Redbrick Issue 1510, Vol. 84
Friday 8th November 2019
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Redbrick The Official University of Birmingham Student Newspaper, est. 1936
Birmingham Prepares for General Election
After Parliament was dissolved on Wednesday November 6th, Birmingham’s candidates are preparing for a general election taking place on Thursday December 12th Cerys Gardner News Reporter
Britain’s political parties are preparing for a general election on Thursday 12th of December after Boris Johnson’s bill passed the House of Commons with 438 in favour and 20 against. This election will be important in determining what happens next with Brexit, the NHS and climate change. Students at Pritchatts Park and the Vale Village are part of the Edgbaston constituency and were represented in Parliament by Preet Gill between 2017 and 6th November. Gill has served as a Labour and Co-operative MP and the Shadow Minister for International Development. Being a Labour and Co-operative MP means that she stands for both the Labour Party and the Co-operative Party, a seperate centreleft party. She became the first female Sikh MP when elected in 2017. Before being elected, she worked as a social worker in Israel and India. Between 2012 and 2017 she was a councillor for Sandwell. She is standing for reelection and started her campaign on Saturday 2nd November with an event about education with Jess Phillips, the Labour MP for Yardley. Students in Selly Oak are in the Selly Oak constituency. Steve McCabe has represented the area since 2010. Under Gordon Brown, he was Lord Commissioner of the Treasury. Before being elected, he was a social worker, a lecturer and councillor for Birmingham City Council. On his website he says that ‘he tells it like it
Keith Bacongco
is and stands up for his constituents.’ McCabe is standing as Labour’s candidate for re-election. Some students may also be in the Ladywood constituency. Ladywood has been represented by Shabana Mahmood MP. She became one of the first female Muslim MPs after being elected in 2015. She studied law at
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Oxford and is a qualified barrister. In February, she was criticised for expressing support for the anti-LGBT lessons protestors, saying: ‘It is all about age appropriateness of conversations with young children in the context of religious backgrounds.’ She later clarified: ‘I think RSE should be taught in schools...that includes the
Are American summer camps all they appear to be?
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LGBT community... all of it should be taught at the right age and in the right way.’ She is standing for re-election. Full candidate lists will be published on local authority websites on November 16th. Broadly, the Labour Party will campaign for radical change to the economy and a second referendum on Brexit. The Conservatives are campaigning to ‘get Brexit done, unite the country and defeat Corbyn.’ The Liberal Democrats are campaigning on a platform of stopping Brexit, trying to position themselves as the remain party compared to Labour and the Conservatives. The Greens are campaigning to remain in the EU and tackle ‘climate chaos.’ In the 2017 general election, the Democratic Unionist Party, Plaid Cymru, the Green Party, the SNP and Sinn Féin were all successful in having MPs elected. The Brexit Party and the Independent Group are both expected to run this year. To vote in the general election, you must be 18 or over on polling day and a British or qualifying Commonwealth citizen. The deadline to register is Tuesday 26th November. Students can choose to vote in their home constituencies or their university constituency. If you want to vote at home you can do so by postal vote. The information to do so is available at the web address below. You can find out more information about registering to vote at www.gov. uk/register-to-vote. You will need to have access to your National Insurance Number.
A personal exploration of synaesthesia
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Friday 8th November 2019
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Letter From the Committee: It seems absolutely ridiculous to say that with the printing of this issue we have successfully made it through a third of this year. But, here we are! It has been an absolute whirlwind and I feel as though I have barely blinked. The section editors have all produced some absolutely stunning pages both in this issue and the previous issues - they should all be incredibly proud. I would like to thank them for their endless patience with me as I try to learn all of InDesign’s quirks alongside them, as our lovely lady InDesign is nothing if not temperamental. However, their work is a testament to how successful a year this will be and I can't wait to see what else they have to bring. Whilst our section editors have been getting to grips with InDesign, I have been tackling the mind boggling task that is creating the Mind&Solve puzzle page. I have to admit, I am awful at puzzles. However, there is a great amount of satisfaction in causing confusion amongst readers who attempt to solve the crossword. In the last issue, I must have really triumphed in this area as there was an issue for which I can only apologise. I missed out an entire clue. For those who emailed in, I hope you managed to solve the crossword and get that long awaited satisfaction. I’m sure you will all be thrilled to know that I have included the missing clue and answer in the
Mind&Solve page, and hopefully there will not be a repeat of this mistake (touch wood!). Bar this mistake, I think that it is safe to say that we have had a successful first few prints. We have achieved our goal of extending our distribution into the local area and we have even managed to move a bin to the Library Cafe. None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the rest of the committee. Our dream deputy duo, Lydia and Emily, have kept me sane during the fast paced environment of print week, and never fail to brighten the office with their presence. Redbrick would not be the same without them, both for me and for you lovely readers. They have a huge part in organising our incredible team of EAs, who are nothing short of excellent. The paper in front of you would not look anywhere near as professional without the EAs and I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has come into the office to help us proof these pages. If you're interested in taking part in EA sessions, it's never too late! Just drop Emily or Lydia a message to find out more. However, Redbrick isn’t just made up of our printed pages. We have an absolutely incredible online team made up of Lucy and Holly. They have been working on uploading articles for everyone to see.
Holly, our Deputy Digital Editor, is frequently in the office working tirelessly, she is a huge contributing factor to our increasing online popularity! Finally, I’d like to say thank you to Theo and Becky who have been extremely dedicated to promoting our paper and society. Make sure you follow us on our social media to see all of the amazing work they have been doing, including running competitions! From the dungeons, etc...
Natalia Carter Print&Features Editor
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Online this week at redbrick.me... CULTURE
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To Ditch Dairy Or Not To Ditch Dairy
Single Review: Halsey – Clementine
The Sexism Behind Sex Education
Pixabay Chilling Short Stories for Halloween
Redbrick Editorial Team Editor-in-Chief Tom Leaman editor@redbrickonline.co.uk
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Print & Features Editor Natalia Carter print@redbrickonline.co.uk
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News Editors Aneesa Ahmed Alex Boscott Christina Manns John Wimperis Rhiannon Wood news@redbrickonline.co.uk
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Comment Editors Emily Chapman Hannah Lay Alice Macfarlane Abby Spreadborough
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Culture Editors Grace Baxendine Luca Demetriou culture@redbrickonline.co.uk
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Marketing Secretary Theodore Wrigley
Film Editors Amy O’Neill Matt Taylor Todd Waugh Ambridge Sam Zucca
Gaming Editors Alex Green Tom Martin Sam Nason gaming@redbrickonline.co.uk
Music Editors Freddie Clark Gemma Elgar Daisy Kirkaldy Dylan Lucas
Food&Drink Editors Harriet Laban Beth Sadler Gabrielle TaylorDowson
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Travel Editors Josie Hart Katie Norris Fern O’Shaughnessy travel@redbrickonline.co.uk
Life&Style Editors Estelle Dragan Frankie Rhodes Ellie Silcock Elizabeth Winter lifestyle@redbrickonline.co.uk
Sci&Tech Editors Peter Amor Francesca Benson Ellen Heimpel tech@redbrickonline.co.uk
Sport Editors Luke Bosher John Rogers Kit Shepard sport@redbrickonline.co.uk
Editorial Assistants Hassaan Abdullah Corinne Atkinson Daniel Bray Seren Brooks Aimée Calvert Amber Cater Eleanor Jeffery Hannah Masterman Anna Wilkinson Rubaya Zaman
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The views expressed in Redbrick do not necessarily reflect those of the editors, the Guild or the publishers. If you find an error of fact in our pages, please write to the editor. Our policy is to correct mistakes promptly in print and to apologise where appropriate. We reserve the right to edit any article, letter or email submitted for publication.
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UoB Lecturers to Strike for Eight Days from November 25th John Wimperis News Editor
Lecturers and other academic staff members will walk out on strike on Monday November 25th. Academic staff at 60 universities will take part in the industrial action. The strike will last until December 4th but, after returning to work, staff will only work strictly to contract, refusing to reschedule lectures that fell during the strike or to cover for colleagues. The Birmingham branch of University College Union (UCU), the higher education trade union, voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in two ballots, one over pensions and one over pay, equality, workload, and casualisation. UCU represents lecturers, researchers, library, and other academic staff at universities, including those employed on casual con-
tracts. than the proposed 9.6%. Both ballots comfortIn 2018, 64 univerably exceeded the 50% sities and over one turnout threshold million students were at UoB voted required by the 2012 affected by 14 days of for the strike Trade Union Act. 82% strike action over over pensions voted in favour of strike changes to USS. UCU action over pensions, while successfully defended 77% voted in favour of against those changes, strike action over pay, equality, which would have seen it workload, and casualisation. switch from defined benefit to Nationally, 79% of members defined contribution. voted in favour of the strike over Defined benefit pension pensions, while 74% backed the schemes guarantee a specific strike over pay and other issues. amount upon an employee’s retireThe pension ballot met the 50% ment but carry greater investment threshold in 43 branches, while the risk for the employer. Staff at UoB ballot over pay and other issues did not strike as the ballot failed to met this in 56 branches. reach the 50% turnout threshold. The pensions dispute is over UCU said that they found it the size of member contributions frustrating to ballot members again into the Universities but that they had no choice, claimSuperannuation Scheme (USS), ing that universities had not acted the scheme for academics’ pen- on their concerns. sions. UCU wants this capped at Redbrick reached out to UoB 8% of a member’s salary, rather but did not recieve a response.
82%
Dun.can
UoB Ranked 3rd Best For Rental Prices, According to Survey Ella Kipling News Reporter
The University of Birmingham has been ranked third best in the UK for rental prices, according to a survey run by Sellhousefast.uk, who looked at the best cities in the UK for students to rent properties in. In first and second place are the University of Sheffield and the University of Coventry, whose average rent prices are £863 (PCM) and £917 (PCM) respectively. Ranked third on the list, the University of Birmingham’s average rent price was found to be £1,028 per calendar month (rent prices taken from home.co.uk’s
property search tool). Birmingham also placed sixth on charts ran by both Top Universities and TotallyMoney. com’ which ranked the cheapest UK cities for students. While Birmingham does well for price, it lacks in the actual number of properties available with merely 572 properties to rent within a one-mile radius of the University, compared with the 1,630 in Coventry (figures from Zoopla). This means the stress of looking for houses starts as early as September and October for students. One first-year student, Ruth Ellis, told Redbrick: ‘I feel like
the housing situation causes a lot of unnecessary stress to students, as there is so much pressure on us to decide who we want to live with so early on.’
“I feel like the housing situation causes a lot of unnecessary stress” Another student, Isabel Pendleton, said that ‘the housing situation feels really rushed, and pressure from landlords caused us to put a deposit on a house really
quickly as we didn’t want to end up with no house at all.’ The University of Birmingham also succeeds when it comes to accommodation provided by the university for first year students and is placed 17th on the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018 for student accommodation. The university offers accommodation in three different locations: Selly Oak Village, Pritchatts Park Village, and The Vale, as well as partnered accommodation which is within a two-mile radius of the University. Prices start off at just £89 a week (Maple Bank on The Vale) and reach up to £203 (Chamberlain,
also on The Vale). Due to the large number of students, some first years end up in partnered accommodation off campus. Hannah Joint, a first year, living in Liberty Gardens, one of the universities partnered accommodations told Redbrick: ‘Liberty Gardens is lovely, and the maintenance is good,' but said that the distance between the accommodation and the University can be inconvinient. The University website states that Liberty Gardens is a 35 minute walk from the University, or a 15-minute bus. Joint says ‘it is such a journey from the uni, especially if you miss the shuttle bus.’
Ticket Touts Target UoB Students Aneesa Ahmed News Editor
Ticket touting has been occurring for several years across a variety of platforms, whether this be online or in person. Ticket touting is a form of ticket resale, whereby tickets are bought from licensed sellers and are then resold for a price determined by the buyer. The Facebook group Fab N' Fresh is a popular page used by University of Birmingham students to resell tickets for University and Guild events, gigs and other events. However, there have been several cases of students reselling tickets for events at a much higher asking price than they were originally sold for. These include tickets for events such as Fab N’ Fresh being sold for up to £50 and Tektu for ‘upwards of £28,’ according to UoB student Farhan Chin. As well as ticket touting, there have been incidences where
students have been scammed by other students whereby buyers were promised a ticket for an event in exchange for money, however once a transaction was made, the seller did not provide a ticket and refused to refund. The Guild has acknowledged this issue, as for many students it was ‘inconvenient’ to pay higher ticket prices and have implemented a £7 cap for resale of Fab’n’Fresh tickets. Despite efforts made by the Guild to limit this problem, ticket touting online persists. Ben Johns, a final-year student studying History and English told Redbrick: ‘I’ve always been of the mindset to sell tickets to other students for what you bought it for as everyone is in the same boat, but this past week I’ve been offered a Tektu ticket for £25 which is nearly a 50% mark up on the original ticket price. You really expect better from fellow students, but some just don’t seem to care at all!’
Jamie, a second-year student, told Redbrick that he finds it ‘upsetting’ that tickets are being sold for much higher prices and that he feels ‘left out’ by not being able to afford ‘extortionate ticket prices’ to join his friends on nights out and claims he feels ‘serious FOMO.’
“I’ve been offered a Tektu ticket for £25” Harriet told Redbrick that she was scammed online when someone asked £18 off her for a ticket to Applebum, a student night out in Birmingham. After she sent the money, they immediately blocked her without providing a ticket in return. Redbrick spoke to Emily, a
third year studying at the University, who said that her friend resold a ticket to Tektu for twelve times the price she paid for it. Emily stated that her friend ‘bought the ticket originally while
it was on sale for £2’ on the event’s official website, but she then ‘resold the ticket for £24’ because she ‘was well into her overdraft and just wanted to make some extra cash.’
Joel Amissa
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A Week of Delays for West Midlands Trains Amy Lakin News Reporter
West Midlands Trains has come under scrutiny from passengers after customers have experienced delays and disruption on many of its services. The disruption has caused cancellations throughout the week beginning the 21st of October. The BBC revealed that on Monday and Tuesday, 55% of West Midlands Trains services were late or cancelled, with 40% on Wednesday and 33% on Thursday. Customers have turned to social media to vent their frustrations. Speaking to the BBC, Imogen Handy said she ‘encountered a stressful week after experiencing seven delays or cancellations.’ West Midlands Trains has apologised for the inconvenience caused. The problems it faced with overhead electric wires have meant that trains have not been able to run efficiently. West Midlands Trains has also identified recent train crew shortages as a contributing factor to the delays. On the 30th of October, National Rail released a statement: ‘A shortage of train crew at Birmingham New Street is causing disruption to London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway services via this station. Trains may be cancelled or revised. This is expected until the end of the day.’
“The BBC revealed that on Monday and Tuesday, 55% of West Midlands Trains services were late or cancelled, with 40% on Wednesday and 33% on Thursday” The spread of the delays to London is due to the wide number of routes West Midlands Trains runs. The company owns London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway. West Midlands Trains has said that the introduction of a new timetable has also caused the delays to hit services harder than usual, as ‘when something goes wrong on the network, the knockon effects are more significant, and the disruption caused is greater than it would previously have been.’ West Midlands Railway runs a compensation scheme, ‘Delay Repay,’ for customers that have faced unforeseeable delays of 15 minutes or over. Customers can receive refunds from 25% to the full value of their original ticket price depending on the length of the given train’s delay. A list of regularly updated service disruptions can be found on the National Rail website.
Support Staff to Strike Amy O'Neill Film Editor
The University of Birmingham UNISON branch has announced another strike action on November 18th, following months of disputes over outsourcing and pay. UNISON members will be striking for a list of demands which include living wage accreditation, a pay rise above the rate of inflation, and action to end the gender pay gap, which UNISON says is 20% at UoB. During the current dispute, members of the union at the University have been on six days of strike action to demand action over the lack of living wage accreditation, the new payroll system (New Core) not paying UoB employees on time, and poor working conditions at the University. Members have voted to escalate strike action following a lack of response by the University to the issues raised by striking staff previously.
According to UoB UNISON on Twitter, some former members of staff have even had their state benefits affected as the University did not report their wages on time, and some staff have not been paid correctly on the most recent payday. A video depicting the ViceChancellor as a cowboy on the Unison Birmingham Uni branch Facebook page outlined some of the issues faced. ‘We are still burdened with: low pay that doesn’t last till the end of the month, stressful working conditions, and of course, bad management [...] A bad deal for staff makes the university look bad, brings it into disrepute and isolates us from the rest of the world.’ Seven local MPs have, for the second time, written a letter to the Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir David Eastwood renewing their call for the university to commit to paying staff the Living Wage and to bringing all Edgbaston Park Hotel staff in-house. The letter states: ‘as a leading
university in the region, we are bemused by your hesitation towards working towards Living Wage Foundation accreditation, given your commitment to the voluntary rate.’ ‘On the subject of Edgbaston Park Hotel, as you know, we want to see all outsourced staff brought in-house onto the University of Birmingham payroll so that their pay and terms and conditions are the same as everyone else’s on campus.’ UNISON has stated that it hopes that with the upcoming Living Wage Week, the University and Vice-Chancellor will reconsider their position on the Living Wage and commit to paying it to all University of Birmingham staff. A spokesperson for the University of Birmingham told Redbrick: 'We have met with Unison a number of times to try to bring an end to the dispute and we remain disappointed that we have not yet been able to reach an agreement.
Support staff were awarded (and paid) a 2% pay increase with effect from August 2018 and were offered a 3% pay increase with effect from August 2019, significantly higher than the increases at other universities and the wider public sector. We recognise that staff at the lower end of the pay spectrum may be disproportionately affected by increases in the cost of living or cuts in government funding, which is why this year is the 11th consecutive year that our support staff pay awards are in line with or above those negotiated nationally. In addition, we have matched the level of the voluntary Living Wage (vLW) for the last four years and offered to commit to continue to match it for at least a further three year. “As with previous strikes, we would like to reiterate our thanks to those staff who attend work as normal to ensure students, staff and visitors are affected as little as possible by any disruption.'
UoB Makes Move to Reduce Single-Use Plastics Alex Boscott News Editor
This week, the University of Birmingham launched a campaign which aims to reduce and more effectively manage the use of single use plastics on campus. The initiative has targeted areas such as catering, sport and the laboratories on campus in order to cut down on the amount of waste each of these areas produce in an effort to lessen UoB’s impact on the environment. Against the backdrop of an ever-growing call for single-use plastics to be removed from everyday life in Britain, the campaign will ‘have an impact on catering, accommodation, building developments and more on the campus, which serves more than 30,000 students and 8,000 staff.’ The plans include putting 15000 eco-cups into circulation, making all single-use cutlery biodegradable and moving towards recycling all single-use lab plastics, thus diverting them from landfill. Director of Estates Trevor Payne has said: ‘We are passionate about our role in caring for the environment and I am very proud of the work we have done to date to reduce single-use plastic on campus. We still have lots of work to do here, which is why today we are working with staff and students alike to make progress.’ The move from the university comes after previous successful initiatives to make the university more eco friendly which have included obtaining electricity from renewable sources and the implementation of the ‘Green Heart’ last year. Speaking to Redbrick, Lydia Dutton, Sustainability Manager
Redbrick at UoB, stated that ‘the university takes it [its environmental impact] very seriously' whilst adding that UoB will ‘look at where plastics are being produced and reduce where possible.’
“We are passionate about our role in caring for the environment” According the Mrs Dutton, ‘it would be remiss to not be a campaign around plastics’ due to the prominence of the question of ‘how do we as humans manage our impact on the environment?’ in our society. She also pointed to
how the move could financially aid the university by saying that ‘the more students and staff think about the waste they produce should, in theory, generate savings for the university’ which could be invested elsewhere. Mrs Dutton claims that ‘this is Birmingham’s opportunity to express what are we already doing [to make UoB green].’ The Sustainability Manager highlighted how this is a chance to ‘work closely’ with student groups who share the same vision for the reduction of plastics, such as Plastic Free UoB. Harriet Noy from the studentrun Plastic Free UoB has said she is ‘excited to see the changes the University is making to achieve a more sustainable campus. I think the more students we get on board, the easier it will be to achieve our plastic reduction goal.’
“How do we as humans manage our impact on the environment?” If you have any ideas for initiatives or events to further help UoB become more sustainable and greener, please contact UoB’s Sustainability Manager, Lydia Dutton, at l.dutton@bham.ac.uk. You can also get involved with the campaign by joining the Plastic-Free UoB student group: Facebook - Plastic-Free UOB, Instagram - @plasticfreeuob, Twitter - @PlasticFreeUoB, Emailplasticfreeuob@gmail. com.
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Anti-Abortion Societies on the Rise in Universities Cerys Gardner News Reporter
The number of anti-abortion societies on the campuses of UK universities is rising. There are 14 official anti-abortion societies around the UK, almost double the eight that existed this time last year. This is according to the Alliance of Pro-Life Students (APS). The University of Birmingham’s own anti-abortion society was approved by the Guild of Students in February and was present at this year’s Freshers' Fair. This rise in anti-abortion societies is believed to be linked to concerns over free speech. Several universities, including Aberdeen and Strathclyde, have lifted bans on anti-abortion societies due to legal challenges over free speech.
In February, the Equality and Human Rights Commission released new guidance on free speech at UK universities ‘to ensure campuses still remain a forum for open and robust enquiry.’ Helena Purle, secretary for Birmingham Students for Life, said to The Independent: ‘I think pro-life students have always been at university but now we’re allowed to form a society and organise events because of the recent focus on freedom of speech.’ Rachel Watters, the NUS Women’s Officer, told The Independent that ‘there is a potential for pro-life societies on campus to cause great distress to students and that’s something we have to be very careful about.’ Watters also said: ‘I think the best way to counter pro-life activism
on campus is to support prochoice organisations and feminist societies on campus.’ At UoB, Birmingham Students for Choice has been set up in response to Birmingham Students for Life. On the flyers they handed out at the Freshers’ Fair, Students for Choice said they want to ‘Give a Voice to Choice’ by ‘campaigning for bodily autonomy and reproductive health, particularly in relation to abortion.’ It has been a contentious year for abortion rights around the globe with near total bans on abortion introduced in US states like Georgia and the decriminalisation of abortion in Nothern Ireland on 21st October. This renewed debate around abortion may be linked to the rise in antiabortion societies and responding pro-choice activity on UK campuses.
Lorie Shaull
Universities Refunding Tuition Fees Christina Manns News Editor
Almost 1,000 students at UK universities have had their tuition fees refunded over a two-year period, complaining of a ‘huge scandal’ of poor-quality courses which don’t improve job prospects. This revelation comes after Universities UK urged higher education institutions to provide students with information on how their tuition fees are being spent amidst concerns that courses are not providing value for money. These refunds have cost universities almost £750,000 in the past two years. Significant cases include Teeside University, which paid £56,650 to 23 students who complained about their MSc courses, and Brunel University,
which paid out £22,250 to 17 students. Complaints about a Geology course at Kingston University led to pay-outs of around £14,000. Many of these complaints centre around the quality of teaching and support at university, which some students feel is inadequate in comparison to the price of tuition fees. In 2012, tuition fees rose from around £3,000 to £9,000 per year, and this dramatic price increase has led to mounting anxiety from students that their money isn’t being spent appropriately. Indeed, a student at Oxford University was granted £15,252 and a student at the Royal Veterinary College was paid £3,450 after they complained about the quality of teaching and supervision on their courses. A Universities UK spokesman
“Almost 1,000 students at UK universities have had their tuition fees refunded” said it was ‘right that students are compensated if it is found that the quality of their course does not meet the high standards which universities rightly aim for.’ Universities UK has also urged universities to give detailed breakdowns of how they spend students’ tuition fees in their prospectuses and on their websites.
76 per cent of students in England believe that their university does not disclose enough information about how it spends its income, and this is reflected in the fact that roughly four out of five university websites do not provide adequate information on this spending. This new UUK guidance, which is soon to be published, states: ‘The lack of accessible information on university spending has led to a misperception that fees are solely spent on the direct costs of teaching.’ It goes on to suggest that universities should describe ‘how non-teaching spending benefits and adds value for students.’ Joshua Latham-Phillips, a first-year student at the University of Birmingham, told Redbrick that since universities are in the
public sector, ‘the money generated from government funding should be broken down for public access. This should include average salaries and gender breakdowns, and a breakdown should also be applied on services within the university such as halls rent to see how much of a percentage profit is being made off students without other options.’ Latham-Phillips also commented on the perceived lack of value for money on some university courses, saying that ‘some courses are valued more highly within society and, since the government's aims are to create a future of workers and not people with worthless degrees, more funding should be focused around the degrees in higher demand.’
Watchdog Challenges UK Universities Discott
Joseph Meakin News Reporter
The higher education regulator for England, the Office for Students (OfS), has required 65% of universities to act in order to improve their standards. The watchdog’s registration process, compulsory for those institutions that wish their students to receive government loans, has highlighted a number of concerns. Over 500 applications for registration have been received since the OfS’ founding in 2018, of which eight have been rejected for failing to meet its conditions. And of the 387 institutions which have so far been successfully registered, 252 have undergone ‘enhanced monitoring’ with a further 18 requiring action in order to ensure compliance with the regulator’s conditions.
The issue of the quality of teaching and accessibility of higher education to those from disadvantaged backgrounds has been highlighted by the OfS. Susan Lapworth, director of competition and registration at the OfS, has called on universities to ‘ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are supported not only to get into higher education, but to get on, too.’
“OfS has required 65% of universities to act in order to improve their standards” The drop-out rates at English universities have also achieved
attention. Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson MP, supports the OfS fining or suspending the registration of institutions with ‘unacceptable levels of drop-out rates’ or those that offer poor value education, as per an article in the i. The financial situations of universities, too, have come under scrutiny. Lapworth has said that ‘too many providers glossed over the possibility of closure in their student protection plans’, these protection plans being the contingencies in place should a course, campus or institution be forced to close. Universities UK has responded to the findings. Quoted in the i, they said that ‘it is right that [...] closer attention should be paid to ensure institutions are on track to meet the conditions of registration’. They went on to say that they would work towards helping ‘our members better meet the conditions of registration.’
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Selly Oak MP Steve McCabe Takes on Family Financial Support 'Injustice' Pensions Committee made public its disagreement. The Committee affirmed that, although not married, these people are facing the News Reporter same costs as a married couple. Selly Oak MP Steve McCabe is Last year similar support was campaigning to end the ‘terridenied by the Government in ble injustice’ of families the case of a woman being denied financial whose partner died support if a parent from cancer. dies and the couple ‘I have heard were unmarried. personally from my An inquiry was constituents about completed by the impact of the McCabe and other for those unmarried G o v e r n m e n t ’ s MPs into the refusal to pay than for someone Bereavement bereavement benemarried to their Support Payment fits to those who partner which provides supwere not married to port for people who their partner,’ stated have lost their husband or McCabe. wife. The Selly Oak MP expressed his concern related to the issue by out that after one year “Cohabiting families pointing since the Supreme Court acted against this discrimination, the have been waiting Government has not changed anything. 14-months for the Frank Field MP, member of Committee, affirmed that: Government to make the ‘Cohabiting families have been waiting 14-months for the up their mind” Government to make up their mind’ after the Supreme Court’s This provides an initial pay- decision. ‘It must make it right, ment of £3,500 and an additional and urgently,’ continued Field. £350 per month for up to 18 months for those who have children. The maximum amount of “We are committed to support received by those without children is £2,500 and a bonus of supporting people £100 per month. The financial support is often during bereavement” used by people to support the costs of funeral, rent or mortgage. A spokesperson for the The benefit cannot be extend- Department for Work and Pensions ed to those who are unmarried, said: ‘We are committed to supaccording to the Government, but porting people during bereavethe House of Commons Work and ment and with the introduction of
Diana Andreea Manduic
£1000 less
Bereavement Support Payment in April 2017, have widened the support available. ‘This is in addition to help provided for cohabiting couples through the wider welfare system.’
Two Cars per Day Set on Fire in Brum Ella Kipling News Reporter
In 2018/19, the West Midlands Fire Service were called out to 808 deliberate vehicle fires, meaning that two cars are victims of arson every day in the West Midlands. While this is a drop from the 868 deliberate vehicle fires in the previous year, this comes at a time where the fire service is facing ongoing cuts to their workforce, and the Fire Brigade Union (FBU) warns that this could mean fire fighters are less able to respond quickly to car arson. FBU general secretary, Mike Wrack said, ‘deliberately caused fires put the lives of firefighters
and members of the public at risk, and use up precious time and resources’. Nationally, in 2018/19 firefighters were called out to 10,254 deliberate vehicle fires, which is also a decrease from the 11,166 in the previous year. Last month, West Midlands police released footage of a man throwing a petrol bomb at a car. The video shows a man on Third Avenue in Bordesley Green, shortly before 5am on September 24th attempting to throw the bomb at a Honda Accord, however it bounces off, hitting another car which sets alight immediately. The man is said to have returned the next day to finish the job, setting the Honda on fire as well.
UoB Submits Plans for New Renewable Energy Centre at Tyseley Energy Park Josie Hart Travel Editor
The University of Birmingham (UoB) has submitted proposals for a new renewable energy centre, the latest step towards filling UoB’s environmental commitments. The renewable energy centre will be the fourth phase of Tyseley Energy Park’s existing investments in renewable energy. These other phases include a zero carbon refuelling centre and a waste facility that will supply energy to the regional grid. The fourth phase will include a range of cleaner fuels including hydrogen, compressed natural gas, and commercial electric
chargers. TEP is one of the West Midlands Combined Authourity’s four ‘energy innovation zones,' focussed on developing business models and infrastructure for cleaner energy. Not only is the renewable energy centre environmentally focused, but the plans set out a provision of 30 jobs and car park spaces to accommodate. It also sets out to provide this cleaner energy to businesses in the local area. The promotion of research and development collaboration is also envisaged. UoB has in the past projected itself as forward-thinking when it comes to making significant strides towards environmental management and sustainability.
As a member of ‘Sustainability West Midlands,' UoB has committed to achieving progress within the field of climate research and improvement. The Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR), for example, has put UoB on the global stage, with its aim ‘to provide a step-change in our understanding how our forests will respond to future increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2 ), including effects on forest growth and agricultural pests and diseases.’ This comes just weeks after the announcement of the UoB’s ‘Birmingham In Action’ campaign, its most ambitious charity project yet, encompassing five key challenges including the environment.
Protest Outside Probation Hostel in Selly Oak Containing Paedophile Ella Kipling News Reporter
Protesters have surrounded Selly Oak hostel in which a convicted paedophile, Vanessa George, currently resides. George was sentenced in 2009 to a minimum of seven years for sexually abusing 30 toddlers and babies in Plymouth, and has been released on parole in September after serving ten years. According to Birmingham Live, protesters were ‘appalled’ George is living in such close proximity to an after-school club
and nursery and have been told by other residents that she had allegedly been seen ‘laughing and joking in the sunshine.’ One mother, Caroline Wheeler, drove 150 miles from her home in Exeter to attend the protest, and bore a banner with the words ‘Vanessa George name your victims.’ George has never named her victims, leaving a devastating effect on the families of the children who attended the nursery who are unsure if their children were abused. One parent wrote a heartbreaking open letter to George, telling her, ‘it’s not fair that you get to move on now and
start a fresh life and we are left to continue suffering.’
“It's not fair that you get to move on now and start a fresh life and we are left to contunue suffering” George was arrested after pictures of her abusing the children were found on her computer. She admitted to two counts of assault by penetration, and four of sexual
assault by touching, of children under the age of 13. In addition to this, she admitted to one count of making indecent images of children and five counts of distributing them. The Labour MP for Plymouth, Devonport and Sutton, Luke Pollard, spoke out against the decision to release George, stating: ‘The families concerned are facing a life sentence as she spends time relaxing in the sunshine. Vanessa George shouldn’t be allowed out of prison until her victims have reached adulthood as a bare minimum. Many of them are now around 12, 13 or 14. The fact she is out is a disgrace when
the families are still suffering.’ George has, however, been banned from Devon and Cornwall, is unable to go within 30 metres of any swimming pool, and is barred from going near nurseries, children’s playgrounds and schools. The recent Queen’s Speech featured Boris Johnson’s plans for tougher criminal justice, including a law ensuring murderers who refuse to reveal where they buried their victim will serve a longer sentence in jail. This proposed legislation will also stretch to include paedophiles who refuse to identify their victims.
NEWS
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbricknews
The Rise of Crime in the World of Online Dating News Editor Rhiannon Wood reports on the worrying rise in criminal activity using online dating apps and websites Rhiannon Wood
that ‘While many people have found their perfect match through these dating apps, there are those who have become a victim of horrific crimes. The police need to do much more than they currently are to highlight the real dangers of online dating.’
News Editor
The number of crimes committed as a result of online dating has seen a staggering increase in the last five years. New statistics reveal that the number of dating site offenses has increased from 156 in 2015, to 286 just last year. These figures are reported by 23 of the 43 police forces in England and Wales. Wolverhampton Liberal Democrats (WLD) conducted their own research into this, finding that reported crimes relating to online dating have simultaneously risen in the West Midlands in the last five years. 13 crimes had been recorded in 2014, and by 2019 this number has risen to 337 thus far. Dating apps such as Tinder, Grindr and Bumble shared a One solution to There were percentage of these this is to call on recorded crimes. these companies to A large proporask for proof of ID tion of these documents and to crimes include carry out criminal dating site cases of grooming record checks on children, stalking users of the site. offences last and rape, named by This should help to year the WLD as the ‘dark prevent offenders from side of online dating.’ having access to these Liberal Democrat camapps to target victims. paigner Leyla Abbes commented that ‘the real figures could be significantly higher’ than what has been reported. An estimated 10 million UK residents are registered on dating sites or apps, with around one in three relationships starting from this contact made online. Abbes responds to this, saying However, chief executive of
“While many people have found their perfect match through these dating apps, there are those who have become a victim of horrific crimes”
286
“The real figures could be significantly higher”
Question Time for Brum Aneesa Ahmed Question Time came to Birmingham last week on October 31st, the supposed deadline for Brexit. The event was held at King Edwards school, located opposite the University of Birmingham, and was aired on the same day at 10.30 pm on BBC One. The panellists for last week’s episode were Paul Scully, Conservative MP for Sutton and Cheam; Jon Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South; Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon; Mairead McGuinness, VicePresident of the European Parliament and Isabel Oakeshott, journalist and author. Questions varied from the recent announcement of a general election, to sexism in politics to Hugh Grant refusing to shake the hand of Sajid Javid MP.
New Speaker, Same Problems Alex Boscott As
John
Bercow
exits
the
07
Teenagers Carrying BB Pistol Arrested in the City Centre Amy Lakin News Reporter
Manuel Del Moral
the Online Dating Association (ODA), George Kidd, who represents some of the online dating and app companies, said that criminal checks on users cannot be done, although the ODA do work with police and are committed to doing all they can to help keep people safe. ‘Maybe it is the responsibility He continued, saying that dat- of the users to exercise proper ing sites are ‘part of our social caution, and in some cases fabric, we want to celecommon sense. For brate it and make sure example, a member of it’s safe.’ my family using a Agreeing with dating app believed Kidd, a second year she had met Hitler’s Psychology stugrandson, failing to dent told Redbrick recall that Hitler that ‘asking for didn’t have chilproof of ID docudren.’ people in the UK ments takes away Do you have are on dating the ease and convenany opinions on this sites ience that makes article? Contact us on online dating so popular Twitter: @redbricknews in the first place.
“We want to celebrate it and make sure it’s safe”
10
Million
Speakers’ chair, Sir Lindsay acknowledging that ‘right-wing Hoyle, Labour MP for Chorley extremist attitudes and actions... takes on the difficult job of conare occurring with increasing fretrolling the Commons. Stating quency.’ However, Germany’s that he will be ‘neutral’ and governing party (the CDU) ‘transparent,' Sir Lindsay has rejected this resolution, also promised to make with chairman of the CDU the Commons a ‘great, City Council Group, Jan respected house� Donhauser, telling the across the world’ - a BBC that the ‘vast goal many MPs will majority’ of Dresden’s also share. It is citizens are ‘neither unclear whether the right-wing extremists former Deputy nor anti-democratic.’ Speaker will have a revolutionising impact on the Walk on with Oak in Your Heart Commons. However, with a fresh parliament The Redbrick News Team give a to be elected and Brexit John Wimperis still unresolved, his time quick round-up of what’s going in the chair will arguably on in the wider world be the most politically testLiverpool’s Allerton Oak has ing to date. been voted England’s Tree of this week the Year. The tree is believed to be over 1,000 years old and local Dresden Declares legend holds that the medieval 'Nazi Emergency' Aschenbach told the BBC that court used to meet beneath its ‘The open democratic society is branches. A great crack that runs Christina Manns threatened.’ Indeed, the far-right down the side of the tree is said to and anti-Islam Pegida movement have been caused by a shockwave Dresden has declared a ‘Nazi began in Dresden in 2014, and which rippled across Liverpool in Emergency’ due to the increasing Dresden city council approved 1864, when the Lottie Sleigh, a presence of the far-right in the Aschenbach’s ‘Nazi Emergency’ ship carrying 11 tonnes of gunregion. Local councillor Max resolution by 39 votes to 29, powder exploded on the Mersey.
Redbrick
Round-Up
Two teenagers were spotted holding what was believed to be a weapon but was actually a BB pistol, in Birmingham city centre on Tuesday October 22nd. The individuals who were both 14 years old, were seen on CCTV by police officers. Armed police officers from West Midlands Police were called to the scene to detain the individuals and confiscate the weapon. Due to the limited visibility on the surveillance footage, police had thought the weapon was real. The suspects, who are local to the West Midlands region, have been arrested on suspicion of having an imitation firearm. They are both currently being held in police custody. The gun scare comes shortly after West Midlands Police discovered a false weapon during a drug raid in a Saltley address on the 11th of October earlier this year. A 2018 report into firearm crime statistics by the House of Commons revealed that the use of imitation firearms in non-air firearm offences has increased. The report analysed crime statistics for imitation firearms from 2008 to 2017. It found that imitation firearms previously contributed to 18% of all non-air firearm offences but in 2016, this rose to 28%.
The tree won 34% of the 11,000 votes in Woodland Trust’s annual competition to find England’s favourite tree. The Allerton Oak will now represent its country in the European Tree of the Year competition in 2020.
US Withdraws from Climate Agreement Rhiannon Wood The process of withdrawal has begun for the US, notifying the UN of its intention to leave the Paris Agreement. Signed by 187 countries to keep global temperatures below 2°C and limit the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by humans to the same levels that trees, soils and oceans can absorb naturally. US President Donald Trump has claimed that the agreement puts an ‘unfair economic burden on Americans.’ However, in the US, a movement called ‘We Are Still In’ has been established, in which many local governments, businesses and organisations pledge to continue to cut emissions and move to renewable energy.
08
COMMENT
Friday 8th October 2019
@redbrickcomment
In Conversation with Nightline Luke Wheeler interviews Nightline about this year's Nightline Awareness Week Luke Wheeler Comment Writer
or email us and even drop in for a face-to-face chat.
Every November, Nightline services across the UK and Ireland take part in Nightline Awareness Week (NLAW), aiming to increase students’ knowledge of the service through a whole host of events. In the lead up to this year's awareness week I sat down with Nightlines Publicity and Events Officer to talk all things NLAW.
So how did Nightline come about? NL: Nightline started in 1970 at the University of Essex after staff noticed the distress that students were experiencing and the lack of peer-to-peer support for them. They trained the first student volunteers and since then the Nightline family has grown to 36 Nightlines across the UK and Ireland, covering roughly one and a half million students.
For those who aren’t aware of Nightline, how would you describe it? NL: Well, Nightline is a confidential listening and information service run by students for students here at UoB, as well as Aston and UCB. The service runs from 8 pm until 8 am throughout term-time. If you want to talk to Nightline you can phone, instant message
Why would you say Nightline is important? NL: Nightline is important because it’s there when other services aren’t. We provide students with someone to talk to throughout the night if they feel they want to get something off their chest, no matter how big or small. If students need information we can provide that to
them as well. The service is completely non-judgemental and non-advisory, so it provides an important place for students to be listened to when they need to talk without fear of judgement. What would you say to students who’ve thought about contacting the service? NL: I’d say it’s just like talking to any other student. You don’t have to be in crisis, and there’s no need to be nervous, our aim is to create a supportive atmosphere where students feel comfortable talking to us about whatever is on their mind without making it a big deal. How can people support the service? NL: The power of word of mouth shouldn’t be underestimated, please tell your friends about the service - they may never use it but I feel that knowing it’s there is also really important. Following us on social media also helps increase our reach and means that people can keep up to date with what we’re doing. Students can also support us by becoming volunteers, we have two training intakes each year. We also appreciate any and all fundraising support, we’ll have a whole load of events throughout awareness week as well as later on in the year to help raise money. What does it take to be a Nightline volunteer? NL: Anyone can be a NL volunteer, you don’t have to have any experience, just a willingness to learn. We do two weekends of intensive training in active listening so that volunteers feel prepared to go on shifts, it’s a great way to get to know people. Once you’ve trained I’d say the reward of going on shift and knowing that you’ve been there for people helps drive your enthusiasm. What is Nightline Awareness Week (NLAW)? NL: NLAW is a week of events to
raise awareness of Nightline and what it offers. This year it’s running from the 18th to the 24th of November and is themed around appreciation. We’re aiming to have a diverse range of events so that as many people as possible can engage with who we are and what we do. We really want to emphasise that it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been at uni or what you’re studying, Nightline is there for you regardless.
whatever they want - no matter how big or small they think it is. On a more personal note, I
“You don't have to be in crisis, and there's no need to be nervous”
What has Birmingham Nightline got lined up this year?
wish that people knew how deeply volunteers care about the serv- ice and their fellow students, I’ve never met such a dedicated group of people before. To keep up w i t h N i g h t l i n e ’s Aw a r e n e s s Week Events, make sure to follow their social media. If you want to know more about the service and find out how to volunteer, visit their website. If you want to contact the service, their number is on the back of student ID cards and all their contact information is available through the my.bham, Aston SU and UCB Guild portals. Nightline’s Awareness Week takes place between the 18th and 24th of November.
“We really want to emphasise that it doesn't matter how long you've been at uni or what you're studying” NL: We’re still adding the finishing touches, but we’ve got tonnes of things lined up. We’re looking to host a debate with some of the other welfare groups here at UoB and we’ll be running social media campaigns throughout the week. We’ll also be out at Aston and UCB, as well as creating a feel good playlist to help people engage in some self care. If you want to help us raise some funds, we’re also aiming to host a quiz on the F r i d a y evening. Please follow our social media to keep an eye on when things are and pop along and say hello!
“They can talk to us about whatever they want no matter how big or small”
What’s the one thing you wish people knew about Nightline? NL: In terms of the service, I wish people were aware of the fact we have drop-ins from 8pm until midnight, also, I think it’s important that people are aware that they can talk to us about
@BhamNightline Birmingham Nightline www.bhamnightline.co.uk
COMMENT
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbrickcomment
09
Poll of the Week: Fireworks
As Bonfire Night approaches and people are continually using fireworks, we asked students whether they thought fireworks were too readily accessible No 7 %
Ye s
“They should only be available in specialist stores to people putting on professional displays ”
93
%
Are Fireworks Too
“There are environmental concerns, the impact they have on animals and the risk they pose to people's lives to be considered”
Readily Accessible?
“Previous experience of people setting of fireworks directly at people ”
Poll conducted on 29th October 2019
“Think of the hedgehogs”
Take part in our polls: @RedbrickComment Redbrick Comment Contributors
Emily Chapman Comment Editor
As the festive period comes upon us, this week we asked Redbrick readers whether they felt that fireworks are too readily accessible. Sold in most supermarkets around this time of year, and available to anyone over the age of 18, it seems that fireworks are being set off left, right and centre. 93% of respondents were of the opinion that fireworks are too easily accessed by members of the general public, many of them sharing the sentiments that there should be further control over who is allowed to purchase them. A number of respondents noted their concern over people’s wellbeing when handling fireworks: ‘there have been so many cases of people handling them incorrectly and having them hit people, pets, and home structures.’ Equally, people share concerns about the environmental impact of the items, often noting the impact they have on wildlife and small animals. It is often pointed out by people how much fireworks affect their pets, forcing some people to have to routinely sedate their pets around the time of Bonfire Night and Christmas celebrations.
It was generally agreed by respondents that firework displays should be allowed to be put on by licensed pyrotechnicians for public enjoyment, but that individuals should not be allowed to purchase them for private use. This way, local displays would be able to give notice to people who live in the vicinity, so they can take the necessary measures to protect their pets (and themselves) from the noise should they choose to do so. One respondent pointed out that this would be much more enjoyable anyway: ‘If you were that fussed you would go to a proper display instead of letting off a few disappointing rockets in the garden.’ Fireworks are only legally allowed to be sold between certain dates ranging between October and early January, with Diwali and Chinese New Year being the only other exceptions. Legally, there are in fact restrictions when fireworks can be set off, usually banning the use between 11 pm to 7 am (unless on official celebrations like Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve, where the cut-off is midnight) to avoid constant disturbances. However, it seems much more sensible (and much safer) to go to the local village green display this year, instead.
Tip, Tip, Hooray! Tipping Culture
Comment Writers debate whether we should leave a tip for service staff in light of minimal wages and uncertainty about where the money really goes Holly Pittaway Deputy Digital Editor
Though tipping culture can be confusing, especially in the UK where tipping isn’t as much of an established practice as it is in the United States, as a server I think it should be a matter of courtesy to tip. Before I begin, however, let me add a few caveats – you should only tip if you feel the experience was worth it, and if you do feel this way you should only ever give what you can give, especially as a student who has bigger things to worry about than deciding how much percent to add on top of a bill. Coming from someone who has worked in food service for over four years now, the benefits of tipping even just a few pounds are very real; I’ve seen the effort (and often stress) that goes on behind the scenes in restaurants and at large events, something I believe a lot of customers rarely take into account when they go out for a meal. A tip when you’ve been run off your feet all night, then, can be a nice morale booster. For large, sometimes difficult, parties, tipping should be a must – when a bill starts to stack up into the hundreds and guests neglect to leave a tip it can come across as rude.
Other than being a social courtesy, tips can help contribute to an otherwise small wage. In the UK the National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20 year olds currently stands at £6.15, but with the cost of living (especially as a student) so high this often doesn’t go far. In my job, tips usually add up to an extra £5-10 per week, and sometimes even higher during holidays and events, so this can really stretch my budget a lot further. But where does one draw the line at who to tip? The average full-time salary in the UK for 2019 stands at £36,611, so perhaps looking at the average salaries for certain industries could help us here. Full-time hospitality/catering workers receive on average £25,000 per year, for taxi drivers it’s £19,307 per annum, retail staff can expect an average yearly salary of £24,823 and for baristas, the annual average is a measly £18,592. When we think of tipping it’s usually only in reference to the food service industry, but if these figures are anything to go by we should probably be shelling out more for Uber drivers, shop assistants, and Starbucks employees. Such professions then, might benefit from being more transparent about tipping policies, rather than leaving it to consumers to do the research.
So to put it simply, tipping is always a good idea, especially for industries where pay is lower than the average. I don’t think Brits should consider going full-blown American, by which I mean meticulously calculating 20% of every bill, but a few pounds can go a long way.
Sophie Utteridge Comment Writer
Tipping is confusing, there is no doubt about that. The customs and expectations of one restaurant, café, hotel, hairdressers, taxi, or sometimes even country, can be very different to another. But, if we remove the concept of a tip altogether and replace it with a voluntary service charge that is universal everywhere, then perhaps both service industry workers and consumers can win without any uncertainty and embarrassing confusion. However, as much as we can dance around the tip problem, we all know that the real issue lies in the low wages of hospitality workers. Tipping certainly wouldn’t be needed (or indeed relied upon) if everyone was guaranteed a living wage that covered their necessary expenditure and left a little more for themselves. Forcing companies to increase their workers’ wages, introducing a
service charge and clearing up the confusion of a tipping culture is the only way to ensure that service industry workers are treated equally. Every time I walk into a café, I ask myself the same question: who exactly does my tip go to? Does it go to the barista who makes my coffee? Or to the waiter who actually serves my table? Or to the waiter who clears it? And what about the chefs in the kitchen? Or the people in pot-wash cleaning my cup after I’m finished? Or the manager overseeing everything? There is a countless number of people who all have a claim to my tip and yet I can’t tip them all, nor can I afford to as a student. Of course, there are others who could but, again, who are they actually tipping? Once you start thinking about the question, it’s hard to put it from your mind and you’ll find yourself thinking of an extra person to add to the list each time. There are many places that would share out the tips at the end of the day, but there are also places that don’t. Even worse, there are places where the percentage share of the tip you receive depends on the grade you are working at with no questions asked and no opportunity for recourse as tips are non-contractual. On a more sinister note, it is
not unknown for companies to pay their workers less because they expect the difference to be made up in tips. These companies use tipping as a way to boost salaries without any impacts on their own costs and, because tips are untraceable, this isn’t picked up by the taxman. So, even though your tip would be going to a hard-working service worker, the company they work for may be dodging taxes that could go towards funding our schools, roads and hospitals. So again, who is actually winning in the long term? With so much uncertainty between each and every café and restaurant I go to, I find it harder each time to justify giving a tip and I sometimes even ask the waiter themselves where my money would go if I was to tip them. But, in places where there is a service charge, I find the issue to be solved right then and there. A service charge is easier to split and of course you can refuse to pay it if the service has been poor. And, assuming that service charge goes to the workers, it means everyone gets a share no matter their job in the organisation. So, in the grand scheme of things, shouldn’t we just pay people on the value of the service they provide and not rely on tips?
10
COMMENT
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbrickcomment
Drug Abuse Deaths Are Preventable Comment Writer Colette Fountain takes a closer look at Mac Miller's tragic death and how many like it can be prevented in the future Colette Fountain Comment Writer
Mac Miller was never one to shy away from discussing his drug addiction, which began with the use of promethazine to cope with the stress of his 2012 Macadelic Tour and ended with an overdose on 7th September 2018. Listening to Mac’s music, you get a sense of the ways his attitude to drugs changed. In 2011’s ‘Donald Trump’ he intros the song laughingly saying ‘this man is kinda high over here’ but just four years later he raps ‘to everyone who sell me drugs don’t mix it with that bullshit’ – the tragic irony being that he never did ‘join the 27 club’ that he was so afraid of. While Miller was hoping to outlive ‘the 27 club,’ the laced Oxycodone he took ended his life prematurely at 26. According to the autopsy report, Miller died from a fatal combination of alcohol, cocaine and fentanyl which was deemed an accident by investigators. In Miller’s case there can often be a very confusing grey area; after all Miller wasn’t supplied with the drugs he thought he was purchasing. Miller believed he was purchasing oxycodone, an
opioid, but in reality he was sold fentanyl, a drug 80-100 times stronger than heroin.
“The laced Oxycodone he took ended his life prematurely at 26” According to the Gulfport Police Department, oxycodone tablets are often entirely counterfeited and only contain fentanyl meaning the recipient is more likely to accidentally overdose. The reason dealers put fentanyl in the drugs is because it is often cheaper than heroin, easier to smuggle and the increased strength means the recipient is unlikely to notice that the drugs have been tampered with. Laced drugs, unfortunately, are worryingly common. Marijuana is sometimes laced with substances like glass, laundry detergent and embalming fluid in order to increase the weight of the product, thus making more profit without regard for the recipient’s health. In extreme cases, marijuana may
be laced with stronger drugs like heroin in order to get the buyer addicted and manipulate them into buyer stronger drugs, again increasing their profits. Recently, in a bid to reduce overdosing at festivals, drugtesting kits were provided. However, not enough people are making use of resources like these, largely due to the social stigma and fear of legal consequences. Another method of reducing overdose deaths is safe-injection sites; with currently around 170 operating worldwide. These facilities are often run by medically trained volunteers who provide services like clean needles and Naloxone which can help reverse the effects of an overdose. Critics of these facilities argue that by making drugs safer, it no longer gives people a reason to quit. Despite backlash, the positives of facilities like these seem to far outweigh the negatives. For example, by providing clean needles, the percentage of people sharing needles has been reduced from 37% to just 2% preventing the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis. The main evidence to support these facilities is the fact that there are 88 fewer
overdose deaths per 100,000 people (one overdose death prevented per 1137 users) in areas where safe-injection sites are provided. People are going to take drugs whether safe injection sites exist or not so surely it is in the best interest of society to ensure that its members remain safe and can access immediate medical care, particularly as the cost of running these facilities actually saved Vancouver $6m in medical costs. My hope is that in the near future we will see more of these safe-injection sites as, although I understand the concerns, I believe the benefits far outweigh the risks.
“My hope is that in the near futue we will see more safe-injection sites” As a society we have also seen a shift in attitudes to drugs in terms of its legalisation. While some oppose legalisation, again out of fear that it will increase drug use, 68% of
millennials agree with legalising marijuana. Not only can marijuana have significant health benefits for people dealing with long term pain but its legalisation should hopefully reduce the number of cases of drug lacing as it means the market can be better regulated. The UK drug trade is estimated to be worth about £11 billion. Therefore, if certain drugs were legalised, some of this money could hopefully benefit the community rather than making drug tycoons immensely wealthy, as in the case of Pablo Escobar who had an estimated £30 billion net worth. Mac Miller’s death was an immense loss, but it wasn’t an anomaly. Music legend Prince died under similar circumstances just over a year prior, again caused by fentanyl. These tragedies should serve as a wake-up call that something drastic needs to change in order to make drugs safer, whether that is through safe-injection sites, its legalisation or another means. As a society, I believe we have a duty to help one another, whether we agree with what they’re doing or not, and yet we are continuing to fail to do so which simply isn’t good enough.
Joseph Chamberlain: The Truth Behind Birmingham's Landmarks
Esther Purves traces the uncomfortable hidden legacy of UoB's first Chancellor Esther Purves Comment Writer
The legacy of Joseph Chamberlain is rife throughout Birmingham. The Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form, Chamberlain Square in the city centre, the Vale’s Chamberlain Tower and the University’s beloved clock tower, Old Joe, are a handful of features that immortalise Chamberlain in the fabric of our city. But who exactly are we commemorating? Joseph Chamberlain was indeed a notable figure and a driving force in Parliament from 1885, but is it outdated to be commemorating a man with a problematic past such as his? Depicted on the University of Birmingham’s website as a man who wanted a ‘great school of universal instruction,' Chamberlain is celebrated around the University for his focus on accessible education for all. As the first chancellor, he undoubtedly founded the University on these liberalist ideals. Aware of the limiting factors for students in his time, he fought for a free, secular and compulsory education for all. Although undoubtedly significant enough for commemora-
tion, this portrayal of Chamberlain is selective. Any glance at his activities in cabinet shows that the second side of his career is deliberately forgotten. In government, Chamberlain was granted a cabinet position of Colonial Secretary, and he quickly became a leading figure in perpetuating Britain’s exploitative activities in the colonies. A strong advocate for imperial unity, Chamberlain promoted development of the Empire under his belief that it was the ‘duty of the landlord to develop his estate.’ After his various successes of fighting other colonial powers for jurisdiction over Niger and Sierra Leone, Chamberlain turned his attention to South Africa, driven by his desire for domination over Transvaal, a Dutch colony in South Africa. This started what became known as the Boer War and ultimately resulted in 500,000 British troops being deployed in South Africa. For three years between 1899 and 1902, Britain fought the two Boer Republics, Transvaal and the Orange Free State. Effects of the conflict extended beyond the deployed fighters; 26,000 women and children died from malnourishment and disease in
the British-run concentration camps while thousands of Black Africans were pushed out from their houses and jobs when the land was required for the conflict. In a war that he ultimately won, Joseph Chamberlain secured colonial rule of South Africa from one minority group to another. This unrepresented side of Chamberlain’s career brings into question exactly what Birmingham commemorates. His educational reform? His parliamentary career? Or his exploitative colonial practices? What remains in this diverse, multicultural city are several sites of celebration for a man who believed his race entitled him to lead his country to colonise, exploit and kill thousands of African citizens. Is the solution complete erasure from the city? There is an ongoing debate in the North Americas on the significance of renaming buildings that commemorate problematic figures. At Harvard College and Harvard Law School, the House Masters have agreed to change their titles due to the association with slavery. There are also calls to remove the school’s seal, which has ties to a former slaveholding family.
In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has renamed the Langevin Block building out of respect for the indigenous people, saying that the name clashes with the government’s vision. This has been met with wide contestation as some argue that renaming the buildings results in negating a whole section of history. It could be a cop out; renaming goes no further than being a gesture when apologies and strategies to change attitudes would be far more significant. In the case of Birmingham, perhaps a broader portrayal of Chamberlain would educate. But would this education fully counteract the glorification? While name changing can be seen as a complete negation of problematic past, the act itself embodies dynamic change experienced by communities. In an act that changed the most famous city on earth, New Amsterdam became New York. The name change became an integral part of the city’s history, immortalising the power exchange from Dutch to British. Our own country was renamed in
1927, reflecting social change as the Republic of Ireland populations desired an independent identity. Change becomes part of history. Birmingham is changing and it should be reflected. We are becoming academic, diverse, liberal, accepting, youthful, creative and global; perhaps it’s time for the landmarks to catch up.
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COMMENT
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbrickcomment
11
Social Class at University
Ella Foster investigates social class at UoB, asking students about their perception of class and its role in university life Ella Foster
at using their parents’ money, or events costing over £30 - and all angry at the student finance sys- of this before even considering Comment Writer tem for forcing their parents to living costs - it can be seen why pay. One student has lost their students could share some of the Personally, social class never Chamberlain award this year; feelings I have. felt like a pressing issue to me ‘my parents earn a about a thouOne interviewee complained until my first year of university. sand pounds more than they did of the Sport and Fitness memI was, of course, aware of it and the year before, but that doesn’t berships and sports societies’ I felt passionately about sticking mean that £1000 can go towards immediate flat fees; ‘it would be up for everyone’s equal right to me at uni.’ much easier (for lower-income fair treatment, regardless of their In turn, I could also believe students) if it was a monthly position in life. However, I saw that the comfortability of a mid- payment.’ Popular university class as a fairly distant idea. dle-class existence could come F a c e b o o k page Brumfess When I was young I considered from their lack of worry at home. often has my family as probably Where I (working class) s t u d e n t s middle class, simply am able to spend my anonybecause our loan whilst at uni, friends seemed at home I am to be really reliant on well off, myself for experiencthat Over 50% of universi- things ing reguperhaps lar holiwealthier ties admit less than d a y s , students fancy might 5% of white students gadgets, never and their have to from ‘low participaparents think might of. e v e n tion neighbourhoods’ have had two cars! (neon) We lived near them, and I went to school with them, so we were the same, right? My parents are hard-working and brilliant people who have helped me to no end in every part of my life. Therefore, as I grew up and realFurthermore, I ised we were, in fact, very much hadn’t even started to consider working class, I wasn’t phased. I factors to a person’s class other went off to university, student than money! Befuddled and loan in hand, and felt as if every- exhausted, I took to the internet, one would be in the exact same and became even more befudboat. The stereotype of the ‘poor dled there. According to an artistudent’ was everywhere, and cle in The Independent from dominated my view of the stu- 2013, there are now seven social dent experience, meaning I classes as ‘Britons can no longer naïvely pictured university as a be boxed in to the traditional space of unison for students “upper,” “middle” and from all class backgrounds. “working” classes.’ However, upon arriving at uni- Cultural engagement and versity it began to sink in that social contacts also play maybe, in fact, we weren’t in the a part towards the differsame boat at all. ence between the ‘Precariat,' the article’s lowest class who’s ‘everyday lives are precarious’ and the ‘Elite’ who have high levels of all svgsilh/ Pixabay three capitals (money, cultural engagement and social contacts). I began to realmously sharing feelings of ise what had shocked me in a similar sentiment: one student getting to know my peers wasn’t claims they ‘find university life so much our differences, rather so difficult sometimes as every the expectation versus reality of single thing you do costs money,’ In first year, I was suddenly student life. Here in whilst another wrote friends with people whose par- Birmingham, an ‘coming from a privients bought them food from incredibly diverse leged background M&S, took them on holidays city, our University myself, I am aware every year (maybe even more makes efforts that others have More than £16 than once) and were reliant on towards chamto work a lot their parents to pay for their liv- pioning equaliharder than me million is loaned to ing. Because of my student loan, ty and diversito get into the I’ve never been in any debt to ty, promising same uni.’ around 1 million my parents for my education - to ‘admit stuA person’s did this put me at an advantage dents from all class appeared that middle class people didn’t religions and to be connected students every year have? This left me incredibly backgrounds on to and reliant on bewildered; I had been led to an equal basis.' their finances. (parliament.uk) believe by social stereotypes that However, with This raises the middle class people were com- sports society fees question of what the fortable, but I met students from sometimes amounting university could do in these backgrounds feeling guilty to over £100, some society order to secure an equality
“The stereotype of the 'poor student' was everywhere, and dominated my view of the student experience”
Problems identified by interacross students from differing viewees stemmed usually from a classes. One interviewee saw the lack of awareness, honesty, or University as needing to simply because ‘class do more than bursaisn’t necessarily visries to ensure eveible.’ ryone feels ‘People precomfortable to tend that they continue don’t have their higher In 2016, there was a m o n e y ’ education; one stated, ‘ t a k e w i t h 16.7% gap between mental another health, strugrich and poor for examgling to ple why relate to students being i s n ’ t t h e i r m o r e peers; funding ‘when offered university put into they’re it?’ They talking places also quesabout going tioned the on lavish holi(Independent) V i c e days or boasting C h a n c e l l o r ’s that their family large salary. ‘I feel the relative got them an university as an institution internship.’ Building on is always going to be focussed this, one person discussed the on making money rather than the discriminatory nature of prewelfare of its students,’ they sumption amongst us: ‘presumstated. The University told ing someone can afford a night Redbrick earlier this year, 'The out.’ Despite this, others saw Vice-Chancellor’s total remu- less of a difference between us; neration reflects the size and ’people just want to be treated complexity of the organisation, normally regardless of their class and as a percentage of university background.’ turnover it is half the sector average (0.068% compared to the sector average of 0.126%). ‘It also reflects Sir David’s huge experience.' If not just the university’s direct actions, it could be argued that the environment of higher education itself can act as excluAs is characteristic of any sionary. Personally, as a social discussion, the attitude former drama student, I towards both social class and often felt left out after a financial position will always lecturer would assume differ for each person. our access to London However, it is important to theatres, with little remember how class intertwines space for other with our lives whether in regard people’s situa- to work, finances, personal relations. Several tionships or our educations. interviewees University institutions and stualso had dents alike must be held accounte x p e r i e n c e s able for their potential prejudices of the sort. One and assumptions towards those person found unlike them. And by opening up themselves ‘code- this conversation, students can switching between reject social shyness my natural around discussaccent and ing financial t h e or social more status R P a n d voice I use at university.’ Another noticed in a lecture on inequality that ‘a lot of the people in the lecture had the luxury to distance themselves from the (Save the Student) subject. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for stand any working class together people in there.’ to work Potentially, the problem towards a more could stem from the attitudes open community with and actions of its students. equal opportunities for all.
“A person's class appeared to be connected to...their finances”
79%
of students worry about making ends meet
12
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XPLOSION 2019 Preview Sport Editor Kit Shepard speaks to Greg Freeman, Birmingham Lions coach, ahead of the Xplosion showdown against the Hertfordshire Hurricanes Kit Shepard Sport Editor
A former UoB student and Lions player, Greg Freeman is very familiar with Xplosion. Now into his second year as head coach, he previews the big day with sports editor Kit Shepard. How do you feel ahead of Xplosion? 'Really excited. I feel good about where we’re at and that’s the important thing. With the ones, we had a really good runout against Filton in pre-season, [we] performed better than we did last year and it was even earlier in the preseason. I think, ultimately, we look good and feel good going into Herts and Xplosion. They’ve got a new coaching staff, [so] not 100% sure what to expect from their playbooks and their scheme, but on the whole we are fast, we’re physical, we’ve got good numbers, the players are happy, which is the most important thing, and we’re flying into Xplosion.' Would you have done anything different from last years Xplosion, your first as head coach? '(Laughs) I'd change my co-ordinator!
Specifically to do with Xplosion, there’s nothing I would do differently, however we recognizsd during that period around Xplosion that we really needed to make some changes on offense, build out what we had but bring it back to basics and focus on what we’re good at, and that worked really nicely. 'Xplosion was the first sign that we were possibly heading in the wrong direction at the end of first term (Lions lost 16-20 to the Swansea Titans in last year’s showpiece). In second term, we made some corrections, we made some changes on the coaching staff, and went from averaging eight points per game before Christmas to 38 points per game after Christmas, so it was a really positive change.'
How does coaching at the event compare to playing in it? 'Coaching will never beat playing. I love the battle of football, I love the competition, I love physically competing with another human being a n d knowing
of three, four thousand people too often, probably it’s the only game of the year. Maybe, for some of them, it’s the only time they’ll take the field at Xplosion and that’s the only time they’ll ever get that chance. So yes, the game itself we scheme it the same way, we compete it the same way, we plan the same way, we prepare in the same way. But we
we’ll have seen the scheme the week before. They don’t know what we’re going to do, they don’t even know what personnel we’ve got, we know what personnel they’ve got, what their coaching staff are thinking [and] how they’re behaving. If anything, the fact that it’s not their first game and it is our first game is a massive advantage in that sense.'
Heat Check In the 12 previous Xplosions, the Birmingham Lions have won 10 and lost only 2. However, those 2 losses have both occurred in the last 3 years, including last year's game vs Swansea Titans.
if not the best defensive player, in the country at any level. He’s outstanding, he’ll be hoping to get interceptions, make big plays and get his name in lights. We’ve also got Fisayo Olukoya, who plays defensive line. [He’s] also just been with the GB programme, rushing off the nose tackle and just making plays all across the field.' Why should UoB students watch Xplosion? 'Come for the occasion! Bring some drinks down, enjoy the night, it’s one of the key events on campus as a whole.'
FB/Hertfordshire Hurricanes
that that’s what I do. The f u n thing a b o u t coaching, which is different, is setting the platform for a load of people that are really passionate and really enjoy what they do, to go out and do that competition on our behalf as a staff. 'I get less nervous as a coach for Xplosion than I did as a player, it’s really difficult to avoid the nerves when you’re playing in big games, and that’s something that I don’t get quite as much when I’m coaching, probably because I know it’s out of my control. Ultimately, I can only do so much, they [the players] have to go and do the job that they’ve been asked to do. Fortunately, they do, very often, go out and do it for us and that’s all we can really ask of them and that’s why it’s really exciting to take that coaching role and just see them enjoy it.'
d o Sophie Peck build stuff up around t h e event. It’s the o n l y game of the season, apart from the national final, where we’ll have old players come back and talk about what it means to be Lion, what the programme means to them, [and] what their friendships mean. We do a pre-game meal, we do a post-game celebration, there’s a big fireworks display, it’s something that they [the players] have to embrace and they have to enjoy. If you pretend it’s just another game, you’re lying to yourself anyway, so let’s make the most of the nerves and the energy that comes from it.' Is it a concern at all that Xplosion is your first game of the season?
'No. Herts will have played the week before and they’ve got a very, very tough outing against UWE (University of West England). UWE have an awful lot of talent, an Do you approach awful lot of scholXplosion differarship talent from ently to other America and games? Herts will come into the game 'In terms of having played at the game itself, full pace, which Overall Lions it’s just another is difficult, but game, but I think I’m not at all win percentage it’s really imporconcerned. If tant for the boys anything, it’s just at Xplosion that, ultimately, it’s another week to British American prepare. We go into football. They’re not the game knowing what going to get to play in front Herts are going to do because
83%
#NotOn Partners With Xplosion John Rogers Sport Editor
W h i c h Lions players should we watch out for? 'On offense, Rohan Sandhu, who is the quarterback. He’s been a member of the Lions programme for five or six years now, through junior and university. He’s coming into his own, we’re seeing additional leadership from him, additional concentration, additional ownership of the quarterback position, and he’s coming off the back of a great second half of last season. His [Sandhu’s] number one guy is Ben Thomas, who is the team captain. [Ben] is an unbelievable player, an unbelievable human being, and a fine young man, but is also absolutely electric when the ball is in his hands. You give him the ball, throw it five yards, and he makes 70 yards out of it, so he’s definitely one to watch. On the defensive side, of the ball, you’ve got Eddie Onamade, probably the best defensive back,
This year Xplosion is associated with the #NotOn campaign. Launched by the University of Birmingham and Guild of Students in 2015, the campaign seeks to raise awareness of sexual harrassment at UoB. Harrassment can be both mental and physical, and can negatively affect the victim deeply. Examples include unwelcomed wolf-whistling, groping, inappropiate language and taunts. Students are encouraged to report any instances of abuse they may see, whether on campus or around the local area. Through the online reporting tool, UoB students are able to report any cases of sexual assault quickly and anonymously. Additionally you can speak to a responder in student services at the guild of students. Students can actively get involved with this great cause by signing the pledge available on the Guild of Students' website. Anyone affected by sexual harrassment can register for the university's counciling and wellbeing service or visit Guild Advice. While Xplosion promises to be an enjoyable occassion, it is important to recognise that some issues go beyond sport.
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Digbeth Dining Club Poised For Culinary Xplosion
Food&Drink Editor Beth Sadler gives you a run-down of the array of delicious choices for the hungry this Saturday afternoon Beth Sadler Food&Drink Editor
The half time whistle blows and you’re a little bit peckish, but don’t fancy trekking all the way back through Selly? Head down to the Bournbrook Pitches Car Park instead, where Digbeth Dining Club will be selling multi
-award-winning street food fit to feed any appetite. Founded in 2012, it took Digbeth Dining Club just a year to be voted Britian’s Best Street Food Event, making it a popular hotspot in the Midland’s for goodquality grub. Aiming to cook high quality, locally sourced food at an affordable price, Digbeth Dining Club is perfect for students who
Instagram/digbethdiningclub
love to eat. With traders from every corner of the country, you can find all types of cuisine cooked by a range of chefs, whether they be Michelin star rated or simply just food enthusiasts. Whilst Digbeth Dining Club host events all over the county, this is their only annual visit to the University of Birmingham’s campus, making it a unique opportunity to try a variety of excellent food. Winner of Britain’s Best Street Food Burger, The Flying Cows will be serving up a variety of burgers, ranging from classic flavour combinations to truffle burgers. If you do not fancy a burger, Beef On The Block will be providing mouth-wateringly good meat, with additions such as chimichurri or blue cheese that take steak and chips to a whole new level. Carboholics will also be able to get their food fix, as Martin Bros Pizza Co. will be proving Neo-Neapolitan Pizzas. For oriental food lovers, try Canoodle or Greidys Wings and Strips, who marinade their chicken wings in sriracha for 24 hours! For those whose night is not complete without something sweet, Urban Cheesecake will be selling indulgent slices of desert
Instagram/digbethdiningclub
heaven that even the sweetest of teeth will struggle to defeat. With flavours such as Lotus Biscoff, Aero Mint, and even a vegan option, everyone can finish a fantastic evening in the perfect way. With such delicious dining options available at your doorstep, there really is no reason to miss this event. Digbeth Dining Club bring the opportunity to expand your eating horizons and try different flavours – a rarity for students living in Selly Oak. Food will be available from 3 pm till late, making busy time-tables and schedules no excuse to miss out. Burgers, Biscoff and Blue-cheese covered steak - what are you waiting for?
Interview: Inside the Pride
Sport Editor John Rogers caught up with American Football President Tom Henley, alongside star players Matthew Boxall and Rohan Sandhu, to discuss preparation for the big game John Rogers Sport Editor
'It’s not a fake rivalry, there really is a lot of passion behind it.' That’s from Tom Henley, a third-year geography student, and president of UoB’s Birmingham Lions this year. He is of course referring to the Hertfordshire Hurricane’s, who Birmingham will host tomorrow at 4:30 pm for this year’s annual showpiece event: Xplosion. Sitting down with Tom and being joined by key members of the squad, guard Matt Boxall and quarterback Rohan Sandhu, he is keen to emphasise that despite the scale of the event, their only focus is on securing the victory for the Lions. 'Our mindset is that it’s just another game. As privileged as we are to run out in-front of 5,000 people, our priority is beating Herts.' It is certainly a game that will get heart’s beating; Matt explains that the rivalry is born out of a history of dominating university American Football. These are two of the most successful teams in BUCS history,
both tied at five National Championships – the end of year university tournament – apiece. In the two fixtures played last year, both sides picked up a home victory, and both lost to the same team in the Nationals. The eventual winners were Leeds. In the highly charged Xplosion atmosphere, it could be a fiery and immensely competitive contest. The Lions could do with an Xplosion victory. Having won their first nine straight matchups (2007-2015), they have since lost two of their last three, including last year’s defeat to the Swansea Titans. Following their on field preparation this year however, the guys are confident. 'We have had a couple of players come in who are a very high level,' says Rohan. Tom nods in agreement, adding: 'Four of our starters were playing for team GB in their most recent game.' Some of these men the guys pick out are the potential ones to watch tomorrow. Fisayo Olukoya (94), Eddie Onamade (2), and Rowan Hancocks (8) on the defensive end will be looking to shut down the Hertfordshire
attack. Meanwhile, at the other end, Rohan, as quarterback, will be looking to find UoB veteran and 2018-19 Offensive MVP Ben Thomas (12) at wide receiver, amongst others. But the emphasis is very much on team performance over any individual. The star, as Tom says, are 'the Birmingham Lions as a whole.' And the Lions will be supported by several thousand UoB fans, which is of course what makes Xplosion such a special event on campus. 'When you’re off the field and look over to the opposite bank, you do think wow, this is pretty cool,' says Tom.
“Four of our starters were playing for team GB in their most recent game” On the pitch though, the guys try and stay focussed as best they can. Rohan especially will see a lot of the ball, and keeping his
concentration is paramount. 'Seeing the bank full of people is pretty crazy, but from my perspective, when I’m on the field I’m solely focussed on what’s in front of me, I can’t be looking around and getting distracted. But in between plays you get to appreciate it.' The game's reach extends even beyond the thousands present at the Bournebrook pitches, with Onside Productions streaming the game live to Youtube. Such is the popularity of the event these days that the BBC was just a few steps away from securing the broadcasting contract. 'We were at the final confirmation stage - we got three yeses, but then a no. So it's a shame, but it is what it is,' says Tom. He is no stranger to the administration that goes into an event like this, having been working for months planning with the likes of Digbeth Dining Club, UBSport, and broadcasting companies. But he will be the first to say it was worth it if by 6:30 pm tomorrow, his team are celebrating a victory over their closest rivals.
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Player Column Ben Thomas Offensive Captain, UoB Lions
This Saturday I will be kitting up for my fourth Xplosion, third as a starter, and first as Offensive Captain. The Lions have defined university for me on and off the field, and the thought of leading the team out in front of the thousands, crowding the banks of the Bournbrook sends shivers down my spine. For the majority, the computer game Madden acts as the conventional gateway drug to the transcendent ferocity of the football field. I, however, was one of a misfit handful to have picked up a helmet and shoulder pads prior to arriving in Birmingham. At the age of 15, and with the BBC’s coverage of the NFL International Series game at Wembley still whirring in the background, I relentlessly nagged and googlesearched my way to my first practice with the Marlow Wolves (about 50 minutes’ drive from my home). While it would prove to be a blistering and soggy inauguration, a far cry from the sun-kissed heroes of the NFL, I was hooked. Despite this, it is uncontroversial to state that first year is a daunting prospect for any sportsperson. The University of Birmingham American Football team usually carries around 90 players, which undoubtedly brings many benefits and challenges. Without intention you can feel like a number in a system, a drop in the ocean, as the production line of muscular masculinity whirs year on year. Investment in the person behind the helmet is key, and that is the thing that our team takes most pride in – I am evidence of this. While participating for a comparatively short time, most of us have three years here, so university sport leaves its indelible and formative marks. I still remember the first time I was really hit; I mean really really hit – I’ve never been hit by a truck but I think that was somewhat equivalent. I remember my first competitive catch against the Swansea Titans, the ecstasy of a crucial pass and catch. I don’t actually remember scoring in Xplosion two years ago, although based on the pictures I think I was fairly happy about it – imagine the Cheshire Cat after a couple of Red Bulls. Lastly, I will never forget winning the 2018/19 Offensive MVP and Players’ Player awards, a testament to the sacrifice of every player and coach who took the time to set the highest of standards and tirelessly despised seeing wasted potential. But most importantly, I remember the reaction of the team when I decided to step away from the sport for a time last year as I struggled to balance the workload with my Christian faith. The motto of more than football wholly embodies the Lions programme, and it was this that encouraged me to return and set up the Kingdom of Lions faith group on the team. Through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, my university journey has been defined by this unrivalled community of ballers, friends, brothers, sisters, stereotype-challengers, soon-tobe world-changers, and, if all goes to plan on Saturday, Xplosion winners. See you there!
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The Language Around Abuse
An Anonymous comment writer shares their experience of domestic abuse, and discusses their views on the harmful misuse of the language around abuse
Content warning: this article contains themes of domestic violence and psychological abuse which some readers may find distressing
Anonymous Comment Writer
I was in an abusive relationship. That is, and I think always will be, extremely hard to say. It makes me nervous, and that’s not very accurate but also the best way I can think to describe it; I get this tight feeling in my chest and my palms get sweaty, very tingly. I start to fidget and it makes me want to get up and go, to pace, to try and shake it off. And no, it’s not something I one day decided to call it. It’s taken a very long time to be able to call it that. I needed confirmation from multiple different sources - I spoke to and used Women’s Aid, I was finally honest with my family, I saw a counsellor. But that’s a whole other thing in itself; I felt that without these steps no one would have just taken my word for it. I needed evidence, sources, like I was compiling a database to write an essay. No one ever believes just you. Abuse, abusive - they’re heavy words, almost literally for me. It sits like lead in my mouth and it’s a struggle to force it out, it gets stuck. It took me a long time to be able to begin to say it - just over a year since I was out of that situation. My biggest fear was seeming dramatic, unreasonable, dishonest. Lots of my friends (no longer my friends) were, and are, still mates with him - he’s a sound lad they said, he’s good company, got good banter. He was still invited to pre-drinks and parties where I was present. They didn’t know all of what happened, but enough to question his character, to think about what kind of person does that make him if he could do that? But it wasn’t enough to change how they saw him. It made me think that how I saw him, what I felt, was exaggerated - that I, maybe overly-emotional, had blown things out of proportion. I wasn’t in the majority and it made me feel invalidated and diminish the reality of my situation. Abuse, and specifically relationship abuse as that is what I have experienced, is the use of abusive and coercive behaviours with the intent of keeping power and control over a partner.
Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional and even financial and can include threats, isolation and intimidation. Some kinds are incredibly hard to spot. Things I experienced included isolating me from my family, being pressured to send nude pictures and have sex when I didn’t want to, wearing down my self-esteem through constant criticism and humiliation, and witholding affection and communication for long periods of time to get me to do what he wanted.
“Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional and even financial” There is never an excuse anger, being drunk, jealousy. It’s never okay. But there is also something else that I strongly feel diminishes the reality of the situations of those who have survived abusive relationships, and that is the overuse of the words abuse and abusive. I was with two friends of mine who are a couple. The boy was tickling his girlfriend, it was funny and playful. Eventually, having had enough of being tickled, she exclaimed ‘Stop now! You’re being so abusive!’. I was out at the pub with a group of friends. Everyone was bantering each other, the usual. One of my friends said a joke about the other, and in response he digs him in the arm. My friend then dramatically rubs his arm and jokingly says ‘God, can you stop abusing me.’ When stuff like this is said it makes my heart skip a beat - I can feel myself fall flat, my stomach lurches. The word makes me incredibly uncomfortable. I know its misuse in this context is unintentional but as I said words carry weight, and the flippancy with which it is used in conversations and offhand comments is wrong. So imagine how I felt when I read an article by the online publication Swoon. I then typed in ‘ghosting’ and ‘abusive’ in the Twitter search bar - literally
hundreds of tweets calling it an abusive act, zero exaggeration intended. For those who do not know, ghosting, in the context of relationships, is when someone suddenly cuts all ties and communication with the person they've been seeing. The theory behind ghosting is that the person who is being ignored will just get the hint and realise their partner is not interested in dating anymore so the subject should be left. Yes, ghosting is emotionally cruel, immature, and unempathetic. As I previously defined, abuse can be emotional, and psychological abuse is common and underreported. There is a tactic abusers use similar called stonewalling that is similar to ghosting. I experienced it. It’s when your partners cuts off all communication with you and gives you the silent treatment until you behave how they want. Emotionally withholding and being hot-andcold with affection are also ways abusers manipulate their victims into doing as they say. And while this isn’t what most people mean when they talk about ghosting, this is what harmful behavior that’s classified as abusive looks like.
“Ghosting is emotionally cruel, immature, and unempathetic” But context is key and if ghosting is something you have experienced from a partner as a part of a larger pattern of abusive and coercive behaviours, then that is different. As aforementioned, words carry weight, and using ‘abusive’ as a catch-all term to describe rude and unkind (but not controlling and traumatic) dating behaviour isn’t helpful at all. I’d hope that people would try and err on the side of caution before jumping to describe such things as ‘abusive,’ especially given the likelihood of abuse victims minimising the magnitude of their situations, and the fact that emotional
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, the following organisations can be contacted for guidance and support: Victim Support
Birmingham and Solihull Women's Aid
victimsupport.org.uk
bswaid.org
0333 256 2873
0808 800 0028
Women's Aid womensaid.org.uk
Freephone 24hr National Domestic Violence Helpline (run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge)
0808 2000 247
abuse is extremely hard to detect and prove. This generalisation has the potential to increase confusion and selfdoubt in victims. F o r
women and others who are vulnerable, ghosting an abusive partner is often the safest way to escape the relationship or situation, and while intern e t users likely don’t have abuse victims in mind when they describe ghosting as evil and traumatic, these statements have the potential to make victims feel even more guilty and torn about leaving. Relatedly, claims awful dating behavior like ghosting is abusive help fuel the myth of mutual abuse. It’s so common for abusers to attempt to diminish their behavior and confuse and implicate their victims by saying things like, ‘You’re just as bad as I am' and ‘you did xyz to me!’. Thus, overly broad definitions of what constitutes abuse helps abusers to draw these false equivalencies. But then, you could also argue that me fussing about what constitutes abuse is counterproductive, even dangerous? That’s why I’m not saying that ghosting can never count as abuse - me completely shutting it down would be enormously unhelpful. I realise that it’s all about context, and while calling ghosting in and of itself abusive can be too strong, taking the relationship into context is what determines whether that behaviour is being used as an abusive tactic.
“It's so common for abusers to attempt to diminish their behaviour” Ghosting is more often a marker of the emotionally immature than the emotionally abusive and what helps to also determine the difference between the two is what abuse is defined as. Abuse is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. The Power and Control Wheel is an excellent tool that can be used to assess your own situation as well as making people realise the variety of things abuse vic-
do.
tims experience - even though it was developed in the 80’s its fundamentals still stand. So abuse is not your date ghosting you after the second date, or when a mate digs you in the arm. Ghosting can really hurt and leave you less likely to trust next time around, but anyone who has experienced abuse would probably argue that they’re not one and the same; I know I certainly
Words are powerful, that’s why when they’re misused it can have such a detrimental impact. T h e same thing happened to ‘gaslighting’ which in the beginning meant a sustained, deliberate attempt to make a partner doubt their perception of reality to the point that it drove them crazy; now it’s a rough synonym for 'lying' or being an arsehole. I see people throw it around on their private instas like it’s a meme. Now, everything is ‘toxic,’ and that word is barely taken seriously now, when in reality it is a valid descriptor for a poisonous relationship or situation. And this doesn’t just stand for words that relate to relationships - mental health is another big area where the misuse of language has a serious impact on people’s ability to then feel like they can openly identify with or speak about their mental ill health. Needing to have the radio volume on an even number makes you ‘OCD’ and someone who gets angry is a ‘psycho.’ Sadly, there are plenty more examples of overgeneralised or dumbed down language use that is harmfully reductive. I know it’s hard to think about every word you say, and I’m not asking that people start carefully structuring every sentence in their heads for fear of offending someone. I just want people to realise that words are powerful; words hold meaning, words hurt. Topics like this, that are fraught and important, require a lot more thought, attention and nuance than we allow them. I hope that hearing from someone who has experienced abuse will make you think a bit more next time the word comes to mind. As I’ve said a dozen times, words are powerful - I hope mine have done their job.
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Mind+Solve Sudoku (Easy)
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3 Across 1a. A cuisine within vita liana (7) 2. To propel through the air by hand (5) 3. Relating to one area (8) 4. To divide by two (4) 6. Ornamental structure around a warm houshold feature (11) 7a. If you spell this wrong, you'll get a popular Birmingham club (5) 9. A reference book (10) 10. A sample of cloth or makeup (6) 13. The eyes are the ____ to the soul (6)
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The Redbrick Crossword 14. A real fire starter (8) Down 1b. Comment's working feature (10) 5. This might be too general, but there's one coming soon (8) 7b. To take something on the go it must be this (8) 8. A squids liquid (3) 11. Scooby Doo's machine (7) 12. Approved by authority (8) 15. A type of guitar (8)
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First Lines The premise of First Lines is simple: each issue, we supply a selection of opening sentences from various novels,
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Issue 1510 Puzzles compiled by Natalia Carter
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songs and films. All you have to do is tell us which novels, songs or films the lines come from.
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‘I remember when we broke up, the first time / Saying “This is it, I’ve had enough”’
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‘We slept in what had once been a gymnasium’ ‘Twas a long time ago, longer now than it seems, in a place that perhaps you've seen in your dreams’ ‘Alright, let's do this one last time, my name is Peter Parker. I was bitten by a radioactive spider’
Anagrams Now we've eaten all our Halloween sweets, it's time we started to eat healthy again. Can you unscramble these healthy snacks?
1. BERRY WARTS 2. ABLE CARER 3. ARCTIC STORKS 4. TORY HUG
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5. MOIST HOE 6. APE NIPPLE 7. GOAL RAN 8. ASTRA FLUID 9. RECK SCAR 10. ICES CREAK
LAST ISSUE’S ANSWERS | Crossword: 1. Phonograph; 2. Horror; 3. Immortal; 4. Halloween; 5. Kiss; 6. Piglet; 7. Silhouette; 8. Labour; 9. Occupied; 10. Brace; 11. Drummer; 12. Invisibility; 13. Panda; 14. Sequin; 15. Adrenaline; (Redirck would like to apologise for the missing clue of ‘16. Brittain's memoir of youth’, for which the answer was ‘Testament’) | First Lines: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Dr Seuss); 1984 (George Orwell); 'Shout it Out Loud' (Kiss); Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (J. K. Rowling) | Anagrams: 1. Ghostbusters; 2. Where's Wally ; 3. Wonder Woman; 4. Deadpool; 5. Cat in the Hat; 6. Bob Ross; 7. Minecraft; 8. Wednesday Adams; 9. Hamburger; 10. Daenerys Targaryen Get in touch with Redbrick Mind&Solve by sending all answers, applications and queries to print@redbrick.me
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Internships and Work Experience: Your Experiences Comment asked Redbrick's writers and editors to share their insight into paid and unpaid work experience, revealing how students are shaping their career paths Internships and work experience are a quintessential part of the university experience. As vital as living in substandard accommodation or participating in pervasive university party culture, the internship is a staple of undergraduate life. Often it is a student’s first glimpse at life beyond university, the real working world that their years of education have been preparing them for. Inevitably when asking for experience for this article, many had been involved in some sort of work experience opportunity, whether that be paid or unpaid. Some had had their career paths affirmed whilst others had decided against their initial dreams entirely. Redbrick’s writers and editors have offered their experiences of internships or more loosely defined 'work experience' to reveal what they did, or in some cases did not, get out of it.
appeared online. tive experience. I was not welUndeterred, I began comed into the office or introanother unpaid opportuduced to anyone on the nity, this time at a team, I wasn’t told much larger paper basic household in central rules such as London. I was where or when sure my previlunch was and ous experience most of all, I was not reprewasn’t given sentative of anything to the industry do; I was left as a whole. I sitting at my went into my desk for hours following in a cold and The Sutton Trust chance promisuninviting ing myself I’d be atmosphere. As more assertive a young person when pursuing stogoing into an adult ries and pitching them. office space, I already Before I knew it, without felt quite nervous but the much of an introduction, I was at poor treatment I received, made a desk not finding stories but cut- me feel horribly anxious throughting out clippings and pasting out the day so much so, that I them into a scrapbook alongside decided to drop out the next day. I another so-called ‘workie.’ Later contacted the work experience coin the day, I had a brief chance to ordinator, who I didn’t even get to Abby Spreadborough search for stories but this was cut meet that day, and gave her the short when I was sent across reasons as to why I was dropping Comment Editor London to collect a press pass out along with some very poor In my first year I completed two paying for the tube out of my feedback. weeks of unpaid work experience. pocket and with little guidance at Although it was a negative The first was at a small industry all. experience for me, I did learn a magazine and the second was at a Unpaid and once again pay- number of things. The main thing major national newspaper. I had ing for travel to even access the is that I knew I felt incredibly speculatively sent my work to opportunity I felt discouraged, to anxious in that environment so I journalists and desk managers at say the least. Nevertheless, I pre- made the decision to not put the publications I later visited and served spending much of the week myself back in it the following was shocked, excited and admit- having what I believed to be inter- day. I learned that no matter how tedly a little apprehensive esting and important stories prestigious the company was, or when I was offered a about protests, cuts, how much I was getting paid or chance to see a newscrime and healthcare how it would look on my CV, no room in action. rejected or ignored place is worth sacrificing my conDuring my in favour of sto- fidence and my self-esteem. I first week of ries about tweed also learned to not be ashamed in experience at and reliquaries giving back negative feedback, the smaller or in favour and that this work experience is publication, I of transcrib- one possibility out of many. I conspent much of ing inter- tinue to look into other fields and my time lookviews. At the apply to various things not only to ing for stories end of the see what’s out there but also so and trawling week, I had that I don’t place limitations on through press one small myself. The key thing I took from releases. I found story in print this, is that your mental well-beThe Sutton Trust multiple stories but my mind was ing is always the first priority and but as I had expectmade up. I love to keep on trying in different ed many were rejectwriting but more career areas and not just one. ed. After all, I was not importantly, I love Even if one door closes, you can a qualified journalist and I the freedom to write what I open another one. had heard stories about interns care about and have a direct Hannah Lay being treated as a glorified baris- impact on things. Perhaps what tas so I was grateful I even had the was most valuable was a new Comment Editor chance to look for stories at all. found self-awareness of my valAs the week drew to a close I was ues and motivations I left the This summer I spent eight weeks able to write up some news stories newsroom with. at the Marks and Spencer head and run the magazine’s twitter office interning in their Human Fathima Abdullah feed. In the meantime, I worked Resources department and I had a on a feature about recently brilliant time! I was really appreComment Writer released statistics on the demolihensive going into the internship tions of inhabitable social housing When studying English Literature, that I would be asked to do all the despite the UK’s housing crisis. I there always seems to be an menial tasks like basic admin or spent days compiling quotes from impending concern of what career tea-making. My experience was MPs, architects and charities and you will go into after studying. fortunately far from this. From the submitted it at the end of the week For me and most people, teaching get-go it was clear that the team with the promise of feedback and seems like the obvious route but looking after us had put together a payment for my story once it went from first year and this summer, I bespoke programme designed to live. This felt like a huge success. wanted to research what was out give us a detailed insight into the After all, I had paid to no less than there in terms of career options world of HR at M&S. I was really £100 for a week’s worth of travel and expand what I could do with lucky to be assigned to some great and endured a two-and-a-half my degree. I had a paid work teams during the internship who hour round trip each day to get to experience lined up in the sum- were really keen to bring me to the office. Yet weeks turned into mer in the publishing sector and interesting meetings and give me months and my feature never unfortunately it was a fairly nega- proper work to do. As well as this,
Unpaid internships in London cost over £1,000 a month
29% of large employers report growing use of internships
we were given a really exciting group project to work on which meant if there was any downtime during the day we always had something to do. I met some great people during the internship and had an extremely positive experience, so much so I have applied to their graduate scheme for next year. I know others were not so lucky during their internship experience so I am glad I have a good story to report!
Catrin Osborne Television Editor
Last January, I spent a fortnight at an experiential marketing agency. The experience was positive: the women I worked with were lovely, I was given an allowance to spend at the café downstairs, I gained knowledge about my field, and I scored a new section on my CV. However, I ended the week with a sense of dread due to the monotonous cycle of office life. Throughout my childhood, I’d heard my father complain about the repetition of work but never understood it until this experience. Although the agency I worked at placed a large focus on redefining the workspace, many of the employees fell into bad habits. One of my tasks involved writing articles focusing on wellbeing for the agency’s newsletter which alerted me to how damaging sitting at a desk for hours on end is for onself. Amidst the trivial chats, fag breaks and endless staring at screens, I wasn’t left with a desire to begin working. Whilst my main purpose was to learn about marketing, I
left the two weeks with an awakening that the office is an aspect of our society which requires a radical change.
Tom Leaman Editor-in-Chief
I’ve worked for two different internship providers to gain experience for a career path I’m interested in following, working approximately 196 hours in total without getting paid a penny. For context, in the job I was doing before coming to UoB, I would have been rewarded with a tidy £1,274 for my efforts at £6.50 per hour. I don’t want to suggest that my work for a fish and chip van (which, incidentally, once burnt down)
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didn’t require effort and skill, socio-economic groups and are though I do think it’s fair to say not from a low HE participation that the work I did using my neighbourhood. developing professional skills during my two internships was perhaps equally deserving of some Harriet Laban kind of financial retribution. Food&Drink Editor Worse still, I actually made a significant loss from my internships from my travel expenses, Almost every article in the style particularly when you take into ‘Top Tips for Making the Most of account the fact that railcards University’ will tell you inexplicably don’t come that one of the most into effect until 10 am valuable activities on weekdays, makyou can undering my daily 8:20 take during commute that bit your undermore painful graduate Fundamentally, years is a internships are work expesupposed to r i e n c e provide young placement people with a or internsolid foundas h i p . tion to get into Therefore, their chosen when I discareer, but covered unpaid internPenguin Prospects ships ensure an Random House uneven playing field; did two-week unfortunately, not eveplacements, I ryone can afford to give jumped at the opporup their time without pay, which tunity to apply, and was foronly worsens the diversity issues tunate enough to secure a place. present in some industries. As an From the first moment, all example, The National Council staff members were supportive for the Training of Journalists and encouraging, giving us multi(NCTJ) estimates that 94% of ple ideas of what we could achieve journalists in the UK are white. in our fortnight, and pushing us to Their data also shows t h a t seek out and grasp every opportujournalism stunity we could. It was fantastic to dents are also feel so welcome to explore. The more likely to team I was placed with were welfind work if coming, and instantly had me they are getting involved with their male, do projects. I felt as though I was not have a actually contributing to the disability, industry I aim to work in and come from was able to collect some excluhigher sive experiences which should or midhelp build up my own careers d l e repertoire of capabilities. Work experience is invaluable for gaining an insight into potential future lines of work, for making contacts, and especially for building confidence. It made me realise that despite Penguin’s prestigious reputation, I have a place in that environment, and I am able to succeed and make a difference, no matter how small. I now have a firm insight into what it would be really like to be part of a publishing house, which will help guide my grad-
48% of young people in the UK have undertaken a unpaid internship
uate plans away from fantasy and into reality.
A Word From the Careers Network
Holly Pittaway Deputy Digital Editor
Over summer I was offered some work experience with a local radio station, Touch FM, and, though unpaid internships rarely yield positive results, I can wholeheartedly say that my week of work was extremely fulfilling. I worked as part of two teams; the first half of the week with the news team, writing news bulletins, researching local stories, and even going out on interviews. The second half I spent with the broadcasting team, specifically on the Jason Moss breakfast show, where I was able to enhance my audio editing skills and even make a (pre-recorded) guest appearance announcing the showbiz news, which thanks to the free-rein I was given ended up being mostly about Love Island. The team at Touch FM were incredibly accommodating and helpful with any questions I had, and overall it was an extremely rewarding experience! I think the positivity of my internship stemmed from the fact that the organisation was small and local – many of the people I worked with came from the same area as I did – and as a result there was a much more communitybased feel to it. This is not to say that experiences at larger news corporations, such as The Guardian and the BBC, are inherently worse, but if you’re looking to really get stuck into the journalism industry I recommend going local first.
The main thing would be to makstudents aware of that they have a dedicated internships and work experience team within the Careers Network to support them in finding work experience, internships or placements. There are College Internship Officers that can offer tailored support on how/ where to find opportunities in certain sectors - students can book appointments to get some further advice. The Internship Officers regularly upload vacancies to our vacancy portal Careers Connect (employers can also upload vacancies too), and there is lots more guidance on our website: www. intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/internships We also run work experience workshops and events, including 'Top Tips for Work Experience' and 'Internship Meet-ups,' and February is 'Work Experience Month' with a series of activities designed to get students engaged with some sort of work experience - this includes the internships and work experience fair. We also have a number of exclusive work experience schemes just for UOB students including paid internships with local SMEs, start-ups and social enterprises via our Impact Internships programme, or intern-
Olivia Atherton Head of Podcasting @Burn_FM
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Gaining work experience or securing an internship was always an intimidating thought. I was constantly told it’s 'who you know, not what you know,' which is true to an extent, but not always the case. At the end of the day it is your passion and drive which stands out and makes an impact on people. Burn FM has not only allowed me to recognise and develop this passion, but it meant I was aware of the Student Radio Association. The opportunity to intern for Heart West Midlands breakfast show was posted on their Facebook page and it was here where I applied for the internship. Despite the (very) early mornings,
ships with renowned companies oversees via our Global Challenge Programme. We have also innovated with our Virtual Internships scheme, where students can get international work experience without leaving the country! For those not quite ready or sure of what to do, they can take part in a Company Trek, where we will take you for tour of a company and where you can gain insight from some of the employees, or our Insight Into series of workshops and panel events, to hear and network with people in specific sectors i.e. finance, arts, science, etc Finally, there are our work experience bursaries, designed to support students with funding to cover costs/expenses for their work experience or internship opportunities in the UK or abroad. Overall, the message to students would be to engage with us in some capacity (the above are just some of the different options), and know that they have some dedicated support to help them with work experience, no matter what stage they are at. If you would like to find out more about the Careers Network visit intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/ careers.
I thoroughly enjoyed my internship at Heart West Midlands and it gave me opportunities and experiences I never thought I would have. Over the six weeks I spent there, I shadowed the two producers of the breakfast show, researched for the show, edited audio and sat in on planning for future shows. It was an incredible eye opener to the industry and clarified that radio was truly my dream job. Even though the internship was unpaid, the experience was priceless, and I met some incredible people. Work experience and internships are key for jobs in the media, not only do they give you contacts, they allow you to experience the real thing. Without Burn FM and the experience and passion it has given me, I don’t think I would have been able to get this internship. Burn FM offers amazing opportunities and is a great environment to develop the skills necessary for the real world. Student media is important if you want to break into the industry; it opens doors and gives you a chance to experiment, make mistakes and learn from these so you can be better in the workplace. If you would like to get involved in Burn FM, which I couldn’t recommend more, we have lots of opportunities to join. This year we have been working on outside broadcasting and for the first time we will be broadcasting our live music night, Burn Live, on air at burnfm.com. You can come along and join us on Monday 11th November from 7 pm at the Indie Lounge, it’s going to be great!
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CULTURE
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbrickculture
Fierce Festival 2019
Fierce Festival
Review: Private: Please Wear a Mask When You Talk to Me Pixabay
Culture Critic Maddi Simpson reviews Bachzetsis’ contribution to this years Fierce Festival which challenges the very medium of choreography and performance Maddi Simpson Culture Critic
Alexandra Bachzetsis’ performance art piece Private: Please Wear a Mask When You Talk To Me is a multi-media and multimodal exploration into the ritualisation of gender and sexuality. The show made its UK premiere on the 20th of October 2019 as a part of Fierce Festival, a West Midlands based arts festival which spotlights international art, performance, and experiences from around the globe. Fostering artist development, Fierce creates a utopian space, one of experimentation that brings people together in live time and space in a digitially saturated age. Bachzetsis is a Swiss choreographer, dancer and visual artist and Private as a piece conflates dance, the visual arts and theatre into one act. The 50-minute-long choreographed performance art welds facets of popular culture together; such as hip-hop, films and the burlesque style strip-tease that coalesce into a performance which borders on the parodic, and yet also encourages dialogue between the relationship of the body and performativity. In Bachzetsis’ performance, the body is utilised as an apparatus in which different critical and artistic frameworks can be explored through. The body is the most central component to Bachzetsis’ performance, and this is achieved through the various styles of bodily movement that Bachzetsis uses throughout. Dance movements
instantly recognisable from 2000s hip hop music videos are mixed with more traditional ballroom type movement, to the occasional insertion of push ups and typical workout bodily movement that is almost reminiscent to the infamous John Travolta and Jamie Lee Curtis workout scene from the 1985 film Perfect. This melding of different frameworks of art and bodily choreography in reference to contemporary popular culture is used to highlight the ways in which the body is continually created and re-created continuously at the intersection between individuality and cultural definitions of individuality.
“The body is the most central component to Bachzetsis’ performance, and is achieved by the various styles of bodily movement” The body and how it is created and mediated through culture is questioned frequently throughout the breadth of Bachzetsis’ work, but Private manages to question the nature of culture’s influence on bodily individuality and sexuality, whilst also maintaining a sense of humour and parody that keeps the audience member
enwrapped in the narrative of Bachzetsis’ performance. It is also worth noting that this performance was in part curated by philosopher, theorist and author Paul B. Preciado, who specialises in theory regarding the body, gender theory and performance. One of Preciado’s central ideas is that the body is regulated through a series of social and cultural phenomena, namely the intersection between pornography and pharmacology (labelled by Preciado as the pharmopornographic) as the ways in which the body is created and re-created through media (pornography) and the scientific and heavily capitalistic (social) nature of pharmacology. This idea of mediation and re-mediation is again a central component to Bachzetsis’ performance. Media, particularly contemporary popular media is shown by Bachzetsis as a tool which configures the body, and which representation of gendered expression in media helps to configure oneself to a presupposed set of Western cultural ideals. There are several noteworthy moments in Private which contribute to the performance’s overall thematic qualities. At the very beginning, Bachzetsis descends from the top of the audience to the stage in a skin-tight floor length PVC dress, worn with neon sports trainers, as M.I.A’s 2010 track ‘Bad Girls’ rings through the studio. After standing in the middle of the stage for a few moments, she asks an audience member to spray her with canned water, which then gives her dress a
slicked look; less burlesque and more high-fashion bin bag. With red lipstick and curled hair, Bachzetis begins by moving her body with sensuality. As the performance progresses, Bachzetsis then removes this dress and replaces it with a series of layered gym attire. Sections of this performance are dedicated to the application and removal of clothes, often with no musical accompaniment, so the subtle sounds of fabric against skin can be heard throughout the room. The act of dressing and un-dressing fits into the performance’s focus upon the different rituals of the body, as different clothes are socially used as different modes of gendered and sexual expression. The process of removing and re-applying clothes highlights how the body and its gendered expression is created through media. The ritualization of sexuality becomes more prominent in the second half of the performance, when, whilst wearing a navyblue suit and black boots, Bachzetsis begins a repetitive choreographed routine that includes slapping her feet, clicking,
the occasional shimmying of the hips and throwing her legs in the air. This intensely repetitive section is used to physically replicate the process of bodily ritualization. After the repetitive choreographed sequence, Bachzetsis then plunges her head into a bucket of water, drenching her upper body. In the very final moments of the piece, Bachzetsis is sat on a chair with a microphone attached. She brushes her hair, and the subtle sounds of a comb running through wet hair can be faintly heard in the studio. Bachzetsis then begins to sing in Italian in an operatic style of singing, and this is the only moment in which Bachzetsis uses her voice. The multi-modal form of performance art that Bachzetsis has created, effectively demonstrates the ways in which the body is endlessly created and re-created through the mediation of popular culture and individuality.
Fierce Festival
CULTURE
Friday 8th November 2019
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@redbrickculture
Review: In Many Hands
Culture Editor Grace Baxendine talks us through an abstract evening of sensory discovery as part of Kate McIntosh’s ambitious performace piece at Fierce Festival Grace Baxendine Culture Editor
Transcending the boundaries of performance, Kate McIntosh has devised a work of art, neither wholly interactive nor passive. I am not exactly the sort of spectator that enjoys audience participation at the theatre; I’d much rather sit back and enjoy a show. I think that many others would feel the same, and interestingly, the creator of this ground-breaking piece used to have a similar sentiment. Kate McIntosh has been a key figure in the breakthrough of performance art and in conveying its importance for human connection and feeling. Yet, her recent piece, In Many Hands goes one step further, allowing the audience to become the performance. McIntosh has said herself that audience participation can be the make or break of an artwork, and the performance did indeed prove too much and out of the comfort zone of some. The man next to me left about a third of the way through stating that the piece was ‘beyond him.’ And this goes some way to demonstrating the sort of challenging and boundary-pushing performance McIntosh has achieved with In Many Hands. A rather small audience, we all began by washing our hands together in a partially lit side room before entering the studio space. Inside, three long tables, placed as to form a triangle, con-
fronted us. McIntosh told us to try and sit by strangers, something which would prove to form the fundamental purpose of the experience. All facing away from each other, it was very hard to know what was to come. Slowly, McIntosh passed along a very long strip of paper. Instinctively, we continued to pass along this paper, which showed hand written text, asking about our neighbours’ hands and their properties. What followed was more intimate than a lot of people can usually bare.
“The vulnerability of us as an audience was very clear as we were all too keen to be told what to do and simply grasp the stranger next to us” One by one we mimicked McIntosh who created a chain of interconnected hands and movement. What was astonishing was how all of this occurred with no instruction, the chain reaction of movements was followed without question. The vulnerability of us
as an audience was very clear as we were all too keen to be told what to do and simply copy the strangers we were grasping next to us. There is something very uncomfortable about holding hands with a stranger, and yet in the context of this performance, McIntosh made it rather natural and soothing, like a support network. Still connected by our hands, objects and materials began to be passed down from the end of each row, with a calming focus on the connection between us and the items and substances we were encountering. Fossilised excrement, a dead bee, and even a lump of damp coffee residue, to name a few of the bizarre items we had to hand each other, resulting in shrieks of disgust or thrills of laughter. After the last object made its way along the row, a basin of water was pulled along the table and one by one we began to wash our hands, following McIntosh around to the other side of the table, now all facing each other. The lights fell, and darkness consumed. I personally find it very hard to be at ease when I can’t see or anticipate something. McIntosh was really honing in on our sensory feelings and challenging the very nature of human connection, as well as the earthly elements we can so often detach ourselves from.
The final few minutes were spent under what seemed to be a large sheet of plastic, rustling above our heads and then lowered to almost cover our faces; quite unsettling to an unknowing audience. At this point, I was clutching the hands of the strangers next to me very tightly. Then a shower of peas fell from the ceiling, which was a strangely therapeutic sensation. But as the lights slowly lit, there was no sight of McIntosh and her team. After an hour and a half of following her every move, we were like lost children search-
ing for a parent and it took a few minutes to realise we could stand and leave the room; the final realisation of our dependence during the performance. I have never experienced an artwork like it, and I would definitely say it’s the most abstract theatre I have seen, or in this case, been a part of. McIntosh has achieved a work of multi-sensory triumph, a limitless success seeing as even if the audience stayed or left, they had been affected by this abstract way of viewing human connection.
Fierce Festival
Culture Corner
Comment Editor Abby Spreadborough reveals some of her literary favourites Abby Spreadborough Comment Editor
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is better described as a tome as opposed to a book. The 814 page masterpiece is not a light bit of leisurely reading best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand at a poolside. Instead, it demands your attention and consumes you whole. I read this book in a whirlwind five-day period and was never the same. I feel that the marker of a great piece of art is whether or not you are still left thinking about it a week, month or even a year later. This is certainly the case for this book. I urged everyone around me to read it although I’m not sure all of them undertook that task given the book’s length and harrowing subject matter. What begins as a somewhat light-hearted portrait of four MIT graduates navigating New York quickly descends into something resembling Edvard Munch’s The Scream as Yanagihara confronts us with the extraordinary resilience of the tortured protagonist Jude. His life is one that oscillates around
opposite poles of pleasure and pain but one that does not reach its expected happy resolution. Yanagihara despairs at the permanence of memory and the power which childhood experiences have in adulthood but also celebrates friendship asking us, ‘Why wasn’t friendship as good as a relationship? Why wasn’t it even better? It was two people who remained together day after day, bound not by sex or physical attraction or money or children or property, but only by the shared agreement to keep going.’ Her prose is simple but profound, the novel's genre impossible to pin down, between fairy-tale and naturalism, the work negotiates what are seemingly opposites, only to reconcile. At 17, A Little Life was completely unexpected but much needed and will continue to be for all those who read it. I first read Allen Ginsberg’s ‘Howl’ when I was 14 and I hardly understood a word of it but it struck me. I soon entered into a deep Wikipedia hole searching up every reference and allusion in the poem familiarising
myself with other members of the Beat Generation and becoming completely obsessed with the obscenity trial that followed the publication of the poem. At an age when poetry seemed like a distant relic from the past we were forced to study, ‘Howl’ was a blessing and is likely the reason I pursued a degree in English literature at all.
“At an age when poetry seemed like a distant relic from the past we were forced to study, ‘Howl’ was a blessing” The poem flies off the page with the iconic opening line, ‘I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked.’ At first, it is like a film camera panning out
on an image of the city and its people in disarray pausing in private rooms and soaring over the streets, then it presents itself as a modern incantation. This work was the catalyst for me watching every film involving the Beats, grainy videos of Ginsberg interviews and performances from the 60s and 70s, and reading classics like Jack Kerouac's On The Road and lesser-known but utterly brilliant And the Hippos Were Boiled in Their Tanks. ‘Howl’ was a revelation and every time I read it, it continues to be. My final bit of culture came to me only a few months ago but I am sure that it will prove to have the staying power of the other works already mentioned. Donna Tartt’s The Secret History focuses on a group of six classics students at an elite New England college who commit a murder whilst participating in a bacchanal in the woods. Each member of the set is exquisitely drawn as excessive, entitled, beautiful yet damned. Tartt is an expert in creating a pervasive atmosphere, at first, summer lazily oozes into
autumn before winter feels as though it may never end.
“Through her imagery and charcterisation, [Tartt] reminded me of Fitzgerald” Through her imagery and characterisation, she reminded me of F. Scott. Fitzgerald whilst her plot brilliantly echoed that of Euripides. The ancient Greek god Dionysus hangs over the whole work and espeStockSnap cially in lines like ‘Beauty is terror. Whatever we call beautiful, we quiver before it.’ Simultaneously the book is decadent, infused with Greek tragedy and often verges upon the Romantic sublime. It not only stays with you but can complicate and elevate the familiar.
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Album Review: Kanye West - Jesus Is King Seb Rolley Music Critic
A year ago, Kanye West promised us Yandhi, a follow up to the surprisingly great Ye. After weeks and weeks of delays and disappointments, it never came. However, following a year of exploring religion and music through his Sunday Services, he announced Jesus Is King. After weeks and weeks of delays and disappointments... it actually arrived. It is here. Kanye West’s new ‘gospel’ album.
“After weeks and weeks of disappointments... it actually arrived” The first three tracks of the album establish the blend of christian teachings and modern hip hop that defines the sound of Jesus is King, moving from gospel sounds into chopped soul samples and driving beats. Unfortunately, often incredible elements within each song feel like they don’t quite fulfil their potential at times. Despite the many superb instrumentals, Kanye’s lyricism often feels heavy-handed, such as the wordplay on ‘Selah’. ‘Before the flood people judge, they did the same thing to Noah’ isn’t bad because of its overt religiousness, its bad
because it is simply clumsy wordplay.
ished. Easily the highlight of the track is Kanye shouting ‘CHICFIL-A’ as the track finishes, an odd but amusing ending to one of “Despite the many the worst tracks Kanye has ever released. superb Directly following this low instrumentals, point is the best track on the album, ‘On God’. Featuring a Kanye’s lyricism fantastic beat co-produced by Pi’erre Bourne (known best for often feels heavyhis work with Playboi Carti), Kanye raps about societal change handed” through the lens of the bible and his faith. This track is everything The majority of the conversa- that makes Kanye’s best music tion around the album seems to great and it’s a shame it’s not surhave been about whether people rounded by others of similar agree with the views quality. expressed in his lyrPartially ics, and not the because of the strength of sheer weirdthose lyrics ness of their themselves. coming However, together w i t h on a track K a n y e ’s like this, some‘ U s e times T h i s poor lyrGospel’ ical style featurcomes i n g his fanClipse tastic proa n d duction, Kenny G and that’s is an undeimpossible to niable highDef Jam Recordings ignore on this light. The kings track. of cocaine rap ‘Closed On and the king of Sunday’ is by far the bigsmooth jazz appearing gest misstep of the album, a mean- on a song together is almost unbedering formless track. Repeating lievable. They do make for fitting ‘closed on Sunday, you’re my features, No Malice (formerly chic-fil-a’ Kanye takes the song known as Malice before his very nowhere, leaving it feeling unfin- public conversion to Christianity,
predating Ye’s by some years) and Pusha T’s verses are as strong as to be expected of them, delivered with their signature cold flows.
“The kings of cocaine rap and the king of smooth jazz appearing on a song together is almsot unbelievable” Clipses’ verses pair well with the production and Kanye’s vocals are also strong here. Although, Kenny G’s smooth sax outro doesn’t necessarily fit with the rest of the song, it doesn’t ruin it either. For all its strangeness and unlikely conception, this is a pretty good song. Jesus Is King is clearly not Kanye’s best album but contains enough great moments to make it easily worth a listen. If you’re already a fan check this out but if not there’re far better places to start.
“Clearly not Kanye’s best album, it contains enough great moments to make it easily worth a listen”
Live Review: The Skints Lydia Waller Deputy Editor
There is no better way to start the week than with a Monday night gig, filled with the sounds of knee-high stomping, to the rhythms of ska, reggae, punk rock and everything in between - exactly what London-based The Skints brought to Birmingham’s O2 Academy. Despite some disappointing mixes at the fault of the venue, the energy and tightness of such an indefinable band overshadowed these technical issues with ease. To speak of The Skints’ genre is almost futile, as they redefine whatever they toy with. Dealing mainly with British-reggae and ska, the Swimming Lessons tour demonstrated exactly how the band test boundaries and revive the genres they play with. Their 2011 album Part & Parcel showcased their redefinition of British reggae and ska with pulsing keys, shoulder-shrugging beats and basslines, whereas Swimming Lessons has brought a whole new dynamic to the repertoire of Marcia Richards and co. The opening number reassured everyone of their silly levels of competence, with ‘Just Can’t No More’ from the earlier Skints
days; with Jamie Kyriakides piping up from upstage on the drums carrying honey-toned vocals and Rudge and Richards accompanying with delicious backing harmonies. The four-piece played to their strengths, engaging the crowd with some old-timers such as ‘Lay You Down’ and the verging-on haunting tones of ‘Restless’ from their 2015 album FM. Once everyone was warmed up and hypeman/faux-front-man Rudge, had done his introductory stint of ‘The Skints from Landan Taaaa-n,’ the reggae-quartet started feeding in some of their heavier songs from the newly released Swimming Lessons, starting with ‘New Kind of Friend.’ The song demonstrated the more melodious tones of the new album, whereas songs such as ‘Armageddon’, played later in the set, illustrated the slightly more sinister and dubesque textures to the album. Richards maintained the integrity of The Skints, multi-playing the keys, drum-pad, flute, saxophone and melodica, sending the crowd into chaos when she whipped out yet another asset in her ridiculous repertoire. Seeing The Skints live not only reassures you of the uniqueness of their dynamic: a singing drummer as a part-time front vocalist; a front woman who sings ethereally,
raps tightly and plays everything from melodica to mastering effects; a guitarist, with surprisingly soothing vocals, acting as the main crown-engager and a very aloof but grounding bassist; but also demands you pay attention to some of the thickest lines to their ska tracks. The temperament of the show varied from minute to minute, going from Rudge dancing in the crowd during their encore cover of Al Greens ‘Let’s Stay Together,’ amidst a flurry of bubbles, to them illustrating their new found hybrid of rock and ska in ‘Learning to Swim’; a track that showcases Richard’s creamy melodies the energy of Rudge in rockier, heavier guitar parts. Halfway through the set,
the infamous track ‘This Town’ re-asserted their roots and inspiration as a London bred-and-crafted band. However, Rudge took a moment to honour the reggae/ska cultural history of Birmingham, dedicating their ska serenade ‘I’m a Fool’ to recently deceased Ranking Roger, an iconic Brummie ska and two-tone artist. The Skints shared a genuine excitement to be back in Birmingham, after 12 years of making music together - now reviving their repertoire with rockier tones in their new album, particularly in tracks such as ‘What Did I Learn Today?’. The evening of buoyant energy concluded with the foregrounding of drummer Kyriakides’ healing vocals,
Upcoming Events: Editors’ Pick: Metronomy, O2 Institute, 16th November The Devonshire electro-indie group Metronomy have been evolving their leftfield pop sound for over a decade now, drawing on influences from just about every genre imaginable. Led by multi-instrumentalist Joseph Mount, they are touring their latest album Metronomy Forever (2019) and bringing their live show to the forever bouncing O2 Institute. Not one to miss for all you off-kilter pop heads, I know you’re out there! Best of the Rest: Midland, Hare & Hounds, 8th November Loyle Carner, O2 Institute, 9th November Blanck Mass, The Crossing, 11th November Vampire Weekend, O2 Academy, 11th October Rex Orange County, O2 Academy, 12/13th November Big Joanie, Hare & Hounds, 14th November Pearl Jam, O2 Academy, 15th November Or:la & Danielle, Hare & Hounds, 15th November Ocean Wisdom, The Mill, 21st November
as he came down-stage to serenade the crowd with an acoustic version of ‘Sunny, Sunny,’ a vibing love song full of tropical riffs and harmonies. The final note was an assertion of the new dimensions in their album, with a rendition of their summery track ‘Learning to Swim.’ All though the term is massively over-used in regards to soppy rom-coms and cheesy 80s radio-stations, a night out with The Skints truly is a feelgood experience.
Ian Sparkes
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Greatest Hits: Jade Matlock Jade Matlock Music Critic
The following five tracks are in no way solely indicative of everything I have been or will ever be in terms of musical preferences, but all of them represent a moment or feeling that has helped to shape my current taste and its eclectic nature. In one way or another, each one has transformed the way that I think of and interpret music while also paying homage to parts of my life of particular importance or interest.
Jet Black – Anderson .Paak ft. Brandy
place, secured with one of my favourite basslines of 2019 so far. If there’s one thing that Anderson .Paak has become exceptionally good at, it’s definitely his utilisation of a feature, as Brandy’s supplementary vocals shine through in a way that doesn’t overwhelm the track. Hearing this live solidified exactly why I enjoy this song so much – the triumphant nature of the song means that everyone listening to it comes out of the experience having had a good time and feeling oddly empowered.
Buckingham’s talent for capturing the conflicted lover is on full display and the search for romantic clarity is not only present in the lyrical choices but also within the mounting instrumental tension that escalates throughout.
managed to find it fits more applicably with my platonic relationships and the way that it encompasses the happiness I feel in their presence is exactly why it’s on this list. Plus, it snuck my name in there, which is pretty damn cool.
Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
Reckless – You Me At Six
A&M Records
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This song almost entirely encapsulates the point that my music taste has accumulated to over the years. It was a little rocky for a minute there, but Paak’s continued musical evolution really won me over with the release of Ventura. His experimentation with style comes into full fruition with this song; nothing seems out of
Please Mr. Postman – Carpenters
Big Love – Fleetwood Mac
Virgin Records Ltd
12 Tone
what I might have to face that day.
Picking just one song of Fleetwood Mac’s to talk about was profoundly difficult, but I eventually settled on Big Love because I feel that it epitomises my personal favourite album of theirs, Tango in the Night, while also being entirely indicative of their sound whenever Lindsey Buckingham was at the helm of their song writing. The instrumentation of this song is beautiful with the drum beat in particular striking me as the grounding feature of the track. Lyrically,
There’s something about camaraderie in a song that always makes me inexplicably happy. With the current climate that we live in, it’s easy to feel as if the entire world is against you, but ‘Home’ manages to singlehandedly restore my faith in humanity; lyrically it’s an incredibly sweet song, focused on how the people in your life and the memories that you make together can make life just a little bit more tolerable. The simplicity of the song’s instrumentation helps the message to take centre stage and show that music doesn’t always need to be overpowering and aggressive to get a point across. Personally, while the song takes a more romantic scenario, I have always
Listen, we’ve all been there. The edgy phase comes to us all eventually. The final single from their third studio album Sinners Never Sleep, ‘Reckless’ initially appealed to every part of my teenage self that required a heavy baseline and aggressive vocalisation to be satisfied. Both in isolation and within the context of the album from which it came, its significance comes in the remembrance that this was the first time that I was fully in control of what I chose to listen to. The song’s lyrics perfectly encapsulate what it is to be both angry at the world and confident that things will work out in your favour; the combination of a punchy rhythmic section and the empowering lyrics always leave me with a nostalgic enthusiasm to carry on, no matter
Much as Carpenters were very much a family affair, it’s my own family that make this song so significant. I can’t even begin to count how many times this song has been sung at the top of our lungs in the car. While the lyrics of the song showcase the familiar pain of waiting to be acknowledged by someone you adore, the instrumentation of the song makes it almost impossible to get through the song without even the slightest of toe tapping. The saxophone and guitar solos are particularly refreshing when compared with some of Carpenters’ more solemn numbers. This song almost acts as a family heirloom, having been passed down from my grandparents to my mother and now having been passed down to my brother and I. It never fails to leave a smile on my face and always manages to get me through feelings of homesickness that creep up every now and again.
Underrated Albums: Fleetwood Mac - Tusk James West Music Critic
By 1978 Fleetwood Mac had become megastars following the global success of their previous album Rumours. What followed in the recording studios was one of the most experimental albums ever made where, the title track had both a marching band and the lamb chops being credited as instruments. The inevitable blizzard of cocaine accompanied a $1 million making cost, the highest of any album until that date; and the record was a ‘flop’ despite selling four million copies. Going into the studios in 1978, Lindsey Buckingham was aiming to try and create a very different album to what Rumours had been, and wanted to carve a new direction for the group which didn’t fall back on their blues heritage either. As he remarked ‘It was done in a way to undermine just sort of following the formula of doing Rumours 2 and Rumours 3, which is kind of the business model Warner Bros. would have liked us to follow.’. This ended up
with him taking direction to keep Fleetwood Mac relevant in the modern world, with him taking inspiration from artists like the Clash and the Beach Boys. In my opinion Tusk was an unqualified success, and it inspired artists from other genres, while showing the world that Fleetwood Mac could not be pigeon holed into one area, but could span any genre they chose. The album opens with ‘Over and Over’ a Christine McVie penned ballad with a heavy drum beat. It’s a very sweet but slow song, making it a dynamic choice for an opener. Next is ‘The Ledge’, one of the nine Buckingham penned songs.
“Lindsey Buckingham was aiming to create a very different album” This is quite fast and makes uses of different sonic textures to create a strange atmosphere, similar-
ly to his work on ‘That’s All for Everyone’ and ‘Walk a Thin Line’. Next comes the radio friendly single ‘Think About Me’, a personal favourite, a duet between McVie and Buckingham which is a bit of a cynical take on love. After half a side comes Stevie Nicks’s ‘Sara’, one of the strongest songs on the album. Supposedly written about the marriage of Stevie Nicks’ best friend Sara to her ex-boyfriend Mick Fleetwood, it was a six minute epic about love. Nicks continues this wistful, almost ethereal writing with the other songs in the album, ‘Sisters of the Moon’ and ‘Angel’, but neither are quite as good. ‘Sara’ was a hit single in North America reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. ‘Over and Over’, ‘Think About Me’ and ‘Sara’ show both McVie and Nicks at their finest, with each of them continuing their journey starting in Rumours. Major McVie’s pop writing had Transmission improved, and Nicks had continued her abstractness on from ‘Dreams’. Buckingham’s journey continued through songs like ‘Not that Funny’ and ‘What Makes You
Think You’re the One’, which further illustrate his almost maniacal quest into perfecting the sound of his music. Both these songs have very harsh percussion sounds with an almost hoarse singing voice – as far from Rumours as they could get!
“His almost maniacal quest into perfecting the sound of his music” Side four of the album finishes with two of my favourites; the McVie penned ‘Brown Eyes’ and the Buckingham penned masterpiece ‘Tusk’. ‘Brown Eyes’ is another soulful song, but with an important guest musician – Peter Green, one of the original founders of Fleetwood Mac. Meanwhile ‘Tusk’ is quite possibly one of the most important songs ever recorded in music, because of the sheer variety of instruments and its almost tribal chant nature. It contains a variety of instruments including lambs chops and
Kleenex boxes and has incredibly nonsensical lyrics, which strangely became a No. 8 hit in the US. So to summarise, Tusk is an extremely underrated album, due to its power, variety of tunes and fractious relationships; which once again showed that Fleetwood Mac could not be pigeon holed into any genre. As Mick Fleetwood wrote: ‘Tusk is probably my favourite and most important Fleetwood Mac album, Tusk meant this band’s survival - if we hadn’t made that album, we might have broken up.’.
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Review: Doctor Sleep
Can this legacy sequel live up to Stanley Kubrick's iconic predecessor? Ellie Burridge Film Critic
To watch Doctor Sleep is to watch a film having an identity crisis. Being a sequel to The Shining should be a fairly simple task, and yet the fraught relationship between Stephen King’s 1977 novel and Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film make for a sequel that lies uneasily between the two sources (and between genres). Director Mike Flanagan has made a good deal of simple scary films, and has even adapted Stephen King before (in 2017’s straight-to-Netflix Gerald’s Game), but here he seems torn between his respect for King and his love of Kubrick. It’s unfortunate that the two aren’t compatible. Stephen King famously disliked Kubrick’s film for its lack of adherence to the source material, saying: “it’s a great big beautiful Cadillac with no motor inside [...] I would do every thing different.” King gets a producing credit on Doctor Sleep (he was not similarly credited for The Shining) but the film is still situated in Kubrick’s shadow, with the awareness that it was his version of the story that resonated more widely with the public. For two-thirds of the movie, Doctor Sleep’s connection to The Shining seems like nothing more than a marketing gimmick; the story of a cult of nearly-im-
mortal travellers feeding on the magic of children (killing said children in the process) could work perfectly well as a standalone. Even though the ostensible protagonist of the film is grown-up Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor), his relevance to the plot is almost incidental. The film’s real focus is on the battle between the leader of the cult, Rose the Hat (Rebecca Ferguson), and a very powerful young girl inventively named Abra – as in ‘cadabra’ – and played by newcomer Kyliegh Curran.
“Director Mike Flangan ... seems torn between his respect for King and his love of Kubrick”
because he says, out loud, to a complete stranger: “I’m running away from myself”. Rose the Hat, meanwhile, is instructing her vampiric cronies to breathe in the ‘steam’ of dying magical children so that they can live forever. There’s a bit of a disconnect, is all I’m saying. The best sequence of the film is the one which wrenches itself free from Danny Torrance, Stephen King, and Stanley Kubrick altogether. Rose the Hat astral projects herself across the country into the bedroom/mind of Abra, whose thoughts and memories are represented by a series of filing cabinets: it’s the most exciting visualisation of magic in the film, and there’s a wonderful grisly moment involving Rose’s hand. By the time the narrative returns to the Overlook Hotel, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that the story is meant to have any relation to The Shining at all.
“Rebecca Ferguson ... is delightfully seductive and creepy”
For the first act, the film is divided awkwardly into three points-of-view: Danny’s, the cult’s, and Abra’s. The characters’ stories do intersect eventually, but the exposition jumps around between them, and Danny exists in what seems to be a different film from the other two. His story is a relatively restrained addiction Some legacy sequels do mannarrative about a man trying to age to hit the right balance between escape his past. We know this paying homage to the original and
trying something new: in recent memory, Blade Runner 2049, Mad Max: Fury Road and Creed have done it. But Doctor Sleep alternates between slavish devotion to the film it’s based on and a palpable desire to be telling a more original story. It's not all bad: Rebecca Ferguson’s performance is delightfully seductive and creepy, while Kyliegh Curran makes a charming precocious youngster with more power than she knows what to do with. And there’s a cute cat who can sense when people are going to die. It’s just unfortunate that what results from a collection of good ideas and characters is a patchwork quilt of a film that trails off into hollow fanservice and an ending intended to appease an author who was dissatisfied forty years ago with an auteur’s alterations to his book. VERDICT: Doctor Sleep isn’t a disaster – it’s well-directed, with good performances and interesting themes. But it never justifies its connection to The Shining, and is weighed down by its loyalty to the book it’s based on. As someone who is fairly neutral on both The Shining and Stephen King, Mike Flanagan’s desperation to please the fans of both left me feeling cold.
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Review: Sorry We Missed You
Film Editor Amy O'Neill explores Ken Loach's latest heart-wrenching feature Amy O'Neill Film Editor
Sorry We Missed You opens with a poignant summary of the gig economy, setting up the misconceptions about the kinds of work it provides before going on to shatter the lies that people are told to lure them into these jobs. This is a story that literally packs a punch. ‘You’ll be the master of your own destiny, Ricky’, ‘It’s your own choice’, the main character’s new boss iterates, outlining the perks of his new job. Paul Laverty’s incredibly to-the-point dialogue does not hold back, and Ken Loach’s signature realist directorial style is incredibly effective at showing that this is a film about real life, about issues that affect real people.
“Kris Hitchen ... is absolutely heart-breaking, his stress worn on his face throughout the film” Of course, the film is a work of fiction. The characters do not exist, their stories are made up – but they are entirely conceivable. A father working fourteen hours a day, six days a week on a zerohours contract; a mother working a thankless care job where she looks after the elderly who have
been forgotten by their families and by the government; a son who is acting out at school and an eleven year old daughter who witnesses it all, trying desperately to make her family the way it used to be. Sorry We Missed You forms a truly effective portrait of a British family in 2019, battling austerity and the gig economy, and all of the struggles that have followed the 2008 recession. The performances are understated, bubbling under the surface with anger, stress and hopelessness. Kris Hitchen as dad Ricky Turner is absolutely heart-breaking, his stress worn on his face throughout the film, in a way that subtly and increasingly betrays the impact of his working conditions. Debbie Honeywood as Ricky’s wife Abby is caring and concerned, a mother doing the best for her children over the phone on her bus journeys between clients at her job. The children too, are brilliant: Rhys Stone plays an attitude-ridden, grumbling teenage son, Seb, rallying against his parents, and Katie Proctor is a quiet and well-meaning younger daughter, Lisa Jane. All of the performances come together in a crescendo of tension that has been slowly burning throughout the two hours, in a frustratingly unsatisfying ending that really hammers home the futility of the family’s situation. It is not all doom and gloom though – the love that the family often shows for each
other is such an important part of their dynamic and a driving force of the plot, with giggles over a curry and an earnest attempt by eleven year old Lisa Jane to keep her dad at home by stealing his van keys.
“As usual, [Ken Loach] lets the issues and the performances do the talking” Ken Loach’s simple, realistic direction is perfect for this film, and as usual he lets the issues and the performances do the talking. His skill is in knowing when to step back, and how to make the audience feel as though they are a part of the story they are watching unfold. In Sorry We Missed You, this is so cleverly done, through realistic daytime and artificial lighting, and shots looking through doors and from behind a bannister, making the viewer feel like they are in the Turner’s home. The plot is somewhat predictable, though I mostly attribute this to it being so realistic, something so many people in Britain are familiar with. The writing though, is beautifully and heart-breakingly effective, and truly gets to the heart of the damage that zerohours contracts and austerity can
do to people and their families. One particular exchange brought me to tears: when the Turners’ son began skipping school and getting into fights, his dad warns him against going down a troublesome path, advising that he should get an education to keep his options open. His son responds with a cutting retort, asking if it’s so he doesn’t end up like his father. Having seen Ricky almost fall asleep at the wheel, and endure hell to make sure his family are okay, to try to escape debt and to finally get a mortgage, this is so hard to watch. Nobody and no family is perfect, but Sorry We Missed You expertly explores the horrid, sometimes violent effects that immense pressure and financial stress can have on a family, in an unflinching and honest portrayal of family life on a zerohours contract. VERDICT: Sorry We Missed You is another damning indictment of the gig economy and austerity policies from acclaimed I, Daniel Blake director Ken Loach. It is a truly heart-breaking and empathetic snapshot of a month or so in the life of a family living on the breadline – a rallying cry against the people, businesses and institutions that leave families like the Turners struggling so desperately.
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Review: Leonardo: The Works
Utilising cinema restores Da Vinci's revered works, writes Film Critic Harry Taylor Harry Taylor Film Critic
You’d be hard-pressed to find a major European city in 2019 which isn’t hosting some form of Leonardo da Vinci exhibition, as Renaissance Italy’s most
revered son celebrates his 500th year of immortality. From the modest but excellent selection of sketches arriving in Birmingham earlier this year, to the Louvre’s daring, definitive retrospective, Da Vinci fever is at a renewed high half a millennium since his death. But experiencing the Italian’s works in a gallery setting often feels inadequate and distracting, as more and more eager visitors cram into sold-out exhibitions to catch a fleeting glimpse of his paintings, sketches and writings. With the majority of Da Vinci’s work disseminated amongst farflung galleries, rarely can his art be exhibited together completely, and his most famous works of all often feel as far-removed as the man himself; be it the Mona Lisa, hermetically sealed behind inches of bulletproof glass, or the recently discovered Salvator Mundi, currently residing in a private collection. Enter Leonardo: The Works, a documentary that aims to give audiences the immersive, comprehensive experience with Da Vinci’s works that galleries can’t provide. Featuring insight from art critics, historians and even Leonardo himself, the film exhibits every one of the maestro’s accredited paintings in Ultra HighDefinition, with every crack, blemish and brushstroke projected in fine detail onto the big screen.
“Da Vinci fever is at a renewed high half a millenium since his death” It’s the latest in a line of documentaries by Exhibition on Screen that provide access to artworks and exhibitions from around the world, curating a cinematic tour of an artist’s oeuvre alongside illuminating analysis and commentary. And Leonardo: The Works makes the most of its cinematic format, taking a forensic approach to Da Vinci’s art. It highlights how his subtleties of composition, lighting and colour made him the most important artist of his day, per-
haps of all time. From his sparing use of dappled light to imply a fleeting moment of spiritual enlightenment in Saint John the Baptistto his depiction of the Virgin Mary’s facial contours, the film consistently shows how the intimacies of Leonardo’s work demonstrate his artistic philosophy. The film also ambitiously draws connections between Leonardo’s scientific observations of the outside world and his idealised visions in his paintings. Showing
picked up a brush again. From his beginnings as an apprentice, Leonardo felt the weight of classical antiquity on his shoulders, surrounded by remnants of the classical Roman era. And as art increasingly become an
how his studies of bird’s feathers influenced his depiction of a winged angel, or how his early sketches of muscle structure informed his first paintings of an infant Christ, the film sheds light on how Leonardo channelled the scientific observations he made on a daily basis into his art.
screen. Da Vinci’s multitude of talents, abilities and interests culminate in the Mona Lisa, at once the most famous artwork of all time yet also a painting which suffers from extreme cultural fatigue. The immediacy and power of Da Vinci’s magnum opus has been all but lost
trait of Ginevra de’ Benci – depict the subject looking directly at the viewer, rather than in profile as convention demanded. A likely homosexual with an elusive demeanour and little family commitments, Leonardo’s outsiderinsider status allowed him to exist outside of the traditional establishment, untethered to outdated modes of thought and tradition. Leonardo still feels modern in many ways, from the short quotes interwoven throughout the documentary to the more general portrait of the man they paint: a man who conceived of the bicycle 400 years prior to its invention, who was an avid vegetarian, and who famously bought caged birds only to set them free.
format shines. After minimal but pertinent commentary and forensic, detailed shots of the painting’s intimacies, the documentary draws back, bringing the full work into view, and you experience the painting all over again, seeing it with a fresh perspective and a new appreciation, like hearing a song for the first time again.
due to both overexposure and endless parody. Yet in its analysis of works like the Mona Lisa, the documentary’s
“Soundtracked by a chorus of choir singers, projecting these artworks in this way restores [their] sense of majesty and “Leonardo: The reverence” Works makes soundtracked by a chothe most of its rus Often of choir singers, projecting these artworks in this way onto cinematic the big screen in the darkness of a theatre restores some of the sense format, of majesty and reverence they must once have held in Da Vinci’s taking a lifetime, when artwork stood as instances of visual perfection forensic rare in a world infinitely less imageapproach saturated than ours. By drawing and giving audiences an to Da back immersive cinematic experience, film deepens the appreciation Vinci's the of Da Vinci’s art beyond anything might realistically be achieved art” that in galleries, bringing the viewer
“[This is a] documentary that aims to give audiences the immersive, comprehensive experience with Da Vinci's works that galleries can't provide”
Structurally, the documentary linearly traces the artistic development of Da Vinci’s output, beginning in Florence, where as a young apprentice his talents outshone those of his veteran tutor Andrea del Verrocchio. The Baptism of Christ, a painting on which the two collaborated, is examined, with the master and pupil’s differing styles suddenly becoming stark and pronounced on the big screen, Leonardo’s contributions to the painting’s landscape, overall composition and characters outclassing Verrocchio’s. After seeing Da Vinci’s work on the painting, Verrocchio supposedly never
patrons, without whom he would go bankrupt. It was a balancing act he would maintain for most of his career until in his final years of life in France, where as an ornament of the royal court he was paid a fortune to live a luxurious lifestyle and create artworks for the state. The documentary also uses Da Vinci’s art to illuminate his relentlessly questioning, often progressive mind. Breaking social decorum, many of his early paintings of women – namely his por-
one-on-one with the intricacies of his painting and showing that perhaps, when it comes to experiencing Leonardo’s works, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
intellectual pursuit, Leonardo consistently strove to innovate whilst simultaneously pleasing his
Leonardo’s personality also manages to shine through. Succinct anecdotes combined with select quotations embellish the documentary’s subtle depiction of the man behind the paintings. Yet the documentary rarely gets lost in factual titbits for their own sake – they always feed back into and inform the art on
VERDICT: Not just an illuminating and diverse examination of Da Vinci’s lifelong output, Leonardo: The Works is thus also a powerful example of how art and cinema might combine to breathe new life into the artworks we’re all familiar with.
«««« Doctor Sleep image courtesy of Warner Bros. Sorry We Missed You image from Sixteen Films Vitruvian Man photographed by Luc Viatour
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TELEVISION
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbricktv
The British Tribe Next Door: Simply Problematic and Condescending
News Editor Aneesa Ahmed laments as Channel 4's new series that could have been meaningful, insightful and impactful, misses the mark repeatedly Aneesa Ahmed News Editor
Scarlett Moffatt’s new show, The British Tribe Next Door, in my opinion, is one of the most culturally insensitive shows produced by Channel 4 and misses an amazing opportunity to healthily educate, due to a need to entertain. The show follows the Moffatt family after they move into a replica of their County Durham house, among the huts of the Himba peo-
ple, a rural community in Namibia. It is intended to be a social experiment, where both groups are to ‘learn’ from each other. The show was well intended, as the main premise of the show is to not be condescending towards other communities around the world, but rather to show a different way of living. However, it would be ignorant to assume that projects like this would not be problematic, and Channel 4 did not handle it as well as I assumed.
Web Series of the Week: Buzzfeed Unsolved Ella Chadwick Television Critic
On paper, Buzzfeed Unsolved sounds like the most basic mystery series of all time: two guys sitting at a table discussing supernatural and criminal cases. There are hundreds of documentaries covering these phenomena, so what makes Buzzfeed Unsolved different? The answer is simple: Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej. Through their impeccable comedic timing, witty comments, chaotic energy, and sometimes outright insane outbursts, the dynamic duo has breathed new life into the true crime genre. That being said, Buzzfeed Unsolved was by no means an instant success. When Buzzfeed Unsolved first premiered on YouTube, the show was missing some of the key components that make it such a viral hit today. The show was essentially a slideshow with Bergara telling the tales of true crime to former co-host, Brent Bennett. Bennet was by no means a bad cohost, and although he did have comedic moments, he was no match for his replacement, Shane Madej. The key to Buzzfeed Unsolved’s success is Bergara and Madej’s undeniable chemistry. Whether Madej is mocking Bergara’s belief of ghosts or discussing the absurd nuances of a case, the pair’s banter carries every episode no matter the case being covered. It would be so easy to overstep the mark in terms of comedy when covering some of the more sensitive cases. However,
the pair have found a perfect balance of factual information and light entertainment that makes Buzzfeed Unsolved a truly unique series. Through presenting different theories surrounding cold cases, the series challenges its viewers to think critically while still upholding a light-hearted tone. However, in season six of Buzzfeed Unsolved: Supernatural, it is starting to feel as if the pair are growing tiresome of the ghost hunting instalments of the show, as the evidence of the supernatural is becoming flimsier. Despite this, the two still manage to make the show entertaining.
Twitter/@ RyanBergara
The web series’ success shows no signs of wavering, as the show now appears on Amazon Prime and has its own dedicated YouTube channel, Buzzfeed Unsolved Network. With a dedicated fanbase, one can only hope Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej find new and exciting ways to approach these cases of true crime and the supernatural. But will they be able to do this? For now the answer remains unsolved.
The mere naming of the show The British Tribe Next Door is in itself controversial as the term ‘tribe’ has been deemed politically incorrect by anthropologists and social scientists, as the term has derogatory connotations within the western world. Furthermore, each community, including the Himba community, would have their own definition of what ‘tribe’ and ‘tribal’ mean to them, so the western blanket definition of a ‘tribe,’ does not consider the multifaceted nature of the definition to different communities. The controversy over the term ‘tribe’ used by westerners highlights what can be seen as the initial problem of the show, as Moffatt’s family, a white British family, label themselves a 'tribe' when in reality this not an accurate definition of their family unit. The definition of ‘tribe’ varies between communities and was likely used in the shows title for click-bait purposes, to exoticise the idea of having a show with rural communities.
“The main premise of the show is to not be condescending... but it would be ignorant to assume that...this would not be problematic”
The immediate juxtaposition of the Moffatt family’s County Durham home amongst the huts of the Himba community, is unsettling. The Moffatt family quite literally have the home comforts of on-demand television, WiFi and running water in their simulated home in Namibia, while members of the Himba community are having to dig down two metres for drinking water, whilst dealing with snakes in the process. This set-up intrinsically suggets the problematic nature of the show, as it highlights the condescending nature of Western organisations, in this case Channel 4, having the means to install facilities, however only doing it when there is monetary value and publicity for them. The show can also be likened to the ‘white saviour’ debate, whereby people from Western countries, primarily white people, go to help people of colour, with the help in some contexts perceived to be self-serving and often counter productive. In the show, rather than asking how one member of the Himba feels after she sees her reflection in a mirror for the first time, Moffatt’s mother Betty simply says 'Yes, you. Beautiful!', which not only highlights a lack of interest but can also
Channel 4
be seen as condescending. It could be considered that this interaction implies that she was prouder of herself having provided a mirror rather than of the Himba woman.
“It highlights the condescending nature of Western organisations... having the means to install facilities, however only doing it when there is monetary value and publicity” Furthermore, the show appears to lack depth and discussion into topics that could be interesting and educational, such as the importance of family, marriage, kinship and descent amongst African communities. However, the sheer lack of genuine interest by the family, is shown when Mark Moffatt is asked about the number of partners he had before marriage, to which his only response was 'no comment.' Moments like this could have been used for deep and insightful discussions regarding key concepts such as marriage, and could have been used to discuss similarities and differences between British and African communities, however no discussion took place.
“The show lacks depth and discussion into topics that could be interesting”
Similarly, there was a section where Scarlett tried traditional Himba clothing and explored what the outfits truly mean to the women who wear them. This concluded with Scarlett becoming tearful about exposing her ‘fat bits.' While this opens an important discussion about body image, a great opportunity was missed to deeply discuss the significance of dress to the Himba community, thus not making full use of the platform. Moffatt’s comments on her body image attracted a lot of media attention in publications such as the Daily Mail, which gives the show good exposure, however it overshadows the main focus of the show, which was to understand the Himba way of living. Each encounter simply ends with the Moffatt family saying 'That’s different,' which demonstrates that while the Moffatt family’s intentions may have been good, their inability to create meaningful discourse from their encounters shows lack of genuine interest.
“Despite society progressing, ideas of the 'tribal' as being exotic and different persist” The combined lack of interest and ignorance to the problematic nature of this reality TV show makes it arguably, one of Channel 4’s worst yet. It also highlights how despite society progressing, ideas of the ‘tribal’ as being exotic and different persist. Furthermore, their use of white saviourism for entertainment appears as condescending and insensitive, and the show could have tackled many issues within anthropological debate with much more thought, but failed to use this opportunity.
TELEVISION
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbricktv
Review: K-pop Idols: Inside the Hit Factory
25
Top TV Picks for November
Charlie Murray applauds this BBC Four series for diving deep into the world of K-pop and emerging with a fresh perspective Charlie Murray Television Critic
K-pop fans know all too well how K-pop tends to be reported on and represented in the West. It is treated as nothing more than an industry that manufactures slave-like robotic idols, with no substance or care put into their music. Of course, the industry has its flaws, but BBC Four’s recent documentary delved deeper into the nuances of this controversial business, investigating it in a more open-minded way. The documentary was created by music journalist James Ballardie, who travels to the city of K-pop itself, Seoul, South Korea, to investigate the appeal of Korean pop music and what has made it so popular in the West. He starts by watching some music videos, approaching them in a non-biased way and discussing how the expensive-looking sets and production values make it easy to see why it’s so liked. This sets a precedent for the rest of the documentary; Ballardie meets K-pop groups GFriend and VAV, and Byun Baekhyun (member of EXO and SuperM). Ballardie treats them with respect and asks them genuine and respectful questions about their careers. He even goes to concerts and waves their light sticks with the audience, takes selfies with the groups and learns Korean phrases (calling Baekhyun ‘handsome’ in a sweet if slightly awkward moment in a lift), fully immersing himself in
the fandom culture without mocking it. He admits the culture shock as the Korean fans religiously wave their light sticks and chant in unison to specific points of the songs, but not in a way that comes off to the audience as rude. He genuinely seems interested to know more about the fandom. He talks to Soyeon Yoon, a culture reporter, about how the fan-idol relationship differs in K-pop compared to the Western music industry. This includes how fans expect their idols to be more squeaky-clean and avoid drugs, alcohol and relationship, in a stark contrast to how Western celebrity culture views these things. Instead of being altogether judgemental about this different culture, he listens and even comes to fascinating conclusions about K-pop being a more honest version of the more covertly controlling aspects of the Western music industry.
For those less familiar with K-pop, the documentary gave a reasonable amount of information into the beginnings of K-pop, being honest about how the South Korean government developed from condemning it, to seeing it as a marketable export. And even if you’re not interested in K-pop, the fact that Ballardie travels to Seoul to investigate it allows for the audience to appreciate the sights of the city. We see statues of bears and cats representing different groups as a cuter and more K-pop version of a Walk-of-Fame. We also see fascinating tourist sites like the SM museum (SM being one of the 'Big 3' K-pop companies) where you can see such incredible products as albums with DJ turntables on the cover, and mannequins dressed up in iconic -
costumes from SM music videos. The excitement of seeing all these unique products and the backgrounds of Seoul streets covered in posters of popular groups adds to the experience of the documentary. Even if you are not into K-pop, you may find it hard not to want to visit this bustling city filled with flash mobs, streets lined with street food stalls and stores selling adorable collectables. Towards the end of the documentary, Ballardie interviewed ‘Niki N Sammy,' from the YouTube channel Twins Talk K-pop, which was an intriguing discussion on how, despite selling out two Wembley Stadium performances within minutes, the well-known Korean group BTS are still rarely given airplay on UK radio. It is a discussion that deserves a platform, as it brings to the forefront the idea that the West is still intolerant to music from another language. This part of the documentary showed a certain care that Ballardie seemed to discover about the genre; he became interested enough in the genre to investigate what it would take to fully break into the West. This cemented the documentary as one that delved into the K-pop industry and took it seriously, acknowledging its shortcomings while regarding it as a respectable genre of music.
TV Critic Ella Foster discusses how this Netflix series is developing as it builds up to an unforgettable finale Television Critic
‘A Horse Walks Into a Rehab;' the first half of the popular Netflix series picks up six months after we left off. Bojack’s stint in rehab is coming to an end, and as the show moves towards finishing, the audience can only hope for a happy ending for the series’ complicated characters. The pressure on a final season of any popular show to deliver is high, and Bojack Horseman can be said to have faced this prospect by changing certain aspects of itself. The newest season is in no way lacking compared to its forerunners; however, it cannot be said that this season doesn’t have a difference in feeling to the others. This, I think, comes from its reliance
Rick And Morty Adult Swim 10th November
BBC Media
Dublin Murders BBC 10th November
MFDice
Review: Bojack Horseman Ella Foster
Twitter/@Rick andMorty
on committed fans, and knowledge that the viewers of the show know the series inside and out.
Firstly, the title s e q u e n c e , unchanged for five seasons, now works differently. Instead of the usual images of Bojack in front of a background of 'Hollywoo' parties, now he appears in Twitter/@ front of scenes we’re Bojack all-too familiar with. Horsman The death of his boss and friend, Herb Kazzaz, his Mother’s funeral, the death of Sarah-Lynn. Experiences only sea-
soned Bojack fans will fully understand the weight of. Similarly, the presence of alcohol is one which is centred in a brand-new way. Whereas previously, alcohol was part of almost every scene we saw Bojack in; now it's displayed to us as a starry galaxy- one which fills Bojack’s recollections of the past, showing him for the first time with some foresight to the way his addiction has impacted the entirety of his life. Another new addition is the way the characters all seem to have begun to look in towards themselves, rather than simply questioning the consequences of their actions. Princess Carolyn tackles her place as a working mother, Dianne works to balance her mental health and her happiness, and Mr Peanutbutter tackles the guilt following his adulterous past. As the characters begin to work themselves into more wellrounded, fulfilled individuals, the viewers are pointed, ever-hopeful-
ly towards a satisfied and happy ending. However, this is Bojack Horseman, it could never be that simple. As the series ends on a stressful cliffhanger, viewers are left waiting until January until this season’s second half, and the show’s finale is finally revealed. Moving away from the show’s serious side, it is still unfalteringly quick, clever, and funny. As well as this, it feels incredibly relevant. Capitalist mega-companies taking over small businesses, an assistant strike, and mass organ selling put a hilarious spin on our own world, except this one is full of talking animals. The beginnings of Bojack’s final season have set us up for an unforgettable ending. Despite a few changes, the show maintains its strong roots and wacky comedy that fans have loved from the start. A brilliant and binge-worthy 8 episodes: hooray!
Twitter/@TheToys ThatMadeUS
The Toys That Made Us Netflic 15th November
Twitter/@ TheCrown
The Crown Netflix 17th November
26
GAMING
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbrickgaming
Review: Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Team17
Nintendo
Nintendo
Sam Arrowsmith reviews the latest entry in the storied Fire Emblem franchise, to see if the house still holds strong on the JRPG series
Gaming Writer
Fire Emblem has come a long way. Compared to Nintendo’s other franchises, like Super Mario, Pokémon and the Legend of Zelda, it had comparatively humble origins as a side project, inspired by the strategy game Famicom Wars, but aiming for a more nuanced story. The Japan-exclusive first game (Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light) was quite a slow burner saleswise, taking two months to really hit its stride. Fire Emblem: Three Houses represents a huge jump, reaching number one in sales in its first week in both Japan and the UK, and is symptomatic of the series becoming more global and more mainstrea; a trend started by Fire Emblem: Awakening and continuing with the newest instalment. Three Houses follows Byleth, a shrewd and taciturn mercenary whose life on the road with his father Jeralt and their soldiers, is interrupted by a chance encounter with the Knights of Seiros and crucially, the leaders of the titular Three Houses: Edelgard of the Black Eagles, Dimitri of the Blue Lions and Claude of the Golden Deer. All are students of the prestigious Officers’ Academy, a kind of Hogwarts-expy for medieval soldiers, operated by the Church of Seiros, a religious organisation with a reach that spans the continent of Fodlan, led by an increasingly unstable archbishop. Well, except for a notable weak point in the Adrestian Empire (I wonder if
that’ll become important later?). Byleth is called upon to be a professor at the Academy, to train the students to be the future leaders of their respective factions. What happens next depends on who you throw in your lot with, and in a game spanning five years, you ultimately get pulled into a greater scope conflict to decide the future of the continent. I chose the Black Eagles because they are predisposed towards magic users, a prospect I found exciting, but the story changes with who you select, making it a game that encourages multiple playthroughs to see the different endings. It is never entirely clear who the real villain of the piece is - is it the mysterious Flame Emperor, the eccentrically named ‘Those Who Slither in the Dark,’ or even the Church of Seiros itself? But that’s the whole point - the villain depends on who you side with. Three Houses has two main areas of gameplay. First, you have the academy sections. At the Officer’s Academy at Garreg Mach Monastery, you have a large castle area to explore as Byleth, and there are numerous ways to interact with your students and fellow faculty. You can have a meal with them in the canteen, invite them for tea, give gifts, all of which help to build all-important support levels. This open world exploration is a fantastic addition to the castle hub seen in previous games, as it makes the increase in bonding levels more believable, especially in conjunction with support gained in combat. The set piece of the teaching segment, though, is tutoring. Over each teaching week, you can give
training in specific areas to students with enough morale, advancing their skills with specific weapons or skills. This makes your soldiers more customisable than ever. For example, one of my guys, Caspar, is a fast bruiser who has proficiency as a brawler, so I focused on tutoring him in brawling, until I was able to promote him to a War Master. Getting to this point felt immensely satisfying and watching him sprint into battle with his Wolverine-like gauntlets was a sight to behold. Fittingly, in order to promote your characters, they need to have sufficiently high stats to pass the certification exam, replacing the seals of previous instalments. This makes it more realistic, but may not be the best de-stresser come exam time... The second area of gameplay is, of course, the big set piece battles. The turn-based battles will be very familiar to veterans of the series, with much of the gameplay coming from previous instalments. The graphics are an improvement on the 3DS games that came before, a style that’s a lot less polygonal than Awakening or even Fates. There are some changes, though, which make for a richer overall experience. The ability to rewind time means that poor decisions are not necessarily fatal, which makes Fire Emblem’s trademark permadeath function less tense. The characters are all richly developed, which makes slowly watching them die, all the more painful (for those who don’t like the threat of watching your favourite characters die, a casual mode exists, allowing units to return after battles). Characters
“There are some changes... which make for a richer overall experience” However, before I get carried away praising this game, I have to report some issues. The first concerns Byleth himself. Fans of Awakening and Fates will remember the avatars (Robin and Corrin respectively), as being thoroughly customisable, as well as being
particularly outgoing, which makes them easy to root for. Byleth, by contrast, is restricted to a male form and a female form, with no customisation options available therein. This can be a bit disappointing if you’ve come from previous games. Additionally, while the support conversations, as usual allow a humourous (and, in some cases, surprisingly thought-provoking) insight into the interactions of the various characters, the fact that only Byleth can achieve an S support feels like a downgrade in terms of depth of character relations. Additionally, you find yourself bombarded with lost items that need to be returned to their rightful owners, and these can back up quickly. It can also be quite difficult to identify the owners from the item’s description, particularly if you are just starting out and don’t know the characters as well. These issues though, are unlikely to be noticed by any but the more ardent fans, and even they would agree there is enough going for this game to make the concessions worth it. I maintain this is a fantastic game, with a deep story, enjoyable combat system and fantastic characters that will always draw you back for multiple playthroughs. Phoenix mode probably means Fates is still, I would argue, the best jumping on point for newcomers to the series. This, however, is ideal for players who have already seen what the series has to offer but feel like a new challenge.
Nintendo
Sam Arrowsmith
can also be proficient with a greater variety of weapons. This does count out the traditional weapon triangle but is probably more realistic as far as combat is concerned. Best of all, though, is battalions. These allow you to assign rank-and-file troops to your characters, and you can launch battalion attacks in conflict. It’s amazing to see a load of swordsmen charging at enemy units, a huge crew of archers firing a rain of arrows upon the battle lines, or even pushing a bomb laden cart to scatter soldiers. They don’t just look good, though, as they provide status effects, like healing, or starting fires. This makes combat a lot more varied and more fun. The villains have their own battalions though and you even come up against huge beasts that take up at least four map squares, boasting multiple health bars that you must chip away at to win the day.
Nintendo
GAMING
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbrickgaming
News: Death Stranding PC Release Announced Death Stranding is coming to PC in Summer 2020. Releasing on November 8th 2019 on PlayStation 4, Death Stranding has been one of the most anticipated releases of this decade, thanks in no small part to director Hideo Kojima’s drip-feed of information over the last four years. To put this into context, we’ve known about Death Stranding for longer than we’ve known about the Nintendo Switch, and yet it was only in early 2019 that we learned (a little), about what the game is about and what you do in it. As of a week before its release date, we’re still not completely sure. The game will be published on PC by 505 Games, responsible primarily for indie publication on PC, boasting publications such as Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, Terraria, and Stardew Valley, as
well as some higher budget titles out the game, the PC’s versatility like the Sniper Elite series, Payday and massive player-base provide a 2 and Control. Being trusted with perfect playing field for Death a Kojima game is nothing short of Stranding to stretch its legs into. a dream come true, and following No PC release would be confusControl’s critical success, it looks ing all round. like we’re in for a solid release The at-least eight-month of Death Stranding on exclusivity period for the PC when we do evenPS4 is nothing to sniff tually get it. at however. Reviews As a PlayStation for the game are 4 timed exclusive, pouring in as the Sony have done embargo lifts, and their best to marry the consensus years since Death their name to the seems to be someproject, and have where between Stranding was done an exception‘brilliance’ and announced at E3 ally good job with ‘nothing like being synonymous you’ve ever played.’ with Kojima ever With such high praise, since Metal Gear Solid and the majority of the was released in 1998. The computer games market not relationship is long-standing, and taking ‘wait’ as an answer, a scehas benefitted both parties. It is no nario where Death Stranding isn’t surprise that Kojima has opted for a best seller by the end of the year a PC release next year, but it is seems incredibly unlikely. indeed welcome news. With For context, 2015’s Metal extreme graphical fidelity and Gear Solid V sold five million MMO elements scattered through- copies worldwide within its first
3
month, three million of which sold within its first five days of release. And, with a simultaneous release on PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC, the PlayStation 4’s release still took up the majority of sales. Whether this is due mainly to Metal Gear Solid’s name, Kojima’s name, or the PS4’s popularity remains debatable, but Death Stranding shouldn’t stray too far from this trend, especially considering the PlayStation 4 becoming the second best selling games console of all time, by the end of October this year. Either way, PC players can breathe a sigh of relief once more, now that a Kojima title will again be able to run on powerful hardware. For now, though, it might be worth muting those hashtags and skipping those reviews, for those who want to play a Kojima game the way they’re always meant to be played - going in blind.
Opinion: The Growing Money Issue with Games
EA
Gaming Writer @KPFakeAccount
Redbrick's five big releases for the following month
Need for Speed Heat (8/11)
Nintendo
Kieren Platts
27
EA
Pokemon Sword and Shield (15/11)
better downloadable content in order to remain competitive. This increased workload falls on developers, whose passion for video games fuels their drive but also puts them in a vulnerable position where they feel refusal to do overtime will jeopardise their job – after all, there are hundreds of other passionate gamers waiting to take their place. Accusations against publishers, like EA and Rockstar Games, of employees being expected to work between 70 and 100 hour weeks, as reported in The Guardian, in the build up to big releases, are rampant in the age of games as a service. This practice of intense overtime to release content has become known as ‘crunch,’ and where it used to be a voluntary display of commitment to completing a project, now many employees feel not working late could risk them their job. Interviews conducted by Polygon with employees at Epic Games, the home of Fortnite, reveal ‘a stressful and hostile working environment in which working overtime – while officially voluntary – was an expected service to the company.’ To protect employees from this newly developed ‘culture of crunch’ the international movement Game Workers Unite aims to unionise the gaming industry,
with some unions already being established in the UK, France, and Finland. The necessity of establishing a gamers union just shows how things have changed over the years, from smaller groups of passionate gamers spending years creating their dream game to big corporations churning out content 365 days a year, relying on the dedication of developers who are now expected to prioritise the game over their personal life.
Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order (15/11)
SEGA
Do you remember the good old days? When you would go into a shop on the high-street, pay a onetime price for a fully functioning, completed game, then proceed to play it over and over until you’d memorised everything with frightening accuracy? Back then it was less about when the next game was coming out, or what shiny new content was to be made available, and more about the genuine passion of developers creating their dream game. The excitement of shiny new skins or additional quests is overshadowed for me by the expectation on players to pay an extortionate price to piece together a full game, and on developers to overwork themselves to meet demand. Microtransactions, addons, or monthly subscriptions have become routine features of many games, meaning players are spending more than ever to play a single game. According to The Telegraph, in 2018, it was estimated gamers spent $30 billion on loot boxes alone – some of which contain special advantages that can progress gameplay. This ‘pay-to-win’ strategy puts pressure on players to continue paying after their initial purchase so as to not fall behind others. Other times, rewards will be
mainly aesthetic but marketed in such a way that players feel compelled to spend. Fortnite is the most notable example of this, where players can use in-game currency (usually purchased with real money) to buy various accessories for character customisation, but only for a limited time. These time-limited offers add a level of prestige to your character, and those who wear the default gear may feel excluded and are often assumed to be new and possibly targeted during gameplay. Many older franchises with existing audiences also appear to be adapting to this new market, in which more money is required to stay on top. Bethesda recently announced a subscription package for Fallout 76, their controversial online extension of the well-loved Fallout franchise. Dubbed Fallout 1st, this ‘premium membership’ would cost players $12.99 per month, or almost $100 per year and give you access to your own private world with expanded features, a personal Scrapbox with unlimited crafting storage, a Survival tent, which acts as a placeable fast travel point, as well as 1650 Atoms (Fallout 76’s premium currency) per month and other cosmetic features. The trend towards online gaming not only requires higher consumer spending, but also constant updates, patches, and bigger and
Shenmue 3 (19/11)
Square Enix
Gaming Writer
Bethesda
Ellen Hill
EA
Writer Ellen Hill laments a seeming shift in priorities for the video game industry
Life is Strange 2: Episode 5 (3/12)
28
FOOD&DRINK
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbrickfood
How Does Food Enrich Your Life? Food&Drink Writers Sarah Cayless and Izzy Frost dip into the different ways food can play an enriching role in our lives
Pixnio
Sarah Cayless Food&Drink Writer
Food, glorious food. Glorious in its ability to enrich any situation or occasion, and arguably one of the easiest ways to express your love. Even simple gestures such as taking some chocolate round to a friend if you know they are feeling a bit down, can mean a lot, as it proves you bothered to take the time to go to the shops and remember what their favourite type was. And to top it all off, it has been legitimately proven by the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, that eating a bit of chocolate can improve your mood.
“You could say that the joy of a family get-together comes from the success of gathering everyone in one place...but you can’t deny that the food remains crucial” For a larger expression of love on, take a look at family gatherings. Yes, you could say that the joy of a family get-together comes from the success of gathering everyone physically in one place, and the hilarity produced by the mayhem of your family’s idiosyncratic games, but you can’t deny that the food remains crucial. The party would be wonderful either way,
but it’s the food that makes it. Besides the fact that it will hopefully be delicious, it symbolises a great deal. The way in which different family members will provide different components, be it a salad, a pudding, a few beers, or the world’s lushest Victoria sponge (if I’m contributing), food beautifully epitomizes filial love. Whilst the host will always shoulder the main bulk of responsibility and stress, having your family rally around, and overcome logistical hurdles such as how to transport a trifle from Surrey to Bath, will always enhance the gathering. Food can also be a very handy way of communicating feelings of not-quite-love-yet. It’s hard to go wrong with agreeing to cook for someone as date, because if you can actually handle yourself in a kitchen, then that’s a sexy skill to flaunt and if you can’t, then you have a ready-made situation to laugh about, thus easing any initial awkwardness. It’s also a cheaper alternative to asking someone to go for a meal out. One of the biggest indicators that my now-girlfriend was pretty keen was when, after we’d been seeing each other for a couple of weeks, she offered to cook for me. At that stage, I had yet to convert her to the pescatarian lifestyle, so the knowledge that she had bought meatless meat (and a basil pot, for goodness’ sake) in a bid to impress me, made me think I must have been doing something right. Though having been promised meatballs all day, I arrived to be greeted by her, very flustered, and frantically blaming the unusual properties of the meatless meat for the ensuing lack of meatballs – ‘It just wouldn’t stick together!’ However, I’m convinced that this brief chaos only added to the charm of the makeshift Bolognese she eventually cobbled together.
Being cooked for is always a nice treat, and something a lot of us appreciate all the more since coming to university. It can be increasingly tricky arranging time to meet up with your friends in the evenings, especially if they are the sporty type, consumed by training and sports’ nights. Therefore, offering to cook for them can be the ideal solution. It magically frees up a lot of time as you can chat whilst chopping and stirring, instead of having to wait for that elusive ‘sometime after dinner-timeish.’ And unless your friend’s exceptionally lazy, it should halve your washing-up time. If you are cooking for someone else, you’re also more likely to cook something palatable, featuring at least some nutritional component. This will therefore hopefully leave you both feeling better, as nothing will ever beat a good, home-cooked meal, especially if it’s their turn and you can just sit back and enjoy.
Izzy Frost
Food&Drink Writer
Food is, of course, at a most basic level, simply one of those things we need in order to stay alive and yet we all know that in reality, it ends up encompassing so much more than that. For me, food is an excuse for designated no-phonesat-the-table time to spend with loved ones, and to try new things. I’m sure I can speak for most people when I say that I hate waiting for food, but there is something so much more satisfying about a meal when it is truly worth the wait. The longest I’ve ever waited for a meal was in Queenstown, New Zealand, for a world-renowned ‘Fergburger;’ it was worth the wait ten times over. Laid out like a fast food restaurant, with minimal seating space,
but a queue that runs around the block almost 24/7, this is the slowest fast food out there. Even the high quality of the burgers hardly makes you think of fast food. Apart from the fact that the ‘Ferg-lafel’ was the best burger I’ve ever eaten (vegetarian or otherwise), my favourite part about my Fergburger experience was the outing that went with it. From queuing with three of my best friends for an hour and a half and watching other people go by smugly with their bags of burgershaped bliss, to excitedly discussing what we would all order and worrying about the food envy we knew we would get from each other, the anticipation is the part I remember most. After the sprint back to our hostel with our spoils, and the revelling in the incredible taste of it all, I remember the laughing at everyone around us with their tinned soup and toast next to our colossal burgers. While I wish it were possible to remember exact tastes, the part I remember about the Fergburger was our excitement and chatter throughout it all – and it’s amazing how wonderful a memory of a falafel burger can be without even remembering what it tasted like.
“Food is something that tastes good in the moment, but also allows us the opportunity to spend time with friends and family” If food is something that tastes good in the moment, but also allows us the opportunity to spend time with friends and family, then the best example of this for me must be Christmas dinner. Coming from a family that lives far and
wide across England, living vastly different lives for much of the year, the meal we spend so long intricately planning, exhaustively discussing, and rigorously executing is really just an excuse for everyone to be in one place.
“The meal we spend so long intricately planning...is really just an excuse for everyone to be in one place” There are two teams when it comes to Christmas dinner – the eating in versus the eating out. Just as my family are pro a real Christmas tree and all the strenuous upkeep that comes with it, my family eats in, alongside all the chaotic frenzy that inevitably ensues. Becoming a vegetarian aged 14 certainly threw a spanner in the works of the festive atmosphere between my grandparents and myself back in 2013 - the ‘but you can still eat turkey, right?’ comments have continued without fail, ironically or otherwise. Ultimately, however, whether I’m eating a nut roast or a turkey, a Christmas roast is about all the other stuff that comes with it. Under the excuse of a roast dinner also come the shoddy jokes and off-kilter paper hats from crackers, the watching with baited breath (or falling asleep in front of) the Doctor Who Christmas special, and the going to bed hopefully having avoided any of those petty family arguments that seem to come with holidays. So, in all future food-related endeavours, remember that it’s not really about the food, but about all the people and everything else that comes with it – although I’m sure this will be of no comfort if you’re ever caught ravenously waiting in a Fergburger queue.
Pxhere
FOOD&DRINK
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbrickfood
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Food Flexes: Status on the Plate Food&Drink Writer Emma Woodhouse serves up a taste of how food is used to differentiate between the class status of diners Emma Woodhouse Food&Drink Writer
Food is fuel and is one of very few items that we, as animals, need in life to ensure our survival. It is also something that we enjoy socially; some people even have the opportunity to work with it as a part of their trade and livelihood. In fact, even world leaders have their fair share of involvement in the subject of food. It was only just over a decade ago that at the G8 conference, they debated the crisis of world hunger, while enjoying an elegant meal of smoked salmon, caviar and sea urchin. The irony of global starvation is rife in society, with food rising from one’s daily bread to a glaring emblem of social status and wealth. While it is fair to say that sustainably and animal welfare are becoming ethical trend-setters,
gentrification of foods that are pantry staples are now becoming so costly that families are reduced to hitting food banks of their local community. This makes no sense, d u e to the sim-
“The irony of global starvation is rife, with food rising from one’s daily bread to a glaring emblem of social status” ple fact t h a t there is a surplus of food. Yet, even supermarkets such as Waitrose, who, according to The Good Shopping Guide, have
a high standard of sustainability for their products, are not affordable to a fair percentage of the population. Meanwhile, Aldi and Iceland, the most inexpensive, are labelled as two of the worst due to ethical failings in animal welfare, amongst other issues. Then there are the foods that have always been highly controversial, such as foie gras and caviar. The first reason is simply due to their unnecessary existence. The second, because of their socio-economic ranking. Both have been noted as divine delicacies and notoriously cruel; geese nailed to the floor and force-fed, while the sturgeon almost became extinct due to the killing method of harvesting their eggs. As awful as this sounds, there are companies who believe these foodstuffs can still be produced without the cruelty factor and without waste. Exmoor Caviar, a British-based sustainable sturgeon
f a r m , explain that they waste no part of the animal, turning any leftovers into their ‘Pure Caviar Oil.’ There is also Eduardo Sousa, third generation farmer and co-owner of Labourette, who produces the world’s only ethically farmed foie gras. The geese are able to run free, as the force-feeding process (known as gavage) does not exist. However, neither of these products even remotely hit the line of affordability, and are left to those who are able to purchase
Marco Verch
10g of caviar for £20 without second thought of their bank account, let alone their potentially full cupboards. Food, therefore, can be seen as an additional label to mark where we belong in society; to our lifestyle, the privileges we indulge in and the ethics we live by.
An Unorthodox Way to Warm Up Food&Drink Writer Shiv Ralhan pours us a glass of the warming drinks people in the world’s coldest countries use to thaw out Shiv Ralhan
Food&Drink Writer
Now don’t get me wrong, a citrusy cocktail, ice cold lemonade or a crisp amber cider are all perfectly acceptable drinks, however, with the ambient temperature dropping and daylight hours dwindling, they somehow don’t quite befit the image of a cosy night in. Whilst a mug of hot chocolate or an Irish coffee are undeniably brilliant choices for the winter months, fellow countries in the northern hemisphere who experience harsher weather at this time of year have a smörgasbord of more interesting, and, you’ll be pleased to hear, more boozy beverages to comfort, relax and stave off the cold.
“With the ambient temperature dropping and daylight hours dwindling, they somehow don’t quite befit the image of a cosy night” In Poland, a large proportion of the population choose to while away the evening hours in
‘klubokawiarnia’ (basically an open-till-late coffee shop and bar under the same roof). The drink of choice is a ‘grzane piwo,’ literally translated as mulled beer. A pale lager is heated – stay with me here – and infused with cinnamon, honey, lemon, cloves and orange for a significantly more malty and hoppy alternative to a mulled wine. Another option would be orzechówka, a hazelnut vodka. In Austria, particularly Salzburg, the seasonal beverage is a Jagertee (Hunter’s tea); black tea combined with Inländer-Rum from the Austrian Stroh brand. More modern variations of this quintessentially Austrian drink include plum brandy, orange juice, cloves, cinnamon sticks and lemons. You may have already come across the Germans’ winter tipple of Glühwein whilst strolling through the Christmas markets of Cologne, Berlin or even our very own here in Birmingham. Red wine is served warm in a mug and spiced with cloves, star anise, cinnamon, citrus and sugar and sometimes flavoured with vanilla or an additional shot of rum to
really keep the cold at bay. The Danish ‘glögg’ (I challenge you to find a more onomatopoeic word) is similar but for the extra chopped almonds and raisins. With average yearly temperatures ranging from -12 degrees to a maximum of 9 degrees, it’s safe to say that Tibet and the surrounding regions don’t have the warmest of climates either. With the high altitude comes harsher winds and a lack of rain causes fewer fruits and vegetables to grow, severely limiting the diet of locals. ‘Tsampa,’ barley flour combined with a rich butter tea and flavoured with spices is eaten daily, the yak’s butter supplementing the calorific benefit of the meal. Tibetans also drink this tea as a standalone beverage as well as variations of beer and grain-de-
rived alcohols. Simple meat and vegetablebased diets are a common theme to the people from colder environments. Similarities can be seen in Russian cuisine and their varieties of hearty stews such as ‘rassolnik’ and ‘borscht’ (a cabbage, carrot and celery soup often including beef or veal). DrinkBugaggi wise, the most popular beverage is ‘kvass’, a very low alcohol, bread-based drink, which is fermented and flavoured with fruit juices, ginger or mint. It probably goes without saying that Russia has the highest consumption of vodka per capita in the world, but with certain regions of the country reaching -50 degrees Celsius in winter, I think that’s quite understandable. One of the most interesting winter traditions I came across originates from Finland, although, if you decide to take part you might want to warn your housemates beforehand. Unlike the Danish ethos of hygge, surrounding oneself in a comforting environment full of soft blankets, fluffy carpets, grained leather and an open fire, the Finnish ‘kalsarikänni’ is a little less aesthetic and much more student-friendly.
Translated literally, kalsarikänni means ‘drinking at home, alone, in your underwear’ or anglicised to ‘pantsdrunk.’
“The tradition is designed to relieve symptoms derived from the perpetual bad weather by simply reaching a state of ultimate comfort” Usually a practice undertaken on your own or with a significant other, the tradition is designed to relieve symptoms derived from the perpetual bad weather by simply reaching a state of ultimate comfort; at home, drink in hand and snacks at the ready. Any drink, alcoholic or not, can be enjoyed during this practice, but the Finns often opt for lakka (a cloudberry liquor), sima (a sparkling meadlike beverage), Finlandia vodka or just a good old beer. It’s also worth noting that Finland was rated the subjectively happiest place on earth in 2018 by the aptly named World Happiness Report, so whilst getting drunk by yourself at home may seem strange, there must be some method to this madness.
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TRAVEL
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbricktravel
American Summer Camps: The Best Summer of your Life? Fern O'Shaughnessy shares how sexist undertones left a bitter taste to her sweet summer New York. It boasted over 50 mosquitos were relentless, I was what anyone who goes to a sum- the above is even in the same ballFern O'Shaughnessy
Travel Editor
I have wanted to work in an American summer camp since I was fifteen years old. I volunteered at weekly Brownie meetings at the time and thought – as a fifteen-year-old does – that living with the same children for seven weeks was the same as seeing them for an hour and a half every Tuesday evening. I went on a few Brownie trips and figured: how different can it really be? The answer to that question, is very. I would like to begin this article by stressing that I had an amazing summer, and I would not change the experience I had for the world. This is not, although at times it may appear it, a way to trash on the companies that offer these experiences and what value they have to offer. It is, however, an honest retelling of the experiences I had. The camp I was placed at was a relatively large, 'non-religious' (we had weekly services) camp in
activities for the children to do: including stained glass, ATVs (quad bikes), and a state-of-theart ropes course. It included a trip to a waterpark that was twice the size of Thorpe Park and promised the ‘best summer of your life!’ It was, on paper, perfect, albeit seemingly identical to the majority of the camps in the area.
“It was, on paper, perfect, albeit seemingly identical to the majority of the camps in the area” It was, for the most part, exactly how I imagined it: Orientation week was long, and I was jetlagged. Our days started at 7:30, and ended at midnight every day. Tired at the best of times, I quickly found myself exhausted. The food, as expected when a team of twenty cooks for a staff of over 300, was not the best. The
made to watch a video of a child drowning, and I had to unpack eight kid’s entire lives into a bunk no bigger than my university kitchen. But, it was fun. Between the endless piles of cushions, shorts (one girl brought 30 pairs with her – more than I own) and toiletries that each child had sent ahead, and struggling to set up the art room that was ‘mine’ for the summer, I made friends with people from all over the world. And then the kids arrived. Immediately, I was dealing with problems of homesickness, fights over who was better friends with who, and trying to figure out how to get eight ten-year-olds and four 20-year-olds showered in shower hour, (a period of time that, ironically, only lasted 45 minutes). I found myself using phrases that my parents had said to me that I promised I would never repeat: 'don’t be so disrespectful,' 'pay attention,' and 'make your bed.' In the first week, I won counsellor of the week for asking these things. By the middle of the summer, two of the children had written home and complained that I made them brush their teeth.
“Female staff were reprimanded for merely having their phone two feet outside the office”
Autumn Mott Rodeheaver
Despite their issues (and there was many), I grew to love the kids that lived in bunk 3B. They were annoying, yes, but they also made me laugh. I could be a child again, mess around and have water fights just because I wanted to. I ate meals with these girls, cried with these girls, and slept two meters away from them for an entire summer. I could tell anyone any single detail about any of them, and them about me. All of this, however, has been relatively standard, and is exactly
mer camp in America will tell you. What isn’t, perhaps, as widely discussed is the sexism that exists in the foundations of some american summer camps. The camp I went to divided boys and girls into explicit categories, and stereotyped activities for each ‘side.' As an art specialist, I saw boys two times a week, and girls three times a week. The gender divide was further widened by the evening activities planned for each ‘side’: where girls played dress-up games, and had a spa night, boys played team games and sport. This was just the tip of the iceberg. The camp, as part of ‘Colour War’ (A 5-day Olympics that splits the camp into two teams, usually the camp’s colours) that held an Apache. An Apache was a marathon-esque relay with over a hundred different events. Where girls side had to make beds, do a full face of makeup and paint their nails, boys side got to race ATVs and other 'masculine' activities. Furthermore, we also noticed differences between the male and female staff members at the camp. Where male staff members could have ‘banter’ with their campers, we were constantly reminded that female campers were young and impressionable: male counsellors would swear, make fun of their campers and even play-fight them, but I was pulled aside for my sense of humour being too 'British' for the kids to understand. Likewise, a female staff member was fired for having a bottle of beer hidden in her wardrobe (admittedly, something we were warned was a fireable offence). Two male members of staff were let off scott-free for returning to camp black-out drunk from their day off. While male staff members ignored the ‘no phones’ rule in the bunks, female staff were reprimanded for merely having theirs two feet outside the office. While none of these are major issues that scream ‘sexism,' they all aided in making female staff members feel less appreciated and more restricted than their male counterparts. However, none of
Top Five Places To Eat In Budapest Molly Elliot Travel Writer
Budapest is a city where anything goes. Whether you’re into partying late or chilling in thermal baths, it really is a city with something for everyone. If you’re not jetting off with the politics society to Budapest this year, grab some mates and head for a long weekend of culture and exploration. But in between the clubs and museums, you’ll have the most fun (and difficulty!) when choosing what to eat. I’ve listed four of my favourite eats in Budapest.
Karaván: This is a small street food courtyard close to the famous ruin bar Szimpla. Head here for a large range of choice (perfect for big groups) and a wonderful atmosphere. Among the vegan wraps, hot wings, and pasta dishes too big to finish, the best dish to try here is the lángos. This deep fried bread dough is known to locals as ‘communist pizza’, and is traditionally eaten with sour cream and grated cheese. It is delicious as is, but in Karaván you could really twist the classics and opt for a lángos burger for a more meaty option. Mazel Tov a highly
instagrammable restaurant known best for its beautiful array of hanging plants, is next on my list. Make sure to book this one, and prepare for a more touristy price range. Aside from the interior design, the food isn’t bad either. I went for a hummus plate with falafel which was creamy and fresh – another stunning example of Budapest’s vegetarian options! Lidl: For something truly budget friendly, head to one of the many Lidl’s and pick up the cheapest picnic ever. Károlyi-kert is the perfect spot for watching the world go by over some brie and fresh bread - complete with
nearby coffee shop Csendes. Alternatively, catch the commuter boat to Margaret Island and picnic near the dancing musical fountain for a livelier experience. Dobrumba is a restaurant you might not find on other Budapest food lists. A hole in the wall on the corner of Dob street, Dobrumba is a dreamy Middle Eastern fusion restaurant that you’ll never want to leave. The chicken shawarma is a giant plate of pitta with a mountain of spicy chicken, perfectly complemented by the freshly grilled vegetables, harissa and tahini dressing. Since eating this dish I have tried to recreate it
park as the most horrifying event. It took place during the apache, and we were told when we protested it, that it was a ‘tradition.' This is another such activity that boy’s side were not subject to, and something that every camper, past or present, found normal. It was, arguably, only as an outsider to this weirdly dependent, traditional 'family' that I found it strange. A girl, usually around 15 – she had to be a ‘senior’ at the camp – had to run, during apache, to the boys’ side campus manager, bow down, and utter the words: 'I am not worthy.'
“Everyday stereotypes encouraged young girls to focus on their appearance” Now, it is worth saying that they did, eventually, remove this from the list of events after considerable complaints from the international staff – American staff did not seem to have the same issue with it as we did. They did, however, keep the other events in that, while not as explicitly sexist as saying ‘I am not worthy,' do encourage and enforce stereotypes that are harmful to women, particularly as young as the girls I was looking after at camp. Indeed, the small, everyday stereotypes encouraged young girls to focus on their appearance, and more ‘artistic’ activities while es arl vio boys were led more towards Chsports u l and outside adventures. This De article does not just report my own experiences, but those of my fellow camp counsellors who wished to remain anonymous. Working in an American summer camp is, without a doubt, an incredibly memorable and worthwhile experience. I will remember my summer in America for the rest of my life, and will only look at it fondly, but the entire experience must be taken with a pinch of salt. at home – it’s just not the same! For only 2800 Hungarian Forint (around £7) Dobrumba was the perfect end to a food filled trip in Budapest.
Hari Nandakumar
TRAVEL
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbricktravel
31
The Longest Commercial Flight: Will It Really Take-Off? Memmoonah Hussain delves into what the world longest non-stop flight could mean for travel and the environment Memoonah Hussain
Travel Writer
Last month, Qantas completed its first commercial test flight for what would become the longest non-stop flight - a 19-hour flight between New-York Sydney. They are now planning to test a 17hour flight between London and Sydney in November. Dubbed Project Sunrise, if given the green light, Qantas hopes to launch these routes as soon as 2022. Currently the shortest travel time from the UK to Sydney is 22 hours with a stop-over in Dubai with Emirates or 25 hours with Qantas and a stop in Singapore. With the proposed direct flight offering a five hour shorter journey than Emirates and no time is wasted with layovers, it’s not surprising that this route looks attractive. The New York - Sydney test was conducted with 40 crew members acting as business class passengers aboard a new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The flight was carried out under strict conditions with a specifically designated food and drink, sleep, light, and physical movement schedule, with the passengers being monitored by scientists and medical experts from the University of Sydney with the help of wearable technology. Meanwhile, melatonin levels of the pilots were recorded with help of Monash University researchers as melatonin is linked to the body preparing for sleep as well
as monitoring alertness through EEGs. The conditions of the test flight do cause concern because the flight circumstances are different to those on a normal commercial flight. Firstly, the acting passengers were in business class seats. For those of us not blessed with unlimited flight budgets, business class seats are not within reach meaning we have to opt for unergonomic, cramped, small seats in economy. There were also plenty of free seats allowing people to stretch as much as they wanted in test meaning it did not reflect the conditions that the bulk of people will experience.
Nevertheless, the non-stop New York-Sydney flight has been hailed a 'historic moment' for aviation by Qantas’ chief executive Alan Joyce. But are these direct flights something we need? With the war on climate change at full force, sustainable travel is a key in the fight. Understandably, this flight causes concern for those who want to be sustainable. Carbon offsetting is an option however a report by BBC Watchdog found that a donation is not really going to offset your flight in the way one would think because paying for the planting of trees after a
flight does not mean that a few months later the carbon dioxide is absorbed. It could take the entire lifetime of a particular tree to offset your flight. The onus on the consumer to make the decision as whether to fly or not but then this is applicable to all flights, not just these particular flights. These flights will also be expensive, even for economy. As the only carrier offering direct flights to Australia, Qantas is free to set whatever price it feels like. Given the distance of these flights, fewer seats would be available as possibly smaller luggage allowances with perhaps fees
“It could take the entire lifetime of a tree to offset your flight” Researchers have not examined the impact of having to sit for such a long period of time in restrictive seats and within the economy cabin there is less space to move, so the movement schedule tested again won’t reflect the conditions within economy. Also, the likelihood of paying passengers following the sleep and movement schedule and consuming all the recommended food and drink is problematic. Not everyone will eat everything when they are told or even at all, nor will they be able to sleep at specific times.
for those wishing to bring more in order to conserve fuel. In turn these factors would drive up the price of a ticket. Even in economy these routes are a premium, a luxury even.
“Researchers have not examined the impact of having to sit for such a long period of time in restrictive seats” These routes are, however, great for business people and those with health issues and disabilities. In an ever busy world, people want to get from point A to point B quicker than ever and without the hassle of multiple airports and boarding, so it’s not surprising to see these proposals for direct, long-distance flights. Overall, I think direct flights are fantastic on the whole. I feel that there is a need for the New York-Sydney flight because no direct flights exists yet, but that the London-Sydney flight is perhaps a luxury because we already have the London-Perth flight. If these routes are approved, they will be incredibly popular. Every flight I was on between London and Perth was sold out, and those tickets are not cheap at all. Ultimately, that says a lot.
John Kappa
Editors Picks: Favourite Places Across The Continents Our Travel Editors take a tour of their favourite places to visit on three continents Josie Hart
Fern O'Shaugnessy
Travel Editor
Travel Editor
North America My top travel destination is San Diego, which being more residentaial, is not the most obvious California destination, but the stunning coastline and rolling green hills make it one of my favourite places I've travelled to. Relax on a beachhopping roadtrip or get adventurous with hikes for some stunning views.
Europe
The Plitvice Lakes in Croatia are stunning. We spent an entire day there, and even though I am not one for hiking, I could not find it in myself to complain once on
the six-hour trek around the lakes, looking at the picturesque waterfalls. I would encourage a day – or five – to relax and experience them.
Katie Norris Travel Editor
Asia
I went to Vietnam and Cambodia a couple of summers ago and out of all the beautiful markets and temples we visited, Angkor Wat was the one that stood out the most. Our tour guide took us to all the little spots that most people overlook, and watching the sunset over the beautiful architecture was Petr Dlouhý unbelievable.
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LIFE&STYLE
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbricklife
Pyramids Killed the Influencer: The Dangers of Multi-Level Marketing Comment Editor Alice Macfarlane warns us of the disguised dangers of multi-level marketing Alice Macfarlane Comment Editor
Those of you reading this article that are over the age of 20 might remember the days when Instagram was merely a platform to over-edit painfully low-quality photos of your friends, your dog, or what you had for dinner that evening. The Instagram that we use now is certainly a far cry from the lo-fi filtered platform that we once knew and loved. In recent years, the term ‘influencer’ has become prominent in our vocabulary, and whether you love or loathe the word, it cannot be denied that it has become one of the most important features of the increasingly corporate world of social media. Influencer status is lusted after by the average Instagram user, and this growing social trend certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed by businesses. Even the most reserved Instagram users are probably no stranger to the direct messages from ‘entrepreneurs’ using buzzwords like ‘boss babe’ and ‘side hustle,' explaining how you can earn thousands of pounds on top of your regular income without
geralt
e v e n needing to leave your home. Sound too good to be true? That’s because it is. Multi-Level Marketing Schemes, also known as MLMs, have swept the social media sphere at an unprecedented speed. Gone are the days when online selling schemes were simply your auntie flogging a few skincare products on Facebook. MLMs are now tapping into a younger, more relatable audience, promising potential for huge bonuses, paid holidays and even company cars if you make it to the top. So how do you get there?
sales is what makes MLMs acceptable, unlike their notso-distant cousin the pyramid scheme. Realistically however, although legitimate in the eyes of the law, the reality is it is nearly impossible to earn any money through sales alone. In order to grow, you need to recruit others to create a ‘downline’ of employees, allowing you to earn commission on their sales, the sales of those below them, and so on and so forth. This means that, after futile attempts to sell overpriced products, desperate employees begin trying to recruit friends and family to join the scheme.
produ c t sales, and no family or friends left to recruit, employees are forced to turn to strangers for business, often targeting vulnerable groups such as young mums and the unemployed. The shocking reality of the earning potential from schemes like these is revealed in Ellie Flynn's documentary Secrets of The Multi-Level Millonaires: Ellie Undercover, illustrating data collected from 2017, that shows 89.2% of workers didn’t earn any money from commission at all, a figure which has actually been estimated by the Consumer Awareness Institute, as closer to 99% after expenses.
“With an empty purse, no product sales, and no family or friends left to recruit, employees are “MLMs are now “Despite the near forced to turn to tapping into a impossibility of strangers for younger, more earning any business, often relatable audience, money... employees targeting promising are pressured, potential for huge vulnerable groups through training such as young bonuses, paid sessions and mums and the holidays and even conferences, to unemployed” company cars” maintain a ‘no Companies insist on each employee purchasing ‘starter negativity’ Often confused with illegal packs’ that are usually costly, with pyramid schemes, MLMs do not beauty and wellbeing giant NU attitude” rely solely on recruitment for Skin’s cheapest introductory prodprofit, with employees buying and selling stock directly to earn commission on their sales. The fact that the company also relies on revenue accrued from product
uct package costing an eye-watering £377.52. The promise is one of high input, high reward, but the reality is distinctly lacking in the latter. So, with an empty purse, no
As for the top earners, the ones with the flashy cars who convince you that you can be like them if you just ‘allow success into your
life,' t h e y make up a miniscule 0.04% of the entire company – that’s about 36 people. Despite the near impossibility of earning any money and the crippling personal expenditure, employees are pressured, through training sessions and conferences, to maintain a ‘no negativity’ attitude. Worse still, they are encouraged to cut out those who show any negativity towards their work, resulting in MLM schemes becoming scarily cultish, and leaving many employees alienated from family and friends. With these statistics in mind, it is questionable as to why MLMs are still legally allowed to operate, and why people continue to sign up to them. But the attraction lies in their rhetoric. The opportunity to earn big money, reap rewards and live the influencer lifestyle is often all-but impossible to resist. But next time you receive a message offering you a seemingly no-strings-attached ‘business opportunity,' think twice and read between the lines, because nobody wants to end up at the bottom of this pyramid.
LIFE&STYLE
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbricklife
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Birmingham’s Newlife Rejuvenates the Fashion Industry
Life&Style Writer Issy Hall documents her visit to Birmingham’s brand new hotspot for stylish bargains and explains the business’ unique contribution to the sustainability movement Issy Hall
Life&Style Writer
The fast fashion movement is here and it’s not backing down. With items becoming available practically hours following a celeb post on Instagram, it’s no shock that we’re deeming what’s hot or not on a daily basis. Through a few clicks, we can have our desired item on our doorstep within 24 hours - or if you’re ordering from ASOS, you can even have your order with you on the same day! Fashion is moving at an electric speed. However, our planet is bearing the brunt of our retail addictions. With our fashion cycles minimising, the items we loved a few
Alice Macfarlane
months ago are now being shoved to the back of the wardrobe or even chucked out. The average consumer bought 60% more clothes in 2014 than in 2000, yet kept each garment for half as long, and as a result, one waste truck of clothes is burned or sent to landfills every second. Our love for instant new trends is contributing to micro-plastic pollution, emissions growth and scarcity in water supplies globally, so it’s time to tame our shopping addictions and see the bigger picture. Newlife in Birmingham is helping us do just that. A Midlandsbased charity which is helping to prevent the overtake of fast fashion, whilst simultaneously raising money for disabled children across the country. Life&Style visited the new store in Yardley, Birmingham to see what they stood for and what they had to offer. Now, it’s not what you’re expecting – forget having to hunt around charity shops to spot a single one-off piece. Newlife itself collects clothes that would otherwise be sent to landfill as excess retail stock, so that means selling on brands such as Ted Baker, River Island, Zara and other top names for a snippet of the price! After a warm, glass-offizz-infused welcome, I was spotting multiple items that I wanted to try on within minutes. From glamorous baby blue fur coats to glittering party dresses, Newlife seems to have it all. And
better yet, in every size! The store is split roughly into two sections, one with sizes 6-10 and the other 12-18. Anyone and everyone can go in for a gander and find their new favourite bargain with real ease. Based in Yardley (around 25 minutes from Selly Oak), the new store is open seven days a week and even includes some late night trading hours. So if you’re looking to find a brand new stylish piece which isn’t going to sway you back into your overdraft, all whilst helping tackle the impacts of fast fashion and helping to raise money for disabled children, then Newlife ticks all the boxes.
“The average consumer bought 60 per cent more clothes in 2014 than in 2000, yet kept each garment for half as long, and as a result, one waste truck of clothes is burned or sent to landfills every second”
Alice Macfarlane
Redefining Body Beauty
Life&Style's Josie Clarke takes a look at evolving beauty conventions and emphasises the importance of individuality over conformity Josie Clarke Life&Style Writer
What springs to mind when you think of the word ‘beauty’ in terms of women? Most likely, these mental images will be shared with many in the UK today. This is hardly surprising, since we are constantly bombarded with images of what beauty looks like through everything from Instagram to the countless images featured in advertisements and plastered across billboards. However, beauty is anything but a fixed notion. Ideals have changed enormously across the decades, and vary across the world. The concept of beauty is subject to trends and is thus in a state of flux. Body shape is the perfect example. Beginning with the twenties, a slender frame and flat chest was what was considered
desirable. Some women strapped their breasts down to make them seem smaller. By contrast, the thirties to fifties saw a ‘curvy’ figure perceived as beautiful, with large breasts, bum and thighs, and a small waist like Marilyn Monroe. With the eighties came the supermodel era, with fairly large breasts and a slim, tall athletic figure as the ideal. The nineties saw the era of the ‘heroin chic’ figure epitomised by Kate Moss, similar to the skinny look of the twenties. Today, the general desire is large breasts and bum and a flat stomach, owed partially to the Kardashians. Eyebrow trends have similarly oscillated from one to another across the decades: in the nineties skinny brows were fashionable, while the noughties saw pencil thin arches with virtually everything plucked. Cara Delevingne then set the trend for thick, natural eyebrows. This was followed with
the ‘Instagram brow,' a perfectly defined and made-up eyebrow and more recently, brow trends have included anything from wavy brows to rainbow brows. New trends emerge, some are left in the past, and some return years down the line. When we view the current conception of beauty in relation to the many other ideals that have preceded it, it is clear that the notion of beauty is an unstable one. Features considered less desirable are bound to be idealised years down the line. Beauty is not only dependent on time but also on place: in Colombia a voluptuous figure is considered most desirable, while China idealises a very petite figure and there are many other ‘ideal’ body types in between, depending on the part of the world. Not only do beauty trends change, but on a smaller scale, so do the bodies which they are cen-
tred upon: hair grows, skin wrinkles and weight fluctuates. We should not strive for a fixed idea of beauty when our bodies are anything but fixed.
“We should not strive for a fixed idea of beauty when our bodies are anything but fixed” Furthermore, what is considered beautiful has largely a commercial origin. By 2020, the worldwide beauty industry is predicted to be worth $675 billion. Just how powerful the industry is
is further illustrated by a 1915 Gilette campaign advertising female razors. Other companies followed suit and a new trend emerged for women to shave their legs, one which has lasted over 100 years. There is money to be made from insecurities, further reason not to take the current beauty norms too seriously. However, this does not mean that we should denounce beauty trends absolutely. For instance, makeup trends can be a freeing form of self-expression. Do whatever you want, whether that be following a beauty trend whilst it lasts or embracing one of your features that is far from the trend. Beauty is diverse. When we acknowledge that the concept is fluid, we realise that chasing one image is misguided and this is liberating. Have an opinion? Let us know @redbricklife
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Mixed Signals: What is Synaesthesia? Sci&Tech Editor Francesca Benson explores the conditon that blends senses together, also giving an insight into her own experience Francesca Benson Sci&Tech Editor
You may think that everyone experiences the sensory stimuli around us in the same way; a smell is just a smell and a sound is simply a sound. However, this is not the case for all people. The 2-4% of humans who have synaesthesia perceive the world differently to the majority of the population, with two senses being
inseparably linked and experienced as one. Synaesthesia is a condition where when one sense is stimulated, another completely unrelated sense is felt to be stimulated alongside it. There are many different reported variations of this phenomenon. For example, some synaesthetes taste certain flavours when they hear specific words, others feel points in time as being points in space around them, and some experience visions
Noah Haggerty
of colour and movement when they hear music. In fact, many notable musicians have synaesthesia associated with music. These artists include Kanye West, Lorde, Franz Liszt, Charli XCX, Hans Zimmer, Pharrell Williams, and Brendon Urie.
“I percieve the number nine to be light pink and the letter U to be yellow” I personally experience one of the most common forms of synaesthesia, known as graphemecolour. For those of us with this variety, numbers and letters – also called graphemes - appear to have specific colours. Some people literally see the grapheme as the associated colour, whereas others like myself ‘feel’ the colour or see it in their mind. For example, I perceive the number nine to be light pink and the letter U to be yellow. The pairings of colours and numbers often vary between different people who experience this subtype of synaesthesia.
The neurological cause of synaesthesia has been studied for a long time, with John Locke reporting a blind man associating the sound of a trumpet with the colour scarlet in 1609. One theory is that synaesthesia arises from neural connections between sensory areas in the brain not being trimmed away completely. In people with grapheme-colour synaesthesia, letters and numbers activate both the area of the brain that processes graphemes and another area called V4 that responds to colour. These two areas have been observed to be connected in the brain before birth, but the connecting neurons normally die back in infancy. Whatever the cause, synaesthesia is a fascinating phenomenon both for those who study it and those that experience it. Many people with synaesthesia have no idea that their perception of senses is out of the ordinary until they find out that others do not experience the world in the same way they do. This goes to show that sharing your experiences and listening to others may show perspectives that you never knew existed, or maybe even reveal that your own observations are more unique than you thought.
The Amazon Still Burns Daniella Southin Sci&Tech Writer
Throughout August, the Amazon Rainforest saw a record number of fires. The media coverage, petitions, and outcries have brought unprecedented but direly-needed attention to the crisis. More than a month on, little has changed. The Amazon still burns. For years, decades even, the deforestation of the Amazon has been constant and unfailing. Climate activists have fought and the local people have battled for its preservation – all in vain. In August 2019, WWF reported 'over 30,000 fire outbreaks... an increase of 196% compared to August 2018.' Figures as staggering as these haven’t been witnessed since 2010. Together, we have watched a decade of preservation burnt to ashes. The question is, why has nothing been done to see a decrease in fires? Why, instead, are fires on the rise? Why is the Amazon still burning? Fires are in fact a natural aspect of the lifecycle of forests, particularly in the dry season. With the dry seasons of the southern Amazon being between July and October according to data
collected by the Global Fire Emissions Database and reported by the Earth Observatory, fires within this period are healthy – to an extent. The sheer number of fires, however, in this passing year is beyond what any organization could call natural. Instead ‘the timing and location of the fire detections... are more consistent with land clearing than regional drought.’ Land clearing for crop growth and cattle ranching is considered to be the root cause of the Amazon’s deforestation - deliberate destruction by humans, not nature. Ane Alencar, scientific director of the Amazon Environmental Research Institution, explained that people cut down wood and later light it so the ashes fertilize the ground. These often ‘worsen and turn into wildfires during the dry season,’which evidently becomes harder and harder to control. Many, too, blame the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro– appointed in January – for the significant increase due to cuts by the government to control ‘illegal deforestation and fires’ says WWF. If the leaders of our world will not act, then we must.
From our big city lives here in Birmingham, it can seem nearly impossible to have any impact on the Amazon from so far away. But we can work to save what governments are refusing to protect. Going meatless is one way to do so. Beef, particularly in processed fast food, often comes from ranchers in forests such as the Amazon. They need space to breed the meat we eat, and so the Amazon burns to accommodate them. Hence, the less meat we eat, the less they’ll need to breed. Even if a full-time commitment to vegetarianism or veganism is out of your reach, opt for meatless Mondays or switch your cow’s milk to plant-based milk such as
oat or soya. Simply cutting out cattle products can make a difference. Donations to urgent appeals such as Amazon Watch or Rainforest Alliance can provide equipment, volunteers and resources to those fighting the fires from the ground. You could also sign a petition and get your voice heard. The Amazon is our lungs, our first defense against climate change, our savior in our current disastrous situation. Yet still it chokes. Yet still it dies. Yet still it burns.
USDA
Creature Feature: The White Bellbird Rebecca Sibley Sci&Tech Writer
Brendan Ryan
The male white bellbird ( P ro c n i a s a l b u s ) i s t h e world’s loudest bird. Its call can reach 125 decibels, which is louder than a chainsaw or a thunderclap. This record-breaking bird song was documented recently by biologists Jeffrey Podos and Mario Cohn-Haft who studied the species in its native habitat of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. They found that male white bellbirds are around three times as loud as the aptly named s c r e a m i n g p i h a (L i p a u g u s vociferans), which was formerly the world’s loudest documented bird. Despite being the same size as a pigeon and weighing only 250g, the volume of the white bellbird’s cries can easily surpass a lion’s r o a r ( 11 4 d e c i b e l s ) o r a h o w l e r m o n k e y ’s c r y ( 9 0 decibels). According to Dr. Cohn-Haft, they have a ‘really ripped’ stomach which helps them project their sound. Without these strong abdominal muscles, ‘their guts would blow out.’ Their calls are extremely short, which helps them produce the noise at a high volume. In contrast, the females of the species do not produce any sound. The researchers are still unsure why the male is so loud. Unlike animals that make loud noises in order to communicate over large distances or to indicate territory, the white bellbird does his loudest calls when females are already nearby. This suggests that it is an attempt to attract a mate. However, it is unclear why the males are so extremely n o i s y, especially when females can be as close as four metres away and willingly risk hearing damage d u e t o p r o x i m i t y. Many birds tend to tone down their displays when a potential mate is nearby to avoid frightening them, but male white bellbirds instead turn to the female and aim their loudest cry directly at her. As it is not yet understood why the birds do this, Dr. Jeffrey Podos described the males as ‘socially awkward.’
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Friday 8th November 2019
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Green Plates for Green Vehicles Sci&Tech Editor Peter Amor discusses new ways of identifying low-emission cars Peter Amor
Sci&Tech Editor
A recent government consultation has put forward the idea of changing the colour of the number plates of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) from yellow to green. But how could this work? What is an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle anyway? And will this actually change things? To start with, it is worth mentioning that the number plate may not be entirely green. The consultation gives three options; one entirely green, the next with a green bar to the side, and the final one with a green dot next to the numbers. At the moment, the favoured design is the one with the green bar, but the final choice will depend on the results of the consultation. Whichever option is chosen, they will all make Ultra Low Emission Vehicles more noticeable on Britain’s roads. Despite
their small proportion of total sales (0.9% of total car sales in April 2019), all-electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the last year, with Tesla’s Model 3 becoming the UK’s third best selling car in August. This success is in addition to the numerous other kinds of vehicles that might fit the definition of a ULEV. In its turn, this brings us onto the definition of an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. The consultation once again gives three options; one for no tailpipe emissions at all, and two concerning vehicles with low CO2 emissions. The option of no tailpipe emissions would encompass either fully electric or hydrogen-powered cars. Note the careful use of the word 'tailpipe' here - the electricity or hydrogen itself does not have to be generated by low emission means, but there are no harmful emissions from either technology at the point where they are used (the car itself).
Electric cars work in a relatively simple way, in that they store energy in a battery, which then flows via electricity to the motors which in turn drive the wheels. In between the two there is some form of control (usually in the form of a computer, though early electric cars were much simpler). Many electric cars can also use regenerative braking, that is, they can convert the energy of the moving car into electricity to at least partially charge the battery. There are, of course, numerous types of electric car, from the diminutive Renault Twizy to the rather large Tesla Model X. Hydrogen-powered cars, however, are slightly more complicated. Similarly to electric cars, there are numerous kinds, but a common type is the Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered car. The fuel cell itself works by combining the gas hydrogen with oxygen from the air to create electricity. This electricity can then be used to drive the car in the same way as a con-
ventional electric car. In theory, fuel cell powered cars have a range advantage over conventional electric cars, although this advantage is getting smaller as battery technology advances. The other two options, as mentioned earlier, concern cars with carbon emissions lower than 50 grams per kilometre, with the only difference between the two options being how much zero emission range a vehicle has. What does this mean? Well, this is chiefly aimed at hybrids, that is, vehicles that have more than one source of power. In the main, hybrids have a traditional petrol or diesel engine, with some assistance from an electric motor or motors. A Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) has the electricity for this motor sourced from a battery that can be charged separately. This means that the emissions of the vehicle are lower as the traditional engine does not have to work as hard.
Some other hybrids may only have their batteries charged from a regenerative brake, but ultimately the goal is the same. Importantly, many hybrids have the ability to drive entirely on electric power for a short distance. This short distance is the 'zero emission range' referred to earlier. One question remains - will green number plates make a difference? It is a difficult question to answer at this early stage, but it is suggested that vehicles with such number plates could be more easily granted access to Low Emission Zones in cities, or perhaps be granted other perks depending on what local authorities decide. While this all sounds good, there is a risk of a stigma surrounding the drivers of such vehicles - after all, manufacturers have so far seldom taken the opportunity to make their electric cars appear different from their traditional counterparts, and for good reason. In any case, only time will tell.
The Criminal Science Behind the Joker Madison HardingWhite Sci&Tech Writer
Many of us are familiar with the classic comic book Joker: a fantastical, crazed villain whose violent behaviour and shocking appearance originated from his submersion in a vat of fictitious chemicals. However, in his latest origin story- 2019’s Joker - we are newly presented with a disturbing tale of physical abuse, injury, social isolation and mental illness. Many agree this film was unsettling, but less so the gory murders, and more the strong underpinnings in criminal psychology which makes this film so realistic and challenging to watch. One striking factor alluded as contributing to the Joker’s murderous crimes was psychosis, portrayed
in both the Joker and his mother. Whilst the majority suffering from psychosis do not commit crime, some research does present the illness as a potential risk factor. Recent research from Jan Volavka and colleagues demonstrated that when presented with life stressors including exposure to violence and self-injury - stressors the Joker is depicted as experiencing in the film - participants with schizophrenia were most likely to themselves display violence the following week when compared to those with bipolar disorder and participants without mental illness. This was theorised to be mediated by the stress triggered by these events causing an increased release of glucocorticoids, steroids which contribute to the fight or flight response. Release of glucocorticoids is thought to make the individual more sensitive to
aggression provoking stimuli. Furthermore, research has also shown that the risk of violent offences is increased when an individual is exposed to parental mental illness, as well as childhood maltreatment, factors both experienced by the Joker. Further, we are presented with a character who is visibly malnourished, a cigarette never far from his mouth. In research from Jinghong and Raine, both macromalnutrition (such as protein deficiency) and micromalnutrition of minerals such as iron and zinc were linked as contributors to the development of childhood conduct disorder, symptoms of which can include severe aggression which can continue into adulthood. Furthermore, nicotine withdrawal has been consistently linked with increased anger, irritability, physical aggression and a reduction in
social functioning. Unfortunately for our character, the Joker is also said to have suffered a traumatic head injury as a child- a condition which has also been linked to an increase in the severity and prevalence of violent crime. This injury was also said to be the cause of his uncontrollable laughing - a feature visibly causing him to be socially rejected and mocked. Being ostracised has too been linked to aggression, specifically when an individual feels it may improve their mental state, a concept poignant at the end of the film. The inclusion and accumulation of these scientifically researched factors in the creation of this Joker has undeniably resulted in a well written, chillingly familiar character who is both fascinating and upsetting to watch. However, whilst research investigating the risk factors which can cause indi-
viduals to commit violent crime is compelling, it’s important to remember that risk does not equate to certainty or remove the aspect of personal choice which, unless insanity is ruled, is always involved. Cinematically, we can hope that future superhero films too take a scientific approach in order to compete with Joker’s sad and jarring story.
Warner Bros
First Ever All-Female Spacewalk Ellen Heimpel
thought to wear a large space suit but decided that medium would be a better fit. Unfortunately, there was only one medium sized space suit On Friday 18th of October two available, so Koch had to complete women walked into space unac- the mission with another, male companied by a man for the first astronaut. This mission was theretime in history. The two NASA fore scrapped for safety reasons. astronauts Christiana Koch and Spacesuit malfunctions can be seriJessica Meir set off on a spacewalk ous. There have been a total of 27 to fix a broken part of the station's significant malfunctions, none of solar power network. This mission which have been fatal, but some of to replace a battery unit made his- them have had the potential to be. tory as the first of 227 spacewalks However, the question arises, since the first in 1965 to only why was there not a second mediinclude women. um space suit to begin with? The NASA had already planned the spacesuits being used today on the first all-female spacewalk to take international space station are the place in March, however this had to same as when it first was built. be cancelled due to a lack of small Originally space suits were made enough space suits. The mission small, medium, large and extrawas supposed to include Christiana large. To cut costs small and extraKoch and fellow astronaut Anne large were scrapped. Extra-large McClain. McClain had originally was brought back due to demand Sci&Tech Editor
from male astronauts, however the small female size was not brought back. The first woman to go to space was the soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova in 1963. NASA did not send a woman into space until Sally Ride 20 years later. Sally was famously asked if 100-200 tampons would be enough for a one-week mission. She was also asked by the media if she would be taking makeup with her and if she cried when anything went wrong with flight simulator. Christina Koch reflects on the history of women in space saying, ‘In the past women haven’t always been at the table’. Hopefully this first all-female spacewalk represents a new era for women in space. In fact, it has even been proposed by some that it would actually be more cost-effective to send
female-only crews into space. This is because on average women weigh less than men. It costs on average about $20,000 to put 1kg into space, therefore sending a lighter crew would be a lot cheaper. Additionally, an all-female crew would typically need less of the food, oxygen and other resources necessary to keep them alive. On average males require 15-25% more energy per day then women. Also, it cannot be denied that if ever a space mission is needed to start life on another planet women will be crucialwhereas tubes of sperm will do in the place of males. Recently research has been taking place into how space will affect women’s bodies in different ways to males. Dr Varsha Jain, a space gynaecologist, reports that overall, they are affected in similar ways, however there are some differences.
Women are more likely to feel sick going into space, whereas men are more likely to feel it coming back. Additionally, when men return to Earth, they often have problems with their vision and hearing, this is not seen in women. Research is also being conducted on the effects of space travel to women’s fertility. No negative effects have been found yet, however sperm quality and count decreases after space travel. This regenerates when back on Earth, so no long-term damage is seen. Women, however, are born with all the eggs they need for the lifetime, so could potentially be permanently affected - NASA is therefore supportive of egg freezing before missions. More research is needed, however the fact that it is even taking place is a step forward for women in space-travel.
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This Girl Can: International Female Fight Camp
Sport writer Rachel Higgins witnesses elite female kickboxing up close at the International Female Fight Camp in Edinburgh Rachel Higgins Sport Writer
From the 18-20th October, 12 female kickboxing athletes travelled from across Europe to attend the International Female Fight Camp in Edinburgh, myself included. The first of its kind in this sport, it was a weekend packed full of competitive training. The camp was organised and hosted by Wolfpack Martial Arts, led by Kevin and Natasha Baldwin, who set up the school in 2011. If you look at the combined achievements of each fighter, it is clear this was a world class training experience. Many of these women routinely compete on the international kickboxing circuit and have more championship titles than you could count on both hands. For some, the camp was used in preparation for the world championships scheduled just two weeks away to be held in Antalya, Turkey. These women were representing countries such
as Hungary, Germany and Ireland, as well as Great Britain, showing dedication to their training as well as the cause to support wider female representation in kickboxing.
“This was a world class training experience” The energy levels were second to none. Across the three days, more than 50 one-minute rounds were completed per individual fighter. This was endurance training to its full capacity. We looked closely at skills and drills, drawing on situations that women face during a competitive fight. On top of this, there was a CrossFit session held next door at Cave Fit, which put us through circuits specifically geared to kickboxing athletes, for example the muscle groups that are frequently used. However, it was not just blood, sweat and tears. Invaluable infor-
mation was given on how to go about preparation for a competition by Natasha Baldwin, a professional fighter who balances not only being a mother but also two jobs. In having an all-female team, the training created a more accurate representation of what competing is like on the circuit. In addition, the international aspect of the camp meant we could all learn about each other’s training styles which was incredibly useful to take away from and implement in our own clubs at home. It was an intense but supportive atmosphere, all women pushing their limits to help each other get better.
“The energy levels were second to none” Therefore, this camp is crucially important in the wider context of women in sport. Clearly gained were the extensive benefits
Rachel Higgins
Trina Fitz, Nicola Basson, Jodie Browne, Henrietta Nagy, Stefanie Megerle, Natasha Baldwin Lea Farrell, Keri Browne, Rachel Higgins, Carolin Janina Sumski, Anna-Sophie Kries, Jessica Smith
to each fighter’s fitness and knowledge. However, more prominently, the empowerment of having twelve female athletes from various backgrounds all training under one roof is nothing like I have experienced before. It was a confidence boost for all, especially in a combat sport where women are traditionally marginalised.
Coach Kevin Baldwin summarises the event: 'The camp started out as me purely trying to source great sparring for our female athletes, but it turned out to be something special. I’m so proud of our year one camp and I’m excited to see its growth. This year we had five countries in attendance, I would love to double that in 2020!'
MLS Cup Final: Toronto Play Seattle fter Conference Finals Upsets After a postseason full of surprises and drama, Sport Writer Jake Davies previews Sunday's MLS Cup Final between Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders Jake Davies Sport Writer
Champions have fallen, records have been smashed and there have been goals galore as the Major League Soccer’s postseason has unfolded across the last couple of weeks. With the MLS Cup Final taking place on Sunday 10th November, here is your complete preview to the match that will decide the season – Seattle Sounders vs. Toronto FC. Seattle Sounders finished second in the Western Conference at
Instagram/torontofc
the end of the regular season, a whopping 16 points behind the Supporters Shield champions Los Angeles FC. The Sounders seem to have peaked in 2016, when they came 4th in the conference but ended up winning their first ever MLS Cup. Since then they finished 2nd in both 2017 and 2018, but turned up short in the 2017 MLS Cup Final and were knocked out in the Conference Semifinals the following year. In the 2019 MLS Cup playoffs, Seattle edged Dallas FC 4-3 in the first round, going on to comfortably defeat Real Salt Lake
2-0 in the Conference Semifinal and outclass tournament favourites LAFC by 3 goals to one to be crowned Western Conference Champions. The latter result was an impressive upset, with Raul Ruidiaz scoring a brace and Nicolas Lodeiro contributing the third as the Sounders sealed their place in their third final in four years. Their opponents are Toronto FC, who finished their respective season in 4th place in the Eastern Conference, only just clinching home ground advantage over DC United and ending the year 14 points clear of New York City FC, who pipped MLS Cup holders Atlanta United to top spot in the table going into postseason by just six points. It is fair to say that 2017 MLS Cup champions Toronto weren’t expected to progress to the final, having missed out on postseason entirely last year after finishing a miserable season in ninth position. The Reds defied the odds, however, by stringing together a brilliant playoff run; they crushed DC United 5-1 in round one, bested Conference topping NYCFC 2-1 in a shocking turn of events in the Conference SemiFinal, before topping this upset with another narrow 2-1 victory over huge favourites Atlanta United to earn the moniker of Conference champions. The result in the Conference final was even
more impressive considering injuries to two of Toronto’s best players, Jozy Altidore and Omar Gonzalez, which prevented them from playing in the crucial fixture.
“Anything could happen in this tantalising fixture” Thus both underdogs have emerged victorious in their finals and progress to the grand finale of the soccer season. Seattle Sounders and Toronto have faced each other numerous times in recent years, clashing in no fewer than two of the last three MLS Cup finals. In 2016, the Sounders emerged victorious after a 0-0 draw resulted in penalties, which the Western side won 5-4. The following year, the Canadian outfit got revenge in the form of a confident 2-0 victory over Seattle to claim their first title in the competition. With both sides looking to redeem themselves after disappointing 2018 seasons, anything could happen in this tantalising fixture. The MLS Cup Final takes place on Sunday 10th November at 11pm BST. As the higher seed, Seattle will have home advantage, with the game to be played on their home field.
Sounders Path to the Final First Round: Sounders 4-3 FC Dallas Conference Semi-Finals: Sounders 2-0 Real Salt Lake Conference Finals: LAFC 1-3 Sounders
Toronto Path to the Final First Round: Toronto 5-1 D.C. United Conference Semi-Finals: New York City FC 2-4 Toronto Conference Finals: Atlanta United 1-2 Toronto
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Friday 8th November 2019
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Football Fixes: Three NonLeague Clubs to Go to in Brum Henry Arkill Sport Writer
Murmurs of a mass exodus of supporters from the sport of football are not uncommon occurrences. Widespread hooliganism and the disasters at Hillsborough and Bradford in the 1980s drove many away from stadiums. These issues were remedied in turn by seated stadiums and tighter policing during games. The emergence of the Premier League as we know it in 1992 constituted a new, financial barrier for fans to overcome but this too was something that was ultimately bought in to, and football was restored once more to a state of good health. In the modern era, Video Assistant Referee technology was a response to poor officiating; the sums of money involved in the game now too high to be affected by refereeing blunders. Implemented with a view to levelling the playing-field, the technology has served only to leave fans of all clubs equally at odds with its usefulness. The antidote to the technological and financial mania of the current Premier League has long been clear: non-league football. The following are three non-league sides within reasonable travelling distance of UoB that will either absolve you of your Premier league pain or condemn you to further footballing punishment.
Solihull Moors The newest of the three teams featured, Solihull Moors or ‘The Moors,’ were founded in 2012. In the short time since their conception ‘The Moors,’ have had some serious success for a club of their size; reaching the second round of the FA Cup proper in both the 2016/17 and 2018/19 seasons and are now established in the fifth tier of English football, the National League. The new main stand at the SportNation.bet Stadium, formerly Danson Park, is the latest in a long line of on and off-field
developments taking place at Solihull Moors and will if things go to plan, soon serve a team in the Football League. Solihull railway station can be reached from Moor Street station and the X12 bus will cover the most part of the two and a half miles to the ground from there. £16 on the door will get you a standing ticket.
Halesowen Town ‘The Yeltz’ are based in Halesowen, Dudley, west of Birmingham city centre. The Grove is best reached by the number 9 bus from New Street Station but a train to
Instagram/solihullmoorsfootballclub
Old Hill and a short walk is also an option. Playing out of the Southern League Division One Central following their relegation from Southern League Premier Division Central in the 2018/19 season, Halesowen Town will be targeting immediate promotion this time round. The £7 student admission fee will grant you the opportunity to see Montel Gibson continue his impressive scoring run this season.
Sutton Coldfield Town If any of the three teams mentioned could do with your support it is Sutton Coldfield Town F.C or ‘The Royals,’ whose proximity to Premier League side Aston Villa has always affected their concessions. Currently bottom of the Northern Premier league Division One South East with several games in hand, you can reach Central Ground at Sutton Station from University Station via the Lichfield Cross City Line. A £10 fee for adults seems a fair price to pay for this honest football experience. Further details for all of the clubs are easily found on their websties, and a comprehensive list of all local football clubs, both league and non-league can be found at http:// www.myfootygrounds.co.uk/.
Saints or Sinners: What's Gone Wrong For Southampton Recently? Max Kelly Sport Writer
Southampton is a club in decline. Three seasons ago, a forth successive top-eight finish instilled the notion of sustainable success at. Today, this could not be further from the truth, culminating in a 9-0 harrowing at the hands of Leicester City followed by an admittedly less embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Manchester City. Perhaps the most salient decline for Southampton has been in their player recruitment. During their extended stay in the top eight of the Premier League, we saw the likes of Sadio Mane, Toby Alderweireld and Virgil Van Dijk arrive at St. Mary’s. All of these players showed their immense worth at the club and moved onto pastures new, usually with large profits for Southampton. Resultantly, the Saints’ ‘sellingclub mentality’ is often touted as the reason for their swift decline. However, there are plenty of examples around Europe which prove otherwise; Ajax have historically been a feeder club to Europe’s elite but their Champions League semi-final run last season proves that a club with their blue-
print can still enjoy success. In stark contrast to a club like Ajax, Southampton have lost much of their transfer nous when signing players. The Saints have paid over £20 million just once in the past two seasons, with Premier League rivals Newcastle and Watford spending more than £25 Instagram/Southamptonfc
million on single players last summer. The South Coast club seems to be unable to keep up with the rapidly developing transfer market, particularly with regards to inflation of player prices. For example, the £13 million they spent on a young Victor Wanyama with Champions League experience in 2013 doesn’t even cover the cost of a Championship-level striker in the form of Che Adams in 2019. Competing in the Premier League has to involve throwing your financial weight around, something that Southampton have found out the hard way. However, not all of Southampton’s failures have been as persistently evident as their financial mistakes. Replacing manager Mark Hughes with Ralph Hasenhüttl seemed like a step forward when the Austrian was appointed in 2018. After all, Hasenhüttl had guided RB Leipzig to a seconnd place finish in the Bundesliga in their first ever season in the German top-flight. In addition, he had bled in a number of players with world-class potential at the German club, namely Timo Werner, Naby Keïta and Marcel Sabitzer. Pairing Hasenhüttl with Southampton’s
famed academy seemed like an inspired decision by, undoubtedly conjuring visions of another wave of Southampton youth products dominating the first team. For Hasenhüttl however, things just haven’t ever clicked. He has deployed a 3-4-1-2 system in recent weeks, relying on Jannik Vestergaard, Maya Yoshida and Jan Bednarek to hold up the back line, all of whom seem to have a mistake or two in them. Pairing this with a lack of leadership in midfield, a function of having one of the league’s youngest captains in the form of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (left), results in a soft centre in a side that gave up 29 points from winning positions last season. For all his tactical proficiency that was shown at Leipzig, Hasenhüttl seems unable to mold the curreny crop of Southampton players into a winning team. Overall, there are many underlying issues at Southampton that need fixing. Their esteemed academy and transfer policy have both fallen behind the times, and their current squad simply does not seem to match their manager’s progressive vision. It would certainly not be a shock if their seven year stay in the Premier League ended with a whimper next May.
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Column: Sport that Stuck With Me Kit Shepard Sport Editor
Although I did not realise at the time, a conversation I had on 18th July 2015 will forever be etched in my memory of sports. I remember the exact date because I was sitting in the stands at Lords Cricket Ground, watching the second Ashes test of the summer with a good friend of mine. With England getting hammered, my mate and I let our attention on the game wane, instead discussing the upcoming Premier League season. We were in the process of analysing every team’s prospects when the man sitting in front of me turned around and asked me what how I rated his team, Leicester City. “I think they’re in trouble.” I said. “I think they could go down”. I like a lot of sports and I have made plenty of predictions, but this one has by far aged the worst. As we all know, rather than get relegated in the 2015/16 season, Leicester did the unfathomable and won the Premier League. I am not a Leicester supporter. However, like the vast majority of football fans, I will always look back on their title-winning season very fondly, because I maintain that my prediction was anything but ridiculous. In the summer of 2015, the Foxes replaced manager Nigel Pearson, who had just steered them away from relegation the previous season, with Claudio Ranieri, who had not managed in England for over a decade. The footballing world was largely bemused by the decision, meaning I was undoubtedly not alone in fearing for Leicester. Many of their heroes on the pitch remain excellent players now, but that was not the case when the Italian took over. Jamie Vardy had just five Premier League goals to his name. Riyad Mahrez was a decent winger, but no more. Hardly anybody knew who N’Golo Kante was. And yet Ranieri transformed them. Leicester were by far the best team that year, winning the league at a canter. At the beginning of the season, the odds of them lifting the trophy were 5000/1 and, frankly, I would not have put money on it (if I was old enough to gamble, of course). One of the most frustrating things about football is the same few teams who have more money than the rest and dominate the battle for trophies. Leicester, for one brief season, upset the apple cart in the most emphatic way. With the Foxes near the top of the table again this season, there have been whispers that their title win was not as big a shock as we thought. To that, I say: cast your mind back to the summer of 2015, did you think for one second that little Leicester could challenge the traditional big boys at the summit? You didn't. Therefore my ‘moment’ is that day in July, where I was blissfully unaware that the greatest sporting upset ever was about to take place. Leicester taught me that anything, literally anything, is possible in sport, and I always remember that prediction when I consider rulingsomething out for certain.
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SPORT
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbricksport
England 12-32 South Africa: Springboks Secure Third World Cup
Dan Hague Reports on a Crushing England Defeat in the World Cup Final Dan Hague Sport Writer
As a long standing England supporter, this is perhaps the hardest match report I have ever had to write. On Saturday, England were comprehensively beaten in the World Cup Final by South Africa. The South Africans were persistent and controlled while the English were indecisive and
disjointed. The South African forwards were impressively dominant against a traditionally strong English pack. Nowhere was this epitomised more than in the scrum; in the first half, South Africa won four scrum penalties while England won none. Additionally, the dual breakdown threat of Underhill and Curry, which has fared so well this tournament, was entirely nullified by Duane Vermuelen. Instagram/bokrugby
It is worth acknowledging that the English forwards were dealt a heavy blow in the first three minutes of the game when Kyle Sinckler was lost to concussion. Nevertheless, the pack ought to have been able to cope with South Africa's power game. England’s play off first phase ball was incredibly poor. This can be summed up by England’s first attacking opportunity in the South African half. Off a lineout, England ran a crash ball into centre field and then switch the play back the other way to attack the South African forwards. However, a frustrated Ben Youngs throws the ball straight into touch. This trend continued throughout the game. England looked as if they were mentally fatigued and often made incorrect decision as to whether to carry or offload. The game was lost in a three minute period between the 54th and 57th minute. Up until now South Africa had been in control and yet England were still in touch. Then England were awarded a penalty on the right hand touchline 46m away. If Owen Farrell converted his team would be within three points and England would be one score from wrestling the momentum away from
the South Africans. However, the penalty was missed and South Africa took control of the game. They scored a penalty in the 57th minute and the score was suddenly 9-18. England were now two scores down and South Africa had regained control. We ought to note referee Jerome Garces’ performance. This game was decided by penalties, if not on the scoreboard, in the minds of the players; and the Frenchman had a poor game. I say this not as a bitter Englishman, but, as a statement of fact. He was influenced by the South African momentum and blew his whistle erratically. Admittedly, it appeared as if all his decisions were justified, however, the time at the breakdown that he gave the South Africans, and the lack of it that he gave to England, meant that once a team asserted control it was almost impossible to win it back. Nonetheless, Garces did not decide the game, but, he did make the English job so much harder. In the week, Welsh coach Warren Gatland said that 'maybe the English had played their World Cup final against New Zealand' and England coach Eddie Jones quipped back saying 'enjoy the third and fourth place playoff.' It
would appear now that Warren Gatland has been vindicated. It proved to be a game too far. The Spingboks had the game of their lives while everything went wrong for England. We can be incredibly proud of the way Jones' men have performed in this World Cup, and yet, we have to admit the cliché: we were not good enough on the day.
Rugby World Cup Winners: 1987: New Zealand 1991: Australia 1995: South Africa 1999: Australia 2003: England 2007: South Africa 2011: New Zealand 2015: New Zealand 2019: South Africa
The Hundred: A Significant Change That Should be Embraced by Cricket Fans Owain Pryce recaps the new format's inaugural draft and tells us it has to be given a chance, even if it will change the domestic game as we know it Owain Pryce Sport Writer
After a summer where cricket took centre stage in the British sporting calendar, and with both men and women’s teams reigning World Cup champions, never has there been a better time to attempt to expand the game’s popularity in this country. Conveniently, the England and Wales Cricket Board is launching a brand new competition next summer, with eight city-based franchises competing with both men and women’s squads in an all new format, The Hundred.
“The Americanstyle draft has divided opinion amongst cricket fans” The eight-team structure marks a significant change for English cricket. Since Durham
made the leap from the minors example World Cup winning capleague in 1992, every competition tain Eoin Morgan playing for the has included all 18 first-class London Spirit, and local team counties. In the Hundred, Birmingham Phoenix 10 clubs that are familselecting Moeen Ali. iar with hosting topIn the draft itself, quality domestic each team could cricket will have no chose three overgames played at seas stars. First their home pick went to the For the first time in 72 grounds. Trent Rockets, years an English doOn October who snapped up 20, for the first mestic competition will world number time in major one Twenty20 not include six-ball British sport, a draft bowler Rashid overs system was used to Khan. The top scorbuild each of the franer in the 2019 Ashes chises’ male squads. series, Steve Smith, The game’s biggest names will be returning to these were up for selection, as well as shores to represent the Welsh plenty of domestic talent, as the Fire, and the all round talent that various coaches compiled their is Andre Russell will be joining 15-man squads. Three of these England’s Jofra Archer (right) at players had already been chosen the Southern Brave. for each squad before the draft, Perhaps the most interesting with one of England’s Test match part of the draft, however, was the players per team, which saw cap- competition for the best domestic tain Joe Root chosen by the Trent players to form the bulk of the Rockets and the Northern squads. The Manchester Originals Superchargers secure star of the spent big money to get Lancashire summer Ben Stokes. CCC captain Dane Vilas, and the The other two picks were the Oval Invincibles picked up Sam local icons, with the franchises Billings and Laurie Evans, who picking the best players from the have both had success in domestic surrounding county teams, for competitions. The women’s squad
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selection is different, a two- stage open market system which ends in May next year. This American-style draft is just one of the reasons that the new competition has divided opinion amongst cricket fans. In a game synonomous with tradition, many are still opposed to tampering with the sport and wish to preserve and protect it. There are other issues with the tournament surrounding schedulInstagram/thehundred
ing. The cricket season is already jam-packed, with different formats of the game competing for space in the calendar, so what impact will another competition have on player fitness and the quality of the game? The name, The Hundred, refers to the number of deliveries each side will face in a match, and much has been said about the changes to the normal system of six-ball overs, with bowlers able to either bowl fove or 10 consecutive deliveries amongst other rather confusing rule changes. One of the best things about this new format is that both men and women will be competing under the same team names, something that has proved very successful in Australian cricket. Moreover, the competition will run during the school summer holidays and, for the first time since 2005, games will be shown live on terrestrial television, meaning that The Hundred is accessible to everyone. Despite the criticisms of this new format, the idea that more people will get to see the very best players means that the sport as a whole will grow, and that must surely be a good thing.
SPORT
Friday 8th November 2019
@redbricksport
BUCS - Sports Club of the Fortnight: Netball Luke Bosher
Sophie Peck
Sport Editor
The University of Birmingham Netball Club are one of the University's most successful outfits. Over the past few seasons, several of the first team have played for Wasps Netball Club, who compete in the English Netball Superleague. The club also boasts a current England international in Fran Williams, who made her full international debut in November of last year. The first team competes in the Premier North division, which they won last season with an 8-2 record alongside an impressive cup run in the BUCS Netball Championship where the succumbed to a 52-38 loss to the University of Hertfordshire in the final. The second team play in the Midlands 1A, the thirds in the Midlands 2B and the fourths in the Midlands 2A.
established themselves as one of the biggest and most comptetitive teams at the university and in the country. Aside from the BUCS teams, there are plenty of opportunities to play netball at the university, in the various campus leagues dur-
A Note From the Sports Officer: Josh Dooler Sports Officer
ing the week. In order to faciliate fair and high quality netball within the campus leagues, the club have been volunteering as umpires, demonstrating their committment to the sport. The club will undoubtedly be keen to repeat their success from last year, and bring hom the BUCS Championship trophy, so be sure to support all the teams on BUCS Wednesdays! Upcoming Home Fixtures:
This season, the club have introduced a fifth BUCS team into their set-up, and they started with an eye-watering 100-3 win over the University of Leicester 5ths. Now with six teams, including the development side, the UOB Netball Club have firmly
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November 13 1ths vs Loughborough 1sts 3ths vs Oxford 2nds 5ths vs Biringham City 3rds November 20 2nds vs Leeds Beckett 2nds November 27 1sts vs Manchester 1sts 4ths vs Warwick 1sts
Winning four games out of four in the latest round of BUCS fixtures, the netball club were hard not to choose for team of the fortnight . The first team continued their impressive run of form with their third straight win, beating Leeds Beckett 78 to 30. The seconds got a much needed win at home against their Nottingham counterparts and the thirds and fourths both won convincingly to secure a full house of victories for the club. Away from BUCS performance, Kieron Carroll, UBSport’s Campus League Coordinator, has also commended the girls’ outstanding commitment to umpiring in this year’s campus leagues which ensures that the competition runs smoothly. Be sure to catch the firsts and fourths in home action in the next BUCS Wednesday this week! Keep up the good work girls!
UoB Archery Off To Successful Start Megan Abra
Publicity Officer, UBAC
Marianna Hurst
On the 2nd November, in Nottingham, the University of Birmingham Archery Club (UBAC) got the 2019/20 indoor season underway with a suc-
cessful start at the BUTTS nonrecurve championships. Nine archers from Birmingham competed in six different categories, all shooting a different bow-style to the recurve style on show at the Olympics. The day started with the ranking Portsmouth round, in which all archers shoot 60 arrows that (if they hit the target) are scored between 1 and 10, allowing a maximum score of 600. This round was very successful for our archers with Rebekah Tipping taking 1st place in Lady Compound with a big score of 559, despite compound being her
secondary discipline! Kai Cieplinski also ranked 1st in Gent Longbow with an impressive score of 249.
“The most impressive performance of the day came from Amelia Elgey” In Gent Compound, Christopher Guerin placed 3rd scoring a solid 575 and Rehaan Cheema came in 8th (with 534).
In Gent Barebow, there were strong finishes from Tom Walker in 3rd (scoring 486), Luke Smith in 5th (with 453) and Callum Platt in 6th (with 449). Pam Quilang also took 2nd in Lady Longbow (with a score of 135). But perhaps the most impressive performance of the day came from Lady Barebow Amelia Elgey, who due to being unable to shoot 2/3 of the Portsmouth ranking round, seeded last in 9th place with a score of 157. This put her under immense pressure and gave her a difficult route through the following head-to-head round, in which each archer shoots three
arrows against an opponent for a minimum of three rounds. Despite this pressure, Amelia won all of her matches to win the gold medal! Guerin and Kai also battled their way to gold medals, while Pam took 2nd and Tom took bronze. Unfortunately, due to an equipment failure, Rebekah was unable to compete in the head-tohead round. Overall the team performed extremely well and took silver with the combination of their longbow, compound and barebow scores; it is a fantastic start to the indoor season for UBAC!
Mental Health in University Sport
With student wellbeing permanently a hot topic, Monja Stahlberger offers her thoughts from UBSport's Mental Health Awareness Workshop Monja Stahlberger Sport Writer
Mental health in sport is often overlooked. Independent research commissioned in 2014 by Mind UK revealed that sports clubs are starting to recognise that it is as important as physical health, while still lacking an understanding from governing bodies and coaches. Mental health issues are an ever-present topic in university student life. That is why it was so important for UoB Sport and Fitness to organise a Mental Health Awareness Workshops for sports committee members. Every sports club at the university – BUCS, social, or even campus
league – had the chance to send at least one person to the workshop provided by Mental Health First Aid England.
“What if sport is the cause of mental health problems?” The three hour workshop was aimed at raising awareness in how to detect declining metal health and how to work effectively with mental health issues. Understanding the positive impact sport and sport communities can have on physical and mental health was a key aspect of the
course. Depression and anxiety are not uncommon illnesses for students, with factors such as stress, obligations and pressure putting a strain on a person’s mental wellbeing. However, different coping mechanisms can help to improve mental health. Sport and being active are often suggested for improving health and happiness, but what if sport is the cause of mental health problems? Issues such as lack of inclusivity, overcompetitiveness, peer pressure and discrimination are prevalent in sport. While your committee tries to create a club and team environment where members feel included, valued and able to be honest about any mental health difficul-
ties, they also face challenges concerning this matter. After all, there is only so much student committee members can achieve.
“Rather than coming up with solutions, offering support is the first step” The Awareness Workshop cannot teach your mental health officers to be therapists as there is no magic formula to prevent mental
health problems. However, what the session did teach me was to recognise the symptoms of mental health problems, to provide initial help, and how to promote a positive club culture at UoB. Social events can improve inclusivity, tackling anti-social behaviour can counteract discrimination and providing a safe space can improve wellbeing for all. Personally, from this course, I learnt some valuable skills that canhelp people experiencing mental health problems. I realised that rather than coming up with solutions, offering support is the first step to improving someone’s mental wellbeing; most importantly, you should not be afraid to talk about mental health.
SPORT
Bec Edwards
08.11.2019
Xplosion 2019 Preview Special
Now We Roar: Bournbrook Awaits as the Lions Prepare for Battle Sport Editor Luke Bosher previews the biggest sporting event on the UoB calendar Luke Bosher
16-20 victory. The Lions were up 8-6 in the second quarter, but conceded 14 points without reply and found the deficit unassailable, despite a fourth quarter touchdown after a five-yard carry from quarterback Rohan Sandhu. This year they will undoubtedly be seeking to right the wrongs from that defeat and show the spectators what Lions football is all about.
Sport Editor
the Jacksonville Jaguars. This season was the first time four NFL matches have been played in England, with two games hosted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and two at Wembley combining for an overall attendance of 289,041. This record attendance and general fanfare around the NFL in the UK has led to growing murmurs of an NFL franchise moving to London, but that may be some way in the future.
“Xplosion goes beyond “They will undoubtedly just a game of be seeking to right last football” year's wrongs”
Sophie Peck The season of autumn brings with it several inevitabilities: leaves on the ground, fireworks in the sky, and Xplosion on the university campus. This year’s showpiece American football game takes place tomorrow, and will see the Birmingham Lions take on the Hertfordshire Hurricanes under the lights on Bournbrook 3G. For those new to campus, or who somehow missed the event last year, Xplosion goes beyond just the game of football – there will be thousands of students in attendance to experience the fireworks, dance performances from BUDS and Cheer, and of course, Digbeth Dining Club. It is little wonder then, that it is the most attended game of domestic American Football in the UK and the biggest University sporting event after the OxfordCambridge boat race and varsity. Last year’s match saw the Swansea Titans travel up to Birmingham, and the Welsh outfit came away with a surprise
Looking to upset the apple cart are five-time National Championship winners Hertfordshire Hurricanes. They compete in the BUCS Premier South division where they finished fourth (one place below the Lions), but successfully navigated the playoffs to reach the 2018 Championship Final, only to be handed a resounding 57-13 loss by Leeds Beckett University. The Hurricanes kicked off their 2019/20 season last weekend against the Bristol UWE Bullets with a disappointing 26-0 defeat. Despite that loss, the Hurricanes boast an array of talent and should not be underestimated. Last month, they had Chad Walrond selected for the GB Lions Adult American Football team for a fixture against Russia. They also had an impressive five players selected for the North vs South University All-Star game, which took place a few weeks ago. American football is a growing phenomenon within the UK, both as a spectator sport and one that people are actively playing. In the BUCS university leagues, an astounding 4,230 students compete across over 80 teams. Last weekend, the final 2019 NFL International Series game took place as Deshaun Watson’s Houston Texans came away with a 26-3 win over
For now, our attentions are solely on tomorrow’s signature match. The Lions have yet to play a match this season and will be keen to start their season on the right track. They themselves also have five national championships to their name, something which only adds to the rivalry that has built up with the Hurricanes in recent seasons. It is surely not an occasion to be missed, and even those who know little about the sport should get down to Bournbrook and support the Lions!
INSIDE SPORT THIS WEEK:
Sophie Peck
BUCS Page
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Instagram/TheHundred
The Hundred
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Xplosion 2019 Exclusives: Head Coach Interview 12 Captain's Column
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Digbeth Dining Club
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Instagram/solihullmoorsfootballclub
Non-League Football
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