Redbrick - 6th December 2013

Redbrick

Est. 1936

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

Vol. 78. Issue 1440. www.redbrick.me

Christmas Edition Jess Gorvin shares her recommendations for holiday TV TV / Page 17

Elizabeth Waind investigates Christmas around the world Travel / Page 23

Tamir Davies interviews the brains behind MyOnesie Life&Style / Page 27

George Reeves slams Salmond's bizarre independence 'wishlist' Comment / Page 10

News / Page 3

Students join staff in national strike over pay UCU hold national walk-out over 'derisory' 1% pay offer, gender pay gap and zero-hour contracts • Lectures and seminars cancelled • Students march round University Square • Defend Education support UCU and re-occupy Senate Chamber

The Lion Redbrick's biannual campus sport pullout

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6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

News Tweet of the Week

Society Spotlight

Wilderness Medicine Society Minion @typicalminions

The Wilderness Medicine group mixes outdoor activities with emergency medicine, including practicals in trauma management and anything else involved in practicing first aid and medicine in remote areas.

To contact Wilderness Medicine - email wildermedicine@guild.bham.ac.uk or facebook Birmingham Wilderness Medicine.

Online in Redbrick News

Redbrick on the Week News writer Samiha Sharif reports on the biggest international, national and local stories of the past week, including controversy over China air zone rules, universities not targeting poorer students and Prince William's visit to Birmingham.

Photo of the Week: 'Festive fun' Sam Tunnicliffe

Redbrick Editorial Team Editor Josh Holder editor@redbrick.me Deputy Editors Charley Ross James Phillips deputy@redbrick.me Digital Editor Ashley Kirk digital@redbrick.me News Editors Zahra Damji Izi Hicks Beth Clarke Adam Rowe Sabrina Dougall Vanessa Browne news@redbrick.me Crossword Editors Matthew Robinson Thomas Hutchinson

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6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

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Lectures cancelled due to UCU strike action at UoB Sabrina Dougall News Editor

@Sabrina_Dougall

Staff and students took part in the national University and College Union (UCU) strike across campus on Tuesday of this week. A range of supporters were present at the picket line from 8am in the morning, including lecturers, support staff as well as several students.

The lectures and seminars of hundreds of students were cancelled as a result of the balloted strike action. Tuesday’s walkout follows strike action on 31 October which involved members of UCU, Unite, Unison and the EIS trade unions.

David Bailey, Branch President of the UoB branch of the UCU told Redbrick that the balloted strike action was prompted by dissatisfaction over the 1% pay offer of the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), as well as the gender pay gap in the Higher Education sector.

Anne O’Sullivan, Regional Official, UCU West Midlands has told Redbrick that the pay offer made by UCEA is ‘derisory’. She said that despite ongoing discussion with the UCEA, there had been ‘no movement whatsoever’ on their position, with the 1% pay rise presented as ‘a take it or leave it’ offer.

Those present at the picket lines said that the strike was motivated by the cuts in pay in real terms year on year. Liz Lawrence, Vice President of the UCU, said that ‘we’ve lost 13% in the value of earnings since 2008’, adding, ‘people feel enough is enough in terms of pay rises below inflation’.

Admitting that Tuesday’s strike was unlikely to bring about immediate concessions from the University or the UCEA, Lawrence was hopeful that the direct action would ‘keep the issue on the agenda for Higher Education as a whole’.

She said that ‘we expect industrial strike action to continue into the new year.’

Many members of staff were also striking because of their treatment by the University of Birmingham itself. Matthew Rain, the UoB Secretary for Support Staff voiced concerns over the prevalence of zero-hours contracts in the University, and in the Higher Education sector more broadly. Rain pointed out that cleaners, who are paid below the living wage, receive 6 months of sick pay whereas the management receive 12 months’ sick pay.

The University have commented: 'We have a very small number of zero hours contracts in the University, all of which are historic. Those small number of people value the flexibility that a zero hours contract provides such that they do not currently wish to switch to a more substantive contract, although we would be happy to offer an alternative contract, and it is not our intention to offer any further zero hours contracts.'

Prior to the strike on 3rd December, staff were sent an email by Professor Adam Tickell, Vice Principal, detailing the University’s concerns ‘about the potential impact this [strike] could have on our students and staff’. The email said, ‘This follows the action on 31 October when 165 of UCU’s members here (ie approximately 18% of its members in the University...) took strike action’ adding that, ‘Those members’ pay for that day is being withheld’. The email went on to state that ‘we will write to all non-clinical academic and related staff asking them to complete a form if they took strike action; pay will be withheld from January salaries’.

Lawrence added from the picket line that ‘students should take an interest in the issues’ of staff pay and fairness. Rain also said that ‘staff and students have the same common interest’.

Sabrina Dougall

Students re-occupy Senate Chamber for 4 hours

Defend Education

Adam Rowe

Online News Editor

Sabrina Dougall News Editor

@adamrowe93 @Sabrina_Dougall

Defend Education occupied the Senate Chamber once again on Tuesday afternoon, following a scheduled demonstration outside the clocktower at 2pm.

The Senate Chamber in the Aston Webb building had been occupied by Defend Education last week, resulting in a court injunction against the occupiers. Protesters were forced to leave after 8 days of occupation when police and bailiffs arrived, threatening arrest.

Tuesday’s protest began at 2pm, with speeches given by demonstrators via megaphone at the foot of the Clocktower. After marching around University Square chant-

ing, ‘When Eastwood earns a grand a day, tell us why we have to pay’, the crowd of up to 200 students gathered outside the Main Library on campus. After further improvised speeches from those present, the protesters then split in two and followed either a red or blue flag and continued to march around campus, towards the Aston Webb building. Protesters from the red flag division of the demonstration proceeded to knock vigorously on the door to the office of Vice Chancellor David Eastwood. Four security guards were present to defend the door, and no reply was given from within, despite chants of, ‘Eastwood get out, we know what you’re all about: cuts, job losses, money for the bosses’.

The blue flag division of the demonstration had been unsuccessful in their attempt to occupy the Staff House, as security staff had locked doors upon their arrival. Both divisions rejoined to enter the

Senate Chamber once more and hold a tactics meeting.

At the meeting in the Senate Chamber, Roz Burgin, Community Action Officer at the Guild of Students, praised the re-entry of the protesters into the site of last week’s occupation. She said, ‘It’s a massive move that we [Defend Education] are back in here, and with even more people.’

The Guild’s official stance is that ‘whilst not a Guild organised occupation, the Guild recognises the right of students to protest peacefully on campus to raise awareness on student related issues.’

The occupation of the Senate Chamber was apparently impromptu, as the new occupiers had not come prepared to stay overnight. Protesters left the Aston Webb at around 7pm after the University issued a letter address specifically to Simon Furse (former Vice-President Education), Kelly Rogers (student) and ‘other occupiers’.

The letter stated that ‘permission to

remain in this area is witdrawn...the University requires you to leave the area by 5pm on 3rd December’. The letter warned the occupiers that, if they did not vacate the Senate Chamber by 5pm, they could be ‘found guilty of contempt of court, and [they] may be sent to prison or fined.’

Defend Education stated that they were going into occupation to protest, similar to last week, against David Eastwood’s (ViceChancellor of the University of Birmingham) pay which they argued is ‘closer to £420,000’ rather than ‘the average salary of a vice-chancellor [at] approximately £250,000’.

They also expressed solidarity with the UCU strike that was happening on the same day, as well as with other occupations taking place at universities around the country, including Sheffield, Warwick, Liverpool, Goldsmiths, Exeter, Sussex, Ulster and Edinburgh.

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6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

News

LGBT awareness highlighted by campus events

Nicolas C. Duncan Kenyon News Reporter

@DuncanKenyon1

Tara Dein

News Reporter

A promotional event for the pre-launch of LGBT History Month was held at the University of Birmingham on the 28th November, which saw an evening of performances in Bramall Building and a colourful bus featuring the LGBT flag around campus.

LGBT History Month is held every February to celebrate the repealing of Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 in 2003, a law which prevented local authorities from the promotion of homosexuality. Since 2010, there has been a single Equality Act that means that a crime that has a homophobic motive is now a hate crime.

"It was a night for pride in LGBT identity" In 2014, the annual LGBT History Month will focus on music and the University of Birmingham was chosen to host the event.

The musical part of the evening involved musicians including the Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra, Rainbow Voice (an LGBT choir) and DRAG, a lesbian fronted punk band. The ‘Say It Loud’ extravaganza was hosted by comedian Barbara Nice, who encouraged the audience to sing together at times. Independent on Sunday Pink List winners Elly Barnes, Sue Sanders and Tony Fenwick all spoke on the Bramwell music stage about the history of the event and the planning that goes into it.

‘It was a night for pride in LGBT identity’, commented Leilani Rabemananjara, the university’s Non-Sabbatical LGBT officer. ‘It is a nudge in the right direction of visible diversity on the campus’.

There was also a drinks reception held afterwards with VIP guests including an MEP, Birmingham councillors, members of NUT, Stephen Hughes (Chief executive of Birmingham City Council) and

David Viney of the Birmingham LGBT centre.

Preceding this event were workshops with primary and secondary school students at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts and Tiverton Primary school. The workshops focused on educating children about LGBT musicians such as Benjamin Britten, Angela Morley and Ethel Smyth.

Over 20 teachers, 110 performers, 150 students and 20 professionals took part in the workshops.

At the event, Professor Martin Stringer, Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor, accepted an ornamental plate which commemorated the University of Birmingham for hosting the event.

The pre-launch coincided with the ‘Born Free & Equal’ campaign, which was organised by the UN society at the University of Birmingham, an affiliated youth branch of the United Nations Association of the UK. The campaign sought to raise awareness of and fight against discrimination which targets the LGBT community. The events organised on campus were part of the wider ‘Born Free & Equal’ by the UN, which sought to raise awareness and answer questions about discrimination.

A stall presentation was organised by the society and held outside the Guild of Students, where society members handed out information, including a map showing the various sentencing provisions in different countries, and answered questions.

This was followed by an afternoon workshop with presentations of different topics, quizzes and case studies.

The society’s campaigning was meant to raise awareness about a number of facts that many students may be unaware of. They explained that there are currently

"A nudge in the right direction" 76 countries with discriminatory rules criminalizing consensual, same-sex relationships. The society commented that the response to the campaign has been positive, with the workshop acting as an ultimate success, educating students against discrimination.

Nicolas C.

OFF IC

14 20 S

E L E C M T A IO E T N R E

WHAT WOULD YOU DO? If YOU could lead your Guild of Students and represent more than 30,000 Birmingham students what would you do?

Nominate yourself

turn your ideas into reality.

There are seven sabbatical roles and twelve non-sabbatical positions to elect.

This is your chance to make a real difference by improving the university experience and ensuring students ‘get the best from Birmingham!’ Nominations: Wednesday 11th December to Thursday 6th February

Voting: Monday 3rd March to Friday 7th March

Campaigning: Wednesday 26th February to Friday 7th March

Results: Saturday 8th March

Download a nominations pack from Wednesday 11th December at #whatwouldyoudo?

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6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

News Birmingham

New centre launched for Physical Sciences Vedika Bahl News Reporter

@itsmevedika

The Universities and Science Minister, David Willetts, has announced that 24 British universities are to receive a share of £350 million, including the University of Birmingham.

This sum will be the base for the UK’s largest investment in postgraduate training in engineering and physical sciences, as the fund will be used to train more than 3,500 engineering and physical science students.

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) allocated the funding, believing it crucial for future economic growth.

Vice Principal of the University of

Birmingham, Professor Adam Tickell, believes ‘This award reflects Birmingham’s

"the programme targets three of the UK's central healthcare challenges" position as an internationally leading provider of innovative research training at the interface between Physical Science and Medicine.

'The research it will generate has potential to transform patient care through its links to Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital’.

The programme is named Sci-Phy-4Health and run by the University of

Birmingham. It aims to train over 50 students from different scientific backgrounds in a skilled programme combining physics, chemistry, computer science and engineering. The programme targets three of the UK’s central healthcare challenges: trauma, cardiovascular disease and ageing. Several collaborations have also been put in place: 7 national research institutes, 18 industrial companies and a leading NHS acute hospital are involved in the programme.

According to Professor Mike Hannon, who will chair the new centre, ‘This unique programme will underpin UK competitiveness in biomedical technologies’. He goes on to explain that the new centre ‘addresses an identified need from our industrial partners for PhD scientists trained at the interface with biology and medicine’.

‘Scientists and engineers are vital to our economy and society’, comments Willetts.

‘It is their talent and imagination, as well as their knowledge and skills that inspire innovation and drive growth across a range of

"this unique programme will underpin UK competitiveness in biomedical technologies" sectors, from manufacturing to financial services. I am particularly pleased to see strong partnerships between universities, industry and business among the new centres announced today’.

Ed Miliband stops in Birmingham on UK tour Duncan Kenyon News Reporter

@duncankenyon1

Five members of the Birmingham University Labour Society attended and stewarded a question and answer event with Ed Miliband. The event was held at the Burlington hotel in Birmingham as part of a tour of the UK. The Labour leader spoke about reforms and the future direction of the Labour Party. There were 500 people subscribed to attend the event.

"he explained his reluctance to make promises at this stage" The leader explained some of his policy ideas, such as freezing energy prices.

He also promised a living wage scheme and abolishment of the bedroom tax if he were elected as Prime Minister in 2015.

However, he explained his reluctance

to make promises at this stage of the electoral cycle which he may not be able to keep at a later stage.

Miliband focused questions about support for young people into two categories.

He would create more apprenticeships for those who do not go to university, enabling better experience and prospects.

Also, he would like to delegate powers to teachers, as thousands of ‘free schools’ are too difficult to run from Whitehall. He would also like to increase the number of and quality of vocational qualifications and apprenticeship systems.

The Labour leader would also like to see more trust put into the younger generations. He explained his support for sixteen and seventeen year olds being allowed to vote. However this is not up for parliamentary debate.

The Labour Society students wholeheartedly enjoyed the event. They both stewarded the crowds to help the event run smoothly, as well as listened to Ed Miliband speak in front of the crowd. One student was lucky enough to be able to meet Miliband and shook his hand.

Next stage of New Street redevelopment gets underway Izi Hicks

News Editor

@izihicks

Work has begun on the east side of the £650 million New Street Development.

The original 1960s exterior will be removed in large sections, being replaced by

stainless steel.

The new design will use a 35 metre atrium of glass and steel which will cover an area of 3,300 square metres.

The redevelopment will also allow natural light into the station for the first time in 40 years.

As well as improving New Street’s aes-

thetic appearance, the redevelopment aims to deliver new pedestrian connections across the city.

Network Rail project director, Chris Montgomery commented that he expects the new exterior to ‘contribute towards the creation of a world-class transport hub for Birmingham that's fit for the 21st century.’

As New Street is the busiest station outside London and the busiest interchange station in the UK with a train leaving the station every 37 seconds Montgomery goes on to comment, ‘We are delivering a station that Birmingham can be proud of.’ Building began in 2010 and the entire project is scheduled for completion by 2015.

Artistic Impression:New Street Station

Advice & Guidance

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We’re looking for approachable, self-motivated students with great communication skills to join the Student Mentor Scheme.

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For further information and to download an application pack please visit guildofstudents.com/studentmentors mentorwelfare@guild.bham.ac.uk 0121 415 8568

facebook.com/studentmentorscheme @StudentMentors1

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6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

Comment

A Brief Lesson In History Kristine Bagdassarian Commentator

Our story starts November 2004, the time that, in a way, sets the dramatic prelude to the current crisis in Ukraine. During the presidential elections that are believed to have been conducted with a great deal of corruption - including threats to the electorate and eventually gross fraud - the less favourable candidate Viktor Yanukovich is pronounced winner. This unleashes an outburst of protests, currently known as the Orange Revolution, and while the Ukrainian people come out of this battle triumphant and with their rightfully chosen leader Viktor Yushchenko as the head of the country, things don’t go exactly as planned.

Following disruptions in the government and the hard consequences of the 2008 financial crisis, the population turns once again to Yanukovich, and the man they had fought to keep away from the sources of power gloatingly takes the reins into his hands. From then on, the journey downhill is smooth. The times between Yanukovich’s election in 2010 and nowadays is marked with a steep fall in the living standards in the

country, a rise in the crime rates and an interesting and inexplicable enrichment of the lives of politicians and their families.

Now, on the 21st November, what was planned to be the day that Ukraine once again makes a feeble step towards Western Europe and their undying striving for progress, turned into the next heart wrenching disappointment for a nation that has done nothing but battle obstacles and oligarchy all through the tale of its existence.

Instead of signing the EU Trade Pact as planned, the president of the second largest Slavic country in the world abruptly suspended the process. The reasons for that are two: one of the conditions of the pact was for the former prime minister Yulia Timoshenko to be released from what is believed to be an unjust jail sentence, presenting a threat to Yanukovich’s reign, freeing the one person who can become his strongest political opponent. The second reason lies east of Ukraine’s borders and takes the face of Russia’s current president – Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine and Russia’s customs union has allowed import and export of goods between the countries for years, and so, a UkraineEU free-trade pact can only harm the economic settlement shared by the two ex-Sovi-

et countries. Like a sovereign that has lost one too many vassals, Russia makes its position plain and simple: if Ukraine dares to move any closer towards becoming a part of the EU, Russia will smother their economy.

Having lost Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to the paws of the West, Russia will be damned if they let another one slip from their clutches, especially a morsel as large as Ukraine.

The ultimatum hangs, clear and menacing, and it is so blatantly unfair that this new slight proves to be too much for the Ukrainian population. And so the masses roar.

Finding themselves crushed for the umpteenth time between the interests of the great powers, throngs of pro-European protestants pour into the streets in ever growing numbers, and Kiev hollers through its pain and demands the respect it so deserves. The question is not as simple as refusing one side and accepting the other, and many understand – too many understand – that it is now or never that Ukraine must decide its European future. While Putin proclaims the protests a set up for the upcoming presidential elections in 2015, and belittles the passion and hurt of the hundreds of thousand citizens who fill the dry arteries of their city like blood into the limbs of a dead body, Ukraine shakes, and Ukraine refuses to be

the victim of yet another tragedy.

To an extent, the situation in Ukraine reminds me of what is happening in Bulgaria - the same desperate need for a change. The same frustration of being dismissed and disregarded as if you’re not important and you don’t matter. Ukraine is a country that cries out to move forth, and is being bullied and tripped by bigger powers and bigger interests. After so many years, is it really surprising that they will have no more of it? The people no longer call it a protest – no, they want a revolution.

And like any revolution, this one, too, won’t end without its fair share of brutality. On the 30th November, over 200 people were hurt in a violent sweep initiated by the authorities. Protestants were beaten, injured and arrested. And yet the masses came back just as numerous, just as determined to be heard. The slogans and the hoots are redundant because the message – the warning – is in many ways clear: Ukrainian membership in the EU is only a matter of time.

Ukrainian people will not rest until their demands are met. The price is irrelevant.

They have had enough.

And I believe them when they say it.

Who Is To Blame For Pisa Shame?

Ellie Copper

Commentator The Pisa test is an international set of academic exams in science, maths and reading, and it would seem that the UK is flagging in all of them. Reading, quite capably I might add, over the reels of comments underneath an article on the BBC news website, left by parent governors, ex-teachers and general political know-it-alls, it would seem the public is pointing the finger at a few things.

The failures inherited from the Labour party (of course), our somewhat uncooperative coalition (again), and the age old presumption that everyone under twenty-one is a technology obsessed, education hating yob, who goes home to parents who feed them nothing but KFC and let them watch television, dare I say it, past the ‘watershed’.

I was largely unaware of the apparently dire situation that our state education sector is in, but this league table induced discussion has greatly informed me, and I would

like to blame the teachers. We all know a dull teacher makes for an even poorer learning experience, but no one’s forcing them to do it. And, as someone considering a career in teaching, to read so many complaints of unpleasant attitudes, and what I thought was just how teenagers behaved, makes me think that these people are not prepared. I recall it being quite normal for supply teachers to abandon ship twenty minutes into a lesson, and this should not be the case. They know what they should be teaching, but struggle to actually teach it, future proof teaching methods are hard to come across (there are very few chalk boards nowadays), and I appreciate that. Of course I’m not laying all the blame on these poor beings, but maybe in the coming months the government will take some time to review their teacher training programs, with a more concise focus upon preparing teachers for what has apparently become a teacher vs. mobile phone war, and maybe next time we’ll make the top twenty. .

News News

Views

Jonathan Simpson. Boris Johnson caused outrage this week when he spoke disparagingly of those with a lower than average IQ, and said that greed was a useful spur for the economy -a controversial and probably politically disadvantageous statement for somebody for a man in his position to make, but absolutely correct. Jealousy does drive the economy doesn’t it? Not underhand green-eyed resentment but a rational, honest want for more, for a better life for ourselves and our families. It’s why a market economy works, because we all want more than the next guy, otherwise why would be all be here competing for the best internships and graduate jobs? It doesn’t make us dark, deceptive or dislikeable, it makes us human.

POLITICS

CELEBRITY Chris Bacon. Tom Daley this week made the incredibly brave decision to announce that he is in a relationship with a man. Those of us who have a job, or attend university, school, or just have something to do with ourselves on a day to day basis simply shrugged, accepted the relationship and moved on with our busy, busy lives. Unfortunately the rest of society took a great interest, taking (as per expected) to the internet in their thousands to evaluate the gossip, which I suppose was percieved to be particularly jucy because it involved a bisexual. What was irritating was the notion that we should now like Daley even more... No! Being gay shouldn't make you more popular any more than it should make you less popular, it should have no influence on peoples impression of you. One day people will no longer care about sexuality but unfortunately we're not there yet.

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The Lure Of Christmas Samiha Sharif Commentator

Christmas draws closer, and the shopper scrambles over others to buy the last few presents, realising that in only a few days the price will slump to sell the remaining Christmas stock. But, inside, the image of jubilant faces on Christmas Day, erases their weariness and suddenly rejuvenates their trudge through the ever-growing crowds to the next shop. Arriving home, the shopper becomes the spy, sweeping the house, confirming that it is empty, tiptoeing up the stairs - one can never too careful - and hiding the presents.

Mother will be frantically organizing the event, while Father will be inviting more people, because there is never too much of the Christmas spirit. Mother angered, but under increased pressure to produce the best Christmas, grudgingly accepts more guests and continues on her quest to create the perfect roast turkey. The children will be screaming ‘Mum I want this!’ after the tirades of adverts. Mother and Father will look at each other and smile, as they agree to buy the toys, after all Christmas only comes once a year.

But the reality soon becomes a nightmare, when the credit card bills appear and once again find that they have spent beyond their means, and are trapped beneath 100s, maybe even 1000s of pounds of debt. It is going to be a long, painful January. Money Advice Service (MAS) reports that 1.2 million individuals will have little choice but to depend upon pay day loans to pay off debts.

Others will rely on credit cards to finance Christmas. But this also comes with hazards, as many will pay the cost incurred instalments, rather than pay the full amount.

This raises the amount due, to the high rates of interest and thereby, one will pay more overall. In fact the survey reports 9% are still continuing to pay off debts incurred last Christmas. MAS further reports 18% of Britons are in ‘serious’ financial difficulties.

The Christmas season is likely to prolong their burden.

The simple moral, Christmas can be the most enjoyable time. But spend wisely, or the Christmas spirit will become a nightmare.

Charlie Moloney. In an interview of 617 students, the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Centre (MARC) discovered that 9% had anonymously cyberbullied themselves.

Rachel Welch, director of www.selfharm.com argues that cyberbullying oneself is a new, developing form of self harm.

Reasons students gave for anonymously abusing themselves online included "a cry for help" and "so others would worry about me". Clearly the existence of an online profile is negatively affecting young people. Clearly the obsession with how the online profile is perceived has spiralled out of control. Teens how constantly check for social media updates are more interested in how they're cyber self is faring than what is happening in reality.

HEALTH

DAN Dan Baird. It's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year but alas this year your Christmas will be a little less full of joy and wonder as I, Dan Baird, will be stepping down as Comment Editor after being ousted in a bloodless coup. But Charlie Moloney and Jonathan Simpson will probably be better at the job than I ever was (no guarantees). But alas friends, it has been a fairly stellar year with Redbrick and (even if none of you ever noticed it) some weeks I managed to write all the Comment news views under various ridiculous pseudonyms, so this felt like the most appropriate way to go out, in a blaze of flaming glory writing my final news view. I'll never have another view on the news again.

Mel Gibson. We've all been there, you've gone out for a couple of pints and five hours later you've ended up absolutely shit-faced in a pub miles from your house talking to a lamp post thinking it's your ex-wife. Now you've got your car but there's no way you can drive home and you're a bit too far away from anywhere, what the hell do you do? Now one pub has come up with a novel idea of pitching a load of tents out the back for inebriated revellers to sleep off that hangover and drive home fresh in the morning. You will be able to fill up on Christmas cheer to your heart's content. Who doesn't love a bit of drunken camping?

SOCIETY

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6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

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Comment

Forgive Me Oprah, For I Have Sinned

Giles Longley-Cook highlights the pseudo-spiritual confession booth that is Oprah

I haven’t exactly been drooling over the details of the Nigella Lawson cocaine scandal in the way the tabloid press does, but her regrettable circumstances have been hard to stay entirely ignorant of lately. This has caused me less to fret at the fall of a ‘insert national treasure reference here’ figure and more fume slightly at what seems to be one more kick from her embittered, unstable husband (I suppose it’s the jet-sets equivalent of pouring acid over the ex’s lawn).

But of course, Lawson is a savvy enough businesswoman to know that in today’s cultural climate it’s not enough to deny charges with solid evidence. In fact, often that’s not even required at all as long as you have the moral majority on your side.

So she has cleverly turned for help to that personification of the moral majority; Oprah Winfrey.

Ms Winfrey is the woman who any beleaguered celebrity can turn to when they want to talk publicly about a difficult issue without being seriously interrogated or challenged, which sources indicate is exactly what Lawson’s career needs at the moment.

Winfrey is arguably one of the most famous interviewers in the USA, but not in the sense that renowned inquisitors like Jeremy Paxman, David Frost or even Jon Stewart are. No, Winfrey is no journalist but she has interviewed everyone from sufferers of human and animal attacks to press-shy idols like Michael Jackson over the years, pioneering a bizarre mix of voyeuristic enquiry, emotional therapy and arbitrary justice in which the state of one’s soul is regarded as far more significant than their conduct.

This approach, dubbed ‘Oprahfication’, seeks to skip out the once crucial stages of active admission, chastisement and reacceptance and go straight to spiritual redemption in the form of teary confessions in the warm hands of the benevolent matriarch herself.

This all-emotions method bears the hallmarks of Catholic confession in its prying detail, contrived self-effacement and feel-good non-outcome. And like confession before it, it is subject to manipulation by those seeking forgiveness from a public stripped of its critical faculties. Lawson potentially joins people like disgraced royal Sarah Ferguson, disgraced novelist James

Frey and disgraced (seeing a pattern here?) cyclist Lance Armstrong who have sought readmission into the credulous limelight by publically kissing the grand lady’s ring.

While never strictly admitting fault, these people can call the ‘technically’ implied admission card that their tears, in fact their very appearance with Oprah, is a sign of both guilt and innocence intertwined. How can one pass proper judgement in such a convoluted atmosphere?

Oprah herself certainly can’t. Of her interview with Rihanna, in which she gave her tacit support for the star reuniting with Chris ‘my bitch is in stitches’ Brown, Oprah went so far as to renounce all judgement of it. A statement no serious journalist could make, any decent councillor would balk at and even a sensible priest would view with scepticism.

But then Oprah is not the heir to empiricists like Frost or Cronkite. She is instead the heir to the faith healers, the public morality banks, the get-out-of-jail-(for a small fee)-card purveyors of spiritual guidance. She is to disgraced celebrities what Billy Graham was to Nixon, what Jesse Jackson was to Bill Clinton, and what Elie Wiesel was to Hillary Clinton. Those with an assumed aura of moral guidance who stand by the dirtied, sinful humans and lets their blinding holiness hide their misdemeanours, as well as the money being slipped into their pockets for the favour.

None of these people are necessarily aware that this is their role, but does that matter? If they don’t realise, it calls into question their qualification as healers of human weakness.

But then who are we to judge?

Together with super-influential endorsements of politicians, books and abstract spiritual concepts, Oprah Winfrey is the perfect post-modern priestess. Less controversial than concrete religious dogma. Less starkly realistic than scientific or journalistic enquiry. Less foreign than Eastern spiritual gurus, she can please anyone. Like tepid still soda her sickly sweetness provokes neither disgust nor delight, is beneath insightful judgement and leaves her consumers buzzing but unnourished. Under this sterile liquid maybe Lawson’s sins will be washed away after all.

Scottish Independence is a recipe for disaster Commentator George Reeves slams Scottish plans for independence Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, last week unveiled his proposals for how an independent Scotland would operate, and his plans certainly make for entertaining reading. Within an impenetrable 670-page manifesto entitled Scotland’s Future, Salmond lays out every miniscule detail of what independence would mean for Scotland, including a bizarre section dedicated to reassuring the Scottish people that they will still be able to watch EastEnders, Strictly Come Dancing and The X Factor on TV. Unfortunately, this isn’t the most bizarre part of Salmond’s independence wishlist, a document which has finally silenced all doubt that the SNP really have no viable plan for how to organise and run an independent Scotland.

Some parts of Salmond’s proposals read like a typical socialist manifesto, with promises to axe the vilified ‘bedroom tax,’ increase the minimum wage and scrap nuclear weapons. However, other parts make you wonder if Salmond really does seek total independence from Britain. Under the current plans, Scotland would retain the British pound as its currency, the Queen would remain head of state, and the Scottish government would seek a joint defence procurement in order to save Glasgow’s iconic shipbuilding industry.

Not only do these proposals seem to fly in the face of the principle of independence, but they have also been met by a decidedly frosty reception. The Ministry of Defence has indicated they will oppose any such procurement policy, whilst ministers have stated that only English yards will be used for shipbuilding if the Scottish vote for independence. Meanwhile, several other key components of Salmond’s plan also seem to be unravelling: former Prime Minister John Major has stated that there ‘cannot and will not’ be a currency union with Scotland retaining the pound, whilst Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has publicly declared his intention to veto any attempt an independent Scotland would make to join the EU. Alex Salmond and his fellow nationalists may believe that independence is the medicine required for Scotland to be free from perceived British oppression, but in fact the Scottish people would soon regret supporting such an endeavour. Far from freeing Scotland and granting them economic liberty, independence would hugely set back a region that is largely rural, and relies largely on its ever-decreasing oil reserves. Moreover, Salmond’s manifesto

for independence is largely built on unfounded assumptions over the type of relationship an independent Scotland would have with Britain and the rest of Europe. It is naive, and ultimately dangerous, to assume that Britain will permit the kinds of economic and defensive links that Salmond expects, whilst he also fails to realise that European leaders will not simply hand over automatic membership of the EU. The question must be asked whether Salmond really has a

coherent plan for an independent Scotland, or if he is simply blinded by a rigid nationalist ideology and the burning desire to become Scotland’s first Prime Minister.

If his manifesto is anything to go by then the latter view prevails, as ultimately even the document’s title, Scotland’s Future, fails to make sense; a quick read of its contents soon proves that if Alex Salmond gets his way, then Scotland won’t have a future.

YOUR Students’ Union...

YOUR Students’ Union...

WHAT

O T S R E MATT

. . . u o y

O T S R E MATT

!

US

We understand what’s important by listening to you! Whether at Guild Development and Student Group Forums, at Guild Council, or via the Student Rep System. We also know what matters most to you by the activities you get involved in, how you vote in our elections, and the feedback you give in our annual student survey.

It’s time we showed YOU... We listen!

Wh

rs to at matte

you...

Value for money at Joe’s and other venues

Knowing who your are before arriving at University

Access to the library when you need it

Matters t

o

US!

We expanded the Joe’s Plus Card to include discounts at external venues, such as 30-50% off Domino’s pizza. Last year, the Joe’s Plus card saved students more than £33,000!

We developed a Flatmate Finder App allowing thousands of you to make friends before arriving in Birmingham

We secured extended library hours, including 24 hour opening for the Main Library during term three, when most of you have exams

guildofstudents.com/whatmatters Want to tell us more? Send us your ideas, suggestions and feedback at guildofstudents.com/feedback

12

redbrick.me/film

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

Film

Review: Saving Mr. Banks

Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson portray the turbulent relationship behind the production of the beloved children's book classic, Mary Poppins

Review: Blue is the Warmest Colour

Details Release date: 22nd November 2013 Director: Abdellatif Kechiche Cast: Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos Running time: 179 minutes

´´´´´ Hannah Skolnick Critic

Details Release date: 29th November 2013 Director: John Lee Hancock Cast: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell Running time: 125 minutes IMDB rating: 7.5

´´´´´ Vafa Motamedi Critic

English stuffiness clashes with American bombast in this touching account of the making of Disney’s Mary Poppins. The film follows P L Travers (Emma Thompson), the belligerent yet lonely author of the Mary Poppins books, who is taken over to Los Angeles to assist in the production of the film whilst Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) tries to persuade her to sign away the rights. Her specifications are clear: No songs, no animation and no frivolity. She continues to make unreasonable demands, insisting that all conversations she has with the scriptwriters be taped (stay after the credits to hear an excerpt from the actual tapes) and attempts to undermine the film before it has

even been made. Saving Mr. Banks charts Travers’ gradual softening through the charm of Walt and her own realisation of her shortcomings. The film isn’t just a comedy about a cranky spinster butting heads with Hollywood; it is a redemption tale, one that, at times, feels contrived but with the help of Emma Thompson’s performance, is never less than moving.

How much resemblence this slow change

"The film isn't just a comedy about a cranky spinster butting heads with Hollywood; it is a redemption tale" bears to reality is questionable (a little research suggests not very) but like the story of Mary Poppins itself, the film changes the reality to suit our dreams. In Mary Poppins, Mr Banks is saved just as P L Travers is in Saving Mr Banks. Whether it is the truth or not is negligible. It is a dream, a fantasy and what is Disney if not the provider of fantasies?

Intertwined with the main narrative are flashbacks, depicting Travers’ childhood and her loving but troubled father (Colin Farrell) who inspires her later work. The flashbacks are perhaps too frequent and for the early part of the film meandering and inert but they improve greatly as tragedy ensues. The film is really about the relationship between parents and children and the ties that bind them together. The film muses on the titanic hold of the past on our present and how we must break free in order to walk towards any

kind of future. The themes aren’t often subtle (at one point Walt Disney practically states them all in a monologue) but they are always effective.

The performances are a revelation. Tom Hanks is wonderfully charismatic as the great man himself, wielding a near perpetual twinkle in his eye and spring in his step that is almost exhausting. Emma Thompson steals the show though with a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of a woman so outwardly sharp and yet inwardly brittle. That we can laugh at and cry with Travers so easily is a testament to the strength of Thompson’s performance.

The film also acts as a love letter to the

"Thompson steals the show with a nuanced portrayal of a woman so outwardly sharp and yet inwardly brittle" Mary Poppins film. Seeing the genesis of those wonderful songs, those memorable characters and that sheer life-affirming joy that Mary Poppins engenders is worth the price of admission alone.

Though it has a hilarious yet poignant script, and is superbly and inventively directed by John Lee Hancock, your response to the film hinges on your personal reaction to the saccharine. If sentimentality tends to make you feel nauseous then this is perhaps not the film for you. But if you have soft spot for the sweet and the quaint then prepared to be utterly charmed in the most delightful way.

Blue is the Warmest Colour, loosely adapted from Julie Maroh’s graphic novel of the same name and the winner of this year’s Palme D’Or, sublimely tells an unconventional love story of sexual exploration and discovery. Following Adéle, a wide-eyed innocent, this film paints a perfectly realised portrait of a school girl as she tentatively discovers her sexuality.

Acted exquisitely by Adéle Exarchopoulos, we watch as Adéle gains maturity through the waxing and waning of her relationship with Fine Arts student Emma (Léa Seydoux), a charismatic, blue-haired lesbian. This mesmerising relationship is foundational to the film’s success.

Exarchopoulos and Seydoux conjure a naturalism that carries the film, their characters have a palpable sexual spark, and the relationship is a romantic awakening for Adéle. It is in this sexual initiation, depicted by long, graphic sex scenes, that the film has garnered its controversy, with both its leads and Maroh criticising the director, Abdellatif Kechiche’s 'brutal display of so-called lesbian sex'. Additionally, when cinematically contrasted with the subtle character development and nuanced performances of the rest of the film, these scenes seem stylistically crude and jarring. While they do convey the passion of Adéle and Emma’s liaison, these scenes do so without the tenderness that characterises their relationship up to this point.

Ultimately this film is frustratingly over-ambitious. It attempts to show Adéle and Emma’s relationship progress over several years, and as a result merely sketches the outcome of their affair.

Despite this, Blue is the Warmest Colour is a superbly acted, subtle portrayal of sexual maturation, and should not be missed.

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

redbrick.me/film

Redbrick Film Does Christmas...

To celebrate the last issue before Christmas, Redbrick film writers discuss which seasonal films belong at the top (and bottom) of our stockings FRED CLAUSE Another terrible Vince Vaughn Christmas film, an actor who is going past his expiration date himself. Simply trying to cash in on the festive season by adding a Christmas theme, and the stupid premise of ‘I wonder what it would be like if Santa had a brother?’

JACK FROST Feel-bad family film, featuring Michael Keaton as an absent father who dies in a snowstorm and comes back to life as the creepiest looking snowman in history to make peace with his son (Merry Christmas kids!). It’s notable in that it somehow manages to be disturbing and deathly dull simultaneously.

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THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS What a way to win over someone who doesn’t like musicals! A sprinkle of Christmas over the darkest world decked out in the best-realised fashion on the stop motion catwalk.

The characters are vivid and the songs balanced enough to make this enjoyable from beginning to end.

LOVE ACTUALLY Tying together an eight-stranded storyline, Love Actually is a Christmas feel good film. Generously sprinkled with Richard Curtis’ unique charm and humour, this film is a role-call of British acting talent. Who can resist Hugh Grant dad-dancing through 10 Downing Street, or a Bill Nighy Xmas Number 1?

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE A Christmas classic. James Stewart stars as George Bailey, a hard working family man, who after contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve, is shown how his ‘insignificant’ life has really impacted the members of Bedford Falls. The perfect winter (heart) warmer, It’s a wonderful life and it’s a wonderful, timeless THE GRINCH The Grinch, the troll before trolling became mainstream, is brought to life by Jim Carrey in this adaption of Dr. Seuss’s classic. The film’s underrated hilarity, decorative sets and stockings full of Christmas charm make it the perfect festive compliment to a night of hot chocolate during cold seasonal nights.

HOME ALONE A family favourite, Home Alone stars a young Macauley Culkin who is left home alone when his family accidently leave him when they travel to France for Christmas.

While his mother is frantically trying to get home, Kevin (Culkin) must protect his home from a pair of crooks who try to break in.

THE GREAT SANTA RESCUE Low budget in the worst way—has no ideas. And no grasp of what makes Christmas great in the first place. Santa travels around via a system of magic doors! And has no elves but a questionably-portrayed dwarf! Unexciting for kids alike.

Read more online, in our Xmas marathon review!

ELF Arguably the best modern Christmas film, Elf follows Buddy (Will Ferrell) who, after finding out his is a human, journeys from the North Pole to New York in order to find his biological father. Heartwarming, festive, and down-right hilarious, this film is a must-see this Christmas.

JINGLE ALL THE WAY This film is so bad, that it's good. It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as a panic-stricken dad, who realises on Christmas Eve that the only toy his son has asked for, is out of stock. A ridiculous plot ensues which involves labyrinthian toy stores, drunk reindeers and bomb plots.

THURSDAY 12TH DECEMBER Guild Council Chamber, Guild Building, 6pm

With 100 elected student representatives meeting seven times this 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

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redbrick.me/arts

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

Arts

It's the most wonderful time...

We take a look at what's on in Birmingham this festive season. From theatre to classical music, your city has a range of events, concerts and shows guaranteed to fill you with Christmas cheer!

A Christmas Carol @ The REP You can’t go wrong with the classic tale of A Christmas Carol: a must-see to get you into the festive spirit! This production bursts onto the stage at Birmingham’s REP Theatre with all the usual traits of a good ol’ Christmas tale - morality, redemption and the feel-good factor of warmth and cheer.

The Enchanted Tales @ Blue Orange Theatre The Blue Orange theatre presents Rumpelstiltskin, Ali Baba and The Snow Queen for their Christmas folk tales this year. The three stories are performed together in one show, so for that classic Christmas combination of evil monarchs, kidnappings, forty thieves and the victory of good over evil, get down to the Blue Orange Theatre this Christmas.

The Blue Orange Theatre Saturday 14th- 28th December 2.30pm and 7.00pm showings

The REP 27th November - 4th January Tickets: £7 - £35

University Carol Comcert @ The Great Hall For a Christmas show even closer to home, you can’t go wrong with the UoB University Carol Concert. Held in the perfect settings of the Great Hall, there is no better way to get into the Christmas spirit.

If we get lucky, there may even be mince pies!

The University Carol Concert is held by the Chaplaincy and the Department of Music The Great Hall at 6.15 on Monday 9th December FREE!

"He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree."

- Roy L. Smith

The Future is Here: Infinity Stage Company presents Mercury Fur by Philip Ridley Jess Syposz Critic

Company's production of Mercury Fur presents a postapocalyptic world at its most gut-wrenching.

In the dark underbelly of London in the not too distant future, Britain has been devastated by violence and the breakdown of society. It's a savage world populated by machete wielding gangs, riots and mind-numbing hallucinogenic butterflies. Brothers Elliot and Darren deal butterflies to get by, but make real money hosting parties in which rich clients enact their most depraved fantasies. When a party involving a meat-hook and a young boy dressed as Elvis goes wrong, the brothers must make a harrowing decision and cross the line into even darker moral territory.

"...actors squirm, scream and cry out inches from you."

Such a story would not have been half as shocking, if not skillfully executed by cast and crew. Calum Witney brings the right mixture of hostile and caring to the figure of Elliot, who is haunted by memories of a happier past. Ben Firth also shines as his hapless, dimwitted but likeable brother Darren, whose obsession with sex and violence is at odds with his childish nature. Special mention goes to Alice Hodgson's emotive portrayal of Naz, and Daisy Tudor as the vacant, damaged and epileptic Duchess, among other brilliant performances.

Adding to this intensity is the claustrophobia of the Guild's Basement rehearsal rooms, with actors in such close proximity they squirm, scream and cry out inches from you.

Before it starts we sit in darkness with the sound of songs skipping and repeating, like a scratched CD. It's a jarring and unsettling atmosphere. Figures enter. Hooded. A single spotlight reveals the corner littered with crisp packets and empty coke cans that makes up their grungy East End flat. This tension rarely lets up throughout the next two and a half hours.

demands to be seen. One that punches you in the ribcage and leaves bruises long after the final scene is over.

"The play is undoubtedly nihilistic, but in light of the 2011 riots, war and genocide it seems more relevant than ever" Refused by publishers Faber & Faber in 2005, Philip Ridley's play is undoubtedly controversial and was criticised as a nihilistic view of the future. But in light of the 2011 riotsthe war and genocide seen in the news daily, it seems more relevant than ever. Particularly striking is the violent tenderness between the brothers. 'I love you so much I could burst into flames,' Elliot tells Darren. This recurring theme of love and family undercuts the dark horror of it all. It poses uncomfortable questions for its audience. How far would you go to protect the ones you love? To keep your family safe?

Mercury Fur uncovers a world that is much like our own: brutal but with the possibility of redemption, or at least a morsel of hope, by the end. This is a production that

Clockwise top left to bottom left: Callum Witney (Elliot), Alice Hodgson (Naz), Daisy Tudor (The Duchess), Ben Firth (Darren).

redbrick.me/arts

“Christmas, children, is not a date. It's a state of mind." - Mary Ellen Chase

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." - Charles Dickens (A Christmas Carol)

Comedy with Barbara Nice Birmingham favourite, Barbara Nice (reviewed as compere of Glee Club’s Pedalling for Laughs last week) presents two Christmas shows this year. The first is Barbara Nice’s Christmas Cracker which is on for two nights at Mac and her second show, Barbara Nice’s Countdown to Christmas, runs for five nights at The Old Joint Stock. There will certainly be plenty of laughs in the build up to Christmas with these comedy shows!

Mac: Friday 13th - Saturday 14th December (8pm) The Old Joint Stock: Tuesday 17th - Saturday 21st December (8pm)

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City of Birmingham Choir: Handel's Messiah @ Symphony Hall A traditional piece of Christmas that appeals to everyone of all ages. Handel’s Messiah is a favourite of not only musiclovers, but all those who feel like they want to escape this Christmas through this beautiful music. A one-night-only performance which is sure to capture the very essence of the festive season.

Symphony Hall Friday 6th December (7pm) Tickets: £11 - £37

'Hansel and Gretel' - The Mac Theatre, Birmingham In the middle of a snow-covered forest sits a tiny cottage unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. With a roof made of gingerbread and walls made of chocolate cake, this is clearly Christmas favourite Hansel and Gretel.

Following sell-out runs in Bristol and Cambridge, the play is at the Birmingham Mac until 14th December.

International theatre company, NIE, present an enchanting show transforming the theatre into a magical winter woodland, with Bavarian folk music, puppets and all trimmings of Christmas theatre!

For a perfect way to start Christmas in Birmingham, head to the Mac and follow Hansel and Gretel into the frozen forest.

Birmingham Mac Continues till Saturday 14th December Afternoon and evening showings Tickets: £10

“Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts." - Janice Maeditere

...of the year!

Rumour Has It: The Children's Hour at The Custard Factory Jess Syposz Critic

Dealing with the devastating consequences of a single lie, Article 19's production of The Children's Hour is an engaging look at the terrible power of gossip, guilt and doubt.

In the conservative community of a 1930's New England town, reputation is everything and children are more likely to be seen and not heard. Mary Tilford, however, is a troublemaker. To avoid going back to school after running away, she sparks a rumour that two female teachers are lovers.

Professional and personal lives ripped apart by the scandal, teachers Karen Wright and Martha Dobie are haunted by the aftermath of her accusation.

"There was never a moment when they didn't seem like real people caught in a crisis."

A real chemistry existed between the cast, who played off each other tremendously to create believable relationships between their characters. Whether it was the romantic tension between Karen and fiancé Joe or Martha and Karen's compassionate and complicated friendship, there was never a moment when they didn't seem like real people caught in a crisis. Faced with the difficult task of perfecting those American accents, they didn't always succeed but made up for it through the conviction with which they inhabited their roles. Catherine Butler excelled as the conniving and manipulative Mary, while Chloe Culpin skilfully portrayed

the increasingly conflicted Matha; just two examples among a talented cast.

"Combined with the sound of old jazz records, it captured the nostalgic feeling of 1930s America."

Director Phoebe Brown chose the play for its mainly female cast and focus on the lives and loves of women, a decision prompted by a lack of rewarding female roles in theatre. Indeed, the play abounds with women who are independent, strong-willed and flawed. The minimal set - a sofa, a desk, an old telephone - was simplistic but very effective.

Combined with excellent costumes and the sound of old jazz records, it captured the nostalgic feeling of 1930s America.

While parts of the third act dragged, it did manage to

"Catherine Butler excelled as the manipulative Mary" Jess Syposz

poignantly express Martha and Karen's sense of isolation as social outcasts. Playwright Lillian Hellman's plot at times does unfortunately gloss over certain aspects. The supposed lesbianism seemed little more than a way of furthering the plot, and we also never get to the bottom of why Mary's character acts the way she does other than mere childish vindictiveness.

"She found the lie with an ounce of truth!"

'She found the lie with an ounce of truth,' cries Martha in an impassioned speech, speaking of how easily the truth can be twisted for harmful purposes. Melodramatic? At times, perhaps. But to claim so would be to underestimate such a well-acted and subtlety compelling production. The Children's Hour is truly a female affair not to be missed. No word of a lie.

The Custard Factory is located in Digbeth, central Birmingham

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redbrick.me/television

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

Television

Battle of the Channels...

The Chritsmas period is one of fierce competition between TV channels, Rochelle Stanley casts an eye over this year's schedules and gives her opinion on which channel will come out on top this year.

Although the Christmas holiday is usually dedicated to seeing family and procrastinating over assignments, there is always time to relax and watch a bit of Christmas TV. BBC Diversity is the word for the BBC this Christmas.

They bring us the epitome of television variety in the form of exciting dramas, Christmas specials,

"And it wouldn't be ITV without Love Actually, it doesn't even need to be Christmas." panel shows, film, soaps and comedy – and that’s just BBC1. Get excited.

The line-up consists of various Christmas Specials, including Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor where Peter Capaldi begins his role as the new Doctor and the anticipated return of Sherlock after two award-winning series. Call the Midwife also returns for Christmas, signalling the start of another eight episodes coming in early 2014. Not only are Cumberbatch and Hart back to startle and amaze, there’s plenty of comedy to go around

if the delights of December 25th aren’t quite up to scratch. There’s Would I Lie to You?, John Bishop’s Christmas Show, Not Going Out, and Mrs Brown’s Boys. And Christmas isn’t the same on the BBC without yet another ‘shocking’ Eastenders special which is bound give your life meaning.

There’s always Songs of Praise to jam along to, as well as some non-Christmas-themed films; Cars 2, Little Fockers, Gnomeo and Juliet, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and the premiere of Toy Story 3 will make an appearance.

BBC2 take a calmer (or some may say boring) approach to Christmas, delighting viewers with British ghost stories, Line of Duty, the Great British Bake Off Christmas Special, and Sarah Millican. On the plus side, there is QI, Mock the Week, Jane Eyre, The 12 Drinks of Christmas and Christmas University Challenge. BBC3 are holding it down with Bad Education, Bluestone 42 and repeating the BBC1 films a week later, I presume. And, for those interested, The Royal Institute Christmas Lectures 2013 airs on BBC4.

Sounds enlightening.

ITV ITV promises to surprise, entertain or just simply be present this Christmas. It is yet to be decided.

We all know that most people will be switching over to ITV1 for the two-hour Christmas episode of Downton Abbey to find out whether Lady Edith’s big secret will stay just so; this singular episode will probably make ITV1 the place to be at 8:30pm on Christmas Day. ITV

viewing remains mostly the same as any other day of the year with The Jonathan Ross Show, Coronation Street and the usual cluster of films (including Harry Potter, The Mummy, Tangled, Bridget Jones’ Diary, Casper and devoid of James Bond, because Sky felt like nicking it).

Take your pick. And it wouldn’t be ITV without Love Actually. It doesn’t even need to be Christmas.

"The BBC would have to be described as TV marmite."

Channel 4 Channel 4 gets hands-on this December with programs such as Educating Yorkshire at Christmas, Superscrimpers: Christmas Cracker, The Big Fat Quiz of the Year, The British Comedy Awards, Alan Carr: Chatty Man Xmas Special, Alan Carr’s New Year’s Eve Specstacular 2013, A Great British Christmas with Sarah Beeny, Kirstie’s Crafty Christmas, George Clarke’s Amazing Christmas Spaces, Jamie’s Festive Feast, Gordon Ramsay’s Festive Home Cooking, Come Dine With Me Christmas and the Food Unwrapped Christmas Special, which promises to tell us what we're really eat during this festive period – hopefully not straight after

a filling meal.

If you're not so into home, food or comedy television Channel 4 are airing Liberty of London, a new three-part documentary following the Liberty department store in London as it prepares for Christmas.

And then there’s My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas: Carols and Caravans, Rude Tube and the Made in Chelsea Xmas Special. Channel 4 will be playing those Christmassy films, such as, Home Alone (of course), The Muppets Christmas Carol, Deck the Halls, Scrooged, White Christmas, The Nativity Story and The Snowman, as well as, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (most likely), Die Hard, The Inbetweeners Movie, Never Let Me Go and Big (plus many many more things to watch on E4, Film4, More4, 4Seven and 4Music).

Who says you have to pick a side? And if all else fails, there’s the Queen’s annual Royal Christmas Message to look forward to at 3pm.

So, going ahead with a racing analogy, it is safe to say that ITV are falling embarrassingly behind in third position, while Channel 4 take the silver and the BBC take the Christmas crown.

ITV is that athlete that gets disqualified for a false start and throws a hissy fit as they are ordered to get off the track, Channel 4 trip and fall over their own feet three hundred metres in and the BBC painfully haul their way over the finish line, tired and out of steam. Ignoring the TV Licensing hatred, the BBC have a decent and varied line-up for everyone to love or hate. The decline in Christmas television has been too evident over the years, so even the BBC would have to be described as TV marmite. Love it, hate it, but still watch it.

What not to watch this Christmas!

Joanna Kendall Tv Editor

Part of that Christmas feeling for me is the anticipation of all the festive television. But for all the good there is as much bad, here is my guide of what NOT to watch this Christmas...

1. Strictly Come Dancing

Don't get me wrong its very sparkly and Christmassy but after ten years watching Brucey crack painful jokes and has-been celebrities attempt a Fox Trot or a Salsa, Strictly Come Dancing has lost some of its

appeal. The professional dancers are still very impressive but as soon as the celebrities roll out it's time to change the channel!

A nice one for Nan but maybe the perfect time for a Christmas nap!

2. The Queen's Speech

Officially known as The Royal Christmas Message. It's not that I have anything against the Queen or that I'm unpatriotic but watching the Queen address the nation for eight minutes has never entered into my Christmas schedule! I'm sure it's all very touching but what can she actually say that's worth taking time out of the family festivites

3. My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas: Carols and Caravans

Now my other half loves these type of programmes however I can't stand them. It's not a documentary and it's not a drama, its awkwardly stuck in the middle feeling very staged and uncomfortable. Maybe if I've had enough wine I could be persuaded but stone cold sober, one to miss!

4. Educating Yorkshire

After the success of Educating Essex I never really took to Educating Yorkshire. It seemed remarkably similar to Educating Essex just with Northern accents leaving the series feeling bit tired so the idea of a Christmas

special really doesn't appeal. Furthermore, what baffles me is what will the Christmas episode be about?? School are on holiday over Christmas so a Christmas special seems slightly ironic.

5. Call The Midwife

Personally this programme has never been really been to my taste. A programme about women giving birth in filthy poverty strcken condition... No thanks. It doesn't strike me as a particulalry cheerful programme to sit down and watch on Christmas day, plus with all the screaming and blood and new born babies I have a sneaking suspicion I might be put off my Christmas dinner and that's just not on!

redbrick.me/television

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

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It's snow joke!

TV writer Jess Gorvin points out the bombardment of Christmas cheer on our screens each year... home approach to Christmas with different compilations of home videos. Sainsburys even inadvertantly shows good cheer by advertising a rival. Morrisons has also shelled out this year for a feast-themed advert with Ant, Dec and a poor unfortunate gingerbread man, all to the theme of Disney’s ‘Be Our Guest’. Aldi, in response, sticks to what it does best and does it very well, with it’s humorously festive take on their ‘like’ campaigns. We meet the three adorable little angel girls and their chocolate reindeers, the boys who of course like everything different, a genius talking parrot and even Santa himself who would just like a holiday.

The fight for the Christmas prime time shots has officially begun and last week’s X factor saw all but four of its adverts embracing the early festivities, with even DFS and Oak Furniture taking a turn. Some may say Bah-humbug that we can't even escape the festive takeover in our own home, but the masses, myself included, see it as just one long awaited step closer to paper hats and figgy pudding.

Too early for the Christmas pun? Maybe so, but it is clearly not too early for retailers and supermarkets to start teasing our purse strings with their festive adverts, separating the scrooges from those of us who just cannot contain our inner child. We complain that Christmas is getting earlier and earlier, yet when the classic Coca Cola Truck hit our screens on the 8th November, our hypocrisy reared its head and our news feeds exploded with excited comments signaling that the Christmas countdown had officially begun.

Alongside the Coca Cola advert, Britain saw the official airing of John Lewis’ eagerly awaited contribution. A heart warming Disney-esque animation about an unlikely friendship between a bear and a hare. All set to Lily Allen’s cover of Keane’s ‘Somewhere Only We Know’. Who knew that a hibernating bear and an alarm clock could leave us on the verge of tears?

Then again we should have expected it as John Lewis’ past campaigns have definitely cemented it as the festive advert front runner; from the little boy who just can’t wait to give his presents to the snowman with an unrelenting determination to find the perfect gift.

So successful have these campaigns been that even the artists singing the soundtracks have found themselves thrust into the limelight on the back of it’s success. Gabriella Aplin even went to number 1 in the charts last year with her cover of ‘The Power of Love’.

M&S this year has also pulled out all the stops with an all-star cast including Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley, David Gandy and Helena Bonham Carter playing out a decadent montage of some of our favourite childhood stories. Clearly there was no expense spared in this 2.5 minute long

advert and it seems to have had the desired effect. As far as 2013’s Christmas adverts go, M&S are definitely one of the favourites. This year also sees Cadbury embracing the christmas spirit with it’s first Christmas-themed advert.

Having gift wrapped an entire street in Cadbury’s trademark purple paper a barrage of excitable children proceed to unwrap it, discovering chocolate along the way. The fact that the two adorable boys who play central roles were only cast during filming when crew saw them running around their street making capes, authenticates the spirit that the advert, cleverly entitled ‘unwrap joy’, aims to capture. Tesco and Sainsburys have chosen a vintage and closer-to-

The Best of Christmas Television It's that time of year again, time to eat too many mince pies, drink too much wine and waste hours watching Christmas specials.

Shannon Carey takes a look at what she thinks will be this year's top five Christmas TV specials.

If there’s one thing that is guaranteed to be part of everyone’s Christmas, it’s that, after the presents have been given and the roast dinners have been demolished, the whole family will gather around the television to watch some of the best television of the year – and 2013 promises to be no different. From the ever-cheerful Christmas soap specials and re-runs of old comedies, to brand spanking new festive dramas – here is a look at some of the most promising shows that Christmas has to offer this year.

1. Sherlock - The dates are still to be released, we now know that the third series of Sherlock will be returning at some point over the Christmas period. It’s the year's biggest mystery we have all been dying to discover- how did Sherlock fake his own death?? Well it looks like the wait will soon be over as Benedict Cumberbatch will be returning in ‘The Empty Hearse’ to answer all our questions. Keep your eyes out for this one, it’s going to be a cracker!

2. Doctor Who - For years now, Doctor Who has become a staple of Christmas television, and this year’s episode promises to be one of the most special. If you saw the 50th anniversary special, you’ll know how much the show upped it’s game – this Christmas episode is sure to deal with the fallout from

the anniversary special (you know, just that little matter of the Doctor having frozen the Time Lord planet). If that wasn’t enough, the episode also sees the return of one of the Doctor’s strongest enemies, the Cybermen, as well as the end of Matt Smith’s period as everyone’s favourite time traveller and the introduction of the new Doctor Peter Capaldi.

This means we can definitely expect emotional good-byes, terrifying battles and endless chaos from Doctor Who when it comes to Christmas, showing it is definitely not one to miss.

3.The Great British Bake Off -

If you’re beginning to have withdrawal symptoms from this much-loved baking series already, then you’ll be happy to know Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood return for this Christmas special. The festive episode will be filled with tips from the pair on how to make a delicious Christmas feast, from the perfect roast to a scrummy mince pie. A must-see for everyone who loves The Great British Bake Off (so basically everybody!).

Just don’t watch it on an empty stomach.

4.

Top

of

the

Pops

-

Top of The Pops may have officially ended years ago, but the Christmas version of the show remains unmissable. Whether you’re into pop, rap, rock or dance, the show looks

at the best music from the last year and broadcasts live sets from the most popular acts of the present day. If nothing else, it’s worth a watch just to see your grandma get confused at the sight of numerous bands she never even heard of.

5. Death Comes To Pemberley -

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a good historical drama to get your teeth into.

If you are a fan of all the old literary classics, from Dickens to Bronte, then this is definitely for you. Based on the book by P.D. James, the story follows on from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. But this isn’t another Victorian romance – the show offers a murder mystery, dark secrets and twists that will keep any viewer on their toes.

Perfect to watch with a box of Christmas chocolates on Christmas night!

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redbrick.me/music

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

Music Live Review: The Fratellis Wolverhampton Civic Hall Liv Rafferty & Nina Avitabile Music Critics

We had longed to see The Fratellis play live since first hearing the infectious 'Chelsea Dagger' from their debut album Costello Music.

The half empty hall was full of polar opposites from young excitable teenagers, half of them probably attending their first gig, to middle aged couples milling around at the back. We, as two 19 year olds, stuck out like sore thumbs.

In comparison to opening act, Cut Ribbons, The Fratellis seemed sombre and predictable. The Fratellis made their unenthusiastic appearance with little crowd interaction, a great shame considering their charming Glaswegian accents. They fired straight into their first song 'Ghost Town' from their latest album We Need Medicine then straight into 'Baby Fratelli' off the first album. The crowd were constantly waiting for the older songs to be played, not really caring about the newer songs. At one point front man Jon explained that for every new one an old one would be played. 'I promise' he said, showing that The Fratellis are clinging on to the legacy and success of the first album, and they know it themselves.

It seemed that many of the songs off this third album were greatly influenced from a variety of artists such as Arctic Monkeys, David Bowie, Green Day, and even My Chemical Romance, leading them to lose their distinctive 'Fratellis sound' widely loved in 2006. Although the band tried to introduce the crowd to some of their newer material from their second and third albums, the clear crowd pleasers were all from Costello Music. Classics such as 'Henrietta', and 'Creeping up the Back Stairs' invoked a bout of feeble yet enthusiastic moshing and waving of lighters.

The gig was forgettable, it dragged a little and the magic that a gig can possess was missing. The most telling event that The Fratellis had probably overstayed their time in the music world was when Barry, the bass guitarist, stopped the band midway to check that everyone was okay down at the front, in what was a pathetic excuse for a mosh pit.

We uttered to each other 'please let there be no encore' and were revived only by the catchy crowd favourite 'Chelsea Dagger' which got everyone singing and dancing along, a good end to a mediocre gig.

Essential Gig: The Killers & Franz Ferdinand - Rome 2009 Ludo Cinelli Music Editor

In partnership with Redbrick Music's 'Essential Albums' feature, critics remember the concerts that had the greatest impact on them.

Rome’s Ippodromo Capannelle might be one of the strangest and worst venues in the world. There is a small field between the city’s premier (and only) horse racing track, and its spectator stands. Someone thought it would be a good idea to put a stage at one end of it. The result is a stage with an audience directly in front of it, and a few hundred seats to the left of it; like an arena gig, but chopped diagonally in half. This does no good to the already terrible open-air sound quality.

"The year was 2009, I was fifteen years old, and I had started acquiring the earliest form of taste in music I have today" Exhaust fumes from the adjacent A-road cloud the rock-solid patches of grass dried by the unbearably hot Roman summer, the only time the venue is used for concerts. If you need the loo, you’ll have to make do with chemical toilets stuck on one side of the field. The drinks are overpriced, the tickets are not cheap, and the nearest train station looks like it belongs in a Wild West ghost town.

Had I known all this before I learned that two bands little-known in Italy but massive in the UK, namely Franz Ferdinand and The Killers, would be coheadlining at the venue, I am certain I would have gone regardless. The year was 2009, I was fifteen years old, and I had started acquiring the earliest form of taste in music I have today. Out went the Evanescence, Linkin Park and 30 Seconds To Mars records, replaced by the likes of Arctic Monkeys, R.E.M. and the two bands in question.

Slaving away doing chores for pocket money over the summer, I reached the fabled goal of €46 for a standing ticket, anxiously waiting for that day in August to come.

To my pleasant surprise, support came from White Lies, who gave me my fix of dressed-in-black post-punk before I knew who Joy Division and Interpol

were. In retrospect, it was quite a dull performance, but listening to their album on repeat for a few months before then made it very enjoyable for young me. My mum (recruited for that under 16s must be accompanied by an adult reason) and I stayed at the back of the far from sold out venue. I was awkwardly almost singing and dancing along, standing just far away from mum to avoid any possible association, while still remaining under her supervision. Teenagers are terrible people.

Jump forward to a few hours later, The Killers were waiting to come on. The stage was being set for their Day & Age tour, with flamboyant palm trees and bongo drums brought on. Despite a great-sounding set and sing-along tracks, the audience never quite forgave them for the hour’s wait after the previous band, in that hot sticky air.

The true stars of the evening were their co-headliners. The sun was just setting as Franz Ferdinand took to the stage. With their explosive stage presence, they gave one of the best and most energetic performances I have seen to this day. Complete with badly animated 80s projections, Roman centurion helms, and stage antics like all playing the drums at the same time, the band constantly surprised the crowd over two hours. ‘Make some fucking noise’ wailed Alex Kapranos in broken Italian during the bridge to ‘40’’. It was here that I looked back at my mum, bursting to go dance nearer the front of the crowd; and with a nod of approval, I left the nest and joined the ecstatic audience until the 8-minute synth epic ‘Lucid Dreams’

finished the set.

Although The Killers were somewhat of a disappointment, Franz Ferdinand’s performance set the criteria by which I rate

"Make some fucking noise' wailed Alex Kapranos in broken Italian" live music these days; sound, energy, and cohesion between what they play, say, and do. It didn’t matter that I was an awkward teenager avoiding eye contact with my mum, or that it was unpleasantly hot, or that there were clouds of dust and smog.

A great gig transcends the limitations of its venue and its audience, as something unique is born between the artist and the crowd, for a sense of immediacy and excitement that is impossible to record in a studio, and extremely difficult to express in words.

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

redbrick.me/music

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Tweet of the Week: @officialjaden: I encourage you all to unfollow me so I can be left with the people who actually appreciate philosophy and poetry #CoolTapeVol2

Album Review: Fleetwood Mac - Boston Susie Dickey Music Editor

@SusannahDickey

New Year’s Eve 1974 saw the birth of the band that released the album Rumours; an album that laid bare the raw, tumultuous emotions of heartbreak and that remains one of the biggest-selling albums of all time.

Before this though, there was a very different incarnation of Fleetwood Mac: Mick Fleetwood, Peter Green, Danny Kirwan, John McVie and Jeremy Spencer.

Buckingham and Nicks were yet to arrive on the scene, and the band’s sound was classic, with a bluesy feel. The emotional turmoil that would launch and derail in equal measure was yet to happen, and the all-male ensemble had an entirely different voice.

Boston is a 3 CD set which compiles live recordings from this earlier era, all taking

place over three days in February 1970.

These are the recordings that were never released, owing to Peter Green’s rapid mental deterioration and decision to leave the band just a few months after recording the tracks.

Listeners expecting an early variation of Fleetwood Mac or Tango in the Night will be sorely disappointed, for the collection harbours none of the explosive angst that dominated their period of unprecedented global success. Rather, Boston is classic blues-rock, complete with extended 1950s’ boogie jams set against rock and roll styles.

Lyrics come second to the music itself, and the result is a collection of tracks that hold the same impact of the later Fleetwood Mac material, but it is harnessed in a much more subtle way. 'Rattlesnake Shake' on Disc 2 is twenty-four minutes long, with an instrumental interlude that reaches summits and

plummets to nadirs with a melodic complexity that surpasses the need for lyrics.

Disc 1’s opening track, 'Black Magic Woman', was written by Peter Green, and he performs it with an almost maniacal fervor, screeching ‘I want you to love me’ in a way that is incomparable to Carlos Santana’s hot, Latin crooning. Even cover songs, such as Little Richard’s saccharine 'Jenny Jenny' are afforded an additional emotional dimension

by Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, and the occasional pauses for scratchy dialogue – 'In England, nobody ever, ever jams, in England, nobody ever jams, never, I don’t know why.

They feel that it’s more competition and, we feel it’s more sort of, we want to play together. We just want to enjoy ourselves.' – ensure cohesion between the tracks and makes the experience about more than just the music.

The album features the first recording of 'The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong

Crown)', Green’s last hit with the band before his mental stability further deteriorated following an LSD binge in Munich a month later. The song seems to document his struggle against madness, and the juxtaposition of soft vocals with squealing guitar riffs evoke a feeling of helplessness.

Rhythmic percussion is all that can be heard six minutes into the twelve minute performance, and as frantic chords are placed over it with a gradual accelerando, the listener is left with an apt feeling of disorientation.

"Boston is a musical fresco, with multiple layers of depth, but each track can stand alone with its own merit" Certain songs are repeated on the discs, but rather than leaving the listener feeling cheated, this elucidates the significance of the live performance. Dustin Brown’s 'Jumping at Shadows' on Disc 1 is approached entirely differently on Disc 3. The initial performance is smooth and lilting, with a lazy, if melancholic, timbre to Green’s voice.

Second time round, the opening chords are attacked, the vocals have a deep desperation and certain words are launched at the audience with vitriol. A much greater range in moods can be heard in the electric guitar, and the effect is much more haunting.

The third disc is altogether more emotionally charged, and Green’s vocals on songs like 'Sandy Moore' betray a talent that was regrettably lost from Fleetwood Mac; one can only imagine the impact his voice could have had alongside Lindsey Buckingham’s or Stevie Nicks’.

When listened to all at once, Boston is a musical fresco, with multiple layers of depth, but each track can stand alone with its own merit. What is fascinating is how detached this Fleetwood Mac is from later line-ups, with a raw rock style that has a timeless appeal but also a history that transports the listener to the Boston Tea Party venue in February 1970.

Single Review: Maxïmo Park - Brain Cells Matt Moody Music Critic

Reinvention seems to be the key to success for musicians these days. A new musical direction with every record seems like the only way for bands to maintain a sustained interest in their music, and a growing number are stopping at nothing less than a complete rebranding exercise with each release. Mike Skinner of The Streets was preaching progression with 'Let’s Push Things Forward' ten years ago, and his message is even more relevant today, whether it’s swapping guitars for synths, 'going dance', or just getting new haircuts.

Gimmicks aside, a band’s new direction still needs to be quality, and Maxïmo Park’s new single 'Brain Cells' is just that. The band that recorded indie-rock staple 'Apply Some Pressure' is almost completely unrecognisable here; spiky post-punk guitars and energetic drums are out, in their place icy synths and a chilling vocal line, leaving frontman Paul Smith’s trademark Geordie

"The song's lyrics deal with the stagnation that the band's reinvention is seeking desperately to avoid" inflection the only hint of the band’s for incarnation.

The song’s lyrics deal with the stagnation that such a reinvention is seeking desperately to avoid: the main hook 'did I learn anything today / if I didn’t will my brain cells wear away' neatly sums up the perpetual struggle for progress and relevance that every band faces a few albums into their career, and the song’s paranoid atmosphere complements it perfectly.

Approaching the problem of reinvention by writing a song about it was a bold move, but Maxïmo Park’s new direction is sharp enough to keep them on the radar for a while yet.

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redbrick.me/tech

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

Science & Technology

Grolar Bears

Top Five Tech Gifts George Bearman

Rachel Taylor looks into the changing bear population Only 50 years ago, scientists had no idea how many polar bears there were on the planet, with many random guesstimates from 5,000 to 8,000 being thrown into the air at the time. Even now, with all our modern infra-red detection systems and hidden Attenborough cameras, around half of the population estimates are more like guess-timates.

Yet, despite all of this hoo-haring over numbers, both Canada and Russia have them labelled as a ‘species of concern’ and the U.S. going so far as to say they are a ‘threatened species’. The population guess-timates could still be unreliable, as many native communities in Northern Canada are reporting more and more sightings every year. However, the recent and sudden changes in the global climate has meant that due to the melting ice and rising sea-levels, polar bears are being driven to life on inhabited land.

Studies this year have shown that when comparing the mitochondrial DNA (maternally inherited DNA) of polar bears to grizzly brown bears, there is a direct lineage, a split occurring about 166 years ago where they became cam-

ouflaged to their environment.

Now, because of the shift in their environment and habitat, polar bears and grizzly brown bears have increasingly come into contact, as grizzly bears are also now hibernating later and later on in the year. Due to this shift, they have produced hybrid offspring, also known as grolar, pizzly or prizzly bears. Although looking more like a grizzly brown bear in facial structure, these hybrids actually demonstrate behaviour that resembles more of the polar

Online Science and Tech Editor

bear spectrum of its parentage.

The hybrids are wilder than grizzly bears and cause a major problem among the population of bears.

So next time you look at that sweet and innocent John Lewis Christmas Ad, think of the reasons why that brown bear doesn’t get to see Christmas. If the hibernation cycle is disrupted much further than it is already, the hybrids could have a detrimental effect on the already dwindling polar bear populations.

It’s that time of the year again, when we frantically rush out to the shops to find the best presents for our loved ones. But why make Christmas more stressful than it needs to be? Whether you’re stuck for ideas or just in need of inspiration, check out this list for a roundup of some of the best tech gifts for a range of different budgets.

1. Kindle Fire HD There are many different models of the Kindle, but the Kindle Fire HD is an affordable one-stop solution for all entertainment needs.

These days the Kindles can offer so much more than a compact, convenient way to read, as they also have a wide range of apps and movies. Plus there are great deals to be had on the previous generation of Kindle Fires.

Starting from £99 2. Sennheiser HD 219S Everyone needs a good set of headphones, because they can completely transform your favourite songs, with bass-lines or acoustics that just aren’t audible on lower-quality models. And best of all, they can listen to their tunes as loud they want without annoying anyone!

RRP £64.99 3. Call of Duty Ghosts If they have a gaming console (PC, PS3 and 4, Wii U, Xbox 360 and One), then you can’t go wrong with the latest Call of Duty title. Just be warned that once they have it, you might not see them much for the rest of Christmas!

RRP £30-50 4. iBoutique ColourJets USB Dancing Water Speakers Surprise them this Christmas with a vibrant and colourful water display show. There is nothing quite like speakers that they can dance along with.

RRP £23.99 5. Tickets to the Gadget Show Live Based on the popular TV programme the Gadget Show from Channel 5, the Birmingham NEC is hosting one of the most unmissable tech conferences of the year between 9th and 13th of April 2014. There will be appearances from the presenters at the Super Theatre, demonstrations of the latest toy crazes and exhibitions showcasing cutting edge gadgets and games.

Tickets start at 15.99 for Adults and £8.99 for Children (Aged 5-12)

Mummy, I Want a Pony!

Eliot Jan-Smith Writer

Christmas this year may risk being slightly underwhelming for some children. A recent study has found that the average child's wishlist costs nearly £900, and 37% firmly believe they'll receive everything on there. By contrast, studies show the average Christmas spending per child is between £110 and £300.

Interestingly, polls in 2011 suggested that, despite cutting back on spending in most other areas, including gifts for adults and the fuel costs of visiting friends and family, spending on children's gifts seems stable, even set to increase according to retailers. Increasingly, this amount is set to include electronic items, such as tablets designed for children at almost £80. Pester power due to TV advertising is clearly an increasingly important economic factor at Christmas, and shows no sign of subsiding.

Have a Very Techie Christmas and a Sciencey New Year!

redbrick.me/tech

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

79Au, Olibanum and Oleoresin

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The Magic of Reindeer

Beth Carney explains Rudolph's Amelia Perry demystifies gold, frankincense and myrrh red nose

We all know the story of The Three Wise Men who travelled from lands afar, following the Star of Bethlehem, bearing symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. But what exactly are these gifts and what are their uses in the world today?

Gold - 79Au Gold is a valuable precious metal, intended to symbolise kingship and due to its lustrous shiny bright yellow colour is often fashioned into bangles, bracelets, brooches and other bling. However gold is also of great importance to medicine and dentistry, with gold salts being used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, and gold alloys playing a role in the restoration of damaged teeth.

Immunogold labelling is a staining technique used in electron microscopy, which exploits the ability of gold particles to absorb proteins onto their surface, useful in applications such as antigen probing. More recently, the use of gold nanoparticles in the radiation therapy of numerous cancers has been developed and has proved successful.

Frankincense - Olibanum Milky white and fragrant, frankincense resin is treasured for its appealing scent and is consequently used in aromatherapy and

for skincare products. It is also thought that one of its chemical components, incensole acetate, can have an effect on the central nervous system, acting as a psychotic drug that scientists suggest may help to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Unfortunately frankincense may soon run out, as the Boswellia tree it originates from are in decline due to increased pest outbreaks, cattle-grazing and forest fires. Conservation efforts are required to keep up with the demand for this aromatic resource.

Myrrh – Oleoresin Myrrh is a reddish-coloured aromatic resin (an oleoresin) harvested from a species of small thorny tree, called Commiphora myrrha, native across the Arabian Peninsula. Throughout history it has been prized as incense and for its uses in medicine. Named ‘myrrh’ for its bitter taste, it is frequently used as an antiseptic in mouthwashes and toothpastes as an alternative to fluoride, in order to prevent and treat gum disease as it possesses analgesic properties. Most interestingly, myrrh may have potential as an anticancer agent as the resin was found to kill cancer cells in mice during laboratory trials, which may pave the way to promising treatments in the future.

Even if Santa had a powered sleigh to get him around the world in one night, the reindeer would still have to be able to fly! Scientists could genetically engineer reindeers to increase their flying skills by being born with wings or having huge lungs that were filled with helium instead of oxygen, but that is only with the technology of modern science. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph are older than modern science, so there must be another explanation to their incredible flying skills. Professor Ian Stewart, a mathematics professor at the University of Warwick, has suggested that the antlers of these special nine reindeer are fractal vortex-shedding devices. Or more easily known as antlaerodynamics: by flying at such high speeds the tips of their antlers would give them enough lift so they could fly!

So what about Rudolph? He was chosen by Santa to lead his sleigh because of his red shiny nose, but how does it glow so bright? A team of Dutch scientists discovered that in fact a reindeer’s nose has a higher density of blood vessels than a human nose and these vessels carry a super-rich concentration of red blood cells. Reindeers use their noses to control their body heat, which is a massive help for the climate changes they endure during Christmas Eve. Via infrared thermal images, scientists can see that reindeer noses do in fact glow bright red. Published in the British Medical Journal last year, the scientists thanked Santa Claus at the end of their paper “for his enthusiastic support. He was as keen as us to unravel the mystery of his friend’s nose.”

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Artificial vs. Real?

Yvonne Malewski Writer

It’s a common question- is buying a natural tree more environmentally friendly than buying an artificial one? The trees’ environmental impact (EI) is determined by factors such as the amount of carbon dioxide, smog and acid rain produced during the trees’ lifetime.

The manufacturing process of both types of tree impact the environment in similar ways, therefore the determining factors to the EI are the questions we have to ask our-

selves: How long would I keep my artificial tree? Did the tree have to travel far to get to me?

How am I going to dispose of it?

If the answer to these questions is: 1 year, very far, and throw it in the landfill/have a bonfire (please don’t do this...), then perhaps you should reconsider your options and buy a natural tree instead.

You’re allowed to dispose of it after a year, it’s likely to have travelled only a few hundred, not

a thousand, miles, and it can be composted - helping more trees to grow!

Scientists at the University of Southern California have shown recent technological advancement involving a plastic tree which ‘grows’ upon intake of carbon dioxide. If this could be applied to Christmas trees, they could grow a lot closer to home and we could end this debate and ho ho ho all through December!

Christmas Tree Top Tips: 1. Keep your artificial tree for 10 years (or more!) and its environmental impact is lower than it would be for buying 10 natural trees 2. Buying locally sourced natural trees reduces their travel time thus lowering your carbon footprint 3. Natural trees can be composted and some councils collect them in January. If not, take it to a recycling point!

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6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

redbrick.me/travel

Travel

New Year around the world New Year is always a big event, wherever you are in the world. Here are some of the ways we celebrate around the globe...

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Cape Town, South Africa

New Year in Amsterdam is huge. There is no big display like those in London and Sydney, but throughout this extremely touristic city, New Year celebration is electric.

Dam Square is set up with beer tents and live shows, and rowdy tourists dominate the celebrations there. Alternatively, pick any bridge on the city’s main canals to watch the sky light up at midnight.

South Africa's most-visited city offers lots of options for New Year's Eve. You can celebrate on the famous Table Mountain or watch fireworks on the waterfront; the city also boasts great nightlife and an eclectic music scene.

South Africans also celebrate the 'second new year' on January 2nd with festivals, parades and traditional music.

Chinese New Year

Sydney, Australia Sydney Harbour’s unforgettable annual New Year celebration, to which one million people flock every year, puts on two huge firework displays as well as a lighting display on the Harbour Bridge itself. The theme this year will be ‘Shine’, and will see 1,000 fireworks launched off the sails of the Sydney Opera House in celebration of its 40th anniversary.

New Year in China, which will take place on January 31st, hits you in the face like a high speed train. Chinese New Year is the greatest human migration on the planet, as many as 90% of the population making some sort of journey either to go home to see family or travel to big cities to see the sights. Walk down a street in Shanghai during New Year and expect to stop every twenty yards as a firework explodes out of nowhere in front of you, doors crackle with firecrackers and lanterns blaze from every window.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Home to one of the world's most famous New Year's Eve celebrations - Hogomany, the Scottish word for the last day of the year, brings over 80,000 revellers to the city each year. Highlights include a huge street party, a Keilidh and a candlelit concert at the Cathedral. Edinburgh promises a once-in-a-lifetime midnight moment.

Rio is one of the world's party capitals and it hosts a New Year's Eve celebration to match its reputation. You'll be spoilt for choice with concerts, parades, fireworks and dancing all over the city on the days leading up to 31st December. A Brazilian tradition is to wear white on New Year's Eve.

New York City, USA

London, England

Watching the ball drop in Times Square will grace many a bucket list. It’s thought that close to a million people flock to the city to experience it first hand, with around a billion people watching it worldwide. However, make sure you wrap up warm and prepare yourself for a distinct lack of public toilets!

Our very own capital is famous for its swanky bars and big clubs and the city comes alive with activity to welcome in the new year. Go out with a bang by watching the fireworks display over Big Ben or attend one of the many exclusive fancy dress parties happening all around Zone 1.

Bangkok, Thailand

Paris, France

Bangkok never sleeps, and never stops partying. The night of the 31st December will be no exception; with more bars and clubs than you could imagine, you can party until the small hours. Perks include cheap booze and roof-top bars, with the added guarantee of excellent weather.

Never failing its reputation for luxury and class, Paris celebrates New Year's Eve in style. Crowds swarm along the Champs-Elysees and at midnight the Eiffel Tower lights up.

Don't miss the Grande Parade de Paris on New Year's Day.

Brum students abroad This week we hear from Anita Quinn about her time so far in Minnesota, USA...

I am currently spending my third year of my BA American & Canadian Studies degree at the University of Minnesota Duluth. As bizarre as it sounds, one of my main reasons for choosing Minnesota was because it was a U.S. state which I knew hardly anything about - therefore I knew I would truly have a unique experience which was nothing like Birmingham.

UMD is in the city of Duluth, which is on the shores of Lake Superior. Before I flew to Duluth I visited Chicago; Chicago is a classic American sightseeing city with big skyscrapers and other attractions. Moreover, when flying in to Duluth the first thing that struck me was how many lakes and forests there were! It has such a small town feel, which I love. UMD is a smaller campus to Birmingham, which is good because it

means it was easy to work out where I was going in a shorter space of time.

There is much more work to do here for classes, although it is a lot easier than Birmingham! One thing I do not enjoy about this semester is my 8am classes - it's too early! And another thing is the long semesters. It's now week 14 of 16 and I am struggling! I really love using the free gym and there's also an ice hockey rink, which you can have a free skate on if you want.

The nightlife is completely different to Birmingham too. I love going out to the bars and also going to house parties, which are more common here than in Birmingham.

I love playing all the classic American games like beer pong and quarters; it's just like you see in the movies. I've been to American football, basketball and ice hock-

ey games - ice hockey being my favorite.

I've so far been on a road trip up to Thunder Bay in Canada and been down to Minneapolis twice to visit the Mall of America and for Thanksgiving. Winter Break is coming up soon and I plan to travel the South visiting Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. I cannot wait for New Year's Eve in New Orleans! And Spring Break in Cancun, Mexico should be unforgettable. It will be a nice getaway from the snow and cold, which is prevalent in Minnesota throughout the months of December through April. There is a reason it is known as 'Minnesnowta'. Skiing and other snow sports are big here in the second semester.

I have now been in the U.S. for over three months and I cannot stress enough the

benefits of doing a year abroad, whether it is already incorporated into your degree programme or an optional component. It helps you gain more independence and allows you to enjoy a new country before coming back to Birmingham to complete your dissertation! I will be forever grateful for this year for everything it has and will bring me in terms of the experiences, the places I visit and the people I meet.

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

redbrick.me/travel

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Where Christmas doesn't exist...

Travel Editor Elizabeth Waind gives us an insight into the places where Christmas is a little different...

When we think of December, we think one thing: Christmas.

Christmas dominates this entire month, and most of November and January too. During these months, you cannot go anywhere in the UK without seeing Christmas splattered over absolutely everything. Perhaps there is a little too much of it, but most of us love this time of year all the same.

And Christmas to most of us means an assortment of lovely things; masses and masses of delicious food, snuggling up next to the fire, dancing to Christmas tunes, spending time with friends and family and generally having far too much fun. Christmas is a tradition we could not imagine life without.

However, most of us Brits forget that the time of the year that is ‘Christmastime’ for us is in fact entirely different in the majority of the rest of the world. Whether Christmas is celebrated extremely differently, or just ceases to exist at all, most of the rest of the world is up to something else. Some differences in the festive season elsewhere are minor. In many countries, in Germany and Slovakia for example, gift-giving takes place on Christmas Eve, rather than on Christmas Day. But, differences elsewhere can be much greater. In Australia, for example, Christmas occurs during the height of summer; instead of snow and wrapping up warm, when Australians think of Christmas they think of sun and sand. Although Christmas decorations and traditions in Australia are quite similar to the UK, many Australians now enjoy a barbeque lunch rather than a traditional roast dinner. And if you ever visit Australia during the festive season, expect to see the odd novelty flip-flip-wearing Father Christmas around.

In Mexico, there are over 30 Christmas traditions that are found nowhere else in the world. Mexican festivities begin on the 12th of December and end on the 6th of January, and Mexican society has embraced a new concept called the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon. At midnight on Christmas Day, many families place the figure of baby Jesus in their nativity scenes, and on the 6th of January the Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated. In Central and South America generally, religious themes are much more dominant than they remain in the UK, where every year the religious elements of Christmas seem less and less present.

"Traditional festive Romanian food consists mainly of pork. Organs, muscles, fat and all."

But, secular celebrations are becoming bigger and bigger throughout the Americas.

In Russia, Christmas is not celebrated on 25th December, but on January 7th - in fact after what we consider to be the ’12 Days of Christmas’. Again, in Russia, Christmas remains a very religious event. On Christmas Eve in Russia, most will return home from the long services to the traditional ‘Holy Supper’, which consists of 12 dishes, one to honour each of the Twelve Apostles. Devout families will then return to church to attend an All Night Vigil. It is only since 1992 that Christmas has become a national holiday in Russia, as part of a ten-day holiday at the start of every new

year.

Although Christmas in the UK is considered by far the most important religious celebration of the year, elsewhere it is second rate. In Romania, for example, Easter is considered more important, and Christmas tree decoration is saved right up until December 24th. And Christmas carol singing is a central part of the celebrations, as children go from door to door singing carols and reciting poems. Traditional festive Romanian food consists mainly of pork. Organs, muscles, fat and all. In most of Eastern Europe, Father Christmas exists in the form of Ded Moroz (‘Grandfather Frost’), whose sleigh is drawn by three white horses.

Furthermore, and entirely unimaginable to us, in many countries of the world Christmas simply does not exist. Of course, Christmas is a Christian celebration, and where Christianity is not present, neither is Christmas. In Algeria, Libya and Saudi Arabia, to give only a few examples, Christmas is not celebrated by the great majority, and is little observed. Although, as the world becomes increasingly multi-cultural, more and more countries are observing this celebration which is so massively recognised in many parts of the world. In China, Iran and Morocco, for example, a public holiday is not given for Christmas, but the celebration is increasingly receiving more attention.

So, when you’re sat around the table in your paper hat eating turkey with all the trimmings on December 25th, take a second to think about what everybody else in the world is doing on this day that is of such great importance to us Brits. Especially the pork organs being nommed in Romania.

The 5...

Best New Year's Eve nights in Brum Sara Tyron Travel Writer

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Seven Presents, The Institute

Disclosure at Gatecrasher

Raveology at Warehouse Club

The Rainbow Venues

Risa

In the final instalment of Global Gathering Presents SEVEN, Annie Mac and Rudimental bring DJ sets to the Institute with support from Leeds’s finest Bigger than Barry DJs.. This is definitely not one to miss. 9pm – 5am.

This NYE Gatecrasher gets filled with an eclectic mix of Dance and House in the form of Disclosure, Breach and Danny Howard. With support including sets from Hannah Wants and Friend Within.

9pm – 6am.

If you can hack it, Warehouse Club is celebrating the New Year with 13 hours of Drum and Bass.

Headliners include The Harry Shotta Show, Hazard and Micky Finn with an extensive line up of DJs and MCs to back them up.

9pm – 10am.

The whole of the Rainbow Complex opens up to see in the start of 2014, including street closure and seven rooms of music.

Birmingham favourites 10.31, FACE and Seedy Sonics join together alongside numerous other brands. 9pm – 6am.

Broad Street favourite Risa provides its take on the NYE celebrations by opening up six rooms of music. At only £7 a ticket, it offers a more favourable option for those without any of their loans left. 9pm – 6am.

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redbrick.me/food

6th December 2013- 23rd January 2014

Food

BBC Good Food Show Winter 2013 TeaShed Stall If you love tea as much as I do, then the TeaShed stall at the Good Food Show was definitely the place to be.

The British-based company offered a selection of both traditional and unusual teas made using whole tea leaves in silk pyramid bags rather than ‘dust’; their description of the generic teabags us students are used to.

The ‘Mr Grey’s *Tea’ blend was an incredibly richly flavoured early grey in comparison to the poor supermarket teabags in my cupboard.

The teas come in either boxes,

or TeaPods with 20 teabags packaged inside a recyclable takeaway cup, handy for taking into university on cold mornings.

TeaShed is the place to be The range of teas offered also cater well for students; invest in the ‘4am *Tea’ to help you sleep at the end of a long day or the ‘Pick Me Up at 3 *Tea’, a richly

The Old School Carpentry Company (www.oldschoolcarpentrycompany.co.uk) The Old School Carpentry Company, based in Pembrokeshire, is the brainchild of a lovely couple who create truly unique household items using reclaimed and recycled wood.

They design and produce a range of products, including bespoke furniture and kitchen islands.

At their stall, we were lucky enough to have a look at a range of chopping boards made of found beech, which would make an ideal gift for any cook or food lover.

Much of the wood can be traced to decades ago, so if one of

those dates happens to mean something to someone you know, the gift is made even more special!

Christmas Festivities I have been to the Good Food Show every year with my Mum since I was a little girl and I have always loved it. This year, with The Little One in tow, I had an absolutely perfect day as ever.

Stalls and stalls of cheeses, chutneys and cakes occupied us, plus a visit to David’s Chilli Oil for whom we’re regular customers now.

His chilli oil is the most fabulously flavoursome creation I’ve ever tasted and anyone with a love of spice will fall for his secret recipe. Our purchases were all Christmas presents so if you’ve still got people to buy for, gor-

geous food may be the answer.

Walkers Nonsuch Toffee had a wonderful stall of beautifully boxed toffee accompanied by unique little hammers with which to break it. With a 2 for £5 offer, they are great Secret Santa or stocking filler gifts.

Great British Bake Off When the Bake Off started in 2010 no one could have predicted how it would capture the baking hearts of the nation.

More than 8 million people tuned in to watch Frances Quin win the fourth series of the show this year, making it BBC Two’s most popular show in 10 years.

No wonder then that the GBBO tent at the Good Food Show was packed with people hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite contestants.

The GBBO tent was set amongst the stalls, which meant that anyone could go to the tent and on the Thursday I went to see both John Whaite, winner of the 2012 series, and Frances Quin, the current victor, demonstrate their favourite recipes.

Chopping boards have never been so cool The quality can be seen in each board, and it is clear that love and care has been put into the careful selection of every

Always love the GFS

BlueBird Tea were selling delightful bags of loose leaf tea infused with Christmas Pudding, Spiced Apple or Liquorice alongside a range of other wonderful

I was in awe of their baking skills!

John took on the notoriously difficult genoise sponge and Frances Quin cooked up the cauliflower cheese scones which award her the infamous “Paul Hollywood handshake.”

A rise to baking stardom hasn’t dented their down-toearth and genuine characters and they were a joy to watch.

I loved the show and had a perfect day

caffeinated Assam blend, to help you power through those afternoon study lulls.

If you want to try something wildly different, go for the fragrant Guanabana tea.

I’ve not seen anything like it anywhere since my travels in Ecuador.

The TeaShed’s website offers some lovely Christmas present ideas including gift sets complete with a teacup, saucer, bags and biscuits for the full afternoon tea experience.

So treat your tastebuds this winter, and get the kettle boiling.

By Vikki Green, Food Writer

piece of wood they have used.

It's well worth spending a little more than a standard chopping board and getting one of these as a gift, as it is sure to last, and would also make a lovely centrepiece on any kitchen worktop.

Chopping boards can come in a range of sizes and are coated with food-safe mineral oil, so can be used for cheeses, breads, fruit or whatever else you can think of!

The shop is currently being set up, though keep an eye out as the chopping boards will be available to order in time for Christmas! I cannot wait!

By Safiyyah Gareeboo, Food Writer

flavours such as Strawberries and Cream.

Bake and Create were my favourite stall in the Great British Bake Off Village and I bought several of their sugar stamps, a number of Christmas biscuit cutters (see this weeks Crazy About Cake article online) and was pulled away from the ribbons and the cupcake cases by my sister who was worried for my general sanity.

The show was as inspiring as ever, full of Christmas present ideas, and I will definitely be heading back next year.

By Millie Walker, Food Editor

Although it may be a few months until Frances launches her first cookery book, John’s book “Recipes for Every Day and Every Mood” is the perfect present for lovers of the show.I'm sure it will make someone very happy on Christmas day!

The silver-fox also has a new book out in time for Christmas, “Pies and Puds” follows on from the success of the TV show and has some lovely recipes that I am hoping to try out over the holidays.

So, if you know someone who was one of those 8.4 million that were gripped by the final this summer, why not stick one of these in their stocking this Christmas.

By Lynette Dakin, Online Food Editor

Photographs courtesy of Charlotte Wilson, Redbrick's Photography Editor

redbrick.me/food

6th December 2013- 23rd January 2014

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Birmingham, NEC Sponge (www.sponge.co.uk) When I visited the BBC Good Food Show at the weekend, I was surprised to see so many stalls selling cakes and all sorts of yummy looking baked goodies. I must say I was spoilt for choice; there were vast arrays of cakes, big and small, of every flavour imaginable sure to tempt any sweet tooth.

As we get closer to Christmas, you may be starting to feel the pressure to find the perfect gift to give to a friend or loved one this year.

Well don’t fret; this gift idea may just be the solution to all your Christmas shopping woes.

‘Sponge’ (I wonder how long they spent trying to come up with that name!) started up in 2000 and sells homemade, professional classic style sponge cakes in a variety of flavours for every cake lover, including, the ‘Traditional’, the ‘Quirky’ the ‘Stars’ (chocolate bar inspired) and the ‘Specials’ (seasonal inspired).

There’s also a choice of a gluten-free version in a few of the flavours.

Chefs, Food and Fun The BBC Good Food Show is a foodies paradise, with rows and rows of food and drink to sample and look at- great for festive culinary inspriation.

I loved seeing the range of British produce on sale, and loved seeing how enthusiastic the producers were about their food and drink.

I was amazed at the shear number of stalls and the range of products on offer, but, I loved trying the interesting and quirky products from toffee flavoured cheese to apple vodka, and chocolate wine.

I spent most of my time at the show wandering around trying samples and talking to stall holders about their products. I came away with bags full of amazing things, that will serve as great presents for friends and family this Christmas time!

In addition to the stalls, there were live cookery demonstra-

tions. I enjoyed watching the chefs at work in the M&S Christmas Theatre. The chefs cooked up some of their favourite dishes using M&S products.

Live Cookery Demonstration Sat on the front row and watching a live cooking demonstration

by Kimberley Wilson - one of the three finalists in this year’s Great British Bake Off – made me realise what a fantastic production the Good Food Show had put on for Winter 2013.

Kimberley recreated one of her star bakes: a banana nut loaf with roasted hazelnut praline and a salted caramel sauce.

A step-by-step approach allowed culinary enthusiasts in the audience to take note of the tips and tricks that Kimberley provided. For example, her two approaches to making caramel sauce – the wet and dry method – ensured that I left knowing something new.

Throughout the half hour performance Kimberley’s positive and cheery personality shone; when asked what baking she had done since Bake Off, Kimberley

'I was surprised by the number of stalls selling yummy baked goodies' Possibly the most popular choice of all the cakes is the ‘Baby

Perfect place to get started on my Christmas shopping The chefs offered some great tips to help make festive fare the best it can be. I know I will be using some of their tips this year!

jokingly admitted that she had taken “a sabbatical” for a few months to recover from the fun and frenzy of the show.

The audience had to laugh with her when a few statistics were revealed about the show this year; the contestants got through a whopping 80kg chocolate and 200kg flour in their creations, whilst several volunteers used 25 litres of washing up water to clean all the pots, pans and utensils.

Shocking food statistics In continuing with a Bake Off appreciation tribute, I was extremely ecstatic to clap eyes on

Sponge’- individual little sponge cakes in any flavour that can be ordered as a gift box of 4 for £9.99.

If you’re looking for a cake that may last a bit longer, you can also purchase the 7” or 10” whole sponges, perfect if you’re planning a large gathering to celebrate the festive holiday.

If you can’t decide what flavour to go for you can choose 4 combined into one 10” sponge cake, what a cake!

If buying for a friend and you’d rather let the person choose then there are the gift vouchers, practical, simple and a good option if there’s too much choice.

If you buy any cake as a gift, you can get one cake free for yourself by signing up on their website, and if that wasn’t enough Sponge offers next day delivery on all cakes!

What else could you possibly ask for?

By Sarah Dickinson, Food Writer

Celebrity chefs were also around to sign books and answer questions. I saw Mary Berry, James Martin and Ian Rankin, and managed to get some photos and even some signatures.

The BBC Good Food Show was the perfect place to get started on my christmas shopping. I know my family and friends will love the great food, drink and cookery products that I managed to find.

Overall, I had a great time at this years Good Food Show. I left full of great food and drink.

I particularly loved the festive atmosphere, and the hustle and bustle of people.

In fact, I was so impressed with the show this year that I went twice!

I would suggest that if you like food then you should get along to one of the Good Food Shows in 2014.

By Gemma Bridge, Food Editor

the ‘Merry Berry Truffles and Chocolates’ stand.

A selection of handmade chocolates in a wide variety flavours were on offer to taste.

These included the traditional favourites such as dark chocolate and ginger, as well as lemongrass and white chocolate. However, what made this stand out from the vast array of similar chocolate stalls was the infusion of chilli in their products on a spicy scale.

For those who prefer something with a milder taste, the chilli and lime combination worked a treat. Moving on up the scale was the hot chilli with lime and ginger, which certainly had a fiery kick to it.

Last, but by no means least, was the scorpion death chilli chocolate, a flavour not for the faint-hearted, but would without doubt leave a strong aftertaste in the mouth.

By Rosie Twells, Food Writer

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redbrick.me/lifestyle

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

Life & Style

Christmas Gift Guide

The lovely Life&Style writers have put together the only Gift Guide you'll need this Xmas!

Boys

Girls

Parents

Marianne Lampon

Daisy Holden

Hebe Hatton

Life&Style Editor

Life&Style Writer

Whether it's for your boyfriend, Dad or brother, here's a few gift ideas that ar sure to please: Under £5 You can never go wrong with socks and this New Look pair are sure to keep his toes toasty during those winter nights £10-£20 Great for an occasion where he needs to look smart, the man in your life will definitely appreciate this River Island shirt. £20+ This Topman ipad case is subtle yet super stylish: a leather and cotton combo that'll keep the device safe from knocks and bumps.

Buying presents for your flatmate, friend, sister or girlfriend, can be hard - especially if they have most things! So here are my top three gifts for girls, at ever so affordable prices.

Under £5 These cute Christmas socks from Topshop will be perfect for a stocking filler! £10-£20 Three of the best selling colours of Clinique's sell out lip balm makes this a beauty must-have! £20+ This glamorous Topshop tunic dress will take you through the season, from family parties to nights out in style.

Christmas Jumper Day Pippa Rice

Life&Style Writer

It’s cold, it’s rainy, and it’s dark before most of us get out of bed on a Sunday, but with the excitement of the festive season looming, it calls for only one thing - the beloved Christmas jumper. Whether it was knitted by your grandmother or bought on the high street, we all have one, and this year the winter favourite is being used to raise money for a much deserved cause.

Save the Children have collaborated with Britain’s fashion design elite to create a set of one-of-a-kind hand-knitted jumpers planned to be sold in a text auction during December, in support of their annual Christmas Jumper day taking place on Friday 13th.

The 14 piece collection includes the work of designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Burberry amongst an array of other leading names in fashion and will be displayed in The Village at Westfield. Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council commented: 'The overwhelming response from the designers pays tribute to the importance of the incredible work Save the Children is doing in some of the world’s most povertystricken countries.'

Let me assure you however, that this isn’t your normal auction. The 'big text auction' operates by the lowest unique bid becoming the winner. This being that, the person who places the lowest bid via text, which is completely unique to any other bids placed for that specific jumper, will take home the couture piece. Confusing, we know. However it does mean that you could bag yourself a designer jumper for a matter of pennies.

The auction is open now so get bidding. http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/ designerchristmasjumpers

Life&Style Writer

Parents are alwayd a pain to buy for, but these gifts will have you in their good books for the entire season!

Under £5 Whiskey is definitely a Dad’s drink at Christmas, so why not personalise the bottle for free?!

The Famous (insert family joke here). Visit makesomefamous.com for details. £10-£20 Choose this seasonal cute Christmas mug from Emma Bridgewater pottery as a classic Mumsy gift. £20+ The Chanel nail varnishes make great stocking fillers, and add a bit of luxury without an extortionate price tag.

Best Dressed: 2013 Rosie Arnold

Life&Style Writer Gossip Girl may no longer be on our screens, but that hasn’t stopped Blake Lively wowing both fashion critics and magazine readers the world over with her

fashion. Simple, elegant and extremely flattering, Lively’s outfit choices always seem moulded to her amazing figure. This year with some bold outfits, Blake shows how she has really matured in her style choices. This is one wardrobe I would be happy to steal!

This Gucci beauty Blake wore to the The Metropolitain Costume Institute Gala 2013 definitely turned heads, and for all the right reasons. Some may find the feathers a bit challenging but for me it adds to the luxurious feeling of the dress and offsets her tiny waist even more.

This was another favourite, wearing leather (yum) in a brave mustard colour, and was a risky strategy but boy does she look great. She has offset this Gucci dress with simple jewellery and a touch of gold in the oh so chic heels. For me, this is a perfect outfit.

6th December 2013- 23rd January 2014

redbrick.me/lifestyle

27

Fierce Chunky Knits Believe it or not there is one way to look great in the cold. Layering up has never been so stylish.

Victoria for Vogue Mrs Beckham has certainly found her calling in fashion, being honoured as French Vogue's guest editor-in-chief for December, although the intimate snaps of her and Becks are a little much.

The Legend Continues

MyOnesie

Ron Burgundy’s surprise appearances continue! This week saw Ferrell try his hand as a curling sports-caster as well as a real-life local news anchor.

Life&Style writer Tamir Davies interviews UOB entrepreneur and MyOnesie creator Phillip Coombes ahead of the chilly festive season.

Imagine the finest quality onesies, designed and catered for your choice? Well, look no further, as we bring to you an exclusive interview with Phillip Coombes, creator of MyOnesie. Now a graduate from the University of Birmingham, Phil has taken his passion and creative energy to pursue his dream of designing onesies which cater for the needs of students, made by those who wear them!

Turning his entrepreneurial attitude into a business was no easy task, but we hear from Phil how he overcame the problems and developed a product which has since grown in popularity and support from both

students and families from across the country, serving as a multipurpose product. Sold in our very own Selly Joke and online at myonesie.com, this all in one item is a number one priority in your search for that perfect product for those cold and wintery nights to come!

MyOnsie have a large range of Onsies (and twosies!) in various colours, designs and themes, ranging in price from £40-60.

This season they introduce the Christmas range, (featured above) with a selection of festive trends. And what's more, they are offering a specific University of Birmingham discount!

UOB Discount: £20 off the Christmas MyOnesie when you show this page at Selly Joke (RRP £59.99) & 15% off all MyOnesies online with the code WELOVEBRUM

Q&A: Phillip Coombes Having owned a onesie, what was your motivation for creating your business?

The business has been officially running since September 2012 and I had come up with the idea during my first year at university. It took me a very long time to organise the market research but by becoming proactive, I received a large grant from Birmingham University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation department who helped me set up my business idea. I spent my second year emailing universities and societies receiving good feedback to customise onesies. I was fortunate enough to be helped by Pop up Britain, taking a few hundred onesie designs with me to sell. Selling first hand was great experience and we completely sold out of onesies, proving my concept.

set up your own business, being so young?

I studied Political Science - nothing business related. I looked at trends at the time and in particular the Primark onesie was good for students as it was affordable. I, however, didn’t like that it was made from cheap polyester and wanted to look at alternatives. I came across a onesie company from Norway who had developed an expensive product, especially when aimed at students. I came across the manufacturer who had made their onesies and he then made them for my company. I produced a quality onesie without a heavy price tag.

What problems did you encounter and how did you overcome these problems?

By my third year, work took over and I developed the business very much in the background but continued working for universities and private schools, providing onesies for loungewear and sports teams such as Lacrosse and Polo. Even Birmingham University have my onesies for their sports teams. This year, I launched the Brand Manager Scheme, expanding the company to over 20 universities across the country to promote the brand. In the space of our launch, we went from a couple thousand likes on Facebook to over 17,000.

Initially I went to banks and it was a very long process, talking to business managers to approve my business plan. I always got through the first two stages, but when it came down to it, my age was a fundamental disadvantage and I was rejected.

Receiving funding was difficult as I was often presenting to an older generation who didn’t understand the concept and I was against tough competition. There will always be non-believers, and I like others had to have self-belief to make sure it would lead to something bigger.

What did you study at Birmingham and how did this encourage you to

As a graduate from Birmingham University, did you have different

career prospects?

My first taste of the business was from a very young age and people I lived with at university also told me I had a young flair for an entrepreneurial attitude. I wouldn’t have gone into my degree prospects as it wasn’t something I wanted to get intro straightaway.

What three characteristics are the greatest attributes to achieving success?

Self-belief is important, as at the end of the day you can make it happen. Don’t always take no for an answer and be methodical with your approach. To achieve success, you should be logical and tick off accomplished targets one step at a time.

Surrounding yourself by light-minded people in business is a must have as you will have friends who will be honest and critical but see your passion. For me, joining enterprise programmes was the beginning to my success.

If you could design a onesie for any celebrity or icon of your choice, who would it be?

I would say Usain Bolt – though cliché! I would love to see him running in a Jamaican designed onesie, doing early morning jogs, running at the gym.

Making him a customised onesie would be challenging because of his height.

Andy Murray Bookies are predicting a landslide victory for this Wimbledon Champion as Sports Personality of the Year 2013.

Homeland As the season is nearing its finale we are all gripping onto our seats with excitement.

Black Friday Last week saw the notorious American tradition of discounted shopping hit the Bullring. Stress is an understatement!

Gaz G Shore The notorious Gaz has teamed up with former X-Factor contestants, The Risk for his R&B debut ‘Party Like A Rockstar (Up Your Game)’. One word: fail.

Crucifix Fashion After Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby criticised the trivialisation of the Christian crucifix last week, we are left doubting the longevity of the gothic grunge trend.

Money End of term + Christmas shopping = some very skint students!

Katie Hopkins After tweeting a ‘joke’ about Scottish life-expectancy just hours after the Glasgow crash, more than 38,000 people have petitioned for her exile from TV.

By Victoria Haworth

Finished

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redbrick.me/sport

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

Sport

Brum bolster promotion push with comfortable win

Will Siddons

Birmingham 1sts

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Coventry 1sts

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Aman Harees Sports Reporter

The University of Birmingham Men’s 1sts laid to rest a run of three consecutive losses as they swept three goals past a surprisingly lacklustre Coventry outfit. In the lead up to the derby both managers signalled their desire for promotion which made for a compelling contest between two sides separated by a single point. In truth, the gulf between the two sides was vast, as the home side dictated possession and fashioned better chances from the outset.

The home outfit’s sprightly winger, Matt Thomas, led a Birmingham raid within seconds of kick off signalling their intent early on.

The home side were missing one half of their powerful centre-back pairing in Jack Hulin, but Seb Gho carried the mantle with great responsibility. His marshalling of Coventry’s forwards in the early periods of the game, gave Birmingham’s midfield trio of Declan Kirby, Charlie Connor and Sam Graham the opportunity to maintain possession and feed the forward line.

At every opportunity, Birmingham’s tac-

tic seemed to be to look for Thomas as he proved to be a valuable outlet. On the opposite flank Callum Brown was also making headway. He seized the ball in the 9th minute and whipped in a vicious cross that evaded the head of the centre-forward, John Pykett, by mere inches.

The first real opportunity, however, fell to Thomas courtesy of Pykett’s non-stop running. The resulting ball across the box by Pykett was fired in by Thomas but Coventry goalkeeper, Dave Mellor, dived to his left and saved well.

The home side finally made the early pressure count in the 16th minute, much to the relief of the spectators. Declan Kirby, tasked with screening the back four and dictating the play from deep, threaded an exquisite slide rule pass which left the Coventry back line in disarray and sent Thomas through. Coventry’s Mellor came out to smother the chance but Thomas kept his nerve and slid the ball under him to give Birmingham the lead.

Yet again, it was an enterprising per-

"In truth, the gulf between the two sides was vast, as the home side dictated possession and fashioned better chances from the outset"

formance from Birmingham left back Dan Westmoore, whose adventure and precise tackling made a mockery of the away side’s three at the back tactic. Coventry’s front line were not getting much joy with Birmingham’s Gho and Westbrook, quelling any glimmer of an attack. A long range effort by Pykett in the 23rd minute exemplified a home side brimming with confidence. Moments later, neat interplay between Brown and Pykett led to a stunning effort from 35 yards by the impressive Kirby which needed a sprawling save by Mellor.

In a half dominated by Birmingham, Coventry tried to find forward player, Sivi Boa as often as they could, but his play was often interrupted by good pressure from the home side.

From the restart, Birmingham played in much the same vein. Josh Quadry, the second half substitute, made an immediate impact when he almost connected with a typically sublime cross from Pykett. Pykett was then involved in a penalty appeal when he tangled with away side’s centre-half, Matt Stone but it was rightly not given.

Worries of Birmingham failing to capitalise on their one goal lead were put to bed when in the 55th minute, a lung busting run on the left flank by Westmoore allowed him to cross in for Thomas who expertly volleyed past the impressive Mellor for his second of the game.

The second goal encouraged more raids into the away side’s ragged defence. A 59th

minute corner for the home side saw Kirby force a good save, however the resulting spill couldn’t be converted by Quadry.

Coventry began to tire as Birmingham shifted gears. Pykett searched for a goal all game and was nearly rewarded in the 65th minute with an audacious lob from 35 yards.

The home side’s defence, which had kept away Coventry’s front four for vast stretches of the game, let themselves down in the 86th minute when a mistake from Westbrook gave the ball away. It fell to Ollie Faulkner who couldn’t quite get his shot away as Birmingham maintained their pristine clean sheet for the time being. The glimmer of a chance seemed to spark a mini resurgence for the away outfit as they started to hold possession but Birmingham manned the fort well.

In the dying seconds of the game a foul on Quadry in the penalty area drove the final nail in the coffin, with the subsequent penalty being swept home coolly by Seb Bowerman, another substitute, giving Birmingham breathing space.

Bar a handful of missed gilt-edge chances, this was an exceptionally polished performance that will boost Birmingham’s chances for promotion. Their manager, Rob Williams, praised his team’s display and reflected that his side ‘showed their quality today, and looked threatening at all times’.

For Coventry, their promotion ambitions have been rocked in a match where the score line arguably flattered them.

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

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29

Brum too hot for 'Borough Birmingham 1sts

5

Loughborough 1sts

2

Ellie Jones

Sports Reporter

It was a top of the table decider between Birmingham hockey women’s 1sts and Loughborough 1sts on the Bournbrook pitches. The old rivalry between the two was evident from the outset: if Birmingham won they would be six points ahead in the Premier North league, but a Loughborough win would see points all square at the top of the table.

Birmingham started explosively with a goal within the three minute mark, after a long pass from Xenna Hughes found Anna Griffiths who slotted it easily into the oppositions net, gaining a huge psychological advantage for the home side. However Loughborough were not going to take it lying down and fought back instantly, winning a free hit, the first test for Birmingham’s defence who stepped up to the mark with goalkeeper Polly Oakman kicking the ball to safety.

Charlotte Wilson (FILE)

But it wasn’t long until Loughborough had possession again and scored from a rebound off the goal post. It was 1-1 and it was obvious the match would be end to end stuff. It seemed the away side had more attacking opportunities and this affected Birmingham’s usually rock hard defence who began to make a few slippages.

However Birmingham’s attacks came thick and fast after Loughborough’s first goal, Faye Curran, Anna Toman and Anna Griffiths all worked the ball well in the centre but found it hard to break the opposition’s defence. The hosts chose the quick passing game to keep pressure high with an industrial effort by the midfield, hassling the Loughborough defence and committing two players to the ball carrier. But despite the clever play from the home side, the frustration started to show as goal opportunities

"As the second half got under way it was a new, rejuvenated Birmingham side stepping out onto the pitch, and they were straight out of the blocks"

were squandered.

As the Birmingham midfield rushed to score goals, Loughborough saw their opportunity and broke through the gaps, with the defence finding it hard to chase, it was 2-1 to the away team and on the half time whistle it was clear Loughborough were just creating chances from Birmingham’s mistakes.

As the second half got under way it was a new, rejuvenated Birmingham side stepping out onto the pitch, and they were straight out of the blocks. A wonderfully worked move from Hughes was finished off

by Abi Polter who chipped it over the keeper to level the game.

The confidence was now brimming in Birmingham and they had all the possession.

Every time Loughborough attacked they were prevented instantly by the defensive back three. Thanks to the defence, Birmingham’s attacking forwards got the ball faster and with some brilliant ball work Griffiths set Lydia Cusset up for her first goal to make it 3-2.

With 15 minutes left, Birmingham took every chance they had, with outstanding play by Emma Trunks and Hughes working the ball down the pitch. It wasn’t long until Hannah Martins had control of the ball and a missed shot by Emily Defroand was tucked away by Cusset. This was a fine

"This was an outstanding win, thoroughly deserved

by Birmingham who have played some of the best hockey seen this term" example of great team work and a vital goal making it 4-2 Birmingham.

Brum looked unstoppable as Loughborough tried desperately to break the defensive line, but with confidence rocketing there was no way through for the away side. The last minutes were all Birmingham’s, with brilliant chances from Toman, Curran and Defroand, with a siege of attacks from the midfield.

To stamp their mark on Loughborough, Birmingham made one more attack and the first penalty corner of the match was awarded. A strong put in by Polter set up Defroand for a storming shot into the top right hand corner to wrap the match up 5-2.

This was an outstanding win, thoroughly deserved by Birmingham who have played some of the best hockey seen this term. This may end up being a season-defining match with the ladies entering the second half of the BUCS season sitting pretty at the top and hoping to win the league in some style.

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6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

redbrick.me/sport

Sport

Interview Redbrick Sport meets Anna Toman With the University of Birmingham women’s Hockey 1sts taking charge of the Premier North League, sitting in 1st place after seven games, Aman Harees caught up with their captain, Anna Toman, and discussed the team’s performances over the last two years, her role as captain and as an England Youth International.

Despite being first in the league, Anna admitted that it’s been far from straightforward. ‘There have been a few uneasy performances but we’ve been better this year.

It’s hard to settle down when you have four or five new players but I’ve been very impressed with them because they’ve fitted in very well. This year we have the likes of England U21 player, Hannah Martin, and U18 players, Lydia Clissett and Megan Edwards.’

In both the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons, Durham edged Birmingham to 2nd place in the BUCS Premier North Division and beat Birmingham 2-1 in successive cup finals. It can be fair to suggest that Durham have held a certain hoodoo over Birmingham in recent years. ‘The girls hold a grudge against Durham’, she says jokingly. ‘The final years really don’t want to leave without winning the league and the cup - I would be devastated if I don’t win either one!’

The heartbreak of finishing second to Durham in successive years is one that Toman recounts vividly. ‘Losing in the 2012/13 BUCS Hockey Championship final was difficult because we played better than them and even took the lead. In the league, in many ways we accepted second place and concentrated on the cup.’

"Birmingham's excellent form over the last few seasons has seen the team receive a host of awards" With Loughborough in second place, one wonders if they would usurp Durham as Birmingham’s main rivals but Anna doesn’t think so. ‘They are a good side this year but we beat them whilst missing four of our best players. Durham are still our biggest scalp’.

Birmingham’s excellent form over the last few seasons has seen the team receive a host of awards at the Guild Sports Awards Night – they were awarded the Team of the Year Award in 2010 and 2011 and coach, Phil Gooderham, received the Coach of the Year Award in 2011. She is particularly praiseworthy of coach Gooderham. ‘He deals with so much – he’s a workaholic.

He’s very approachable too and understands the demands on the university student.’

After playing a significant role in last season’s push for a BUCS gold, Anna was appointed the 1sts captain for the 2013/14 season, describing her role as ‘a huge honour’. ‘I obviously don’t have as much tactical input as a captain in a cricket team. It’s more of a link between the coach and the squad. I’m a laid back captain because everyone is a leader on the pitch but I can be quite demanding’.

On the hockey field, she prefers the deep lying midfield position where she retains possession and breaks up play. Nonetheless, Gooderham believes that her attacking game has blossomed in recent years. ‘He’s right.

I’ve scored two goals this season but I like my position. It’s understated but I prefer that

to scoring. I play in my favoured position more often when I’m with England but at Birmingham, we take turns playing in that central role – sometimes it can be a fight!’

In addition, she is a much decorated youth international player. She has represented her country at youth level for six years and competed in the 2012 Youth Olympics in Australia with the GB Hockey Squad whilst winning a Silver and Bronze at U18 European level and another Bronze at U21 European Level.

This summer, she played a starring role in the Junior Hockey World Cup in Germany.

‘Our confidence wasn’t very high because we lost a few friendlies in the lead-up to the tournament’, she admitted. The U21s lost their opener against Spain but pulled things back with a convincing 8-1 victory over Belgium.

‘We played Germany in our final group

game and it was a crunch game because we had to win to progress and there was a huge home crowd.’ They edged Germany 2-1 and

"Anna was appointed the 1sts captain for the 2013/14 season, describing her role as 'a huge honour'" in the quarter finals, beat Australia to earn a semi-final against Argentina. Unfortunately, their dream run was ended by the South Americans. Nonetheless, the chance of a medal presented itself as consolation in the 3rd place playoff versus India.

‘India started well and scored an early goal but I equalised around the 50th minute.

It went to a shoot out where we lost 3-2 and it was my saved shot which gave India the win. It was very difficult at the time. I didn’t watch the match again for three months but looking back, I’m very proud of our performance because we went far in that tournament. It was the biggest tournament I had played in’.

Anna is unsure as to whether she wants to pursue the game as a full time career but it is an option extended to her by the Senior National Team. ‘My next assignment is the U21 EuroHockey Junior Championships in Belgium in 2014 and it’s going to be my final year for the U21s. I’ve done a few training sessions with the seniors already.

After the tournament, I’ll have to see whether I’ll go up to the seniors or maybe pursue something else.’

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

redbrick.me/sport

Things to look out for this weekend

2. England's chances for the 2014 World Cup will become clearer when the draw for the group stage is made in Rio de Janeiro on Friday. Having missed out on being seeded England could face a potential group of death.

3. As we enter December the football season really begins to gather pace with games coming thick and fast. Which teams will be heading into 2014 on a high?

Performance of the week

Tweet of the week

1. As the second Ashes Test gets underway in Adelaide this week, England will be looking to bounce back after being defeated in the first test. Will they be able to secure a win to level the series?

31

@henrygayle (Chris Gayle) 'Money doesn't buy happiness. Well it buys jet ski. Have u ever seen a sad person on a jet ski? Its impossible to be sad on 1. Happy Sunday!'

Photo of the week

The lighter side of sport

Aaron Ramsey continued his fine form with two more goals last weekend against former club Cardiff. The Welshman has been the Premier League's standout player this season and if he can continue in the same vein the midfielder will surely be a shoe-in for the PFA player of the year.

Ramsey has now taken his goalscoring tally for the season to 13 in all competitions.

Weekend wager

1. Cesar Azpilicueta has this week filmed a video teaching fans how to say his name. Since signing for Chelsea, the right back has been known as 'Dave'.

Despite the ease the Spaniard has in pronouncing his name, don't expect Chelsea fans to have the same linguistic flair.

6/1 With the Premier League entering an important stage of the season the sides at the top will be looking to pull away from the chasing pack. Will Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool be able to start December in the best possible fashion?

2. 26,000 teddy bears were thrown onto the ice after the first goal in the ice hockey game between Calgary Hitmen and Medicine Hat Tigers. This has become a tradition in the game between the two sides each year. (See photo of the week).

Sport quiz 1. Who was named 2013 UK coach of the year?

Online this week

2. How many sportsmen/women have appeared on 'Dancing on Ice'?

3. Who was England's captain at the 1998 FIFA World Cup? 4. Which nation has won the most rugby league World Cups?

University match reports: Read how the university sports teams got on in their matches last week, including a win for the men's badminton 1sts.

Top 5: After New Zealand's rugby union and rugby league sides staged comebacks, Aman Harees chooses his favourite turnarounds.

5. Which wicketkeeper has more test catches - Matt Prior or Brad Haddin?

1.Warren Gatland 2.Thirteen 3.Alan Shearer 4.Australia 5.Matt Prior

Top 5: After Ryan Giggs turned 40, Alex Kronenberg selects his best sporting oldies.

The Redbrick Crossword The prize for this week's Christmas themed crossword is a festive chocolate-filled goodie bag!

Crossword by Tom Hutchinson

Please complete this form before you hand in your completed crossword to the Redbrick office.

Name: Email Address: Phone Number:

Across

1. For setting desserts aflame (6) 2. The country from which the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square comes (6) 4. Bowl three strikes in a row to get a festive roast bird (6) 9. _____ Scrooge (8) 12. You might get a kiss if you wait under this (9) 14. Why does the French alphabet only have 25 letters at Christmas?

(4) 15. Bible based play popular in primary schools (8) 17. Prickly plant with winter berries (5) 18. See 5 Down

Down

1. Birthplace of Jesus (9) 3. Donner, Blitzen etc. (8) 5D/18A. Festive tree cutting. Burn it or eat it (4,3) 6. See 11 Down 7. 24 days of waiting (6) 8. Santa's little helpers (5) 10. _____ In The Name. X Factor defying christmas number one (7) 11D/6D. The home of Father Christmas (5,4) 13. Children on the Naughty List receive this (4) 16. All Mariah wants for Christmas (3)

1`````~2`3``` `~~~~~~~~`~~~ 4````5~6~`~7~ `~~~~`~`~`~`~ `~8~~`~`~`~`~ `~`~~9``````` `~`~0~~~~`~`~ `~`~`~~-~`~`~ =````````~q~~ ~~~~`~~`~w``` ~e``````r~`~~ ~~~~`~~t````~ ~~y``~~~`~~~~

32

redbrick.me/sport

6th December 2013 - 23rd January 2014

Sport

P 30 - Aman Harees interviews Birmingham hockey star Anna Toman on the club's development and playing for England.

Birmingham triumph in top of the table clash

Charlotte Wilson

Birmingham 1sts

38

Nottingham Trent

25

Chris Findlay Sports Reporter

They say you can tell if a side are title contenders by how they respond to defeat and this game saw Birmingham place themselves as firm favourites for the league. A stout defence and some clinical finishing brought Birmingham a commanding 38-25 win over a powerful Nottingham Trent side.

The whole game was characterised by hard run lines in midfield and some big tackles by both teams.

Birmingham dearly wanted to get back to winning ways after the hugely surprising loss to Sheffield Hallam. They were up against a Trent side that were second in the table by just a bonus point and had only lost against third placed Durham. But the game

did not get off to the start Birmingham would have wanted with Trent scoring after only two minutes - the scrum-half darting off the back of a maul and feeding the waiting centre who dutifully scored. Minutes later we had the first scrum and were able to get a glimpse of the power the Birmingham pack possess. They have been the driving force behind this winning start and they were dominant again as they caused Trent problems all day.

After an offside charge down by Trent, Dan Wood had his first chance at goal only to see the ball drop just short. On 10 minutes Sam Corlett found a small gap in the Trent back line to break through and eventually win a penalty. This time Wood made no mistake, slotting over from a similar distance to his previous effort. Moments later a big hit by Seb Cox turned the ball over for Birmingham and, after a few phases, Wood found the gap to break through and feed Lewis Bevan-Hook’s good supporting run, and he dived over for the home team’s first try. Following the kick off Fred Gulliford was caught at the back of a ruck and penal-

ised after being isolated. The Trent fly-half sent the penalty over the posts and the score was level.

It was a tight first half but the next try wasn’t far away with some more strong tackling turning the ball over. Rob Keith broke through the line and after some slick handling Andy Matthews went over in the corner. Wood’s tough kick drifted just wide to leave Birmingham 15-10 up. Trent quickly replied with phase after phase getting over the game line to eventually touch down in the opposite corner, the conversion was added to give them a two point lead.

The hits kept coming with tackle of the match going to fullback Anthony West, chasing down a mark and sending his opposite number flying backwards. The resulting scrum saw number eight Tom Vooght peel off and send Keith through the gap to score under the posts. After a breathless half the score stood at 25-20 in what had been a tight and hugely entertaining first half.

The start of the second half saw more penalties on both sides in a game that was marred by a large penalty count. Approaching

60 minutes and try of the day came as Ben Branfield leapt in front of the scrum-half’s box kick and followed up his own charge down to canter in from 35 meters.

The next 20 minutes saw Trent try to get back in the game. They repeatedly kicked for the corner rather than go for the points and had huge amounts of possession. But, however hard they tried they could not break a resilient home defence. Wave after wave of Trent attacks broke against the Birmingham dam and there are few things more tiring in Rugby then defending your own try line. By the time Trent finally broke through it was too late.

The final score of 38-25 showed more for Birmingham’s tireless second half defence then for the try scoring chaos of the first, with many try saving tackles coming in throughout a brutal second period.

Speaking after the game, captain Tom Vooght said: ‘It was a really good win and I thought the boys played really well following on from the Hallam loss. We really put everything we’ve been working on in training into practise.’