Issue 1391

The rapper and actor on music, comic books and his new show at the REP

Redbrick

The University of Birmingham's Student Newspaper since 1936

Friday 13th May 2011 Volume 75 | Issue 1391 redbrickpaper.co.uk

Vice Chancellor's residence included in refurbishments totalling £282,000 Caroline Mortimer Reporter

A University residence, provided and maintained out of the University budget, has undergone a £282,000 remodel – of which £15,378.30 was invested towards Vice-Chancellor David Eastwood's residence, provided rent-free.

The residence on Edgbaston Park Road reportedly received new curtains, carpets, a bathroom and the installation of a commercial kitchen.

Eastwood's home, which is part of the package he receives for his position, is granted on the understanding that he uses it for university business.

A University spokesman issued a statement to the Birmingham Post saying: 'Part of the building is provided for his sole occupation; in addition a part is employed mainly for general University purposes including hosting meetings, university functions and provides overnight accommodation for the University's guests.'

Commenting on the price of the refurbishment, the spokesman added that the property was part of the Edgbaston Conservation Area and was therefore subject to more cost and planning regulations.

A University spokesperson told Redbrick: 'The Birmingham Post did contain some significant inaccuracies... [the building] is owned by the University so we are responsible for its upkeep and maintenance. For this reason the University maintains the grounds and cleans the building'.

The Birmingham Post reported that the Vice Chancellor has his own chauffeur, paid for by the University. These claims were refuted by the University which stated that: 'The Vice-Chancellor has access to a pool car and a University driver for the better performance of his duties. The Vice-Chancellor uses public transport rather than the pool car when it is more efficient to do so.'

The General Secretary of the University and College Union, Sally Hunt said: 'Sadly this is not the first example of vice chancellors living on a different planet to their staff, who face cuts to their pensions and potential job losses as a result of the Government's funding cuts. The murky world of vice chancellors' pay and perks is an embarrassment to the sector.'

Aaron Porter, outgoing President of the National Union of Students, criticised the renovation saying: 'At a time when vice chancellors are already pushing for students and their families to pay more to access their universities it is disappointing that they think it is acceptable to claim such luxuries.'

The refurbishments come at a time of 4.1 per cent cuts to the University's funding by the Higher Educational Funding Council for England, and an increase of the tuition fees cap.

Birmingham sets fees to £9,000 Full story on page 4

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Redbrick Editorial Editor Samuel Lear Glen Moutrie Deputy Editors Victoria Shires Sam Langtree Victoria Bull James Phillips Online Editor Micaela Winter Chris Hutchinson Treasurer Jonathan Craven Ollie MacArthur Art Director Thomas Walters Beth Richardson Photography Editors Freddie Herzog Millie Guy chiefphotographer@redbrickonline.co.uk Technical Director Jeremy Levett News Editors Anna Hughes James Brilliant Kerrina Gray news@redbrickonline.co.uk Onine News Editor Freddie Herzog Features Editors Rosa McMahon Seb Mann Ali Hendy Amanda Callaghan features@redbrickonline.co.uk Film Editors Elmley de la Cour Matt Davis Genevieve Taylor Izzy Sanders film@redbrickonline.co.uk Arts & Culture Editors Lexie Wilson Alexander Blanchard arts@redbrickonline.co.uk Music Editors Will Franklin Tamara Roper music@redbrickonline.co.uk

Editors Charlotte Lytton Amber Alexander tv@redbrickonline.co.uk Lifestyle Editors Briony Singh Sophie Cowling Lara Edwards lifestyle@redbrickonline.co.uk Food Editors Harriet Constable Dami Olugbode James Morrison Jordan Warner food@redbrickonline.co.uk Travel Editors Ed Gordon James Cull Emily Booth travel@redbrickonline.co.uk Sport Editors James Phillips Sam Price Joseph Audley sport@redbrickonline.co.uk Technology Editors Joshua Lindsey technology@redbrickonline.co.uk Crossword Editor John Rizkallah Editorial Assistant Will Hunter Online Editorial Assistants Charmaine Katz Becky Sibson Danielle Fox Sophie MurrayMorris Junior Art Directors Lauren Wheatley Jazzarie Lee Copy Editors Anna Lumsden Sian Stanfield Olivia Wilson Rosie Pearce Caroline Mortimer Elsa Heath David Da Costa

News GUILD REFERENDUM

POLITICS

SCOTLAND

Regulations fail to control 'legal highs'

No. 10 letter uses false name

Woman dies on busy motorway

EU agencies warn that 'legal highs' are spreading at a much faster rate than the regulations to control them can be created. 41 new psychoactive substances appeared in 2010, a huge increase on spread in previous years.

Labour MP Sir Gerald Kaufman has accused No. 10 of using a fake name to reply to his letter. Kaufman was told later that 'Mrs E Adams' was a 'computer generated name'.

John Bercow said the incident was 'peculiarly unfortunate'.

A 22 year old woman was knocked down and killed when walking down the M80 near Denny in Falkirk. The unnamed woman was arguing with the car's driver and left the vehicle in the early hours of the morning.

POLICE

FAMILY

New instant fines for driver

Best friends discover blood tie

Police will be able to give on the sport fines to careless drivers in a bid to improve road safety. Offenders will no longer be taken to court and could get fine of at least ÂŁ80 and three points on their licence.

After learning who her biological parents were, Alison Slavin discovered her best friend of over 15 years was really her sister. Adopted as a child, the women who used to go to karaoke together, found out they had the same father.

Copyright (C) Redbrick 2011

0121 251 2462 editor@redbrickonline.co.uk www.redbrickpaper.co.uk Redbrick is printed through www.quotemeprint. com: 08451 300667.

Advertising: Contact Aimee Fitzpatrick in Guild Marketing on 0121 251 2524 or a.fitzpatrick@guild.bham.

Following their defeat in the AV referendum and their poor results in the council elections, Nick Clegg has promised the Lib Dems will be 'more muscular' in the coalition. He adds that their influence will be 'more visible'.

HEALTH

Designed and typeset by Redbrick.

Redbrick Guild of Students Edgbaston Park Road Birmingham B15 2TU

Lib Dems to increase role

The Guild of Students has called a referendum on whether they should support UCU industrial action. UCU have organised strike action on campus this year. Visit the Guild of Student website for more details.

For meeting times find us on Facebook or email section editors.

To contact us:

POLITICS

Guild referendum over strike action

Television

Redbrick strives to uphold the NUJ Code of Conduct. 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.

Redbrick

13th May 2011

EDUCATION

ROYAL

MPs vote on change to academy system

Middletons object to bikini shots

Education Bill amendment could lead to more academically selective state schools.

MPs will vote on whether independent schools who become state schools in order to gain academy status can still be allowed to select pupils based on academic ability.

The Middleton family have complained to Press Complaints Commission over bikini snaps of Kate and Pippa which appeared in tabloid newspapers. The pictures, taken five years ago in Ibiza, are being investigated for invasion of privacy.

CELEBRITY

TECHNOLOGY

Schwarzenegger and wife separate

Facebook leaks user details

Arnold Schwarzenegger and wife Maria Shriver have announced plans to separate.

The former actor, body builder and Governer for California, who has just finished a seven year run, has been with Shriver for 25 years. The couple have been living apart.

Hundreds of thousands of Facebook account details have been leaked though a problem with the applications. Security firm Symantec discovered that 'access tokens' had been taken from applications and potentially shared amongst advertisers.

Poll Redbrick asked 100 students 'Do you think the world is safer without Bin Laden?'

Why innovation is key for Redbrick Glen Moutrie Editor Elect

In 1965 Gordon Moore hypothesised that the number of transistors placed on a circuit would double every two years; leading to long term exponential growth in computing capability. Not only has 'Moore's law' since been proven, but its impact upon the world around us has been just as great as the audacity of such a hypothesis.

Journalism is no exception.

Media centres are now characterised by rows of computers as opposed to the old rows of type writers. A knowledge of Photoshop is sometimes just as crucial to putting together a page as having good diction. The age of the computer has truly changed how media is produced and consumed.

Video, live feeds, Twitter accounts, interactive coverage, online opinion polls, iPhone apps for many sources have become staples.

The speed by which it is delivered is close to instant. Fluid, well substantiated, quality writing is still important; but journalism has expanded to be much more than just the written word.

One of my favourite examples of this is the BBC. Its coverage of major events in many cases sets the standard. Most of their leading stories have embedded videos, major events have live feeds including a video stream from BBC News, a 1.15 gigapixel image of the Royal Wedding provided unprecedented clarity and detail. These should all become industry standards.

The barriers to entering journalism have also collapsed. Blogging provides a public platform for anyone with Internet access to begin a career in writing, photography or film media. It has also improved the speed by which events are reported – such as the image of Airbus A320 in the Hudson river which was uploaded minutes after it crash landed via mobile phone.

Redbrick is a part of this change; this year has seen a new website, providing open forums for all to comment. Each section has a Twitter page, the print has been redesigned and we have had numerous live feeds. The following years have to continue to champion such innovation. The industry is changing, and so should we.

EMPLOYMENT

Redundancy rules to be relaxed New government rules will lower compensation for workplace discrimination as part of plans to remove unnecessary bureaucracy in employment law. The amount of notice that businesses need to give to employers will also be shorter.

Redbrick

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13th May 2011

Top tweets ROYAL FAMILY

Royal couple leave for honeymoon The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have left for their honeymoon, as revealed by Clarence House. The honeymoon destination has been kept private, with possible locations including Africa, Australia and the Indian Ocean.

Louis_Theroux: Without money we'd all be rich.

louisspence: Why do people tweet such crap? would you want to know that I farted from one end of Compton st. to the other? no I think not!

TECHNOLOGY

NORTH AMERICA

'Open' Android apps criticised

'Slutwalks' occur in USA and Canada

There have been criticisms in the way that Google structures its Android app market. Their policy is that anyone can upload their apps, unlike Apple.

However, complaints have been made that some apps are poor quality or are scams.

Thousands of people have taken part in 'Slutwalks' in the USA and Canada over the week. They come after a Canadian police officer implied that women should not dress like 'sluts' if they want to avoid being victimised.

SallyBercow: Only a VERY clever man like David 'two brains' Willetts could argue that buying uni places will *improve* social mobility. #losttheplot

By Tom Byrne

Job Zone

Samuel Lear Editor

What is Job Zone all about?

The Job Zone provides students with access to student-friendly part-time vacancies and casual vacation jobs. We can also help with students’ part-time employment queries, as well as offering workshops, relating to part-time employment, including CVs, applications and interviews.

TELEVISION

Eurovision Song Contest in Germany Saturday wil see the return of the annual Eurovision Song Contest, hosted in Dusseldorf, Germany. Reformed boyband Blue will represent the UK with I Can, a song which has been positively received by critics, fans and bookmakers.

Where do I start?

Guild Reception staff provide a first point of contact for face-toface enquiries. The Job Zone team can be contacted by email or by telephone. All jobs advertised are online at www.guildofstudents. com/jobshop. Students can talk to the Job Zone Co-ordinator, about part-time work, in the weekly 'Job Zone Jim’ll Fix It' drop-ins, every Wednesday between 2-4pm. An advisor from the local Jobcentre also hosts drop-ins on Wednesdays between 12pm-3pm.

When can I visit Job Zone?

During term-time, Job Zone staff are available between 10am and 5pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 4pm on Fridays. During vacations, Job Zone staff are available Monday to Friday 12–3pm.

PARLIAMENT

Any upcoming events?

Any contact details?

We are currently making preparations for our Summer Jobs fair, which will be on Wednesday 8th June from 11am-3pm in the Guild Common Room. We will also be hosting weekly CV clinics on Wednesdays, which students can book at Guild Reception, or by emailing the Job Zone.

Email:Jobzone@guild.bham. ac.uk Tel. 0121 251 2500 Facebook: http://www.facebook. com/GuildJobZone Twitter: Follow guild_jobzone at www.twitter.com

The week in quotes George Bush on Bin Laden's death: '...Tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.'

Tweets make injunctions 'pointless' Recent Twitter 'outings' of celebrities with super-injuctions have prompted Lord Falconer to call them 'pointless.'

Jemima Khan has recently denied claims of taking out a super-injunction concerning Jeremy Clarkson.

Location: Ground floor in the Guild, by Reception.

Cheryl Cole on her new role as American X Factor judge and beating Simon Cowell 'His ego must be so bruised.

America is gonna love this.'

Lord-Sugar: Piersy got to go now far more important bloke than u, guy here to clean out my septic tank. Contains same stuff you speak @piersmorgan

Liberal Democrats must hold their nerve

PUBLIC FIGURES

Spotlight on Services:

3

Parliament to host weddings The Palace of Westminster may begin hosting private functions, including weddings, costing £25,000 a time. The proposals have been anncounced in order to halve the £5.7million loss made by the catering facilities annually.

Ben Bradshaw, Labour MP for Exeter, who fronted the Yes to AV campaign on why it failed:

Andrew Marr on his superinjunction for his affair with a fellow journalist:

'Two words sum up [the] reason for [the] scale of defeat: Nick Clegg.

Toxic.'

'Am I embarrassed by it? Yes. Am I uneasy about it?

Yes.'

Calm down dear... the results from last week's elections were not unexpected, and do not necessarily fly in the face of the Liberal Democrat effort.

There was always likely to be a reaction from Liberal voters against the Party joining the Coalition Government and the subsequent 'broken promises', but these are short-term reactions and the political climate is likely to shift significantly over the next four years.

This was not a General Election, and no MPs have been lost.

Moreover, the AV referendum cannot possibly be cited as being a referendum on the performance of Nick Clegg without it also being a referendum on Ed Miliband.

Over the next four years, the beneficial Liberal policies will come to public view - be that of environmental issues, the economy or the NHS. The worst thing the Liberals can do is pull out - if they did, they would not come close to government again and that would be a great shame, as they have been highly competent in Government thus far.

The very nature of a coalition involves compromise. 2015 will see a brighter economic climate, and I can see the Liberals gaining seats when the time comes.

On a Redbrick note, we are continuing to work hard to ensure that standards don't slip. Last week, we held our annual awards ceremony which firmly demonstrated our inclusiveness as a society, and the strides we have made across all areas. Over the coming weeks, we shall be trying new ideas for online - which will include video content, and more interactive elements.

Finally, I should like to welcome Glen Moutrie as my successor for next year - he holds excellent journalistic values and firmly believes in the necessity of continuous innovation, which is crucial for its progression next year. He will be well supported by his new committee, which include James Phillips and Victoria Bull as his Deputies, and Chris Hutchinson as his Online Editor. I wish them all the best for next year.

Duchess of Cornwall on the royal wedding: 'It's wicked.'

4 News

Redbrick

13th May 2011 www.redbrickpaper.co.uk

Editors – Anna Hughes, James Brilliant & Kerrina Gray

University-related social network following in figures

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University of Birmingham

866 followers 1318 Selly Oak News on Twitter

Birmingham joins the £9k club Ryan Jones Reporter

The University of Birmingham has stated that it too will increase tuition fees to £9000 for the academic year 2012/13, following other universities across the country.

It is not hard to recount the scenes of mass protest and student clashes in London which dominated news streams back in November last year. However despite these protests, the government voted in favour to remove the cap on tuition fees so that fees could now potentially reach £9000.

Since that vote, plenty of time has elapsed in which universities across the UK have decided upon their future fees. The University of Birmingham was no exception, indeed in March it announced that alongside many other universities, it plans to charge the maximum £9000 fee from 2012 onwards.

Given the rise in tuition fees, the future with regard to higher education is uncertain. Indeed in the coming year there is likely to be the greatest competition seen in many years within the higher education system.

University places are going to be in high demand, and the pressure upon A level students is likely to increase.

The University of Birmingham is likely to encounter the same competition, indeed in many courses for the 2012 entry, the en-

try requirements themselves have increased. This is exemplified in Economics, where the entry requirements have increased from AAB in the 2010 admission, to AAA in the coming 2011 admission.

The coalition austerity measures, and specifically the cuts to government teaching grants, have meant that universities across the UK have had to revise their funding. By increasing tuition fee rates, universities themselves will certainly recuperate some of this loss.

In all, the University of Birmingham is by no means an exception; rather it has conformed to the nationwide trend of university tuition fee rises.

In the end the future is uncertain with regard to higher education; what the tuition fee increase will mean for student numbers, teaching practices and student finances at the University of Birmingham is unknown – and only time will be able to shed light on this.

Freddie Herzog

Aston Webb Building

likes The 'Drinks to go' man

Alumni opportunity Kerrina Gray News Editor

The University of Birmingham is offering twelve final year undergraduate students the opportunity of a lifetime to work with high profile Birmingham alumni from across the spectrum of job sectors.

Former University of Birmingham students such as Green Wing and Black Books actress Tamsin Greig and Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson, will act as mentors to the few lucky students who make it through the selection process.

They will provide a series of one to one sessions giving invaluable career advice on how to make it to the top.

Mentors come from across the spectrum of sectors, including health and social care, business, financial and consumer, media and the arts. They will offer their mentoring free of charge to those in their final year and preparing to enter the workplace.

Other famous alumni who have signed up are Group Commercial Director of J Sainsbury's Mike Coupe, former Editor of the Wall Street Journal Baroness Patience Wheatcroft and Director of Mamma Mia! Phyllida Lloyd CBE. The programme has been conceived by a member of University

Council Cilla Snowball CBE, who herself, as Group Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of advertising and communications company AMV BBDO, will be a mentor.

The University is currently trying to improve graduate employability and this initiative is part of a wider programme of activities in which the University is investing £3.5million over the next five years.

Ms Snowball commented 'At a time when employability is so high on the student agenda, it is great that the University's alumni can apply their mentoring skills to help Birmingham undergraduates.'

Although the application process has not been finalised the Alumni Relations Department confirmed it would involve students recommending themselves and picking their own mentor.

Following interviews, the final selection would involve a joint decision between the careers centre and the individual mentors.

Claire O'Sullivan, Acting Head of Alumni Relations, commented 'it is a great opportunity to get meaningful help with future careers' and she added that the use of University of Birmingham alumni gives the programme 'a unique quality of shared history and shared interests between the mentor and student'.

Extra places may be allocated to wealthy students Anna Hughes News Editor

Government proposals have announced that some students will be able to 'buy' places at universities if they pay all tuition fees and maintenance costs upfront.

These students would not be permitted to apply for governmentfunded loans and would have to attain the expected grades for each course.

Universities Minister David Willetts has also stated the possibility of charging these 'extra' students £12,000 a year for an arts course, £18,000 for the sciences and over £28,000 for medicine. These fees could match those charged for international students.

'Off-quota' places, which occur on top of the present amount of allowed undergraduate degrees offered at universities, will also be provided if companies or charities sponsor students.

Companies such as KPMG and Morrison's have announced that they will be providing sponsored degrees in universities around the UK, including the University of Birmingham.

Plans could be criticised for offering the richest students an extra chance to get into the most competitive universities while those from poorer backgrounds are left

to compete for limited places within the allocated quota.

According to the National Union of Students (NUS) plans 'would disadvantage poorer and middle income students' and was 'yet another attempt by the Government to cover up the mess it has made of university funding'.

NUS President Aaron Porter said 'The Government is yet again tossing out a poorly conceived policy idea...Those students who can afford to pay higher, upfront fees, will also avoid the interest rates and lifetime of debt that the rest of their cohort will will have to consider when considering university'.

However, Willetts has argued that providing additional places will boost social mobility as there will be more places free for students, leading to an increase in the overall number of students in university.

Willetts told the Guardian: 'There are various important issues that need to be addressed around off-quota places, but I start from the view than an increase in the total number of higher education places could aid social mobility.'

Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union (UCU), said 'I am amazied that such plans are under consideration...far from increasing social mobility, it is hard to see how this

is anything other than the Government entrenching privilege for the wealthy in response to its failing university fees policy.

'We risk turn the clock back to a time when breeding rather than brains we required to get on in life'.

Guild President Dora Meredith said: 'The idea that universities will

David Willetts

be allowed to offer extra places to those students in a position to pay fees up front is completely unfair...

This proposal, the latest in a long line of attacks on higher education, completely undermines the hard work of students who are accepted into university based on their capability rather than their ability to pay.

The government needs to start taking higher education seriously, the benefits of higher education go beyond the individual student, and have a positive impact on the whole of society.

I strongly hope that the government sees sense and that this proposal will be taken no further.'

Freddie Herzog/bisgovuk on flickr

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13th May 2011 www.redbrickpaper.co.uk

Editors – Anna Hughes, James Brilliant & Kerrina Gray

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Guild Sabbatical Officers: A year in retrospect James Brilliant News Editor

This week Redbrick sat down with the outgoing Guild of Students Sabbatical Officers to discuss their year in office, as their tenures draw to a close.

The seven officers, who were voted in by the student community last March, have all taken a year out to work at the Guild of Students full time, and form part of the wider team of Guild Officers.

The Guild team comprises of 18 officers altogether, made up of the seven Sabbatical Officers plus a further eleven officers who work in various other non-sabbatical roles.

The last twelve months have posed a range of challenges for the 2010/11 Sabbatical Officers, including responding to the government's decision to increase the cap on academic tuition fees to £9,000.

As such, according to Guild President Dora Meredith, ' some other manifesto promises have had to become not such a priority'.

Some of the achievements of this year's Sabbatical Officers include extending library opening hours and the introduction of Selly Watch, which has contributed to a 70% fall in burglaries in the Selly Oak region.

However a number of questions remain concerning, amongst other things, the levels of rubbish on the streets of Selly Oak and five thousand pounds worth of seemingly 'missing' Residents Association funding.

Johnny Davis

Vice President Welfare VPW Johnny Davis's main achievements have been the establishment of a 'welfare guide' and a Guild of Students university diary, as well as the promotion of mental health week.

Undergraduate support he admits is still a 'work in progress', and although admitting he does not feel obliged to fulfil everything in his time, in hindsight he could have worked harder for postgraduate students. Regarding the future, he says he is encouraged

by Luke Reynolds' idea of 'Welfare Wednesday.'

We don't see it as our position to dictate to students what they can and cannot do

Dora Meredith

Guild President

When asked what she felt her accomplishments were as Guild President this year, Dora replied that employability had been a 'real success'.

She also commented on how the lowest price bracket for university halls had been frozen under her presidency, before going on to highlight her focus on the development of new accommodation with affordable fees for future stu-

Students have the right to say their views but learning should be protected dents.

Dora also highlighted her success regarding student safety, stating that she had placed greater emphasis upon co-ordination between university students and local residents to eradicate tensions between the two groups.

Rob Hunter

Vice President Education & Access Rob lists his greatest achievement this year as the extension of opening hours at the main library, admitting that previous library hours were 'completely out of date for a 21st Redbrick university.'

The new hours will see the library open from 8am until 12am every morning, with every hour fully staffed.

However the outgoing VPEA admits that computer access is still a very troubling and frustrating issue for many students, despite his best efforts over the year to rectify the situation. He admits there is 'not an easy answer to the problem', but that a new computer map is set to be produced clearly laying out the locations of all computer clusters on campus.

Regarding Vice-Chancellor Professor David Eastwood's salary, one of the most divisive issues on campus this year, Rob says that discussions were held with the VC at the time and that 'the situation was not as clear cut as appeared', and arguing that if the private sector is able to attract the best talent via competitive salaries, universities and the public sector must be the same.

The Guild President has featured heavily in the national media this past year, and these features, along with her work regarding increased tuition fees is a particular source of pride: 'I'm proudest of our work on tuition fees, and the amount of press coverage we got was significant.'

'Although we could question the outcome (of tuition fees) we shouldn't undermine the impact of some of the compromises that have been made that I expect to see in the White Paper in the next few months, and I'm very proud of the achievements of the student population with regards to that.'

On the subject of increased tuition fees, Dora has revealed that the Guild will not directly benefit from the increase as funding comes from a block grant, which is funded separately from the fees.

However she assured that 'the guild has absolutely been pushing for the money to be spent on the student experience and front line services for students so we can actually see tangible change.'

One of the most controversial incidents this year on campus was the occupation of the Aston Webb building by anti-cuts protesters.

On the matter, Dora admitted 'I don't think the whole student body has the same views on how to achieve different things' and refused to comment on the degree to which she felt the occupation was acceptable.

Ash Chambers

Vice President Democracy & Resources Outgoing VPDR Ashley Chambers designates 'accessibility' as one of his biggest successes during his year in office, describing the Guild election turnout as 'tremendous', noting turnout was the third highest in the country.

However, Ashley admitted: 'sometimes we don't do enough to publicize the amount and range of services and the quality of services we provide', and hopes that in future there will be increased transparency regarding the activities of the Guild.

For Ash, one of the greatest disappointments he experienced as VPDR was both the performance and attendance of certain Guild councillors, firmly stating 'if Guild councillors can't attend two of their three meetings then maybe they aren't fit to be Guild councillors at all'.

On the subject of Vice chancellor Professor David Eastwood's salary, Ashley commented: ' He is well paid, but he's the head of a £400m company and you wouldn't expect someone like that not to be well paid; the newspapers haven't been very fair to him because he does a tremendous job for this university.'

Matt Lamb

Vice President Activities & Development Matt claimed his greatest achievement during his time in office was his contribution towards increasing student numbers involved with the Guild and societies. Over the last year there has been a 10% increase in students involved with a society, with over 9,000, or nearly a third of all students, members of a society.

However Matt has admitted that his manifesto pledge of an 'interactive online calender' on the Guild web site has yet to emerge, citing technical and logistical issues on the web site.

During his short time left as Vice President of Activities and Development he hopes to prioritise web site redesign, and claims that in the future paperwork regarding the joining of societies will increasingly be able to be completed online as part of the Guild's IT strategy review.

Regarding the controversial occupation of the Aston Webb in November, Matt branded the 'David Eastwood resign' banner 'petty and inappropriate.' His greatest manifesto failure, he admitted, was pledging to meet every student group, a task he regrettably says he cannot now feasibly complete.

Johnny Kirby

Julian Adeniran

Vice President Sport Vice President of Sport Julian 'Julz' Adeniran claims one of his proudest achievements over the last year has been increasing accessibility of sport to those new to sport or not members of a sports team or club, exemplified by the sports taster event at welcome week and a participation event for students who were not fully involved in sport.

Julian also pointed out that in his opinion RA's were under utilized during his predecessors reign, and has thus placed far greater emphasis upon RA's during his time in office, encouraging RAs to collaborate more on the matter of sport and influence students to become more active.

Julian has also pushed for the creation of a student sports executive, to act as a collective body to take deal with any issues that sports club may have.

This years VPS has also expressed his frustration at a lack of sport representation at the university, referring to the fact that there is no sport representation on the Guild council, and that the position of VPS is still a 'non voting' member on the Guild council.

He firmly states that in the future he would like to see this change.

However one issue that did

during Johnny's tenure was Vice President arise £5,000 of Resident Association Housing & expenses that was 'unaccounted for'. According to Johnny, 'I have Community As Vice President of Housing & Community, Johnny Kirby has attempted over the last year to reduce as much waste and rubbish on the streets of student areas as much as possible.

To achieve this, Johnny has introduced wheelie-bins and recycling boxes in certain areas of Selly Oak, but admits that permanent bins are ' horrible, smelly, nastiness' and that ongoing issues with Birmingham city council ensures not all residents of student areas will be entitled to a wheelie-bin.

Regarding university accommodation, the outgoing VPHC states that 'some of the £9,000 tuition fees will certainly go towards a scheme subsidizing living costs', with £80m being invested into university halls over the next five years.

Concerning housing for second and third year students and beyond, Johnny has successfully reintroduced the housing booklet, and during his term there was dramatically increased attendance at housing road shows and fairs. He has also successfully founded a 'freshers committee' during his term, for the benefit of first years looking at accommodation.

absolutely no doubt it's been spent on good things' and that funding has not been abused, but that 'because of students who have got exams... especially as it comes towards the end of term... trying to get hold of them to do the paperwork out of them is trying to get blood out of a stone.'

Another incident that somewhat blighted Johnny's tenure was the cancellation of the Guild royal wedding street party, an incident he blames on the council requiring more toilets at the event which the Guild could not afford. 'We didn't expect how expensive toilets would be, and the University didn't want to contribute.'

We don't have the paperwork so we don't know 100% where it's gone

6 redbrickonline.co.uk

13th May 2011

Redbrick

Comment & Features Editorial Seb Mann

Comment and Features Editor

Tuition fees, again

If you cared about university tuition fees and David Willetts at the beginning of this week, then I expect you almost certainly don't now. Comments the Universities Minister made on Monday about increasing the number of students at top universities by allowing off-quota places for the wealthy induced in many what can only be described as Cerberean wrath – but is it justified?

These off-quota places – that is, places unsubsidised by the state – could be available to those prepared to spend a similar amount on their higher education as international students, so between £12,000 and £28,000 depending on the course. An ideal outcome of this, it seems, would be to make available more funds for underprivileged students who require bursaries to afford university while increasing the amount of young people at university altogether. And that's social mobility, right?

For this system to be fair, the rich will have to compete for the same quota places as everyone else. Only then, when they don't get in, will they be able to apply for off-quota places. It therefore stands to reason that these students would be 'second-rate' in the eyes of the university; otherwise they'd have got in first time round.

Essentially, then, the moneyed are being offered concessions because they can afford it. Willetts' comments, I expect, depend on the belief that many of these 'secondrate' candidates are not really second-rate (they're not quite deserving of quota places, but perhaps they could stick it out and come good in the end given the chance) and if they're prepared to pay for it, why not?

This belief might even be soluble if it weren't so recklessly discriminatory. According to the Independent Schools Council (ISC), private schools educate only 18 per cent of over-16 year olds in further education, yet over 40 per cent of Oxford University's intake come from fee-paying schools. Of course, there's nothing particularly smart about asking universities to match exactly the demographic from which they draw their students; being from a state school does not ensure you're worthy of a place any more than being from a private school does. But a system which broadens opportunity only for the wealthy just perpetuates society's manifest inequality.

Other concerns suggest that this is just another step on the road to the naked marketisation of higher education where competition generates an elite at the expense of everyone else – which, to be fair, a look to Westminster will probably confirm.

Chin up though, it might never happen. At least that's what we've been told.

Jubilation at Bin Laden's death says more about the symbol than the man

Scenes of patriotic elation in Washington DC at the death of Al-Qaeda's frontman were seen by some to be abhorrent Alexander Blanchard Commentator

Last week Barack Obama confirmed the death of Osama Bin Laden before conducting a thoughtful dedicatory to that 'empty seat at the dinner table', and 'the children forced to grow up without their mother or father'. His measured revelation was a welcome departure from the crass 'We got him' of George W. Bush upon the capturing of Saddam Hussein. The news drew a mixture of responses from across the world. Political leaders offered their congratulations to America – sidelining the more poignant and sobering words of the relatives of victims of 9/11 – whilst a raucous crowd of college students descended upon the streets of New York with their chants of patriotic triumphalism. The press typically failed to lead by example. The Sun's 'Bin Bagged' headline was on the nauseating side of facetious and in New York the Daily News ran with simply, 'Rot in Hell'.

These headlines and celebrations, in their turn, drew the derision of many. The Huffington Post ran a particularly sanctimonious piece that implored us, with some pseudo-biblical notion of love, to remember that Bin Laden was 'nonetheless a human being'. Along with this, millions of people Tweeted the misquoted words of Martin Luther King Jr., 'I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy' – actually an appendage to one of King's speeches by a Facebook user in Japan. A judgement on the emotions of others with the jab of a Tweet button that seemed abominably flippant and uncompassionate.

True, these celebrations seem

almost to have run contrary to a principle of common morality – that is, not to revel in the loss of a life. But principles come so easily to those on the periphery. The death of Bin Laden has, at the very least, shown us that the turmoil caused by the atrocities of 9/11 are still just as emotionally perplexing as they were a decade ago.

The War on Terror – a term that has since been dropped by the Obama Administration – created war-hungry states and provoked governments to encroach upon our civil liberties. But most of all, it came to dominate our language and our thoughts. The war on terror held us under a current of fear and induced us to conflate an idea with a person. We did this almost

'In truth, for you and for me, Bin Laden never existed. He is ethereal, and exists for as long as he is shown on television screens.' out of necessity. We cannot physically harm or shoot an idea, but we can certainly have a go at its personification. Those that derided the 'bellicose' celebrations of young Americans failed to recognise the confusions and complexities that are inherent in the war on terror and its conflict of ideas.

Al-Qaeda is now so decentralised and fragmented that Bin Laden's death could never really have held a great deal of practical value.

In truth, for you and for me, Bin Laden never existed. He is ethereal, and exists for as long as he is shown on television screens and

printed in newspapers. One of Bin Laden's greatest victories was to have successive Western governments place him at the centre of a circus of fear and panic. His death is as much symbolic as it is biological, if not more so.

Those celebrations that initially drew the derision of the holierthan-thou elements of the world's media were not as sadistic as they were first deemed. On one level there is the death of a human being, at another level there is the destruction of a potent symbol of terror and fear – a destruction that is surely worthy of our jubilation and elation, and is it not, even more so, expected in a city where there is still a palpable feeling of loss?

My generation has grown up stifled by the humidity of fear that springs from the omnipresence of 'terror' – whether it be real or some government-perpetuated fantasy.

Until it is replaced, that symbolic, bearded behemoth now no longer exists; it has been swallowed by the ocean. Yet, in celebrating the destruction of that symbol we are

at the same time unwittingly compelled to celebrate the death of a human. Therein lies the moral ambiguity.

What now for the idea of 'Bin Laden'? Al-Qaeda was as much a social force as it was a paramilitary one. Countless numbers have been influenced by Bin Laden's perverse interpretation of Islam and of the Qur'an, his hate-filled ideology and exaggerated sense of victimhood.

What of the hordes of potential jihadists whom he has inspired in his 'martyrdom'? 'Destroying Bin Ladenism', says the writer Mehdi Hasan, 'is the tricky bit'. But in truth the destruction of that idea has already begun. It began with the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi last December, simultaneously spurring the Arab Spring and the rejection of theocratic despotism and lunacy over democracy in the Middle-East. Perhaps another decade containing an equally momentous watershed will see terrorism wiped from political discourse altogether. Until then, let us not be so quick to judge.

Redbrick

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13th May 2011

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Comment & Features 7

Blaming individuals for the size of their pay packets is hypocritical and self-righteous Joe Jervis Commentator

What a time to be at university.

The cuts to education as part of the coalition's deficit reduction plan have given heed to a meteoric rise in student activism, the like of which has not been seen in Britain for many a year. Facing a threefold increase in tuition fees, and following well-publicised demonstrations in late 2010, the NUS joined forces with other trade unions to 'March for the Alternative'. Simultaneously, we have witnessed the emergence of protest groups such as UK Uncut and a rise in left-wing radicalism, complete with an agenda to use alternative methods to plug the hole in Britain's finances.

So, what is the alternative? And against whom or what should students and their allies be channelling this antipathy?

One answer to the first of these questions has been to close loopholes which, according to UK Uncut, account for the £95billion lost through tax avoidance each year.

Recent protests against tax avoidance are entirely justifiable. But it must be realised that the practice occurs at every level of business, from the unworldly wealth of the multi-national corporation through to the honest living earned by the hard-working self-employed businessman.

Whilst there are always exceptions to the rule – Philip Green, for example, has under-taken a governmental advisory role with the interests of his own companies at heart – it appears hypocritical

to blame company bosses for attempting to preserve as much of their profits as possible. This is, after all, the motive for starting a business. Furthermore, once ethical beliefs start to dictate the level on which companies should simply hand money away then we ignore that basic rule in life: everything is relative. The concept of relativity poses the question, where is the line and who decides upon the level of morality to which individuals should be expected to abide?

In other words, at what level of income should one simply hand away money?

Attacking individuals for taking home outlandish salaries is currently a prevalent issue in the university's own backyard. Vice Chancellor David Eastwood has been under constant pressure for earning a £392,000 salary whilst university employees are facing significant real-term reductions in pay and pensions. This evident imbalance in sharing the burden of government cuts has led to hypocritical and incoherent anger which is based on unfounded selfrighteousness. First and foremost, people seem to forget that Eastwood did not just simply win the lottery; he worked his way up from the bottom. It is highly contentious whether many of the financially comfortable middle-class students, or indeed any parents who work in the public sector, would have rejected a salary increase – or re-distributed extra income – in order to help more worthy causes.

Besides, at a recent Question Timestyle event at our university East-

wood revealed that he rejected half of his bonus and that this year he had 'not taken a pay-rise.' He also explained that his modest background has taught him the value of both education and social mobility which has led him to support philanthropic causes through donating 'significant benefactions to the university, to other higher education sectors and to other public services.' The incoherent anger at wealthy salaries demonstrated at the event in question goes to show why traditional beliefs in a redistribution of wealth have become unfashionable.

Churchill's old adage that 'socialism is the gospel of envy' has become the misconstrued belief of millions. The three other elements in Churchill's famous quote on the nature of socialism – namely 'the philosophy of failure,' 'the creed of ignorance' and 'the equal sharing of misery' – are arguably quite convincing. But the quest for redistribution of wealth should not be based on envy but on a genuine desire for social and economic justice in order to achieve a fairer Britain.

Unfortunately for the left, personal attacks on individuals are negating efforts to convey this message.

For those desperate to achieve a more balanced society, the way forward is not to hypocritically attack individuals for reaping the rewards for their hard work but by blaming the systems in place by which such imbalances are allowed.

This is certainly not a cry for some ultra-socialist blueprint but purely a desire to see more pressure placed upon those distributing fi-

nance. Addressing the imbalances within the private sector is at best highly problematic and at worst impossible. But at public or semiprivatised institutions such as our own, more pressure must be placed upon those within the University's Council and Senate who are dishing out disproportionate pay-packets rather than upon those receiving them. Currently Eastwood is the second highest earning Vice Chancellor in the country whilst Birmingham regularly appears outside the top 20 in university

league tables. Meanwhile staff salaries are, in real terms, being cut.

Eastwood says he cares about education. Why not put him, and those others sitting pretty at the top, to the test? Freeze Eastwood's pay for five years to bring him in line with other Vice-Chancellors and reduce his bonuses. No other university would offer him any better in the current climate. By accepting such measures he would regain substantial respect. If he sells out by jumping ship to the private sector then all criticism will be justified.

Commercial stores in the Bullring flourish while those in its shadow are left to wither three years of a traditional Bachelor's degree. However, despite this it is important to be aware of the state of local business, especially if you're a student as yet unsure of their future.

These numerous empty units are a sign of how Birmingham retail business has been hit by the recent economic downturn. Though the Bullring itself still flourishes, walk as little as 200 metres down

Olivia Thomson Commentator

Art shops are rare in central Birmingham. I know this because I spent about 5 hours looking for one, and very little was to be found in any of the shopping centres within a mile of New Street Station – the Bullring, the Pallasades (not that I was expecting that to reveal any diamonds in the oh-so-rough), the Pavilions and the Mailbox.

What I did find, however, was a rather large number of empty shop units in each of the above centres apart from the Bullring, and down many of the streets in between.

The Mailbox, whose owners in late 2010 were looking to sell the venue, has an increasing number of empty shops; two are currently on their way out and will be gone by 24th June. Equally, whilst looking for art shops I was directed to the Pavilions by a staff member in Selfridges – only to find that this too had gone, and stood as another empty space among several. As students with readily-given loans (albeit about to grow larger), we may pass from day to day in a bit of a student bubble consisting largely of essays, revision and alcohol. It could be argued that there is every possibility we may not even consider Birmingham our true home, and plan to be gone within the

'Though the Bullring itself still flourishes, walk as little as 200 metres down the High Street and you come to what suddenly looks like the struggling end of town; dirty buildings, old-looking, individual shops.'

Freddie Herzog

the High Street and you come to what suddenly looks like the struggling end of town; dirty buildings, old-looking individual shops. Even at the glossy Mailbox, footfall is low – one store manager there recognised that though premium brands such as those at the Mailbox may not have suffered as much as smaller businesses, retail gen-

erally has suffered these past few years.

However, there are signs that Birmingham is coming through this situation and readying itself for new peaks. The Mailbox was bought for a good price to investment company Brockton Capital, and the new development the Cube will be opening soon. The renovation of New Street Station is underway, and there are plans for the Pallasades shopping centre to be transformed into a large John Lewis.

New shops such as the Hollister store and the new Jack Wills on New Street (both regularly packed) are the earliest signs of how these developments may affect the retail demographic of Birmingham – encouraged by the city council's plans, companies are recognising the potential market of Birmingham, including the three different populations of students.

All three of Birmingham's universities plan to charge at least £7,500 for home students; it will be interesting to see how this affects student numbers, and whether that in turn affects the city's retail business.

And, if you're going to be looking for a part-time job in a shop to help with those fees? It might pay to know something about the state of the market you'll be selling to.

8 Comment & Features

13th May 2011

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Editors – Rosa McMahon, Seb Mann, Mandy Callaghan & Ali Hendy

People should go into politics to do something, not to be something

How do you solve a problem like...

Fox News?

by Oscar French

Prominent Liberal Democrat peer, Lord Tope, talks politics with Niall Kempson My first question referred to the future of the Liberal Democrats and whether they could ever recover the post-2010 election popularity that Nick Clegg's iconic appearances on The Leader's Debates had given them.

As a loyal member of the Liberal Democrats, Lord Tope was quick to brush aside any assumptions I had about the demise of his party. He assured me that a longterm perspective would see his party return to its previous status.

He makes a valid point: when he was elected an MP there were only 7 other Liberal MPs, but perhaps he was being optimistic about how easily the student body, which feels cheated and betrayed by Mr Clegg, will forgive and forget that infamous pledge…

Lord Tope's statements seem rather misguided now. Last week saw the Liberal Democrats brutally punished in the local and regional elections, losing 12 seats in the Scottish Parliament, 9 local councils and a total of 748 councillors – probably the result of the Coalition government's controversial spending cuts.

To be fair to Lord Tope, this is not the long-term perspective he was talking about. Nevertheless, the British electorate has a long memory when it comes to public sector cuts. The Thatcher Years will never be forgotten, and now the Great Betrayal of the Liberal Democrats has received its just desserts at the metaphorical hands of the ballot box.

On discussing future elections, the conversation turned to the issue of youth participation in politics. Lord Tope claimed that there is not ta lack of participation that many in the media would have us

believe. His view is that students, graduates and the young workforce are the heart of many protest movements and pressure groups.

The problem with politics, which Lord Tope wisely diagnoses, is political parties: 'parties are the shortfall of the modern political system'.

Who do parties really represent in this day and age? One might say, 'Labour represents the working classes', but do they? Social mobility and the income-gap worsened under New Labour. Young people lack politicians or parties they can relate to and this is because people go into politics for the wrong reasons – as Lord Tope puts it, people should go into politics 'to do something, not to be something'.

We then moved to discuss the elephant in the room: tuition fees.

Lord Tope was sympathetic towards the student body and criticised the original pledge. He told me two things that all those who criticise the new legislation should keep in mind Firstly, 'that people should read and understand the policy before they start making judgements'. It sounds patronising, but Lord Tope is right; we ought really to read the policy before we make up our minds about how awful it is. Secondly, 'that the increases would be worse without the Liberal Democrats restraining the Conservatives in Government'. I expect many of you to be sceptical

of this (I am too) but when it came to the vote in the House of Commons, a sizable number of the Liberal Democrats did keep to their pledge, voting against an increase.

I do not blame the electorate for their revenge on the Liberal Democrats – despite the fact that the backbench revolution seems to have gone largely unnoticed. It seems odd, though, that the Conservatives have escaped relatively unharmed by the stigma surrounding public spending cuts. The public have taken a stand against Nick Clegg, our sovereign scapegoat, and I cannot see Lord Tope's claims of the party ever returning to its former status until an example has been made of Mr Clegg.

If you are one of the anointed few to have so far avoided America's smash hit, Orwellian TV comedy Fox News in your time on this planet, then stop reading, you have no problem up for solving this week. Instead, go outside and celebrate your relative freedom, before Rupert Murdoch buys it, brands it and starts using it to further his political agenda.

The rest of you will no doubt be aware that Murdoch, Real Life's very own Dr. Evil is the media mastermind behind the men and women (allowed if they're under thirty) at Fox, and is therefore responsible for all the fair and balanced reporting. Only joking, it has draconian levels of bias, but their theory is that if you say it doesn't every thirty seconds then nobody will notice. Of course, they also cut off the microphone of anyone who disagrees; subtle brainwashing is a dead art, apparently.

Hopefully, like me, you regard Fox to be one of the finest accidental satires ever created, in the UK at least, that's how it must appear, but many hard working Americans of the rich, white, heterosexual, Christian persuasion hold the 'traditional family values' it champions, close to their patri-

Liberal Democrat peer, Lord Tope, in action

I'm not a Tory, but...

Rosa McMahon

Comment and Features Editor

The General Election of May last year was a political catalyst. It seems that political, and specifically student, apathy was diluted and political tribalism was reborn.

However, the pantomime that became British politics over the campaigning period has not yet had its curtain call.

Anti-Conservative rhetoric remains, and whilst my allegiances do not lie with a party who make cuts to highly inappropriate places, heckling is both unproductive and stunting to political progress and reform.

It was the 'Yes to AV' event, at which Eddie Izzard appeared, two weeks ago, where the issue of Tory bating was illuminated to be an unnecessary way to conduct a serious political debate. My own political opinion is not a secret, and my strong belief in social provisions in conjunction with viable economic policies must be maintained, as if the former is not, then the latter will suffer its consequences.

Currently Conservative Party policy, despite Cameron's 'common man' persona, is doing very

little for the types of people that Cameron is impersonating. Their agenda is in constant conflict with that of the Liberal Democrats', and Clegg's advocation of social mobility, with Cameron's disregard for giving his neighbour work experience, is a prime example of this.

Yet, if we really do want a government who, despite having ideological and normative differences within, will be open to dialogue and compromise, we must respect them and their right to a voice also.

Such idealism may, and indeed will, be criticised. But the jeering of a party who have a large base of followers, many of whom are on are campus, and are our friends, does not constitute a politics of credit.

The 'Yes to AV' event was a success. Despite Izzard being 2 hours late, and 20 minutes present, it did do a great deal for the campaign's morale. Yet if a means of boosting support of a worthy 'Yes' cause is by calling the Conservative Party the 'Dementors from Harry Potter' for easy cheers and laughs, is no way to win votes. Surely these votes and support should be based on the policy and merits of the opposition and their view, and not

Izzard was one of the most vocal celebrities in the Yes camp cheap comparisons made with fictional creatures.

Often my political views are misconstrued for blatant and irrational Leftism. Here I wish to correct this. I do not deem every policy passed by the Tories as an elitist and evil nonsense. Nor do I have a tribal hate for a political party that I have only known first hand, in government, for little over a year.

Many of my good friends are Conservative supporters, and we all owe our political alliance with our

experiences and what we deem to be 'right', 'fair' and 'just'. On this account I see welfare provisions to be paramount, yet recognise that the economy is in need of repair.

To, perhaps ironically, quote Tony Blair, I see that 'what matters is what works', and currently much of the Left's, student, opposition is based on contempt for the other, rather than developing a plausible strategy for re-election. The two can be combined, but the former without the latter fails.

otic hearts. Something must be done, preferably before the entire nation is complicit in bringing President Osama, sorry, Obama's fictional communist regime to an end; Fox is rapidly redefining the term, information.

We need an antidote, therefore I propose 'Badger News,' we could implement CGI halos above the heads of every Democrat in post production and through a simple slip of the tongue (every hour) refer to Sarah Palin as Sarah Hitler. Let's fight blatant thought control with blatant thought control, maybe that way everyone will become confused enough to make up their own minds again.

If you were labouring under the delusion that this column was in some way neither fair nor balanced, then as Fox's anchorman in chief Bill O'Reilly might say, shut up you pinhead!

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The curious incident of the stigmatised syndrome The complexities of Asperger's syndrome are being ignored and this could lead to confusion, misconception and even misdiagnosis Oscar French

Asperger's facts

Commentator

To anybody without personal interest to declare, understanding precisely what constitutes Asperger’s syndrome can be problematic.

Most, I think, would concur that it lies somewhere upon the autistic spectrum, fewer would be able to differentiate it from autism, and some presume that they are merely alternative titles for the same condition.

Bestsellers such as UK author Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog at Night Time probably haven’t helped drive down the general perplexity. Back cover blurbs label the novel’s protagonist differently depending on the edition; your understanding of Asperger’s Syndrome may well depend upon your favourite colour then. Although there is a relatively substantial chance you have met several people here at University who have been diagnosed without you ever having the remotest inkling of the fact. Confused?

Well the more you read on the subject, the more elusive a concrete definition will become, as I discovered when trying to provide such a thing for this very article. The general consensus at The National Autistic Society appears to be that Apserger’s is a form of high functioning autism, affecting people in three ways that are commonly grouped under the somewhat obvious umbrella term of the triad of impairments. These are known as social integration, social imagination and social interaction, which you could be forgiven for thinking is slightly like having three umbrellas under an umbrella. The website

Asperger's syndrome is on the autism disorder spectrum.

It is distinguished by a pattern of behaviours and symptoms.

It is estimated that there are over half a million people living in the UK with an autism spectrum disorder. also helpfully pointed out that the condition has many diverse effects, which can manifest themselves in an individual to varying degrees and in diverse ways.

Precarious is the word I’d use to describe this aspect of spectrum disorders; any two individuals who have been diagnosed may have widely different symptoms from each other. To be momentarily hypothetical, a specialist may confirm a diagnosis for one on the strength of co-ordination problems and a difficulty reading facial expressions. By contrast, the other could be predisposed to take everything literally and experience distress if a routine is altered or they come into contact with a particular colour.

One may suffer mildly, the other to a stupendous extent and yet neither would have to show any sign of their counterpart’s symptoms to have Asperger’s syndrome. It’s

no wonder that so many people are bewildered, and given that misunderstanding can kindle the worst in human nature, the question must be asked whether or not a diagnosis in mild cases can have a negative impact.

My interest in the topic was quite reasonably first stirred when my Mother arranged for my nine year old self to be tested for the condition. Though I’m sure some who knew me at the time would disagree, I could never really grasp why she felt I may have it, certainly I did not display an overwhelming majority of the symptoms as I have since found out. The specialist I saw appeared to agree, and after cognitive and co-ordination based tests and an amicable conversation I was not diagnosed. What remains interesting eleven years on is that, despite insisting there was no need, he asked me if I wanted to continue

with the examinations, to which I responded with a resolute no. Even as a child I was aware that our labels can be used against us devastatingly by bigoted and malicious individuals, or more commonly, those who are simply ignorant.

Inevitably, there are copious accounts of discrimination pertaining to Asperger’s that can be read on the internet. One particular story, reported in the Guardian aroused my interest as it concerned a secondary school acquaintance, that unbeknownst to me, had been diagnosed during his teenage years. Despite his exceptional grades, several local sixth forms had subsequently refused to even interview him, fearing that they would not be able to cope with the special attention and requirements he would need. To my memory, he is a charming, clever and witty individual, and though this is an ex-

treme case of a lacking awareness, it shows that the condition is often perceived as much more severe than it necessarily is.

Inverting my experience, if doctors were to offer those with mild forms like his the option not to be diagnosed; there are prospective benefits. Surely it cannot be fair to stigmatise an individual who can function perfectly well in society?

It may be inescapably true that nobody should have to hide who they are, but until the fog of confusion the disorder permeates has lifted, then to differentiate people whose condition would otherwise go unnoticed is to potentially diminish their chances in life. Ignoring this consideration, may simply be denying many the right to be judged as a human being by people who cannot see past labels like Asperger’s Syndrome.

Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right Owen Earwicker Commentator

The middle ground of politics used to be a happy place. Sure the party who represented us would never likely be in power, but it felt good to be represented nonetheless.

Centre politics had always been a haven for the reformer, the protestor and the people who just didn’t like the two-party system. All this changed with the glorious day in the rose garden of Number 10 last May. A coalition, the kind of politics centrists like, would govern us ‘in the national interest’.

One year on, after the local election results and the two to one defeat on the alternative vote referendum, the roses in the garden are dying and the position of the centrist is in question. The local elections saw the party of the centre lose nine councils, and 748 councillors. The people of the centre are now a distinct minority, and as its party continues to support Conservative policies the centrist is no longer represented in British politics.

So where should the centrist voter put his cross on the ballot sheet? The Conservatives, in case you hadn’t noticed, rather like the free market – something the centre ground likes too. Yet the party that used to represent us threw their lot wholly with them in government,

Beth Richardson

The bulldozing of UK centrist politics - sitting on the fence is not an option

and enforced an economic policy not really traditional of the centre ground. Labour seems the obvious choice, after all they were the obvious choice for coalition.

We see eye-to-eye on civil liberties and a less brutal approach to public services. However the centrist with the long memory remem-

bers Iraq, remembers the attempts to increase the time of detention without charge and of course, remembers the introduction of tuition fees.

Centrism has died, burned in the flames of broken promises.

From its ashes a new term in the rhetoric of the left has claimed

the unrepresented centrist: the progressive voter. The force of progression no doubt helped the Labour party gain 27 English councils. But I’m not ready to cast off the centre label and throw my vote to Labour. The party don’t seem to be as honest about cuts as I would be comfortable with, and bandy-

ing around the word ‘growth’ is no substitute for an actual economic policy.

But the election results have undoubtedly started something.

Liberal Democrats in government, as if suddenly awaking from a happy rose garden filled dream, are starting to see the Tories as the reason for their bitter defeat and burgeoning unpopularity. Lib Dems are calling for their ministers to be more independent of the Conservatives, and publically express where they disagree. Others are calling for their own party’s policies to be forced past the barrier of the coalition agreement. If either of these succeeds, there may be some hope left for the centrist.

I don’t want to be forced off the fence. There is a nice view from it of both sides of politics. But last Thursday it was depressing to put my X next to Liberal Democrat, because I knew it didn’t really mean anything. It used to be a comfortable spot, being in the centre. You knew your place; not too hot, not too cold, your tastes made you the Goldilocks of the electorate.

But, if the party that no longer represents the centre continues to ignore its core, centrism as a political force will die. The Liberal Democrats need to use their defeat to assert themselves and perhaps then the centre minority might have a voice in Parliament again.

STUDENT MENTOR WELCOME TEAM RECRUITMENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO WELCOME NEW STUDENTS INTO UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION AND HELP THEM WITH THE CHALLENGING TRANSITIONAL PERIOD INTO UNIVERSITY LIFE? If so, then perhaps you could become a member of the Mentor Welcome Team 2011/12.

To apply, please visit guildofstudents.com/studentmentors to download an application form, and information pack.

The closing date for applications is Friday 20th May. Please be aware that this is a different role to the Student Mentor role, recruitment for that position has now closed.

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Arts

The University's Fringe Festival is coming to campus!

Explore theatre performances, music, comedy and more. Contact fringe@guild.bham.ac.uk to get involved.

England's pleasant pastures seen: Photographing the English at leisure

Blackpool Promenade, Lancashire by Simon Roberts Alexander Blanchard Arts Editor

That elusive idea of the English 'identity' is a notion that the most perceptive of writers, artists and thinkers have pondered. For photographer Simon Roberts, that embodiment is at its most discernible in the spectacle of the English at play and in our relation to the landscape.

'If you start off by looking at 'leisure' he tells me, 'you instantly have a prism of optimism. These people are investing a great deal of time and interest in the landscape, so instantly there is something already there. There's an attachment.'

Inspired by his travels around Russia in 2005 for his book Motherland – an exploration of the Russians' attachment to their homeland – Simon spent his time between August 2007 and Sep-

tember 2008 exploring England in a 1993 Capri Motorhome with his wife and daughter, photographing ordinary people at leisure.

On initial inspection, some of these pictures seem merely to document the banal: Blackpool's promenade, the topless sun-bathers under a grey sky on Keynes Country Park Beach, the strips of tarmac in a Caravan park in Greater Manchester. But for Simon, it is exactly in this monotony that he finds beauty. He possesses a knack for somehow managing to make the inane look elegant.

'There's a certain understated beauty in the mundane, and it challenges what we think is beautiful. Usually people go abroad to an exotic location to get unusual pictures. It was a challenge returning to England, it was difficult. You have to change the mind set. You see the mundane, yet you have to create something beautiful out of it.'

Others though, present a more bucolic, almost nostalgic picture, harking back to that antiquated idea of England as a small chocolate-box country, well pruned and kept, the heart of a throbbing patriotism; the pheasant shoot in Finchdean, Hampshire and a sunset over the Haxey Hood in North Lincolnshire, which is almost Constable-esque.

'Retrospectively, these photos were taken at the end of 2007 going into 2008. It was the beginning of the credit crunch and the recession. There was a lot of unease and uncertainty. Historically, whenever there has been trouble in the city or the country we tend to take refuge in the rural, for example, painters turned to the landscape during the industrial revolution.'

'We look for a solace; we find comfort and attachment in it. The three guys playing golf at Ratcliffeon-Soar Power Station actually used to work there for 40 years

and retired recently.'

'And not only do we find an attachment and something of the English identity in the landscape, but it also comes to form a major part of our self-consciousness. It's interesting; most of us live in the city, yet when we think of England we think of the countryside and the rural areas.'

Simon's reasons for focusing purely on England rather than Britain finds itself grounded in the union's contemporary politics, 'I chose to stick with England rather than the British Isles because of devolution, what with Wales and Scotland finding their strong identity. Yet we still ask what is it to be English, and what is this ambiguous term 'identity'?'

Simon Roberts will be giving an illustrated talk on the 2nd of June on the exhibitions 'We English' and 'The Election Project' featured at mac this summer.

Previews

The Barber Institute 19th -21st May Hop on the Art Bus for an after hours tour of four of the most exciting galleries in Birmingham, the Ikon, mac, RBSA and the Barber. And, even better, it's free!

TAGGED at EXYZT Curzon Street

Sarah Gasby Rosie McKaig Critic

Last week, in an unspectacular patch of grass on Curzon Street, Fierce planted two white containers soon to bear the markings of three of Birmingham's top graffiti artists.

The evening was dedicated to the search for the fuel that feeds the soul of Birmingham. The art-

ist's task was to create images which exposed the innards of the city, its personality and emotions.

The extraction of the city's guts, chartered playfully on the containers with soft and sharp sprays of red and black, demonstrated Fierce's vision of Birmingham as a living organ and a site of inspiration for the arts that is impossible to ignore.

A crowd of people sat watching

the artists. The atmosphere was mellow and strangely captivating.

Music chosen by the artists filled the grassy refuge attracting walkers by and showing the pleasure these men take in their work.

On the far right of the corrugated canvas AS1 created a huge mug of tea accompanied by the words 'CHIPPED, CRACKED, BROKEN' in brick-like capitals.

This fractured symbol of truly British comfort perhaps represented Birmingham's worn and dog-eared ego.

Tempo was not shy in filling his assigned spot. Two metre high letters spelt 'SUCKS' in a comic book style font backed with a bold black shadow. Above these, monster letters the artist squiggled 'Birmingham Street Art'.

From one of the most noted artists in Birmingham, this denouncement of the city's street art is poignant. Tempo's shaming perhaps, despite the culture flourishing of Birmingham last year in the

bid to become UK City of Culture, is a warning to a city that still has a lot to learn about exploration in the arts.

The burgeoning talent Lisk pasted a swarm of his angry robots erupting from black and red rays of fumes. Lisk sees these robots as guardians of the city, 'Birmingham's a big city... for the last two years I've been leaving my robots all around, each one standing in his position whether it's holding a weapon or warning you of something to come.'

On April 26th these containers will be re-planted opposite the Nikal Masshouse residential development on Moor Street Ringway.

In two months' time, new artists will be invited to graft their own feelings and thoughts onto these surfaces, continuing this inspired cycle of street art which will survive longer than the pieces spattered on the bricks of Birmingham today.

Mr Soon Come The Drum 19th -21st May The Drum's first in-house theatre show is a dark comedy that encompasses Brummie accents, dancehall reggae and 'unexpected

Deb Hall 2nd-4th June Guild Award-winning Article 19 present their rendition of a true story. High octane and utterly engaging, this is one not to miss.

Tickets £4, £5 and £8 Follow @DogDayArticle19

Redbrick

Television Britain's (not really) Got Talent

redbrickpaper.co.uk

13th May 2011

13

Sarah Pullen reviews Exile at redbrickpaper.co.uk

The Apprentice is back in business Russell Webb Reporter

Sara Hailan Reporter

Another electrifying series of Britain's got Talent graces our screens and, yet again, we find ourselves at home on a Saturday night, howling with laughter.

The fifth series hit our screens earlier in April and saw the loss of straight talking Simon Cowell and the smarmy, unnecessary Piers Morgan.

Though they were replaced by funny guy Michael McIntyre and lovable David Hasselhoff, I'm quite frankly left feeling rather unexcited and bored at the show's predictability.

As children timidly walk on stage, terrified of the roaring audience and begin their performance – out come the violins once again. Interestingly, Michael McIntyre is the only judge who has rightfully picked up on this unfair recurrence, by rejecting cute boy band New Bounce for that exact reason in the fourth episode.

Amanda Holden makes up the panel, being emotional as ever and rarely giving any sort of constructive criticism. What's really missing are the harsh words and insulting one liners we grew to love with Simon Cowell.

The first three episodes seemed to focus more on who hasn't got an ounce of talent but can make a complete fool of themselves on stage, like 31-yearold financial analyst Will and his failed dolphin impression. What's needed are more genuinely impressive acts rather than useless ones thrown in for the comedy factor.

The fourth episode saw Fine Art university student Nathan's use of Marmite on toast to create artistic images of the judges which was absolutely genius, and 11 year old James proved to be a modern day Billy Elliot with his mesmerising dance routine.

Whilst most people are avid watchers, even tuning in before a messy pre-lash at Fab, I feel the whole show is just missing something. The endless sob stories are over-used and irrelevant the majority of the time, and constant breaks every 10 minutes are frustrating to say the least.

Nonetheless, I find myself catching up on ITV Player, week in week out, purely for another form of revision procrastination, but I no longer schedule the show in my diary as I once did.

Once again Lord Sugar is back and on the hunt for another… wait, not an apprentice!? Instead, in a shake-up of the show, he is in fact now searching for a business partner. Indeed, the winner of series seven will embark on a £250,000 business journey with the legendary magnate.

This change to a winning formula has been brought about by Lord Sugar's labelling of the 'expectancy culture' that has emerged from the current generation's lack of willingness to get their hands dirty.

As a result, the 64 year old business tycoon has devised tasks that he believes are set to challenge the candidates' suitability to handle a business of their own.

Of course, if there is a candidate that fails in one of these tasks they will still receive the synonymous finger point and the trademark, 'you're fired.'

After only two episodes, the second of which was screened the day after the first, it is of course difficult to try and pick a frontrunner, but there are candidates that have established themselves as strong applicants.

The BBC's decision to show two episodes this week certainly satisfied a craving that has been missing since last December when we witnessed Stella English be-

come the last actual apprentice.

In the first episode the two teams were given £250 to buy market stock to then sell the next day for the greatest profit.

Typically they were split into the boys and girls and asked to name their teams, which sparked the usual cringe-worthy discussion of 'inspiring' words. This series they went for the completely unexciting 'Logic' and 'Venture'.

Surprisingly, team names or project managers were not hotly disputed, although there was a slight air of contention in the boys' room (but I'll let you see that for yourself). Instead the focus was on

the task at hand.

The girls decided that they would minimise costs by not spending the entire £250 afforded them by Lord Sugar, something that was challenged in the boardroom. In contrast, the boys went all out, spending their entire funds on oranges, tomatoes and peppers to create orange juice and tomato and pepper soup. Without spending all their money, the girls made fruit pots, selling them at £2 a pot, and vegetable pasta.

There was discord in the girls' camp when PM Melodie decided to withhold finances, while anarchy reigned in the boys' group when

all of their juicers broke down and they had to juice over 1000 oranges by hand.

As usual, sparks were flying in the boardroom and the unlucky loser was so angry about having been fired, they stormed out without saying a polite 'thank you' or even a 'goodbye.'

The Apprentice is back with a bang with two episodes this week, and two boardroom casualties.

As ever, the programme is enthralling with hopefully new and innovative tasks that test the candidates to their maximum.

Lord Sugar's new search for a business partner has begun.

Who is the real queen of the boardroom?

Charlotte Lytton says MARGARET...

There has been a Margaret-shaped hole in The Apprentice since Ms Mountford trotted off in her court shoes two series ago. The original ice maiden's expressive eyebrows and acerbic critiques of the misguided contestants were endless comedy gold, and something successor Karren Brady has failed to replicate.

There is no doubting that Brady is an incredibly successful businesswoman and a fabulous role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Unfortunately, however, this is an entertainment programme and not a workshop on enterprising. I don't tune in for lessons, I tune in for laughs, and she fails to produce on that score.

Margaret and Lord Sugar's other aide Nick Hewer proved to be one of the most fascinating double acts on the box during the first five series of the show.

Our favourite OAP pedants nitpicked each ridiculous scheme with unparalleled wit, but this camaraderie has been missing since Brady stepped in.

I don't doubt the

BBC's innocence in selecting a newer, younger model to take up the mantle as Sugar's right hand lady, but this has done little to silence accusations of female ageism within the channel.

What they have failed to realise is that viewers appreciated Mountford's mature approach and learned business acumen, and Brady's shinier screen presence can be simply no match.

We were treated to the triumphant return of the 'iron maiden' in the last series when she had a dramatic showdown with a certain Mr Baggs (the brand). She cut him down to size with her razor sharp retorts, undoubtedly making for a series highlight in the process.

Karren's softly-softly approach may be well suited to the likes of Junior Apprentice, but her drab and humourless approach does not cut it in a prime time slot.

It is true that she is more personable than her predecessor, but I long for the episodes of yesteryear and the sexual tension between the white-haired wonders that went on behind the boardroom doors.

Amber Alexander says KARREN...

I am, admittedly, a huge fan of The Apprentice, to the extent that I have wasted many hours of my life re-watching boardroom clips on Youtube and once, on a night-out I'd like to forget, scared the life out of Adam from Junior Apprentice by pouncing on him, forcing him to take a photo with me and then insisting that he knew my sister... he did not.

I love everything about the show and having devoutly watched every season, I have grown to view Margaret as the scathing grandma I wish I had.

However, with any long-running TV series, changes need to be made to keep things interesting and Karren Brady provides an excellent breath of fresh air. I have always been a fan of the self-assured businesswoman, who has managed to build a remarkable career in a male-dominated industry and become a worthy ambassador of Birmingham and our University.

I have been further impressed by her role as Lord Sugar's new assistant, which she has taken in her stride.

Rather than attempting to be the 'new Margaret', Karren Brady has brought her own unique at-

tributes to the show and has truly made the position her own.

Unlike the others sitting on her side of the table, Brady actually knows how to smile, and despite being one of the most powerful women in Britain, she comes across as surprisingly relatable.

She brings a sense of warmth to the otherwise ice-cold boardroom. Whilst it would be impossible to hold Margaret's penetrating glare for very long, Brady is personable and gracious.

However, despite being younger and generally more sympathetic, Brady is no wallflower.

One of her most memorable moments was reproaching the bickering women in last year's series for giving women in business a bad name.

I like Karren because she always says what the viewers are thinking and she has a good sense of humour. Karren Brady certainly brings some much needed class to The Apprentice.

14 Television

TV News

13th May 2011 www.redbrickpaper.co.uk

The BBC has announced that Hustle will not return with any of the current cast after its eighth series. Writer Tony Jordan has not confirmed whether the programme will one day return with new characters.

Redbrick

Editors – Amber Alexander & Charlotte Lytton

Gary Barlow has been confirmed as a new judge on ITV's X Factor when the new series begins later in the year.

The news comes in the same week that Cheryl Cole has begun filming X Factor USA after months of speculation.

Alan Davies labelled the BBC 'shabby' for the way it cancelled his show Whites. He said he received an email from someone who he had never met, and that he expected more from the channel after 16 years of working together.

Redbrick TV meets My Beautiful Friends star Katie Piper Charlotte Lytton Television Editor

Katie Piper shot to fame in 2009 in Channel 4's Cutting Edge documentary My Beautiful Face. The programme charted Piper's road to recovery after a brutal acid attack left her disfigured for life. She underwent 40 surgical operations to rebuild her face and neck, and has recently fronted the My Beautiful Friends series in order to widen awareness of facial deformities.

During the show, she met a number of people who had fallen victim to life-changing disfigurements, and discussed the ways in which their lives had changed. The four part series also looked at the work done by The Katie Piper Foundation, of which Simon Cowell is a patron. Piper has reached people around the world with her continuing media presence, and her best-selling autobiography Beautiful was serialised in the Mail on Sunday in February this year. The initial documentary picked up a

Broadcast Award in 2011 and has been aired around the world.

Your new show has seen you meeting other young people who have suffered from burns-related injuries. What effect did meeting them have on you?

I felt very privileged to have the opportunity to meet these inspirational people and be part of their

journey. At times, it was certainly emotional, but we also had a lot of fun together. I feel very flattered that I can be an inspiration to people who have suffered similar injuries to myself.

with a long term goal to recreate a similar centre here in the UK. We also hold make-up workshops, seminars and have an online community to help support other people through our forums.

What does The Katie Piper Foundation do?

What message would you give someone going through the operations and endless appointments that you had to go through?

We are raising money to fund patients to attend the scar management centre I attended in France

Just hang on in there. Things really do get better, and with determination and persistence you really will get there.

Do you think that this has made you a stronger person?

Yes of course – you cannot go through a life changing situation without it changing your life! It is really great to be able to have a platform to talk to people about the things that are important to me, and that I truly believe should be to others.

What projects do you have coming up at the moment?

The charity is continuing to raise both money and awareness for our ultimate goal, and we are always very grateful to anyone who can help us on our journey by fund-raising for us.

How has your life changed since the first documentary was aired?

I have progressed medically and also with my confidence. After launching my charity, The Katie Piper Foundation, I have seen it go from strength to strength, and it's honestly a great feeling to be back at work.

You can donate money to The Katie Piper Foundation by visiting the website at www.katiepiperfoundation.org.uk/donate. The site charts how far your money goes to help patients.

Student Voice

Meeting three times each year, Guild Council is the democratic voice of Students at the University of Birmingham.

E N U J 4 1 Y A D TUES TH

BERS M A H C IL C N U ILD CO U G E H T IN M 4P TH MAY

4 2 Y A D S E U :T

E N I L D A E TION D O S M N A T O I I T M B O U M ONE CAN S

@5PM

ANY

ANYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND GUILD COUNCIL TO GIVE THEIR OPINION ON THE ISSUES RAISED

For more information and to access full motions,visit www.guildofstudents.com or email council@guild.bham.ac.uk

Notice to all local residents...

Dear Resident, On Thursday 16th June the University of Birmingham, Guild of Students will be holding the 2011 Grad Ball – an annual event celebrating the end of the academic year. 2010 saw the first event of this kind being held on University grounds. This event is restricted to University of Birmingham students and their bona-fide guests.

The event will require the Guild of students to erect a number of temporary structures in the centre of campus, in particular a main stage to house the headline acts and marquees housing a bar, silent disco and a ‘chill out’ area. Other external entertainment will include a small fairground.

The event will begin at 6pm for a drinks reception followed by a meal held in the Great Hall on campus for Dinner Ticket holders. At 8pm students who have purchased an entertainments ticket will arrive and the fairground and headline acts will commence.

The live bands will finish at 11pm and from this time DJs will be playing until the event ends at 2am. All sound levels will be monitored and managed throughout the evening to ensure they stay within the specified and legal limits. If you have any concerns about the evening or related activity please contact the Guild of Students in the run up to the event on 0121 251 2300, and the event organiser on the evening of the event by calling 07500 367934.

Yours faithfully University of Birmingham Guild of Students

16 redbrickonline.co.uk

13th May 2011

Film

Redbrick

ÂŁ242,000,000

The amount Thor has made in its first week of release.

Film News

A film-filled Easter break Source Code

Arthur

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At my small hometown cinema with the joy and expectation of a whole month's film-packed holiday, I took my seat to watch Duncan Jones' Source Code.

The follow-up to Jones' stunning debut, Moon, Source Code follows the quite ridiculously named Colter Stevens, an army pilot who finds himself trapped inside a chamber and on a mission to uncover the bomber of a Chicago train. Jake Gyllenhaal is on excellent form as the bewildered Stevens, his confusion and sleuthing occasionally leading to scenes of slapstick humour and amusingly cringe-worthy behaviour. He is stunning too when Stevens discovers the disturbing truth behind his mission, a beautifully emotional phone call proving a particular highlight.

Scre4m is a gore-loaded,

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tongue-in-cheek stab movie with little else to it.

Red Riding Hood

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Gyllenhaal's female co-stars Vera Farmiga and Michelle Monaghan are also brilliant. It's testament to her performance and the great script by Ben Ripley that

although we see Monaghan in the same situation time and again, there is still character development and a believable relationship arc.

While some of the film's science fiction elements may seem silly, it raises some interesting philosophical questions and the core romance and human heart of the film are engrossing. I left the cinema feeling both heartwarmed and thoughtful: a fantastic start to an Easter of film.

A desire to see my horrorphobic friend pitted against latest slasher-franchise offering Scre4m (whose title I have difficulty writing without feeling repulsion at the annoying trend of numbers in titles) saw my next cinema visit sample the horror/thriller genre.

Scre4m is a gore-loaded, tonguein-cheek stab movie with little else to it. The repeated stabbings, in a new world full of horrific tortureporn killings, get dull quickly but the film is humourous, the twist compelling and the young actors charismatic enough to make it a fun watch.

Towards the end of the holiday, and almost as a sign of the impeding exam doom to come, I was dragged to see one of the worst films of my 21 years of life: Red Riding Hood. Like the poorly written, hollow and horrifically acted

Top 10: Movie Weddings

A topical top 10 looking at Will & Kate's greatest cinema rivals

8

Four Weddings and a Funeral A talented British cast show the hilarious things that can happen at weddings (and, of course funerals).

Twilight that everyone who hasn't seen Twilight envisions, Red Riding Hood is a truly bleak, lifeless movie. It is the epitome of style without substance; you can see in the quite beautiful stylised landscapes and the black, white and red colour palette the foundation

Red Riding Hood is the epitome of style without substance. of what could have been a dark, stylish thriller. But that's all it is.

Foundation and make-up attempt but fail to cover a truly awful script and lacklustre acting.

A wonderfully whimsical cure for my consequent malaise was Arthur, the feel-good remake of the 1981 flick. Here, Russell Brand takes the reigns from Dudley Moore, and does so with both sweetness and quirkiness abounding. Though some may find him annoying, his childishness, to me, was endearing. And although it was a safe, relatively insignificant rom-com it was a sweet, optimistic note on which to end my Easter in film.

Genevieve Taylor

3 The Hangover This wedding is the culmination of the movie's intensity and madness. What elevates it above many others is the singer's R&B version of Candy Shop to a group of venerable elderly relatives is priceless.

New Snow White Nathan Lane and newcomer Robert Emms have been added to the cast of Tarsem Singh's The Brothers Grimm: Snow White, with Julia Roberts already set to play the Queen and Lily Collins in the role of Snow White. Lane is set to play a servant to the Queen with Emms as the Prince's Valet.

This new take on the old fairytale is set to begin filming next month, to be released in June 2012.

Diaz is Expecting Cameron Diaz is mentioned as a possible star to appear in the adaptation of Heidi Murkoff's novel What to Expect When You're Expecting into a rom-com.

There is no news as to who Diaz will play. The film will focus on four couples who are expecting children, and Kirk Jones has been called in to direct. This production, which has been long under discussion, may finally enter pre-production.

7 Fiddler on the Roof

Having spent the entire film grappling with the task of marrying off his three daughters, Sholom Aleichem finally lets them all go and the village comes together in a heartwarming closing scene.

Lay The Favourite

6 Muriel's Wedding Campy and cult film about Muriel's struggle with self esteem and the lengths she will go to for her fairy-tale wedding.

5 The Philadelphia Story Who couldn't resist a Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant/James Stewart love story? While technically the wedding is awaited rather than celebrated throughout the story, the acting is stunning and the film is classic.

10 Any rom-com's ending 9 Bend it like Beckham At the end of countless rom-coms, our sensitive and witty protagonists realise that all they want is to put aside their differences and get married.

An often overlooked British film, while Jesminder's sister is celebrating her bold glamorous wedding, the football match of a lifetime is happening without her.

4 Wedding Crashers

Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn start the film at a stream of various weddings showing off their techniques for blagging drinks and women, eventually settling on the one wedding that will change the course of the film.

2 The Graduate In this now iconic scene, Dustin Hoffman disrupts the wedding of the woman he loves, at the climax of the film. High speed chases and declarations of love. Perfect.

1 The Godfather The ultimate classic wedding.

This early scene introduces the whole family, showing the tensions and values and serves to be a subtle reminder that The Godfather is all about relationships, connections and family ties. And the wedding is beautiful too.

Izzy Sanders

Vince Vaughn is rumoured to be starring in gambling dramedy Lay the Favourite alongside Bruce Willis, Justin Timberlake and Rebecca Hall. The plot is based on the diary of a thirtysomething year old woman who becomes involved with a group of gamblers for a year in America at the beginning of the century.

Production is due to begin soon for release next year.

Hunting Bin Laden Following the breaking news of Osama Bin Laden's death last week, a new film based on the event seems well under way, due to begin filming in the summer.

The film, by Katherine Bigelow, had already been planned before Bin Laden's death but is now being edited based on recent developments ready for production. Joel Edgerton (King Arthur) and Owen Lars (Star Wars) are set to star.

Samantha Leith

Redbrick

Redbrick

Editors – Matt Davis, Elmley de la Cour, Genevieve Taylor & Izzy Sanders

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13 Assassins

Thor

Director: Takashi Miike Cast: Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada Cert: 18

Director: Kenneth Branagh Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman Cert: 12

By Odin's beard! It's the hammerswinging, golden-locked god of thunder coming at full force in this epic story of origin, kicking off the summer blockbuster season with a real punch.

This superhero movie takes a look at the latest member of Marvel's Avengers: Thor (Chris Hemsworth, Star Trek), the arrogant son of the Norse god Odin (Anthony Hopkins). In anticipation of next year's The Avengers, Thor is an origin story, explaining the Norse god's banishment from

Asgard, and exploring his relationships with love interest, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston).

For comic book fans, Marvel's decision to appoint Shakespearian thesp, Kenneth Branagh, to the film's helm may have been unnerving. However sceptics can be relieved as the Brit delivers a showpiece worthy of bringing the god to the big screen in a film that has certainly raised the bar for future comic book movies to come – especially in light of this summer's upcoming Captain America.

Chris Hemsworth's portrayal of Thor is just what the doctor ordered. He presents the character in a serious demeanour with a hint of self-mockery making him very

likeable even with an ego big enough to rival that of Iron Man's Tony Stark. Portman – who amazingly manages to fit Thor into her busy schedule – seamlessly slips into the goofy scientist role, while Hopkins brings his trademark presence to the screen. However, Tom Hiddleston is an absolute show-stealer as the villainous trickster, Loki.

The cheesy back-story requires expert handling but Thor drives in the right direction in every way.

Some may expect more action, but Branagh's involvement was never going to produce 'GI-Joe meets the gods'. Thor is a definite must see.

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Takashi Miike is famous for scandalous films, Itchi the Killer is famed for its over-the-top violence and Audition induced shock among reviewers. His latest film, a period samurai epic, is a departure from his shock-mongering, but still has his name all over it.

As the 19th century progressed, the age of the Samurai was coming to an end.

Unfortunately, not all is well in Japan; the Shogun's brother, a sadistic and tradition obsessed young official, has been appointed as senior advisor.

In an effort to prevent him from asserting his war mongering attitude over the Japanese people another adviser enlists a group of warriors to quietly kill this potential tyrant.

The movie is in two clear halves, the first half mainly consists of Japanese men kneeling and discussing dedication and duty.

It establishes the commitment of the titular group of warriors to the cause and thoroughly and graphically demonstrates the sadism and villainy of the Shogun's brother.

Then, an extended and intense action sequence, with a large body count, takes up most of the final sixty minutes. Miike is a master at compelling the audience with both dialogue and action; the film

clocks in at just over two hours but never ceases to be engaging.

The period roots of the film gives good taste to the action and Miike has clearly dialled back on the insane gore, a shocking act of hari-kari opens the film but is only implied, nothing but blood is ever apparent but there is buckets of it.

Apart from its use of red, the colour scheme is somewhat muted, the dominant palette being dimly lit browns and greys.

An impressive piece of filmmaking, and a history lesson that doesn't hold back in its attempt to demonstrate the culture and mentality of the age, 13 Assassins is a must for any lover of Asian cinema.

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Justified Existence: Russell Brand

Sparkling wit or poncing tit? Redbrick writers discuss the pros and cons of Britain's most controversial export.

Love Muscle Russell

'Russell Brand is a refreshing breath of personality, a real life rags-toriches story.'

Most people base their negative opinions of Russell Brand on a certain telephone call to a national treasure and a drug-fuddled past.

However, when you look at Russell Brand, there is a plethora of talents and traits that have helped him go from the most hated personality in Britain to the most popular actor in Hollywood in two and a half years. This unprecedented rise can only be due to his infectious personality and untiring talent.

Yes, there are those who whiningly insist that he 'only plays himself in everything', ignorant of the fact that Brand is a former pupil of the prestigious Italia Conti drama school, a fact which proves he has capabilities above self-portrayal.

He has played a clever game, allowing himself to become ingratiated into Hollywood as the loveable Brit who can play the rock star down to a tee. It is not his fault that he has so far been typecast into this narrow role. Forgetting Sarah Marshall et al. may well see Brand playing a Brand-esque character, but in this year's The Tempest, Brand played a Shakespearian character the way a contemporary actor would have.

Although his most recent offering, Arthur, was almost universally panned, this is not his fault. The undeniable comedic brilliance we all know he has was restrained by producers desperate for an inoffensive blockbuster, selling short both the Arthur franchise and Brand himself.

In a world of bland Bradley Coopers, Russell Brand is a refreshing breath of personality, a real life

rags-to-riches story that is inspiring, interesting and unmistakeably funny. Still not convinced?

Re-watch Brand and Noel Fielding's hilarious Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2006 performance. Case closed.

Kayte Ferris

Childish & Pointless

Serial shagger, outrageous comedian and advert for abstinence.

These are just some of Russell Brand's many career paths. But surely not film star.

As his latest film, Arthur,

receives dire reviews it would seem as though the public is beginning to tire of the endless tedious regurgitations of the same character.

Despite his supposed reputation as Hollywood's rising star, Brand's acting ability is anything but sparkling. Like a damp firework, his future as an actor looks set to fizzle out.

In all his performances, whether playing a rock star or millionaire playboy, Brand merely recreates various dimensions of his own eccentric and brash persona. If acting is defined as the portraying of different characters then someone needs to lend Russ a dictionary.

Brand gives the impression that he never reads scripts but simply opts for incoherent babble.

Perhaps we are meant to find this charming or maybe Brand thinks he can confuse the audience into finding him entertaining but alas to no avail.

Continually playing up to his 'corr, blimey guvner' image Brand never attempts any real acting, with the result being that the distinction between reality and pretence is completely blurred.

Regardless, Brand seems content to ride this gravy train as long as it can accommodate his ego.

His recent voice-over work in Despicable Me and Hop seem to be the greatest acting success that Brand is likely to have until he abandons the arrogant poncey identity. If there is any real talent

then Brand is concealing it so well that it would require an archaeological excavation to find it.

He may be titillating the audiences for now but it will not last.

Russell Brand? More like Russell Bland.

Lucy Steiner

'Like a damp firework, his future as an actor looks set to fizzle out.'

18 redbrickpaper.co.uk

13th May 2011

Music Jukebox

Jay-Z Faces Lawsuit Over 'Big Pimpin' Sample www.pitchfork.com/news

Live Reviews

Interpol

Leeds Academy 22/03/2011

William Franklin Music Editor

The Lonely Island – The Creep (feat. John Waters & Nicki Minaj) I Just Had Sex was a brief burst of puerile fun but ultimately unsatisfying. It looked for all the world like Samberg and his mates had run dry, and then The Creep happened. Getting that ominous rodent Waters to introduce it was a stroke of genius and Minaj steals the show with her Barbie Doll voyeurism. For a song essentially about dressing and acting like a date-rapist, it's good fun, but like anything Lonely Island have ever done, it's nothing without the accompanying video.

Tyler, The Creator – Tron Cat Rap's vicious prodigal son released his first full-length LP this week and it's pretty, well, vicious.

One of the first tracks to jump out at me with a switchblade was this, another virulent tirade in much the same vein as Yonkers.

There are daddy issues galore, some chronic masturbation and enough sour-faced rape jokes to make Frankie Boyle turn his nose up. Tyler says no to drugs though, he'd rather 'snort Hitler's ashes'.

Mann – Buzzin' (feat. 50 Cent) I genuinely love this song, it's a fairly accomplished mix of a crackin' bit of late-eighties freestyle, but it really does contain the worst rhyme ever written. You may not have noticed it, but Mann tries to get away with: 'man I feel like money/they come around like honey/'cause I'm fly like the bee'.

There are at the very least, twenty-four, reasoned, coherent arguments why this is such a heinous violation of language, and every one of them is a blood-curdling scream.

3BUGS FRINGE THEATRE PRESENT: BUFF Birmingham University Fringe Festival is calling all music societies and performers to get involved in BUFF. For more info contact fringe@guild.bham.ac.uk BURN MUSIC FM TEAM Song of the Week Battles – Ice Cream Contact us: music@rebrickonline.co.uk Twitter – @redbrickmusic Facebook – Redbrick Music

Redbrick

Rachael Hogg Critic

Having formed in 1997, and releasing their first poorly selling but critically acclaimed album, Turn On the Bright Lights in 2002, Interpol have since gained such momentum, and have been catapulted to the forefront of the New York alternative post-punk music scene.

Having gained credit for facilitating and influencing such bands as Editors and White Lies and since 2002 releasing three more studio albums, the band now have a sizable following, and most definitely satisfy fans with their live performances.

Taking to the stage in Leeds' O2 Academy, after support from quirky American music producer, avant-pop artist and DJ, Matthew Dear, the band arrived in a truly suited-up fashion, donning smart shirts and business suits. Rather reserved and briefly introducing themselves, the band launched

Album Reviews 7 Eric Benét Lost In Time

into Success, the first track of their 2010 self-titled release.

Interpol really did deliver on all counts, performing a great mix of tracks, new and old. Tracks off 2010s release were received especially well, despite many critics arguing that they are past their songwriting best. Seldom performed favourite Specialist was an extra special treat for the audience. Adhering to their slightly formal image physically and musically, chatter between songs was minimal.

With so many crowd pleasing songs, Interpol had to be selective for a rousing encore. They returned to stage with the dreamy and mystical Untitled, successfully stirring and invigorating the crowd, before sliding into the calmer and melodious, The New (both off their debut album). The evening was completed with the anthemic and fast paced Slow Hands, potentially perpetuating the notion that Interpol long to return to the songwriting days of their first two albums.

Stefanie De Lucia Critic

After listening to a bit of Eric Benét (Ben-ay dahling, Ben-ay) you cannot help but fall a little bit in love with him. He is really, really ridiculously good looking and his song Summer Love is sung with his daughter, India. Every one tilt your head and say 'aww'.

His voice, while slightly nasal, is actually good, and his songs are pretty damn good too but the main criticism I have of Benét is that he's trying a little too hard to be Solomon Burke and it is screaming from every song on his album, particularly Sometimes I Cry. It is also a bit of a clustercluss of genres. On my iTunes the genre came up as R&B – maybe in 1999

Benét, but that Boyz II Men thing you've got going on isn't really R&B at all.

Then I discovered he was nominated for a Grammy in 2000 and it all made sense. Benét went off the radar better than Bin Laden, then went back to making the exact same music without realising what a difference ten years makes to the music business.

For me personally it's a genius concoction; it takes you back to the 90s, there's a bit of jazz, a bit of swing, a bit of a motown vibe, and a whole lotta soul.

I can imagine however, that it's not everyone's brand of vodka but I would say that it is well worth a listen on a lazy Sunday – heck, we're students, so lazy any/every day of the week.

Cashing In On Not Selling Out

Left ticket buying too late? Redbrick looks at Europe's cheaper festivals Tamara Roper Music Editor

Open'er Festival – Poland Despite holding the title of Best Major Festival from the European Festival Awards, Poland's Open'er Festival is still almost unheard of – probably a reason to go before the prices rocket in the next few years.

Previously headlined by the likes of Sonic Youth and Snoop Dogg, this year sees Prince, Coldplay and The Strokes take to the main stage of one of Europe's cheapest and apparently most highly thought of festival, as well as M.I.A, James Blake and Pulp performing over the weekend.

Sponsored by Heineken, beer buddies to Spain's Festival de Benicassim, Open'er, unlike its major foreign contemporary isn't likely to set you back a day's spending money on a drink; for £1.30 a pint and just under £100 for a weekend camping and train ticket, you're likely to spend less money on the whole weekend than you would staying in Britain.

Exit Festival – Serbia Proving that Eastern Europe is a hot spot for cheap weekends with consistently good line ups, Exit is set just as much a beauty spot as it is a place to pitch your tent. Held in what can only be described as a fortress on a river, it is also home to a line up that is a crowd pleaser in terms of there's something going on for everyone.

With acts ranging from the defiantly grumpy Nick Cave and Grinderman to Jamiroquai (who is, apparently, still in existence) Exit still has yet to release the full line up of its seven stages. Running from the 7th to 10th of July, a festival ticket and access to 'Exit Village' camping will set you back a mere £114.

Moseley Folk Festival – Birmingham Perfect if you can't be bothered to go far, camp or deal with portaloos, Moseley Folk Festival is your best bet. Boasting a small but perfectly proportioned line up, the Friday-Sunday weekender is marvel-

lous if you're the type who wants to head straight home (to Selly Oak) after an evening of bearded men with guitars.

Headlining are some of Britain's best hirsute troubadours – Billy Bragg, Badly Drawn Boy and Tinariwen, as well as Villagers, Gruff Rhys and Jose Gonzalez – for a suburb of Birmingham, Moseley hasn't done too badly in raking in some of Britain's best home grown folk. Tickets range from £28.50 for a day ticket to £79 for a whole weekend, and the option to pick and choose a combination of days is available if you're not mellow enough for a whole weekend.

Wilderness Festival – Oxfordshire If you're the type who likes your festivals to come with a slice of poetry or the option of boutique camping, then Wilderness, with its babysitting service and promise of 'provenance and fine dining' is right up your street. Perhaps a step up from the laid back atmosphere of Latitude, Wilderness is a festival for the more mature at heart.

All middle class jibes aside, the line up is a laid back affair; Laura Marling, Anthony and the Johnstons, and banjo bizarro's Hayseed Dixie amongst others. Running from the 12th to the 14th of August, an early bird ticket will set you back £99. Proving to be equally focused on literature and spoken word to music, Wilderness, despite being a festival leaning toward the older lovers of camping, proves to be one of the cheaper British festivals.

Hove – Norway So you've got a fair bit of your loan left and like pop music? If V doesn't sound appealing because the weather's bound to be rubbish, try Hove, situated on a little island in Norway. The line up is brilliantly multifarious, with Robyn playing an hour after Architects on Thursday and Tinie Tempah playing the same stage as Odd Future.

If none of those strike you as appealing, try Big Boi, Bright Eyes and Linkin Park might seal the deal. Its ethical and savvy, yet £300. It takes place between the 28th of June and July 1st.

Redbrick

Music 19

13th May 2011 www.redbrickpaper.co.uk

Editors – Charlie Bailey, Tamara Roper & William Franklin

Single Reviews Metronomy The Look

The Ultra Girls Girls Will Be Girls

Being a self proclaimed girly girl, when I saw the album artwork for The Ultra Girls, I immediately nabbed it from all the other eager hands of all the other Redbrick critics… okay, so I was given it because of the aforementioned girly girl-ness and the fact the album cover is pink.

Previous to their singing career, The Ultra Girls were cheerleaders at Leeds University which is how they met and formed a girl band which led them on to great things: X-factor boot camp. This was the infamous year that Louis Walsh put through the even more infamous, and possibly radioactive, Jedward. I have to admit, I was very excited to have a listen, then had my hopes and dreams dashed when I discovered Girls Will be Girls sounds exactly like a

Girls Aloud/Cheryl Cole song.

There is literally no way of discerning them from any other girl band, or solo artist for that matter as there is one voice that dominates the whole track. I have to admit, after a few listens I did get a tiny bit into the song with its girl power undertones and I-don'tneed-a-man-to-complete-me vibe, but this was momentary before I realised what I was singing along to. With creative and meaningful lyrics like 'trouble with a capital T', I can only hope that the single is as far as they will go, however as they are touring with the better Minogue on her upcoming Aphrodite tour I fear they won't go down without a fight. While there's not much praise I can give to The Ultra Girls, I may send Louis Walsh a bunch of flowers. At least he tried to stop them, right?

This song is sneaky – like overemphasised creeping around on your toes, fingers – on – lips sneaky.

Sneaky like the soundtrack of a 1960s detective film and sneaky like it'll inch round your head for days after first listen. This is the sort of song that will no doubt appear on high street store playlists and have people quietly tapping their toes under the clothes rails and wondering to themselves 'who is this?!'. Well kids, it's Metronomy and The Look is their second release from new album 'The French Riviera'. It's perfect for this near Mediterranean weather we've been basking in – so for 4.39 minutes, put down your books and get your sneak on.

Tamara Roper

Stefanie De Lucia

Snoop Dogg

Sweat (David Guetta Remix)

Music Diary 13th – 19th Friday 13th

Die! Die! Die! Hare and Hounds

Saturday 14th The original, undoctored version of Sweat was a vaguely engaging dose of G-funk, it was never going to rank among Snoop's best, or even decent work, but it had some nice swaying backing and appropriately hazy production. Until David Guetta got his sweaty mitts on it that is. Now it's plagued by guileless, clumsy synths, pointless reverb and the hook is twisted up and repeated with obnoxious regularity. It could have been done by an eight-year-old. The saddest thing about Sweat is that I can just imagine the conversation between the Suits that led to this abomination.

'Hey, Snoop's finished his latest single, it's good, but I can't see it being played in clubs.'

'What's the point of it then?

[SIGH] Fine. Get someone on remixing that would you?'

'Sure. How about someone with absolutely no experience of hiphop production?'

'Like David Guetta?'

'Perfect. Pass the cocaine.'

William Franklin

Peter Doherty HMV Institute

Misty's Big Adventure The Library, HMV

Sunday 15th

The Tangent Robin 2, Wolverhampton

Monday 16th Snoop Dogg HMV Institute

Tuesday 17th

Pete and the Pirates Hare and Hounds Villagers Glee Club

Wednesday 18th Warpaint HMV Institute

Thursday 19th

Parts & Labor/Teeth of The Sea/ Free School Hare and Hounds

Redbrick's Recommended Albums To Revise To The Music team are here to help with ideal music for this troubling time

Bohren und der club of Gore – Sunset Mission (2000) Dark-Jazz-Ambient from this German outfit certainly does the trick of providing an unobtrusive soundtrack for work. Tracks stretch the silences out to emphasise the simple, haunting quality of the music to great effect. Constantly evolving, even at a glacial pace; Sunset Mission is the perfect soundtrack to revision…that or a codeine binge?

cord of Richard D. James' most accomplished work at the time of its release. Drawing heavily from the ambient work of ex-Roxy Brian Eno, James made much more use of intricately textured production on this album. The effect is, in the Twin's own words 'like standing in a power station on acid', but this writer wouldn't advise that course of action in pursuit of academia.

Charlie Bailey

Portishead – Dummy (1994)

Air – Moon Safari (1998)

One of our essential albums a while back, Portishead's debut effort manages to combine the treacle thick pace of trip-hop with Beth Gibbon's ethereal voice providing a great contrast. That juxtaposition of creepy production, theremin sampling and laid back bass, with the sheer purity of the vocals is what makes Dummy such an interesting and ultimately rewarding experience on tracks like Glory Box and Mysterons.

Everybody loves Sexy Boy, but I get the feeling rather fewer people know that dreamy synth pop isn't really what Air are about. Air's debut Moon Safari is held up as one of the defining classics of late-nineties chillout music, mostly because of their ability to combine ambient lounge electronica with a plethora of more jazz-influenced instrumentation. All in all, it's hypnotic stuff, ideal for transforming the decrepit student digs or hysterical chaos of the library you're trying (and if you're anything like me, failing) to work in, into a smoky gin joint in Soho.

Aphex Twin – Selected Ambient Works vol. 2 (1994) One of Britain's most influential artist's most influential works: this double album contains a re-

Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago (2008)

Though emotionally touching, Justin Vernon's spectraly folk on For Emma rarely intrudes on your consciousness unless you want it to.

Instead it provides natural background sound, akin to the rustling of a spacious woodland muffled by heavy snowfall. The tranquility of an affable winter is in fact a pervading theme in Vernon's work, hsis pseudonym Bon Iver being a corruption of the French for 'good winter'. It's plaintitively obvious in his music, which is something of a mercy when you're trapped inside revising during occasional bouts of British sunshine.

Oxmo Puccino – L'Arme De Paix (2009) French hip-hop is a criminally underrated artform, such a lyrical language provides an exceptional vehicle for the comforting raps of people like MC Solaar.

But it's Oxmo Puccino (now a national treasure at the other end of the Chunnel) who clinches the genre for me. L'Arme de Paix, the Malian-born rapper's sixth studio album, is jammed with soulful, flowing beats that are more R&B than hip-hop and his soothing voicework is just as calming. Being

fluent in French is only going to damage its ability to thump quietly in the background though. A quick Babel Fish-ing back when I got the album revealed the lyrics to be dark and moody, fuelled by social injustice and racial disunity. But from a point of ignorance L'Arme de Paix will wash over you in the least intrusive manner imaginable.

William Franklin Burial – Untrue Before dubstep became all screw facing and 'big drops' there was Burial. Unknown until he became forced to come out of hiding due to speculation over his true identity, Will Bevan produced a first album that has served as one of the main 'get the ball rolling' records of one of the decade's most innovative genres. True to its producer's nom de plume, the record is haunting, with lyrics muted enough so as not to disturb wordy revision. 'Untrue' is an aural stream of consciousness without the inevitable mind bending and self loathing at choosing a degree that makes you hate literary classics.

El Perro Del Mar – Love Is Not Pop

Beautiful and lilting, El Perro Del Mar serves as a reminder that there is sun and shining light away from your library cubicle. A treat, as well as a revision aid, the sea dog herself (AKA Sarah Assbring no prizes for why she chose a new name) is Swedish, because all good female crooners are from the Netherlands, and very much a beach and sand compadre of Lykke Li. Love Is Not Pop is seven songs long, a perfect half hour light revision chunk. Enjoy with holiday thoughts in mind.

Bat For Lashes – Fur and Gold Another fantastic one woman show, Natasha Kahn's Fur and Gold is ethereal to the extent that by listening too closely you run the risk of forgetting what you're actually cramming for. Nevertheless, Fur and Gold is ambient and intense – Kahn's first offering that has gained her enough critical acclaim to ride on a wave of wholly positive acclaim for five years. Featuring a Bruce Springsteen cover and the ever mournful What's A Girl To Do?, Fur and Gold is best listened to when the grey cloud of exams is proving too much and escapism calls.

Tamara Roper

20 redbrickpaper.co.uk

Life&Style

13th May 2011

Redbrick

Fierce or Finished?

Fierceall

Retro Brum at the Custard Factory

Stacey Barnes Writer

Saturday saw the launch of 'Birmingham's Newest Independent Fashion, Home and Arts Fair', Retro Brum. Held, fittingly, at the Custard Factory's Space 2 in Digbeth, the fair was jam-packed with treasures old and new, from antique watches and grandad jumpers to scrabble-letter rings and hand-made greeting cards!

The quid entry fee was worth it for the atmosphere alone; hag-

gling with the traders, grooving whilst browsing and mooching on the battered sofas eating caramel shortbread was made über-fun by the sexy tracks spun by the Tantrums.

A quaint vintage tea room took over the bar area selling delicious cakes and nibbles on kitsch chinaware, and some stalls were dedicated wholly to cupcakes, tray-bakes and other heavenly treats. Two low-key catwalk shows were held, styled by Bad Apple and Ove-ra Monkeys, which were short but sweet and featured 'real-life' models (none of this size zero malarkey).

Folks from The Vintage Salon were offering retro pin-up hair and make-up over in Zellig, a n d y o u could even get beautiful henna tattoos done.

There were over 40 stalls selling titbits old and new, from well-

loved leather bags from Tea Cup Kitsch right up to new but vintageinspired tees from Daisy Chain Clothing. Do not despair if you missed it – the fair will be on 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 11am!

There's also a vintage market on 25th June at Stan's Cafe in the Jewellery Quarter, and weekend car boots like 'Bar Boot Sale' at the Hare and Hounds from 1pm Saturdays or the city-centre Sunday morning one, which are often dotted with vintage finds.

Don't forget the vintage stalls in and around the rag markets, plus there's vintage to be found in a garage-y warehouse shop near Sing Fat Ltd Chinese supermarket – if you can find it!

The Custard F a c tory is also home to Urban Village and Frock On Vintage, and of course there's the iconic vintage warehouse COW on

you

Water For Elephants – Rob Pattinson for the girls, Reese Witherspoon for the boys and a very talented elephant chucked in for good measure.

Cravendale cats with thumbs advert – I shush everyone when it comes on. It's irrelevant to milk but very amusing.

Nightline's Tea & Toast – Post-Fab food for free? This could be a winner.

Digbeth High Street, so why not make your trip to the fair into a thorough vintage shopping experience. COW has a sister shop near Urban Outfitters in the city centre too, and the Urban Renewal section at UO stocks one-off treads made from vintage, surplus and pre-loved materials.

Also check out Top Banana in Kings Heath, Yo Yo in the city centre, the vintage section on the top floor of Oasis Market, and keep an eye out for Forgotten Vintage's next hanging-rail vintage market!

Debate: A private or public life for the royal couple?

Gisele Bündchen – According to the Telegraph she's worth £45 million AND looked stunning in her Alexander McQueen gown at the MET ball. Very jel.

The Redbrick Awards – Congratulations to all the winners!

Jamie Woon – His new album Mirrorwriting is suitably chilled to get you through revision.

Variations on red hair – Rihanna, Drew Barrymore, Florence Welch, Blake Lively, Scarlett Johansson… shall we jump on the bandwagon?

Finished Jogging bottoms worn with flip-flops – No. No, no, no. Just no.

Exams – Enough said.

Grad Ball ticket prices – Excuse me, how much?!

Summer dresses with no bra – Nipples on display are so unattractive, don't do it ladies.

Gabrielle Lunn Writer

Leave them in peace!

What on God's earth makes people think that it is acceptable to harass the young couple? Put yourself in the place of the Duchess: your wedding was seen by literally billions of people worldwide, you only knew most of your guests from the politics section of the newspaper and all that everyone could talk about following your special day was the pertness of your baby sister's rear.

After all that, I'm sure she deserves a break to remind herself what it was all for. Following the revelations that a honeymoon would be postponed due to her hubby's 'work commitments', the very least this newlywed can ask for is a peaceful wander down the fruit and veg aisle in Waitrose.

Surely we can sympathise enough to grant her that wish?

After enjoying a relatively un-

disturbed and quiet youth spent together at university without the paparazzi shoving cameras in their faces, it must have come as quite the shock, even for Wills, to see the hoard that stood outside Buckingham Palace to witness their first kiss.

Choosing the quaint village of Anglesey, shunning the idea of servants and going about their daily business in private reminds us why we fell in love with Prince William and Kate in the first place.

Humble, down-to-earth and relatable, we should try to preserve those qualities, after all, it's not William's fault he was born into royalty, and we can hardly blame Kate for falling in love with the future king of England.

One day he will be the ruling monarch with her stood firmly beside him. I say (at least until then) we have a little compassion and allow them what so many newlyweds take for granted, the ability to share their happiness in privacy.

Briony Singh Life&Style Editor

We should get to peek Now I am not saying that we should hunt down the royals like animals and persist in shoving cameras in their faces wherever they go. But I do think that, as a couple, the public has a right to see them, admire them (we all know Kate's got a fabulous little wardrobe) and generally take an interest in what they are doing.

As people we can be immensely proud of our monarchy, and the royal wedding certainly inflamed our national pride. It seems to have united people and buoyed public spirit, despite the dire economic and social troubles we are facing. This keen interest in royalty is nothing new, you just have to look at the sweeping crowds at the weddings of both our Queen and Princess Diana to see that our fascination with the monarchy has

not ebbed in the slightest.

Perhaps it has something to do with fairytales of princesses, marriage and royalty ingrained into our collective consciousness from an early age, and perhaps it is also to do with the rise of the celebrity in the past few decades and all that comes with it (particularly those cut-throat paps). But one thing is for sure: for the most part, our interest is benign. We are keen to know about them to feel close and united in a sense, and this generation seems to be different from the last.

Again, I do not advocate chasing them down the street or camping outside their houses day and night, but I think as our future monarchs, born and placed into a position of privilege and responsibility (which they can choose to retire from if they truly wish to), we should be able to watch them grow and feel part of their development into the people who will rule our country in the years to come.

Britain's Got Talent – It's just not the same without Mr Cowell and spending ten minutes watching someone who turns out to be insane is not entertaining.

Princess Beatrice's hat – The Royal Wedding banter continues.

Will poor Eugenie and Beatrice ever live down their horrific outfit choices?

Cheryl Cole on the US X Factor – Yawn. This was obvious months ago.

The overcrowded library – Because everyone just loves being crammed together like sardines to revise. Not. Vicky Hodgkinson

Redbrick

Editors – Briony Singh, Sophie Cowling & Lara Edwards

Life&Style 21

13th May 2011 www.redbrickpaper.co.uk

The Metropolitan Costume Institute Gala sought after designers – this demonstrated most clearly through the number of guests wearing her designs.

Naomi Campbell had a touch of Royal treatment with a personalized dress by Burton (how does she find the time?) while Hilary Rhoda and Salma Hayek wore dresses from Burton's S/S '11 collection for McQueen.

Controversial fashion choices of the night include Burton's

Sophie Cowling Life&Style Editor

The annual Costume Institute Benefit gala held at the MET in New York attracts the Fashion elite; from models to actresses and designers and is potentially the one event a year that Anna Wintour remains at for more than fifteen minutes (as, in this case, she was the host). This year the gala was themed and, in tribute to, Alexander McQueen.

Many of the high profile guests therefore fittingly chose to wear McQueen's designs from throughout the years to honour the iconic British designer. These were notably Karen Elson in a silver gown she had worn modeling for McQueen in his S/S '04 show, Sarah Jessica Parker (a close personal friend of McQueen who had accompanied him to last year's gala) and Gisele wearing a show-stopping, strapless red gown presented in the A/W 2005 'Hitchcock heroine' themed catwalk show.

The night was also however, a celebration of a new Fashion giant and McQueen figurehead – Sarah Burton. After the overwhelming reaction and success of Kate Middleton's wedding dress the designer has affirmed her position as one of the world's most

The art of procrastination

Hammam Hell

Harriet Constable Writer

There's nothing like a lovely, relaxing spa day is there? Is there?

I wouldn't know. My one and only 'spa' experience took place in a Moroccan Hammam, and if you're looking for relaxing luxury, it's not the place to find it.

Picture this. My boyfriend and I are roaming through the souks of Marrakech, determined to experience every inch of Moroccan culture, which, to my delight, contains a strong tradition of spaing. Excellent! We book into an authentic Hammam tucked away down a back street immediately.

On arrival, we are lead through two separate doors; Hammaming is not a couple-orientated activity, it seems. So, now partnerless, I follow the butch, scary looking Moroccan woman to the changing rooms. She hands me a bag containing flip flops, a towel the size of my palm, and some other indistinguishable items. I look at her questioningly. Without pause, she

white gown with some perceiving it as a statement for the new direction of the McQueen brand image: floaty and ethereal as opposed to the attention to tailoring and definite structuring McQueen has previously been made famous for.

Another controversial look was US Vogue Editor Anna Wintour's Chanel S/S '11 dress which was perceived a distasteful choice at an event to celebrate the work of McQueen. Particularly tentative perhaps because of the back lash caused by the decision to host the 'Savage Beauty' exhibition in at the MET in NYC rather than the V&A in London.

Despite a large number of guests wearing dresses by other designers, the majority chose those which best fitted McQueen's style and vision, Leighton Meester's caged leather Louis Vuitton dress and Christina Ricci's theatrical, corseted Zac Posen gown best representing these.

The fact that a younger generation of designers – Thakoon and Zac Posen as well as the likes of Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney and Chanel are designing items with a vision inspired by McQueen, illuminates his continued effect upon and presence within the fashion world, which at the hands of Sarah Burton can only expand and flourish.

plucks from the bag the most enormous pair of paper knickers I have ever seen, the kind that Bridget Jones would not be seen dead in, and insists that I remove all my clothes and put them on. I should add here that I do not speak Arabic, and nor did she speak English.

The whole charade was a series of grunting and pointing. I try to wipe the look of horror off my face as I realise what she is suggesting, and replace it with an attempt at a smile, which probably looked more like utter fear. I have a go at positive thinking – something new to try?

A minute later, I emerge, stark bloody naked, in a pair of paper pants that hide NOTHING. I'm more than a little horrified by this 'luxurious spa' experience so far.

Was my day going to get better?

No it wasn't. The woman leads me into a round chamber – a steam room I conclude. She points at a pot of what looks like brown jelly and demonstrates that I should smear it all over my body. I obey, wondering if perhaps I am being

filmed for some kind of joke TV show, Look At What We Can Make The Tourists Do, or something similar.

I sit there, alone and completely naked, plus enormous pants, facing the entrance to the room. All the while, I couldn't help but feel another guest might be slightly alarmed to enter the chamber and be presented with a naked girl covered in jelly, wearing huge paper pants.

After fifteen minutes of cringing about my situation and attempting to shield my bits from view, I believe I experienced a Moroccan form of torture. It consisted of the butch woman continuously refilling a bucked of ice cold water and then chucking – not pouring, chucking – it over my head and directly into my face. The vigour with which she hurled it at me was really quite alarming. I wondered what I had ever done to her.

I'm sorry to say it only gets worse. I was then taken into the massage room. She murmured a command which I took to mean 'get on the massage bed'. It was covered in a plastic sheet and the wetness of my skin, combined with the jelly-like lubricant it was covered in made it rather hard to stay on board! She scrubbed my skin until it was raw, whilst I slid about like a seal on a water slide.

I wasn't entirely sure whether to laugh or cry, and I sort of ran out of the room away from her when she was finally done. I wondered if my boyfriend had experienced the same sort of turmoil as I hurriedly replaced my clothes and removed the paper pants from hell.

Overall, the experience was excruciating in many ways. And the bitch scrubbed off all my tan.

Next time I think I'll just stick to sightseeing.

Geraldine Tovey Writer

Procrastination is something that most students become experts in.

Unlike at school or college where our teachers could push us in the right direction, we now have the freedom to munch on unhealthy snacks and watch 90210 all day. I should know. I have been that girl.

I really do wish that I could be one of the people in my seminars who have clearly done all of the reading, whilst I sit in knowing nothing, wallowing in my own hangover.

However I wasn't one of those students, and with exams are looming I am very scared. But what I have come to realise is that if I was doing something productive, even if it isn't anything related to my studies, I don't feel quite as bad about myself. Here are my four main ways to avoid revision, without feeling like a bad person: 1. Cleaning. Whether you are living in halls or in a student house, there is always cleaning to be done. It has reached the point that my housemates and I have coined the term 'procrasti-cleaning'. We have found that whenever essays or revision need to be done our kitchen becomes miraculously spotless and our pile of pizza boxes

vanishes. Scrubbing, mopping and washing up makes everyone feel better and is a totally virtuous way to avoid revision.

2. Cooking. The student diet is notorious for being poor, and this is the time to change this.

Instead of buying frozen pizzas from Aldi, actually make a proper meal with fresh ingredients. Spring means that a lot of fruit and vegetables are in season and are cheap too. Treat yourself and your housemates to a lovely dinner.

3. Exercise: If you are a lapsed member of the gym or simply feel like a jog – go for it. The endorphins will kick in and will give a far more positive light to your current academic struggle. If you simply fancy a nice country walk away from the dinginess of Selly Oak, I recommend Cannon Hill Park just off Pershore Road. It is delightful.

4. Cultural Enlightenment: Listen to an album from start to finish or read a book that isn't related to your degree to make you feel like your brain is working. For more highbrow inspiration visit one of the many galleries or museums in the city for a few hours off. As a Birmingham student, you must visit the Barber Institute at some point, it is a genuinely charming gallery right on our doorstep.

22 redbrickpaper.co.uk

13th May 2011

FoodReview: Yo! Sushi Redbrick Food's first year

To mark the final Food installment of this year, we take a look back at some of our finest foody moments.

Our first issue On 15th October, 2010 Redbrick welcomed the food section to its family. The first issue saw next year's editors, James and Jordan, put their stamp on the paper with a delicious recipe of the week and that oh-so-famous 'Ditch those breasts' article. I'm sure you all remember that! The response from this issue was outstanding and as a result Redbrick Food was awarded two pages to feature in the paper biweekly.

Vicky Hodgkinson Critic

The BBC Good Food Show Redbrick Food editors, Dami and Harri, were invited along to the winter Good Food show at Birmingham's NEC. This was a brilliant opportunity for Food to meet and network with talented chefs, such as Gordon Ramsay, and sample an array of Christmas inspired dishes. Yum! Our tweet also gained Redbrick Food a bit of star-studded spotlight!

Nestled in Brindley Place, YO! Sushi offers one of the best modern dining experiences around. If you hear the word sushi and reel back in disgust, do not fear because this sushi bar has so much more to offer than raw fish and sticky rice.

Founded in 1997, the restaurant decided to bring to the UK the concept of a Japanese 'kaiten' sushi bar that delivers food to customers on a conveyor belt. A self–proclaimed twenty-first century dining experience, YO! Sushi certainly offers a new way of obtaining your food as you hungrily gaze at what is heading towards you (much better than waiting for your suitcase at the airport). Get the sake in, grab some

chopsticks and find out exactly what it has to offer.

My dining companion and I prefaced our sushi with a couple of drinks at another establishment and made our way there at 7pm on a Friday night; a busy night for any restaurateur. We were seated quickly by our very attentive and exhaustingly enthusiastic waiter Graham, who forgave us our professed ignorance and patiently explained the YO! Sushi system to us.

As we browsed the extensive menu (which is also available online) and sipped on some very reasonably priced hot sake (£5.65 a bottle), we gazed at the conveyor belt musing over what to have. The premise of ordering is to take what you want from the belt as you have identified it from the menu, or take what

Redbrick

Did you know?

More than 50,000 people each year visit Buckingham Palace as the Queen's guests for banquets, lunches, dinners, receptions and garden parties. One does love a royal cucumber sandwich.

looks most aesthetically pleasing.

The prices are indicated by the colour of the bowls and range from £1.70 to £5. The dishes are very small and have about three pieces of food on each plate. Nouvelle cuisine eat your heart out!

There are a mixture of hot and cold dishes available with the kitchen working continuously in front your eyes to cook up new treats – if you don't see the dish you want on the belt then press the button on your table to alert a waiter and order it directly.

The atmosphere of YO! Sushi sets it apart from other Japanese restaurants, our waiter told us that the music system was updated weekly and as the music softly played it was punctuated by the shouts of the chefs telling the customers what had just gone onto the belt – the method we adopted was to snatch whatever it was and give it a try. After our grab-the-grub tactic we inspected our table, looking to see what we had consumed - the plates had greedily piled up and we'd tried hot and cold dishes. Our favourites included the Pumpkin Korroke, Takoyaki (squid), Tempura and the Chicken Katsu. We definitely favoured the hot dishes as soon as they had come out of the kitchen but I also enjoyed the Spicy Chicken Salad and Chuku Ika, but my companion wrinkled his nose at the salads and avoided the sushi.

The desserts were probably the most disappointing. Not quite full, we tried the Dorayaki which were Japanese pancakes with a custard filling and a rasp-

berry sauce. We also sampled the Lemon Shortbread Cake and the Chocolate Ganache. The desserts certainly tasted better than they looked, but YO! Sushi are certainly not pastry chefs. The drinks were very reasonable: unlimited water and green tea for £1.50 (there is a still and sparkling carbon filtered tap on each table!) as well as wines, beers and soft drinks from both European and Japanese sources. There was also selection of fizz which was very reasonably priced but perhaps somewhat out of place.

'This sushi bar has so much more to offer than raw fish and sticky rice.'

As we staggered to the till, full of rice wine and food, our bill totalled £60 – perhaps not the best student price tag but we had gone for an all or nothing approach to get the full YO! Sushi experience.

On a student budget the best time to visit is for lunch rather than a slap up dinner, or on 'Blue Monday' when all dishes are £2.30 (this offer is also extended to Thursdays throughout May).

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience, except when I woke up the next day gasping for water – the food must have been very salty so make sure you make the most of the unlimited water whilst you are there!

V

Where to celebrate your graduation? Try BANK Restaurant & Bar The award-nominated Brum Dine with Me Nominated for 'Best New Idea' at both the Guild Awards and Redbrick Awards 2011, Brum Dine with Me certainly proved a hit with students at the University of Birmingham. Fifteen applications, four successful dinner parties and two crowned winners later, allowed Redbrick Food to make their mark on the paper and on students.

Harri and Dami have thoroughly enjoyed their experiences as Redbrick Food Editors and would like to welcome James and Jordan into their new roles. All the best foodies!

Harriet Constable Food Editor

It's always nice to catch up with a good friend over lunch. It's especially nice, however, if that lunch happens to be at BANK in Brindley Place. At first glance, the restaurant may seem a little intimidating to a non-exec and it would be easy to make the assumption that it is solely aimed at a corporate clientele. Its impressive glass frontage, its luxurious positioning in Birmingham's best quarter, and the wealth of attractively suited and booted people swanning in through the revolving doors could make one a little uncomfortable. I'll admit I had considered the possibility that I would feel out of place pretending to be rich and important. Then we were seated.

The table we were given overlooked the stunning nineteenth

century canals and, having settled in with a chilled spritzer in hand, my friend and I felt very relaxed – spoilt even. Although BANK does attract an executive crowd, I do not feel that the restaurant is pretentious.

The staff were welcoming, warm and attentive from the moment we entered until our departure. I was even jovially reprimanded at one point for not eating my lotus root. BANK is not afraid to engage in vegetable related banter it seems. They do not take themselves too seriously, and it makes for a very enjoyable experience.

Besides the impeccable service, the food is utterly delicious.

We chose from the lunch Prix Fixe Menu, a great option if you fancy a little luxury (graduation is looming and the parents would no doubt be impressed by your sophisticated restaurant taste) without break-

ing the bank (excuse the pun). Two delectable courses will set you back only £12. Although I do have to suggest you opt for three courses - if you miss out on the 'Summer Berry Pavlova with passion fruit sauce' you must be either allergic or a moron.

I also recommend starting with the 'Mushroom soup with shallot crème fraiche', but the mozzarella and tomato salad also looked divine and I have it on excellent terms that it tasted so too.

What is wonderful about the Prix Fixe Menu, apart from the decent pricing, is the variation and choice you are offered. My previous experience of Prix Fixe menus is that they are limited, and generally non-inclusive of the thing you really fancied on the menu. This is not the case at BANK. My main course of 'Teriyaki salmon with noodles and pak choi' was light but

filling and so flavoursome. It really was a delicious lunch.

At 1pm on a Thursday afternoon, the place was quiet and we were able to have a tour of the whole restaurant. I noticed that there is a wonderful outdoor terrace overlooking the canal which would be such a lovely place to sit and sip one of the 85 cocktails they offer. Okay, maybe two…

I fully intend to return and make my way down the menu, although I'll probably have to make more than one trip. There is also al fresco dining to the front of the restaurant overlooking the lovely square. I can't actually think of a better way to celebrate a momentous occasion such as one's graduation: sitting in the sun, sipping a cocktail and indulging in some great food, degree hat perched on head. BANK, you might just have it all.

Redbrick

Food 23

13th May 2011 www.redbrickonline.co.uk

Editors – Dami Olugbode, Harriet Constable

It's all about al-fresco this summer Food writer Sophie Pryn talks of summer, sun and fun, fun, fun!

Garden Party Menu Hot and Sour Pickled Prawns This Delia Smith recipe is absolutely delicious. Make a big bowl the day before, then grab a soft baguette and get stuck in with your guests after about 48 hours when it will be deliciously marinated. I can guarantee they will be coming back for more.

Ingredients 16 large cooked prawns 1 tablespoon drained capers ½ medium yellow pepper, thinly sliced ½ medium red pepper, thinly sliced 50 g red onion, thinly sliced ½ lemon, thinly sliced 150 ml olive oil 1 level teaspoon mustard 55 ml cider vinegar Juice of 2 limes 1 dessert spoon Worcestershire sauce 1 dessert spoon Tabasco sauce ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon white sugar black pepper

To garnish A few sprigs of coriander ½ a lime, thinly sliced Method Place the prawns and capers in a dish together with the sliced peppers, onion and lemon.

In a bowl or jar whisk the oil, mustard, vinegar, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco together, adding the salt, a little coarsely ground black pepper and the sugar, then pour this mixture all over the prawns.

Cover and place in the fridge for at least 48 hours, stirring the contents around from time to time.

Serve garnished with sprigs of coriander and slices of lime lots of bread to mop up the juices.

By Harriet Constable

A twist on Coronation Chicken After the hottest April since records began and the fairytalelike bank holiday which saw the girl-next-door marry her Prince Charming (well... Wills), everyone's sights are squarely set on a beautiful British summer. Despite the recent impromptu storms and ensuing rains, here at Redbrick Food, we see no reason to stop celebrating.

Indeed, this week, we've gone all outdoorsy in a bid to encourage you to stop slumping in your seats, moaning about revision and take to the parks and gardens to eat, drink, and if needs must, work. Although we are more than aware that those scrappy, overgrown Selly Oak gardens may not

be the ideal setting for a classy garden party or an old-fashioned picnic, we've provided you with a few picturesque spots nearby, where you can eat al fresco. Failing that, a bit of bunting and some candles will romanticise even the biggest dump.

Whether you're a staunch royalist or not, it seems fair to say that the majestic royal affair did a damn fine job of capturing the public's imagination. We can all replicate that 'common touch' of ice cream and bacon butties provided for the après-disco guests, but we can only dream of the gastronomic delights cooked for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the three hundred guests for

Party in the park

Redbrick Food suggests this summer's best picnic spots...

1.

Cannon Hill Park Just a short walk from Selly Oak, this beautiful park boasts a

their wedding breakfast. With this in mind, we've got recipes fit for Queens, which take inspiration from the royal occasion including an unusual, modern take on Coronation Chicken and a recipe for Boodles Fool, a classic British dessert that was originally served at the exclusive Boodles club in London. Both dishes are served cold and incorporate the fresh fruity flavours which summer food is all about. Now all we have to do is cross our fingers and toes and hope that we don't have to eat it all huddled under an umbrella!

Embrace your Britishness this summer with Redbrick Food.

Firstly, let's find out where to picnic...

This recipe is a simple, unusual take on the infamous Coronation chicken dish. It's quick to prepare and served cold so it's ideal for a summer garden party or picnic.

Serve with rice on an iceberg lettuce leaf and eat the leftovers (although we can't guarantee you'll have any!), with crunchy salad in a wrap.

lake, acres of green and leafy space, stunning flowerbeds and is home to the Midlands Art Centre. Tuck up on a bench with a good book and a sandwich or lay out the picnic rug, crack open the bubbly and indulge your senses in the sun. Cream scones, cheese and biscuits, assorted sandwiches and crisps and dip always make for a delightful lunch.

Ingredients 1 Chicken breast per person, diced A handful of grapes, halved A couple of sticks of celery, sliced 3 tbs of Mayo Half a tsp of Madras curry paste

2.

Winterbourne Botanic Garden Birmingham's hidden gem. Work off those sausage rolls by taking

Boodle's Fool

a stroll through the woodland walk or simply admire the hazelnut tunnel and the impressive glasshouses. It is the perfect way to entertain your granny on that unexpected visit, as tickets for concessions cost a measly £3.50. Also, don't miss The Spring Fling on Saturday 14th of May for fun and frivolities. Why not take a meal on the veranda whilst sipping a refreshing lemonade.

3.

Kings Heath Park If you're sick of the sight of Selly Oak and miss the colour green, look no further than Kings Heath Park. It's less than a 15 minute bus ride away (take the number 76 from the Dawlish Road stop, then it's just a matter of a short walk to the park). Covering 35 acres of land, it has a Victorian Tea Room in which you can take shelter if the heavens open.

By Sophie Pryn

A speciality at the Boodle's Club, London, this citrussy dessert will make you look anything but a fool.

Ingredients 2 oranges 1 lemon 300ml double cream Caster sugar, to taste Method Line a pretty bowl evenly with pieces of plain sponge cake. Avoid the nasty trifle sponges from the supermarket – instead, opt for a homemade version from a deli or bakery. Grate the rind and squeeze

per person Method Cut the chicken up in to small pieces and fry off in a pan until cooked through and starting to brown.

Leave until cold.

In a bowl mix the mayonnaise with about half a teaspoon of curry paste (add more to taste) Then, mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl and serve!

By Sophie Pryn

the juice from two oranges and one lemon. Whip 300ml double cream (do not over whip as it becomes foamy), add caster sugar to taste, fold in the rind and gradually trickle in the juice, whilst whisking, until it is all combined. Spoon this mixture into the bowl, making sure all the sponge is covered.

Cover in cling film and chill in the fridge for as long as possible before serving – 12 hours is ideal. Decorate with more orange rind, grated chocolate or mint leaves.

By Rachel Johnston

24

Redbrick

13th May 2011

redbrickpaper.co.uk

Sport

James Rodwell Interview

Former Birmingham student James Rodwell looks forward to representing England in the London Sevens,p25

UBSport can build on strengths

Redbrick Sport's Peter Whitehouse and Reece Lawrence did some digging to find out what people involved in university sports teams would most like to see improved...

More BIG events on campus – American Football seem to get them, but others don't…

I don't see this as fair.'

I think the Munrow centre in general needs to modernise. Our University holds such a great sporting reputation; all the facilities should re plicate this.'

The Week In Numbers

34 82 5

Novak Djokovoic continued his rich vein of form, taking his winning streak to 34 matches after beating Rafael Nadal on his own patch in the Madrid Open Final.

Sunday's Formula One Grand Prix in Turkey contained a total of 82 pitstops, the highest number ever made in a single Grand Prix.

This week has mourned the death of golfing legend Seve Ballesteros, who won five major titles during an illustrious career.

666 18

One-club-man Jamie Carragher made his 666th Liverpool appearance on Monday night against Fulham, taking him above Ray Clemence into second on the all-time list.

AC Milan secured their 18th Scudetto last weekend after a 0-0 draw against Roma. It is the first time the Rossoneri have been champions since 2004.

They need to subsidise more, because we have to pay to have our training fields and match fields even though it's on university owned land.'

The marketing of University sport needs to be improved, with sports being given greater publicity. Sponsorship should be given to teams, minority sports.'

We either need more sensible strength and conditions timetables or Munrow membership, because they're not friendly t i m e s for teams who play on a Wednesday.'

The Week In Quotes 'Manny is an exceptional fighter. He truly is the pound-forpound king. He has speed and power that I have never felt before.'

Shane Mosley gives credit where it's due after a unanimous points decision defeat to Filipino Manny Pacquiao.

'The fans should know this club is in a worse financial position than any other in the country. It's a pretty thankless task and the criticism hurts.'

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan hits out at criticism of he and David Gold's running of the club as they brace themselves for the impending threat of relegation.

'I will knock out Vladimir Klitschko. End of story. Deep down in his heart he knows it. When he closes his eyes at night, he knows his career is manufactured. Mine isn't.'

Classic David Haye bigging himself up and inevitably putting his opponent down ahead of the big fight in July.

We are completely eclipsed by Bath and Loughborough's facilities – we should be trying to match them, the Munrow isn't good enough.'

The Redbrick Sport Quiz 1) Which club has been in the top tier of English football for the longest period?

2) Which MLB star and boyfriend of Cameron Diaz is the highest paid baseball player in the world?

3) In cricket, who holds the record for the most test catches?

4) Which Ethiopian long-distance runner holds the record for the 5,000 and 10,000 metres?

5) Why have Bosnia-Herzegovina been suspended from world football?

'Sleep is for the weak! Attack the day!!'

Gary Neville takes little time to settle into the world of twitter, this just one in a series of amusing tweets for the ex-Manchester United skipper.

1, Everton 2, Alex Rodriguez 3,Mark Boucher 4,Kenenisa Bekele 5, 5, Their three-man football federation presidency doesn't comply with FIFA regulations

The University of Birmingham holds a rich sporting tradition, and are on course for an overall second placed finish in the BUCS championships this year. This would be Birmingham's highest performance to date, and would amount to a fantastic achievement. Nonetheless, the only way is up and we asked the people most important to UB Sport – the participants themselves, what improvements they think could be made to take us to the next level.

There were some interesting responses. The main aspects that people wanted to see improving were facilities, publicity and costs. Some highlighted the superiority of the facilities of rival universities such as Loughborough, Bath and Durham. Many grievances were levelled at the Munrow Centre itself, from its facilities not being modern enough, to the price of a gym membership being too expensive and lacking in reductions for sports people.

Sport writer Peter Whitehouse, who runs for the university himself, had this to say. 'For me the biggest thing that needs to be done, is to support the people who are just below the level of 'superstar' scholarship level. This means easier access to sports science tests, cheaper physio, cheaper kit – but most importantly, a better system to do with strength and conditioning needs to be established. Currently the timings of these sessions are particular to each club – and obviously everybody in each club often find themselves conflicted with these timings. Strength and conditioning at the higher performance centre needs greater flexibility, so that those who compete for the university can use it when ever they want to.'

Newly elected Vice-President for Sport Tim Smith will have these things to consider as he embarks on his new position.

Redbrick

Sport Thoughts Departing Redbrick editor Samuel Lear considers the changing face of football and where the game is heading. Is it the fans or the money that makes football what it is today?

A quintessential national trait is nostalgia – the comfort of harking back to a glorious past, from the feared concept of modernity.

The field of history is in embryonic stages of this study, and less has been made of its impact on sport in this country, where perhaps its findings can yield a real insight into the minds of a wide demographic.

If we take football supporters, and those of lower-league teams in particular, we see a real divide opening up over what ‘football’ means to people.

On the one hand, there are those who are embracing modernity, and the rapid change towards a more globalised game, where it is run as a business, and see it as moving towards greater accessibility for millions of viewers around the world through the media of internet and television.

Conversely, there are those of the view where there is a wish of a more localised approach – the idea of supporting your local team, watching local players who are attached in some emotive way to the club, and where it can be viewed, live, and at a reasonable rate.

Money has become a central issue within the game. We are seeing Panorama investigations into corruption within its governing bodies, and Lord Sugar’s recent documentary has highlighted how, like with any other economic model, the rate of growth and inflation is unsustainable.

I am convinced that the bubble will burst, and in a perverted sort of way, look forward to its day. My favourite moments in sport have involved cheering on my local team, Cheltenham, when they were promoted to the Football League for the first time in 1999 – a club and team, built on local pride.

There is a real benefit to keeping football as a pastime, rather than a business. Football has been a shining example of how sport can unite communities - particularly in times of social and economic adversity, and the inflation in the sport has left many confined to their armchair, rather than the terraces.

Sport 25

13th May 2011 www.redbrickpaper.co.uk

Editors – James Phillips, Sam Price & Joseph Audley

Alumnus pushes on to greater things

Sport Editor Sam Price talked to former Birmingham student James Rodwell, who will represent England Rugby Sevens team in London next weekend Profile: James Rodwell

Age: 26 Degree: Business Commerce (graduated 2005) Sporting Hero: Lawrence Dallaglio Favourite Birmingham Night: Bobby Browns on a Wednesday (has since closed) Other Sport: Football How much are you looking forward to the London Sevens next weekend and what does it mean for the World Series?

It’s a massive tournament and is sure to be a terrific atmosphere.

This is the penultimate leg and we’re only trailing New Zealand by 13 points, so we need to push on and win these last two tournaments and hope they slip up. We’ve got the home crowd behind us this time, which gives us a very good chance to win it.

What has been the highlight of your rugby career so far?

There’s been a few. For 15’s, playing for the England Universities team at Twickenham in 2005 as a curtain raiser before the Army vs.

Navy game was pretty special. For sevens, winning the London Sevens two years ago was a highlight and a tremendous occasion.

What sort of grounding did sport at the University of Birmingham give you?

It gave me a lot. I played three years for the University 15’s and from there signed my first professional contract with Moseley. My

university coach at the time John Caves helped me make the step and really kicked off my career.

Do you have fond memories of Redbrick coverage of your rugby matches?

Yeah I always read Redbrick after a match; it was nice to get the coverage. I remember beating Loughborough once in a big event on a Wednesday night which got a good write-up in the paper.

What sort of experience was competing in the Commonwealth Games in India?

India was a really good experience.

With the press coverage beforehand we weren’t sure what to expect, but the accommodation was good and the tournament went really well. It was frustrating to just miss out on a medal but we learnt a lot and have built on the experience with our success in the World Series this season.

How big is it for Rugby Sevens that it’s just gained Olympic status?

It’s massive for the sport, it really is. It’s important to grow the sport globally. Countries are now putting more money into it and this year was the first that the RFU offered central contracts to England sevens players, which will increase competition for places and media coverage. It would have been nice to introduce it at London 2012 though; unfortunately I don’t think my legs will keep going until Rio 2016!

What are the key differences between Sevens and 15’s rugby?

I think the major difference is that sevens is much faster paced and exciting. I’ve found 15’s rugby can be a bit slow and laborious, having to grind it out metre after metre.

But with sevens, you get regular length of the field tries which make

James Rodwell in action for England Sevens. it much more exciting to watch.

The games are only 14 minutes long and the atmosphere is buzzing, particularly in the World Series, where the crowd go absolutely wild! I guess it’s like Twenty20 in cricket and can help bring the sport back to the forefront.

What are your ambitions after rugby?

I would like to be a schoolteacher.

Based in Moseley, I’ve done some rugby coaching and teaching in the community which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed so I hope to pursue that at the end of my career.

Finally, what advice would you have for students hoping to pursue their rugby after university?

For students looking to stay in rugby, it’s all about finding a club and trying to progress through the levels. It is hard to get into; you need a break and I certainly got mine, but hard work goes a long way and the rewards will be there.

Tom Leeder

You can watch James and the England Sevens team in action and join the beach party on May 21st and 22nd at Twickenham Stadium in the Emirates Airline London Sevens, the penultimate leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series.

Tickets are available from £15 for adults and £5 for juniors via rfu. com/londonsevens.

Competition!

Redbrick has teamed up with the RFU to offer one lucky reader a pair of free tickets to the London Sevens on 21st and 22nd May. To enter simply answer the following question: Which team won the 2010 Emirates Airline London Sevens? a) Australia b) South Africa c) England Email sport@redbrickonline. co.uk by midday on 18th May for a chance to win two free tickets courtesy of the RFU.

Snooker and Pool teams right on cue

Joshua Reynolds Sport Reporter

At a university which is well known for its continuing pre-eminence in some of the more mainstream sports, it is often the case that sports clubs that perhaps appeal to a slightly narrower audience can slip under the radar somewhat.

By his own admission, Eliott Rhodes, President of the University of Birmingham Snooker and Pool Club, recognises that the club that he has led for the past year currently falls into this category.

Nevertheless, it is the ambition of the club’s new committee to address this, and ensure that maxi-

mum awareness of the existence of the club is achieved.

Having formerly been a Guild recognised society, the Snooker and Pool Club received its present status as a bona fide university sports team from the Munrow Sports Centre just a year ago, and from that point onwards, everyone involved with the club has endeavoured to maintain its continuing trend of progression.

In appraising the club’s current position, Eliott commented upon a number of recent successes in BUCS events, with the snooker team managing to reach the quarter finals of the Team Shield, losing out on a place in the semis by the

slightest of margins. Furthermore, in the BUCS Individual Trophy, Lewis Osborne claimed the bronze, finishing in third place within a field that boasted much talent from numerous other universities around the country. Such achievements are all the more impressive given that this year marked the club’s debut in nationwide university competition.

However, despite stating the club’s intention to further find its feet within the realm of national competition, when I asked Eliott if he felt the ethos of the club had changed at all, he emphasised that it remains one of ‘fun over competitiveness’.

‘We play snooker at Riley’s on Inge Street every Tuesday from seven ’till late, have a few drinks and play against each other. We usually have a core attendance of 10 or 12 people, though anyone can turn up and play on the night for £3, whether they’re a member or not. Pool is always on a Wednesday, and we generally get around 15 [people] coming for that.’

‘When competitions are coming up we tend to do a few trials and training sessions, but on the

whole the atmosphere is very relaxed and it’s not taken overly seriously. There’s great camaraderie within the team, and we’re hoping to organise more socials for next year.’

Having reflected upon what has without doubt been a promising inaugural year for the Snooker and Pool Club, Eliott asserted that the club’s main goal for the future was to expand. ‘We want everyone on campus to know that there is a Pool and Snooker Club, and that they are welcome to get involved.

The Sports Fair is a great way for us to get our name out there and we’ll be sure to make use of that again in the future.’

Now coming to the end of his tenure as President, Eliott has certainly set the wheels in motion for the Snooker and Pool Club to further develop as a sports team and if its success to date is anything to go by, the club seems likely to go from strength to strength.

If you are interested in getting involved with the Snooker and Pool Club, you can contact the Committee via e-mail at pool@guild. bham.ac.uk .

26 Sport

Redbrick

13th May 2011 www.redbrickpaper.co.uk

Editors – James Phillips, Sam Price & Joseph Audley

Morris takes on London Marathon Richard Morris Sport Reporter

On Sunday 17th April, at the alien student time of 9:45am, I found myself sandwiched between a man in drag and the wig wearing 118 pair, ready to run the London Marathon. Dressed somewhat more seriously, wearing an expression of nerves and eager anticipation, I inched closer to the starting line among the sardine pack of runners.

Crossing the line with 26.2 miles ahead of me, attempting to avoid the barrage of feet lashing out at my ankles as I broke into a jog, I found myself contemplating what on earth had made me want to put my body through this. I will confess now that I am not a keen jogger, but like many I had been overwhelmed by the amount of money raised, the level of achievement and the sense of aura surrounding the event that 36,000 runners enter annually, in what is a hugely oversubscribed ballot.

With an average of only 500 runners not completing the course, testimony to its organisation, even I could feel confident that its completion was within my grasp.

The months of limited nights out and no Fifa, exchanged for hours spent plodding along the pavements of Birmingham, often in the rain, would now come to fruition.

I hoped.

The first few miles flew by, largely due to the vast crowds creating an atmosphere which seemed to carry me beyond my pre-determined race pace. At the seventh mile the monotony began to set in as the original burst of adrenaline and butterflies wore off. It was then at the tenth mile that mild pain began to set in.

My over confident start, swept up among the pace of those around me was beginning to cost me. Not to mention the unmistakable rubbing pain beginning to develop in the one spot on my foot not in coated in plasters.

At Tower Bridge’s halfway stage I sought medical attention for my foot; but was soon bandaged up and back out hobbling along. Clearly I was not alone in my suffering, as Virgin’s infamous red logo now seemed to have transferred from the sponsorship boards to most of the strained competitors’ faces. It would be a complete lie if I denied ever thinking about packing it in.

Soldiering on though, I soon found a second wind between 18 and 21 miles. Brief chats with other runners; combined with a realisation that I simply wouldn’t make my attempted 4 hour time seemed to release pressure that had weighed heavy.

However, at around 22 miles I hit ‘the wall’. A point where the body has used up all its glycogen sources and leaves you in a semidrunk mind set. The simplest of tasks, such as chewing or opening a packet, become unobtainable.

Your mind loses all ability to think straight, and in my case, resulted in a complete loss of where I was. ‘Is this the 21st, 22nd or 23rd mile?’ I had no idea.

The track had now become a war zone. People passed out or throwing up laid all around me as I trudged onwards, only focusing on putting one iron-like leg in front of the other.

Following what seemed to be the longest tunnel constructed in human history, and having been passed by a woman in her late 60’s dressed as a sunflower, I emerged with only one mile remaining. As I finally reached the finish, through which many before and after me

had also passed, I felt a surge of overwhelming relief, joy and bewilderment at how anyone could choose to make those 26 miles harder, by wearing a heavy costume.

Having now recovered, and taken the medal off my neck after 3 days of wearing, I can only encourage every reader to take part in what is one of the greatest experiences anyone can have. It will leave you emotionally charged and in pain for days, but you will already want to run it again.

Redbrick Sport would like to congratulate Richard on comlpleting the London Marathon and wishes him all the best for the future.

Sport Shorts World

Champion

Over the Easter break SPECS student Dean Miller won the men’s IWAS World Junior 1500m title in Dubai as well as collecting the bronze in the 800 metres. Miller looks set to press on and hopefully improve in the build up to the 2012 Paralympics.

Student Cricket The start - only 26 miles left

Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme

The men’s first cricket team recently beat Loughborough seconds by nearly 100 runs and have stormed up the BUCS league.

There was similar success for the men’s seconds who beat Warwick and the third team who also won comfortably against Lincoln. Another good win for Birmingham seconds against Derby firsts saw them climb to the top of the league after three wins, but unfortunately the women’s cricket team have not had the same success, as they recently lost to Leeds Met.

Rowing Regatta

The lads running at the Munrow track pitch, Vice President Jimmy Hughes third from left.

Frankie Conway Sport Reporter

On Wednesday afternoon, I had the privilege of attending a session of ‘Cool Runnings’, a social running club for all abilities. Having trained with them myself during the second term, I was fully aware of how things were run, and once again the session was very well organised. This term is serving as a transition period, where the original committee are handing the reigns over to the new one. Prior to the session, the current President and co-founder of Cool Runnings, John Gibson, was able to provide me with a background to the group, its purpose and how it intends to grow in the future. He said, ‘Cool Runnings is a sociable running club. The runners enjoy it and it’s great for keeping fit. It caters for a range of abilities and noone is forced into doing anything.

People in the group come back every week. They like the relaxed

atmosphere. We want to expand next year and increase our profile.

We intend to attract new freshers at the Freshers Fair next autumn.’

Despite exams taking place at the moment, the session had a healthy attendance. Wednesday’s track session provides training for mainly middle-distance runners, and fits into a weekly schedule, where there are two long runs and a circuit session for sprinters.

Today’s interval session took on a pyramid structure, starting with two 200 metre reps, continuing on to a 300 metre rep, two 400’s, another 300, and back down to 200’s with a 200 metre jog between each rep. After completing a thorough warm up, overseen by the incoming President, Ben Horsley, the runners completed the challenging session, showing excellent heart and perseverance.

Once the runners had warmed down, I was able to hear their enthusiastic views on the Cool Runnings set-up. I grabbed a few words

with keen third-year runner, Sean Paynter, who has run for the group since it started in the autumn of 2009. He commented, ‘Cool Runnings provides a great all-round experience. It gives me a place to take my running seriously and train hard, as well as allowing me to make some really good friends and get to know my fellow runners.’ He was full of praise for its excellent structure and made special mention of the tireless work of Gibson.

‘I’ve benefited from its regular routine. My 5 km time has dropped by a minute this year.’ Commenting on Gibson, he said, ‘John gives a lot of encouragement and dedicates a lot of his time to the group.

His tips have really helped me with my running.’

The new Committee were also excited about the prospect of taking ‘Cool Runnings’ forward. Horsley said, ‘We plan to continue the family atmosphere with the new freshers next year and expand our numbers.’ Vice President, Jimmy

Tom Flathers

In a recent regatta, the rowing team picked up one gold, one silver Hughes, stated his intention to and two bronze medals. Out of 42 ‘cooperate more with the athletics institutes they finished a respectclub.’ able 16th.

Everyone involved was keen to emphasise the fact Cool Runnings was a less intense, more relaxed Olympian advice environment in which to enjoy your running. Cool Runnings treasurer, Helen Castells, stated, ‘I’ve really enjoyed it. You don’t feel pressured to do stuff you can’t do.

Cool Runnings is very inclusive.

It’s a really fun atmosphere.’

Visiting the Cool Runnings session was a really refreshing experience. The close-knit atmosphere was clear to see, and everyone was eager to help and support each other. Each athlete seemed to relish the challenge of doing the session and the enthusiasm for running was evident in all the ath- Dame Kelly Holmes is set to train letes. Cool Runnings has an excel- with the seven students from the lent platform with which to grow, University of Birmingham and and with the passion and drive of give them her advice and tips. The its new committee, is set to expand workshop ran for the duration of to integrate a larger section of the last weekend and the students enuniversity. dured an intense session.

Redbrick

Editors – James Phillips, Sam Price & Joseph Audley

This week in...

2006 Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard led his team to glory scoring twice in what was arguably the best FA Cup final of the decade. The Hammers led for the majority of the game but Gerrard inspired the Reds with a long-range volley in stoppage time, before a penalty shootout success in Cardiff.

1994 The Grand Prix world was in shock when Austrian Karl Wendlinger crashed during a practice in Monaco, leaving him in a critical condition. The incident came just weeks after the death of Roland Ratzenberger on the track.

Couldn't make it up Sandbach United of Chesire suffered a pitch invasion recently – by gypsies.

The travellers have set up camp on the actual pitch that United play their home games on, with 11 caravans and two 4x4s preventing any games from being played. The residents of the town are far from happy and the police are 'monitoring the situation.'

Roberto Carlos gave a hug and his autograph to a fan who ran onto the pitch during a game. The Brazilian now plays for FC Anzhi Makhachkala in the Russian Premier League and was more than happy to meet and greet the fan, even though he was still playing.

Top three... Major upcoming events in the world of sport Heineken Cup Final Leinster take on the Northampton Saints in Cardiff on the 21st of May. Leinster are the bookies' favourites in what is the 16th final but Northampton eased past Perpignan in the semi-finals and are sure to give the Irish team a run for their money.

Redbrick held their annual Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 30th March and members elected a new committee to run the society for the year 2011-2012.

We would like to thank all candidates who stood for the positions and are pleased to announce the new committee for 2011-2012 as: Editor: Glen Moutrie Deputy Editors: Victoria Bull and James Phillips Online Editor: Chris Hutchinson Treasurer: Ollie MacArthur We wish you all the best of luck for the year ahead.

The Redbrick Awards 2011 Redbrick also held their annual Redrick Awards ceremony on Thursday 5th May at The Jamhouse. The night was fantastic and we would particularly like to thank Leonie Martin at The Jamhouse for all of her help in organising such a successful event.

Society members nominated in their hundreds and the final winners were shortlisted and decided by a judging panel made up of Editor Samuel Lear, Deputy Editor Victoria Shires, Online Editor Micaela Winter and the current and elected VP Activities and Development, Matt Lamb and Fliss Cross.

French Open

Champions League Final

Manchester United hope to taste European glory for a fourth time as they take on Barcelona at Wembley. Europe's best go head to head on the 28th of May and it is expected to be a classic.

Redbrick Sport Recommends...

A Different League – adifferentleague.co.uk Launched in April 2009, this website covers football across Europe.

It offers an intelligent insight into current issues within the game, with various correspondents producing interesting blogs, as well as giving the option of keeping up to date via facebook or twitter.

ESPN Cricinfo – espncricinfo.com A perfect website for any cricket fan. With a copious amount of content including latest news, blogs, features and statistics, this easy to use database allows users to locate and discuss practically anything cricket related.

And the winner is...

Redbrick AGM

Sport 27

13th May 2011 www.redbrickpaper.co.uk

Hero Remembered Winning a total of 87 titles, Seve Ballesteros was a true legend in the golfing world. At just 54 years of age, Ballesteros sadly died this week after a two-year battle with brain cancer. After setting up his own foundation which focused on cancer research as well as helping financially challenged young golfers, he will be remembered across the sporting world.

Heroes...

Giggsy & Fergie

The player and the manager have worked alongside each other for over two decades and are closing in on their 12th league title and a potential third Champions League. Fair play, gentlemen.

Ed McKeever

Starting on the 17th May and lasting over two weeks, the French Open will take place for the 110th time. Can the in-form Novac Djokovic challenge Rafael Nadal's supremacy on clay in this second Grand Slam of the year in Paris?

The British kayak athlete took gold at the opening Sprint World Cup in Poland, where he also sealed the world title last year. McKeever finished on top in the kayak single 200m event to add to his already impressive record, with the European Championship and World Cup under his belt.

Classic Goal...

and Villains...

David Luiz

Youtube search: Laurent Robert vs. Fulham In an audacious display of acrobatics, Laurent Robert scored Newcastle's third against Fulham at St James' Park in the 2003-2004 season. The Frenchman had timed his run too early and the cross saw the ball arrive behind him, but he was able to adjust his body to flick the ball past the hapless Edwin Van Der Sar.

Chelsea's big January signing bottled it at Old Trafford last weekend in Manchester United's 2-1 victory. The defender appeared to be arguing with his manager shortly after conceding the first goal and was promptly substituted at half time. The defeat means that United can clinch the title with one more point.

Shane Mosley Mosley recently lost to six-weight world champion Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas. The American had become ultra-defensive by the eighth round, with boos ringing around the MGM Grand Hotel.

Video of the Week

The Award winners are as follows: Best New Idea: Redbrick Food section Best Newcomer: Beth Richardson, Junior Art Director Best Behind-the-Scenes: Victoria Bull, Editorial Assistant Best Investigative Piece: Caroline Mortimer Best Interview: Oscar French for his 'Squatting, Scavenging and Stigma' article Most Improved Section: Arts & Culture Best Photograph: Rita Toth Best Photographer: Tom Flathers Best Writer: Joe Jervis, Comment&Features writer Most Committed Writer: Vicky Hodgkinson, Comment&Features and Life&Style writer and Food writer and tweeter Best Section: Sport Best Section Editor: Rosa McMahon and Seb Mann, Comment&Features Editors Outstanding Contribution: Thomas Walters, Art Director

Obama, Trump Together for Correspondents' Dinner Obama shows off his great comic timing in this clip where he asks 'where's Biggy and Tupac?' http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=HCkTzqIW-qw

Did you know?

Some of the first examples of graffiti come from first century Pompeii, where messages like 'I don't want to sell my husband' and 'Successus was here,' were written on walls.

USA PATRIOT Act is an acronym that stands for 'Uniting & Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept & Obstruct Terrorism.'

On this day 1846 – Mexican-American War: The United States declares war on Mexico.

1912 – The Royal Flying Corps (now the Royal Air Force) is established in the United Kingdom.

1950 – The first round of the Formula One World Championship is held at Silverstone.

28 Sport

Sport

13th May 2011 www.redbrickpaper.co.uk

Redbrick

Editors – James Phillips, Sam Price & Joseph Audley

Too cool for school?

Redbrick Sport attends a 'Cool Runnings' session and talks to Vice President Jimmy Hughes to find out more about the club, p26.

Adeniran and Leonard strike gold Peter Whitehouse Athletics Correspondent

Julian Adeniran and Alison Leonard led home a depleted team of athletes at the BUCS outdoor athletics championships in Bedford last weekend, which saw the men and women of the Red, Blue and Gold finish in fourth place behind Loughborough, Bath and UWIC. Adeniran, the Vice President of Sport (VPS), smoothly executed another faultless performance over the 110m hurdles to add an additional BUCS gold medal to his collection. Adeniran dedicated his performance to the team that surrounds him at Birmingham and was delighted to cap off his year as the VPS with another winning performance, as he prepares to hand over the reins to newly elected Tim Smith. In the race itself, Adeniran shot out of the starting blocks to pull a slight lead over his nearest rival, Pozzi of UWE. Adeniran then effortlessly glided over the 3.5 foot high hurdles and never seemed like he was in any danger, as the VPS stopped the clock in 14.41 to take the victory from UWE’s Andrew Pozzi and Loughborough’s Yannich Budd.

Third year Alison Leonard captured Birmingham’s second gold medal of the weekend as the Biology student collected her third BUCS title of her Birmingham career. The women’s 1500m final began with a swarm of Loughborough athletes hitting the front of the race with Leonard contempt to wait just behind them whilst being tracked by other Birmingham athletes Lauren Scott and Cath Blew.

Leonard patiently waited for the right moment to strike, a moment which came with 120 metres to go, as she powerfully accelerated past Loughborough’s McGhee and Strathclyde’s Moultrie. She opened up a gap of around 2 seconds and crossed the line in 4.24.86 with Birmingham’s Scott finishing 6th and Blew in 7th. Leonard commented

that she was fairly confident in her ability to take the win and then stated that she was glad to be able to deliver for Birmingham in a display in which she hopes to be able to kick on from in the upcoming season.

Fresher Hannah Walker collected the silver medal in the women’s 5000m race as the long-time leader of the 12. A half lap race was beaten by St Mary’s College athlete Louise Small, who passed Walker on the final lap.

Walker however, held her nerve to keep out Edinburgh’s Sarah Inglis to hold on to second spot to finish in 17.25.75. Another fresher Caoimhe King added more weight to Birmingham’s medal count as she collected the silver medal in the women’s triple jump. King jumped well and left a mark of 12.57 in the sand to finish behind UCL’s Angela Barrett.

Richard Odumosu stopped the clock in 11.06 to secure the bronze medal in the 100m final. Odumosu, who boasts a personal best of 10.89, bolted out of his blocks well to open up a small lead after 40 metres. As the race wore on, Odumosu was caught by St Mary’s Nigel Thomas and Sobodu of Canterbury Christ Church in a blanket finish which saw Odumosu outdipped on the line.

Other medals came from Daniel Chlorey who finished third in the 1500 metres as well as Simon Phelan and Beth Partridge who picked up the bronze medals in the high jump with leaps of 2.07m and 1.75m respectively. Lara Thomas also picked up the bronze medal in the 2000m steeple chase.

Men’s Captain Michael Sweeney commented, “considering the team wasn’t at full strength due to exams and essay deadlines, everybody did themselves proud and it was a great achievement to finish fourth overall,” with his comments echoed by Wwomen’s captain Stephanie Kleynhans.

Sweeney clears high jump (top) with Adeniran (left) and Odumosu (right) taking medals

Richard Tranter

Spres Exec in rugby sevens heaven Julian Adeniran Vice President for Sport

The first event of its kind was held at Pritchatts Park's Metchley pitches and was a sensational success by all accounts. With a festival atmosphere being the backdrop (DJ sets, a Summer BBQ, Pritchatts Social Centre Bar, Ice Cream Van and thankfully lots of sunshine), 196 participants - teams fielded from each of the first year halls of residence - did battle in the ‘Spres Exec’ Rugby 7's head to head tournament.

The event attracted over 300 spectators throughout the day and raised over £400 for the South Af-

rican Wooden Spoon HIV Foundation (Spres Exec our nominated charity).

Maple Bank, the flair team of the tournament, captained by the inspirational RA Lead on this project Tim Barsellotti, snatched the Plate honours from Tennis Courts and their star player Lawerence Paul took Top Try Scorer of the tournament with an impressive 10 trys. The well skilled and hotly tipped Shackleton team saw off crowd favourites Aitken in the third place play-off. It was the Mason Hall team, managed by their Sports Officer Joe Oldham, who defeated the impressive runnersup Focsoc, to take top honours and be crowned Cup Winners of the

inaugural Rugby 7's Freshers Festival Tournament (with the trophy presented by Rugby legend and 1st XV coach Mike Umaga).

The VPS, very happy with how the day had panned out, had this to say, ‘this has been a sensational event by all accounts, exceptionally well delivered by the Sports RA Executive who've now set the bar extremely high this year for their future successors. Personally, it's extremely rewarding to see a manifesto dream come true after so much hard work and I'd like to think that through this great success we've set the precedent for a first year focused participation sport event to become an annual occurrence.’

The teams pose for the camera after the tournament

INSIDE Chance to win tickets to the London sevens tournament and exclusive interview with England international James Rodwell, p25