ISSUE 1521 by Redbrick

Friday 11th February 2022

Redbrick Issue 1521, Vol. 87

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UCU's Response to Strike Pay Cuts page 3

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UCU Announces February Strikes Ella Kipling

Social Secretary

The University and College Union (UCU) have announced another round of strikes this academic year which will be taking place in February. 44 institutions will be striking between 14th February and 18th February, 68 institutions will be striking between 21st to the 22nd February, and 63 institutions will strike for three days from 28th February to 2nd March. Institutions will also be putting in place ‘action short of a strike’ (ASOS). ASOS is usually action which only affects certain aspects of work and involves taking actions such as working to contract, not covering for absent colleagues, removing uploaded materials related to lectures and classes that will be cancelled as a result of strike action, not rescheduling lectures and classes, and not undertaking any voluntary activities. UCU has reported that the ASOS is now live, with ‘working to contract’ and ‘not undertaking voluntary activities’ beginning back on 1st December 2021, and ‘not rescheduling classes and lectures cancelled due to strike action,’ which started on 21st December 2021. ‘Not covering for absent colleagues,’ and ‘removing uploaded materials related to, and/or not sharing materials related to, lectures or classes that will be or have been cancelled as a result of strike action,’ started on 5th January 2022. The UCU website states that until further notice, action short of a strike will last until Tuesday 3rd May, 2022. Decisions over the

different forms of ASOS, including when they are called, are made through the democratic mechanisms of the UCU. President of the National Union of Students (NUS) Larissa Kennedy, explained that students ‘regularly witness how staff and students’ conditions are intertwined’ and said: University management forcing staff onto casualised contracts, cutting their pay, and now trying to cut thousands of pounds from their pensions cannot be divorced from the fact that one in 10 students has needed to access a foodbank to survive the pandemic— these are not the actions of a university leadership or an education system that have the interests of staff or students at heart.’ Kennedy described staff working conditions as ‘student learning conditions,’ which is why they have chosen to stand ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with those striking to fight for a more just education system. She said in a statement that it is entirely in the gift of vice chancellors and employers to come to a ‘negotiated settlement and address the fundamental issue repeatedly raised by staff,’ and if they do not, ‘students will hold employers accountable.’ Jo Grady, the UCU general secretary, said that for a sector worth tens of billions of pounds, it is ‘beyond disgraceful’ that staff must face ‘vicious pension cuts, falling pay and are pushed to breaking point under deteriorating working conditions.’ Meanwhile, chief executive of the Universities and Colleges Employers Association Raj Jethwa urged the UCU to ‘engage constructively’ in this year’s multiemployer negotiating round, rather than con-

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tinuing to strike. Final year student at the University of Birmingham Cerys Gardner told Redbrick: ‘I understand and empathise with why lecturers are striking, their pay and conditions are awful, but as a final year it is frustrating to be missing out on yet more education and I am concerned about the impact it could have on my final grades.’ Another final year student, who has chosen to remain anonymous, told us that they are ‘frustrated about the impending strike action,’ pointing out that they have missed out on ‘so much valuable teaching due to the pandemic and strikes.’ ‘Whilst I get the reasons why lecturers are choosing to strike, I'm at the point where I just think it's unfair (it's only directly affecting us students, especially final year ones)

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Ellen Knight

not the institutions themselves. I also think that the removal of resources during strikes should not be allowed - we're paying 9 grand a year to have our few hours of teaching a week cancelled and no resources to even teach ourselves the content that we're missing out on,’ they said.

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INSIDE: Redbrick editors share their favourite meal deals

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Friday 11th February 2022

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A Letter from Committee Ella Kipling Social Secretary

I joined Redbrick in September 2019 as a terrified first year who was quickly welcomed into the family. Redbrick has easily been the highlight of my university experience, and in all honesty, it means an incredible amount to me. Throughout a pandemic, strikes, and plenty of other disruptions, Redbrick remained my one constant and a continuous hub of support, positivity, and passion. Everyone puts in their all and the pure dedication to journalism is echoed on every page of every print. Being on committee has been a goal of mine since my very first welcome meeting with the society and I want to thank everyone along the way. This includes the editors who believed in me back when I was a fresher and trusted me to tell the important stories, and my fellow writers who have inspired me with their own incredible pieces. No matter how cool you may want to play it, seeing your name in a real printed newspaper for the first time really is an indescribable feeling. I am a big believer in the importance and power of student journalism. Whether it be breaking news stories on campus, investigating miscarriages of justice, writing reviews, sharing recipes, or producing sports match reports, every single piece of journalism in this paper makes an impact. Media Ball took place in

December and it was an absolute hit (if I do say so myself). The months of stressful planning were made worth it when everyone turned up dressed to the nines and danced the night away. Thank you to everyone for coming and thank you to Burn FM (and Sonny Elliott) for the music and tech, and Alex Antropenko for the photography. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did! This year’s committee has been faced with seemingly endless challenges, but despite it all we have managed to produce three absolutely gorgeous prints and we have done whatever possible to get our paper, and all the wonderful articles in it, out there into the world. Redbrick is a collaborative effort, and everyone plays a vital part including the writers, the EAs, the editors, and committee. An especially huge well done this print to Kitty for always making sure the paper looks its best even though she received the best part of her InDesign training from YouTube videos, and to Jasmine for carrying committee through January. Redbrick is full of announcements this month including the election of two new committee members who we are very excited to welcome on board, and the upcoming release of Redbrick merch. This term I will be planning the next big event of the year Redbrick Awards! Without further ado here is issue 1521, I hope you enjoy it! Up the Brick! Ella Kipling

Redbrick Editorial Team Editor-in-Chief Chelsie Henshaw

editor@redbrickonline.co.uk

Deputy Editors Jasmine Sandhar Daniella Southin

News Editors Sophie Handler Dan Hunt Ellen Knight Anastasis Mauriac Oliver Shaw

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Print&Features Editor Kitty Grant print@redbrickonline.co.uk

Digital Editor Cerys Gardner

Comment Editors Emily Baldwin Colette Fountain Ffion Hâf Phoebe Snedker

TV Editors Sian Allen Isobel Radakovic Josie Scott Taylor

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Culture Editors Leah Renz Sofia Salazar Studer

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Marketing Secretary Jennifer Prince

Music Editors marketing@redbrickonline.co.uk Samantha Andrews Lorcan Drury Social Secretary Ellie Harris Ella Kipling Aimée Sargent social@redbrickonline.co.uk

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Gaming Editors Sonny Elliott comment@redbrickonline.co.uk Finn Russell

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Life&Style Editors Emma Davis Natasha Farwell Saskia Hirst Julia Lee

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Sci&Tech Editors Daniel Bray Gwydion Elliott Elliott Haywood

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Editorial Assitants Daniel Bray Rosie Carron Charley Davies Charis Gambon Sofia Salazar Studer Rebecca Whalley Designed and typeset by Redbrick Copyright (C) Redbrick 2021 Redbrick Guild of Students Edgbaston Park Road Birmingham B15 2TT 0121 251 2462 editor@redbrickonline.co.uk

The views expressed in Redbrick do not necessarily reflect those of the editors, the Guild or the publishers. If you find an error or fact in our pages, please write to the editor. Our policy is to correct mistakes promptly in print and to apologise where appropritate. We reserve the right to edit any article, letter or email submitted for publication.

News

Friday 11th February 2022

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University threatens UCU members with 50% pay cut? Ellen Knight News Editor

As previously reported, the University and College Union (UCU) have recently announced strike action, with the University of Birmingham (UoB) set to be affected by three weeks of walkouts between 14th-18th February, 21st-22nd February, and 28th February-2nd March. Some staff will instead be undertaking ‘Action Short of a Strike’ (ASOS), for example only ‘working to contract’, ‘not covering for absent colleagues’, ‘not rescheduling classes [...] cancelled due to strike action’ and ‘removing uploaded materials [...] related to classes [...] cancelled due to strike action.’ However, as a result of the upcoming strikes, Birmingham UCU have revealed that on February 2nd staff were emailed by Provost Tim Jones. The contents of the email state that the University ‘reserves the legal right to deduct up to 100% of pay for ASOS where such action amounts to partial performance of contract’, despite the fact that ASOS constitutes working strictly to the contract rather than breaking it. The University took particular issue with not rescheduling classes cancelled as a result of strikes, and removing uploaded materials related to cancelled classes. The email goes on to

directly threaten staff who undertake this form of ASOS, stating that should they go ahead with these plans, ‘the University will commence withholding of pay at the rate of 50% with effect from 14 February 2022’. The University also requests in the email that any staff taking ASOS record this action via Core Systems, and states that any staff undertaking a marking boycott could suffer a pay cut of up to 100%.

“The email goes on to directly threaten staff” Birmingham UCU described this email on Twitter as ‘blatant intimidation and not something we can accept’, and noted that ‘such threats clearly move us towards all out strike action.’ Speaking to Redbrick, UoB UCU branch President David Bailey told us that members ‘are extremely concerned and angry about this new move to penalise strike action,’ noting that ‘this amounts to a 150% pay deduction for every day of strike action [...] in some cases, for nothing more than refusing to replace a single missed lecture.’ Furthermore, Bailey pointed out that ‘the legal advice we have received sug-

gests it has the clear potential to amount to an unlawful deduction of wages [...] if [staff] don’t miss 50% of their teaching then they cannot lawfully have 50% of their pay deducted.’ Bailey observes that this communication from the University ‘threatens staff livelihoods, [and] such a severe response also threatens the right to take strike action. ‘This is a hard-won human right that the University of Birmingham’s senior management, and new Vice-Chancellor Adam Tickell, are clearly threatening to undermine.’ Redbrick contacted the University of Birmingham for a response, and received the following comment from a University spokesperson: ‘Our priorities are to protect student learning, particularly given the significant disruption that young people have faced during the pandemic, and to ensure that students and staff can continue to fully participate in campus life. The University has been clear in communications with staff that, as is standard practice, any member of staff who chooses to take strike action will be deducted at the rate of 100% pay for each day they choose to strike. ‘For Action Short of Strike (ASOS) which is working to contract, staff will be paid as normal and there will not be any withholding of pay provided that staff continue to work

their contracted hours and duties, prioritising lost learning where relevant. However, we will commence withholding of pay at the rate of 50% for ASOS which involves partial performance of duties in relation to not rescheduling classes and lectures that are cancelled due to strike action or removing or not sharing materials with students related to those cancelled sessions.’

“We will commence withholding of pay at the rate of 50%” ‘We are grateful to the majority of staff who will do everything they can to support our students through any period of strike action.’ Looking forward, David Bailey asserts that ‘Birmingham UCU members will not, however, be threatened and intimidated by this move’, stating that ‘if the University of Birmingham follow through on their threat, then we will have to consider both legal action to reclaim any unlawfully unpaid wages, and the possibility of further strike action. ‘We certainly aren't going to be bullied into submission when our members are facing a 24% pension cut, a gender and

ethnicity pay gap, crushing workloads, ongoing casualisation, and a long term pay cut.’ In closing, Bailey and the Birmingham UCU ‘strongly urge the University of Birmingham to reconsider’, hoping that ‘instead of issuing threats [UoB will] enter into serious negotiations with the union to consider ways in which to resolve this dispute. ‘Threatening behaviour such as this only creates poorly motivated and disgruntled staff, which is clearly not in the interests of the University, or of the students.’

Korng Sok

Students and MP: Boris Johnson looks ‘like a snivelling little liar’ Kitty Grant Print&Features Editor

Birmingham MPs have taken to Twitter to react to the release of the early findings of Sue Gray’s inquiry into the breaking of lockdown rules in Government buildings and Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s subsequent appearance in Parliament. 16 events were reported in the Sue Gray inquiry, 12 of which are currently being investigated by the Met Police. After the report was released on the 31st January, the Prime Minister, who is reported to have been present at some of the events under investigation, appeared in Parliament to make a statement, which were followed by questions from MPs. Johnson apologised for ‘the things we simply did not get right’ and promised to create an Office of the Prime Minister but did not resign, something many were expecting. On Twitter, Labour MP for Selly Oak, Steve McCabe described Johnson’s statement

as ‘the squeals of a drowning man desperately clutching for anyone he can drag down with him.’ Edgbaston’s Labour MP, Preet Gill tweeted ‘Johnson has insulted the public’s intelligence’ and said ‘the PM isn’t fit for office and needs to do the decent thing and resign.’ However, some Birmingham MPs offered the Prime Minister messages of support. Conservative MP for Northfield tweeted ‘the [Boris Johnson] we love [...] has delivered. He’s made promises on how he wants to change [...] and I support him in doing that.’ During questioning from MPs on both sides of the aisle, the Prime Minister refused to comment on whether or not he had attended parties during lockdown, or if he would resign should the investigation conclude he had. After Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer’s questioning, Johnson falsely claimed that the Labour leader failed to prosecute former TV star and convicted historic child sexual abuser, Jimmy Savile, during his time as Director of

Public Prosecutions. Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, Jess Phillips, who graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2013, said on Twitter that she ‘genuinely cannot contain [her] anger’ about Johnson’s comments regarding Savile and claimed ‘Tory MPs who tolerate this any longer are complicit.’ Quoting a tweet about Johnson’s Savile comments, McCabe tweeted ‘It’s such an embarrassment for our country.’ McCabe also said on Twitter that Johnson ‘looks more & more like a snivelling little liar who will say and do anything other than own up and face the music.’ In an informal poll conducted on University of Birmingham Facebook group, Fab’n’Fresh, 100% of students responding agreed with McCabe’s comments. Third-year History student Ellen Knight said ‘I think it’s really impressive that Steve McCabe has been so outspoken about the situation when many MPs have been silent.’

Adi Ulici Jordhan Madec

Adi Ulic

NEWS

Friday 11th February 2022

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Record Number Of Ethnic Minority Students Accepted At Top UK Universities Zenna Hussain News Writer

A recent article by The Guardian highlighted the rising number of ethnic minority students accepted into Russell Groups universities last year, alongside students of other disadvantaged backgrounds. This was due to the large quantity of applicants resulting from higher A-Level grades, as the government decided to scrap exams due to COVID. The number of black students who accepted places at prestigious universities rose by 19% in the space of a year. Almost 21% of students who received free school meals accepted places, while general students achieving top results almost doubled since last year, and is nearly quadruple pre-pandemic levels. Thus, it is not only ethnic minority students increasingly being accepted; white students gaining places also increased by 12.5%, with nearly 75,600 students. Despite an increase in ethnic minority students being accepted to university, there remains an 18.3 percentage point gap in degree outcomes for white and

black students. The Office For Students, the regulatory body for English higher education, has aimed that in 20 years the gap for ethnic minority students and white students in access and attainment will be eliminated. Events such as Black History Month sees UoB’s dedication to ethnic minority students with the Black and Ethnic Minority Association Society, the Ethnic Minority Students’ Officer, the Race Equality Network and specialised events, opportunities and talks tailored for black students. The increasing volume of ethnic minority students in top universities goes some way to create change, but leading experts argue more can be done. The University of Birmingham’s Professor of Education and Social Justice, Professor Kalwant Bhopal told the Office for Students that for racial issues ‘there seems to be an expectation that this should fall as a burden on BAME groups.’ Meanwhile the Office for Students’ Chris Millward has claimed the department ‘will ambitiously tackle the issues causing underrepresentation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic students in postgraduate research.’

Wan Yan Sip

Increase In Nursing Applications Amid Pandemic Jeshoots.com

Charlie O'Keeffe News Writer

UCAS recorded an increase of 38% in 18-year-old students choosing to study nursing since 2019. This increase exists across several age groups, with a rise in applications from those over 21 of almost a third. This year, a record 28,815 applicants’ first choice was nursing. Chief Executive of UCAS, Clare Marchant, pointed out that this will be helpful in relieving staff shortages. Marchant also stated that she expected this increase to continue before next week’s application deadline for courses starting in autumn.

“This will be helpful in relieving staff shortages’’ Nursing is now the fifth most popular subject studied in higher education in England. There had previously been a fall in applications, after the government removed bursary funding in 2017.

The increase can also be linked to greater social mobility, with subjects like nursing, education, and health and social care courses appealing to more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, there is still a gender imbalance, with nine times more women applying than men.

changed courses and will be studying nursing next year. When asked what prompted her interest in the field, she talked about the possibility of forming ‘strong bonds’ with patients and families. In addition, she pointed out that ‘the clinical skills learnt can be applied outside the hospital environment’, and that a nursing qualification will enable her to ‘travel and work in many countries.’

“The increase can also be linked to “The clinical skills greater social learnt can be mobility’’ applied outside the This increased uptake has hospital’ been linked to the pandemic, as the work of NHS nurses throughenvironment’ out has been an inspiration to new applicants. A report from UCAS and Health Education England reported that 69% of recent nursing applicants said that they were inspired to pursue the career by the pandemic. Around one in ten cited COVID-19 as the most important factor in their decision, and one in four said the high profile of healthcare workers had a significant impact on their decision. Redbrick spoke to Miriam McKinney, who has recently

Miriam went on to say that although the pandemic was not something that ‘solely’ made her want to go into nursing, she pointed out the pandemic ‘put a spotlight on the profession and it appealed to me greatly.’ She said that the work nurses have done during the pandemic has encouraged her to work harder as it ‘highlighted the importance of nursing as the NHS is essential to everyone.’

News

Friday 11th February 2022

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Universities Minister Encourages Dissatisfied Students to Ask for Refunds Joshua Herman News Writer

The Universities Minister Michelle Donelan has encouraged students to ask for a refund if they are unsatisfied with their courses’ quality. In an interview conducted by The Daily Telegraph, she stated ‘They are consumers, at the end of the day. They’re paying a substantial amount of money that’s an investment in their own lives. They deserve that appeal right.’

“They are consumers [...] paying a subsantial amount of money that’s an investment in their own lives’’ Donelan highlights the rise

in tuition fee refund requests made to the Office of Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education: ‘We saw refunds in the tens of thousands during the pandemic,’ demonstrating the increasing dissatisfaction with teaching, alongside limitations enforced by safety restrictions in conjunction with the unchanged tuition fees. Course contact hours, study spaces, and library spaces – traditional hallmarks of the university experience – were unable to be catered for by universities, causing university students to feel that the typically accepted tuition fee price was disproportionate to the quality of the education being provided during the pandemic. Results from an informal poll posted on the student Facebook page, ‘Fab N Fresh’, further illustrated the dissatisfaction towards teaching quality in relation to the tuition fee. From a total sample of 470, 321 voted that they were ‘dissatisfied with their course and would appeal for a refund,’ while ‘I am satisfied with my course’ received 128 votes. Only 21

students claimed they were ‘dissatisfied with their course and would not appeal for a refund.’ The results of the poll show that of the 470 students, the vast majority of them wished to have their tuition fee refunded, although some students felt that with restrictions being lifted, the quality of teaching resumed.

“The results of the poll show that of the 470 students, the vast majority of them wished to have their tuition fee refunded’’ One student said, ‘I’m mostly satisfied with my course now, but wasn’t this time last year when everything was online,’ suggesting that the recent return to in-person teaching provides

more justification for the tuition fee for some students. Other students who are dissatisfied with the quality of their course have further commented to say that despite this, they would not seek a refund. ‘I probably would want a refund – but my lecturers worked so hard to keep things as normal as possible and I could never thank them enough, so I’d never appeal for one, worried it’d reflect badly on them.’ Though Michelle Donelan encourages students to appeal for a refund, the process of this application does not guarantee one. In the FAQ section from the Office of the Independent Adjudicator website, which was last updated in January 2022, the section under refunds quotes: ‘If your provider has offered you different but broadly equivalent teaching and assessment opportunities and these are accessible to you, it is not likely that you will get a fee refund or reduction for that,’ making the process difficult for students to be granted a refund on their tuition fees.

Redbrick's Guide to Guild Democracy Oliver Shaw News Editor

It is about that time of year when the student body at the University of Birmingham prepares to cast their votes and see who will represent the Guild of Students for the next academic year. It is the biggest student election in Birmingham, and during last year’s election, 5691 votes were cast which led to the inauguration of the incumbent president, Mikey Brown.

“During last year's election, 5691 votes were cast’’ The officers who are appointed work in the interests of the Guild, which represents the huge student population at the University, which is currently at over 36,000. There are seven full-time and seven part-time officers, which cover all aspects of student life and experiences to ensure that whatever interests

or situations students may find themselves, there is an officer to act on behalf of their voices.

“The officers who are appointed work in the interests of the Guild’’ The seven officer positions which are all up for election include: President, Activities and Employability Officer, Education Officer, International Officer, Postgraduate Officer, Sports Officer and Welfare and Community Officer. These officers are students who are either currently in between years of study at both undergraduate or postgraduate level or have just graduated and have decided to take a year out of study in order to represent the student community. The part-time officer roles are carried out by students during one of their years of study and usually would commit between five and ten hours per week to their specific role. The

part-time positions are: Campaigns Officer, Disabled Students’ Officer, Ethnic Minority Students’ Officer, Ethical and Environmental Officer, LGBTQ+ Students’ Officer, Trans and Non-Binary Students’ Officer and Women’s Officer. Exact job descriptions for both full and part-time officer positions can be found on the Guild of Students Website. Regarding the election process itself, applications for all officer roles close on Friday 11th February at 4pm. The following day (Saturday 12th February) is the media day, in which members from both Redbrick and Burn FM will be interviewing potential candidates and some of the key points of their manifestos which they wish to implement should they be elected.

“Applications for all officer roles close on Friday 11th February at 4pm’’

The Guild have also provided a series of documents to help students create and structure their campaigns and written statements. Following media day, there is a gap of 16 days before the beginning of Voting & Campaigning Week, the best chance for those running to get their message across to the student population and get as many votes in the bag! Voting opens on Monday 28th February at 10am and will remain open until Friday 4th March at 3pm for students to mark their ballot papers on the Guild Website! Following the end of the voting period, the nervy time of counting the ballots will begin and only three hours later at 7pm, the results will be announced, and positions will be appointed. These results will be declared at a special results evening ceremony. Further details about this event will be published on the Guild Website in due course. Well, there you have it, to all of those who will be following the election, hopefully you enjoy watching it all unfold and to those who wish to run for a full or part-position, all the best of luck!

Coventry Uni Offers AntiSpiking Training Dan Hunt News Editor

Coventry University is offering free training for the city’s bar staff to help prevent spikings and make customers feel safe. The scheme, which comes amid a recent increase in spikings across the UK, involves the development of a 15-minute webinar, and aims to include tips for identifying harassment and the methods of safely intervening.

“Aims to include tips for identifying harassment and the methods of [...] intervening” Coventry University’s Case Manager, Amber Taroni, who is leading the project, also aims to ‘address stereotypes around sexual violence,’ and ‘give bar staff more confidence to identify and report any concerns they may have.’ She went on to say ‘there is an expectation that the bouncers deal with harassment but actually it is everybody’s responsibility to recognise harassment and know how to deal with it.’ A Coventry student who undertook the training said it was ‘important to give us the information of who we can contact if we think something is happening, how to respond and how to de-escalate situations.’ She added ‘The training has made me feel safer and I will share the tips with my friends.’

Rick Barrett

NEWS

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbricknews

UoB Fails To Implement Suicide Guidance Charlotte O'Keeffe News Writer

Content Warning: mentions suicide The University of Birmingham has not yet adopted nationwide guidance on tackling student suicide. The strategy, intended to create ‘suicide-safer Universities’, was published in 2018 by Universities UK in partnership with suicide prevention charity Papyrus. It called attention to alarming numbers: from 2016-17 at least 95 students took their own lives, suicide is the biggest killer of young adults, and only 1 in 3 people who take their lives are known to mental health services. The 2018 guidance said it enabled institutions to ‘understand student suicide’ as well as help them intervene to prevent suicides, and respond in the event that they do happen. Universities were told in the guide that the measures it contained could ‘save a young person’s life.’ Despite not implementing the guidance, the University has stated that there are measures in place for prevention, intervention, and postvention. Birmingham insists that suicide is ‘taken very seriously.’

A freedom of information request has revealed that the University of Birmingham has not put the guidance in place, although it is in the process of developing a strategy. The University hopes to finalise its own new approach in the first quarter of 2022. Although lacking a specific strategy, University bosses have stated that the necessary measures are in place to approach student suicide. This includes a network of support services and first responders who receive ASIST SUICIDE Prevention training from Papyrus, the charity that was involved in creating the 2018 guidance. There is a 24/7 yearround mental health support service (telephone and text). The University has also stated that these measures are under continued review.

“University bosses have stated that the necessary measures are in place” Redbrick reached out to the University for comment, and a University of Birmingham spokesperson said:

‘We take very seriously our approach to the potential of a death by suicide amongst our community and, whilst not framed within a single policy document, we have a wide range of measures in place in relation to suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. First responders at the University receive (Papyrus) ASIST Suicide Prevention training and the University has its own trainers to deliver this. Mechanisms for supporting vulnerable students and those at risk are embedded in our support and escalation procedures that underpin our approach to supporting student mental health and wellbeing. The University provides an extensive network of support services, including a 24/7 yearround mental health support service (telephone and text), and we work very closely with specialist providers and agencies within the city of Birmingham. Leading academics from the University’s Institute of Mental Health deliver research-informed guidance that informs practice to respond to suicidal behaviours and suicide prevention. We continue to keep all of these measures under review and are also developing a suicide safer strategy to bring all of these elements together.’

Siora Photopgraphy

OfS Pushes Plans to Punish Universities With Low Quality and Poor Value For Money Courses Oliver Shaw News Editor

The Office for Students has drawn up a set of plans which would aim to crack down on colleges and universities which are not achieving the standards for acceptable student outcomes. Under their new proposed set of rules, college and university courses which do not achieve their requirements could see their institutions face punishments. These institutions could face fines, investigations and even have a limit placed on their access to public funding. The thresholds being proposed would set a maximum of 20% of students in a particular course to drop out in the first year of studies. In addition, at least 75% of students in the course would be expected to complete their qualification, with 60% of the students to go into professional employment or to carry on study. Nicola Dandridge, the chief executive of the OfS sees these plans as a ‘landmark moment in

our work to tackle poor quality provision in English higher education,’ and goes onto state that all students ‘deserve to be on good courses leading them to qualifications which stand the test of time and prepare them well for life after graduation.’

“All students ‘deserve to be on good courses leading them to qualifications which stand the test of time’” According to a report from WHATUNI?, 6.3% of students drop out of university on average. The range however is much more dramatic with the lowest dropout rate being one percent at the University of Cambridge, rising all the way to 18.6% at London Metropolitan University. The University of Birmingham has a 2.5% dropout rate.

These statistics however are representative of all courses which the university offers, with the OfS stating that there are 36 universities, colleges and other higher education centres which provide a course which falls below the requirements and as a result, around 11,000 students study a course every year which falls below the thresholds stated prior. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the difficulties with online teaching and lack of resources available on campus due to the Coronavirus has resulted in a large increase in students in higher education considering

Fabian Blank

dropping out of university. A study by Studiosity showed that 71% of students had considered dropping out of university during the 2020/2021 academic year with 81% saying that Covid-19 had had a negative effect on their experience. Interestingly however, within the same study, almost two thirds of students stated that they would be likely to choose their university again. These rules have therefore gained several critics who believe that the number of people who drop out is not necessarily evidence of the quality of education that an institution provides. ‘I feel as though these regulations have been over-simplified by punishing universities as there are many reasons why people may choose to drop out that are outside the university’s control. It may just be the correct thing for them to do,’ said Kitty Grant, a second year LANS student who dropped out of King’s College London in May 2020. She continues to say that ‘as a result, I don’t feel that the university should be punished and demonised for something that in many cases isn’t their fault.’

JP Valery

NEWS

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbricknews

UoB Survey Reveals A Political And Class Divide In Islamophobic Attitudes Anna-Marie Fischer News Writer

A recent survey led by the University of Birmingham shows that Conservative and Leave voters are more likely to hold prejudices against Muslims than those who vote Labour and Remain. Those from upper and middle-class backgrounds also view Islamic beliefs more negatively than working-class individuals. The survey was conducted between the 20th-21st July 2021 in conjunction with YouGov, interviewing a sample of 1667 people, as weighted by age, gender, social grade, voting record, region and level of education. Both public perceptions of Islam as a belief system and Muslims as a religious group in contemporary Britain were considered.

‘‘Both public perceptions of Islam as a belief system and Muslims as a religious group [...] were considered’’ Respondents surveyed were

categorised into various social groups, with those classified as being a lower social grade belonging to group ‘C2DE’ and those belonging to a higher social grade belonging to ABC1, following a standardised system of occupational classification. Regarding the criticism of Islam as a religion, 23.2% of people who come from the social group ABC1 hold prejudiced views about Islam compared to only 18.4% of people questioned from the C2DE group.

‘‘Respondents surveyed were categorised into various social groups’’ The findings also indicate that anti-Muslim sentiments harbour a consistent pattern in the UK and are much more prevalent among specific demographics, specifically: men, older people, those in manual occupations and Conservative and Brexit voters. When respondents were polled on anti-Muslim conspiracy, 43.4% of Conservative and Leave voters agreed that there are areas in Britain that operate under Sharia Law where nonMuslims are not allowed to enter. This contrasts strongly

Redbrick Round-up The Redbrick News Team take a look at one lighthearted and two very serious stories from this week's news

with only 14.7% of Labour voters and 14.9% of those who voted to Remain. The study also finds that the proportion of older people (ages 65+) accepting the conspiracy theory is over three times higher than it is for younger people (ages 18-24), suggesting that a strong generational divide is present in the UK with younger people being more accepting of those from different faith backgrounds. Another key finding shows that 36.3% of British people, and notably the majority of Conservative voters (57.3%) and Leave voters (55.5%), also agree that ‘Islam threatens the British way of life’, compared to Labour, Liberal Democrat and Remain voters, where the percentage figures for the same question were just 18.9%, 18% and 21.6% respectively. The survey further demonstrates that the British public readily hold more prejudiced views of Islam and Muslims compared to other religious groups. Support for the radical view of the prohibition of all Muslim migration to the UK is 4-6% higher for Muslims than it is for other ethnic and religious groups. Dr Stephen H. Jones from the University of Birmingham and lead author of the survey stated, ‘Prejudice towards Islam and Muslims stands out in the UK, not only because it is much more widespread than most forms of racism, but also because prejudice toward Islam

is more common among those who are wealthier and well-educated.’

OSCAR NOMINATIONS

long winter will last has continued as we reach Groundhog Day in 2022. Visitors from across the world gathered at Gobblers’ Knob, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to watch a groundhog (called Punxsutawney Phil) predict the weather to come. If Phil does not see his own shadow and remains in the open, an early spring is predicted. However, if Phil sees his own shadow and returns to his burrow, six more weeks of winter are to follow - this was what happened this year, with Phil predicting that winter will last until March.

Ellen Knight The 2022 Oscar nominations have been revealed, with director Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog leading the nominees for the 94th Academy Awards with twelve nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Denis Villeneuve’s Dune follows close behind with ten nominations including Best Picture and Best Original Score. Belfast and West Side Story both earned seven nominations, with King Richard nominated for six. The ceremony will take place on Sunday 27th March. GROUNDHOG DAY Ellen Knight The long-held American tradition of asking a groundhog how

‘‘Prejudice toward Islam is more common among those who are wealthier and welleducated’’ A poll conducted on the student Facebook group ‘Fab n Fresh’ reveals that all respondents agreed that the British public tend to hold more negative attitudes and perceptions towards Muslims than other religious groups (Jews, Sikh,

Hindu etc). Students are therefore aware of the disproportionate Islamophobia the UK is faced with. In response to these troubling statistics, the survey offered specific recommendations to combat the systemic miseducation about Islam; calling for public bodies such as the government and civil society organisations to acknowledge and denounce Islamophobia and make stronger efforts to include religious literacy in equality and diversity campaigns. Educators also play a crucial role as suggested by the survey, with the need to provide clear guidance on debates surrounding Islamic tradition, recognising when these move from genuine and open criticism to harmful rhetoric.

Redd

clutching a can of beer at his birthday party in June 2020, when indoor gatherings were banned and COVID-19 cases were soaring. In the picture, the PM is reportedly raising his can of Estrella beer in a toast - the image was allegedly taken by his official, taxpayer-funded photographer Andrew Parsons, and is one of 300 images sent to the Met as evidence of these rule-breaking gatherings.

BORIS JOHNSON HOLDS A CAN Ellen Knight The Mirror has reported that a photo acquired by the Metropolitan Police depicts Prime Minister Boris Johnson Jonatan Moerman

COMMENT

Friday 11th Februrary 2022

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Spotlight On: LGBTQ+ History month

Merch Husey @ Unsplash

Comment Editors discuss figures of LGBTQ+ History Emily Baldwin Comment Editor

LGBT history month began with a Missouri High-school history teacher Rodney Wilson in February 1994. Since then it

has become an international opportunity for remembrance, celebration and activism. In honour of the month, we are placing the spotlight on figures of LGBTQ+ history who are important to us. It is important to remember that notions of

sexuality and identity have changed over the years: language, social approaches and modes of documentation have evolved and there are many individuals whose identity will remain unclear or unknown. Despite this, figures of shared

history can be important to individuals sharing the same identity. LGBTQ+ history month is, therefore, a fantastic way of bridging the gaps of time, prejudice and loss that separate queer individuals today from those of the past. Solen Feyissa @ Unsplash

Mark Ashton

Colette Fountain Comment Editor

Marsha P. Johnson

Johnny Orr @ Wiki Commons

LGBTQ+ history is notoriously absent in the media, yet, one of the prevailing representations of queer community, culture and history is found in the 2014 BBC film Pride. Pride tells the story of the 1984 Lesbian and Gays Support the Miners campaign. The campaign saw lesbian and gay activists organising support for Welsh picketers during the mining crisis, demonstrating social solidarity across class and sexual lines. Featured in the film are a number of individuals who have made incredible contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. Co-founding the group was Mark Ashton, a gay rights and communist activist who moved from Northern Ireland to London in the late 70s. Ashton volunteered for the London Lesbian and Gay switchboard, joined the Young Community League and supported the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament before moving towards the LGSM support group in the 1980s. Mark was a significant figure whose activism intersected experiences across the UK. He died at just 26 years old of AIDS-related illnesses in January 1987, and is remembered throughout the LGBTQ+ comunity through the Marsk Ashton Trust, the Terrence Higgins Trust’s Red Ribbon Fund and a Blue Plaque outside of the oldest LGBTQ+ book store and the LGSM meeting place Gay’s The Word, on Marchmont Street, London. It is hard to think about LGBTQ+ History month without acknowledging how many individuals were lost in history. Whether this be due to a lack of documentation, victorian modesty, 20th-century embarrassment or the state-facilitated death of thousands of queer people during the AIDS crisis, I find solace in remembering these figures.

For anyone familiar with Queer history, the Stonewall Riots of 1969 are one of the most significant events of the 20th century. Playing a crucial role in these riots was activist Marsha P. Johnson, a self-identified drag queen. She helped found the Gay Liberation Front, and the Sweet Transvensitite Action Revolutionaries, volunteering with ACT UP from 1987-1992 in the fight against AIDS. Johnson was a vital part of the drag community, performing in drag group Hot Peaches from 1972 until the 1990s and being photographed by Andy Warhol. STAR House was founded by Johnson in 1970, providing shelter for homeless gay and trans youths, funded by money they made through sex work. This consolidated her role as a “drag mother” to the community, frequently sheltering those at risk in the community.

sex relationships, however, it also motivated the strive for LGBTQ+ equality, recognising that we are all human. Baldwin once said, "It is astonishing that in a country so devoted to the individual, so many people should be afraid to speak." Instead of conforming to societal expectations and hiding his identity, he become a voice that inspired many people through its openness regarding sexuality. Baldwin viewed sexuality as fluid and viewed sexual categories as limited. At the height of the AIDS epidemic, Baldwin spoke out about the decriminalization of homosexuality and the animosity the community faced, stating that “no one has a right to try to tell another human being whom he or she can or should love.” He was a firm believer in the notion that people were not born to be defined by societies standards, but instead themselves alone. As a writer, Baldwin highlighted the complexities of his identity along with internal struggles regarding acceptance. However, what I truly admire about Baldwin is that as an openly gay, African American man who fought tirelessly for civil rights, he could have been afraid but he was not. Baldwin was proud of who he was and embraced his identity through every aspect of his being. During a period of hatred and cruelty, he was open about his sexuality regardless of what others thought.

Petcor80 @ Flickr

Ffion Hâf

Comment Editor

James Baldwin I first came across Baldwin’s work in my first year of university when studying his novel Giovanni’s Room. Ever since then, I have been in awe of his literary talent and his contribution to the LGBTQ+ community and civil rights movement in the USA. His novel was powerful, personal and daring for its frank take on how race, gender and sexuality make up every aspect of society. Giovanni’s Room may have caused great controversy for its homoerotic themes and its candid portrayal of same-

Allan Warren @ Wiki Commons

Phoebe Snedker Comment Editor

Blaise Freeman @ Flickr

was a poet and essayist who gave voice to issues of race, gender and sexuality, and described herself as a “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet”. Lorde stands as an important figurehead in LGBTQ+ history, encouraging an acknowledgement that the face of lesbianism went beyond the historically stereotyped white, middle class woman. She used her voice to fight against the marginalisation of minority categories - particularly lesbianism and black womanhood - and was central to many liberation movements and activist circles, ranging from second-wave feminism and and black cultural movements, to the battle for LGBTQ+ equality itself. Lorde’s poetry often tackled sexuality and her experiences as a queer woman, and in response to disapproval about the content of her work, she told interviewer Charles H. Rowell “My sexuality is part and parcel of who I am, and my poetry comes from the intersection of me and my worlds� It is about revolution and change” for a piece in the journal Callaloo. Among her numerous fellowships and awards, Audre Lorde stands as an incredibly influential and respectable contributor to black, lesbian history, and her legacy deserves to be celebrated at all times - but especially throughout LGBTQ+ history month.

Audre Lorde A figure of particular importance for me would be Audre Lorde; her works have shaped many of the modules I have studied during my time at the University of Birmingham, and her words have not lost their strength and resonance as time has passed. Lorde

Ben_Kerckx @ Pixabay Jason Leung @ Unsplash

COMMENT

Friday 11th Februrary 2022

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The Ugly Truth Behind Influencers Hannah Vernon discusses the damage caused by dishonesty online, arguing that the normalisation of this is having detrimental effects Hannah Vernon Comment Writer

Content Warning: Body dysmorphia, eating disorders Social Media influencers have entered the stratosphere and firmly taken root. It can be incredibly difficult to avoid the products and platforms of these media personalities. Thrusting them further into the public consciousness creates the potential for advertisement. Mass producing clothing companies, Flat Stomach supplements and handdrawn stickers are cohabiting on the internet, and can be found somewhere on your timelines by even the most unsuspecting supporters. From your secondary school lab partner who models the contents of her wardrobe to the Love Island stars shooting content in Dubai – there is little room to avoid the Social Media Influencer. A scroll through Instagram finds Love Island winner Amber Gill promoting FourNine Beauty from the UAE in January 2021, one of many adverts displayed on her profile. Admittedly it is the very definition of an influencer’s job to influence, to encourage, to promote. The influencer raises profits and awareness. To a certain degree, their name or their face or their product does have to be seen, to be discussed, to be reposted and complained about. The extent of this public depiction is in question, particularly if it is inauthentic. Instagram feeds across multiple demographics have the potential to be

reached by false, potentially toxic images. People of all ages can prove impressionable and can experience body dysmorphia. It is not simply teenage girls who wish to look like supermodels, or young men who seek to make implausible gains in the gym. A report from the Mental Health Foundation in 2019 found one in four young people aged 18-24 comment on their inability to cope as a consequence of pressures on their body image, on maintaining appearances. This affects not only young adults. Influencing can reach someone of any age and gender, and have profound, sometimes devastating impacts. First and foremost, the images captured are of an isolated moment in time. Each shot may be one of dozens, carefully constructed with the optimum light and angles. Somebody external might be behind the photographs. Essentially, the pictures are composed for a purpose. In taking individual photos, one might find luck and be immediately happy. This is ultimately rare. Several attempts are usually taken, angles assumed, clothing adjusted. Even then, one might go on to delete every single photo. This is without even considering digital alterations. These can manifest in several ways. Common culprits largely include adjustments to skin tone and colour, muscle definition or augmentation, altering proportions, and the slimming of body parts, often the waist, legs, face and arms. Resizing can regularly be

identified around the chest, hips and rear. These attributes may also be changed with implants and other injected fillers or steroids. The original body is always modified in a way that, if not properly disclosed, offers consumers a warped perception of how that body was attained.

“People are at liberty to present their best self to the internet” Any hard work the celebrity has undertaken is not being questioned. The focus is not on their decision to make these edits, though indirect criticisms might arise. People are at liberty to present their best self to the internet. Sharing a photo from the gym, for example, gives the impression that one’s body has

Illustrated by Becky Woods

been sculpted authentically. ble to their own situations can Displaying muscles that have cause lasting heartache and been defined in an app, strain. Aspiring to or a waist that has not be physically been slimmed entirely healthy is entirely by the trainer being possible, but it is advertised is a distorunfair to strive for a tion of reality. People dream body when it might be enticed to puris an unattainable chase these gym memaspiration. berships and pieces of The Digitally equipment for the purAltered Body Image pose of looking similar, Bill is the brainchild but by omission are of Conservative being lied to about how Member of such tools achieved Parliament for these results. Bosworth, Dr. Luke Illustrated by Becky Influencers are mak- Woods Evans. It would ing money by selling a require advertisers product. For this to be fairly and broadcasters to specify when bought into and appreciated, it the human body has been edited seems logical that they sell hon- for commercial settings. This estly. The cynic might argue that would be akin to the UK Code of people ought to recognise the Non-Broadcast Advertising and disparity and the falsity. Direct & Promotional Marketing Comparisons, however, are an (The CAP Code), which applies innately human fact. People con- to content creators who have stantly compare themselves to been paid or directed to publiothers, compare what they have, cise specific products. Failure to what they desire. This is a con- disclose these transactions as stant cycle, one in which sense #ADs can result in severe conseand perspective often does not quences. Evans’ bill would place factor. Anybody can fall prey to body altering on par with the this, celebrities included. requirements and repercussions Myself and my peers are reg- of The CAP Code. ularly affected by this, and the Influencers are human, and hold influencers seemingly have. have the right to cultivate their I have little doubt that, on a content and build their brand as more personal scale, my own a career. However, such a bill years-long struggle against diag- would be beneficial to many, nosed eating disorders has been particularly impressionable heightened directly by the pres- young people on the internet like ence of false narratives on social myself. It might not rectify or media. Seeing isolated dream circumvent all damage, but it bodies and hearing celebrities could prove a pivotal aid in chalachieving them by promoting lenging the pressure of trying to specific diets and exercise pro- replicate something painfully grams that are not at all applica- impossible.

A Commentary On Modern Society

Gwydion Elliott questions what freedom truly looks like in our current political climate, emphasising the need for a fairer society for all Gwydion Elliott Sci&Tech Editor

While the political left, where it has the ambition, fights for the rights of workers and seeks to build a more kind and equitable society, the right wins ground by painting itself as the sole defender of a key ideal – freedom. In the name of this ideal, all manner of social protections, services and rights are rolled back, stripped away and gutted. What’s more, the right’s definition of freedom is not only shallow, but also deeply unjust and rooted in privilege. Their ideology makes us less free day by day. The left should reclaim the banner of freedom - it is our politics where the ideal truly lies. The latest battleground for ‘freedom’ has been the COVID19 pandemic, with countless Tory backbenchers railing against not only the several lockdowns placed upon the country’s shoulders, but also measures like mask-wearing and vaccine man-

dates. Rather than engaging in a meaningful discussion about the respective benefits and drawbacks of our lockdowns, many of these figures decided that the freedom not to wear a mask trumped, by definition, any social responsibility. In this way, freedom for the right is often the personal freedom of the privileged, casting aside the rights of the disadvantaged, marginalised and vulnerable to be protected and respected. Compare the uproar at mandatory mask-wearing in schools, with the curtailing of the freedom to protest, the threat to British nationals of their citizenship being removed, and the deliberate removal of freedom of movement for refugees in favour of allowing them to drown in the channel. The performative defence of freedom disguises the UK’s most authoritarian regime yet. Government, for most rightwingers, is the arch-tyrant, whose rules and regulations stifle the liberty of ordinary peo-

ple. In the privatisation of transport, energy and other public services, we can see this ideology at work – Tories, and their counterparts worldwide, roll back regulations and services, downsizing government in the name of the free market. By allowing corporations to act without restriction, the right claims that society has become freer. The right claims that anyone who works hard enough, however poor, has a fair chance of getting rich; therefore policies that grant freedom to billionaires by cutting taxes, regulations, and the power of unions, make everyone freer as they’re simply removing any obstacle on the hard working man’s path to riches. Conveniently, the wealthy few who fund these politicians are the ones who stand to benefit. Meanwhile, the gap between the wealthy and the poor grows larger and larger, and people’s rights and freedoms are actively

eroded. No matter how hard you work, it’s incredibly unlikely that you will become a billionaire. In fact, the pandemic exposed how the worst paid in society are often the hardest working and most important the low paid work of delivery drivers and supermarket staff was critical to keeping our economy functioning, while these workers faced long hours and the continual threat of Covid NHS staff continually faced dangerous conditions and PPE shortages as they grappled day after day with the virus. Privilege, luck, and intergenerational wealth, rather than hard work alone, are all prerequisites for capitalist success, which itself incentivises giving workers the least amount of money and respect possible. If the right truly cared about freedom, they’d recognise these facts and provide ordinary people with the freedoms they desperately need – freedom from the tyranny of working to sur-

vive and the threat of sleeping on the street, the right to affordable housing and control over how both workplaces and nations are run, and the right to earn a living wage and live a dignified life in which happiness, community, democracy and solidarity can flourish. This is the true shape of freedom. Instead, trade unions are being attacked, universal credit cut, and the freedom of marginalised people to even exist in society is still readily challenged. There is no reason why the right should monopolise the ideal of freedom – across the spectrum of leftist politics we can find the solutions, ideals and principles that can create a freer society. We’ll never achieve this by expanding corporate power. Instead, we need a re-energised leftist movement intent on creating a fair society for all.

COMMENT

Friday 11th Februrary 2022

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Antisemitism The Damage of Today Copaganda

James Konn details his own experiences with antisemitism in light of the Texas Synagogue Siege James Konn Comment Writer

Content Warning: Antisemitism, terrorism, gun crime The events of Saturday January 15th were shocking but far too familiar. Four Jews were held hostage in a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas. One was released after six hours, whilst the other three escaped four hours later when the Rabbi threw a chair at the terrorist. Waking up to the news that all were unharmed was of great relief to me, as other times, we had not been so lucky. I will always remember sitting in front of the TV watching the coverage of another hostage situation involving Jews, this time at a kosher (the Jewish dietary style) supermarket in France. I had just returned from a trip to Israel and instead of looking back at the great memories I had made, I was looking across Europe hoping and praying that the situation would be resolved with no harm done. Sadly, four men were murdered that day. These events, though on the extreme end, are why Jews undertake security measures that others do not. My primary and secondary schools were gated, they had 24/7 security and the school bus would pull over for inspection every morning before school. I never thought much of these measures when I was younger. I had heard of the school shootings that occured in America and presumed that all schools undertook security measures to prevent their students from similar atrocities. In retrospect, I was being naive. I attended synagogue weekly where our members, alongside paid professionals, would stand guard each week during the Sabbath services. I knew the purpose of this, and it would follow that if a large gathering of Jews were at risk at their weekly prayer service, they would also be at risk attending school. This should not be the case, and I hope that one day these measures will not be needed, but we are not heading in the right direction. There is a good chance that the past year will be ‘the worst year on record’ for antisemitism according to the Community Security Trust (CST), the charity that provides security services to the Jewish community. A large increase in antisemitic incidents were recorded during the first six months of 2021, fuelled by the recent Gaza flare-up. This demonstrates how antisemitism is not a thing of the past and is not confined to other countries,

it is a real danger today in the UK. The 27th of January was Holocaust Memorial Day and this year it was the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. It was very heartwarming seeing all the posts from sports teams, politicians and university societies. Since I visited Poland two years ago and saw the places where some of the horrors of the Holocaust took place, Holocaust Memorial Day took on a new meaning to me. It became more important for me to educate myself and others so that we never forget where hatred can take us. Sadly this year, this message was confounded by news of an attack the evening before on two visibly Orthodox Jewish men in North London. This is why I had all that extra security at school and synagogue and why at university, that remains the case. All Jewish society events that occur within and outside of the university also need this security presence. They also do not publish the location of their events online to further protect the students. Sadly, this is the picture nationwide. What is it that makes this society more of a target than any other? This is what it is to be a Jew. Jeff Cohen, one of the hostages, revealed that the terrorist chose the Synagogue due to his conspiratorial views about Jews. One common antisemitic falsehood is that Jews are very powerful, as is depicted in the inaccurate and antisemitic text authored by the Czar of Russia’s secret police, The Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion. In the book, it is posited that Jews control governments, banks and other worldly institutions. The terrorist bought-into this idea and believed that the Jewish hostages ‘would call President Biden and release’ a convicted terrorist. But the hostages were not powerful agents controlling the World’s most powerful country. They were ordinary citizens engaging in prayer, yet they were the target. This is the danger with antisemitism, what starts as a belief quickly escalates into action. We saw this in Texas and doubtless, we will see it again. This is why we have to take the protective measures we do, and this is why Jews need your allyship.

Aaron Burden @ Unsplashed

Jess Rushton discusses the biased depictions of police in popular TV shows and the discrepancies with their real-world actions Jess Rushton Comment Writer

Content Warning: assault, murder

Sexual

Normally I would be the first to argue that fictional television shows are not, and should not, be under any obligation to accurately reflect real life, regardless of the plot. However in recent years, mistrust in the police (and the criminal justice system on a whole) has become more and more prevalent and it can sometimes feel uncomfortable watching fictional shows depicting these themes, while knowing the negative experiences individuals have with the police, such as the disproportionate targeting of racial minorities during stop and searches. Especially in this day and age, I believe the media holds great power over its audience and (whether deliberate or not) is responsible for a lot of public opinions.

“I believe the media holds great power over its audience”

I never thought this would affect me; usually separating reality from fiction is easy to do when watching a TV show or a movie. But, if I am honest, while watching season seven of Brooklyn 99 I noticed that something felt and bit off and I felt uneasy. The knowledge of what had happened to George Floyd, and so many other Americans, at the hands of the police, tarnished my viewing experience. Nothing could be done to change this though as season seven was filmed and aired before the George Floyd and BLM protests in 2020. In an attempt to recognise this situation, season eight of the show did address George Floyd’s murder and the issue of police brutality, within the NYPD specifically. It also demonstrated the widespread distrust that now exists in the United States for the police and criminal justice system. I have always loved the show for its representation and diversity in the cast and the broad range of topics tackled on the show, including sexism and racism built into the justice system, affecting both victims and officers. In season eight, Detective Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz) quits the NYPD stating, ‘I couldn’t ignore what I was a part of anymore’. While I do think this shows a slightly hyperbolised depiction of police officers, it does demonstrate the impact that police brutality has had on its POC officers. However it provides no solutions, failing to suggest what could be done to protect citizens from police brutality or what changes could be made.

People watch TV for many reasons: to be entertained and provided with escapism, but also to be educated about the world we live in especially issues we may not directly face as individuals. Police / crime drama TV shows have grown in popularity over recent years, both in America and Britain but I feel they often show an unrealistic side to an organisation that does not always act in the best interests of its citizens, despite that being its main purpose. The series six finale of Line of Duty drew a record 12.8 million viewEven in Britain, where, overers showing just how popular all, our police system and its shows like this have become. officers are seen in a more posi-

“It provides no solutions”

Campbell Jensen @ Unsplashed

tive light than in America, there are so many occurrences of the system ignoring important problems and not focusing attention when it is needed, especially when it affects a minority. The tragic murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021 was rightfully given immense media attention, and the officer who murdered her did receive justice. However, past punishing the officer who murdered her, nothing more was done to look into how and why a member of British police managed to sexually assault and murder a woman. There have also been several women who have gone missing or been murdered since then, yet without the same media attention, such as primary school teacher Sabina Nessa who was murdered in September 2021. The BBC crime drama Four Lives, based on the murders of four gay men, really highlighted the impact police neglect can have on a case, even such a high profile one as a serial killer.

“There are so many occurrences of the system ignoring important problems” If done in the right way, I believe the media could instigate the public to push for change in the police. Even on a less extreme level, officers that are found to be guilty of misconduct in TV shows rarely face actual consequences such as losing their job. It is frequently pushed aside as a ‘one off’ or that ‘they were trying their best’ which, with a job that comes with such high expectations and responsibility is not really acceptable and does little to prevent issues arising again. Of course there are good police officers out there, I know there are, but this does not stop the fact that the criminal justice system overall can be very discriminatory, something the media fails to reflect. Especially in today’s society, when social media, and the media in general, is everywhere and consumed by everyone, it should be used as a place to educate individuals on the issues within the police system so that people could see the potential for systemic change. I believe the media have a responsibility to highlight social issues, in a way that people still want to consume, but maybe that makes them think a bit more about the role police organisations play in society.

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Friday 11th Februrary 2022

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Discussing Universal Dyslexia Screening with Matt Hancock Kit Parsons interviews Matt Hancock to discuss his newest focus: the Universal Dyslexia Screening, praising his work to reduce educational inequalities Kit Parsons Comment Writer

Matt Hancock has become a household name over the past few years. He has served as the MP for West Suffolk since 2010 but rose to prominence as a candidate to replace Prime Minister Theresa May in the 2019 Conservative Party Leadership contest. More noticeably he served as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care from July 2018 until his resignation in June 2021. He faced one of the biggest challenges any Health Secretary has ever faced, the Covid-19 pandemic, and he was a key figure in the government’s response to the pandemic. He often led the Downing Street Covid briefings that we have grown used to. Despite his resignation as Health Secretary, he has stayed on as a back-bencher. I met Matt in his office in Westminster to discuss his new focus: Universal Dyslexia Screening. Personally, I think that Universal Dyslexia Screening is a fantastic idea, that will help countless young people and help to reduce educational inequalities by ensuring that students get the help they not only need but deserve. I began by asking Matt what his dyslexia bill actually is. He explained how he is 'deeply invested in trying to ensure that people who are dyslexic get the support they need. I didn’t get the support I needed until I was at university. And the central problem that the bill is trying to tackle is that only one in five dyslexics get identified at school. So, 80% don’t get identified. So, the aim of the bill is to require that there is screening for everybody'.

“Only one in five dyslexics get identfied at school” I then questioned who will be carrying out the screening and how exactly it will be implemented. Matt said 'Obviously a bill in parliament is only the first step. There are now online screeners, increasingly available, with some in development, which means that you can realistically screen all children at the latter end of primary school'. I followed up by asking whether teachers would take on extra responsibilities. Matt replied, stating 'I think it is also important to train teachers, because after all, since about a tenth of the population are dyslexic, every teacher teaches dyslexic children. So, the training is

important. Dyslexia comes in many forms, there is a spectrum, so ensuring teachers are properly trained to identify different neuro disabilities, including dyslexia is important. There isn’t any of that training now, in initial teacher training and I think that needs to change too'. Matt has spoken out about his dyslexia in the past. To gain greater insight, I asked whether an earlier diagnosis, as opposed to the one he received at university would have helped him out. Matt responded passionately saying 'Definitely! Definitely! I got to university on the basis of my maths and physics. I went down the numbers route because I'm good with numbers. If I hadn’t had that I would have really struggled. But once I was identified as dyslexic, two things happened, firstly I could get the support I needed to learn to read and to write effectively in the way that my brain is wired. Secondly, it helps with confidence as well. A lot of kids think that they are stupid when they are not because they have difficulty in translating thoughts into the symbols on the page'. I then suggested another potential positive of universal dyslexia screening. If every child got tested for dyslexia, it would help to reduce the stigma around it, in a way normalising it. Matt followed up by saying 'I think it’s really important because some people say you don’t want to label kids, but you do want to know how their brains work'.

Twiter/@KitParsons3

Some critics would argue, however, that the universal approach to dyslexia screening is the wrong approach, as nine in ten people are not dyslexic, and that a more targeted approach would be a more efficient use of resources. When I raised this with Matt, he responded saying 'Some people say good teachers firstly teach in a way that will help the dyslexic brain to learn how to read and write as well as a non-dyslexic brain, firstly. And secondly, they will spot the kids with neuro disabilities. That would be fine if there were any evidence of it actually happening! So, the fact that only one in five dyslexics get identified at school shows that there is so far

to go with that argument'. As Matt is in favour of universal dyslexia screening in primary schools, I asked the former Health Secretary whether he would be in favour of offering adults free dyslexia tests, as this is not something currently available on the NHS. He responded saying 'I would love to be able to get to a situation where highquality screeners are available for free on the internet, so that people can self-identify as well. After-all what is screening? Screening is getting data about somebody’s response to having gone through a test. A good screener will give you information about your capability. So, I’d love to ensure that screeners are available and obviously you'd have to be clear that it’s a tendency towards dyslexia, not an absolute. The other thing that I want to do is make sure that employers think positively about all of the capabilities that neuro diverse people have. The reason is that dyslexia is not correlated with intelligence. And in fact, the dyslexic brain tends to, not always, but tends to be more creative, better at lateral thinking, making connections, all of these things are things that the modern workplace needs more and more, as the computers do what I think of as the boring straight-line thinking that the non-dyslexic brain excels at so much'!

“I'd love to ensure that screeners are available” Next, I asked Matt about the second reading of the bill, which he told me is coming up in March. I asked when it will actually come into action, trying to gauge the timeline surrounding the bill. Matt replied saying 'It’s difficult to know because it depends on the government implementation. Around the same time as the second reading of the bill, the government is also proposing to bring forward a white paper, that I’m talking to the Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi about, which will cover this area. So, I'm hoping that alongside my pressure in parliament, the government will get on with it. You don’t actually need legislation to do this, you can require it at schools from the DfE [Department for Education]. So, the government can get on with it and that’s what I’ve been talking to the Education Secretary about. But obviously as an MP who’s not in government the tool at my disposal is to legislate and that’s what I’m trying to do'. Obviously, there are many challenges facing the people of this country, and many different

Matt Hancock PR

issues that politicians can focus on to try and combat this. I asked Matt why he chose to focus on this dyslexia bill over other issues. He said 'I’ve chosen dyslexia because it really matters to me, I’ve got a personal story that means that I feel very strongly about it. And when I started talking about it, I got a lot of feedback from people saying that this really needs to happen, so I got support. One of the upsides to leaving government was being able to ask myself, "ok, what area do I want to work on?" Being on the backbenches gives you the freedom to choose your subject area, and for me this is unfinished business. I tried to get it done when I was in government, but I never pulled it off. I in fact put a small team together in the department of health to lead on this question from a health point of view after the 2019 general election as Health Secretary, but unfortunately that team had to be disbanded to go and work on Covid a couple of months later so I feel like this is something that I care about, matters and where I can use my personal story to motivate and explain about what needs to happen'. Matt then went onto discuss the need for 'support in the criminal justice system for people who are dyslexic, because we know a much higher proportion of people in the criminal justice system are dyslexic compared to the population as a whole, not least because illiteracy leads to such huge social problems that too often ends up in prison. So, that’s another really important area but that is best delivered by the people who work so hard in rehabilitation rather than through legislation. But I hope that we can make progress on all of these areas'. We then discussed Matt’s experience of having dyslexia at university, which I hope encour-

ages and inspires dyslexic students. Matt detailed how 'What happened to me was that I went through school focusing on the maths-based subjects. I got into university on an interview not an exam, but it was an essay-based subject. And at the end of the first term my tutor took me to one side and said you can talk but you can't write. He sent me to get tested. So, it was at university that I was identified'. We concluded the interview by stressing the fact that dyslexia doesn’t have to be a barrier to success. Matt said 'One of the reasons that I talk about it is to show that you can make it to the top table if you're dyslexic. It brings with it other capabilities. You certainly learn to talk, which is a lot of what this job is all about'!

“Dyslexia doesn't have to be a barrier to success” In conclusion, I really enjoyed speaking with Matt about this bill. I believe that it is important, and I hope that people get behind it and support it. It is a shocking fact that only one in five dyslexics get the help they need, and I commend Matt for trying to change this. I also hope that dyslexic people who may be reading this realise (if they didn’t already) that their dyslexia needn’t be a barrier to success. Matt is a living example. On a more personal note, I would also like to thank Matt and his team for the warm welcome I received at Westminster. It is not every day that a student journalist gets to interview the former Health Secretary. It was a great experience, one that I certainly will not be forgetting any time soon.

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Redbrick's Valentine's Pick and Mix Section Editors share their options for building your perfect Valentine's day, whether you are going on a date, having a Galentine's, or choosing to spend it with yourself Places to go: Cannon Hill Park

Loki Wine Bar

If you are looking for a refreshing outdoor stroll with your partner or some friends, one of the closest, cutest and most visited locations is undoubtedly Cannon Hill Park. A short bus trip or a 30-minute walk from campus, you will find something fun there whether you are into an exciting round of mini golf or a romantic boat tour across a lake. Alternatively, you might prefer the pleasant companionship of fuzzy - or scaly - friends at the Nature Centre, or to stretch your legs mid-air and laugh with your partner on the swing set. Whatever floats your boat, Cannon Hill Park is sure to have it (and not just because of the lake).

With three branches across Birmingham, this bar provides a new wine-tasting experience: using innovative technology to offer wine on tap where you can pick and choose wines to taste, for a fraction of the price of a full glass. The Edgbaston branch has a beautiful rustic and intimate interior and is adorned with bottles of wine across all the walls. There are several other up-and-coming wine bars with a similar offering such as Wine Freedom and Vagabond; however, this will always remain a favourite of mine.

The Bear Grylls Adventure Park

Looking for a short-day trip away from Birmingham? Look no further than Leamington Spa. Just a 20-minute train journey from New Street, this town offers something for everyone. Head to Warwick Street Kitchen for a mid-afternoon brunch, followed by a stroll through the main parade of shops, with various great independents such as Berylune and Stone the Crows, as well as several second-hand, charity

In the depths of Resorts World, this adventure park offers a range of activities from high ropes courses to indoor skydiving, you need not go further than Birmingham for a pump of adrenaline. Stop off at Sky by The Water afterwards and dine in one of their pods to have a relaxing end to your energyfilled date.

Leamington Spa

shops. End your day in La Coppola Ristorante, an Italian restaurant with Mediterranean decor and beautiful outdoor terrace. Leamington is a hidden gem and provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of university life.

Interrailing Whilst you may not be able to go interrailing around Europe on Valentine’s Day itself, it could be the perfect opportunity to start planning your trip whether it is solo, with friends or your partner, and something to look forward to post-exams. Head to InterrailEU to purchase tickets (discounts are available for those under 27), and find lots of information on how to plan your route. There are numerous possibilities, which is the excitement of planning from the classic Balkans route to more unventured routes through Slovenia and Croatia. This is the ideal activity for those looking for some escapism on Valentine’s.

Sarina Shah and Helen Sun Travel Editors

Gifts... To Make A Photo Album A photo album is a simple but thoughtful way of collecting meaningful memories and formatting them in a personal way. The photo album could read as a progression of a relationship, highlighted memories or simply a fun scrapbook-style series of random photos! A simple gift, but with lots of value.

Hello I'm Nik / Unsplash

James Baldwin / Unsplash

And To Give A Playlist Is there anything more personal than music taste? A hand-curated playlist is a gift that is useful, accessible and individual. Maybe you want to create a playlist you already know they would love, or maybe you would rather gamble and suggest new material. Perhaps you want the playlist to give a certain message or would rather it just be fun! Whichever angle you take, this gift shows a deep level of thought and consideration. To add to the playlist, you could also create a ‘Spotify Glass’, which is a sheet of glass printed to look like a song playing on Spotify. The twist? You can personalise the image, song and timestamp, as well as add a playlist link to scan to make this the ultimate personalised gift for your Valentine.

Namroud Gorguis / Unsplash

A Pamper/ Hamper Set This gift is perfect for anyone who does not want the pressure of giving a single item, as the whole idea is to gather a collection of small gifts, organise and present them beautifully in a basket or box. These gifts should be entirely personal, and to really tie the gift together, they could be themed – maybe you want to gather a few bits of food they love, perhaps they would enjoy a certain style of makeup bits, or specific bathroom bits. Whatever those individual gifts might be, it will be even more special to create a whole collection of them, and – depending on what the gifts may be – does not have to be expensive!

Personalised Jewellery Think names, initials, birthstones, significant dates – by adding a more personal touch to an already valuable present, you can add an extra meaningful touch. Many websites offer customisation services, with

some even offering the opportunity to scan in your own designs or handwriting to be crafted onto the jewellery. The style of jewellery itself can also be chosen with intent – would your partner prefer a necklace or bracelet, cufflinks or chain? Whatever it may be, this gift is another fabulous example of a customisable, thoughtful gift that will remain a staple for years to come.

For Galentine's In my opinion, all the gifts above could also be used for Galentine's. However, if you want something different for your friends this Valentine's then perhaps consider an event, rather than material gift. Decide on a night in or out, gather the supplies and the friends and you have the ideal Galentine's! To go further, you could create little goody bags for each other – set a budget and see what you can find to really show each other how much you care!

Emma Davis Life&Style Editor

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Painting, Galleries, and Books Prosecco and Painting The first thing to note is this: you do not need to produce the next Mona Lisa, right here in the streets of Selly Oak. Nor do you even need to paint anything vaguely recognisable as a human form, animal, plant, or object. Let your inhibitions go and simply daub about with your fingers, potatoes, earpicks or bits of scrunched up loo-roll (yes, I have done all these things when – with fantastic foresight – I brought along paint but zero paintbrushes). Pop on a groovy playlist, sub in your own preferred beverage (if Prosecco or alliteration are not to your taste) and go wild! Final tip: acrylic paints can be bought cheaply online, or you can head over to The Works in Selly Oak to pick up a set for £4 (or less).

Romantic Gallery Visit If you prefer going out and about to celebrate Valentine's Day, a trip to a local Birmingham art gallery might be just the ticket! This is particularly great if your partner is not local to Birmingham, or if you feel you have yet to explore the buzzing city centre in all its glory. Birmingham has so much to offer in terms of fantastic art and culture. On the 14th, for example, IKON Gallery is hosting a free ‘dancing with paint’ event in which dancers Fern Grimble and Chanda John create an improvised routine inspired by the art of Betsey Bradley’s Chasing Rainbows exhibition. Closer to home is the beautiful Barber Institute of Fine Arts, an exhibition big enough to feel suitably cultured, but small enough that your feet will not hurt afterwards! You could even combine this with the above, drawing inspiration which you can unleash in the safety of your home.

Recreate a Literature-inspired Romance Scene This is a totally soppy idea for book-lover couples (or if you are a bookworm and manage to convince your partner to do this with you): pick an iconic romantic scene from your favourite book(s) and recreate it yourself. This can be extravagant – get costumes involved and go on a trip to the exact location – or low-key – read the scene between yourselves under candlelight. Some scenes for consideration include: Gatsby and Daisy’s first kiss; the library scene at the beginning of Atonement; Laurie and Amy's boat scene from Little Women; Alex and Henry’s first kiss in Red, White and Royal Blue; or any affectionate scene in Normal People.

Book Exchange and Reading Date Finally, if all else fails, grab a friend, multiple friends, or your partner and give Waterstones a little visit. Find your favourite book or a book you think the other person would love, buy it, and retreat to a cute coffee shop or your sofa. Grab some snacks and enjoy your new gift! Kinga Cichewicz / Unsplash

Leah Renz and Sofia Salazar Studer Culture Editors

Jot down your favourite options below!

Songs to listen to: Dream a Little Dream of Me For a classic romantic sound, there is nothing better than some jazz, with the smooth voices of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong on their version of ‘Dream A Little Dream Of Me’ sure to serenade you and your date.

Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves If you are choosing to celebrate Galentine’s instead, look no further than ‘Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves,’ Annie Lennox and Aretha Franklin’s feminist masterpiece that celebrates friendship and ‘the conscious liberation / of the female state.'

King of My Heart Alternatively, if jazz is not your thing, or you would prefer something a little more modern, ‘King of My Heart’ by Taylor Swift is incredibly sweet, painting an intimate picture of falling in love.

Dancing On My Own I Wanna Dance With Somebody

My final pick for date night would definitely be a track that is sure to get you up on your feet – Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody.’ Guaranteed to start the party, it is an optimistic embrace of finding new love, plus an absolute bop.

My Baby Just Cares For Me Nina Simone’s ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’ is also a great choice, with the tender lyrics presenting an ideal version of love.

Girls Just Want To Have Fun Similarly for Galentine’s, Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Want To Have Fun’ is a cheesy but essential hit for any Galentine’s gettogether, with ‘Single Ladies’ by Beyoncé also a necessary addition.

For those who want nothing to do with Valentine’s Day, or who are suffering from heartbreak, I recommend Robyn’s ‘Dancing On My Own,’ which is simultaneously a fantastic dance track and heart-wrenchingly sad.

Throne If you are feeling angry, then why not try Bring Me The Horizon’s ‘Throne,’ a powerful anthem about rising above the people who would try to ‘throw [you] to the wolves,’ accompanied by unclean vocals and heavy guitar.

I Love You But I Love Me More Finally, ‘I Love You But I Love Me More’ by MARINA is the perfect breakup song, acknowledging the hurt but prioritising putting yourself first, which is important to remember this Valentine’s.

Ellie Harris Music Editor

Royal Academy All illustrations for this feature are by Becky Woods

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Games to play: Stardew Valley Journeying to the calmer world of small-town agriculture, Stardew Valley provides the player with plenty opportunities for love. Whether it be a one of the many available Bachelors or Bachelorettes, Stardew’s romance system allows for you to develop strong bonds with the distinctive inhabitants of the valley. While most start on neutral terms, over your time in the game you can get closer and unlock the rich backstories for many of the characters, and with some, eventually marry. However, if the game’s pixelated art does not do it for you, Stardew’s multiplayer lets you marry a real-life partner too!

Portal 2 With the weather looking grim on Valentine’s Day, why not give Portal 2 a whirl? The concept is simple, and frankly glorious. You and your partner use portals to tunnel each other through increasingly complex test chambers. Teamwork is vital to get you two past danger and, more importantly, avoid brain-melt. The robots you play as are wonderfully endearing, too; their cute ditsiness will make you laugh, rather than despair, when your partner accidentally sends you into a bottomless pit. Cracking a puzzle after following through you and your partner’s combined hair-brained scheme comes with a mighty dopamine kick. Eureka!

Igor Karimov / Unsplash

Sonny Elliott and Finn Russell Gaming Editors

Films to see: Before Sunrise

Facebook @Before Sunrise

As one of the warmest portrayals of love at first sight on film, Before Sunrise (1995) is the perfect film to watch with your date. Following Celine (Julie Delpy) and Jesse (Ethan Hawke) on their spontaneous one-night exploration of Venice, Before Sunrise is a heartwarming slice-of-life film that feels both realistic and entirely magical all at once. If you enjoy the first instalment, why not make your date night into a movie marathon by completing the trilogy?

Muriel's Wedding Muriel’s Wedding (1994) is by far the best film to watch with your friends on Valentine’s. Following wedding-obsessed ABBA superfan Muriel (Toni Collette) as she breaks away from her cruel group of friends from high school and befriends Rhonda (Rachel Griffiths), our protagonist embarks on an emotional journey that reveals the value of having a friend you can truly rely on. With an iconic ABBA karaoke scene, the film focuses on the true love that can be found between best friends. A perfect balance of hilarity and more sombre moments, Muriel’s Wedding is a thoroughly enjoyable film to watch when wanting to celebrate friendship on Valentine’s Day.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind If you are spending Valentine’s Day alone this year, then Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) is the film for you. Perhaps you relate to Clementine’s (Kate Winslet) wish to completely erase memories of her past love, or maybe you instead wish to be lost in Joel’s (Jim Carrey) memories of the excitement of falling in love for the first time. Whatever your thoughts on the holiday, Eternal Sunshine is a poignant portrait of the highs and lows of romance. Complete with a beautifully ambient score by Jon Brion (who later went on to score Lady Bird), Eternal Sunshine is a perfect film to watch when spending Valentine’s on your own.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire Though undeniably heartbreaking, Céline Sciamma’s masterpiece Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) is a must-watch, regardless of what your Valentine’s plans are. Following Marianne (Noémie Merlant), a painter who has been hired to paint a portrait of reluctant brideto-be Héloïse (Adèle Haenel) without her knowledge, the pair’s relationship swiftly develops beyond Marianne’s paid duties. Portrait of a Lady on Fire is not an uplifting watch, but the beautifully crafted story of love and loss is an unmissable watch; a true piece of art in itself.

Samantha Hicks Film Editor

Shows to watch: Modern Love Modern Love (Amazon Prime) is a heartwarming anthology TV series based on the New York Times’ column of the same name that explores a different relationship each episode, all being love stories in New York City. Perfect for couples to sit and relate to, or for those who just love love! With stars such as Anne Hathaway, Dev Patel and Tina Fey featuring in various episodes, the show covers topics from first loves, to father figure relationships, to finding love while suffering from mental illness, and everything in-between.

Isobel Radakovic TV Editor

Parks and Rec Parks and Recreation (Amazon Prime, specifically the “Galentine’s Day” episode) is of course the recommendation for the perfect TV to watch on Galentine’s; you would have to watch the very episode of Parks and Recreation where it originated! The second season of the cult-favourite sitcom introduces the concept of women celebrating the fellow ladies in their life, so why not see where it all started? The show follows the public officials of a town in Indiana in their attempt to make the city of Pawnee a better place, and we watch as this ensemble of comedic characters face the highs and lows of life under the backdrop of their workplace.

You You (Netflix) with Joe and Love’s relationship being one of the most toxic on TV at the moment, it only seems fitting to watch if you are not a fan of Valentine’s Day. Following Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgeley), a young bookstore manager who obsessively fixates on various women and inserts himself into their lives by using his dangerous charm, the show depicts extremely unhealthy relationships created out of force and sheer will rather than real love. Though exaggerated, Joe and Love certainly portray the craziness that can sometimes occur in passionate situations, and might confirm your consideration to best spend Valentine’s Day alone this year.

This Is Us This Is Us is a heart-warming and yet equally heartwrenching show following “triplets” Kate, Randall and Kevin from their birth into adulthood, and all the trials and tribulations that come with it. It spans across decades, from the youth of their parents Rebecca and Jack, to the futures of the triplets’ children, and everything in between. Every episode manages to both warm my heart and make me cry, and what is a better recommendation than that?

Twitter @Modern Love

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Katie Hill

Head of Programming

As we return to campus for the second semester of the year, it seems an apt moment to reflect on the first few months of Burn FM resuming normal service and to look ahead to the coming term. The Burn team successfully returned to broadcasting in the studio, hosted the extremely well-attended Burn Live event, and formed two social sports teams. We also rounded off an enjoyable term by producing a Christmas charity single, a cover of Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’.

The accompanying music video, which featured festive scenes in Bournville as well as duets and trios from committee members, raised a brilliant £233 for St. Basil’s homeless charity in collaboration with UoB Action Against Homelessness. This organisation was chosen as it is a difficult time of year for those without homes. After a restful Christmas break and a less restful January exam period, we returned to Birmingham and re-opened show applications in anticipation for another successful term. We were blown away with the sheer number of applications and as a result we have transformed our roster from a mostly-full five day schedule to broadcasting fulltime seven days a week. After a gruelling scheduling meeting where we had to fit 60+ shows around each other Tetris-style and a week of training sessions for new show hosts, we finally began broadcasting on Monday 7th February – check out the new schedule on our website (Burnfm. com). The previous term was all about returning to the studio postCovid restrictions so it is really good to say that we have now regained our pre-Covid strength. Some highlights of the new schedule include a range of shows to appeal to a wide student audi-

ence. Mondays at 2pm see the committee from UoB Amnesty International Society take to the studio to talk about the most pressing issues regarding human rights. On the opposite end of the spectrum we also have specialist genre shows such as Country 101, an introduction to country music for the general listener hosted by Ella Broomberg, and Burn to Broadway with Ella Kipling which features guests talking their favourites in musical theatre. Podcasting also proved immensely popular last term and we have plans to re-open these applications now that the show schedule is out of the way. A personal highlight was Burnz Agony Aunts ‘three fish analogy’ episode but there have also been new uploads from Redbrick Recap, The Bio-Philes, and 2am Stem. Burn Live is making another appearance at The Indie Lounge in Selly Oak on 11th March and there are also plans for a Burn Arts Live event to promote student writers and acting groups. Burn in Conversation is in the works, a careers event aimed at Burn members to give advice from industry insiders – details will be available soon. Thank you to all Burn FM members who have contributed in getting us

back on the airwaves for a second semester, it is these voices and their hard work that keeps us

going and we will always be proud to be student-run.

Alex Antrapenko

Joe's Jumble Writers' The Music Quiz Bloc Akshita Puri Writers' Bloc

Content Warning: Mentions of blood and self-harm Showpiece I am built on white lies. As essential as the blood flowing through me. And even if I cut myself open and bleed dry, I'd remain as porcelain and arcane, like a haunted doll on a mantlepiece. Undisturbed and lifeless. Though the eyes still move, in search for the ones that stayed. So, stay.

Question 1. Which musican has cats called Olivia, Meredith, and Benjamin?

Question 11. In 2021, which song was the most streamed globally on Spotify?

Question 2. Which artist donated $1 million to the development of the Moderna vaccine?

Question 12. On Twitter, which former British Prime Minister did Nicki Minaj claim to have been to school with?

Question 3. What number do you get when you add the titles of all of Adele's albums?

Question 13. Which music video is the most viewed YouTube video of all time?

Question 4. Which band's album became the fastest selling vinyl of the century in 2021?

Question 14. What was the name of the recent movement which helped free an iconic musician from her conservatorship?

Question 5. Which musician recently starred as Patrizia Reggiani in House of Gucci?

Question 15. What has Kanye West recently changed his name to?

Question 6. In 2021, which artist was the most streamed globally on Spotify?

Question 16. Who directed Get Back, the documentary series about the Beatles?

Question 7. What won Album of the Year at the 2021 Grammys?

Question 17. Which musician, who also starred in The rocky Horror Picture Show, died last month??

Question 8. Which band has had a UK Number 1 album in each of the last six decades? Question 9. Which film has the bestselling soundtrack of all time?

Question 19. Who sang the theme to the latest James Bond film?

Question 10. Which comedian appears on The Weeknd's latest album?

Question 20. Which artist, who represented Italy at Eurovision in 2019 was also chosen to represent the country in the 2022 competition?

First Lines

Anagrams

The premise of First Lines is simple: each issue we supply a selection of opening sentences from various books, songs, films, and poems. All you have to do is tell is where theses Valentine's themed first lines come from.

February is LGBTQ+ History Month, so can you unscramble these famous British members of the LGBTQ+ community 1. RENT ALIENS

7. ALWAYS MARIANA

'Of course, I've seen her films and always though she was, well,

2. COAL WEIRDS

8. SMASH TIM

fabulous.'

3. ANCHOVY DIKED

9. IONIC OVERCAST

'If music be the food of love, play on.'

4. ALPHA UNIS

10. DEAR DIZZIED

'You're on the phone with your girlfriend, she's upset / She's going

5. DIRTS VALUELESS

11. DENY TREATS

off about something that you said'

6. CALVIN RENEGADE

12. ALLERGIC BOND

In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some Becky Woods

Question 18. What is the all-time longest charting single on the Billboard Hot 100?

advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since.'

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Sexual Assault Awareness Week and LGBTQ+ History Month

Redbrick News reports on events organized on campus for the Sexual Assault Awareness Week and LGBTQ+ History Month Anastasis Mauriac News Editor

Anastasis Mauriac

Content Warning: this article contains mentions of sexual assault With Sexual Awareness Week taking place this week (7th-11th February), the Not On Campaign organized a few events to raise awareness around the issues of consent and sexual harassment. On Monday 7th, the theme of online sexual harasment was discussed on the Facebook page of the campaign. Moreover, as February marks the LGBTQ+ History month in the UK, a forum for Trans and Non Binary students was organised by the Trans and Non Binary Student Officer Robin Hayward and Guild President Mikey Brown. This informal event was an opportunity for trans and non-binary students to rise their concerns in a safe space and help the officers build a more inclusive university. This event was both in person and virtually from 19:00 to 20:30 in the Mandela room. Hayward commented that 'attendance was decent.' Issues raised concerned

primarily inclusion at UoB with the Vice-Chancellor 'not acnowledging what has happened at Sussex properly.' Students attending the forum generally agreed that 'the statement around "inclusivity" was not enough given what happened at his previous university, and in order to make trans and non-binary people feel safe, a reassurance that he will take the concerns of trans and non-binary students specifically seriously is necessary alongside any general platitudes about inclusivity.' Another important point raised was the 'lack of knowledge and understanding surrounding trans issues among staff.' Experiences of being misgendered are frequent amongst trans and non binary students. Inclusive language was a solution raised by students during the forum. On Tuesday 8th, a consent workshop was organised around issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, in relation to the LGBTQ+ History Month. On Thursday 10th, a discussion panel over Zoom was held with Not On Ambassadors, Aaliyah Sims, the Community and Welfare Officer, and a

Representation Coordinator to talk about disability and sexual harassment. On Friday 11th, the Not On Campaign was delivering consent workshops to sports committees. If anyone is interested in the consent workshops or wants to find out more, they can contact noton@guild.bham.ac.uk On Friday 16th, a Self-Defence Class was organised for Female and Non-Binary Students only by the Community Wardens in collaboration with Taekwondo Team Saja. The event will take place in the Dance Studio in the Guild of Students from 18:00 to 20:00. You can sign up using the link on the Guild of Students website. The library has also announced they are supporting this year's LGBTQ+ History Month by displaying materials on the theme of Politics in Art, linking in with this year's theme. The library has also recently acquired archives of sexuality and gender available to access via the LGBTQ+ section of their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Resource List. Redbrick News reached out to the University of Birmingham for a reply, but did not receieve any comment.

Anastasis Mauriac

Same Community, Different Experiences Life&Style writers share their stories of coming out and sexual assault Dan Hunt

Anonymous

News Editor

I was sat on a bean bag in the living room, about to eat some eggs on toast when I decided to tell them. April Fool’s Day 2017, just after midday, so if I needed to backtrack I could. I was looking up at my family who were sat on the sofa. Mum and Dad, the embodiment of the heteronormative nuclear family I was about to implode. My younger brother, still making gay jokes with his friends at school. And my big sister, who probably wouldn’t give a sh*t. I think the dog was there too. I had messaged my friends before to tell them. They knew it would be fine, but this was my dramatic moment and no-one’s calming words could change that. For those painful minutes, I was a soap-star in Swindon’s finest psychodrama, one where a fifteenyear-old whose homosexuality was so glaringly obvious that the eventual response was scarcely more than a shrug and my Dad asking if I wanted a cup of tea. I was relieved, but annoyed. My acute middle-child syndrome kicked in and I began to question why my parents were so unphased. I calmly asked if they had any questions, and my mum asked me kindly if I was sure. I erupted into an impassioned speech. ‘Mum, I am who I am. I am gay. Always have been, always will be and there’s nothing you

Life&Style Writer

can do to change that. I’ve known for a long time now and if my own parents’ unconditional love cannot extend to a gay son, then I will have to leave.’

Content Warning: this article contains mentions of sexual assault When I was in secondary school, my best friend convinced the boy I liked to pretend he was attracted to me and to ask for inappropriate pictures, which I sent him against my better judgement. I was insecure and desperate to be found attractive and would do anything to feel validated in my appearance. What I did not know was that he sent the photos to her and that she kept them to show her friends in the following months. He has since apologised, and I have forgiven him, but it still hurts to think how vulnerable I was.

“I am who I am” ‘Ok,’ she said, stifling a smile, ‘I’m happy for you.’ And then she went to help my Dad make the tea. I was left in the living room, still sat on the beanbag with my brother and sister and the dog. My sister was on her phone. My brother was on his phone. The dog was on his bed. I had told my family my secret, and nothing had changed. My experience fails to reflect that of millions of people who live on my boat but are travelling through very different waters. LGBTQ+ History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the advances in civil rights in the UK and around the world, but this celebration cannot exist without also considering the challenges queer people still face. LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, and everyone should be able to tell their secret to the people they love and leave that conversation with nothing but support and a cup of tea.

“It still hurts to think how vulnerable I was”

Anastasis Mauriac

A year later, I was coerced into a relationship with her exboyfriend. He began to love bomb me and prey on my insecurities. I knew he was her ex-boyfriend; I knew he had been manipulative towards her and I knew the two of them were still friends. I knew that he had made other girls uncomfortable with advances

towards them. And yet somehow, I thought it would be different with me. He told me he loved me within a week, and I believed him. Soon into the relationship, he began to pressure me into sexual activity, using his ex-girlfriend against me: ‘she did it, so why don’t you?’ He implied that he would leave me if I did not give him what he wanted, and so I gave it to him out of fear. He made me bleed and pulled my hair so hard I felt faint. It was not until after we had sex that he told me ‘you know I’d already seen you naked before, right?’ He had seen those pictures of me and decided I would be easy to manipulate. And he was right. Due to the pain I experienced, I told him I did not feel ready to have sex after all, and he broke up with me a few days later via text. In the same message, he told me he did not in fact love me, but that he had been desperate. I am ashamed that I did not believe the earlier allegations made against him, and I am ashamed that I did not think it would happen to me; the physical and emotional pain I endured warped my perception of sex in a way I have not yet been able to recover from. It was not exactly rape, but it was not exactly consensual either.

FEATURES

Friday 11th February 2022

@www.redbrick.me

Rate Our Meal Deals

Redbrick Editors share their go-to meal deals... but how do you rate them? Dan Hunt

Kitty Grant

News Editor

Print&features Editor

Nestled between two slices of Tesco’s most economically viable brown bread, a chicken and sweetcorn filling which bursts with flavour that entices the tongue with its contrasting senses. On the one hand, the sweetness of the succulent yellow corn, on the other, the protein-packed lumps of dry roast chicken, seasoned with the cheapest of spices. The snack: the finest packet of Skips. As I pick it up from the shelf the weightlessness I feel on my hungry hands engulfs my aura like a cloud of excitement, as I envisage my future moments ahead of time. Picking up a crisp, placing it upside-down on my tongue and letting it bubble and melt like the green woman in the Wizard of Oz. Seconds of bliss before the realisation that what is left is a soggy lump of potato in your mouth that should have been swallowed many moons ago. To quench my thirst, a coke. Full sugar because I’m not sweet enough. The fizz removes the soggy potato from my tongue and returns me to a state of peace, ready for the second bite. Rating: ___/10

As a vegetarian, I once thought meal deals were inaccessible. I did not want a dry cheese or egg sandwich so I avoided the famous student staple. That was until I discovered the cheese and tomato pasta pot. At first unremarkable, the classic combination cheese, tomato, onion, and pasta grew on me and left me craving another meal deal. The world of a £3 main, side, and drink was now my oyster and I began to experiment with my options. After much trial and error, I have now perfected the best deal for my meal. Alongside my cheese and tomato pasta pot I, of course, have a smoothie, like any bargain savvy shopper should, I usually go for the Innocent mango and passion fruit one. However, I like to mix it up sometimes with an option from Naked (although during exam season I switched to mango flavour Monster, which despite the flash-backs to an unfortunate trip to Spoons, is clearly the best energy drink a £3 meal deal can buy). As for my snack, do I go for crisps? A chocolate bar? No. A woman of refined taste like myself would not settle for such a run-ofthe-mill option. Instead, I have found the perfect snack to complete any meal deal. That, dear

reader, is the Thorntons chocolate fudge brownie. In Selly Oak, you will only find this marvellous confection in the Tesco Express petrol station, which does mean for me the walk is a little longer than to the other Tesco Express, but it is so worth it. And that is why you should rate my meal deal 10/10. Rating: ___/10

Oscar Frost

Ella Kipling

Sport Editor

Social Secretary

I am unsure that the supermarket world knew the scale of what they had created when they first introduced the meal deal. Throughout school and university they have been a staple of my lunchtimes, aside from the occasional Subway, and I can only assume that they will continue to dominate my culinary world into adulthood. The chicken club sandwich is, for me, the only option for nonvegetarian mains. As the Big Mac of sandwiches, it is one of the most satiating and tasty sandwiches on the market. Succulent chicken, crunchy lettuce, smooth mayo. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Then comes the McCoys salt and vinegar crisps. Packing flavour like a sucker-punch from Mike Tyson, the deep ridges are simply unrivalled in taste and crunch. To wash it all down is an Irn-Bru. Not the most popular of choices, but for me it is both thirst-quenching and delicious. Put together, this meal deal will certainly fuel you for the day, and tastes fantastic while doing it. Rating: ___/10

Oscar Frost

As far as meal deals go, there is only one which reigns supreme and that is Tesco. Generally, I am not a fan of a packaged sandwiches and in all honesty, they kind of freak me out. However, the Tesco chorizo and chicken sandwich is absolutely gorgeous. Do I take the rocket out? Yes. Am I embarrassed about it? Yes. Nevertheless, this sandwich is delicious and the added touch of smoky red pepper sauce on the brown tomato bread is much appreciated. My crisps of choice are Pickled Onion Monster Munch (and I am more than grateful they seem to be back in stock in the Selly Oak Tesco after months of a Monster Munch-less meal deal). The drink is the most varied thing in my meal deal, and my choice completely depends on the time of day, my mood, and even the conditions outside. If it is morning, I will go for an Innocent smoothie, but if it is the afternoon and I fancy something a bit fizzy, I will reach for the Pepsi Max. Sometimes I may even switch it up and buy an Oasis or a Fanta if I am craving something citrus-y, and if I am feeling fancy? Lemon San Pellegrino. Rating: ___/10

CULTURE

Friday 11th February 2021

@redbrickculture

All You Need Is Tropes: Culture's Guide To Romance Culture Writers recommend books with their favourite tropes for Valentine's! Fake Relationship Hannah Vernon Culture Writer

Amazon UK

Though occasionally tedious if too repetitive, I have a soft spot reserved for fake relationships turned true love. One of my favourites is the developing courtship of James Herondale and Cordelia Carstairs in Cassandra Clare’s Chain of Iron. The miscommunications and secrecy are painfully intriguing. Cordelia hiding her true feelings from her new husband, who she believes indifferent to her, is heartbreaking. Devastating too is the knowledge that, beneath a all-consuming grudge-driven enchantment, James truly loves his new bride. Throughout, however, his feelings for her are clouded, and mapped onto someone else. Throughout the novel, the reader prays that James will break the spell and commit to his wife. With one more instalment pending publication, I hope that their marriage will not end in tragedy and further misunderstanding. Whilst contrary to expectation would be a surprising twist, I most certainly would not welcome these misguided lovers being separated.

Love Through Class

Anna Emmerson Robinson Culture Writer Amazon UK

A famous modern romance is Sally Rooney's Normal People, which tells the on-andoff love story of wealthy Marianne and working-class Connell. In making their relationship cross class boundaries, Rooney creates a novel that speaks to people from all walks of life, giving them a romance they can see themselves in. There are moments in the novel of misunderstanding as Marianne and Connell struggle to communicate. One of the reasons for this is because they don't understand each other and the different worlds they come from. Connell works multiple jobs during university and shares a bedroom, whilst Marianne lives in her family's large Dublin apartment and has no need to work to survive. Despite coming from the same small town, these differences mark their relationship as they struggle to blend their two worlds together in order to form a sustained relationship, and

thus we never see them having a successful long-term relationship. The beauty of the writing is marred by constant missed connections; they never communicate how they really feel until it is too late and don't discuss how different their experiences of life are – leaving the reader without the happy ending we so desire in romance novels.

High School Halima Ahad Culture Writer

Amazon UK

Everything, Everything is a Young Adult book which follows the high school romance trope pretty well. The novel f o l l o w s Madeline, or “Maddy”, Whittier who is a fragile seventeen year old suffering with the long-term disease SCID. She is isolated from everyone and everything in the outside world and is looked after by her protective mother and caring nurse since anything that can touch her could potentially kill her. However, everything changes when she meets Olly, who moves in with his dysfunctional family next door. This external interference in her life suddenly changes everything and Maddy soon finds a passion to live. Although this carries a risk of death, Maddy pushes through and wants to live her own life, of her own accord, with Olly. The high school romance trope is absolutely everything. It packs in the cheesiness of a teen chick flick with many humorous jokes but also shedding a light on certain issues which are prevalent in society. The representation of the Afro-Asian narrator is amazing and I could not recommend this book enough if you are looking for a quick read.

Enemies to Lovers Josie Scott Taylor TV Editor

Pride and Prejudice is the original enemiesto-lovers novel. It contains the perfect combination of angst, drama, and a connection that transcends class barriers and societal pressures, leading to a slow-burn romance filled with passion. One can even argue that Elizabeth and Darcy are the blueprint for the enemiesto-lovers trope; Darcy’s transition from calling Lizzie ‘not handsome enough’ to tempt him to laying it all on the table in his Amazon UK

intense love confession later on in the novel (perfectly captured in Joe Wright’s 2005 film adaptation of the book - any vulnerable admission of undying love in the pouring rain is enough to make any film worth watching) is surely the backbone of the genre.

Friends to Enemies to Lovers Zenna Hussain Culture Writer

ex-boyfriend Nathan, who is still devastatingly handsome and charming. After ending the relationship four years ago, Meddy must decide whether she wants to rekindle things with Nathan whilst not letting him see that there is a dead body in the freezer box. Nathan is a truly swoon worthy love interest and you will root for Meddy to get back together with him. Laugh-outloud funny, emotional and romantic, Dial A For Aunties is definitely a wild ride that will give you all the feels.

Soulmates

Amazon UK

The Henna Wars is a delightfully fluffy WLW friends to enemies to lovers tale that also manages to tackle micro-aggressions, culture appropriation and homophobia. Focusing on the relationship between Bengali lesbian Nishat and bi-racial Brazilian and Irish Flavia, The Henna Wars is a story of Nishat learning to love herself, though the fluffy budding romance does steal the show. The Henna Wars begins with Nishat’s coming-out to her Bengali Muslim family, when childhood friend Flavia returns to her life. Despite the complication of the ‘friendly’ competition of their two rival henna businesses, Nishat develops burgeoning feelings for her. Mixing sweet and serious, it’s easy to ignore the minor plot holes in order to fully appreciate the book’s Desi and Afro-Latina representation, and Nishat’s somewhat unrealistic yet completely adorable insta-crush. Queer women of colour can often be hidden in both communities and the unapologetic, easy embrace and celebration of both makes The Henna War a mustread.

Second Chances

Lucy Parry Culture Writer

Amazon UK

Second chance romance is the best trope because it shows that giving a relationship another chance at a new time can end in happily ever after. Additionally, the yearning and regret make for great romantic tension. In Dial A For Aunties, Meddy Chan is the photographer for a weddingwhich her mum and three Aunties are organising at the Ayana Lucia. They are simultaneously trying to dispose of the body of Meddy's blind date, who she accidentally killed the night before. And guess who should be the owner of the Ayana Lucia? Why of course it is Meddy’s

Jess Rushton Culture Writer

Civility paints a delicate love between Katey Kontent and Tinker Grey under the dazzling glitz and glamour of high society New York. Their uncertain romance stems from a joint appreciation of what is real and genuine amongst the façade of a Gatsby-esque crowd. Hidden in elevator kisses and kitchencounter conversations, the two characters flicker between differing relationships and social roles. Their paths always promised to overlap before drifting away from each other again.

Forbidden Love

Samantha Andrews Music Editor

Amazon UK

In my life, and especially over the last couple of years, I have read a lot of romance books about a lot of couples. None of them ever stood out as soulmates as much as Evelyn Hugo and Celia St. James did in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Without giving too much away, and despite what the title eludes too, Evelyn spends most of her life madly and epically in love with Celia. However, because of their careers in acting and because the book is set from the 1950s to the present day, they cannot live openly and are forced to hide their love for decades. The passion of their love almost proves to be too much and the pressure of whether or not to hide their relationship leads them to also spend several years apart. Despite all barriers, they are drawn back to each other and live out Celia’s life in Spain. The book tells the story of Evelyn’s life as an interview, through her seven husbands, ultimately revealing that her true love always was Celia St. James and she wanted this to be known by everyone that had followed her life. The relationship of Evelyn and Celia made me feel seen and I will be forever upset that I cannot read their story for the first time again. Amazon UK

Right Love Wrong Time

Anna Drysdale Culture Writer

Amazon UK

Tied up closely to the trope of platonic soulmates, the hitand-miss love affairs of a ‘right love, wrong time’ romance is one I can never draw myself away from. Amor Towles’s Rules of

When you think of forbidden love your mind takes you to the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet. The connection between the couple is intensified because there is so much at stake for them. Loan Le takes this Romeo and Juliet narrative in A Pho Love Story and sets it in a world of two rival Vietnamese restaurants in America. Following the kindling relationship of Bao and Linh, the children of each family, A Pho Love Story has all of the yearning that makes the forbidden love trope so gripping to read, but packages it within a truly heart-warming novel. Bao and Linh compliment and nurture each other, both finding their way as first-generation Vietnamese immigrants. A Pho Love Story is a story of forbidden love that will tug at your heart strings and find you desperate to know what happens to the couple next with each page turn.

Hidden Love

Samantha Hicks Film Editor

The Priory of the Orange Tree may not be the first choice that comes to mind when thinking about romance books; after all, it is a high-fantasy novel first and foremost. However, the relationship that blooms between protagonist Ead Duryan and Queen Sabran Berethnet IX is inimitable. Samantha Shannon refines The Priory of the Orange Tree by the hidden love trope: Ead and Sabran are held back by the roles they are expected to follow, yet their love for one another flourishes against all odds. Their relationship exemplifies the hidden love trope at its finest, creating a couple that the reader cannot help but fall in love with. Amazon UK

CULTURE

Friday 11th Feburary 2021

@redbrickculture

Maya Angelou: First Black Woman Minted on US coin

Editors' Picks: LGBTQ+ History Month Sofia

Halima Ahad reports on the American Quarter's Initiative that led to Angelou becoming the first black woman on a US coin Halima Ahad Culture Writer

In the ‘American Women Quarters’ initiative, Maya Angelou is the first black woman to appear on the 25-cent coin, a US quarter. The coin, featuring the late poet’s image, went into circulation Monday 10th January. The US Treasury also plans for other famous American women to be on the coins, including Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation and a campaigner for Native American rights.

“The quarter features an image of the late poet and activist Angelou with her arms uplifted, with a bird in flight and the rising sun” behind her. ”

The quarter features an image of the late poet and activist Angelou with her arms uplifted, with a bird in flight and the rising sun behind her. The portrait of George Washington, the country’s first president, is on the “heads” side of the coin. The US Mint tells The Guardian that the image was "inspired by her poetry and symbolic way she lived.” Angelou, poet and author of many gripping and emotional works, died in 2014 at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at the age of 86. She is most famous for her novel ‘I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings’ in which she explores the racial discrimination she experienced whilst growing up in the Deep South in the US. The area enforced segregation laws, which were racist and discriminated against black people. She was the author of 36 books and the recipient of 20+ honorary degrees. As well as poetry, Angelou wrote cookbooks, children’s books, a feature film screenplay and a 10-part TV series. Maya Angelou has been famed for many things. She was a role model and activist, who

rose from a background of poverty, racism and violence, to become one of the many people to celebrate the black experience in the United States. Angelou went on to be active in the US Civil Rights movement, working with the likes of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. The movement aimed to bring legal equality for black people in America. She was also given the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest US award given to a member of the public, by President Barack Obama in 2010. As Janet Yellen, US treasury secretary, tells The Guardian “Each time we redesign our currency, we have the chance to say something about our country – what we value, and how we’ve progressed as a society. I’m very proud that these coins celebrate the contributions of some of America’s most remarkable women, including Maya Angelou,” The Angelou quarter is the first in the US Mint’s ‘American Women Quarters’ programme, in which the American public was invited to submit the names of iconic women for the programme after a bill was put forward by Democrat congress-

Amazon UK

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation Clinton Library

woman Barbara Lee. The quarters will include many inspirational women who have shaped America today, including the first female astronaut Dr Sally Ride. “I am proud to have led this effort to honour these phenomenal women, who more often than not are overlooked in our country’s telling of history.” says Lee “If you find yourself holding a Maya Angelou quarter, may you be reminded of her words, ‘be certain that you do not die without having done something wonderful for humanity.’”

Amazon UK

One Last Stop

Chicago: A Case Study of our Cultural Fascination with the Celebrity Criminal Zenna Hussain Culture Writer

Humans have always had a twisted obsession with the macabre, from the time of public executions to gothic excess, and now modern anxiety has seen itself manifesting in the glamorisation of the criminal. Criminals like Al Capone and Pablo Escobar are almost celebrated for their crimes, genres of books like dark romance and ‘mafia romance’ abound; there are even recent movies like My Friend Dahmer and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile that construct an oppres-

Tristram Kenton

sive idea of the celebrity criminal, both glorifying and sensationalising their crimes, placing them near us and ourselves far from their crimes. Specialised auction sites like Murder Auction, Serial Killers Ink and Supernaught cater to true crime aficionados, selling the personal belongings of serial killers. Why do we as humans enjoy the glorification of crime? Why does this guilty pleasure bring pleasure? And should we feel guilty? Entire lists of murders inspired by movies exist, and while this may seem benign, a Harvard study reported that criminals recorded that the media or popular culture inspired their crimes. A desire for notoriety becomes a strong motivating character, as can be seen in Chicago, which has been self-dubbed ‘the sexiest musical ever.’ Jazzy musical numbers, iconic choreography, and dark topics congregate in this satirical take-down of the corruption within the criminal system. Alluring characters like Velma and Roxie exist sim-

ilarly to the femme fatales as their stunning looks and desirability almost absolves them of their crimes. Lingerie like outfits and sexy songs like 'Cell Block Tango' come early in the play, and the portrayal of the criminals as the ‘merry murderesses’ means the audience buys into this idealisation of crime and becomes part of the set, as Velma and Roxie throw flowers into the crowd and thank the American people for the acquittal. As the audience enjoys it more and more, the seductive nature of crime becomes clear. Decadence is enticing. The media using criminals as scapegoats for all of society’s taboos has always existed. Importantly, though these criminals have been caught, they are thus used to showcase the superiority of law office. The criminals have been declawed from a place of safety; we can reclaim the fear, exert control, and perhaps even feel better about ourselves, as we watch people indulge in darkness we will never commit to. Media makes it accessible and understandable as motives

Leah

are explained, and no guilt is felt as the events and pain have often not actually happened.

“The glorification and abundance of criminals in media means we can reflect on darkness within us” The glorification and abundance of criminals in media means we can reflect on darkness within us and, as a society, - especially as a British one we can address taboos head on, and not hide conversations about drugs, sexual assault, and other crimes. Existing outside the logical understanding of our world, criminals may speak to the darkest part of ourselves, as we acknowledge humanity has the capacity for the worst of things.

Amazon UK

Giovanni's Room

Amazon UK

Loveless

MUSIC

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbrickmusic

Why We Should All Listen to West Midlands’ Music Beatrice Lancet

Music Critic Birmingham and the West Midlands have exploded with new bands, artists and original sounds over the last decade. From established famous names such as Duran Duran and Wizzard, to new unsigned artists, such as local rap artist Claymore, whose tracks are being championed by BBC Introducing in the West Midlands, musicians and songwriters are being given a space to create and explore their music within a community of musicians. As a city, Birmingham is famous for its nightlife and youth culture, and has made a name for itself as a city of new music. The West Midlands’ landscape has influenced the music created. From the 1980s and 90s grassroots rave scene influenced by Birmingham’s industrial heart, to the rock and metal scene, which produced bands such as Black Sabbath, local music cannot be pigeonholed. When I began to delve into local music, it was this multicultural variety of music, with tracks encompassing every genre from Desi

music to Indie-Rock, that really represents the culture of Birmingham. What seems to be particularly special about this fresh music is how genres are mixed and combined, creating new, original sounds which have not been heard before. In my BURN FM interview with Alex Noble from BBC West Midlands, he calls it a ‘thriving scene’ for so many different genres, citing its inter-genre collaboration as reflective of the ethnically diverse backdrop of the West Midlands. This originality seems to have bled into the live music scene, which brings new, energetic music to the forefront, whether you are watching in the intimate venues of The Sunflower Lounge and The Victoria or the O2 Institute and Academy. I find it so interesting that Birmingham was chosen to be the home of the Sonic Wave Festival, which, in 2021, showcased over 60 up-and-coming local artists and well-known bands across seven different venues. There is certainly a strand of this inventive nature and energy coming from the music being released, that can be seen

clearly in performance. During the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, BBC Introducing were off air and yet Alex Noble says they received around 2,000 track uploads. This showcases how the local music scene has continually developed, to the point where new bands are creating their own unique space. Birmingham is being recognised for its contributions to UK music, with the Birmingham Music Awards honouring and highlighting emerging bands and artists in the local area.

“Birmingham is being recognised for its contributions to UK music” Certain artists to me seem to embody the strength of local music. From The Lathums, who recently released their debut album to rave reviews, who represent their local area of Wigan, to Vistas, an urgent

electric band from Edinburgh. The Birmingham band, Overpass, who performed at Sonic Wave Festival and at the University of Birmingham’s own UoBe festival, is making waves in the local indie music scene, with support from tastemakers such as Tim Senna. Their debut single ‘One Night Lover’ was released recently, quickly made it to Brum Radio’s track of the week. Birmingham rock band Table Scraps, alongside indie band Overcliff and rap artist Lady Sanity are all creating equally interesting original sounds from the local area.

Editors’ Songs of February: The Music Editors recap their top pick for Song of the Month: Sammy Andrews: The Maine - Loved You A Little (with Taking Back Sunday and Charlotte Sands) Lorcan Drury: Charli XCX - Beg For You (feat. Rina Sawayama) Ellie Harris: The K’s - I Got A Feeling Aimee Sargeant: The Weeknd - How Do I Make You Love Me?

Upcoming Events: Editors’ Pick:

Facebook: @ BlackSabbath

Mimi Webb, O2 Academy 2, 26th February Upcoming popstar, Mimi Webb, brings her tour to Birmingham. She turns up the volume on every emotion with skyscraping runs and openheart honesty.

Redbrick Meets: alt-J Lorcan Drury Music Editor I had the pleasure of chatting to Gus from alt-J about the band’s new album The Dream. What do you think makes alt-J the band that it is? I think part of it’s to do with chemistry and we got lucky when we met each other. I think there was some kind of unique kind of compound that we made through all of our different musical backgrounds and shared inquisitiveness. If you put together a third of heavy metal, a third of classical music and a third of folky Americana, you get alt-J. The sort of carte blanche we have from our fans and from our label essentially means we can experiment with any kind of style of music we want. There’s no style that I can think of that we’d be like ‘no that can’t be an alt-J song.’ How do you feel about touring this year? If only one could wave a magic wand and get rid of the pandemic completely. I’m desperate to play live, very excited to travel again and to leave the country, even leaving London! I just want to go to different places and see the fans again. I’ve felt like I’ve missed our fans during the last couple of years because we haven’t been touring. At the same time, obviously, I’m quite nervous about how touring is going to look and there’s a lot of uncertainty. I’d be naïve if I thought we didn’t have to cancel at least one gig this year. It seems like everyone has been cancelling or postponing gigs left, right and centre over the last two years. It’ll be strange as we’ve grown up as a band before coronavirus when none of this was a consideration. There were a million other things that could go wrong: flights could get cancelled, bags of equipment could get lost, weather could cancel a gig, which has happened to us at least twice. I always

took it for granted that people would feel safe being in the same room together breathing in the same air. How do you think the album cover reflects The Dream? I think it’s a strange cover which you could see from many points of view. You could say it’s quite nightmarish, you could say it’s cute, kind of charming or funny, relaxing or unnerving. I think that in many ways you could say all those things about the album. It’s quite intangible and hard to grasp exactly how it makes you feel. I think that applies both to the cover and the album. In other interviews, you’ve described the album as having dark themes, could you expand on that? I think that there is dark stuff going on in the album, but there’s also lighter stuff. ‘U&ME’ is centred around being at a festival and being high on pills, having the time of your life. So there’s light and dark, happy and sad. I think that we don’t often discuss our influences in the studio, it’s more unspoken and instinctive. You chose ‘Get Better’ and ‘U&ME’ as the lead singles from the album, was there any reason for those two being picked? I feel like they both represent opposite ends of the album. ‘U&ME’ is one of the most upbeat songs on the album whereas ‘Get Better’ is a very, very sad song. ‘U&ME’ is very much uptempo and a full band thing, ‘Get Better’ is a stripped down acoustic song, just a bit of guitar and piano. It felt like a nice way to show the breadth of the album with these two songs. At the same time, those decisions are somewhat out of our hands

and are at the reserve of the label. I think it’s one of those albums where it’s hard to choose a few songs to give a flavour of what the album is like. Did any of the songs change during the development of the album? I think that sometimes different parts of songs were originally part o f

Twittter: @alt_J

other songs. So, for example, there’s a song on the album called ‘Happier When You’re Gone’ where the riff from that actually used to be from a song we played in our student days. There’s a song that we used to play at our early gigs. I don’t think we ever recorded a demo of it but it was quite a fun song. We just got better songs and left it by the wayside. I think Joe [lead singer and guitarist] had always liked the guitar riff and was just playing around with it and ended up making a new song. What is your favourite song from the album and why?

I think my fave track from the album is the first track ‘Bane.’ I think it’s kinda like three songs in one and I really like songs like that from other artists. You could say it’s like a microcosm of the album. It’s got a cool, dark, brooding, strange, build up of an intro and it’s got a big chorus that almost reminds me of Queen. It’s got catchy parts, a trip-hoppy section in the middle. It’s got medieval instruments in it, a children’s choir, so much stuff going on it that it’ll be the song that’ll take me the longest to get bored of. It’s just entertaining from start to finish. If I wanted to show somebody who had never heard our music what we were about, I think I’d play them that song. I think it says who we are as a band.

“It’s got a cool, dark, brooding, strange, build up of an intro and it’s got a big chorus that almost reminds me of Queen” The intro of ‘Bane’ sounds like it’s from an advert. Could you tell me a bit more about it? It does. It sounds like an advert from the 50s. But it’s actually something we made ourselves. It’s our sound editor who mixes our music live on stage. It’s a bit of an in-joke really. The song is about being addicted to drinking Coke and he was once talking about how Coke can be ‘cold and sizzling.’ We just thought that was such a fantastic phrase. We loved that juxtaposition of something really hot with something really cold. So we got him to record himself saying it, then open a Coke and drink it. I’m

well aware that a lot of people don’t like hearing people eating and drinking so it’s going to trigger some people! I also thought the closing track ‘Powders’ has a really interesting outro. What more can you say about that? It’s a little script that Joe wrote which was acted out by Tom our drummer and his girlfriend. We were inspired by that Elvis Presley style of putting spoken word bits into songs. Elvis did it in an overly sweet, sentimental kind of way. We thought how the song was about the first moments of teenage love in the West Coast of America and we felt it would be suitable to try something like that. And finally to wrap everything up, what still drives the band to make music? I think it’s the fact that we haven’t started boring ourselves. We’re still interested in this project. I still think we’re the same group of guys who’d meet up at one of our houses in Leeds. We were almost trying to impress each other and I still think we’re doing that. We haven’t touched the sides of what we can do musically and that’s a great feeling. I’m still curious about what Joe is going to show me and how Tom is going to respond to something I’m playing. As long as that remains the case, I think we’ll keep making music.

Facebook: @alt-J

MUSIC

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbrickmusic

Ode to Valentine’s Day

Redbrick Music writers band together to write about their favourite love, break-up, and self-love songs. Olivia Rodrigo - ‘good 4 u’

Kitty Kallen ‘Little Things

Halsey ‘Ya’aburnee’

Frank Ocean ‘Ivy’

Halima Ahad

Charis Hawkley

Zenna Hussain

Jasmine Sandhar

Music Critic

Deputy Editor

Throughout Olivia Rodrigo’s three main singles from her album Sour, ‘driver’s license’, ‘déjà vu’ and ‘good 4 u’, we go on her journey towards self-love from a recent breakup. ‘good 4 u’ takes us on the last journey of the breakup: the vengeful ex watching on as the former flame moves onto someone else without any hesitancy. The angsty, rock anthem is reminiscent of many 2000s legends including Avril Lavigne and Paramore. It would make anyone want to scream along and sing their heart out towards an ex or former flame they may have had (or an imaginary one if you were me). The music video shows Rodrigo as a high school cheerleader who is out for revenge from her ex and ends with her dancing in the flames of a fire. As Rodrigo told Rolling Stone ‘I didn’t want to be pigeonholed into the ‘heartbreak ballad girl’ thing.’ We see how Rodrigo is expressing her true, authentic self whilst also sticking to her own sound through ‘good 4 u’. The sarcastic lyrics add to the sardonic tune, ‘You look happy and healthy, not me / If you ever cared to ask.’

Cage The Elephant ‘Cigarette Daydreams’ Dylan Ferner-Rose Music Critic My ex-girlfriend did not like ‘Cigarette Daydreams’. She said she preferred rock songs which made her feel happy. I could not blame her. She was going through a hard time. After everything, I think the song meant more to me because it was mine and mine alone. Her apathy meant it never fell into the lethally transient ‘our song’ bracket. Much of the track is self-obsessed: ‘you can drive all night / Looking for the answers in the pouring rain,’ is an imagined scene for a lost lover. It is a lament for the heartbroken rather than the heartbreaker. The lyric speaks to that selfish little part of you that wonders if a lost loved one still spares you a thought, wherever the storms of life have taken the two of you. ‘Funny how it seems like yesterday /As I recall, you were looking out of place / Gathered up your things and slipped away.’ The perspective changes. I am back in my hall on her first visit to London, fumbling her luggage through my bedroom door. Time moves fast, yesterday became a lifetime ago. But I listen to ‘Cigarette Daydreams’ every now and then, and I remember.

My favourite love song is ‘Little Things Mean a Lot’ which was originally written in 1953 by Edith Lindeman and sang originally by Kitty Kallen. I believe that the song is a classic and I really love it as I adore music from earlier eras. I actually love the song so much that it was chosen as my wedding song when I got married last August. I think the song is so beautiful as it teaches that it is the smaller things in love that matter as you can keep them up, while big gestures come and go. It is such a sweet and relatable song, demonstrating that in the past love was much simpler. I really relate to the song as I, too, believe that being there for each other and smaller gestures are so important. I love the vintage sound to the track and I believe that it really adds to the romantic atmosphere of the song. As the song says, ‘for now and forever little things mean a lot.’

Baby Tate ft. Flo Milli - ‘I Am’ Chelsie Henshaw Editor-in-Chief With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, everyone is whipping out either soppy songs to represent their love for their partner, or sad songs demonising the single life. My top pick is a little different because it is about the love we often neglect during the run-up to Valentine’s: selflove. ‘I Am’ by Baby Tate ft Flo Milli is the ultimate self-love song. If you are not feeling like the boss babe that you are, pop on the feel-good song and sing out the mantras that you need to hear. Although Valentine’s is traditionally presented as the day to express your love for a significant other (or be made to feel bad for not having one), take out a little time this year to make sure you are showing that same love to yourself too. With rhyming lyrics such as ‘I’m a Queen / I’m a dream,’ remind yourself that you are amazing and worthy of whatever you aspire to have or be. The refrain ‘I do what I wanna do / And I’m who I wanna be / ’Cause I am me’ is something we all need to start repeating to ourselves in the mirror. Remember that you are ‘independent on [your] own’ and you do not need anyone to make you happy or someone to spend the 14th of February with (although if you do, great for you). Felipe Correia / Unsplash

At the end of If I Can’t Have Love, I’ll Have Power, an album hugely based on Halsey’s inability to love, the thirteenth and final track ‘Ya’aburnee’ is a refreshing change as the celebration of life and love. Halsey brazenly tells her lover ‘And if we don’t live forever / Maybe one day, we’ll trade places / Darling, you will bury me / Before I bury you.’ ‘Ya’aburnee’ is a tender exploration of their love for both her partner, screenwriter Alev Aydin, and their new baby Ender Ridley. The Arabic phrase translates literally to ‘you bury me,’ though it relates more to a desire to die before those you love and tonot exist in a world without them. Beautiful and haunting lyricism and storytelling like ‘The longing needs the leaving / And the loving needs the bleeding’ and ‘Love is just a currency’ explores the many vectors of love through Halsey’s journey to motherhood. Reminiscent of a long poem, the backing music is a stripped-down guitar track, which serves to heighten the visceral, strong emotions of Halsey’s overwhelmingly mortal and fragile love.

Carole King ‘It’s Too Late’ Ben Oakden Music Critic Although Valentine’s Day may be time for new love, there is no song that better represents the latter stages of a relationship than Carole King’s ‘It’s Too Late.’ It is not a breakup song based on bitterness, regret, or name-calling; instead, King and her songwriting partner, Toni Stern, take the song in a more mature and emotional direction. The relationship is portrayed as one that ends not with the partners at each other’s throats, but with the gradual acceptance that their time together has run its course. The minor key and mellow instrumentals create a feeling of melancholy, which is juxtaposed by the blameless tone of the lyrics to perfectly capture the emotions of a necessary end to a relationship with somebody you cared for. It may not be the side of love you are looking for out of a Valentine’s Day song, but as an expression of the kind of protracted, but respectful, breakup that ends most real relationships, ‘It’s Too Late’ makes for essential listening.

Valentine’s Day is typically used as moment to celebrate love and romance. For many it can be a painful reminder of the trials and tribulations endured through past relationships. If you are single, like myself, and happen to fall into this category, then ‘Ivy’ by Frank Ocean is the song you should have on repeat for February 14th. Undeniably, any track from Blonde (Ocean’s last-released studio album) could be considered the ultimate heartbreak song with a rollercoaster of themes explored, ranging from rejection to loss to vulnerability, that listeners can ride along to. However, I would argue that the second song, ‘Ivy,’ is a universal anthem that somehow manages to combine the countless shades and tones of love into one multicoloured kaleidoscope. This is captured in the very first lines - ‘I thought that I was dreaming when you said you love me / The start of nothing’ - which describe the paradox of romantic relationships being simultaneously hopeful and hopeless. These blurred boundaries in the lyrics extend to the instrumental as well with a distorted guitar riff consistently being plucked throughout that engenders a haze of enigmatic sound. The only thing able to pierce through this blanket of confusion is Ocean’s melody line; his autotuned tenor vocals soar higher and higher over until they reach their climax at the very end with him screaming ‘dreaming’ in frustation. This passion the continues in the outro with him smashing up the studio equipment surrounding him an act which truly embodies the traumatic agony of love.

Wolf Alice ‘Don’t Delete Josie Scott-Taylor TV Editor ‘Don’t Delete the Kisses’ by Wolf Alice is, for me, the ultimate love song. Filled with shoegaze-esque guitar riffs and soft vocals, the singer spends the first part of the track wondering whether or not she is meant for love. This age-old question echoes throughout the majority of the song, complemented perfectly by the intimate, first-person narrative of how it feels to give yourself completely to somebody, and the existential question suddenly transitions to the confi-

dent knowledge that the singer and her lover were, in fact, meant to be together. Each line is delivered in a dreamy, delicate way, adding to the song’s vulnerability and the depiction of how it feels to fall deeply in love. ‘Don’t Delete the Kisses’ reminds me of what it was like to feel myself falling in love for the first time, and Wolf

Fleetwood Mac - ‘You Make Loving Fun’ Hannah Vernon Music Critic This Valentine’s Day, you might not be feeling reciprocative of love’s miracles. Christine McVie’s belief in the ways of magic might not put me in a particularly loving mood, but Fleetwood Mac’s ‘You Make Loving Fun’ always casts some kind of spell on me. It is not necessary to be in love to enjoy this song. It is a carefree tune that I can sing along to without trying to remember the lyrics, and not sentimental enough to make me remotely melancholy about spending the 14th of February alone. This year by all means play this song to a partner if a certain feeling follows you wherever you go. Do not hesitate to play this , however, if you do not believe in that kind of miracle. The song is so readily upbeat and easy listening that I feel no hesitation bellowing about the spellbinding magic of love.

Richard and Linda Thompson ‘Dimming of the Day’ James West Music Critic ’Dimming of the Day’ is one of my favourite love songs because of its elegant simplicity. Musically, the song relies mainly on the soft pickings of Richard Thompson’s acoustic guitar, which gives the piece a soft and almost melancholic tone which is perfectly suited to Linda Thompson’s vocals. Her vocals throughout the song are tinged with longing, best emphasised in the repetition of ‘I need you at the dimming of the day.’ I particularly love the bridges in this song with both Richard and Linda on vocals as it gives this unique perspective on the love they share as both of them seem to be directing the lyrics at each other. The lyrics in this song are rich with imagery, exemplified with ‘you pull me like the moon pulls on the tide’ and my personal favourite “Why don’t you come and ease your mind with me? / I’m living for the night we steal away.’ To conclude this is a great love song due to its musical and lyrical simplicity, which allows the depth of the love that the couple share to be conveyed easily with the listener.

FILM

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbrickfilm

The Best Films of 2021 The Redbrick writers and editors take a look back at their favourite films of 2021 Georgia Brooks Film Critic

The French Dispatch Like many of the films on this list, The French Dispatch’s delayed release was much awaited by Wes Anderson fans, and it did not disappoint. Meticulous to the point of self-indulgence, the film chronicles the works and lives of three writers for The French Dispatch, a travelogue magazine based in the fictional town of Ennui-surBlasé. Each featurette depicts Anderson’s typically quirky characters, based on writers and stories from the real life New Yorker magazine, and executed with his signature precision, symmetry and distinctive colour palette. As Arthur Howitzer Jr. would say, Anderson really makes it look like he shot it that way on purpose. The French Dispatch takes Anderson’s self-aware avoidance of naturalism to new heights, and the use of black and white in contrast to colour highlights what each writer focuses on: within each story, their meditations on art, youth and food are in glorious colour, and similarly the writers themselves, the director’s focus, are shown in vibrant hues. Far from being a predictable addition to Anderson’s repertoire, The French Dispatch could be the (current) peak of his directorial genius. It is not the meticulous nature of his style, but rather the visibility of that meticulousness that is so unique in mainstream cinema, undoubtedly making The French Dispatch a standout film of 2021.

Halima Ahad Film Critic

Luca A coming-of-age story from Disney, Luca follows Luca and Alberto who take the journey to the summer of a life-

Twitter/@NetflixFilm

Facebook/@FrenchDispatch

time in the seaside town of Portorosso. Luca (Jacob Tremblay) is a shy sea monster who longs to learn more about what is above the surface. He then meets the bold Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer) who pushes him to follow his dreams and try to win a Vespa so they can both explore the world and what it has to offer together. The dreamy colour palette of Luca is reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films, such as Kiki’s Delivery Service and Ponyo. Enrico Casarosa’s debut film explores the nostalgic, carefree summers that every child longs for and that audiences hope to see in the theatres.

“Explores the nostalgic, carefree summers that every child longs for” The film focuses on the strengths of friendship and what you can gain if you are surrounded by the right people, this is further solidified by the fantastic Emma Berman who voices Giulia. A film definitely to remember, Luca explores the coming of age and discovering who you are in a crazy, fantastical world and I could not recommend watching it enough.

Samantha Hicks

Zenna Hussain Film Critic

Encanto

Film Editor

C’mon C’mon Mike Mills is an expert at capturing the raw emotions found in the human experience, crafting films that feel like a snapshot of real life. C’mon C’mon is a gentle yet poignant insight into the unpredictability of life, following radio journalist Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix) as he embarks on an unexpected cross-country trip with his eccentric young nephew Jesse (Woody Norman). Shot in black and white, and paired with an atmospheric and emotive score by Aaron and Bryce Dessner from The National, C’mon C’mon is a genuinely beautiful masterpiece Mike Mills’ best film yet, and an undoubtable highlight of 2021.

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Johnny and Jesse are an unlikely pair, brought together after Johnny offers to temporarily care for him whilst his sister Viv (Jesse’s mother, portrayed by Gaby Hoffmann) goes to look after her estranged husband. As Johnny conducts radio interviews with kids across the US, we see how nine-year-old Jesse processes his feelings about his father’s mental illness during the trip. Joaquin Phoenix is brilliant in his role as Johnny, but it is Woody Norman that steals the show in his breakout role, giving a phenomenal performance that reminds the audience how frightening the world can be when you are a child in a grown-up world. What makes C’mon C’mon so beautiful is the true respect it displays for children’s thoughts and emotions, coming together to create a compassionate insight into what it is like to navigate the world as a child living in this age full of unpredictability. Jesse reminds us, ‘whatever you plan on happening, never happens; stuff you would never think of happens; so you just have to c’mon, c’mon.’ Heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting, C’mon C’mon is even more poignant after the past two years, and certainly stands strong as one of the best films of 2021.

Set in a magical, Colombian village, Encanto tells the tale of the family Madrigal who have been given a ‘miracle’ that manifests in magical powers. These include powers such as cooking that can heal, super strength, shapeshifting, and telling the future. Protagonist Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz) is the only one in the family who is gift-less and so ‘lesser’ to her family, especially the family matriarch Abuela (María Cecilia Botero). The film so easily could have opted for her to magically gain a power, or give her a destiny tied to a romance, but instead, Encanto shows Mirabel’s heroism through her lack of gift. It is a film of unconditional love, knowing your worth, and the burden of generational trauma.

“A film of unconditional love, knowing your worth, and the burden of generational trauma” Encanto marks a change for

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Disney with a lack of a true antagonist, magical realism, and a movie entrenched in Latinx culture: actors with a Colombian background, Latinx filmmakers, Spanish songs like ‘Dos Oruguitas’ and ‘Colombia, Me Encanto’ and a true representation of the racial diversity of Colombia. With gorgeous visuals, an incredible soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda and pockets of humour, Encanto preaches the importance of family, culture, and acceptance, making it a must-watch, especially for people of colour.

Sammy Andrews Music Editor

The Mitchells vs the Machines The Mitchells vs. The Machines was exactly the fun infused film that I needed last year. Telling the story of Katie Mitchell (Abbi Jacobson), film fanatic who is leaving for college, and her family as they embark on a road trip before she leaves, the film twists into a sci-fi battle of human versus the machine. The Mitchell family are left to fight an army of robots controlled by an evil smartphone to rescue human-kind. Except the Mitchell family are extremely dysfunctional, and this is what makes their battle against the machines so wonderful. Ultimately, this film is about Katie’s somewhat fractured connection with her father before she leaves for college, and how that bond grows during their adventure. But, every single character, down to Monchi the family dog, is vibrant and colourful within their own right. The animation for the film is captivating and bold, and the high-energy nature of the film ensures that not a single moment is wasted. The jokes land a punch, and when you think that they are done it hits you again to the point where the absurdity of what is happening will have you in stitches. A giant Furby in the shopping mall is truly an image I will live with forever.

“A giant Furby in the shopping mall is truly an image I will live with forever” The Mitchells vs. The Machines is an incredible burst of energy, laughs and fun, and I can guarantee it will warm your heart at the same time.

Jessica Parker Film Critic

Twitter/@EncantoMovie

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Raised by his emotionally distantfather (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) and grieving the loss of his mother (Fala Chen), Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) is tasked with facing the demons of his past as he confronts the threat of his father’s global criminal organisation: The Ten Rings. One of Marvel’s latest ventures, Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings feels like a breath of fresh air when surrounded by the franchise’s current, constant flow of material from the Disney machine. Tackling themes of grief, heritage, family, and morality, Destin Daniel Cretton creates a grounded sense of humanity that feels rare when plastered against the backdrop of the extravagant Superhero genre. The tumultuous father-son dynamic portrayed by Liu and Chiu-wai, paired with the clear importance of culture and family shown through Shang-Chi’s relations, portrays emotional depth that huge blockbusters like this can easily forget. It feels like Marvel are breaking new ground with this feature, exhibiting a rawness that proves the potential for greatness that this new phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has to offer.

“It feels like Marvel are breaking new ground with this feature” James Evenden Film Critic

No Time To Die No Time to Die wraps up Daniel Craig’s tenure as the MI6 agent with a satisfyingly action-packed story that gives Craig the swansong he deserves. Director, Cary Joji Fukunaga, ensures Craig’s Bond remains intact to the end, as both a ruthless agent and a tortured man still mourning what he has lost. Whilst not Craig’s cleanest adventure, with a plot that can at times feel like it is stretching to tie everything together, a solid supporting cast makes these minor issues very easy to overlook. Bond’s friends in MI6 - Q (Ben Whishaw), Moneypenny (Naomie Harris), and M (Ralph Fiennes) - are reliable as always, despite limited screen time. The villain, Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek), is not given much to do, but his performance still crackles with a haunting quality. Fukunaga

Twitter/@NetflixFilm

Twitter/@ShangChi

FILM

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbrickfilm

wisely puts all of his attention where it counts, squarely on Craig’s shoulders. His last Bond film is not his best, but with excellent action set-pieces, a beautifully melancholic theme from Billie Eilish, and the endearing relationship between Bond and Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), No Time to Die stands as one of the best films of 2021. Craig will be remembered as a generation-defining 007, and his final outing cements this legacy.

Jasmine Sandhar Deputy Editor

The Lost Daughter What does it mean to be a mother? Literally, the term is determined by whether one has a child. However, from a conceptual angle, sociocultural significations sedimented over centuries define mothers as nurturing, selfless, and unconditionally loving creatures. In her directorial debut The Lost Daughter, Maggie Gyllenhaal presents motherhood as the antithesis of this. Initially, the unassuming nature of the plot, which simply follows the protagonist Leda (Olivia Colman) - a middle-aged college professor of comparative literature - on her ‘working holiday’ in Greece, appears to be at odds with Netflix’s categorisation of psychological drama. Nevertheless, there is an ominous tone from the outset, established by grainy vintage filters, a haunting blues-inspired soundtrack and the uncomfortable close-ups taken on a handheld Ronin camera by cinematographer Hélène Louvart. Indeed, the tragedy really sets in through the flashbacks Leda has, allowing the audience to slowly piece together the logic behind her peculiarity.

“Grainy vintage filters, a haunting bluesinspired soundtrack” I think that is the beauty of this film: you have no idea where it is going. It is almost impossible to solve the puzzle when the only clues you are given are orange peels, navel references and a missing doll. In a similar vein to the eponymous book this film is based on, Gyllenhaal refuses to end in perfect resolution; instead, we are left questioning whether the ‘crushing responsibility’ of motherhood is worthwhile. I think Leda would lean towards no.

Emily Wallace Film Editor

tick, tick... BOOM! Lin-Manuel Miranda’s directorial debut tick, tick... BOOM! serves

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as a tribute to the life and work of Rent creator Jonathan Larson, played brilliantly by Andrew Garfield. Through a mixture of scenes showing Larson’s performance of his semi-autobiographical ‘rock monologue’, tick, tick... BOOM!, and flashbacks to the time in Larson’s life that it discusses, we see a portrayal of life as a struggling artist in New York in the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis that is at once heart-wrenching and hopeful.

“A portrayal of life as a struggling artist in New York” The performances from Andrew Garfield, who learnt to sing specifically for the role, and all the supporting cast are phenomenal, and it is clear that this is a film made with a true passion for Jonathan Larson and his work. The soundtrack allows for Larson’s lesser-known material to get its place in the spotlight, and its themes of fearing time running out feels both universal and poignant with the knowledge of Larson’s untimely death 5 years later as he was reaching the brink of success. A special mention must also be made to Bradley Whitford’s portrayal of musical theatre legend Stephen Sondheim – a touching portrayal made all the more poignant after his passing shortly after the film’s release. tick, tick... BOOM! successfully balances the emotional weight of its storyline alongside an uplifting message and loving celebration of Larson’s life, and stands out to me as one of the best films of 2021.

Martha Roche Film Critic

Titane Julia Ducournau’s Palme d’Or winner Titane is an adventure in completely fearless filmmaking. Genre- and gender-bending, Titane is a French body horror stuffed with raw emotion, graphic sexuality, and even more graphic violence. The victim of a childhood car accident which results in a titanium plate being implanted in her skull, now grown-up Alexia (newcomer Agathe Rousselle) is a metal fetishising go-go dancer and serial killer. Ageing fire captain Vincent (Vincent Landon) is reunited with his son who went missing 10 years ago as a child and they negotiate their relationship as each struggles with their masculinity. That is the most specific summary I am willing to give, as this is a film I believe should be experienced with as little fore-knowledge possible - the official summaries released give even less detail, one being simply a definition of the element titanium.

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Following the success of her excellent debut, cannibal/coming of age film Raw, Ducournau clearly knows what she wants to make, and she is very good at it. Titane is an enigmatic film with a complex plot and tone which, in less capable hands, would simply not translate. In Ducournau’s hands, Titane is a strange, horrible, hilarious, heartwarming masterpiece which finds comedy in scenes others would find too disturbing, and heartbreaking emotion in scenes which others would play for laughs. It is certainly not for everyone but, if you have the chance, and do not mind a bit of nudity and some horror with it, I would highly recommend you give it a go.

Alex Taylor Film Critic

The Green Knight The Green Knight, by David Lowery, provides a fresh revisioning of the saturated Arthurian mythos. The film stars Dev Patel as Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s tenacious nephew, who presumptuously embarks on an arduous quest to fulfil the Green Knight’s challenge. The eponymous character, portrayed by Ralph Ineson, who, while making full use of his signature baritone, provides a poignant and nuanced performance in spite-of his all-consuming tree-like prosthetics. However, despite Ineson’s impactful portrayal, Dev Patel’s intrinsic ability to simultaneously inhabit both strength and fragility is what epitomises the emotional core of the narrative.

“A fresh revisioning of the saturated Arthurian mythos” The film is as fantastically weird as its 14th century source material- with its titular botanical character, and its unreliable narration (not to mention a talking fox)- it encourages understanding but is fabulously ineffable. The feature is pensive, wild, engaging, and beautiful, and consciously disregards the fraudulently masculine, chivalric recklessness typical of its thematic predecessors. Daniel Hart’s haunting score serves as the manifestation of the horror’s folkish and surreal tone, and echoes through the sublime landscapes and other-worldly set design. Lowery’s work is entirely intoxicating, visually stunning and wholly beautiful; from its historical ambivalence, innovative storytelling, and perfectly ambiguous ending, you will be left undeniably awestruck.

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James Simpson Film Critic

Twitter/@TheGreenKnight

Red Rocket The end of 2021 saw the release of Red Rocket, American independent filmmaker Sean Baker’s first project since his criticallyacclaimed 2017 film The Florida Project. Baker’s most recent work follows the misadventures of a washed-out former pornographic actor named Mikey Saber (played by Simon Rex), who decides to retire from the industry and return to his impoverished home on the Gulf Coast of Texas. The twohour flick is an account of Saber’s attempts to move in and reconcile with his ex-wife Lexi and her mother, who while away their days smoking and idling in front of the television. Alongside his many funny and humiliating confrontations with Lexi and his drug-dealing neighbour Leondria, Saber becomes besotted with Strawberry, a 17-year-old girl who works at a local doughnut store. Red Rocket is without doubt one of the most impressive films of 2021. Consistent with his previous works, Baker includes non-professional actors and improvised dialogue to lend his film an uncanny air of realism. He juxtaposes his trademark pretty, pastel-tinted cinematography with voyeuristic insights into the desperate and unforgiving world of the American underclass. The film’s tone is balanced almost perfectly, shifting seamlessly from hilarious fragments of everyday conversation to bleak and unnerving depictions of poverty. It is hard not to see why Red Rocket was nominated for the Palme d’Or.

Emily Baldwin Comment Editor

Spider-Man: No Way Home (This review contains spoilers) Three Spider-Men, five iconic villains, countless references and a dramatic score, Spider-Man No Way Home was the best cinematic experience of the year. In an homage to Spider-Man fans far and wide, No Way Home showed us what could have been if the franchise had Disney’s money but not Disney’s obsession with textbook pacing, characterisation and format. With its John Hughes-esque coming-of-age style, Peter Parker (Tom Holland), MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) grapple with the consequences of Peter’s identity being released whilst navigating the pressures of finishing high school, applying for college and maintaining a friendship group something we all know a thing or two about. As Tom Holland’s Peter collaborated with Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man and

Drew Daniels/UPI Media

Andrew Garfield’s Amazing Spider-Man, my spidey-loving self was supremely excited. Yet, it was the moments of personal discovery which stood out to me and marked No Way Home as a true homage to SpiderMan. The ending saw Peter Parker relinquish all memory of his existence, saving the world but leaving him faceless: no family, no friends and no peers. Crafting a seamless blend of teen film angst, camp superhero nostalgia and shoutout-loud cameos, the film was a t r i umph.

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Cerys Gordon Film Critic

Last Night in Soho The esteemed writer and director Edgar Wright released another belter film in October 2021 with his psychological thriller Last Night in Soho. The film is set in 1960s Soho, London, and includes many pop culture and musical references to the decade, paying homage to Wright’s love of the era. It follows a university student studying at the London College of Fashion, showing the challenges students face moving away from rural areas into big cities, dealing with homesickness and loneliness. However, it takes a turn when the protagonist Ellie (Thomasin McKenzie) meets Sandie, an aspiring singer played by the captivating Anya Taylor-Joy. The excellent use of cinematography in the film, especially with the clever use of mirrors throughout, distorts the versions of reality that the film travels through. Like any excellent psychological thriller, it makes the audience question what really exists in reality. This film is an enjoyable yet gory watch, which has many thrilling twists and turns. As shown with its many award nominations, this film is one of the best of 2021.

Parisa Taghizadeh/ Focus Features

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Friday 11th February 2022

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Redbrick's Picks: TV Couples

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, Redbrick's writers discuss their favourite TV couples Sophie Handler News Editor

While Glee did many things wrong, if there was one redeeming factor, it would be the relationship between Santana and Brittany. The two cheerleading best friends turned into one of the show’s most stable and lovable couples, and made even the most questionable moments of Glee seem worth watching in the end. Apart from generally being very enjoyable to watch, a key reason as to why Santana (Naya Rivera) and Brittany (Heather Morris) are loved by so many would be their importance as a lesbian couple. When Glee was airing, there was a stark lack of LGBTQ+ representation on TV in general, let alone sapphic relationships on such a large mainstream platform. As well as tackling important topics such as homophobia amongst family members, the pair acted as a representation that was extremely lacking in TV shows.

“When Glee was airing, there was a stark lack of LGBTQ+ representation on TV” In addition to arguably being two of the best characters on the show, the pair provided some of the best moments of comedy throughout Glee, while also adding in some heartwarming moments bound to be appreciated by any viewer. With all of these reasons and more, the list of why Santana and Brittany are one of TV’s best couples is limitless. Facebook/@Glee

Personal highlights include the classic slate smashing scene a focal point of all ‘Anne of Green Gables’ adaptations - but my favourite moment has to be their rehearsals for the town’s barn dance. In a sweet scene of palpable tension which transports audiences through the screen, Anne and Gilbert easily prove that they have a connection unlike any other (looking at you, Winifred) when they are together. Unfortunately, the show’s cancellation leaves Anne and Gilbert’s love story unfinished, but the delightful slowburn journey that takes audiences to the final scene is well worth the anguish of having no more episodes to play next.

James Evenden TV Critic

Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) and Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott) from Parks and Recreation mean so much to me because their relationship radiates authenticity. They want to help people with small acts of public service that most would find boring. Their unabashed love for their jobs keeps them as aspirational individuals first, and an aspirational couple second. Parks and Recreation gives both Ben and Leslie moments to shine. It builds them up as people first, so when they come together it does not feel forced. Their good natures combine and form a couple whose enthusiasm makes their relationship feel organic. The acting and the writing present them almost like teenagers falling in love for the first time, and they are both equally excited when the other succeeds. They want the other to take the spotlight. They fight and face obstacles as all television couples do. However, it never seems like it will threaten them because of their individual values as good people. They mean a lot to me because they know their jobs have little impact on the world, but they do it anyway. They make kindness cool.

Erin Perry TV Critic

The blueprint for academic rivalsto-lovers ships, Anne (Amybeth McNulty) and Gilbert’s (Lucas Jade Zumann) timeless story is modernised for the current generation in Netflix’s Anne with an E. The show’s three seasons treat audiences to their growing love, going from competitive spelling contests to hesitant friendship, culminating in Anne and Gilbert being the last two people in their town to realise that they are in love. A few misunderstandings, fireside revelations, and one epic first kiss later leaves a perfect Young Adult love story.

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Colette Fountain Comment Editor

For the cynical among us, Fleabag (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) felt like a kindred spirit: disillusioned by love, struggling with her attitude to sex, ultimately unable to form meaningful connections with any of the men in her life (for a Freudian reading, feel free to blame her father). And yet in Season Two she finally genuinely connects with someone - the ‘cool priest’ played

by the incredible Andrew Scott. From their first meeting their chemistry is evident, and as one of TikTok’s favourite couples, I knew I would be in for an emotional rollercoaster. Fleabag is a character that has always had an unhealthy relationship to men, desperate for their approval, and this is the first time we see her truly happy with someone, forming a meaningful relationship which isn’t reliant on sex. It is her way of reassuring the audience that perhaps we are not as unloveable as we feared. I have never seen two people in a TV show that have felt so necessary for one another, only serving to heighten the pain as their relationship is impacted by religion. I truly do not think anything will crush me more than the words ‘it’ll pass’.

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Sammy Andrews Music Editor

How I Met Your Mother might be based around Ted’s (Josh Radnor) search for the love of his life, but his best friends Marshall (Jason Segel) and Lily (Alyson Hannigan) easily have the most romantic relationship in the show. Meeting on the very first day of university when Lily knocks on Marshall’s dorm door for help setting up her stereo, the couple are the prime example of love at first sight. Marshall repeatedly recalls that from that moment he knew she would be the woman he married.

“The couple are the prime example of love at first sight” In the very first episode of How I Met Your Mother Lily and Marshall’s engagement sets up a long journey of highs and lows that you get to experience with the couple. For all their arguments (and there are some big ones) they are in the sweetest ways possible, soulmates. Their miscommunications and fears are often guided by the same things, and once they eventually work through each of these, they always come out a healthier and stronger couple. From their mushy pet names Lilypad and Marshmallow, to the ‘Marshpillow’ Lily makes when Marshall is away, and their sassy teamwork, you cannot help but melt at Lily and Marshall’s relationship. They are truly soul-

mates, and best friends, and provide the true romantic backbone of How I Met Your Mother.

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Emily Wallace Film Editor

While Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) has several love interests throughout the run of Gilmore Girls, by far the standout relationship is that between Rory and Jess Mariano (Milo Ventimiglia). When Jess first arrives in the town of Stars Hollow, he is immediately written off by everyone as a delinquent with a bad attitude, but as Rory gets to know him, she realises that he is more than just the stereotypical bad boy he is painted out to be. Their shared love of literature and their fastpaced, quick-witted conversations draw them together, and the natural chemistry between them develops very easily.

“The natural chemistry between them develops very easily” While there are plenty of bumps in the road for their relationship, what makes it work so well is the deep understanding they have of each other. Even after they are no longer together, whenever Jess reappears it is shown that they still get each other in a way no one else does, and they can give each other the push they need to succeed. To me, they feel like the perfect definition of ‘right person, wrong time.’ Rory and Jess’ relationship may not be one that lasts throughout the show; however, their scenes together always make a fun, if at times dramatic, watch.

Zenna Hussain TV Critic

Normal People is a BBC and Hulu Irish drama television series, following the relationship between Marianne Sheridan (Daisy EdgarJones) and Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal). Based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Sally Rooney, the show is devastating, exploring themes of class difference, anxiety and shame, yet the electric chemistry of the two leads and the way they weave in and out of each other’s romantic lives will keep you glued to the screen. Set in rural Ireland, Normal People chronicles Marianne and Connell’s love affair from second-

ary school all the way to adulthood. Popular Connell and aloof Marianne engage in a clandestine entanglement, and even the disastrous end of this relationship does not stop them returning to each other in Trinity College, and again later on. Marianne and Connell’s constant gravitation to one another makes you believe in the idea of soulmates and reminds watchers of what it is to be young and in love. Both toxic and realistic, Marianne and Connell’s sweeping first love will devastate you, and yet the enhancement of each other lives coveys how the intensity of love can change someone’s life.

“Marianne and Connell's constant gravitation to one another makes you believe in the idea of soulmates” Hannah Vernon TV Critic

Catching up on The 100 several years after it began airing, I was already distantly informed about the relationship between Clarke (Eliza Taylor) and Lexa (Alycia Debnam-Carey), albeit via BuzzFeed. Watching it properly for myself was heartwarming. I agree with the criticisms surrounding Lexa’s death being an example of the ‘Bury Your Gays’ trope, for it was needlessly tragic. Clarke’s character was capable of growth without being driven by the death of her lover. Prior to this unfair demise, I deeply admired the portrayal of their relationship. Though billed from the outset as enemies-tolovers, there was a genuineness to their bond that made this slowburn romance feel authentic. Together, they endured betrayals and divisions, but spoke to each other and worked through these battles as a team. At the heart of their partnership, there was a willingness to see each other beyond their respective roles, to learn about each other, to know them deeply.

“There was a genuineness to their bond that made this slowburn romance feel authentic” When Lexa does ultimately perish, she remains Clarke’s great love. Their too-brief time together explores the complexities of navigating friendships as enemies and the tempestuous possibilities of falling in love. These star-crossed lovers are dear to many hearts, and deserve plenty of love this Valentine's Day.

TELEVISION

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbricktv

Twenty Years of Tracy Beaker Abi Kinsella takes a trip back to the Dumping Ground in honour of The Story of Tracy Beaker's twentieth anniversary Abi Kinsella TV Critic

Whilst I was at home for Christmas, my father found an old video camera swaddled in miscellaneous shopping bags, in the ‘allpurpose cupboard of doom’ above the stairs. Miraculously, it still worked. And the final video file, emerging from the mists of time like an ancient sword to the soundtrack of an angelic chorus, was my Citizen Kane. My War and Peace. My Bohemian Rhapsody. ‘They Would Probably Have Died’ is a cinematic masterpiece performed by me and my childhood friend Leah. It is a reimagining of episodes of Tracy Beaker Returns, with what we perceived to be more realistic endings. This article will refer subsequently to the ‘Tracy Beaker Cinematic Universe’ (TBCU), which includes The Story of Tracy Beaker, Tracy Beaker Returns, and The Dumping Ground television shows. I choose not to include the recent My Mum Tracy Beaker instalments because their existence renders Tracy Beaker Returns non-canonical. Rather, it exists in a separate universe in which Tracy’s (Dani Harmer) life diverged differently following the

events of The Story of Tracy Beaker. Take a guess at how many hours I have spent thinking about this, then add ten. The existence of my childhood project is a testament to the ability of the stories told in the TBCU to capture the imaginations of children. I vividly remember the day after the Tracy Beaker Returns episode ‘The Burnywood Menace’ aired on CBBC, in which (spoiler alert) Lily (Jessie Williams) falls off the roof. My Year Five classroom was in a state of shock, unable to talk or think about anything else. It was the most dramatic televisual feast many of our young eyes had ever laid eyes on. The Lily roof incident is one of many moments that made an impact on young me. Many are comical – Duke (Clive Rowe) plunging his feet into wellies full of cheese sauce and Liam bellowing ‘free sat-nav to whoever finds the hamster’ in a crowded service station spring immediately to mind. Some are absurd – I still have fever dreams about the offpiste musical episode, in which a cabaret-styled Elaine the Pain

(Nisha Nayar) sings of how rules are not to be ‘brooooken, twihsteeeed or behnt’ in a feather boa. As for the other memorable moments – well, let’s just say that ‘ T h e y Probably Facebook/@CBBC

Wo u l d H a v e Died’ is not what you would call a short film. There are trees fallen out of, dual carriageways recklessly crossed, bridges fell through, attics set alight – the list goes on.

The TBCU continues a legacy of storytelling bravery begun by its source material – Jacqueline Wilson’s ‘Tracy Beaker’ book series, about a ten-year-old girl growing up in the care system. I was surprised, looking back, at how few of the events and characters carry over from the books to the television show, but a few core elements remain. First is the realisation of Tracy through Dani Harmer, who could have been lifted directly from Nick Sharratt’s illustrations. The second is a few crucial story beats (the infamous wormeating incident in ‘The Dare Game’, for example). The third is the presence of a few central characters who hold the stories together, such as Justine Littlewood (Montanna Thompson) and Mike (Connor Byrne). And finally, less tangibly, is the spirit, which breeds such affection for a young girl dealt a difficult hand, through admiration of her fiery determination and heart. 2022 marks the 20-year anniversary of The Story of Tracy Beaker’s first airing on CBBC. It holds a timeless quality (except maybe the semi-frequent refer-

Review: After Life - Season Three

ences to Busted – no offence, James Bourne and co.) created by the enduring likability of its characters. You root for them, as they encounter problems that perhaps you will only realise the magnitude of later. Having rewatched some episodes as an adult, they take on new dimensions. I now understand why Mr Spooner (Michael Jayston) was so hostile and confused towards Liam (Richard Wisker) and the changeability of his attitude. I also understand why Jackie (Abby Rakic-Platt) was so unfairly taken from the care of her loving Grandpa. Such is the delicate approach of the show and the sensitivity to its young audience, that the episodes are watchable at so many ages and on so many levels. The TBCU was formative for me. It helped me to not onlyunderstand people, but also their differences and the ways they operated. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it distracted me from long division. It has endured for 20 years, secured itself as a modern children’s televisual classic, bred spin-offs and will, I am certain, endure for 20 years more.

Top TV Picks for February

Deyna Grimshaw reviews the final season of Ricky Gervais' After Life, praising its balance between brash comedy and sentimentality Deyna Grimshaw TV Critic

In January, Netflix blessed our screen with the third and final series of Ricky Gervais’ After Life. It has already made it into the top 10 series streamed in 14 countries, and sat at number 1 in the UK in the week after its launch. Gervais is not new to combining sadness with comedy, but his latest venture surpasses anything which he has created previously. The ability to create laugh-outloud moments in a series highlighting the grief and depression caused by losing a loved one is a very rare and beautiful power and one which he has mastered. The two forces are somehow evenly balanced – whilst I have no doubt that most of us ended the final episode in tears, I also know that whenever I discuss the series with anyone, the most memorable part of it has always been that infamous line about the ginger kid in series one.

“Gervais is not new to combining sadness with comedy”

After Life, like much of Ricky death, which would be an insult to Gervais’ work, is akin to marmite the depth of love he felt for her. – you either love it or you hate it. Although this is not to say that People tend to dislike the show people who find love again later for one of two reasons, the first in life have forgotten their love being that some dislike Gervais’ for their first partners - in fact, brand of humour (it is his signa- this is what Anne is continuously ture no-holdsbarred style, and therefore you can see why it may not appeal to some). The other reason is that people feel that the combination of brash comedic lines with the sentimentality of grief is unrealistic or rude. However, it is exactly this combination that Twitter/@NetflixUK makes the series realistic. Grief is an extreme emotion, and it can plunge people into trying to tell Tony within the depression as seen in Tony’s char- series. Instead, in After Life, Tony acter - but life must go on. Whilst has to learn to live through his grief never goes away, it slowly grief and to understand who he is becomes more bearable to live as a person without Lisa. with, and we are able to find As usual, the video clips of humour in life despite our pain. Tony’s late wife Lisa (Kerry Part of being human is learn- Godliman) are shown throughout ing to live with both pain and the series, but they appear as less happiness. Tony could have of a crutch to Tony in this series, moved on too soon after his wife’s and more joyful. Gervais himself

has said that Godliman’s recital of the poem 'Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep', by Mary Elizabeth Frye, still makes him choke up to this day. Similarly, June (Jo Hartley) offers beautiful insight to Tony when she explains that Lisa would have wanted him to accept the money for her life insurance, a dilemma that many people experiencing grief may be troubled with.

“It is an important lesson in human nature” Whilst I can understand why After Life may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I believe it is an important lesson in human nature, and finding joy in life even when it appears most hopeless. I do not doubt that this series will go on to be watched for years to come, and who knows – if we are lucky, perhaps Gervais will grant us a Christmas special in a year or two.

«««««

Facebook@MaiselTV

The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel Amazon Prime 18th February

Facebook@ KillingEveBBCA

Killing Eve - Season 4 BBC iPlayer 27th February

GAMING

Friday 11th February 2022

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For Nintendo, James? For Nintendo, Alec. Matt Cook looks back at N64 classic, GoldenEye 007, exploring what cemented its place in Gaming history Matt Cook Gaming Writer Content Warning: This article contains themes of violence which some readers may find distressing

Being an avid fan of games (which you hope from someone writing for the Gaming section), the thought of an unlived 90’s childhood is a bit melancholic. It was a decade of massive technological innovation, and in just a few short years the world of gaming found itself in the middle of a spectacular sort of renaissance that it has not seen since. While twelve-yearold me would not have traded Assassins’ Creed and Fallout: New Vegas for the world, a part of me now cannot help but wish to know what it was like to grow up during that decade. Improvements came thick and fast; catchy 8-bit tunes were blooming into fullyfledged soundtracks. Huge graphics overhauls saw pixelated pancake sprites evolve into big, blocky 3D models, liberated from their level-based cycles and able to freely explore deeper, more detailed environments.

“The world of gaming found itself in [...] a spectacular sort of renaissance” A technological arms race between manufacturing giants Sega and Namco drove many of these innovations, resulting in ground-breaking arcade titles (like Tekken and Time Crisis) being produced rapidly as each company attempted to outdo the other. Despite its initial successes, this ‘3D Revolution’ was a silent harbinger of doom for the arcade industry, a fact that became all the more obvious as the years went on and gaming tech began to get smaller and smarter.

Brendan B / Flickr

Home consoles of the mid to late 90s - such as the PlayStation in 1994 and the Nintendo 64 in 1996 – were magic little boxes with technological capabilities that made the bulky 80s machines look like relics from the Dark Ages. Dying were the days of blowing dust out of your cartridges; discs and memory cards were the sleek new way to store data. Buttons and joysticks had been relocated onto the latest lightweight, ergonomic controllers. Fancy a game with a pal? No need to have them next to you; you could play with them through the magic of local area network (LAN) multiplayer, all from the comfort of your own living room floor. Or sofa. Or wherever you sat. Needless to say, the arcade was condemned to touristy seafronts and the corners of bowling alleys while the home console – and the spanking new games that came with them – saw massive surges in popularity. Even today, over twenty years on, console gaming remains king. In October 2020, Sony reported that it had sold more pre-orders of its latest console, the creatively named PlayStation 5, within twelve hours than its predecessor, the PlayStation 4, had sold in twelve days. Sadly, as of 2022, many games of the 1990s/early 2000s now look as equally ancient as they do hilarious; the last two and a half decades have not been kind to the likes of 2001 Rubeus Hagrid, who by modern standards looks like a black and brown blobfish. This being said, many of them remain timeless classics; titles like Super Mario 64 and Doom are core to the consciousness of any gamer worth their salt, and numerous 90s franchises - Resident Evil, Mortal Kombat, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six - are still all going strong today. I believe one of these classics, however, has slipped off radar slightly in the nearly twentyfive years since its release, which is all the sadder given its consistently high acclaim by fans and critics alike. It remains one of my true favourites and never fails to

selling N64 game of all time, behind Super Mario 64 and Mario Kart 64 (both released 1996). While this all sounds very exciting, I wasn’t around when Goldeneye 007 first released. I didn’t exist. By the time I was actually starting to experience the joys of the first-person shooter, the N64 version of Goldeneye 007 had been replaced by a 2010 remake of the same name on the Nintendo Wii, as well as a further enhanced port of that remake titled Goldeneye 007: Reloaded, available on both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 a year later. The

send those treasured childhood memories flooding back. By the summer of 1997, Ian Fleming’s legendary superspy James Bond had been played by five different actors across seventeen different films. Despite this huge cinematic presence, Bond had yet to properly break into the gaming world; those fancying a slice of fast-paced Secret Service action on their console had only a handful of mediocre, somewhat forgetful titles to choose from. That was until August, when the release of Rare’s Goldeneye 007 on the N64 shook – or perhaps stirred – not only fans of Bond, but those of the growing firstperson shooter (FPS) genre.

“Despite this huge cinematic presence, Bond had yet to properly break into the gaming world” The game’s plot is almost identical to that of the 1995 film, seeing players take control of Bond (in the image of Pierce Brosnan) as he attempts to stop criminal syndicate Janus wreaking havoc on the world with a huge weaponised satellite, nicknamed the GoldenEye. With hightech gadgets and over twenty different weapons at their disposal, players were well-equipped to take down enemies, secure documents and save hostages in iconic levels like ‘Dam’, ‘Nightclub’ and ‘Archives’ as they toured Europe in their search for agent-turnedterrorist Alec Trevelyan. As well as including new reloading and headshot mechanics, the game was one of the first shooters to encourage stealth as a viable strategy, and so (in addition to running and gunning) those controlling Bond had to option of slinking around instead, avoiding trouble and quietly dispatching guards with a suppressed pistol in true 007 style. The game’s most popular feature, however, was its multiplayer. Building on the ‘deathmatch’ format pioneered by fellow FPS Doom (1993), Goldeneye 007 offered iconic modes including ‘You Only Live Twice’ (selfexplanatory, players get two lives before being eliminated) and ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’, in which players would tussle over Roger Moore’s legendary golden pistol, offering those lucky enough to acquire it the god-like power of a one-shot kill. Despite low expectations and a poor demonstration at an E3 event in Atlanta, Goldeneye 007 was lauded upon release, praised for its graphics, gameplay, multiplayer modes and music. Over eight million copies of the game were sold by the end of its run, making it the third-best

Sergey Norin / Flickr

remakes copied the N64 original faithfully with few exceptions, one of the biggest being that the Bond mantle had now been taken up by Daniel Craig, the latest actor to play the character on the big screen. I ended up getting the Reloaded version on PS3 when I was twelve, and to say I played it to death would be a massive understatement. For me, it was a T-Rated gateway to the grittier world of M-Rated Call of Duty: Black Ops, which my parents (rightly or wrongly) did not quite trust me with yet. That was fine by me, though; Reloaded was cleaner and classier but just as good.

“To say I played it to death would be a massive understatement” My favourite missions were definitely ‘Dam’/’Facility’ - the first two the player encounters after completing a simple tutorial level called ‘Training’ - in which Bond and pre-traitor Trevelyan are sent to infiltrate a secret Russian weapons base. They bypass the first watchtower with ease and steal a truck without a hitch, but it does not take long until the level’s slow, methodical pace goes turbo. For a highly trained field agent who believes his Russian to be ‘as good as ever’, I always found it funny how Bond manages to get found out after speaking just one line of it to a guard. What follows is one of the game’s best sequences, second only to the later level ‘Tank’ in which you wreak havoc with a stolen Russian tank, complete with a minigun with infinite bullets. I am not sure whether or not Alec had been drinking before the mission started, but I remember his driving being absolutely atrocious. This being said, the chaotic weaving between exploding trucks all while spraying

Russian soldiers with an AK-47 out the front windscreen was nothing short of brilliant fun, and definitely one of those moments in gaming that you wish you could relive for the first time all over again. ‘Dam’ starts as a stealth mission but ends up turning into something Michael Bay would direct, and I am here for it. Things can only go slowly for so long, right? The online multiplayer was just as good. The game mode Escalation was my personal favourite, exclusive to Reloaded and reminiscent of the Black Ops party mode Gun Game. After choosing from forty-four different playable characters, players would enter a free-for-all in which a kill would see them receive a new weapon on a pre-set list. The first to cycle through all the guns won the game, but there was a catch; getting killed two times in a row demoted you to the previous weapon. Getting to the final weapon – a rocket launcher – had me breaking into sweats every time, and to this day there is little that matches the pain of charging around with the rocket launcher only for the game to suddenly end. What happened? Someone else had gotten a kill with it first, stealing your thunder at the very last second and sending you back to the lobby humiliated. What to do? Get back in there for another game; losing was frustrating but winning was addictive.

“Losing was frustrating but winning was addictive” And so, eleven years on from my experiences with Goldeneye 007: Reloaded, the game still holds my high esteem. Yet. what remains is the question of when fans (like me) will be able to relive them; since 2010, only two new Bond titles have been released - James Bond 007: Blood Stone and 007 Legends - both of which suffered from poor reviews and even poorer sales. There is, ultimately, a big Bond void in our lives that must be filled. Low and behold on January 1st 2022, Xbox achievement tracking site TrueAchievement uncovered something unusual; a complete list of achievements from the original 1997 Goldeneye 007. If this was not conclusive enough, an unfinished Xbox 360 remaster of the game leaked online in February 2021, reported by VGC to be playable via emulation on PC. While neither discovery openly confirms the existence of an incoming reiteration of Goldeneye 007, they certainly imply it. The N64 classic celebrates its 25th anniversary on August 25th, 2022, and so it would make sense for the game to be teased, revealed or even released around that date if it exists, of course. I will be crossing my fingers come the summer holidays, hoping and praying that I will be able to relive that brilliant campaign with stunning modern graphics, or jump online and charge around a nightclub with the Moonraker Laser, blasting everyone in sight. While I did not grow up in the 90s, Goldeneye 007 is a little piece of it that remains part of my childhood. I would say that to see it return in 2022 would mean the world to me but the world is not enough.

GAMING

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbrickgaming

What Is

W O R

All About?

Seth Nobes catalogues the meteoric success of the game taking Twitter by storm Seth Nobes Gaming Writer

It all started when random combinations of black, yellow and green squares appeared on my Twitter feed. Accompanied with Wordle, a number in the 200’s, and a mark out of six, no context was provided, and I was left perplexed. My first thought was to check the App Store, assuming ‘Wordle’ was the name of the next popular mobile game. However, after downloading an app of the same name, I could not find anything vaguely related to the squares I had seen on Twitter. I then took to Google, and one quick search later, I had found what I was looking for. Wordle is, you guessed it, a word game. The name is a play on the surname of its creator, Josh Wardle, who created the game for his puzzle-loving partner, Palak Shah. When the game was launched in October 2021, the two were the only players, making

their daily guesses on their sofa. The game was introduced to close friends and relatives, and soon their Whatsapp chats were flooded with their daily results. Upon encouragement from those who had played the game, it was released to the rest of the world at the end of October. S

On 1st November, the game had 90 players. Before long, the game began to increase in popularity, with 300,000 players just two months later, on 1st January. Wordle’s success did not cease there, though. In fact, January 2022 was the month in which the game really began to take off. In less than two weeks, the amount playing had multiplied by more than six, with over 2 million people making their

guesses in the weekend of 8th-9th. Describing this as a meteoric rise does not do it justice.

“In less than two weeks, the amount playing had multiplied by more than six, with over 2 million people making their guesses” The concept of the game is a simple one, laid out in a simple way, arguably a main reason behind the game’s popularity. Players have six attempts to guess a five letter word. For the first guess, there are no hints, or tips; you are in the dark. If you guess a letter correctly, and it is situated correctly in the word, the tile goes

green. A tile turns yellow if the letter is part of the word, but not where you guessed it. Letters not in the solution remain black, and are shaded out on the keyboard to ensure you don’t guess it again. Thus, it gets easier the more guesses you make. Once you have guessed the correct word, all the tiles will turn green. There are many explanations for Wordle’s popularity. As someone who plays it daily, I think it is a nice distraction, which does not take up too much of my time. It also encourages friendly competition, seeing who can guess the word in the fewest attempts each day. I felt very proud about being able to brag about the time I guessed it correctly in two attempts! The simplistic layout of the game makes it easy to play, without constant adverts, or popups asking you to sign up, distracting you. I also think the quick nature of Wordle is fundamental in its success. Popular apps like Tiktok demonstrate the potential of rapid entertainment,

which Wordle has really appealed to, given you can only play once a day, with it taking less than five minutes. W

On Monday 31st January, The New York Times announced they had acquired Wordle for a ‘low seven figure sum.’ Despite its global success, creator Josh Wardle described Wordle’s viral nature in an interview with The Guardian as ‘not feeling great.’ He explained how he ‘feels a sense of responsibility for the players.’ Despite this, he is able to acknowledge the power of what he created in light of the pandemic. Wardle ‘receives emails from people who share their scores with those they aren’t able to see.’ In extremely challenging times, Wordle offers five minutes of solace.

Microsoft Announces Acquisition of Activision Blizzard

Ella Kipling investigates the $68 billion purchase Ella Kipling Social Secretary

On January 18th 2022, Microsoft announced their planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $95 per share, in an all-cash transaction valued at $68.7 billion, inclusive of Activision Blizzard’s net cash. The acquisition will include iconic franchises from the Activision, Blizzard and King studios like Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Call of Duty, and Candy Crush. After the transaction closes, Microsoft will become the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony.

“Microsoft will become the world’s thirdlargest gaming company by revenue” Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft, described gaming as ‘the most dynamic and exciting category in entertainment across all platforms today,’ and said: ‘We’re investing deeply in world-class content, community

and the cloud to usher in a new era of gaming that puts players and creators first and makes gaming safe, inclusive and accessible to all.’ Players everywhere love Activision Blizzard games, and we believe the creative teams have their best work in front of them. Together we will build a future where people can play the games they want, virtually anywhere they want,’ said Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming. According to the announcement, Bobby Kotick will continue to serve as CEO of Activision Blizzard, and (alongside his team) will maintain a focus on ‘driving efforts to further strengthen the company’s culture and accelerate business growth.’ Once the deal closes, the Activision Blizzard business will report to Spencer. In November 2021, a Wall Street Journal report alleged that Kotick had been aware of sexual misconduct claims within the company since 2018, but did not inform the board of directors. An Activision spokesperson said that Kotick ‘would not have been informed of every report of misconduct at every Activision Blizzard company, nor would he reasonably be expected to have been updated on all personnel issues.’ A group of shareholders led by the Strategic Organizing Canter (SOC) Investment Group called for Kotick’s resignation and wrote in a

letter shared with the Washington Post: ‘In contrast to past company statements, CEO Bobby Kotick was aware of many incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault and gender discrimination at Activision Blizzard, but failed either to ensure that the executives and managers responsible were terminated or to recognize and address the systematic nature of the company’s hostile workplace culture.’

“CEO Bobby Kotick was aware of many incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault and gender discrimination at Activision Blizzard” Speaking about Microsoft’s planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Kotick said: ‘For more than 30 years our incredibly talented teams have created some of the most successful games.’ Kotick continued on to say; ‘The combination of Activision

@ACVI_AB

Blizzard’s world-class talent and extraordinary franchises with Microsoft’s technology, distribution, access to talent, ambitious vision and shared

commitment to gaming and inclusion will help ensure our continued success in an increasingly competitive industry.’

Gaming Editors: Our Month in Gaming

@Halo

Halo Infinite (2021)

@valvesoftware

Team Fortress 2 (2007)

@HOI_Game

Hearts of Iron 4 (2016)

@pokemon

Pokémon Legends Arceus (2022)

FOOD&DRINK

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbrickfood

Overnight Cheesecake Weetabix Cara-Louise Scott shares the love as she serves up a romantic Recipe

A Hearty Valentine's Menu

Chloe Hyde

three-course meal just in time for Valentine's Day Cara-Louise Scott Food&Drink Editor

Valentine’s is a day where people around the world celebrate love, with many people using this day to show romantic gestures to their partner, and single people using it as a day to display platonic love in their friendships. Whatever you are doing this Valentine’s Day, I have created a

Drink: Strawberry Bellini This is a fruity and delicious alcoholic drink to have on Valentine’s Day. I always associate prosecco as a romantic drink and the red colouring of the strawberry adds to the traditional colour of love. If you want an alcohol-free alternative, you could add lemonade instead of prosecco, or even just drink this

Starter: Platter of Spring Rolls, Gyoza, Chicken Pieces and Sauces This is the perfect starter to fill you up whilst your main meal is being cooked. It also sets off a wave of flavours to begin this romantic meal. I personally buy pre-made Spring Rolls and Gyoza, but if you are looking to make these

Main: Heart-Shaped Margherita Tart This is one of my favourite things to make, as my partner made this for me for our first Valentine’s meal. This is a meal that can be made together, particularly when adding the toppings since it offers an extra dose of romance. It is easy to make, can be made with meat or veggies, and it is beautifully delicious.

Dessert: Melt-YourHeart Triple Chocolate Brownie and Ice Cream Molly Keesling on Unsplash

You can never go wrong with brownies, and this recipe ensures a pudding that will leave you and your loved one full of sweetness and satisfied after this tasteful three-course meal. I use Jane’s Patisserie recipes for baking, so

three-course meal with a drink that I think is perfect for a romantic date. Both people can cook and enjoy this food, which can be altered to suit the needs of meateaters and vegetarians/vegans. I do not associate any particular food and drink with Valentine’s Day; I think a meal with your partner any day of the year is romantic no matter what food you eat, but these are just foods that I have romantic associations

with personally. I hope these recipes get your mouth watering to create a delicious meal for you and your partner or friend to enjoy.

as a strawberry puree.

out.

Serves 2

2. Add the sugar, half at a time, and taste until it is at the sweetness level you want.

Ingredients: 225g Strawberries 2 tsp Sugar 170ml Prosecco Method 1. Blend the strawberries until they have a smooth texture. Strain and then sieve to get the seeds completely homemade, then you can check out BBC Good Food for recipe inspiration. I would recommend finding the biggest plate you have to serve these on. Place the Spring Rolls in a circle around the outer layer of the plate, the Gyoza in the middle circle layer and then the chicken pieces in the middle of the plate. Serve with bowls of Sweet Chilli Sauce, Soy Sauce and BBQ Sauce for added flavour. Serves up to 4 but works well for 2 people as you will be wanting a big amount! Saahil Khatkhate on Unsplash

this is one of hers with my own twist. Serves 8 (so you have left overs for the next few days) Ingredients: 100g Dark Chocolate 100g Unsalted Butter 2 Medium Eggs 140g Caster Sugar 50g Plain Flour 25g Cocoa Powder 50g White Chocolate Chips 50g Milk Chocolate Chips 50g Dark Chocolate Chips 8 Strawberries, halved Chocolate Sauce Heart-Shaped Cake Decorations Vanilla Ice Cream Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Food&Drink Editor Chloe Hyde

“I have created a three-course meal with a drink that I think is perfect for a romantic date”

Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

3. Divide the strawberry puree between the two glasses; fill them until half full.

Chloe Hyde

4. Finally, top the glasses with prosecco. Stir the mix gently before serving!

Genshes2013 on Pixabay

“This is the perfect starter to fill you up whilst your main meal is being cooked”

It should be no surprise to anybody by now that TikTok is an unstoppable power when it comes to viral food trends. So much so that there is even a TikTok food trend recipe book on the shelves. In the past, we have seen ‘Whipped Coffee’, ‘Vodka Rigatoni’, Emily Mariko’s ‘Salmon Rice Bowl’ and numerous other fads – I do personally admit that ‘Baked Feta Pasta’ is a common weeknight meal in my household. The latest trend is a breakfast recipe, ‘Overnight Weetabix’ which is apparently meant to taste like cheesecake. This recipe in particular, created by @clean_eats on TikTok, makes a delicious Cookies and Cream inspired breakfast. This recipe is reminiscent of creations such as ‘Baked Oats’, which can be adapted to taste like a healthier version of a cake you can devour. It is so easy to grow tiresome of the same breakfast every morning, so this may be a solution if you are into Weetabix and cheesecake alike. Ingredients:

Ingredients: 375g Sheet of Ready-Rolled Pastry 2 tsp Olive Oil 3 tbsp Red Pesto 300g Cherry Tomatoes, halved 125g Mozzarella Cheese

3. Score a 1.5cm border around the edge of the pastry, and spread the red pesto evenly over.

Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees (gas mark 5).

5. Drizzle the olive oil on top and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes.

2. Unroll the pastry sheet on a lined or lightly greased sheet.

6. Cut into either a heart shape, or squares and serve with homemade chips and a side salad.

2. Melt together the unsalted butter with the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of boiling water. Alternatively, in the microwave, put it in for one to two minutes until fully melted.

8. Once baked, leave to cool until room temperature.

3. Leave to cool until room temperature before continuing. 4. Whisk together the eggs and caster sugar. 5. Once whisked, pour the cooled chocolate mix over the egg and sugar mixture, then fold it together. 6. Sift the cocoa powder and plain flour on top of the chocolate mix and fold together again. 7. Add in the chocolate chips and pour into the baking tray to bake for 25-30 minutes.

4. Scatter mozzarella over the pesto, and then add the chopped tomatoes and any toppings.

9. Cut the brownies into squares and serve on plates. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the brownies and add the halved strawberries on top. 10. Finish by scattering the heartshaped cake decorations on top and serve with a dollop of ice cream. 11. Enjoy!

“This recipe will leave you and your loved one full of sweetness”

Bottom Layer: 2 Weetabix 125ml Milk of your choice 1 tbsp Sugar/Sweetener 5g Cocoa Powder Middle Layer: 160g Thick Vanilla Yoghurt (Greek Yoghurt also works) 15g Protein Powder (optional) 1 Oreo, crushed Top Layer: 10g White Chocolate 1 tbsp Milk of your choice 1-2 Crushed Oreos Method: 1. Crush the Weetabix into a rectangular container, and mix together with the milk, sugar and cocoa powder. Flatten the mixture evenly. 2. In a separate bowl, combine the yoghurt, protein powder and crushed Oreo together. Then, spread above the Weetabix layer so it is all covered fairly. 3. Melt the white chocolate, then add your milk. Layer this on top of the yoghurt mixture until it is completely covered. 4. Sprinkle the Oreo and any other toppings you may want to add on top. 5. Refrigerate overnight until everything is set and enjoy!

FOOD&DRINK

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbrickfood

Restaurant Review: Manahatta Nicole Morris visits Birmingham’s new bar, Manahatta, arguing that it has a lot to offer Nicole Morris Food&Drink Writer

Recently opened in October 2021, Manahatta is a new bar in Birmingham located on Temple Street in the heart of the city amongst other popular cocktail bars. However, what makes Birmingham’s newest answer to a pit-stop on a cocktail crawl stand apart from the rest? As the name of the establishment suggests, the bar is inspired by Manhattan in New York. Therefore, from the décor, you might forget you are in Birmingham, and in fact imagine you are actually in New York.

“From the décor, you might forget you are in Birmingham, and in fact imagine you are in New York City” There are plenty of Instagrammable spots beneath neon signs and artwork of New

York City. The large open plan space offers high barstools and comfy sofas for drinkers, with booth-like seating for diners as the bar also boasts a food menu inspired by American cuisine. Expect to find burgers, hot dogs, and filled pretzels, as well as vegan-friendly alternatives to their flagship dishes.

hired in October the company allowed them to try the food and cocktails on a training day in order for them to be able to offer fair recommendations to customers. We opted for a 'Rum & Plum' (pictured on the left of the menu) and an 'Electric Avenue' (pictured right of the menu).

“Expect to find burgers, hot dogs and filled pretzels, as well as veganfriendly alternatives” The bar’s happy hour deals will undeniably make Manahatta a crowd pleaser and student favourite: from Sunday to Thursday the cocktails are 2-4-1 all day. There is a large choice of cocktails available including classics like a 'Pornstar Martini', and other exciting concoctions unique to Manahatta. If you are struggling to decide, the bar staff were very helpful in providing recommendations. Our bartender explained to us that when the staff were

It was possible for us to customise our drinks to an extent, as we were able to switch the soda in the 'Electric Avenue' to lemonade, as the cocktails are all hand-crafted. The drinks were nicely presented with their individual garnishes. If you like spiced rum, I would highly recommend the 'Rum & Plum' as the warm spiciness of the rum pairs well with the fruity plum giving it an overall autumnal tasting flavour.

“The warm spiciness of the rum pairs well with the fruity plum giving it an overall autumnal flavour”

Nicole Morris

tooth thoroughly enjoyed it. The only thing lacking at the bar was an atmosphere, though we did visit on a Sunday evening, so the bar had a more relaxed vibe which ensured that it was easy to get a drink. We were assured that Friday and Saturday nights were busier, and often remained so until the early hours of the following morning. This exciting new spot in the city has a lot to offer in the way of a place to stop for a drink, or for a casual sit-down meal also. I will certainly be returning to try more of the cocktails!

“This exciting new spot [...] has a lot to offer”

Personally, I found the 'Electric Avenue' too sweet and the bright blue Slush Puppie-like colour slightly off-putting, however my friend with a sweet

Trying Dry January as a Student

Jakub Dziubak on Unsplash

Seth Nobes shares the difficulties and benefits of Dry January as a University student Seth Nobes

Food&Drink Writer

The decision for to partake in Dry January during my first year of university seemingly came out of the blue. It was met by a great deal of resistance from my flatmates, and much to my surprise, my parents. I think they wanted to protect me from setting myself up for failure. I was a fresher after all, who had garnered a bit of a reputation for placing a bit too much emphasis on playing hard, as opposed to working hard. This did not deter me; my heart was set on the idea that not a drop of alcohol would pass my lips for 31 days. Part of the appeal to me was the ability to reset. I had lost several days to the after-effects of the night before, and needed to find that balance between enjoyment and productivity. This is not to say I regretted my decisions in my first term of

university. Coming from North Devon, where there is one nightclub, I had thoroughly enjoyed the options that the nightlife of Birmingham had to offer. Also, the ease of Uber meant the days of running for the last night bus were over. I had made new memories, with new friends, and was definitely having a positive university experience. However, I knew I could not continue in my ways.

“I knew I could not continue in my ways” From my own experience, there is certainly a great number of benefits to participating in Dry January. One of the main things I gained from the month was a sense of self-control, which previously I lacked. I did not need to wake up the morning after going out worrying about my actions after one too

many. Instead, I could get up with a newfound ease, with a clear head, ready to tackle the day. The advantages did not just end there; the discipline Dry January brought to my life definitely had an overall impact. My university work improved, with the grades I received in January my best up to that point. I felt healthier after rediscovering my love for running. I made a promise to myself at the start of the academic year that I would get back into it, even going as far as splashing out on new running shoes. I was able to transfer the motivation I had built up for the month-long challenge to exercise, with the lack of alcohol in my system meaning the running was able to have a positive long-term effect. I know a big worry I had before the 31 days began was that my social life would take a big hit, whereas, in reality, this was not the case. I was still able

to go to the pub, saving money by purchasing soft drinks. It also made me realise that I did not need to drink obscene amounts to enjoy a night out, with a sober visit to a club for my flatmate’s birthday up there with my best at university. The sense of completion I felt when midnight struck on 1st February was incredible. I was overcome with a feeling of pride, having proven to myself that I was able to see something through to the end. The self-belief completing the challenge gave me is something I have kept with me all throughout uni, with my current work ethic directly influenced by my accomplishment. I did drink again, but I know now my limits, and understand how to both work hard, and play hard.

TRAVEL

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbricktravel

Oslo: A Year Abroad During the Pandemic Eva Cahill debates whether ignorance during her year abroad was a blessing or a curse Eva Cahill Travel Writer

Some of the key phrases that stuck with me before I embarked upon my year abroad were ‘you are going to have the best year’ and ‘just make the most of it!’ For a student who, like many others, had not been placed at any of her chosen destinations, these remarks were undercut with worries about what this ‘amazing year’ would entail. Alongside this, the uncertainty the pandemic brought on, with friends having their year abroads cancelled, visas being withdrawn and a 14-day hotel quarantine looming on the horizon, added to the stress of expectation. I dealt with this uncertainty through a complete disengagement from the idea that I would be spending a year in Norway. As my departure loomed closer, I found the idea that I would be in some ‘foreign country’, about which I knew next to nothing, quite funny. Satisfied with the rumours that Norway was ‘very expensive, very cold and very dark’, I resolved to adopt a wonted ignorance towards the nitty gritty logistics of my year in Oslo. The Norwegian language, what Oslo looked like, which subjects I would study and the address of where I would be living were all minor issues neglected for a later date. They were future problems for a future me.

“They were future problems for a future me” Unfortunately, as I arrived in Oslo at one in the morning, braced with two large suitcases and laden with heavy hand luggage, I realised with immediate effect the problem with my

approach. I now had nowhere to stay for the night, no ability to speak the language, no idea where I was, and (as predicted) it was cold and very dark.

“I now had nowhere to stay for the night” I ended up muddling through that problem with a particularly helpful Norwegian taxi driver. He joined me in finding the oddly located lockers which held information about my flat address, then helped me carry my suitcases up twelve flights of stairs only to realise that I was in fact on the second floor and patiently attempted to understand this situation through a pretty robust language barrier. Arriving in my flat at around three in the morning, exhausted, with no bedding, furniture, or idea of where I was testified to the stupidity of my approach. I cursed myself for not having been more prepared and resolved that I would not take that foolishly blind approach again. From now on, I was going to know what I was letting myself in for when I made any important decisions throughout my stay in Oslo. Thankfully though, I swiftly disregarded this lesson. I went to welcome fairs and signed up for societies which earned me even the most mediocre freebies. Walking around, I overlooked the future commitments my actions would entail, enjoying the immediate rewards I had gained through signing up – a free pen and bag of flavoured nuts were the highlights. Much like my journey out here, I doubt that I would have followed through with these commitments had I realised the extent of what I was getting myself into. I am not sure I would have gotten involved in student radio had I

known that I would be sitting cluelessly through hours of application meetings, training, and introductions all given in Norwegian. Similarly, I doubt I would have attempted to integrate myself into an initially hostile Norwegian speaking lacrosse team, without a stick or competency in Norwegian beyond stage one of Duolingo. Snowboarding would have been a definite no if I had been aware of how grim learning is at the start, how battered I would be, and how many times I would lose control and find myself tangled in salaam poles. It was only when I had got myself involved in all these activities that I realised the challenges they posed and, a little later, that I appreciated the rewards.

“I doubt that I would have followed through with these commitments had I realised the extent of what I was getting myself into” Ultimately, it seemed that my tendency to approach life abroad with a level of ignorance was strangely advantageous. It allowed me to be more courageous, pushing myself into opportunities that I might have otherwise shied away from. In reflection then, I am far less critical of my initial attitude towards moving away. This attitude has been vital in allowing me to undertake opportunities that have completely removed me from my comfort zone and that have been uniquely rewarding.

Editor's Top European Romantic Getaways: Unsplash/Henrique Ferreira

City Break: Seville, Spain Unsplash/ Geertje Caliguire

Outdoor Lovers: Lucerne, Switzerland

Unsplash/ Despina Galani

Beach Getaway: Mykonos, Greece

Unsplash/ Meriç Dağlı

Eva Cahill

Culture Rich: Istanbul, Turkey

TRAVEL

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbricktravel

Best of Britain: Valentine's Getaway in Brighton Cara-Louise Scott plans a romantic getaway in Brighton for Valentine's Day, suggesting picturesque spots and cute activities Cara-Louise Scott Food&Drink Editor

If you are looking for somewhere to go on a romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day, Brighton is the place to go. This stunning seaside city in South East England is the perfect picturesque place to visit with your partner, offering affordable hotels overlooking the sea, beautiful walks, and unique activities to ensure the trip is as fun as possible. Cities are well-known for being the perfect location for a romantic getaway, and Brighton presents the ideal trendy atmosphere alongside beach locations. This time of year is the perfect time to head to Brighton as it is quiet, making it more intimate than the bustling busyness of the summer months that draws people to the beach.

“This time of year is the perfect time to head to Brighton as it is quiet, making it more intimate”

When you arrive in Brighton, the first spot you should visit is the beach. Covered in pebbles, the beach is accessible for walking in the winter months without the worry of sand seeping into your shoes. The crystal blue water is mesmerising and walking on the beach allows you to see the city in all its glory.

“Walking on the beach allows you to see the city in all its glory” If you walk down far enough, you will get to the upside-down house - a self-explanatory and intriguing attraction to look at, something so out-of-the-ordinary - extraordinariness being something which Brighton takes to the next level. Brighton is a quirky place, enriched with cute cafes and bright street art down the famous ‘lanes’, which you can stroll along with your partner. Brighton’s Palace Pier is a must-do. Nothing says romance like walking along a beach pier, playing arcade games together , and beating your partner at air hockey. Brighton’s pier stretches out for what seems like a

mile, and not only has a giant amusement park, but also a fun fair and a restaurant. If you are looking for some fun activities to do together, I would recommend the British Airways i360, a viewing tower overlooking the entirety of Brighton. This is the ultimate romantic evening activity to do with your partner, looking over the city with a drink from the bar and taking some cute pictures together with the view. After this, you could go for dinner at one of the many restaurants lining the coast. With plenty to choose from, there is something that would take your fancy that could provide a romantic meal date to end your day. Brighton also holds an array of cocktail bars for you to try if that is your thing.

cheapest months for a stay in a seaside hotel. Staying a night or two allows this trip to remain a cute, small affordable holiday while yielding enough time to have the epitome of fun and make life-long memories.

“A cute, small affordable holiday [...] the epitome of fun and [...] lifelong memories”

“This is the ultimate romantic evening activity” Staying the night in Brighton would mean you could have two days to explore the city, as one day for a first-time visit is simply not enough, especially if you were travelling all the way from Birmingham. While Brighton is not the cheapest place, February is one of the

Unsplash / Rhys Kentish

On your second day, there is plenty to do such as walking around the famous Royal Pavilion, with breathtaking decor inside. Paying to go inside is definitely worth it as the Pavilion is enriched in history, and there is nothing quite like its interior. You could also head to the Marina to play some glow in the dark mini golf at Globalls, or even hit the Sea Life aquarium. Brighton really does include everything you could want to have a fun beach and city trip away with your partner, full of cute couple activities and jawdropping sights to guarantee you and your partner the best Valentine’s Day you could dream of.

Travel Testing Scrapped for FullyVaccinated: Premature or About Time? Rebecca Whalley discusses the government's upcoming plans to axe travel testing for fully-vaccinated travellers Rebecca Whalley Travel Writer

The government has now revealed all testing will be scrapped from 11 February for fully-vaccinated travellers in time for the half-term. Travellers will now only have to complete a passenger locator form (PLF) before returning to the UK. The statement comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the government was reviewing their approach to testing for travellers, having scrapped pre-departure tests in early January. Currently the only rules in place for fullyvaccinated travellers is the completion of a PLF, and the completion of a post-travel, day two COVID-19 test. Alongside Manchester Airports Group and Airlines

UK, Collinson (a large testing firm) has long advocated the scrapping of COVID-19 tests for travellers arriving in the UK, claiming they were only ever supposed to be a ‘temporary solution’. Collinson’s director, Simon Worrell, stated that post-travel testing is a hindrance to the industry as it puts off passengers from going overseas. Worrell claimed that ‘the link between getting infected and hospitalisation has been broken. We are in a fantastic place – the envy of the world, I think.’ Matthew Taylor, Head of the NHS Confederation of Hospital Leads, said, ‘We are close to the national peak of COVID patients in hospital. This is a significant moment.’ Is this too optimistic? Travel testing has become notorious

for its cost and logistical difficulties, but virologists are not as keen to see it left behind. Dr Eleanor Gaunt at the University of Edinburgh remarked, ‘I fully agree that this needs to happen, but the timing is premature. It is entirely possible that Omicron will be succeeded by a new variant and possibly one that can circumvent immunity provided by vaccination and previous infection.’

“It is entirely possible that Omicron will be succeeded by a new variant” Omicron cases have been reported as more than 90,000 a day since early January.

Although the number of cases continues to fall and those who have received their COVID-19 booster are around 70% less likely to become infected, people’s return to work and school means that Omicron is still spreading rapidly. Virologists are therefore concerned that travellers avoiding testing will only contribute to rising cases. Dr Stephen Griffin from the University of Leeds suggested that travellers ‘have a moral responsibility to monitor and to know if you're infectious. It is a good idea to test.’ Dr Griffin’s statement is apt when considering the much milder symptoms of the Omicron variant, with people much less likely to feel they have it without testing. Dr Griffin’s suggestion that this is a moral responsibility is particularly pertinent at the

moment. Consumer rights groups claimed that the travel testing system is a ‘predictable COVID rip-off,’ while others claim it is a necessary and the moral thing to do. Travel testing has created tension between those that see it as an economic ploy and a necessary health solution. According to the government, with the average family spending around £100 on travel testing kits, it is evident that travel testing creates serious economic difficulties. Equally, the erasure of travel testing demonstrates great irresponsibility. The completion of a PLF only demonstrates where a traveller has been 48 hours prior to their arrival in the UK. The only way for the travel industry to function well, but responsibly, is to introduce much cheaper tests for travellers.

LIFE&STYLE

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbricklifestyle

Shop 'til You Drop: Rethinking Fashion's 'Use-By' Date Emily Lewis investigates the rising trend of slow fashion amongst students and encourage us to 'make, mend, and do' Emily Lewis Life&Style Writer

Images of thousands of unsold fast fashion items ending up in Chile’s Atacama Desert hit headlines in late 2021, shocking many as to the reality of rampant fashion consumerism. Al Jazeera reported that approximately 39,000 tonnes of unsold clothing and accessories are dumped unethically, causing great environmental distress.

“Approximately 39,000 tonnes of unsold clothing and accessories are dumped unethically” Therefore, it is important to investigate if there is a rising trend of students moving away from fast fashion and why it is important to do so. Particularly with materialistic holidays (such as Valentine's Day) fast approaching, reflecting on our own shopping habits and its effect on the environment, as well as workers conditions, is necessary. For context, these items were made in the East, shipped to the West, and resold in South America, travelling thousands of miles before their end destination and polluting the natural world. The University of Manchester has reported that the fast fashion industry produces 92 million tonnes of waste every year. Clearly, fast fashion is a highly problematic industry, especially under the current pressures to tackle climate change. The dire human rights consequences of fast fashion are often reported, such as the extremely low wages of garments makers – often in large factories in Asian countries – and the associated issues of slave labour. Just last year, The Sunday Times found that

the popular British fast fashion company Boohoo was paying their workers in Leicester far below minimum wage, under £4 an hour, as such exploiting migrant workers for the profit of the company. The Wall Street Journal has optimistically stated that the COVID-19 pandemic will banish end-of-season sales. They state that companies have dealt well with supply chain chaos. With reduced garment production in mega factories, companies have come out the other end with less stock to shift for sales and maintained, or even improved, their profit margins. However, consumer behaviour has been strange in recent years as people were shuttered away, not having the opportunities to spend their disposable income on things like holidays and eating out. Many continued to buy clothing and accessories. As such, whilst the pandemic may have challenged corporations and encouraged a reduction in stock quantities, it remains that more needs to be done by consumers to pressure the foundations of fast fashion to change.

“More needs to be done by consumers to pressure the foundations of fast fashion to change” A Vogue 2020 business survey of 105 members of Generation Z reported that more than half bought most of their clothes from fast fashion brands. For a generation who, as The Guardian’s Sirin Kale says, like to be thought of as 'socially progressive and environmentally aware,' many are still drawn to the rampant consumerism of fast fashion. From the pressures of social media and influencers who support brands and encourage

overconsumption, to the cheap prices of modern fashion trends £4 dresses can be easily bought from fast fashion companies such as Boohoo – it is clear the drive towards sustainability has a long way to go. However, young people are leading fashion consciousness – a YouGov poll commissioned by the University of Hull and reported on in December 2019 by Wales Online stated that 58% of 18–24year-olds said they would likely buy second-hand clothes, with 25% actively shopping sustainably for the Christmas season. Professor Parsons, Director at Hull University’s Energy & Environment Institute, stated: ‘we will have to live with the consequences of our throwaway culture for decades – if not centuries to come [...] it is encouraging to see that young people are now driving a move towards a new environmentally-conscious and aware society.’ Redbrick investigated the attitudes of students at the University of Birmingham to see if young adult were changing their fashion habits. During COVID-19 lockdowns, many I interviewed said they began to learn traditional skills, such as sewing, crocheting and embroidery. For example, one University of Birmingham student, Jessica Henlan, decided to teach herself to sew in the first lockdown, and then began upcycling her old clothes to make tops to sell on Depop. When asked if she had much interest from other students after she began to promote her altering skills, Jessica remarked: ‘I was surprised by how popular the service was, loads of students came to me and I quickly grew my Instagram page. It is great to help people make their clothes fit just how they want or save a favourite item that has been damaged. I think promoting alterations and repairs increases the appeal of shopping second-hand, where it’s often difficult to find items that are the perfect fit.’ Evidently, there is an interest amongst students for managing the clothes they already own,

instead of purchasing new items significantly cheaper than sustainconstantly. Redbrick spoke to the able brands.' President of The University of Birmingham's Fashion Society, Orla Gibbons, about sustainabilty in Fashion Society, and the University as a whole. When asked if Fashion Society try to emphasise second-hand fashion, Orla said ‘Fashion Society fully supports and emphasises second-hand and sustainable fashion. We are acutely aware of both the environmental Instagram and ethi/ kimkardashian cal impacts of fast fashion and The society also acknowledge hope to help educate students and a growing trend in students movmembers about this. Our charity ing towards sustainable fashion: shop crawls are particularly popu- ‘I believe students are receptive to lar events, as was the guest speak- our posts and willing to gradually er event on sustainable fashion change shopping habits. We will last year.’ continue to educate followers of our social media pages! Informing just one person can make a huge difference.’ Therefore, there is clearly a growing interest amongst young adults, particularly students, for more sustainable methods of fashion consumerism. Whilst there remains a long path ahead until society sees a tangible demise in fast fashion, it is certainly encouraging that fast fashion is slowly fading away amongst some, and many are becoming actively interFurthermore, the Fashion ested in changing their habits. Society have noted that students are interested in sustainable fashion and moving away from overconsumption: ‘I do think that we are making an impact. I think our events and informative posts can encourage consumers to reconsider their consumption. I still think there is a huge issue, especially with students, around consistently buying fast fashion. I believe that frequent nights out prompt students to purchase clothes more often than others, especially from fast fashion outlets which are

“Frequent nights out prompt students to purchase clothes more often than others”

“Fashion society fully supports and emphasises second-hand and sustainable fashion”

Alexi Romano

Bakhrom Tursunov

LIFE&STYLE

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbricklifestyle

'Call Her Daddy': Naughty or Nice? Jenny Cooper discusses the history of 'daddy issues' and how its fetishisation may cause more harm to vulnerable women Jenny Cooper Life&Style Writer

Content Warning: This article contains sexual themes and mentions of abuse Could ‘daddy issues’ be liberating? Urban Dictionary defines daddy issues as ‘when a girl has a messed up relationship with her dad as a result the girl might be attracted to older men, or men with anger issues if her father was an angry man, and sometimes will stay in an abusive relationship because it would feel just like home.’ This definition of daddy issues depicts the common way in which they manifest – women having complicated sexual relationships with men. However, because of this, it is hard to see how daddy issues, which seem inherently tied to the subordination of women, could be liberating. The sexualisation of daddy issues is clear when we look at the way they are discussed within popular culture. We need only look at songs like: ‘Daddy Issues’, by The Neighbourhood; ‘Daddy Issues’, by Demi Lovato; and also the marketing of Lana Del Ray to see examples of systemic sexualisation of daddy issues. Each musician portrays a woman’s experience of daddy issues as a site of sexual interest for men. Still, con-

ceiving of daddy issues as an area of sexual exploration may be liberating for women, as they are able to use traumatic events in their lives as a way to explore themselves. References to daddy issues in popular culture helps to free women in this way, removing the stigma surrounding daddy issues. Notwithstanding, discussions concerning daddy issues on social media likely make women feel less isolated from others, they will be able to understand that a distant father is not the result of their own short-comings, but rather is a problem which is bigger than them. Therefore, creating a sort of support-network.

“Discussions concerning daddy issues on social media likely make women feel less isolated from others” However, this is too quick a conclusion. Although the glamorisation of daddy issues may produce these goods, I still feel that there is something questionable when we fetishise them. It appears problematic that we only focus and glamorise women’s experi-

ences of daddy issues, and, more specifically, how they manifest sexually, rather than looking at

would also benefit from the representation of daddy issues within popular culture, as it would open up space for conversations.

“Men would also benefit from the representation of daddy issues”

Arifur Rahman

their effects on men. Men with daddy issues often behave more aggressively and have emotional distance from others. Some of these issues may be resolved by including men as victims within the narrative of daddy issues. Men

It is a consequence of women’s position within society that we fetishise their experiences of daddy issues. Women are inherently seen as objects for the sexual gratification of men, and daddy issues are seemingly used as another vehicle to perpetuate this. Therefore, by romanticising ‘bad dads’ and daddy issues we sustain a damaging view of women; encouraging another form of sexism within the UK. Moreover, the glamorisation of daddy issues leaves women in vulnerable positions. Young and vulnerable women will be encouraged to adopt the sexualisation of daddy issues as it is depicted as ‘sexy’ and ‘cool’, in turn this could lead to them continually developing relationships with toxic men. Returning to the description offered by Urban Dictionary, it appears difficult to see how women can truly reclaim situations that inherently place them in dangerous and damaging positions of subordination. Daddy

issues are seen as attractive, as men are able to ‘fix damaged goods’ by dating women with daddy issues. Daddy issues also allow men the opportunity to treat a woman with less respect than is deserved. Men feel like they can ‘forgive’ themselves for their bad behaviour as women with daddy issues are used to men leaving or treating them unfairly and so are less likely to speak up against mistreatment. Therefore, justifying the fetishisation of daddy issues is tricky. There are some benefits that come from its glamorisation – it allows women to discuss issues that affect a major proportion of society and thus creates community ties and allows women the opportunity to view their trauma in a different light. However, it is hard to truly reclaim daddy issues. The male gaze and current social climate makes it difficult for women to have the ability and space to reclaim their issues. It is hard for women to be liberated by daddy issues, as glamorising them risks encouraging dangerous behaviour amongst young women. So, it is not a surprise that, although the experience of ‘bad dads’ is a widespread phenomenon, society focuses on how it is present sexually amongst women. This fetishisation is a way to prey on women who may be more susceptible to poor male treatment and thus it cannot be truly liberating for women.

My Experience: Marrying Young Charis Gambon gives the inside scoop about her first six months of being married at 23-years-old Charis Gambon Life&Style Writer

I am currently 23 years old and six months ago I got married. I have been with my partner Oscar for 5 years, and we met on the first day of my BA History degree back in September 2016. I get a lot of attention around the fact that I got married in my early 20s and many people have opinions on whether it was the right thing to have done. I decided to answer some of the questions I always get asked for you here. Do you think you got married too early? No. I have been with Oscar 5 years, and I feel that we have been through a lot together and that there is nothing else we need to know about each other as we know everything there is to know. Do you feel that you have a good relationship? Yes. He is very supportive of everything that I do, and I feel that we bring out the best in each other. He pushes me to achieve everything that I want to.

Do you feel that you might regret being married young later on? No, I do not feel that I will regret being married at 23 later on in my life, I actually think it is a great thing as we will be able to grow old together and will have spent a long time with each other.

It is not a race! I got married young because I met someone and I felt that it was right for me, it will not be the same for everyone. I have found being married young to be wonderful so far in the

first six months of my marriage. It is lovely to know that you will always have someone by your side. I do not regret getting married as I felt that it was right for me. The most important thing to

remember is it is different for everyone and no relationship is ever completely perfect.

Do you feel that you miss out on things due to being married? Yes, sometimes but I don’t mind too much when it comes down to it. Some people are a little put off by the fact that I am married but I largely do not mind because I have everything I need. What is your favourite part of being married? You will always have someone there for you who cares about you and wants to hear what you have to say. When you come home from work, they will want to see you and spend time with you. They will do the things you love with you, and you will do the things they love with them too. How did you find someone so young?

Samantha Gades

SCI&TECH

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbricktech

Should Social Networks Ban Vaccine Misinformation? Emily Adams advocates for the provision of information to help the public make informed opinions on COVID-19 vaccines Emily Adams Sci&Tech Writer

At what point does knowledge become fact? There was a time when the greatest minds on our planet agreed that the Earth was flat, or that leeches were a valid medical tool. A precondition for scientific integrity and development is an informed dispute of ideas. Yet what happens when evidence-based debate is substituted for political and social agendas? In other words, can opinions deviating from scientific consensus become dangerous? This is a key question facing governments and scientists, magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Current debate questions whether institutions have the right to suppress dissidents from the scientific status quo, particularly if governing bodies believe lives are at risk. This topic has hit the headlines in recent months as controversial figures voice varying degrees of vaccine scepticism. Alongside this, governments have resorted to extreme measures, with Austria enforcing mandatory vaccination in January of this year. Balancing freedom of speech with reducing deaths from COVID-19, governments are faced with an ethical dilemma. However, the power of censorship no longer resides solely in the hands of the state. Social media platforms allow us to debate and share information, views and emotions. Nevertheless, this rapidly expanding space with limited regulation

can blur the lines between the domains of fact and opinion. It is digital spaces that are now faced with issues of censorship over vaccine misinformation. Do these private companies have a right, or a responsibility, to shut down potentially harmful content?

“Limited regulation can blur the lines between [...] fact and opinion” The Institute of Strategic Dialogue (ISD) think tank monitors extremism, and has demonstrated that a few individuals can have a 'disproportionate influence on the public debate' using social media. Misinformation with harmful consequences has already spread this way. Content connecting COVID-19 to the installation of 5G towers has resulted in violent threats to engineers. This highlights the dangerous impact of pseudo-scientific conspiracy, though the matter of how people medicalise their bodies arguably follows a different trend. The Royal Society has recently urged social media companies not to remove 'legal but harmful' content. Instead, they advise stemming the flow of vaccine misinformation by altering algorithms so the content is more difficult to access and share. For example, preventing certain posts from showing up automatically on peo-

ple’s feeds. Whereas people have the right to express their opinions, some argue they do not have an automatic right to such a widespread audience who could be harmed by consuming certain views. Professor Gina Neff, a social scientist at the Oxford Internet Institute, agrees that using algorithms '[ensures] that people still can speak their mind' but denies a wide reach of influence. The Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) takes an alternative position, advocating a removal of incorrect content on the basis that it can cause harm. However, suppression of dissident views not only raises ethical questions, but runs the risk of exacerbating the issue. Austrian research last year suggests mistrust in the COVID-19 vaccine correlated with mistrust in authority. Director of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, Professor Rasmus Klies Nielsen, concurs: 'I imagine that there are

lies at the extreme end of the spectrum. Suppression of all dissident content could potentially restrain legitimate concerns from well-studied academics. These concerns are necessary to drive forward and improve scientific understanding. If direct censorship is implemented, social media platforms must be careful in drawing the line between dangerous, incorrect content and legitimate scientific concern.

Social Secretary

Chimpanzees have been observed using insects to treat wounds. This behaviour has been observed in the west African nation of Gabon, with scientists noticing that the chimps not only use insects to treat their own wounds but also those of other apes. The research was published on Monday 7th February in the journal Current Biology. Co-author of the study and biologist at the University of Osnabruck in Germany Simon Pika, told AFP: ‘When you’re going to school and you read in your biology books about the amazing things that animals can do. I think it could really be something like that that will end up in those books.’ In 2019, an adult female chimpanzee named Suzee was seen inspecting a wound on her son’s foot before she caught an insect out of the air, put it in her mouth,

squeezed it, and applied it to her son’s wound. Suzee then extracted the insect from the wound and applied it two more times. This took place in Loango national park on Gabon’s Atlantic coast, where researchers are studying a group of central chimpanzees. As well as the central chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) the forests of Gabon are also home to the western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). Over the following 15 months after scientists observed Suzee’s treatment of her son’s wound, they noticed injured chimps being treated in the same way at least 19 times by themselves, and on two other occasions they observed injured chimps being treated this way by one of several fellow apes. But how do these wounds come about in the first place? Often they arise from conflicts between members of the same or opposing group. Pika explained that ‘it takes a

Tackling vaccine misinformation is essential to protect public health, but reasonable scepticism runs the risk of being caught in the crossfire. Providing the public with tools to identify incorrect content and analyse data retains individual liberties and curbs a reactionary movement. The best way to tackle scientific misinformation is education.

quite a lot of citizens who would have their worst suspicions confirmed about how society works, if established institutions took a much more hands-on role in limiting people's access to information.' Yet, not all vaccine scepticism

lot of trust to put an insect in an open wound’ and the animals ‘seem to understand that if you do this to me with this insect, then my wound gets better.’ He dubbed the treatment and the chimps’ acceptance of it ‘amazing.’

“They noticed injured chimps being treated in the same way at least 19 times” He went on to explain that the insect could constrain anti-inflammatory substances that have a soothing effect, although researchers have not been able to identify exactly what bug was used on the wounds. The researchers are also unsure as to why the chimps are using this method of treatment. ‘What is intriguing me at the moment is, which insect species

Josie Scott-Taylor TV Editor

“Social media platforms must be careful in drawing the line”

Global Panorama

Chimpanzees Found Healing Wounds with Insects Ella Kipling

Creature Feature: The BlackFooted Ferret

are they catching? And do they understand what they’re doing?’ Pika said. A second year biology student told Redbrick: ‘I think it’s amazing that our closest ancestors in the animal kingdom are so advanced. It really gives an insight into our past and shows how we got to our society today. Maybe one day Chimpanzees will even be studying at the University of Birmingham!’

“I think it’s amazing that our closest ancestors in the animal kingdom are so advanced”

USFWS Mountain-Prairie

Black-footed ferrets are North America’s only native ferret species, and they were thought to be completely extinct until a small population was found in 1981. Despite their amazing recovery through breeding and reintroduction programmes, these animals are unfortunately still endangered and their population is still under threat. Weighing around just one kilogram, black-footed ferrets get their name from their markings, which appear like tiny black boots. They are also characterised by their superhero-esque face masks - not the kind of face mask we have become accustomed to during the pandemic. These mammals are very playful, particularly when young, and can often be seen wrestling and performing what is known as the ‘weasel war dance’, which involves a hectic series of hops, often displayed alongside an arched back and a frizzed-out tail. In domestic ferrets, this ‘war dance’ signifies excitement, but in the wild, scientists suggest that it is performed to confuse prey. This confusion can be vital to the black-footed ferret’s survival - it relies on a diet that consists mainly of prairie dogs for survival, a herbivorous burrowing mammal that underwent a twentiethcentury decline due to sylvatic plague, much to the detriment of the black-footed ferret. They are also under threat from predators such as golden eagles and coyotes, which is another factor contributing to their decline in the wild. There are only around 370 black-footed ferrets in the wild today, and the looming threats of climate change continue to put their lives in danger, meaning that despite reintroduction and conservation efforts, there unfortunately does not seem to be much hope for this species.

SCI&TECH

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbricktech

Elon Musk's Brain Tech Company Gearing up for Human Trials Daniel Bray reflects on the news that Neuralink are hiring a Clinical Trial Director Daniel Bray Sci&Tech Editor

What was once just a scary device from the TV series Black Mirror may be one step closer to being a reality. A job post on Greenhouse from Elon Musk’s company Neuralink for a ‘Clinical Trial Director’ appears to suggest that the highly-ambitious company is ramping up its preparations for human trials of their implantable computer chips. Yet while the coin-sized implants from Neuralink do not promise to let us ‘block’ other people or escape to new planes of existence, they

might still prove to be a breakthrough piece of technology. Neuralink, one of many highflying tech startups founded by Musk, aims to ‘build a practical brain-machine interface for a wide range of applications.’ They do this by inserting ‘micron-scale threads’ into ‘areas of the brain that control movement’, which then connect to a coin-sized device called ‘the Link.’ Musk has stated on Twitter that the ‘first Neuralink product will enable someone with paralysis to use a smartphone with their mind faster than someone using thumbs.’ However, the process to even insert the Neuralink device is an immensely complex one

which cannot be completed by a neurosurgeon alone - the Neuralink team have been ‘building a robotic system that the neurosurgeon can use to reliably and efficiently insert [the micron-scale threads] exactly where they need to be.’

“Will enable someone with paralysis to use a smartphone with their mind”

The company has already shown increasing successes in their animal tests, with an implant

Steve Jurvetson

in a pig demonstrating how the neurons in its snout respond to being touched. Animal rights activists were unhappy with these animal trials, stating their concerns that the implantation of such technology is inhumane, as the pigs ‘didn’t volunteer for surgery’. They also suggested that Musk ‘behave like a pioneer and implant the Neuralink chip into his own brain.’ Yet this did not stop the company from implanting another one of its devices into a monkey, with a demonstration showing a game of pong being controlled on a computer screen with only the monkey’s brain. Whatever one thinks about these animal tests, Musk seems to have good intentions for these devices in the short-term. He told the Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council summit last month that ‘We hope to have this in our first humans, which will be people that have severe spinal cord injuries like tetraplegics, quadriplegics, next year, pending FDA approval.’ He was also keen to reiterate the claims on Neuralink’s website which emphasise that they are paying the utmost attention to safety, doing more than the FDA requires to prove that Neuralink’s actions are safe. This has not stopped him from dreaming big, though - he is hopeful that the device will provide a ‘chance of being able to allow someone who cannot walk or use

their arms to be able to walk again.’ This would be a huge advance in modern medicine, and we can only wait and see whether this device will be able to deliver on such high hopes.

“A game of pong being controlled on a computer screen with only the monkey's brain” While the possible medical benefits to such a device would be nothing short of phenomenal, Neuralink state that their ‘longterm vision is to create brain-machine interfaces that are sufficiently safe and powerful that healthy individuals would want to have them.’ This is where the images of a dystopian Black Mirror-esque future may start to creep back into people's minds. Musk himself has predicted that the ‘singularity,’ which is the point at which AI becomes more intelligent than humans, could be reached by 2025. Regardless of what you think about the safety or ethics of AI, it is impossible to say whether the introduction of such devices to the masses would actually be a blessing or a curse to society as a whole.

Over 1.2 Million Deaths Attributed to AntiMicrobial Resistance in 2019 Elliott Haywood discusses recent research on the scale of antimicrobial resistance Elliott Haywood Sci&Tech Editor

In 1928, Sir Alexander Fleming discovered the first known antibiotic, penicillin, from a growing mould colony. In the 1940s, penicillin was introduced as a therapeutic drug to combat bacterial infections and sparked the discovery of many more antibiotics that would go on to be powerful tools in fighting infection. Nearly a century on from Fleming’s pivotal discovery, the effectiveness of our antibiotic arsenal is in doubt, as antimicrobial resistance spreads across the globe. Recent research has highlighted the scale of this issue, as statistical modelling has suggested that over 1.2 million deaths were attributable to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide in 2019. This research analysed over 470 million individual records from hospital systems, surveil-

lance systems, and systematic literature searches to estimate the number of deaths caused by AMR. This data covered most of the common bacterial pathogens and pathogen-drug combination across over 200 countries and territories. This comprehensive analysis then estimated the number of deaths from AMR that would not have occurred if these infections were susceptible to the drug used. One of the more well-known examples of antibiotic resistant bacteria is methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and this pathogen alone was estimated to account for over 100,000 deaths. Six other pathogenic bacteria were responsible for between 50,000 and 100,000 deaths each, highlighting that only a few species are responsible for vast numbers of infections. Whilst this news portrays the extent of the issue, it is not unexpected, as antimicrobial resistantbacteria, sometimes referred to colloquially as ‘superbugs’, have been predicted to be one of the

most common causes of death by 2050, even surpassing deaths from cancer. This analysis predicted that up to 10 million people could die per year by 2050 because of drug resistant infections.

“Only a few species are responsible for vast numbers of infections” The rapid rise of resistance is often attributed to antibiotics being misused in the clinic, as well as in agricultural settings. One of the major factors that facilitates the global spread of resistance is the ability of bacteria to pass DNA to other bacteria nearby through the process of conjugation. In this process, DNA, which may include the genes that confer resistance to an antibiotic, is directly transferred into nearby

bacteria, including into other species. This rapidly speeds up the evolutionary process, as bacterial species do not have to evolve resistance genes from scratch, and may allow the emergence of new resistant strains, or bacteria which are resistant to many antibiotics. Many groups are working to tackle this issue, including research from the University of Birmingham. Some of the work currently taking place at the University of Birmingham involves using specific DNA sequences that can be introduced into a drug resistant

bacterium to displace the DNA that contains resistance genes, thus making the bacteria sensitive to the antibiotic again. Whilst the current COVID-19 pandemic has dominated headlines for the past two years, the scale of antimicrobial resistance, and the potential deaths it is likely to cause, present a stark warning for future medicine. If left unchecked, drug resistant bacteria will cause far more deaths than COVID-19, and so innovative research is needed to tackle this global issue.

NIAID

SPORT

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbricksport

Rugby: Thrilling Opening Weekend of the Six Nations Oscar Frost Sport Editor

After weeks of anticipation, England, Italy, Wales, Scotland, France and Ireland lined up for the opening weekend of this year’s Six Nations tournament. With the top spot as open as it has been in years, as well as Italy making their case to stay in the competition, each team seemed to have everything to gain. In the early kickoff, Ireland and Wales locked horns to see who would take the first victory of the competition. Ireland immediately piled on the pressure as they smashed their way to the first try of the Six Nations within three minutes of the tournament beginning as Bundee Aki capitalised on an Irish overlap. A Sexton penalty sourced the only other points of the half, with Ireland very much in the driving seat. Three more unanswered Irish tries meant that they stormed to a huge 29-0 lead, cementing their winning bonus point. Wales had some consolation by scoring an intercepted try in the last five minutes of the game, but it was very much too little too late as the Irish cruised to a 29-7 victory. The opening weekend then saw Scotland and England battle it out at Murrayfield in the Calcutta

Cup match. This was a far closer affair, with a Marcus Smith penalty breaking the deadlock midway through the first half. A line break from Darcy Graham, followed by a fantastic offload, meant that Ben White opened Scotland’s account just minutes later with a superb try.

“Each

team seemed to have everything to gain” Scotland and England traded penalties as neither side could get control of the scoreboard, but a Marcus Smith try, followed by another penalty, gave England the largest advantage so far, but this was still only seven points. With fifteen minutes left on the clock, Luke Cowan-Dickie batted away a cross-field kick intended for Darcy Graham, causing a penalty try for Scotland and a yellow card for the English hooker. Utilising the extra man, the Scottish forced England into giving away a penalty in the final ten minutes. The easy spot-kick was duly chipped over by Finn Russell, and the Scots held on to take their first successive Calcutta Cups

since 1984 with a 20-17 victory. In the final game of the weekend, France took on Italy in Paris. A penalty gave France the early lead, but Italy were the first to break through and score a try could an upset be on the cards? There was just a single point separating the teams as the clock ticked past forty minutes, but a passage of sheer brilliance from the French backs meant that they scored a fantastic try to end the first half.

in their upcoming matches. On the contrary, France bulldozed their way to a result through a stellar second-half performance, playing some fantastic rugby along the way. Although Scotland showed great composure to see the game out against England, the two teams atop the Six Nations table are unlikely to change. All eyes, therefore, are on France vs Ireland on the 12th February to potentially decide the outcome of the whole competition.

Points

France

Ireland

Scotland 8

England

Wales

Italy

“Job

done for France in their opening weekend” This seemed to ignite the French engines, as they went on to score five tries in the game. 37-10 victory, bonus point in the bag. Job done for France in their opening weekend. For me, the teams to beat after the first round are Ireland and France. Ireland impressively, and somewhat emphatically, saw off a decent Wales side in ruthless fashion. If they can repeat their quick start from this weekend then they will certainly challenge any team

Twitter/@SixNationsRugby

F1: How Will George Russell Fare in 2022?

Francesca Herring reports on George Russell’s exciting upcoming debut season as a Mercedes driver Francesca Herring

Sport Writer

The 2022 season of F1 begins in March, and with it comes the aftermath of the controversial Abu-Dhabi GP, brand new livery, and a new driver line-up for several teams. One of the teams with a new driver is Mercedes’ signing of George Russell, who will be racing alongside 7x world champion Lewis Hamilton this year. George Russell has had a longstanding affiliation with Mercedes, joining their junior driving programme in 2017 and gaining a chance to race for them at the 2020 Sakhir GP after Hamilton contracted COVID-19. Russell missed out on a podium after leading most of the race, after a tyre error between him and Hamilton’s fellow Mercedes driver, Valtteri Bottas, and then a slow puncture on the last 10 laps of the race which put him down to ninth place. Now that Bottas has moved to Alfa Romeo for the 2022 season, many fans are questioning what we can expect from George Russell as a Mercedes driver now that he is standing shoulder-to-

shoulder with giants in F1 like Lewis Hamilton and team principal Toto Wolff.

“Many

fans are qustioning what we can expect from George Russell” Nobody knows how the 2022 season of F1 will play out, especially for Russell, but we can expect a collaborative partnership with fellow driver, Lewis Hamilton. Following Verstappen’s controversial win at Abu Dhabi, Russell was one of the drivers of the 2021 season who took to social media to voice his support for Hamilton. In the bold move, Russell solidified his partnership with Hamilton entering the 2022 season. After Russell was announced as claiming a seat in the Mercedes 2022 driver line up, Matthew Grubb

a picture of a young George Russell standing behind Lewis Hamilton in 2009 began circulating on social media, calling Russell back to his former days when driving alongside Hamilton was merely just a dream. Russell has been very candid about what the 2022 season will bring for him ahead of its start and has shared how his journey at Williams has prepared him for driving for one of the leading teams in F1. Williams, Russell’s previous team, are not a competitive force amongst the likes of Redbull, Mercedes and McLaren, but Russell has remained patient and stoic throughout despite not necessarily achieving his dream positions. However, every team in the upcoming season are announcing their new livery throughout February, which may shake up the expected driver and team standings in 2022. Transitioning from a team who have previously stood at the bottom of the grid to a team who regularly occupy the front row is a big step for Russell, not to mention driving alongside the most successful driver on the grid will also bring insurmountable

pressure for him. But now he is in an undoubtedly better car, there is certainly all to drive for. Fans of F1 have much to look forward to when the season begins - new cars, new drivers and a new reigning world champion. The clouds of dissatisfaction and contempt for how the 2021 season ended must part for the new generation of young drivers and upstarts like Russell to show themselves in the 2022 season. Russell has finally got his big break in F1, and sink or swim, to race alongside Hamilton for an 8 x

Constructor’s Championship winning team is an achievement itself.

Instagram/@mercedesamgf1

SPORT

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbricksport

Is this the Start of a new Era in English Cricket? Toby Fenton Sport Writer

A lot has been written about England’s calamitous 4-0 defeat in the recent Ashes series in Australia. I don’t plan to add to the discourse of where it went wrong, nor will I comment further on my misjudged pre-Ashes positivity. All I can do is look at how England can approach this upcoming West Indies Test series in the Caribbean. This Test series against the West Indies presents a great opportunity for England to reset and fix their Test team as they did in 2015 with the white ball team

- and look how well that turned out! With the recent sacking of head coach, Chris Silverwood, and England Cricket Managing Director, Ashley Giles, the debate returns as to whether England should have split coaches - one for the Test team and one for the ODI side. I feel that it would be a good move to allow Paul Collingwood to take charge of the white ball team, especially with his deep knowledge of the coaching group. Meanwhile, England can appoint a separate coach for Test cricket, with someone like ex-South African international, Gary Kirsten, throwing his hat into the ring to coach the Test team. While I think he would be a

good option, I’d like to see, perhaps controversially, Justin Langer being appointed as Test coach. His abrasive character and intensive work nature, despite this supposedly costing him his job as Australia’s coach, would push England out of their comfort zones in a similar way to Andy Flower when he took England to number one Test side in the world in 2011.

“The

debate returns as to whether England should have split coaches” Similar to that world-class 2011 England side, I believe there are players within this current England side that can push themselves to new heights. The most important of these players is Captain Joe Root, who England need to replicate his highly impressive tally of 1708 Test runs in 2021. However, we cannot afford to be as reliant on Root’s run scoring as we were last year to win Test matches and series. We

Ben Sutherland/Flikr

need other players to step up and score big hundreds. The fact that Jonny Bairstow was the only England player to score a hundred in the last Ashes series is testament to that. The conversion rate of not turning fifties into hundredplus scores is perhaps one of the most concerning observations. This is why I have dropped the useless Haseeb Hameed, who never looked like scoring runs in Australia, and the tired-looking Rory Burns, replacing them with Dom Sibley, Alex Lees and Rob Yates, the latter I wouldn’t expect to play but to gain experience in the England camp. Bowling-wise, England have fewer issues in my eyes. The everreliable opening duo of Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, alongside newcomer Ollie Robinson, have continued to provide plenty of wickets for England, especially in home conditions. The main issue for England will be keeping Mark Wood fit, hence why I have picked express-pace bowler Saqib Mahmood in reserve, and giving confidence to spinner Jack Leach, who I think will be important if England are going to win this series.

Life Under Gerrard so Far Joe Liddicot assesses how Aston Villa have performed in the first few months under Steven Gerrard’s management Joe Liddicot Sport Writer

With it approaching three months since Aston Villa announced Steven Gerrard as the heir to the club’s vacant managerial post, there is now ample evidence to advance a fair assessment of his tenure in the Second City so far. Initially, his appointment induced optimism as well as scepticism among the Villa faithful. Eagerness to discover where Gerrard’s nascent managerial career could carry the Villains - who at that time lurked ominously in the bottom half of the table - accompanied concern that the Anfield legend viewed Aston Villa as a mere stepping stone on the way to fulfilling his managerial destiny with Liverpool. To begin, things picked up, the predictable ‘new manager bounce’ coming into effect, as Gerrard led Villa to two wins in two, snapping their five game losing streak. A defeat against the insurmountable Man City will have done little to suppress the morale at Villa Park as a busy December loomed. Notwithstanding two postponements, Gerrard came through the month relatively unscathed, with two wins and three losses representing a record that was par for the course given the strength of

opposition they faced. It could certainly have looked far worse had Villa not beaten Leicester and a Norwich side undergoing a parallel managerial upheaval.

“The

predictable ‘new manager bounce’ coming into effect”

Defeat to Brentford marked a dissatisfactory start to 2022, and a controversial FA Cup exit against Man United 8 days later could have led to disquiet among fans. But it didn’t, partly due to the fervour caused by the loan signing of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona. Although he was yet to make his debut, the Villa faithful knew it was an incredibly shrewd piece of business and were intoxicated with the anticipation of him donning Claret and Blue. The mood at the club was jubilant in spite of the poor form on the pitch, with the Villains in the midst of a three game losing run. When Coutinho did make his debut his impact was timely, scoring an 81st minute equaliser against Manchester United to send Villa fans flying over seats in scenes of unadulterated euphoria.

The mood at the club was jubilant in spite of the poor form on the pitch

In avenging the FA Cup defeat of “ five days earlier he had endeared himself to thousands of Villa fans instantly, quite the debut. A 0-1 win at Goodison Park sent Villa into the winter break on ” a welcome high. Sitting 11th in the Premier League table, Gerrard will look to push his men on to a around the club, and should he top half finish, as will be the continue to get results, he might expectation of the supporters. The just find himself being as adored signing of Lucas Digne from in Birmingham as he is in Everton will certainly aid this Liverpool. mission, the full back was unsettled and not playing his best football under Rafa Benitez on Merseyside. Nevertheless, the Frenchman remains a leading Premier League left back, and his attacking talents will be much appreciated by Villa’s forward line, which in itself looks tantalisingly proficient. Entering the second half of the season, Villa are looking to climb, and they certainly have the personnel to do so. The team is bursting with talent worthy of achieving a top-half finish and even going beyond. Gerrard has done a stellar job at boosting the spirits Twitter/@premierleague

Sport that Stuck With Me Will Rogers Sport Writer

For someone that has spent so much of his life watching sport, picking one moment proved to be a nigh-on impossible challenge. Yet one of my first sporting memories not only affected a country, but an entire continent. 11th June 2010. Johannesburg, South Africa. A packed crowd watching the home nation playing in Africa’s biggest ever sporting event, with millions viewing from around the world. After a quiet first half, in front of 90,000 vuvuzela playing locals, South Africa began to grow into the match against the favoured Mexicans. But then that moment, the moment which stuck with so many. In the 55th minute, having turned over possession, Teko Modise played Siphiwe Tshabalala through on goal. The relatively unknown Kaizer Chiefs’ midfielder then unleashed a thunderbolt into the top corner, sending the whole country into delirium.

“The

relatively unknown Kaizer Chiefs’ midfielder then unleashed a thunderbolt into the top corner” A goal of this quality, of this importance had its magnitude only heightened by the crowd, the celebration and Peter Drury’s notorious commentary. For a man who has commentated on so many famous goals to describe this one as his standout demonstrates its enormity for a continent that had finally been given the chance to host a major sporting event. Whilst Mexico would go on to equalise and the South Africans would go out in the group stage, this moment will forever remain a highlight. For me, to see the joy on the South African players’ faces and the global respect for Bafana Bafana has stuck with me and may never be replicated. The greatest player? No. The greatest goal? Perhaps not. But the greatest moment? For many, definitely

Twitter/@brfootball

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Friday 11th February 2022

@redbricksport

Assessing the West Midlands Clubs’ January Transfer Business Ben Wooldridge Sport Writer

Generally, January transfer windows have been relatively quiet. However, this years’ has been different, with several eye-catching deals completed across the month. With European qualification, promotion challenges and relegation battles ahead for the West Midlands biggest clubs, the January transfer window provided the perfect opportunity for reinforcement; but which clubs were successful, and which fans were left wanting more?

Aston Villa Aston Villa made a host of excellent signings last summer, following the £100 million sale of Jack Grealish; and they have strengthened once again. Phillipe Coutinho is undoubtedly their marquee addition, joining on loan from Barcelona with an option to buy for £33 million. His impact was instant, scoring the equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Manchester United on his debut. Additionally, Villa’s defensive record indicated the need for defensive recruitment, resulting in the signings of Lucas Digne and Calum

Chambers. Digne provided strong defensive and attacking outputs during his time at Everton, notably delivering 7 assists for the Toffees last season, whilst Chambers will provide further competition at centre back. The arrival of Digne threatened Matt Targett’s minutes, resulting in him leaving on loan to Newcastle. Additionally, the summer signings of attackers such as Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Buendia reduced the playing time of Anwar El Ghazi, who has joined Everton on loan.

Wolves It was a relatively quiet transfer window for Wolves, with the club converting Hwang HeeChan’s loan into a permanent deal for £14 million, and signing 21-year-old Chiquinho from Estoril for £3 million. Despite their strong league position, Bruno Lage will be aware of their poor scoring record, with only Norwich and Burnley netting fewer goals this season. However, Wolves failed to bolster their attack and surprisingly reduced their options by loaning Adama Traore to Barcelona, who had been regularly overlooked by his manager this season.

West Brom Despite the sacking of Head Coach Valerian Ismael this month, there was some transfer activity at West Brom. Last season, Ismael reached the play-offs with Barnsley, aided by the goalscoring prowess of Daryl Dike, and now the USA International has joined the Baggies for £7 million. Additionally, following a successful spell at Reading, Andy Carroll has joined the club on a free transfer. However, the sole focus on recruiting forwards could prove a mistake for the club, as other weaknesses have been left unaddressed. Due to injury struggles and an alleged fall-out with Ismael, Robert Snodgrass has left West Brom by mutual consent. The 34-year-old is now attracting interest from several Championship clubs.

recruited Manchester United youngster Teden Mengi on a sixmonth loan deal, and the end of Riley McGree’s loan resulted in the acquisition of Juninho Bacuna from Rangers. The Dutch midfielder was praised following his debut and looks to be a strong replacement for McGree. Birmingham’s scoring record has been unimpressive thus far, so the arrivals of Onel Hernandez and Lyle Taylor will aim to resolve this. Both signings have performed well so far, with Hernandez providing two goal contributions in five appearances, and Taylor netting seven minutes into his

debut against Derby County. Birmingham’s main issue arising from this window is the lack of defensive depth following the exit of Harlee Dean and Juan Castillo. In addition, the window saw the departures of Chuks Aneke and Ivan Sanchez.

Transfer Ratings Aston Villa: 9/10 Wolves: 4/10 West Brom: 5/10 Birminghm City: 7/10

Birmingham City As pressure continues to mount on the Championship side’s owners, it became vital that the club strengthened the squad this window. Following Wolves’ recall of Dion Sanderson, Birmingham

Twitter: @AVFCOfficial

Preview: Super Bowl LVI Joe Lidicott previews the 56th annual Super Bowl, which sees the Cincinatti Bengals face off against the LA Rams following an enthralling playoff period Joe Lidicott Sport Writer

Come the early hours of the 14th of February, the NFL will have entered a new era. The latest Super Bowl Champion will be crowned, and the league will move on from a perennial title contender, and the greatest to ever play the game. Of course, Super Bowl 56 is not about Tom Brady - the Rams made sure of that a fortnight ago - but it would be spurious to claim that his recent retirement will not be a major talking point during Super Bowl week. But the preeminent focus will inevitably be on the big game; the last contest in what has been a thrilling season, and perhaps the best playoff period of all time. Both teams clinched their place in the title fight with winning margins of just three points - the Bengals needed overtime to beat the high-powered Chiefs. One can only hope that the Rams and the Bengals will culminate the season with a show worthy of the 202122 season. The last time the franchises faced each other was back in October 2019 as part of the NFL international series in London, though not much can be read from

the result of that encounter with regard to predicting their next duel. The Rams comfortably defeated the Bengals 0-8, with quarterback Jared Goff throwing two touchdowns to put a tally in the win column for LA. With Goff gone, and the Bengals’ dark days over, this time things will be far different, and the stakes far high-

“One

can only hope that the Rams and the Benglas will culminate the season with a show worthy of the 2021-22 season” er.

Matthew Stafford, then with the Lions, now commands LA’s offense. And with weapons such as Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr., it is an offense that can have the air of being unstoppable at times. In Cincinnati, Andy Dalton has been displaced

by sophomore quarterback Joe ‘Shiesty’ Burrow, a former college national champion at LSU, the number one draft pick in 2020, and perhaps the coolest man in football. Burrow, along with LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase, is the sharp end of the Bengals’ biting attack. The 25 year-old’s confidence and swagger couldn’t get much more infectious. He is the first quarterback selected at number one to reach the Super Bowl within two seasons. Should he go all the way, it could cement his reputation as an emerging successor to Brady’s golden throne. But outgunning the star-spangled Rams will be no small task. A series of acquisitions in November elevated LA to the echelon of ‘serious contender’ and sent a clear message to the rest of the league: ‘we are here to win now.’ Superstar edge-rusher Von Miller joined perpetual probowler and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald on the defensive line. While in the secondary lurks Jalen Ramsey, arguably the best cornerback in the league. It’s a defensive unit ferocious enough to find a chink in any offense’s armour. However, championships are not won by having several superstar names on a team sheet, they are won by key moments and legacy-defining performances.

Aaron Donald was kept quiet by the 49ers last week in the NFC Conference Championship, the Bengals will need to do the same if they wish to succeed. Concern will stem from the fact that Burrow was sacked nine times by the Titans in the AFC Divisional Round, and although the Bengals cleaned this up against the Chiefs, the Rams will look to siege Cincinnati’s vulnerable offensive line. An enthralling spectacle it is sure to be, the Rams will be seeking to raise the Lombardi trophy on their home turf, while the

underdogs Cincinnati will no doubt be thirsty to tear apart the egos of LA. Excitement will continue to ferment until the kick-off of this festival of football, the denouement of this NFL season looks sure to fulfil the hype.

What: Super Bowl LVI Where: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

When: 13th February 2022 11:30pm GMT

Twitter: @NFL

SPORT

Friday 11th February 2022

@redbricksport

BUCS Sports Club of the Month: Women’s Cricket Sophie Utteridge Sport Editor

This year, the University of Birmingham Women’s Cricket Club have certainly soared to new heights, placing third in the National Indoor Finals and also recruiting more members than ever with the club now at 70 members. With the club quickly becoming one of the university’s most popular sports societies, their success is definitely something to be proud of coming out of the pandemic. Lucy Blitz, UBWCC’s President, puts the club’s success down to UBWCC’s culture. ‘We’re an any ability club,’ she told Redbrick. ‘We’re welcoming, accepting, there’s no pressure on anyone. Obviously, we also train and do competitions and that more serious side of cricket, but I think the bigger aspect of the club is

being welcoming and friendly.’ It seems that UBWCC’s ability to not only be a competitive sports club, but also a safe and social space as well, has drawn in more members as the club continues to develop. Competitively, UBWCC have already seen success this year after coming third in the National Indoor Finals. Having not reached the finals since 2015, this was a huge occasion for the club with dozens of members coming out to support the team at Edgbaston Indoor Centre on Saturday 29th January. Team Captain, Sophie Hoyes, expressed how proud she was of the team. ‘We went in with zero expectation,’ she said. ‘We weren’t really expected to do that well. But, we went home with bronze medals after coming third in the country.’ When asked about what this meant for outdoor season, Hoyes told Redbrick she hoped to translate their success

for when cricket moves back outdoors in the summer. ‘I think it’s massively a confidence boost for everyone,’ she said. ‘There’s a lot of people who are very competent to play outdoor BUCS games so having done so well it will make everyone more competitive in that sense.’ For those thinking that UBWCC might be the club for them, there is still time to join the club. Both Blitz and Hoyes emphasise the club’s accepting and encouraging environment, saying that whatever level your cricket is at, there is something for everyone to get involved in. ‘You build real connections with people,’ Blitz said. ‘And the cricket side of things is really fun.’ Hoyes agreed. ‘There’s a really strong friendship between all the members,’ she said. ‘And it definitely has that competitive element if you want it.’ UBWCC have already enjoyed

great success this year, not only in competition but also in the social aspect to their team. As we head into the outdoor season, they are definitely a club to watch. To join UBWCC, follow them

on Instagram @ubwcc or contact Lucy Blitz for more information about the club and memberships.

Lucy Blitz

UoB Dominate BUCS Cross Country Oscar Frost Sport Editor

As the dust settles on Horsenden Hill, the university cross country club can reflect on what has been one of the most successful competitions in their history at BUCS cross country. Unlike other sports that use a league-based format, this is the biggest competition of the year for our cross-country team, and the only one contributing to the overall BUCS standings for the university. With one of the strongest teams in years, the anticipation was high as to just how dominant Birmingham could be in the face of fiendish opposition from Loughborough and St Mary’s. With the most team medals ever won by any university, it

was a jam-packed Birmingham squad that dominated the field on the biggest stage in university cross-country. A highlight was certainly Will Battershill storming to victory in the individual men’s long course ahead of strong runners from Loughborough and St. Mary’s. Battershill spearheaded Birmingham into victory in the overall men’s A race; a testament to the strength in depth for our cross country club. In the women’s A race, Birmingham snagged a hugely impressive silver medal having been pipped by a very strong Loughborough team. This was, however, added to with a gold medal in the women’s B race, once again displaying the strength

across the club as Birmingham dominated the leaderboards in every race. As if that was not enough, another of Birmingham’s teams in the B race managed to secure a bronze medal, making the eventual podium ceremony a sea of Birmingham red. One of the most impressive performances for the club came in the men’s B race, with the first ever clean sweep taken by Birmingham at this competition. Ethan O’Shea stormed to gold around the 8k course, with Tom Keen and Ollie Smart bringing silver and bronze medals home respectively. Unsurprisingly, these stellar performances meant the gold medal was comfortably Birmingham’s in the men’s B race.

BUCS is always a huge event for the cross-country club, but this year has been an unparalleled success. With the most medals ever won by Birmingham at the event, surpassing the previous height of seven from back in 2011, the current squad is one of the strongest in a decade. The potential four or five call-ups to GB teams as a result of individual results only cements the world-class level on which the club is operating. Although the cross-country season is coming to a close, it will be followed up with a jam-packed track season in the summer. We can only hope that the athletics club continues its success in the coming months, springboarding off such a successful winter season.

Instagram @jhmimages

UoB Alumni in Women’s FA Cup Fifth Round Lauren Coffman talks to former UoB student Evie Gallop ahead of fifth round tie Lauren Coffman Sport Editor

University of Birmingham alumni and former captain of the Women’s Football first team Evie Gallop has reached the fifth round of the FA Cup with West Bromwich Albion Women. They have drawn Women’s Championship side Coventry City in a home tie set to take place on Sunday 27th February at 2pm. This marks a superb achievement for the side currently sitting in midtable in the FA Women’s National League North, from which they are now the last team

standing in this year’s Cup, and one of only three teams from the English third tier left, alongside Southampton FC and Ipswich Town, who have drawn each other in the fifth round. Speaking about her team’s success, Gallop exclusively told Redbrick, ‘Growing up playing football, it’s just been so great watching the FA Cup and being involved in the early stages, but on a personal level for me this is the first time I’ve got to the fifth round, so to be part of a team to do that is really exciting, I think everyone is just absolutely buzzing that we got there, and we’ll see what happens next.’

West Brom’s journey into the hat for the fifth round involved a difficult fourth round fixture, as the Baggies edged past fourth tier Exeter City via a penalty shootout. ‘Drawing Exeter, with them being in the league below us, we kind of had the pressure to win the game, which added to the intensity of it,’ Gallop reflected. ‘Obviously we made it a little bit more difficult for ourselves than we would have liked, but to be able to step up and get the win on penalties is something really promising for our club, so we are really happy we did that.’ The Baggies now face Coventry United, a draw that

Gallop and her side were pleased with. She said, ‘We were really hoping for a home tie, as someone has to come to us and perform where we are used to playing, so as soon as we heard our name come out first that was a first buzz.’ Coventry United have had a difficult couple of months, having been saved from the brink of administration only to receive a points deduction from the league. This has left them propping up the table on minus four points, and face an uphill struggle to avoid relegation. Regarding their upcoming opponents Gallop said, ‘It’s going to be a very exciting

game. They are a team that’s trying to perform in the Championship but are struggling a little bit. They are in the league above us so the pressure is on them and we can take the excitement of the FA Cup into the game.’ ‘It’s kind of a Midlands rivalry as well so we’ll bring everything we can to the game. Before Coventry went up to the Championship they were in our County Cup and there was always a big competition [between the two teams] around that, so to take that to the next level is going to be exciting for us.’

SPORT

Rachel Higgins

11.02.2022

Brumski: Back on the Piste Rachel Higgins reviews the long-awaited University of Brimingham ski trip, where students were finally able to enjoy the slopes of Val Thorens Rachel Higgins Sport Editor

On the 21st January 2022, just under 1,000 Brumski and Board members made the journey across France to the notorious Val Thorens and made history as one of the largest ski trips the society has ever put on. Across the ten days, both beginners and seasoned skiers and snowboarders explored the slopes across the alps and enjoyed a return to semi-normality in snowsports. After a two-year hiatus, the Brumski committee spared no effort in making sure that the trip was a success. There was a nervous run up to the trip, with borders being closed to France, except for essential travel, until 14th January. It was rightfully recognised that without tourist support, the French ski season would suffer for another year running. With the help of travel company NUCO, everything was organised and insured ahead of time for the group, reducing this stress. This time round, graduates

Rachel Higgins

and alumni were welcomed as part of the Birmingham cohort and a total of nineteen coaches were filled with excitement ahead of the journey to France.

“After

a two-year hiatus, the Brumski committee spared no effort in making sure that the trip was a success” After a tiresome twenty-hour coach journey, including meticulous checks by French border-control, the Brumski groups successfully arrived on Saturday evening for a week in the snow. Birmingham students and graduates alike took over five accommodations ranging from four-bed rooms all the way to groups of twelve. The lift passes activated the next morning and members were able to take advantage of exploring the slopes right away. As part of the travel companies’ program, beginners had the opportunity to sign up for lessons or refreshers from the notorious École du ski français (ESF). This gave Brumski members the chance to learn from the best and explore the slopes in expert hands. The weather treated the Birmingham cohort well as the sun shone brightly all week, however the lack of snowfall created some considerably bare and icy patches on the red runs up top. Despite this, the Snow Park provided ramps, half pipes and ledges to practice jumps and tricks. There was also the opportunity to try the ski jump and flip over onto a large airbag, as seen in ‘Chalet Girl’ when Tamsin is first learning to snowboard. Some adventurous skiers managed to venture off-piste and see Val Thorens between the trees. Whilst the standard Val UB Sport

Thorens lift pass had plenty to offer, some opted for the Three Valleys pass which allowed access over into the adjacent Méribel and Courchevel valleys. There was a strict mask requirement on the lifts and when standing up in public spaces. Whilst this made après ski an entirely seated event, there was an event for every night of the week in the local bars. Due to the space limitations from COVID-19 restrictions, however, hours of queuing and careful planning was needed to ensure your place at hotspots such as Favela and Saloon. The Brumski group also had a strict noise curfew of 10pm in the chalets, but this actually facilitated early starts for skiing each morning. Whilst the majority of the trip saw a return to restrictions, it was a fantastic experience nonetheless and Brumski still made their mark. Notably, the Saloon Bar recognised that the Birmingham students had broken the record for the number of Jaegerbombs purchased in one night, at just shy of 500 in total. Incredibly lucky with timing, I was glad to be a part of the trip and be able to get back on the slopes.

this made après ski an entirely seated event, there was an event for every night of the week in the local bars”

INSIDE SPORT THIS WEEK: Twitter/@bengals

Super Bowl LVI Preview

“Whilst

James Davis

UOB XC Success

Twitter/@sixnationsrugby

The official after-movie will be available across social media platforms soon, as filmed by the committee across the week. It is without doubt that UoB students are now waiting in anticipation to see what Brumski comes up with for the next trip.

Rugby: Six Nations