of antimicrobial resistance, the UK government launched a 5 year Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy from 2013 to 2018. There have also been European initiatives such as European Antibiotics Awareness Day, which takes place on 18th November every year, via The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

Further research is required to see if 1018 is effective against other strains of bacteria, but it is significant progress in the race to find strategies to tackle antibiotic resistance.

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Sport

The Editors' World Cup Predictions With the World Cup now just a matter of days away, this year's Sports editors, past and present, put their necks on the line and give their predictions for the main event of the summer Who will win the World Cup?

ing for the weakest team of the three, therefore I think Messi, playing alongside Aguero, Di Maria and Higuain will be the best player of the tournament.

Felix: It’s got to be a South American team.

There have been four world cups staged on the continent to date and every one of them has been won by a South American team.

That leaves us with a choice between the hosts and most successful World Cup team of all time, Brazil, or arch-rivals Argentina.

I am going to plump for a home win and a sixth World Cup win for Brazil.

David: There will be plenty of focus on the likes of Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, especially the latter in his home nation, but quite often the leading stars are usurped by a lesser player, and while he is not really a ‘lesser’ player, I think Eden Hazard will have an excellent tournament as the star player for the surprise package Belgium.

David: There is lots of talk of the home advantage for the South American teams and this will certainly play a large part for sides such as Brazil and Argentina. But I think this World Cup will be won by a team with quality running throughout the squad and for me that will be Germany.

Alex: Despite the Brazil team suffering from an overwhelming burden of pressure to win a sixth World Cup in front of their fans, I’m tipping Oscar to be the star of the tournament. The diminutive playmaker has quickly become a key player for Chelsea and seems unfazed by the pressures involved with competing at the highest level. With the majority of the focus on Neymar, Oscar will be able to play without the same weight of expectation on his shoulders.

Alex: Germany's time to take over the world (of football) has finally arrived. Its Joachim Low's third major tournament in charge of the national side, a period in which he has been able to introduce a plethora of talented young players who now boast vital tournament experience. Having fallen just short in South Africa in 2010 and again at Euro 2012 this ambitious squad should be confident of going all the way.

Aman: Spain. History suggests that this edition’s winner will emerge from one of the South American contingent. Undoubtedly, Europe’s best candidates will find it difficult to negotiate the energy sapping humidity, but both Brazil and Argentina have their flaws. No team has ever won back to back world cup titles but there is always room for one team to rewrite history. It’s going to be a consecutive World Cup win for La Furia Roja.

Tom: In truth, I have absolutely no idea. It is arguably one of the most open World Cup Finals in many a year and it is certainly so in my rather brief experience of the tournament. I have gone for the hosts, Brazil, as they arguably possess the most complete side in the tournament, a solid defensive unit, a creative and pacey midfield, and in the shape of Neymar, a genuine match-winner.

Who will be player of the tournament?

Felix: The players in the creative positions for the front runners are likely to shine.

None of Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar have ever really shone at a World Cup so it is about time one of them produced a ridiculous display we all know they are capable of. The pressure on Neymar is unbelievable and Cristiano Ronaldo is play-

Aman: Angel Di Maria. As of now, there are three irrepressible talents that carry a nation’s weight on their shoulders. A home world cup magnifies the pressure for Neymar. It is even more significant for seasoned super stars Ronaldo and Messi, as their sub par world cup performances have earned much deserved scrutiny – it places great demand on the two rivals to leave a commanding dent on the world cup. But, perhaps the Best player of the World Cup won’t emerge out of this exclusive shortlist.

It was awarded to Oliver Kahn in 2002 and Diego Forlan in 2010 – both enjoyed an outstanding tournament and neither player won the cup.

Tom: As the ‘Player of the Tournament’ usually comes from the tournament winners, I am going to support my previous prediction and look to Thiago Silva to write his name into the history books. If Brazil are to emerge victorious in their own backyard, it will be their defensive qualities that must prevail and in the shape of their talismanic leader, Brazil own one of the best centrebacks in the business.

Who will win the Golden Boot?

Felix: The golden boot tends to go to a player who has played the most games and therefore the tournament winners or runners up are a good bet. Despite not being the most gifted player, Brazilian striker Fred plays at the top of one of the most creative teams and is clearly Scolari’s man. He showed in the Confederations Cup last summer that he can score goals and by virtue of being in the best team will finish top goal scorer.

David: While I don’t think they will do as well as many other people are predicting, I do believe that the top scorer will come from Argentina by virtue of the fact that they have an incredibly easy group and route up to the quarter finals. It could be Sergio Aguero, it could be Higuain, it almost certainly won’t be Franco Di Santo, but i’m going to go for Lionel Messi.

Alex: Cristiano Ronaldo has enjoyed a successful season winning the Ballon d’Or, scoring 49 goals in all competitions and helping Real Madrid secure their tenth Champions League trophy. The Portugal captain will be looking to add to his disappointing previous tally of 2 World Cup goals from 2006 and 2010, and this year I expect him to more than double his current World Cup goalscoring record, claiming the prize for top scorer.

Aman: The Golden Boot sometimes throws a surprise. In 1998, Croatia’s Davor Suker pipped Ronaldo and in the last two editions, it has been two industrious and unglamorous German strikers who have bagged the prize – Klose in 2006 and Muller in 2010. Nonetheless, this year could be far more straightforward. I expect Cristiano Ronaldo to take Portugal past the group stage and maybe even to the semi finals. He will certainly register a few goals along the way so I could see him being the top scorer.

Tom: Lionel Messi. The luck of the draw has been relatively kind to Argentina. They are unlikely to be truly tested until the Quarter-Final stages, and should their defensive frailties be their undoing in the last eight, there would still have been plenty of time for one of the greatest players to have ever played the game to rack-up a substantial tally against relatively weak opposition. Lionel Messi is too good a player to not achieve some success in a World Cup; it would be foolish to discount him.

How will England fare?

Felix: If England can escape Group D, which should not be beyond them, then the quarter-finals are not an unrealistic target.

Of course that means getting past one of Uruguay and Italy, but I am cautiously optimistic. Once out of the group a meeting with Ivory Coast or Colombia is most likely, but like most fans I am not expecting great things.

David: Since the squad was announced I have been filled with a foolish sense of optimism. There is a fair amount of young talent and I do believe England will escape a difficult group, but will be all too predictably dumped out at the quarter-final stage where they will be beaten by the hosts.

Alex: This is the most exciting England squad for a long time, with a combination of raw youth and old experienced heads. How far England get will depend on how well the likes of Sterling, Lallana and Sturridge adapt to playing in their first major international tournament. There is also seemingly little expectation on Wayne Rooney compared to previous years, which may benefit the 28 year old who will be eager to forget a disappointing season with Manchester United and finally score at a World Cup. I'm going to be stupidly optimistic and suggest that England will unexpectedly fill the nation with pride but falter after a valiant semi-final defeat.

Aman: England have low expectations and a team of in form players – some are tried and tested stars but a significant number are the young, raw upstarts. England are generally hard to beat and well organised but whether Roy Hodgson will allow the young lions some freedom remains to be seen.

Should they win their group, England could face easier opponents in the next round.

However, a difficult quarter-final fixture beckons and so it might well be curtains at the 2nd knockout stage once again.

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David: Holland may well be the big name casualties by the end of the group stage, together with one of Italy or England, but I can see the pressure and expectation getting the better of Neymar who I think may struggle.

Alex: Having reached the finals of Euro 2012, there will be high hopes in Italy that Cesare Prandelli’s men can challenge in Brazil. Despite possessing a strong squad on paper, you never really know what you’re going to get with this team and the enigmatic Balotelli can influence whether they win or lose in equal measure. However, Group D is arguably the group of death and I predict Italy will be edged out by England and Uruguay.

Aman: Dutch fans and the media know that the current crop pale in greatness when compared to their great predecessors. Louis Van Gaal has secured the Old Trafford hot seat but he might struggle to inspire the Oranje out of their group. Enough said about Spain, but Chile are a formidable opponent, especially in these conditions. Their young team will put up a creditable display but I expect that Holland will suffer a group stage exit.

Tom: Holland. A difficult group comprising of the current World and European champions and my surprise-package-to-be Chile, the Dutch have an unenviable task of trying to reach the knock-out stages. Despite his claims to the contrary, Louis Vann Gaal’s preperations for the tournament must have been disrupted by the bizarrely drawn out nature of his appointment as the new Manchester United manager, and with an aging squad, you do wonder about their ability to compete with the two other threats in the group.

David: Watching the irrelevant officials stand behind the goal and do nothing when a big decision requires their input. That and players not singing their national anthem.

Aman: Brazil has deep societal problems and expecting the World Cup to solve some of them is fanciful. Brazilians see the World Cup as both a burden and a blessing. Like most world events, it will be lumbered with huge debt and, perhaps, opportunism by criminals. However, it still has the makings of a tremendous world cup. I will not be looking forward to the media and the scaremongering. I await the panorama episode on kidnappings – usually, the tournaments take place without a hitch.

Tom: The coverage. It would be a fairly safe bet to make that, with the likes of Jason Roberts, Kevin Kilbane and Rio Ferdinand lining up for the BBC punditry team, there may not be the kind of in depth pre and postmatch analyisis that many will be craving.

Whilst for ITV, expect Andy Townsend to thrive with his unique ability to talk at great length without really saying anything at all.

As far as co-commentary goes, Townsend’s eye for the obvious is remarkable, using insightful statements such as ‘It’s one of them Clive,’ for a piece of action that clearly requires no further scrutiny. On the bright side, there is always Roy Keane’s furious and pessimistic persona to add some much needed drama to contrast with the likes of Lee Dixon and Adrian Charles.

England's Odds

What are you looking forward to most?

Tom: Quarter-Finalists. Roy Hodgson has said and done all the right things by way of selection and mentality. There is no substitute for real pace at the top level and it is certainly a squad with pace in abundance.

However, you can be sure that England’s inability to control possession will come back to haunt Hodgson’s men in the latter stages of the tournament in some brutally hot conditions.

Who will be the surprise package?

Felix: Group F is wide open. Argentina are the only certain qualifier with the other three teams, Nigeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran, all in with a chance of qualification. I fancy Bosnia-Herzegovina to progress to the second round where a meeting with Group E winner, most likely France, could cause a shock for the team at their first World Cup. David: While the number of people calling Belgium the ‘Dark Horses’ makes them less of a surprise package now, I can see them progressing deep into the tournament and even dispensing of Argentina at the quarter final stage. This is a side with excellent talent throughout the squad, and they could do very well. Ivory Coast may also provide a few shocks.

Alex: Honduras may not set the world alight this tournament and probably won’t win the World Cup. Probably. But I’m tipping them to get out of their group consisting of France, Switzerland and Ecuador.

With Premier League talent in the form of Maynor Figueroa, Rodger Espinoza and Wilson Palacios, I’m confident that the former Wigan contingent and their counterparts can finish second, though they will likely face Argentina in the round of sixteen, where their glorious World Cup will come to an end.

Aman: A lot of good press has been drummed up for Belgium and rightly so, but their path to the final is littered with experienced world cup teams and that could prove to be their downfall. I enjoy Chile’s style of play – it is very gung ho and demands high fitness levels from their opposition. They will be playing in their home continent and in Arturo Vidal they have possibly the finest box to box midfielder in the world. Alongside him is a man dubbed the Chilean Xavi – Marcelo Diaz – and he will play conductor to Vidal’s destroyer.

Tom: Chile. One should never underestimate the value of experience of a climate.

Had circumstances been different and the likes of Falcao and Suarez not had their preparations ravaged by injury, I may have plumped for a different South American ‘minnow’. Yet as both these superstars now seem unlikely to enter the tournament at full fitness, if at all, Jorge Sampaoli's squad is my pick to keep an eye on. The manner in which Alexis Sanchez ran the show as Chile humbled a poor England side at Wembley was hugely impressive, especially considering the absence of their superb technician Arturo Vidal in the centre of the park. They have a difficult group, but neither Spain nor the Netherlands will be fancying the challenge of facing this very technically gifted side.

Who will be the flop of the tournament?

Felix: Both Australia and the United States face a first round exit and perhaps without collecting any points. Australia face a daunting task in Group B of Spain, Chile and the Netherlands and with a 34-year-old Tim Cahill their best outlet they are going to be embarrassed. Similarly the US, faced with Germany, Ghana and Portugal will struggle to even score.

Felix: Non-stop football with the chance to watch players and teams you would never normally watch. Once England are out you can pick an underdog to support and simply enjoy the tournament without disappointment.

David: Aside from what is going to be one of the most exciting international tournaments of my lifetime, I really like the national anthems and will be sure to tune in well in advance of kick off to ensure I don’t miss some rousing renditions.

Alex: The atmosphere at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was incredible, though the novelty of the vuvuzela wore off pretty quickly. If we thought that was good, a World Cup in the adopted home of football is sure to be able to trump it.

Aman: I want to see what Brazil will do with the world cup. World cups are about flavours and everyone wants to see the pomp and razzmatazz of South America bellowing out of every stadium. But wouldn’t it be nice if the BBC or ITV could rope in one of the Brazillian announcers (or Robbie Savage) to blare out ‘GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAL’ as each goal goes in?

Wayne Rooney Top Goalscorer

50/1 England to win a penalty shoot-out

8/1

Tom: Omnipresent football.

What are you looking forward to least?

Felix: Any negatives attached to Brazil as a host. As we all know there have been plenty of problems so far, with deaths on construction sites and riots. Let’s hope nothing undermines the tournament.

Alex: There will be a rather peculiar feel to this World Cup with some matches being played late in the evening. The England vs.

Italy match will kick off at 11pm BST and will mean an agonizing wait until we can watch Roy’s Boys in action! Worst case scenario is England losing miserably after the painstaking build up to the match.

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England to win the World Cup

25/1

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Sport

Mercedes sitting pretty while Hamilton and Rosberg go head-to-head After the first six races of the Formula 1 season Nicola Kenton takes a look at the Mercedes domination and the battle between drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg Nicola Kenton Sports Reporter

The 2014 Formula 1 season has consisted of 6 races so far, with one team dominating: Mercedes AMG Petronas. The team has won every single race with Nico Rosberg in Australia and Monaco, and Lewis Hamilton in Malaysia, Bahrain, China and Spain. It is clear that Mercedes have the upper hand on the other teams, in terms of their combined engine and chassis, but this has meant the teenage rivalry of Rosberg and Hamilton has reappeared.

"It is clear that Mercedes have the upper hand on other teams, in terms of their combined engine and chassis, but this has meant the teenage rivalry of Rosberg and Hamilton has reappeared."

As teenagers, they used to race against each other go-karting but they were also teammates at TeamMBM.com in 2000 and 2001. During these years, they were racing in the Formula A and Formula Super A karting championships. Hamilton won the Formula A championship in 2000 with Rosberg finishing in second place - this is the rivalry has come to a head again, because it is a very similar situation. Hamilton and Rosberg in the best team and best car, they will both finish at the top but only one can be the 2014 World Champion.

The championship so far this year has been dominated by Mercedes with 1-2 finishes in every race; apart from the initial Grand Prix in Australia where a mechanical failure meant that Hamilton had to retire from the race. Rosberg led the championship after winning the race with Hamilton effectively restarting his season in Malaysia with a 25 point deficit to overturn. However, Hamilton made the most of his many outstanding pole position performances to win four races in a row and finally lead the

"Monaco was controversial and deepened the possible rift between the teammates due to the actions of Rosberg in the final session of qualifying." championship again going into the Monaco Grand Prix.

Monaco was controversial and deepened the possible rift between the teammates due to the actions of Rosberg in the final session of qualifying. After the first laps of the ses-

sion had been completed Rosberg was in the lead but only by 0.059 seconds. In the final five minutes of the session, all the drivers were making their way back onto the track to do their last two 'flying laps'. Hamilton was the last one out on track with Rosberg just in front, meaning that if Hamilton were to get pole position he would know what times everybody else had achieved beforehand. They had both crossed the start/finish line and were completing their flying laps when Rosberg suddenly swerved, locked up and then pulled his car into an escape route off of the corner, Mirabeau. This corner was at the beginning of sector 2 and because the car was in an 'unsafe' position, yellow flags had to be shown and the subsequent cars had to slow down because the area was 'unsafe'.

As Hamilton was behind Rosberg at the time of the incident, it meant that after doing a personal best in the first sector, he then had

"After an investigation by the stewards it was deemed that Rosberg had unintentionally made a mistake." to slow down for the second and ultimately couldn't have recorded a faster time.

After an investigation by the stewards it was deemed that Rosberg had unintentionally made a mistake and 'parked' his car at Mirabeau to stop Hamilton from claiming pole position. Although it was commented by many racing drivers that it looked 'odd', it was not cheating and there was no intention behind it and no penalty. Furthermore, Monaco is a tight street circuit with limited overtaking and the race also has an 80%

chance of having a safety car and therefore this and the pit stops would be the only opportunity for Hamilton to overtake his teammate. However, at Mercedes the lead car gets the choice of when they take their pit stop. This meant that when an opportu-

"This year's championship will be exciting, even though it will be between one dominant team" nity arose after Adrian Sutil (Sauber) crashed there was a chance to immediately pit before the safety car was released but Hamilton and Mercedes chose not to and the team ended up pitting their drivers at the same time.

With the opportunity gone, Hamilton then had further trouble with dust in his eye and the fight was over with Rosberg, instead he was fighting to keep his second place from Ricciardo - which he did. The podium was frosty as neither Hamilton or Rosberg really acknowledged or congratulated one another and an intervention has since taken place with Niki Lauda (non-executive Chairman of Mercedes) and the issues have been resolved.

This year's championship will be exciting, even though it will be between one dominant team because there are two drivers who want it more than anything. Hamilton wants to remain on top, like they were as teenagers with him winning the karting championship, whilst Rosberg just wants to beat Hamilton. This season will be tight and this fight will carry on until the end of the season until double points on the last race might come into play. Next up is Canada the stomping ground of Lewis Hamilton.

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Named and Shamed

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Performance of the week

Tweet of the week Andrew Flintoff @flintoff11 Not sure i'll fit into the "modern game" as they call it, maybe i'll be regarded as retro if I behave in a sporting manner! #mankad

Carl Froch beat George Groves in their highly anticipated rematch at Wembley on Saturday night. The fight, which took place in front of a capacity crowd at Wembley Stadium, looked to be a fairly even contest up until Froch landed a right-handed knockout blow in the 8th round. Froch wouldn't comment much on whether there would be a next fight, or who he might face, but did suggest that he might be tempted by a Las Vegas fight.

Sri Lanka's Sachithra Senanayake controversially stopped his bowl mid-run up to knock the bails off the stumps and dismiss England's Jos Buttler, who had strayed out of his box in anticipation. The Sri Lankan's actions drew widespread criticism and many were surprised that his skipper, Angelo Matthews, didn't reject Senanayake's appeal to the umpire.

After the match, Alastair Cook claimed that the incident had "crossed a line".

Lighter side of Sport

World Cup Betting Tips

1. Japanese football club Omiya Ardija have created cardboard supporters in a bid to boost the morale of their players (and the match attendance). The J-League side suffer from small crowds, being one of the league's minnows. Perhaps clubs in England might follow suit should they continue to price fans out of the game...

Singles: 14/1

Sergio Aguero Top Goalscorer

6/1

Spain to win the World Cup

13/10

Brazil to make the final

Accumulator: Brazil, Spain, Chile, Uruguary, Colombia, France, Argentina, Belgium, Russia to all win their first matches

Photo of the week

Online

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and online at www.redbrick.me/sports to keep up to date with all the latest sporting events

Events to look out for over the summer: Wimbledon 23rd June-6th July Tour de France 5th-27th July FIFA World Cup Final 13th July Women's Rugby World Cup 1st-17th Aug Premier League season starts 16th Aug

Congratulations to Xenna Hughes and Alys Brooks on their recent selection in the Welsh Ladies Hockey squad for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Sport quiz 1. After beating George Groves at Wembley, how many wins by KO does Carl Froch have?

2. How many caps did Jonny Wilkinson win for England?

3. In which year did Brazil first lift the World Cup? 4. How many Formula 1 racing wins do Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg have combined?

5. Who is the oldest player to have competed at the World Cup? 1.24 2.91 3.1958 4.31 5.Roger Milla (42)

46/1

2. A Panda from the Sichuan provence in China is set to take over from Paul the Octopus from predicting the outcomes of World Cup matches. The unnamed cub is going to predict the winners by choosing between two trees to climb with the nations' flags.

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Across

1. A continual watcher of TV, videos, etc (5,6) 9. Slightly mad - on the wrong track (2,3,4) 10. Epoch (3) 11. Aquatic mammal (5) 13. Simulate - make up (7) 14. Hand over - die (4,2) 15. Very light - dark red - strand (6) 18. English poet, diplomat and customs official (7) 20. Splending - organ stop (5) 21. Day before (3) 22. Insulting - attack (9) 24. Narrator (possibly a liar?) (11)

Down

2. Choose (3) 3. Farewell - drinking toast (7) 4. Speedy - help for forgetful actor (6) 5. Topic (5) 6. Consequently - for that reason (9) 7. Poorer after a transaction (3,2,6) 8. Strait separating Asia and Europe (11) 12. Will - convenant (9) 16. Armoury (7) 17. Yield - gain (6) 19. Singing group (5) 23. Wrath (3)

12`3`4`5`6` 7 ` ` ` ` ` 8 9```````` 0`` ` ` ` ` ` ` -`=`` q`````` ` ` ` ` ` ` w````` er```` ` ` t ` ` ` y```u`` i```` ` ` ` ` ` ` o`` p`````[`` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ]``````````

32

redbrick.me/sport

6th - 20th June 2014

Sport

P 28 & 29 - The Editors' World Cup Predictions

Thank you, Jonny After finishing his career with a Heineken Cup and Top 14 League double, Tom Kelly reminisces over the incredible career of the one and only Jonny Wilkinson Tom Kelly

Sports Reporter

There are few sporting legends for which a first name alone is enough to describe the subject; yet Jonny Wilkinson is certainly in that elite bracket. In the dying embers of the night of the 22nd November 2003, Jonny etched his name forever more into the folk tales of English rugby with the sweetest of drop-goals, struck with his weaker right foot, to clinch the Webb Ellis trophy.

You do not have to look very far to acknowledge the impact that Wilkinson’s

"To this day there is still no one on the planet you would rather have to kick a goal when it really mattered." success has had on English rugby. It would be a hard task to claim coincidence in the fact that we are now seeing England’s most talented pool of outside-halves arguably ever assembled, with the likes of Owen Farrell, George Ford, Henry Slade and Freddie Burns all growing up under the influence of that inspirational night in Sydney.

An accumulation of 1246 Test Match points in 97 matches for England and the British and Irish Lions is a total only bettered by the mercurial Daniel Carter, who

"Whilst his performances on the rugby field have rarely ceased to amaze, it is his unparalleled professionalism that marks Wilkinson out as a truly unique individual." himself, deemed it necessary to pass on a message of congratulations to England’s World Cup winning hero on the announcement of his former rival’s retirement.

Wilkinson’s abilities and influence on a game went far beyond simple numbers however. To this day, there is still no one on the planet you would rather have to kick a goal when it really mattered.

However, what is so remarkable is that not even such an illustrious career, an immaculate kicking technique or the manner in which he transformed the defensive responsibilities and capabilities of a fly-half,

have truly defined this superlative professional. Whilst his performances on the rugby field have rarely ceased to amaze, it is his unparalleled professionalism that marks Wilkinson out as a truly unique individual.

"Wilkinson now possesses back to back Heineken Cup Winners' medals alngside a Top 14 League victory to boot."

Never has there been a rugby player with such an intrinsic drive to train, to improve and to succeed in every aspect of the game, and his mentality has helped transform the success of an entire club. Without the influence of Wilkinson, it is arguable that Toulon’s riches would have amounted to little more than a half-way house for ex-internationals looking to gain a little more comfort for themselves in retirement. However, Wilkinson’s love for the game and his professional outlook on it were quickly harnessed by the club who have since gone from strength to strength.

"It is difficult to imagine rugby union without the frankly bizarre squatting stance of Wilkinson's kicking ritual."

There may be disparities in the Toulon squad, the starting pack of forwards for the Heineken Cup possessed five different mother tongues after all, but with Wilkinson

as captain and as the model professional, this widely differing collection of Galacticos from across the globe have combined to form one of the most dangerous sides ever assembled in European club rugby’s history.

Two years ago, it was in European club rugby that Jonny still had unfinished business. Fast forward to today, and Wilkinson now possesses back to back Heineken Cup Winners’ medals alongside a Top 14 league

victory to boot. With these recent successes, Wilkinson ends his career with very few boxes left unticked, racking up four Six Nations titles including one grand slam, a Premiership victory and two Powergen Cups with his beloved Newcastle Falcons and the jewel in the crown, the Rugby World Cup.

"The ability of the man to have influence over some of the contemporary greats of the game show just how much respect this consummate professional has all over the world."

Growing up under his spell, it is difficult to imagine rugby union without the frankly bizarre squatting stance of Wilkinson’s kicking ritual. It is an image that defined the most successful era in English rugby history.

The ability of the man to have influence over some of the contemporary greats of the game show just how much respect this consummate professional has all over the world.

He now turns his hands to coaching at his adopted home in the south of France, and with his drive for perfection and attention to detail; it is difficult to see how this modern legend of the game could not thrive in such Charlotte Wilson a role. He is, after all, the ultimate winner.