TNT Magazine / Issue 1373

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December 21-27 2009 Issue 1373 tntmagazine.com

ISLAND LIFE WUIN R OF

SPLASH AROUND IN MOZAMBIQUE

£1 where sold

A TO ND IRELA

HAMISH AND ANDY

THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS

RETAIL THERAPY

AUSSIE COMEDY DUO ON THE BBC

WHAT NOT TO MISS IN THE CAPITAL

YOUR GUIDE TO LONDON’S SHOPS

+ JOBS ■ SPORT ■ LONDON ■ NEWS ■ CINEMA ■ FREIGHT

this week December 21-27 / Issue 1373 Free every Monday tntmagazine.com

Front Cover: Alamy

EDITOR’S LETTER With the festive season in full swing it’s easy to miss friends, family and blue skies back home. But whether it’s the Boxing Day sales at famous shops (see page 16) or Christmas lights, London turns it on at this time of year.

And for more inspiration on how to get the most out of the capital, follow our must-see list on page 12. Have a merry Christmas.

68 Discover the idyllic Quirimbas Archipelago off Mozambique

55 TRAVEL

DANIEL LANDON

9 LONDON 9 London Eye 10 London Life 12 ALL DOWN TO EXPERIENCE: Don’t miss these London attractions 14 Food & Drink 16 SPLASH THE CASH: Our guide to the capital’s best shopping 18 Spotted

21 ENTERTAINMENT 21 Celebrity News 22 TNT Life 23 Look Who’s Talking: Hamish and Andy 24 Cinema 27 Culture

59 Spend a weekend in the Peak District

34 NEWS & SPORT

28 MUSIC & CLUBS 28 NOT SO SILENT NIGHT: This year’s best and worst festive albums 30 Music Listings 32 Clubbing 33 Clubbing Listings

34 36 38 41 42 43

Australia News New Zealand News South Africa News The Week in Sport Cricket General

55 Global Vision 56 ART OF THE MATTER: Pay a visit to Nottingham’s new art gallery 58 Late Deals 59 TNTT Weekender: Peak District 60 SWISS COOL: Zurich has an exciting identity to explore 62 Hotshots 64 Travel Tips 65 Travel News 66 On The Road 67 Gear Up 68 PARADISE FOUND: The unspoilt islands of Mozambique 12 Tick it off: what you have to see in London

49 CAREERS & MONEY 49 Careers 52 Money 53 Coming & Going

REGULARS 4 Letters 6 Wins 106 Desperately Seeking & Dear Reuben

23 Funny guys: Hamish and Andy

16 In the bag: where to go shopping in the capital

EDITORIAL Editor Daniel Landon Deputy editor Samantha Baden Production editor Claire Goodall Subs Janine Jorgensen | Jahn Vannisselroy London editor Tom Sturrock Travel editor Amy Adams Music editor Alison Grinter Editorial assistant Inger Smith DIGITAL & IT Interim digital manager Lily Nguyen IT manager Stephen Dann ART & PICTURES Art director Shabir Mahmood Designer Astrid Breacker Picture editor Shila Sultana SALES Sales director Jeff Perkins Agency sales exec Sherzod Rizaev Key accounts Jaqui Ward New business Helen Simms Classified sales execs Charlotte Page | Josh Benjamin MARKETING & EVENTS Head of marketing Anna Williams Marketing exec Danielle Tessari Events marketing manager Hazel Willis Marketing assistant Camilla Hibbert ACCOUNTS Financial controller Nick Crampton Accounts Margaret Roberts | Alexandra Buchlakova PRODUCTION Production manager Jon Cooke Deputy production manager Jana Waldmann TNT PUBLISHING CEO Kevin Ellis Chairman Ken Hurst Director Tony Goodman Receptionist Kate Simmonds

Can I express my disgust at HM Revenue and Customs for the ripping off of people receiving Christmas parcels, and the charging of VAT for gifts?

My daughter resides in London and we love to send her a parcel each year, which she can unwrap at Christmas.

This year she was advised to pay £36 to release the parcel, which we paid $87 to ship registered mail from Australia.

The value of some clothing and small jewellery was $350.

We had to note this for insurance purposes.

What a rip off that she was then charged VAT. It’s a Christmas present for God’s sake. What wonderful spirit of goodwill shown by HMRC. When calling to question this, my daughter was treated so rudely she had to hang up.

I hope the flying reindeers shit on HMRC this Christmas, what a miserable bunch. Now I know why I left the place.

Stuart Kamasz, Perth, Australia

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TNT Magazine is printed on paper from sustainable forests. There is no business connection between the proprietors of this magazine and TNT Ltd, the worldwide transportation group.

Copyright here and abroad of all original materials is held by TNT Magazine. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden, except with permission of the publishers. Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office.

➥ TNT 1371, DEC 7-13 EYE ON THE GOAL So we’ve had time to calm down, regain our composure, and digest the draw for the World Cup, and yet I am astounded at the negative mentality coming out of Australia, which says we will struggle to get beyond the group stages.

To the doubters and naysayers, I say bollocks to you!

This is a fantastic draw for us, and if you had offered Germany, Ghana and Serbia to me a few weeks ago, I would have bitten your hand to take this group.

Germany are not a team to fear like they have been in the past, and after 2006, and

NEXT WEEK IN

Socceroo Tim Cahill

I am astounded at “ the negative mentality

coming out of Australia a solid qualifying campaign, Australia have the belief to beat the top teams. We will have an excellent chance to nick a 1-0 win.

Ghana are a good team, but nothing more. We have a history of form against them, and they have never beaten us at the top level. We’ll win 3-1.

Serbia are a tough team.

They’re very strong physically and technique wise, but their game is based on the strength and organisation of their defence, led by Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic. If this is a must-win game for them, there is the chance that Vidic could lose his cool and pick up a senseless red card, which he has a history of doing in crucial games. I predict a 2-1 win to us.

Nine points from the group, and it will give us the perfect platform to build upon for

News and sport

Year in review: People and events that made headlines

”

a serious shot at sticking it to the world.

Hools, via tntmagazine.com

➥ TNT 1372, DEC 14-20 COMMUTER CAROL I couldn’t agree more with Tim Baros (‘Paying for it’).

To put it more seasonally and musically: God help ye weary travellers/ On the Underground this day/ The District line has been held up/ The Circle’s lost its way/ There’s signal failures again/ And trains called off they say/ Oh tidings of comfort and joy/ Comfort and joy/ Oh tidings of comfort and joy.

Mark Taha, via email

TNT online Catch up with your fellow TNT readers and share your views at tntmagazine.com/forums

London

Bumper quiz: Test your knowledge of 2009

Lucas Dawson / Getty Images, Phil Walter / Getty Images, Frank Zeller / AFP / Getty Images

TNT Publishing Ltd Nightflight Distribution Ltd PRINTED BY St Ives Web Ltd NEWS AAP Freestone Media NZPA SAPA PICTURES AAP AP Alamy Getty Images NZPA PA Photos Photolibrary. com Pictures Colour Library Reuters Rex Features Robert Harding SAPA TNT Images

PART AND PARCEL

LETTER OF THE WEEK

YOUR SAY MISSING LONDON

I find it bizarre that I feel homesick for the UK, especially after being back in Australia for over a year – there is something magical about London at Christmas time.

Chestnuts do roast on open fires, and you can sing ‘I’m dreaming of a white Christmas’ with the small chance that it might be one. I’m missing the twinkling lights on Oxford and Regent Streets, the

WIN letters@tntmagazine.com letters@tntmagazine.com

store fronts of Selfridges and Debenhams, Hammersmith Square’s Christmas tree and the German sausage hut.

But most of all, I’m missing the people who make London feel like home. I miss my London family, my pub boys, and some of my best friends, who are still as good friends as back in October 2008 when I took my final Tube journey to Heathrow.

ANGLO PACIFIC

SHIPPING 30th Anniversary

Kimberly Golding, via email

Letter of the week wins a Northern Rocker tour of Ireland from Shamrocker (shamrockeradventures.com), valued at £89. Letters may be edited. Prize is not transferable. Your Say is a reader forum and does not represent the opinions of TNT or its staff.

COMMUNITY CORNER forum talk What you’ve been saying at tntmagazine.com/ forums. Get online and have your say.

ANCESTRY ADVICE I want to apply for a UK ancestry visa, but I am having difficulties obtaining the right to apply for my mother’s birth certificate without her consent.

Surely I am not the only person who doesn’t have contact with a parent and is in need of this document? bellasattic, via tntmagazine.com

Music

WOMEN’S RUGBY Hammersmith and Fulham RFC are looking for new women rugby players. We are a fun side who enjoy their rugby and are serious at socialising. We are a diverse team and welcome players of all abilities and nationalities. Contact ladies@fulhamrugby.co.uk TOAO43, via tntmagazine.com

Travel

OVER 500,000 SATISFIED CUSTOMERS HAVE ALREADY TRUSTED THEIR POSSESSIONS TO ANGLO PACIFIC, LONDON’S LEADING SHIPPERS

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Discover Laos: Chill out in Southeast Asia

Hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am - 6.00pm Sat 9am-1pm

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HOW TO ENTER Go to tntmagazine.com/competitions. See webpage for terms and conditions. Winners will be selected at random

A CARIBEE LUGGAGE SET TNTT and Caribee are giving away a four-piece luggage set for your travels in 2010.

The Caribee Time Traveller consists of a day backpack, 19-inch trolley case, which can convert into a backpack to take as hand luggage, 26-inch wheeled trolley, which can convert into a backpack for more difficult terrain, plus a 30-inch wheeled luggage piece for when you need to take everything with you.

Enter at tntmagazine.com/ competitions.

» See caribeeonline.co.uk

WIN MORE 4 18 24 32 62 62 64 66

Ireland tour Guidebooks Cinema tickets Cream’s Future Electro CDs A three-day tour of Scotland Photography course Cash and guidebooks A trip to Bath and Stonehenge

PREVIOUS WINNERS TNT 1368: Tickets to Hat Club: J Woo, M Cross, R Leppard, B Caspar, S Pink TNT 1370: Ice Age 3 DVDs and ice skating tickets: Matheus de Oliveira Garcia, Alistair Richardson, Rajesh Kalhan, John Emson

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AN ADVENTURE TRAVEL GUIDE To help you plan your ultimate adventures for 2010, Rough Guides have 15 copies of Ultimate Adventures: A Rough Guide To Adventure Travel up for grabs.

Ultimate Adventures circles the globe to track down the world’s best trekking, climbing, diving, cycling, skiing, caving, surfing and paddling experiences. The result is a guide to more than 150 adventures, which are destined to become the most memorable expeditions of your life.

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Richmond Park, TW10, Wednesday, December 16 Photo: Dan Kitwood / Getty Images

LONDON

LONDON EYE

9

Richmond Park was transformed into a winter wonderland last week, as a cold front bought snow to parts of London, giving hope to those who are yearning for a white Christmas.

tntmagazine.com

LONDON LIFE

WHAT’S ON Tom Sturrock PICKS THE BEST OF LONDON THIS WEEK

LONDON

WESTMINSTER ABBEY MIDNIGHT MASS AND CAROLS FREE WHAT: At one of London’s oldest landmarks, on Christmas Eve there’s carols at 4pm and midnight mass starting at 11.30pm, and then Christmas Day services at 10.30am and 3pm. Arrive an hour early to be sure of getting in.

WHEN: Dec 24-25.

DO IT BECAUSE: Even if you’re not really into the religious side of Christmas, Westminster Abbey is a spectacular building and it’s at its absolute best at this time of the year.

10

» Westminster Abbey, Dean’s Yard, SW1P 3PA Westminster (westminster-abbey.org)

Capital idea: Coronet cinema If you’re sick of shiny, soulless multiplexes filled with emo teenagers, make sure you head to the Coronet when you next want to see a movie.

The Coronet opened as a Victorian theatre in 1898 and came to be regarded as the finest venue outside the West End. It’s now a little bit tattered around the edges, but it’s still absolutely gorgeous.

The cavernous main cinema has three tiers, with stalls, circle and gallery. It feels like the kind of place King Kong

would have been put on show, or where Lockwood and Lamont would have attended a glittering premiere in the golden age of silent film. The fact it now sits largely deserted only adds to its mystique.

It’s £7 for adults, but that goes down to a ridiculously good value £3.50 for all shows on tight-arse Tuesdays. TS

WINTER FESTIVAL AT KEMPTON PARK £12

PETER PAN CUP FREE

Perhaps it’s a bit out of season for horseracing, but huddle up on the hoardings with a hip-flask of whiskey while waving your non-winning tickets in the air.

That’s right – some people are crazy enough to swim on Christmas Day. Only members can dive in, but spectators are welcome.

» Kempton Park, Sunbury-onThames, TW16 5AQ Sunbury (kempton.co.uk). Dec 26-27

» Serpentine Lake, Hyde Park, W2 2UH Knightsbridge (serpentineswimmingclub. com). Dec 25, 9am

»

Notting Hill Gate, W11 3LB Notting Hill Gate (coronet.org). Closed Dec 24-25 GREAT FOR: VICTORIAN STYLE

THINGS THE QUEEN SHOULD DO BEFORE SHE DIES LONDON BY NUMBERS

9

Source: The Weather Channel

# 350

BRACE THE ICY WATERS AT THE PETER PAN CUP IN HYDE PARK

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Silly Buggers™

Julian Herbert / ALLSPORT

London’s average December high in degrees Celsius.

DUE A TAX REFUND? ANGLO PACIFIC CAN HELP POTTED POTTER £20 The entire Harry Potter series is condensed into a 70-minute stage show.

» Trafalgar Studios, Whitehall, SW1A 2DY Charing Cross (pottedpotter.com). Until Jan 2

TATE BRITAIN’S CHRISTMAS TREE FREE The Tate’s arty but majestic Christmas tree is always worth a look.

MATTHEW BOURNE’S SWAN LAKE FROM £10 One of ballet’s best-loved stories has been given an allmale makeover. A night at the ballet might not be your thing, but tickets could make a cracking Christmas present.

YOU

»

Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Ave, EC1R 4TN Angel (sadlerswells.com). Until Jan 24

»

Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG Pimlico (tate.org.uk/ britain). Until Jan 3

TNT online For a full guide to what’s happening in the capital see tntmagazine.com/whats_on

BRITAIN EXPLAINED

Anglo Pacific offer the best tax & national insurance reclaim service in London, with a special discount if we look after both your shipping and tax requirements. What’s more we are bonded members of the Association of Tax Agents, for your total protection.

Tax refunds can be time-consuming and will often involve lengthy correspondence with HM Revenue & Customs. We will take away the hassle, simplify the process and pay your refund directly to your nominated bank account. Last year we secured an average rebate of £903, so don’t delay. Please visit our website to claim your overpaid tax, calculate your rebate entitlement, or simply call us to get the facts.

Getty Images

THE FALKLANDS WAR The Falklands War was fought between Argentina and the United Kingdom in 1982. It broke out after Argentina occupied the small cluster of islands off its southern tip, which had been under British sovereignty since 1833.

The invasion was a populist attempt to divert attention from Argentina’s economic woes and the ruling

military junta’s human rights violations, with the junta calculating the UK would not take military action.

That back-fired, though, when then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (left) deployed troops to re-take the islands, citing the fact that the 2000 citizens preferred British rule.

After 74 days, in which 907 people were killed, Argentina surrendered. TS

TAX SERVICES

www.anglopacific.co.uk Or call us on 0800 039 3088 Email: rebates@anglopacifictax.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

BAR REVIEW Buddha-bar ★★★★★

LONDON

8 Victoria Embankment, WC2R 2AB 020 3371 7777 Embankment

THE SCENE Lush and immaculate, this is a seriously good-looking establishment.

The downstairs restaurant and sushi bar is stylish, but it’s

14

Make your own

the upstairs bar that is the pick – you’ll feel like an A-lister as you sip a drink.

Arrive early or make a reservation to secure a seat.

THE GRUB There’s a bar menu of delicious sushi, sashimi and salads, from £3.50.

BEHIND THE BAR Large selection of original cocktails (fig or wasabi, anyone?), with most about £9.50. The wine list

is pricey and starts at £5.50 for a glass of white or red.

BILL PLEASE Three cocktails, two lots of sushi and tip is £43.

VERDICT With service that comes without the ‘are you really cool enough to be in here?’ attitude, stunning cocktails and classy vibe, this is a great place for a splurge with someone special.

DANIEL LANDON

Christmas roast turkey

You’ve bought the turkey but don’t know how to cook it.

Here’s a recipe for a classic Christmas roast.

tntmagazine.com

WINTER DRINKS Mulled wine Nothing heralds winter like a glass of mulled wine. Make your own (with red wine, oranges, cinnamon and cloves), buy it ready-made (try M&S), or find it at your local pub.

Winter Pimm’s No 3 oven and roast for 40 mins.

Turn down the heat to 170˚C and roast. Allow 20 mins cooking time per 500g.

About 30 mins before the end of cooking time, remove the foil from the turkey, and

take off the bacon strips.

Baste the bird with the pan’s juices.

To test if the turkey is cooked, pierce the thickest part of the leg and the juices should run clear.

PROVIDING YOU WITH: • The best fresh smoothies in the area • Fresh salad • Homemade food – best falafels and kebabs in town! • Illy coffee • Beautiful and tranquil atmosphere

Only minutes away from the Hammersmith ‘HMV’ Apollo and a short walk from the beautiful Hammersmith Bridge and river.

3 Queen Caroline Street (opposite Junction with Hammersmith Bridge Road), 30B Broadway Centre. Phone: 020 8741 4500

Forget cucumbers and ice.

Winter Pimm’s is about cold, dark days when you need a warming drink. It’s brandybased and should be mixed with apple juice or ginger ale, and served hot.

Winter ales While cold beer is often hard to find in the UK, these local brews are meant to be drunk warm.

Spicy and malty, they should be enjoyed by the fire.

Rob Brady / TNT Images, Britainonview

CAFE METRO

WHAT YOU NEED: 1 turkey (allow 500g per person); 100g butter; 150g streaky bacon; 300g minced pork; 1 tbsp fresh sage; 3 tbsp parsley; 1 onion, chopped; 1 tsp nutmeg; ½ cup bread crumbs; 1 egg; seasoning THE WORK: Preheat the oven to 200˚C. Make the stuffing by mixing the pork mince, herbs, onion, nutmeg, breadcrumbs and egg. Season.

Stuff the turkey, getting between the skin and the breast, and then tuck in the neck flap.

Place the bird on a baking tray, lined with a large piece of foil to cover the turkey.

Rub the bird with butter, and cover with strips of bacon.

Wrap in foil, not too tightly, so the bird sits in a parcel.

Place on a low shelf in the

Splash the

CASH Splurge with confidence – or grab lastminute Christmas treats – with our guide to London’s best shopping WORDS ELIZABETH EUN

L

ondon is a shoppers’ paradise, but when there’s so much on offer a retail fix can turn into a chore. Here is a selection of the capital’s stores to help you narrow down the search.

DEPARTMENT STORES John Lewis Middle Britain’s favourite department store is owned by the John Lewis Partnership – a trust representing its employees who have a say in the running of the business.

» Oxford St, W1 1EX (johnlewis.com)

Oxford Circus

Debenhams Solid and reliable, Debenhams boasts a great range of department store fodder, from clothes to homeware.

» Oxford St, W1C 1JG

Bond Street

(debenhams.com)

Crowd pleaser: Topshop

» Oxford St, W1A 1AB (selfridges.com)

Bond Street

Getty Images

LUXURY SHOPPING Selfridges Shop for beautiful things in beautiful surrounds at this temple to high-end spending. The London flagship store has some of the best selection of designer clobber in the city.

Big and bright: Harrods Take in Liberty

Harvey Nichols The flagship store on Knightsbridge opened in the 1880s, and has managed to stay a London shopping standard since.

» Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ

Knightsbridge

SHOPPING CENTRES Westfield Westfield has established itself at the top of the shopping centre pack, and the best part is, it’s still all buffed and bright, having just celebrated its first birthday in October.

» Ariel Way, W12 7SL Wood Lane/ Shepherd’s Bush (uk.westfield.com/london)

(harveynichols.com)

Harrods Harrods is the largest store in the UK as well as its most famous.

» Brompton Rd, SW3 1ER

Knightsbridge

Brent Cross Brent Cross, in northwest London, was the first shopping centre to be built in the UK in 1976.

» Prince Charles Dr, NW4 3FP

Brent Cross

(brentcross.co.uk)

■ Harrods

(harrods.com)

Liberty Founded in 1875, Liberty takes pride in its great history and sells the newest fashions alongside design classics.

» Great Marlborough St, W1F 5AH Circus (liberty.co.uk)

Oxford

FLAGSHIP STORES Topshop The flagship store at Oxford Circus reigns as queen of the high street for all things wearable.

» Great Castle St, W1W 8LG

Oxford Circus (topshop.co.uk)

Marks & Spencer The largest clothing retailer in the UK, M&S also sells food and home goods.

» Oxford St, W1C 1AP

Getty Images

Marble Arch (marksandspencer.com)

HMV HMV’s flagship store is still the place to browse for DVDs, games and old-school CDs. There’s also a Ticketmaster booth.

» Oxford St, W1D 1DJ

Oxford Circus (hmv.com)

London’s biggest and best sales take place after Christmas. They’re called the January sales, but most shops kick off their clearances on December 26 or December 27.

Expect up to 50 per cent off, especially when it comes to those designer and luxury must-haves.

While many stores are yet to announce their January sales opening hours, you might want to set your alarm clock for these:

BARGAIN STORES Primark It has mountains of cheap clothing. Wear a full-body leotard if you plan to try stuff on – you won’t get anywhere near a fitting room.

» Oxford St, W1C 1HG (primark.co.uk)

Marble Arch

From 10am on December 26.

■ Selfridges From 9am on December 26.

■ John Lewis From noon on December 27.

New Look Trendy, affordable and functional, New Look won’t break the bank.

» Oxford St, W1C 1HG

Marble Arch

(newlook.co.uk)

ONE-OFF LONDON Forbidden Planet Be prepared to enter here knowing some geek-speak. This place has one of the largest selections of pop culture items and comics on offer.

■ Marks & Spencer From noon on December 27.

TNT online For more things to do in London this weekend, see tntmagazine.com/london_life Bargain buys at Primark

» Shaftesbury Ave, WC2H 8JR Leicester Square (forbiddenplanet.com)

Hamleys If you’ve got anyone under the age of 10 to buy for, then Hamleys is the place with seven floors of toys.

» Regent St, W1B 5BT

Oxford Circus (hamleys.com)

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LONDON

JANUARY SALES

17

SPOTTED ARE YOU SPOTTED IN THE CIRCLE?

LONDON

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The Kings Head

Fulham Broadway tube | same pub, new name

R E B M E M E R O T R E B M A DECE THURSDAY 24TH DEC

Is relaunch night, cheap snakies all night £2.00. Jugs, jelly shots! Wear your national colours with pride to receive I free shot with your first drink!! Until 2am 8.30 pm - first 50 at the bar get a FREE snakie. 10.30pm - first 100 get a FREE sambuca.

25TH & 26TH DEC The Kings Head closes at 2am

SPECIAL OFFER

& 28th Dec until 1:30am £1.50 on all drinks only on Monday from 7pm / Students Night 21st

NEW YEARS EVE - 31ST DEC 2-funky DJ’s! Until 5:00am!

AUSTRALIA DAY 26 JANUARY

Snakies £2 / Jugs £8 / Shots start from pound!!

AFL

COMING IN THE NEW YEAR

www.kingshead-fulham.co.uk

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STAR SPOTTING Samantha Baden WITH THE LATEST FROM THE WORLD OF SHOWBIZ

NEW ZEALAND

➩

GOLDEN GIRL: Kiwi Anna Paquin has scored two Golden Globe nominations.

Paquin, who is engaged to her True Blood co-star Stephen Moyer, was nominated for best TV drama actress for her role as waitress Sookie Stackhouse in the vampire thriller. Paquin won the same award for the role in January.

She also scored a best actress nod for her role in TV movie The Courageous Heart Of Irena Sendler, in which she plays a Polish woman who smuggles Jewish children to safety during World War II.

A GOOD WEEK FOR

Clint Eastwood’s film Invictus recorded one of South Africa’s biggest opening weekends. The film tells the story of how Nelson Mandela used the Springboks’ 1995 World Cup win to unite SA.

Getty Images

➩

A BAD WEEK FOR

Aussie actor Abbie Cornish was denied a place in next year’s Golden Globes race after being snubbed by judges for her portrayal of Fanny Brawne in Jane Campion’s Bright Star.

DON’T MENTION RELIGION Nicole Kidman froze out one of Britain’s foremost political journalists after he attempted to ask her about Scientology.

In London to promote her new film, Nine, Kidman avoided the BBC’s Andrew Marr’s question on the topic in an interview.

Marr’s query on Scientology, and Kidman’s cold reaction were cut from the TV version of The Andrew Marr Show, but did appear on the popular

TV programme’s website.

Marr said: “Scientology. It is, a lot of people would say, a bullying cult.”

Kidman replied: “I’m here to publicise Nine. If I was here to do an exposé on myself then I’d be like, ‘Let’s go,’ but I have no interest in discussing any of that.”

Kidman divorced Tom Cruise, one of the world’s most famous followers of the controversial religion, in 2001.

SAY WHAT?

”Once I got to know Hugh Hefner I saw that he was, in fact, a real supporter of women” Pammy Anderson fondly remembers the Playboy Mansion

Woman’s Weekly: Netball legend Bernice Mene shares what she’ll be doing at Christmas. Rugby league hardman Manu Vatuvei reveals his plans to wed his high school sweetheart, and Elin Nordegren tells why she still loves Tiger Woods.

AUSTRALIA OK!: Aussie hunk Sam Worthington talks about this year’s mostanticipated blockbuster, Avatar. Plus, a special report into Hollywood cheaters, as Tiger Woods’ wife packs her bags over revelations of his shocking double life.

Meanwhile, Aussie chef Curtis Stone shows off a few fave dishes he’ll be serving up at Christmas.

SOUTH AFRICA YOU: Robbie Klay tells how he’s found new strength after the acquittal of Afrikaans singer Jurie Els on charges of sexually molesting him.

Twilight cover boy Robert Pattinson is apparently the “hottest” heartthrob in years.

Plus, a new book on Brad and Ange predicts fights, tempers, and booze will end their famous relationship.

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ENTERTAINMENT

CELEBRITY NEWS

GLOSSY GOSSIP FROM HOME

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NZ PRODUCTION

LEARN THE LINGO

WHAT Kiwi theatre company Shaky Isles brings a slice of NZ to London with Gary Henderson’s Skin Tight.

Quote ‘TNT Magazine’ when booking over the phone and get your tickets for £9 (normally £12).

Language school TNT has teamed up with the Language Machine once again to offer readers the chance to learn a new language or brush up their skills at a relatively low cost.

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Ringleader, clown, acrobat or strongman – who will you be at TNT’s sexy circus-themed New Year’s Eve party this year?

Tickets are only £12 and include a drink, circus games, entertainment, live music and drink specials. Plus, the best dressed party-goer wins a trip for two to Croatia, courtesy of Sail Croatia. » The Grand Union Ravenscourt Park, Goldhawk Rd, W12 8EU Ravenscourt Park. Thu, Dec 31, 7pm-4am. £12 adv or £20 otd. See tntmagazine.com/nye

For more TNT events see tntmagazine.com/events

39932

ENTERTAINMENT

TNT LIFE

LOOK WHO’S TALKING

Having conquered Australian radio, comedy pair Hamish Blake and Andy Lee are making their debut on the British airwaves

ENTERTAINMENT

Hamish and Andy INTERVIEW TOM STURROCK The Poms have a rich comedic history – but are Aussies funnier?

Andy Lee (bottom right): Everything is funnier with a British accent.

Hamish Blake (bottom left): We could be the global financial crisis version of comedy – the Poms have a rich history, but here’s your cheaper, poorer-sounding Australian version.

A lot of Aussies over here live in sharehouses – have you got any funny sharehouse stories?

HB: I still live in a sharehouse and have a story from not more than 48 hours ago.

My dryer is broken, so I phoned my housemate, and he says: ‘It’s not broken, you just have to wedge a longboard against the door to make it close’. That sums up my living arrangements – nothing’s ever broken, you just have to adapt.

Is there anything you’d change about each other?

AL: I’d make Hamish a buxom blonde woman, but I’d keep his voice the same, so as not to alarm listeners.

HB: I would make Andy into some

YOU DON’T SAY? What are your porn star names?

HB: Disappointingly, I named my pet Hamish and lived on Blake Street.

AL: Mine is Hermie Alexandra – not very sexy.

Who would play you in a film of your lives?

HB: I’d get the dog from Milo And Otis and I’d like Andy to be the cat – there’s a powerful analogy between their cross-country journey and our journey in life.

AL: I’ll tell James Earl Jones he’s missed out to a cat again.

cheese or a nice ciabatta loaf. I’m saying that because I’m hungry.

You’ve been working together for 10 years – where would you be if you hadn’t met at Melbourne Uni?

AL: Hamish would still be at uni as he was quite smart, and I’d still be fitting roof racks at Roof Carrier Systems in Camberwell.

HB: I don’t think they’ll get any extra business from a plug in TNT. AL: Well, if people are travelling over …

HB: And I believe they fit snow chains as well.

You manage to rope your family and friends into your show pretty successfully – is that a hard sell or do they love it?

AL: We pretty much get away with saying ‘bad luck’. If you sell it as the status quo, they can’t complain – it’s only when you

start asking permission that you get into trouble.

HB: When we finished school and moved out of home, they didn’t have to help us make costumes or anything else any more, so they thought they were done, not realising that we would be using them as a crutch for the rest of our professional lives.

I would make “ Hamish a buxom blonde woman ” So much can go wrong with live radio.

What have been some on-air disasters?

AL: I was interviewing an actress from Desperate Housewives at the Melbourne Cup and a guy ran out starkers and performed what is known as the windmill. I looked up and was flabbergasted, and said the f-word and it went out across the nation.

HB: It was more of a uni-blade, though, wasn’t it? He didn’t have four sets of genitals.

AL: That’s right.

HB: I remember we were giving away a prize on-air once and we had the sound effects lined up – the applause for when we would announce the winner. Andy held up a sign saying ’cheers’ but our sound effects guy actually played the theme song to the ’80s sitcom Cheers.

» Hamish and Andy’s Mid-Winter Warmer will be broadcast on BBC 6 Music on Mon, Dec 21, 4pm-7pm

tntmagazine.com

23

ENTERTAINMENT

CINEMA

24

Sherlock Holmes

SCREEN TEST: ROBERT DOWNEY JR

Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams

STARRING:

RT 128 MINS

★★★★★

Ironically, for a film about the greatest detective of all time Sherlock Holmes is a largely clueless affair. Why, for starters, would you cast someone as brilliant as Robert Downey Jr in the lead role and then not give him anything decent to do?

Few blockbusters this year have a had a more feeble plot than Sherlock Holmes, with the sleuth and his sidekick Watson (Law) trying to thwart a ridiculous plan by the satanic Lord Blackwood, who seemingly has the power to come back from the dead.

Thrown in for good measure is love-interest Irene (McAdams), who adds little to the story. There are a few good fist fights and explosions but the action scenes never really blow your hair back.

Despite having little to

1 What US late-night comedy show was Robert Downey Jr part of for one season?

2 For what movie role did Downey Jr receive an Oscar nomination in 1993?

3 Which group of actors was Downey Jr associated with in the 1980s?

4 What was Downey Jr’s most successful film at the box office?

5 Why was he fired from his successful stint on the TV show Ally McBeal?

For a chance to win two tickets from Vue email answers to grabs@tntmagazine.com by noon on Wednesday with ‘Cinema’ in the subject line.

WIN

work with, Downey Jr still manages to be entertaining in that cocky, camp sort of way.

He is ably assisted by Law, and the pair’s constant bickering is one of the film’s few highlights.

As for director Guy Ritchie, he fails to put his stamp on

Sherlock Holmes, delivering a muddled, long movie that makes too many elementary mistakes to be seen as a successful launch of a franchise.

GOOD FOR: Fans of Downey Jr, not Sherlock Holmes.

PIERRE DE VILLIERS

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS 1 Titanic 2 Xenogenesis

3 Terminator 4 Five times 5 Lightstorm Entertainment LAST WEEK’S WINNER Terence Choi

THE REEL DEAL

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS 2

Kiwi film-maker Peter Jackson says he would consider making his own Gallipoli movie as the April 2015 centenary of the illfated World War I Anzac landings draws near.

“I have been thinking about it recently,” Jackson told Australia’s ABC. He had considered making a film from a New Zealand perspective years ago, to complement Aussie director Peter Weir’s Gallipoli.

Now Jackson has a new version in mind. He says: “Australia and New Zealand were so intertwined in that particular campaign that

When their manager Dave (Jason Lee) ends up in traction, the helium-voiced chipmunks are sent to school in this surprisingly decent sequel.

While the sidelined Lee is sorely missed, and the music numbers are a bit much, the cuteness factor is high and the animation top drawer.

GOOD FOR: Kids and die-hard Chipmunk fans. PDV

★★★★★

I think it would be a mistake.

“Gallipoli was a seven or eight-month long campaign, and that story is yet to be told on film, so I’d like to do that,” the director added.

NOWHERE BOY

★★★★★ A young John Lennon (Aaron Johnson) is caught between his unhinged mother Julia and her sister, Aunt Mimi, who has guardianship over him, in Sam Taylor Wood’s superb biopic. Spot-on performances and understated direction by Taylor Wood ensure that this is a touching and revealing portrait of a music icon.

GOOD FOR: Those who still have Beatle-mania. PDV

Courtesy 20th Century Fox, Alex Bailey, Getty Images

Mel Gibson’s next directing project is a period drama about vikings, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Variety reported.

“This will be an awe-inspiring story, created with some of the finest cinematic talent, and I’m over the moon to be making [it] with Mel,” said Graham King, the producer.

Filming will finish next year.

with

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CULTURE EARTH: ART OF A CHANGING WORLD This exhibition focuses broadly on man’s destructive impact on the environment, and although the ecowarrior message threatens to overwhelm, there’s enough variety to keep it worthwhile.

Tomas Saraceno’s Endless Series features images taken on the world’s largest salt flats in Bolivia, which have been manipulated so that no horizon is discernible – the landscape stretches infinitely, creating the impression of beautiful oblivion. A lone figure stands, not only in the middle of nowhere, but apparently cut

ENTERTAINMENT

SEE THIS: Exhibition adrift from time and space.

Yao Lu’s Spring In The City showcases his unique method of draping rubbish in netting, and with the use of oils and digital photography, the image resembles the bucolic landscapes of traditional Chinese art. TOM STURROCK

» Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington Gardens, W1J 0BD Green Park (royal academy.org.uk).

Until Jan 31. £7

27

TNT online For more reviews and what’s happening in London go to tntmagazine.com/london_life

WORTH A LOOK Decode: Digital Design Sensations showcases the latest developments in digital and interactive design. » V&A Museum, Cromwell Rd, SW7 2RL

Euston Square (wellcomecollection.org). Until Apr 11. Free

THEATRE OF THE WEEK

BOOK OF THE WEEK

NATION

I AM OZZY

★★★★★

Even the strong visual eye of director and co-designer Melly Still fails to imbue Mark Ravenhill’s adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s novel with real dramatic impetus.

Set in a parallel world, this tale of the birth of a united nation and the transition from boy to man offers fruitful Tomas Saraceno / Andersen’s Contemporary Berlin / Copenhagen, Johan Persson

•Identity: Eight Rooms, Nine Lives is an ambitious exploration

South Kensington (vam.ac.uk). Until Apr 11. £5

of human identity. » Wellcome Collection, Euston Rd, NW1 2BE

scope for misunderstandings between cultures and beliefs.

The underwater scenes are beautifully realised, but the storytelling is too confusing to engage intellect or emotion.

LOUISE KINGSLEY

» Olivier at the National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX Waterloo (020 7452 3000).

Until Mar 28. £10-£42.50

Ozzy Osbourne (Sphere) OUT NOW

★★★★★ John Osbourne really had no other option but to be a rock star. Born dyslexic into poverty in post-World War II Birmingham, he left school at 15, blundered through menial jobs and did a stint in prison before his dad bought him a PA so he could become a singer.

Tagged a loose unit by all who knew him, even the success of Black Sabbath didn’t settle Ozzy down – it just gave him the sense he may as well enjoy it as the fun could all end tomorrow. And enjoy

it he did. For 25 years he went as hard as he could, indulging in everything he laid his hands on. I Am Ozzy chronicles the fun, reality, tragedy and aftermath of that quarter of a century-long bender.

It’s all in there – the bat, dove, groupies, band breakups and drug busts. Ozzy tells it straight, painting himself as a lad who was simply living it up. But there’s also a love story. He’s not scared to admit that if it weren’t for his wife, Sharon, and kids he probably wouldn’t be alive today. In fact, despite that love it’s amazing he still is.

A humorous, entertaining tale.

JAHN VANNISSELROY

MORE THEATRE Sandi Toksvig’s Christmas Cracker is a festive cabaret featuring guest stars from the worlds of music, magic and comedy, including the legendary diminutive funny man Ronnie Corbett and a house band. » Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Rd SE1 8XX Waterloo southbankcentre.co.uk). Until Dec 24. £15-£35

tntmagazine.com

Not-so

silent night With Christmas only a few days away, we round up the best and the worst of the festive albums on offer this year WORDS WILL FULFORD-JONES

TORI AMOS – MIDWINTER GRACES

★★★★★ Tori Amos avoids Christmas jollity on Midwinter Graces, instead she takes a paredback, toned-down approach to the season.

While it’s a more enticing listen than her last non-festive album – the painfully named Abnormally Attracted To Sun – it’s still not much of a record. Her own songs, and there are too many of them, are plodding, forgettable affairs, and the traditional stuff doesn’t fare much better, with the Coventry Carol in particular stripped of all its haunting beauty.

KATE RUSBY – SWEET BELLS

★★★★★

tntmagazine.com

VARIOUS – IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME

★★★★★ The Waitresses’ peerless Christmas Wrapping sits next to Tom Jones and Cerys Matthews’ brutalisation of Baby, It’s Cold Outside; Michael Ball turns Chris Rea’s Driving Home For Christmas into a motorway pile-up; and Fairytale Of New York is sung by Ronan Keating. Still, this compilation finds room for both Kurtis Blow’s Christmas Rappin’ and Judy Garland’s Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

BOB DYLAN – CHRISTMAS IN THE HEART

★★★★★ It’s unlikely Bob Dylan meant Christmas In The Heart as a two-fingered

Song murderers: Tom Jones and Cerys Matthews

Getty Images

Originally released last year, but reissued for 2009, Kate Rusby’s Sweet Bells is exactly what you might expect a Christmas album from the tender-voiced Yorkshire folkie to sound: delicate, pretty and, yes, sweet. Trad-arr folk songs are mixed with a little of Rusby’s own tunesmithery and some other bits and pieces, with the usual array of acoustic guitars and accordions occasionally coloured by a brass band. Very, very English, and none the worse for it.

Not so merry: Tori Amos

MUSIC & CLUBS

MUSIC LISTINGS

30

MONDAY 21

SATURDAY 26

Annemarie Borg The classical

The Field People, Filthy Whisky Retro rock ’n’ roll

singer-songwriter performs interpretations of works by Kurt Weill, Jacques Brel and Astor Piazzolla. Live! On The Park At

from the Israel-based trio.

The Good Ship, Kilburn High Rd, NW6 7JR (07949 008253). £5.

Pizza On The Park, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LY (020 7235 5273). £20.

Gill Manly, The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars The jazz

Cato St Conspiracy

vocalist is joined by pianist Simon Wallace, drummer Ralph Salmins and bassist Geoff Gascoyne for a tribute to Nina Simone.

London-based punk-rock four-piece. Monto Water Rats, Gray’s Inn Rd, WC1X 8BZ (020 7837 4412). £6.

Ronnie Scott’s, Frith St, W1D 4HT (020 7439 0747). £25-£40.

Ray Gelato And The Giants Orchestra Swing and jive band following in the footsteps of Louis Prima, Louis Jordan and Cab Calloway. Ronnie Scott’s, Frith St, W1D 4HT (020 7439 0747). £25-£40.

Goldie Lookin’ Chain, AT8 Comic hip-hop from the Welsh collective promoting their album Asbo4life. Islington Academy, N1 Centre, Parkfield St, N1 0PS (0844 477 2000). £13.

Hot Club Of Boisdale Parisian swing inspired

by Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt.

Boisdale Of Belgravia, Eccleston St, SW1W 9LX (020 7730 6922). £12, before 10pm £4.50.

London Community Gospel Choir The group perform gospel music inspired by other genres including swing, R’n’B and soul. The Jazz Cafe, Parkway, NW1 7PG (0870 060 3777). £18.

The National Youth Jazz Orchestra The ensemble

Stan Tracey Group Swing jazz from the London-born pianist and his group. Bull’s Head, Lonsdale Rd, SW13 9PY (020 8876 5241). £10.

TNT’S TOP BOOKING RIHANNA The O2, Peninsula Sq, SE10 0DX North Greenwich (0844 856 0202; ticketmaster.co.uk).

May 10-11. £39.50 The R’n’B queen has emerged from the whole Chris Brown debacle looking fiercer than ever with edgy new album Rated R to plug.

Merry Xmas Everybody A

London-based combo play electro-pop. Underbelly, Hoxton

celebration of Christmas songs, featuring Slade, Mud II and T-Rextasy. IndigO2, Peninsula Sq,

Sq, N1 6NU (020 7837 4412). £6.

SE10 0DX (0871 220 0260). £26.50.

Paul McCartney

Remus Down Boulevard

Little Devils The south

Metal outfit featuring former Iron Maiden guitarist Dennis Stratton. Bridgehouse 2, Bidder

London-based six-piece play contemporary blues from their album This Is How It Starts.

St, E16 4ST (020 7474 3200). £5.

Halfmoon Putney, Lower Richmond Rd, SW15 1EU (020 8780 9383). £5.

The Good Ship, Kilburn High Rd, NW6 7JR (07949 008253). £4.

Public Image Ltd

Monto Water Rats, Gray’s Inn Rd, WC1X 8BZ (020 7837 4412). £6.

The rock and metal quartet perform songs from their album Chutzpah!. Islington Academy, N1 Centre, Parkfield St, N1 0PS (0844 477 2000). £20.

WEDNESDAY 23

singer and his group. The

Congo Banga, Babacarr, Indeed I The Congolese singersongwriter performs reggae and African roots music. The Purple

TUESDAY 22

Turtle, Crowndale Rd, NW1 1TN (020 7383 4976). £5, w/flyer £4.

Leila Adu, Elan Tamara The musician performs jazz and pop with accompaniment from John Edwards and Steve Noble. The Vortex Jazz Club,

The Ocean Colour Scene vocalist and guitarist performs an acoustic set. Halfmoon Putney, Lower Richmond Rd, SW15 1EU (020 8780 9383). £12.

Samara Saxophonist Steve Rubie and his six-piece play Latin jazz, samba and soul. 606 Club, Lots Rd, SW10 0QD (020 7352 5953). £8.

Ya Basta!, Yolanda Uriz, Laura Altman, Rodrigo Montoya The band play jazz

Barfly, Camden, Chalk Farm Rd, NW1 8AN (0844 847 2424). £7.

standards. Ryan’s Bar, Stoke Newington Church St, N16 0UL (020 7275 7807). £6, concs £4.

Monkish, Jonny Black, Russ & The Wrong Uns The

THURSDAY 24 78rpm The six-piece play jazz from the 1920s to the 1940s.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (0844 875 0073/ cc 0871 663 2500). Free.

Cargo, Rivington St, EC2A 3AY (020 7739 3440). £6.

tntmagazine.com

comedy band from London play novelty punk-rock. Dublin Castle, Parkway, NW1 7AN (020 8806 2668). £6, w/flyer £4.50.

Prince Alla And The Positive Vibes Band, BB Seaton, Leroy Brown, African Simba, Bro Culture The Jamaican artist and band play roots and reggae. The Hootananny, Effra

Bad Manners, Pocket Billiards Buster Bloodvessel

Rd, SW2 1DF (020 7737 7273). £10.

Dunajska Kapelye

and his 1980s ska-rockers.

Something Simple, Fur Funk,

Gypsy jazz and Balkan melodies from violinist Piotr Jordan and his group.

Monto Water Rats, Gray’s Inn Rd, WC1X 8BZ (020 7837 4412). £15.

reggae and hip-hop from the London-based eight-piece.

The Vortex Jazz Club, Dalston Culture House, Gillett St, N16 8JH (020 7254 4097). £10.

The Frontliners Band

The Good Ship, Kilburn High Rd, NW6 7JR (07949 008253). £5.

Jamaican roots and reggae outfit. The Hootananny, Effra

Harry Waters Quartet The

Rd, SW2 1DF (020 7737 7273). £3.

Junk, Father Roger & The Film Foundation

pianist and his band play jazz standards and original material.

Miles Winter Roberts

The south east-based sevenpiece play indie. Bull And

London-based acoustic folk-pop musician. Bull’s

Bull’s Head, Lonsdale Rd, SW13 9PY (020 8876 5241). £10.

Gate, Kentish Town Rd, NW5 2TJ (020 8826 5000). £5, concs £4.

Head, Lonsdale Rd, SW13 9PY (020 8876 5241). £10.

Goldieflocks Pop and dubstep artist.

Mako, Derek Trotson, The Alchemy, Nick Desmond, Jack Blume, Daiyaan, Zack Wellin, David Shamtoob The band play indie. The

The Wildhearts, The Loyalties, Antiproduct

James Yorkston & The Athletes Folk from the

Simon Fowler

Dean St, W1D 3RW (020 7437 9595/ cc 0845 602 7017). £22.

King’s Head, Crouch End Hill, N8 8AA (020 8340 1028). £5.

The Oxford-based band play melodic indie-pop.

Dalston Culture House, Gillett St, N16 8JH (020 7254 4097). £10.

Gary Grainger, Miles Gilderdale, Fred White and guest vocalist Julia Nixon. Pizza Express Jazz Club,

Jazz With The Trio Resident jazz group. Downstairs At The

Sq, SE10 0DX (0871 220 0260). £30.

Luminaire, Kilburn High Rd, NW6 7JR (020 7372 7123). £10.50.

G-Funk Featuring Greg and

Castle, Parkway, NW1 7AN (020 8806 2668). £6, concs £4.50.

Soiree For The Buskers, Elettronora, Hugh Young

St. Pancras Way, NW1 0QT (020 7387 4805). £5.

based combo play indierock with touches of ska.

four-piece fuse dance, rock, electro and dub. Dublin

pioneers return to promote their album Yes. O2 Arena, Peninsula

Jazz ensemble. The Constitution,

Fab Kebab Lab, East End Promises The London-

O2 Arena, Peninsula Sq, SE10 0DX (0871 220 0260). £55-£125.

folk-pop from the London and Leeds-based six-piece.

Stan Sulzmann Quartet

Ronnie Scott’s, Frith St, W1D 4HT (020 7439 0747). £20-£36.

Old School Tie, The Lazy Habits The Birmingham-based

performs jazz standards.

Academy, Stockwell Rd, SW9 9SL (0844 477 2000). £39.50.

from the singer and pianist.

The former member of The Beatles performs his hits.

George IV, Chiswick High Rd, W4 2DR (020 8566 4067). £15.

John Lydon’s post-punk outfit celebrates the 30th anniversary of their album Metal Box. Brixton

Liane Carroll Soulful jazz

Monto Water Rats, Gray’s Inn Rd, WC1X 8BZ (020 7837 4412). £6.

Let’s Talk Tactics The

Pengilly’s, Artibella, Jamie Crawford Multi-instrumental

Pet Shop Boys, Bad Lieutenant The electro-pop

SUNDAY 27

Submit your free listing at least three weeks prior to the publication by emailing gigs@pressassociation.com.

TNT online For full listings info go to tntmagazine. com/whats_on

FAST FORWARD African Soul Rebels Tour: Oumou Sangare Kalahari Surfers & more Barbican, Feb 20 (020 7638 8891) £15-£20 Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Forum, April 23 (0870 264 3333). £18.50 Bon Jovi O2 Arena, Jun 7-8, 10-11 & 13 (0844 856 0202). £50-£215 Jamie T Brixton Academy, Feb 5-6 (0844 477 2000). £17.50 Ellie Goulding Heaven, Apr 15 (0870 264 3333). £11 Green Day Wembley Stadium, Jun 19 (0844 277 4321). £42.50 Muse Wembley Stadium, Sep 10-11 (0844 277 4321). £45 Pendulum Wembley Arena, May 28 (0844 815 0815). £28 Paolo Nutini Royal Albert Hall, Apr 8-9 (020 7589 8212). £25-£30 The Parlotones Koko, Feb 4 (0870 264 3333). £13 Xavier Rudd Shepherds Bush Empire, Feb 13 (0844 477 2000). £18.50 The Temper Trap Shepherds Bush Empire, Apr 28-30 (0844 477 2000). £15 Wireless: Pink Hyde Park, Jul 2-3 (0844 847 2339). £47.50 Wolfmother Brixton Academy, Jan 21 (0844 477 2000). £18.50 The XX Shepherds Bush Empire, Mar 2-3 (0844 477 2000). £12.50 Yeasayer Heaven, Feb 23 (0844 477 1000). £11

CLUBBING

32

Natasha Vuckovic PICKS OUT THIS WEEK’S BEST CLUB NIGHTS

CLUB OF THE WEEK PEOPLE FROM IBIZA AMNESIA BOXING DAY SPECIAL Memory loss is something we’ve all experienced after a big night out, but if you’ve been to Ibiza’s Amnesia, then you’ll know it’s one night you won’t forget. The club is bringing its in-house People From Ibiza event to London on Boxing Day. Dance off that Christmas turkey with Mar-T, Fabio Giannelli, Silky, Ivan Escura and Femi B. A blast of Ibizan beats is the perfect cure for the dark British winter.

» Egg, York Way, N7 9AP

King’s Cross (020 7609 8364).

Sat, Dec 26, 10pm-6am. £10 before 11.30pm, £15 after

beats/breaks

funk/soul

drum ’n’ bass

electro

hip-hop

CLUB NEWS Fatboy Slim has confirmed he’ll be at Snowbombing 2010. The DJ was scheduled to headline the 2009 event but pulled out due to alcohol-related problems.

“After a little false start, here I come. I love a new experience and I’m eager for some high altitude raving. I only have one question – is there such a thing as non-alcoholic gluhwein?” he said.

The event takes place in Mayrhofen, Austria, on April 5-10. See snowbombing.com.

Clubbing brand Cream, which is usually all about trance, will be releasing an electro album early next year. Future Electro

Fatboy Slim

is packed with new tunes and electro classics from dance floor giants, such as Deadmau5, Sebastian Ingrosso, Roger Sanchez and Fatboy Slim v Fedde Le Grand, making it a huge calorific treat for your ears.

e d ub

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VS

G N I L MY E E F OO GL

tntmagazine.com

hard house/trance

house/garage

rock/metal

techno

TANTRIC SOUL

FABRICLIVE

A pioneer of New York’s underground dance scene, US export Victor Simonelli heads to London on Boxing Day to celebrate the festive season. Having been on the party circuit since the early ’80s, his sound is like tasty vintage champagne for the ears. Bottoms up!

This Fabric Playaz Xmas Special is the perfect present for drum ’n’ bass fans. With a who’s who of the genre’s poster boys on the bill, including DJ Hype, Pascal, Marcus Intalex and Commix, it’s certainly going to be a merry one. Even Santa would be impressed.

» The Whitehouse, Clapham Park Rd, SW4 7EH Clapham Common (020 7498 3388).

Sat, Dec 26, 6.30pm-3am. £15 otd

» Fabric, Charterhouse St, EC1M 3HN Farringdon (020 7336 8898). Sun, Dec 27, 10pm-6am. £15

We have four copies of Cream’s Future Electro to give away. To enter, email grabs@tntmagazine. com with ‘Future Electro’ in the subject line by noon on Wednesday, December 23.

WIN

Will you celebrate NYE dancing to Kylie or The Smiths?

NYE 31 Dec 0 2 Academy Islington ClubDeFromage.com

Getty Images, tilllate.com

MUSIC & CLUBS

CLUB GUIDE

CLUB LISTINGS MONDAY 21

The Den & Centro, West Central St, WC1A 1JJ (020 7240 1083).

9pm-3am. £5, £3 before midnight, free before 10.30pm.

Country Mondays Brazilian and samba night with DJ Fred, plus live music from Pe na Estrada. Guanabara, Parker St, WC2B 5PW (020 7242 8600). 5pm-late. £5.

Dilation Dubstep and drum ’n’ bass. East Village, Great Eastern St, EC2A 3HX (020 7739 5173). 9pm-2am. £5.

I Love Mondays Commercial

Saints & Sinners Club classics, indie and pop. The Watershed, The Broadway, SW19 1SD (020 8540 0080). 11pm-3am. £8, £7 before midnight.

NEW YEAR’S EVE Plan B, Brixton Rd, SW9 7AY Brixton (020 7733 0926).

Thu, Dec 31. £10 Forget the £40 minimum entry fee for most NYE clubbing events. Get your advance tickets now for just a tenner for this mammoth 12-hour party with Tayo from Bugged Out fame.

Saturday Shake Up The Warrior One DJs Eno and Carl spin hip-hop, breakbeat and house. The Old Queen’s Head, Essex Rd, N1 8LN (020 7354 9993).

8pm-2am. £4, free before 8pm.

Simon Says The guest DJ supplies 1970s-1990s pop, indie, club classics and house.

Alchemist, St John’s Hill, SW11 1TH (020 7326 7456). 9pm-2am. £3.

Soho Chic Residents spin funk. LVPO, Dean St, W1D 5BQ (020 7434 3399). 9pm-3am. £8, free before 10pm.

Special Lost The residents

dance, pop, garage, R’n’B and 1970s and 1980s classics.

Moonlighting, Greek St, W1D 4DR (020 7734 6308). 10pm-3am. £5, w/flyer £3, NUS £1.

The Mahogany Lounge Salome, Natty Bo and DJ Lewis spin 1940s and 1950s R’n’B, jump jive and boogie.

The Camden Head, Camden High St, NW1 0LU (020 7485 4019).

8pm-1pm. £4, free before 9pm.

Popcorn Commercial dance, house, pop and R’n’B. Heaven, Charing Cross Arches, Villiers St, WC2N 6NG (020 7930 2020). 11pm6am. £8, £2 before midnight.

Salsa Caribe Doctor Jim plays Afro-Cuban, salsa, timba and Latin jazz. Buffalo Bar, Upper St, N1 1RU (020 7359 6191). 7.30pmlate. £7.

TUESDAY 22 6TS Northern Soul Xmas

White Heat DJs Matty & Olly play indie, punk, techno and electro, plus live performances from Drums Of Death, Plugs and Hounds Of Hate. Madame Jo Jo’s,

Chill Out Tunes Residents spin chill out anthems. The

Brewer St, W1F 0SE (020 7734 3040).

8pm-3am. £5.

Bedroom Bar, Rivington St, EC2A 3AY (020 7739 5706). 9pm-late. £3.

Desert Island Disco An open decks night where anyone can play five records of their choice.

Mintt Xmas Eve Neev, Lewis

The Amersham Arms, New Cross Rd, SE14 6TY (020 8469 1499).

8pm-3.30am. £1, free before 10pm.

WEDNESDAY 23

Wright, Rob Crouch, DJ2 and Kartel spin house, club classics and cheesy pop. That, Boord

and hip-hop courtesy of DJ Downfall. Moonlighting, Greek

St, SE10 0PF (020 8293 6669).

9pm-4am. £15, adv £10.

St, W1D 4DR (020 7734 6308).

9pm-3am. £6, NUS £5, w/flyer £4.

Smash & Grab James Rocks

Kamikaze Nite DJ Playa plays

and Queens Of Noize provide indie and electro. Proud Camden,

rock, punk, metal and indie, plus Keertan, JPTRockerz, Numa, Nattu and Sudip perform live.

The Horse Hospital, Chalk Farm Rd, NW1 8AH (020 7482 3867).

7.30pm-2am. £8, £4 before 11pm.

Scala, Pentonville Rd, N1 9NL (020 7833 2022/cc 0870 060 0100).

9pm-6am. £12, adv £10.

Xmas Eve 09 Dane Bowers, The

Party With Butch, Ady Croasdell, Jake Lingwood, Alan Paterson, and guests.

Cargo, Rivington St, EC2A 3AY (020 7739 3440). 8pm-1am. £5.

100 Club, Oxford St, W1D 1LL (020 7636 0933). 9pm-2am. £12.

Revival Jungle, drum ’n’ bass

Cannibal Electro disco from Dan Deckard & Bukowski and Flash Louis. The Last Days Of

Centro, West Central St, WC1A 1JJ (020 7240 1083). 10pm-3am. £6, adv/w/flyer £5, free before 11pm.

Dering St, W1S 1AH (020 7493 1003).

10pm-3am. NUS £5.

V-One DJ Small Sam and DJ Bodum play electro and techno. Club Colosseum, Nine Elms Ln, SW8 5NQ (020 7720 3609).

11.30pm-6am. £25, £20 before midnight, adv £15.

Why Not? Benga, N-Type, Heavy Load Rob & Karen play 1960s to mid-1970s rock.

Youngsta, Chef and Hatcha head a line-up of dubstep DJs and MCs. Ministry Of Sound,

The Phoenix, Cavendish Sq, W1G 0PP (020 7493 8003).

9pm-3am. £6, £4 before 10pm.

Gaunt St, SE1 6DP (0870 060 2666).

10pm-5am. £15, adv £12.

Inspiration Information Boxing Day Special Phil

SUNDAY 27

Asher, Roy The Roach and Irfan provide funk, boogie and disco. East Village, Great Eastern

Juicebox Pop, R’n’B and indie

Sq, SE10 0AX (020 7549 6686).

10pm-5am. £22.50.

SATURDAY 26

Horse Hospital, Chalk Farm Rd, NW1 8AH (020 7482 3867).

8pm-2.30am. £10, concs £8.

Boxing Day Orange Reunion

XXL Wednesdays House

Grooverider, Ratpack, Kenny Ken, Randall, Eliss Dee, Ray Keith and Devious D play jungle, drum ’n’ bass and hardcore.

and pop. The Arches, Southwark St, SE1 1RU (020 7403 9643).

10pm-3am. £3, mems free.

The Den & Centro, West Central St, WC1A 1JJ (020 7240 1083).

10pm-8am. £20, adv £18.50.

Uni Sex Student Night Commercial chart, house, R‘n’B and electro. The Loop,

Rd, EC2A 3QE (020 7739 6471).

10pm-3am. £7, £5 before 11.40pm.

The Hill, Muswell Hill, N10 3ST (020 8365 3651). 10pm-4am. adv £15.

and John Power spin 1950s rock ’n’ roll, indie, disco and electro. Proud Camden, The

Guanabara, Parker St, WC2B 5PW (020 7242 8600). 5pm-late. £5.

(020 7437 0525). 10pm-3.30am. £6, mems/w/flyer £5, free before 11pm.

supply house, techno, funk and dubstep. Plastic People, Curtain

Dirty London Dennis Ferrer, The Martinez Brothers and Bugz In The Attic spin house and electro. Matter, Peninsula

Be DJs The Lovely Jonjo

Replay DJs Stefano Noferini,

punk. St Moritz, Wardour St, W1F 8WL

St, EC2A 3HX (020 7739 5173).

9pm-3.30am. £10, £5 before 10pm.

and soul from Ron, SL and

Samba-Samba DJ Limao spins Latin and samba beats, plus Chico Chagas & Gafieira Brasil perform live.

Decadence Glam rock and

Streets’ Leo, Steve Running Man, DJ KC and Simon Webb spin R’n’B, funky house and electro.

Lord Gelly. East Village, Great Eastern St, EC2A 3HX (020 7739 5173). 9pm-3am. £10.

Decadence, Shoreditch High St, E1 6JE (020 7729 2896).

8pm-2am. £5, concs £3.

Anto and Steve Nocerino play deep house. The Den &

THURSDAY 24

Cheap$kates Disco

Nu Position DJs Karizma, Chris Philips and Kyri play 1980s funk, pop, punk and party.

MUSIC & CLUBS

Bite DJs Lydia, Ian, Marcus and Peta spin electro, indie, disco, dubstep, hip-hop and pop.

TNT’S TOP BOOKING

with Andy Peyton, DJ Khalil and Bruce Wayne. The Westbury, Kilburn High Rd, NW6 5UA (020 7625 7500).

8pm-3am. £5, £3 before 10pm.

The Magnificent Moonlighting Boxing Day Lick Resident DJs play R’n’B, soul, hip-hop, funky house and reggae. Moonlighting, Greek St,

St, EC1M 6HJ (020 7336 8898).

10pm-6am. £15, NUS £12.

Fwd Hip-hop, grime, breaks and dubstep.

W1D 4DR (020 7734 6308). 10pm5am. £12, ladies £5 before midnight.

Plastic People, Curtain Rd, EC2A 3QE (020 7739 6471).

8.30pm-midnight. £7, £5 before 10pm.

People From Ibiza/Amnesia Ibiza Christmas Party Fabio

Rootikal Bank Holiday Special David Rodigan,

Giannelli, Mar-T and friends spin house and club classics. Egg,

Channel One and Justin Robertson spin roots and reggae. East Village, Great Eastern

York Way, N7 9AX (020 7609 8364).

10pm-late. £15, concs £12.

St, EC2A 3HX (020 7739 5173).

2pm-2.30am. £5, free before 5pm.

Perverted Audio & Gloss Electro house from Tocadisco and Kids Of Funk. Matter at

Submit your free listing at least three weeks prior to the publication by emailing clubs@pressassociation.com.

Fabriclive Drum ’n’ bass and electro. Fabric, Charterhouse

O2 Arena, Peninsula Sq, SE10 0AX (020 7549 6686). 10pm6am. £20.

Suf Sunday Techno Sessions Techno from Zebedee, Squat Dom and Rackitt. Club 414, Coldharbour Ln, SW9 8LF (020 7924 9322). 2pm-10pm. £5.

tntmagazine.com

33

news & sport

NEWS IN REVIEW

The week that was MONDAY

» TUESDAY » WEDNESDAY » THURSDAY » FRIDAY » SATURDAY » SUNDAY quote unquote

wrap up of last week’s events from australia, new zealand and south africa

“There’s absolutely no guarantee of success. I just believe in telling it like it is.” Prime Minister Kevin Rudd upon arriving in Copenhagen for the climate summit.

34

AUSTRALIA Man’s finger bitten off A man had part of his finger bitten off as he fought to stop two men abducting his wife in Sydney’s west.

It was reported one of the intruders was her brother, who wanted his sister to return to India because her family was unhappy about her marriage.

Horse kills baby A visit to see relatives ended in tragedy when a one-year-old was killed by a horse in Melbourne’s outer east.

The boy’s sudden death

’Tis the season: A large Christmas tree inside the Queen Victoria bulilding is seen as Sydney prepares for Christmas. Despite the poor economic conditions in 2009, parents are expected to spend an average of $584 on toys and games for their children.

shattered the family and left paramedics who attended the accident in shock.

The boy had been on the ground when the horse started kicking, causing significant internal injuries.

Spaniard charged A Spanish national charged with a string of indecent assaults on young children at McDonald’s restaurants was behind bars following a brief appearance at a Sydney court.

Jorge Manuel Albert Lombarte, 48, was accused of inappropriately touching and kissing two boys and one girl at

*And finally … cruising for trouble

tntmagazine.com

but the brake pedal became stiff and the car would only slow down to about 80km/h and that’s when I realised I had a bit of a problem,” he said.

Weir called triple-0 and a police van caught up with him.

He eventually stopped the car by jumping up and down on the foot brake and pulling the hand brake.

Father wants remains The father of Geelong murder victim Trevor Tascas called on his unrepentant killer to reveal where he dumped his son’s remains.

Lawrence Butler was jailed for 23 years for murdering his roommate in October 2005, chopping up his body using a hacksaw and then burning it in a barrel in the backyard.

Butler, 45, placed the ashes and bone fragments into plastic bags and dumped them.

“I’ve worked very hard to win the trust of our preselectors and I promise I will make every effort to win back this sacred ground for our Liberal Party.”

Former tennis champion John Alexander on his preselection for the Sydney seat of Bennelong by the Liberal Party.

“Conditions are improving but I think the accounts today provide a cautionary reminder that there is some way to go before our growth momentum becomes self sustaining.” Treasurer Wayne Swan on Australia’s GDP figures.

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Avg min Avg max

Adelaide

19

34

Brisbane

22

34

Canberra

15

34

Darwin

25

31

Hobart

11

23 29

Melbourne

16

Perth

15

27

Sydney

21

26

Getty Images

A young driver thought he was going to die as his car hurtled along a major Melbourne freeway stuck in cruise control.

Chase Weir was travelling at 80 km/h for about 30 minutes before he finally was able to stop his 2002 Ford Explorer.

“I tried turning the ignition off, I tried changing the gear shift, I put my foot on the brake

McDonald’s restaurants in Drummoyne and Sylvania in Sydney and Cowra.

“Prime Minister Rudd has invested an enormous amount of personal capital in this.

I hope it doesn’t all turn out to be a horrible waste of time and effort.” Opposition leader Tony Abbott on the Copenhagen climate summit.

NEW ZEALAND

The week that was

news & sport

MONDAY

36

» TUESDAY » WEDNESDAY » THURSDAY » FRIDAY » SATURDAY » SUNDAY

Maori flag chosen

An over-enthusiastic mayor landed himself in hot water after sending obnoxious late-night texts to the Prime Minister.

Andrew Williams, a mayor in Auckland, defended his middleof-the-night messages, saying they were proof he was “making good use of his time”, but the PM John Key was not impressed.

Key told TVNZ the texts were long, “obnoxious” and

John Key

1.1bn

The amount in dollars alcohol-related crime costs New Zealand each year.

14,352 homecoming: Hollywood director Peter Jackson returned to his old stomping ground for the premiere of his movie The Lovely Bones. He was a crowd favourite on the red carpet at the Embassy Theatre signing autographs for the big crowd.

Parents to appeal

were also found guilty of failing to provide the necessaries of life to the baby. She was sentenced to four years jail.

The lawyers of parents of an 11-week-old baby convicted for their parts in her murder said they would appeal their conviction and sentence.

Azees Mahomed, 31, who was found guilty of the murder of Tahani Mahomed and two counts of causing her grievous bodily harm on November 4, was sentenced to a minimum nonparole period of 17 years for murder and five years for each grievous bodily harm count.

He and his wife Tabbasum, 26,

The Corrections Department has launched a review after Kevin James Polwart escaped from a lower security unit in the inmate employment workshop at the Auckland Prison.

He was eight years into a sentence for the armed robbery of a security van and related offences.

Officials would not say how long it had taken before it was noticed that Polwart had escaped.

“aggressive” rants that arrived as late as 3.30am.

*And finally … God too good

tntmagazine.com

Mary looks sad. The caption reads: “Poor Joseph. God is a hard act to follow.”

It was intended to challenge stereotypes about the way that Jesus was conceived and get people talking about the Christmas story, the church said.

The billboard was vandalised with paint within five hours of it being erected.

Prisoner on the run

The amount of Australians who moved to New Zealand in the 2008/09 financial year.

41

The amount of child abuse charges laid against a Wellington high school principal.

6.7

The percentage increase in electronic transactions in the week to December 13.

The increase is attributed to a rise in Christmas spending.

20

The amount of people arrested in drug raids in Auckland. Police said the raids resulted in the confiscation of $70,000 worth of drugs, firearms and stolen electronic equipment.

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Avg min Avg max

Auckland

12

20

Wellington

11

18

Christchurch 10

18

11

20

Dunedin

Getty Images, NZPA

An Auckland church erected a mischievous billboard intended to provoke conversation about spiritual matters at Christmas and the immaculate conception.

St Matthew-in-the-City put up a Christmas billboard that featured an illustration the church felt could disturb some.

On it, Mary and Joseph are in bed. Joseph looks down dejected.

68.50

The amount in dollars that was in a parking meter rammed by a man in Christchurch. He was ordered to pay $2000 and sentenced to a year in jail.

Cabinet approved flying the “tino rangatiratanga” flag as the preferred Maori flag on Waitangi Day. The flag will fly from Auckland Harbour Bridge, Premier House, Parliament and other significant sites controlled by the Government, Prime Minister John Key and Maori affairs minister Pita Sharples announced.

Eighty per cent of more than 1200 submissions received at a series of hui on the preferred Maori flag opted for the “tino rangatiratanga” one.

Mayor on the phone

WEEK IN NUMBERS

What’s happening across the country

SUMMARY

■ Joseph Reekers pleads guilty to 2001 murder of Mair Jamieson.

■ Technology advances in DNA recognition lead to him being charged.

■ Police say the case is a watershed moment in law enforcement in New Zealand.

UPPER NORTH ISLAND A 46-year-old man was arrested and charged with possession of a knife after an incident at the Kumeu electorate office of Prime Minister John Key, who is also the local MP. Nobody was injured and the Prime Minister was not at the office at the time.

J

oseph Reekers’ change of plea lifted a great weight off the family of Auckland murder victim Marie Jamieson, police said.

Reekers changed his plea in the High Court at Auckland and admitted murdering Jamieson in February, 2001.

He was remanded in custody to be sentenced in April.

Jamieson’s naked body was found behind a factory building in Ranui on February 19, 2001.

Reekers was charged last year as a result of advances in

A file shot of a memorial for Marie Jamieson in 2001

DNA technology and was due to stand trial in Auckland on April 12, 2010.

Detective Inspector Steve Wood, who headed the original inquiry, said the change of plea was a surprise, although it had been discussed for several weeks.

The plea was a relief to Jamieson’s family because it

meant they did not have to endure a trial.

Woods said the result sent a clear message to criminals that police would never give up.

“With homicides we have a very good record of resolution and we don’t give up. With the passing of time and technology [improvements] it is becoming easier,” he said.

Getty Images

Treasury says outlook improving

Bill English

COAST TO COAST

The economic outlook was brighter than it was at the beginning of the year, but serious challenges were still ahead, finance minister Bill English said.

Treasury updated the Government’s books and released new forecasts which showed the recession had hurt, but not as much as feared, and the effects would linger for a shorter time.

Treasury believed unemployment would peak sooner and lower than expected – at 7 per cent in early 2010.

Lower tax revenue would

hurt the Government’s books more in the current term, but greater economic growth would mean deficits would not be a severe as feared.

The deficits would now peak in 2010/2011 at $6.7 billion or 3.4 per cent of GDP compared to the previously forecast of 5.4 per cent of GDP. English said the new forecasts reflected the stabilisation of the global economy.

“However, that does not mean that all of the problems of the recession have passed – risks remain that growth could weaken again,” English said.

LOWER NORTH ISLAND A teenager who bashed an off-duty policeman outside a Hastings party was jailed for five-and-a-half years. City Charles Timu, 17, was sentenced for causing grievous bodily harm.

UPPER SOUTH ISLAND A woman who admitted attempting to snatch a baby from Christchurch’s St George’s Hospital maternity department was charged with failing to do the community work sentence she received. She was charged after being sentenced to do 250 hours of community work in June.

LOWER SOUTH ISLAND An Invercargill woman flashing her breasts at motorists distracted one driver so much he ran her over. Cherelle May Dudfield, 18, flashed her breasts at passing motorists on September 27, but then one of the vehicles crashed into her.

tntmagazine.com

NEWS & SPORT

DNA leads to plea

NEW ZEALAND

37

SOUTH AFRICA

The week that was

news & sport

MONDAY

38

» TUESDAY » WEDNESDAY » THURSDAY » FRIDAY » SATURDAY » SUNDAY

Former minister dies Political allies of former health minister Manto TshabalalaMsimang offered praise in the wake of her death, while her detractors muted their criticism and offered condolences.

The presidency said as health minister she contributed effectively in the enhancement of government programmes.

The Treatment Action Campaign, Democratic Alliance and Independent Democrats offered their condolences to the family but reserved comment on her professional legacy.

Tshabalala-Mismang died following complications after a liver transplant.

Els lays charge Afrikaans musician Jurie Els laid a charge of crimen injuria against singer Robbie Klay in Pretoria.

Els said he hated child molesters, but false accusers must also be brought to book.

Els was acquitted this month

Jurie Els

27

The percentage rise in the number of liquidations in South Africa for the first 11 months of 2009 compared to the same period last year.

some crowd: Close to 100,000 people spend Reconciliation Day at Durban’s Golden Mile beach. Reconciliation Day was established as a paid public holiday to foster ties across divides, promote unity and strengthen South Africa’s democracy.

of sexual-related charges involving a minor relating to accusations made by Klay.

Hijackers shot Two hijackers were shot dead by police snipers following a 20-hour hostage drama outside Petrusburg in the Free State.

ER24’s Lloyd Krause said the saga started when a farm near Petrusburg was attacked.

The farmer called his neighbours for assistance but they were hijacked by the attackers on their way to the farmhouse.

Top cop Bheki Cele

to prevent incidents similar to that which took place at George Airport when an aircraft overshot a runway.

He said Airlink wanted to weigh all its passengers.

commended police, but the Independent Complaints Directorate, which investigates internal matters, launched an investigation.

Church collapses More than 80 worshippers were injured when a staircase collapsed in a church in central Johannesburg.

Netcare 911 said the staircase collapsed and fell on the congregation of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God. The worshippers suffered injuries ranging from minor bruises to fractures.

232

The km/hour reading of a motorcyclist that cost him a fine of R18,000 in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court.

2000

The number of drunk drivers arrested in the first half of December after 300,000 vehicles were stopped at road blocks.

65

The percentage pay hike for some soldiers, announced by President Jacob Zuma.

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Avg min Avg max

Johannesburg 14

25

Pretoria

15

26

Cape Town

16

25

Durban

18

28

East London 15

24

Bloemfontein 14

29

Port Elizabeth 14

24

Getty Images, SAPA

tntmagazine.com

12

The years in prison that two British brothers and a South African were sentenced to for their role in an international drug smuggling syndicate.

*And finally … look out fatties SA Airlink launched a passenger weighing survey in an attempt to reduce the aircraft overloading.

The head of Airlink’s flight operations, captain Johnny Woods, said the airline wanted

WEEK IN NUMBERS

What’s happening across the country

SUMMARY

■ People still facing financial woes despite signs economy recovering.

■ Nine thousand new applicants are seeking debt counselling each month.

■ Labour force decreases in third quarter of 2009.

WESTERN CAPE

S

outh Africans entered the Christmas period amid concerns over their personal finances, despite indications the economy was on the mend and the country was moving out of a recession.

An increasing number of indices and surveys showed the economic deterioration was bottoming out, but the recession left a trail of personal debt in its wake.

DebtBusters managing director Luke Hirst said the National Credit Regulator anticipated there would be 150,000 South Africans under

Unemployment will make it a tough Christmas for some

debt review by Christmas.

In terms of the National Credit Act, which came into effect last year, heavily indebted consumers would be able to apply for protection from creditors, while their debt repayments were restructured.

Hirst said South Africa had 9000 new applicants for debt

counselling each month.

He attributed job losses and the fact that people were unable to make ends meet, as the major contributing factors.

Statistics SA reported that the number of people in the labour force decreased by 418,000 to 17.1 million in the third quarter of 2009.

SAPA

Tension mounts in ruling alliance The ANC called on its alliance partners to stop engaging in acrimonious public spats.

The ruling party was commenting following the final meeting of the year of its national executive committee.

ANC spokesperson Jackson Mthembu said the working relations among alliance partners remained solid, but conceded there would never be total agreement.

However, the ruling party said disagreements must be handled in a manner that sustained unity.

Young Communist League leader Buti Manamela denied in a radio interview the SA

COAST TO COAST

Communist Party (SACP) was trying to take over the ANC. He said the booing of ANC Youth League president Julius Malema at a recent SACP conference was wrong and should not have happened.

Malema reportedly sent a threatening SMS to SACP deputy general secretary Jeremy Cronin following the booing incident.

“If you thought you have taught me a lesson, wait until you see what is coming your direction,” Malema reportedly texted Cronin.

The SACP heavyweight would not confirm the details of the text message.

Parts of the province were declared local disaster areas due to a drought. Local government, environmental affairs and development planning MEC Anton Bredell said one of the measures to try to solve the water shortage was to cut consumption, by increasing the price of water.

MPUMALANGA More than 90 illegal miners, were arrested at Fairview Mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga. Among those arrested, 21 were school children aged between 14 and 17. Earlier this year, 19 bodies of illegal miners were retrieved from the same mine.

KWAZULUNATAL A 16-year-old boy accused of hijacking a woman and throwing her over a bridge was denied bail by the Durban Magistrate’s Court.

Magistrate Vanitha Armu said the State had a very strong case.

EASTERN CAPE

Buti Manamela

The death toll in the summer circumcision season rose to 21. The provincial health department said most deaths occurred at illegal initiation centres. The department is campaigning in an effort to curb deaths.

tntmagazine.com

NEWS & SPORT

Difficult Christmas

SOUTH AFRICA

39

VOTE

wHo sHouLD wiN 2 reTuRn fLigHts HomE?

It’s up to you!

We’ve selected a shortlist of our favourite entries that best depict Home Sweet Home and now it’s up to you to decide who wins!

Go online to tntmagazine.com/homesweethome to check out the gallery and vote for your favourite image. The most popular image will receive their choice of 2 return flights to Australia, New Zealand or South Africa with Etihad Airways.

Vote for your favourite at tntmagazine.com/homesweethome Voting closes, Monday, January 4, 12pm tntmagazine.com

Sporting life MONDAY

RUGBY LEAGUE Another week starts, another footballer in trouble. The Roosters’ Jake Friend fell asleep in a taxi and then got fiery with police when confronted. He’s been sacked.

TUESDAY

RUGBY UNION Otago signs former Queensland mentor Phil Mooney as coach for 2010.

Let’s hope he has more success in New Zealand than with the Reds, who sacked him.

WEDNESDAY

SURFING He may have missed out on the World Title to good mate Mick Fanning, but Joel Parkinson consoles himself by taking out the Triple Crown in Hawaii.

THURSDAY

RUGBY UNION Richie McCaw becomes the first person to be named the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial player of the year for a third time, having previously won the award in 2003 and 2006.

THE

FRIDAY

BOXING Danny Green says he’s getting closer to luring Bernard Hopkins to a big fight in Australia.

Hopkins might be a legend, but he’s also 44. Green seems intent on beating old men.

SATURDAY

FOOTBALL Sydney FC claim the W-League title with a 3-2 win over Brisbane. The Blues produced a three-goal blitz within a 12-minute spell midway through the second half.

SUNDAY

ON THE

BOX

TUESDAY DARTS World Darts Championship Not just blokes in a pub 7pm Sky Sports 1

ON THE

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ON THE

TENNIS Comeback queen Casey Dellacqua wins her way into the Australian Open tennis tournament main draw, after winning a tough qualifying tournament 1-6, 6-7, 6-3.

I haven’t heard from “ him. We’ve gone our separate ways and that’s the way it has stayed. That’s all right, though

”

MONDAY FOOTBALL Bolton V Wigan Premier League 7pm ESPN

Andrew Symonds on his once best buddy Michael Clarke who shouldn’t be expecting a Christmas card from the former Aussie all-rounder.

THURSDAY CRICKET India V Sri Lanka ODI 8.55am Sky Sports 1 FRIDAY BASKETBALL Orlando V Boston NBA 7.30pm ESPN

SATURDAY RUGBY UNION Worcester V Northampton Guinness Premiership 4.15pm Sky Sports 2 SUNDAY FOOTBALL Arsenal V Aston Villa Premier League 1.30pm Sky Sports 1

PUB TALK: BRITISH SPORT EXPLAINED

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Mike Atherton He seems like a pretty switched on commentator.

He’s definitely one of the best about but it’s actually his writing in The Times that is worth paying attention to.

Why’s that?

Unlike most former players he doesn’t suck up the

backsides of the current lot trying to be their mates and he isn’t a one-eyed England supporter.

Is someone else doing the writing for him?

No, he’s actually the real deal.

Before he started playing for England and became Glenn McGrath’s bunny he actually read history at Cambridge. Clever fellow.

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NEWS & SPORT

ON BOX

This week’s winners and losers

41

cricket Around the NEWS & SPORT

grounds

42

Ntini cracks 100 Makhaya Ntini racked up his 100th Test for South Africa at Centurion. Ntini made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in March 1998 at Cape Town.

Before the Test against England he had 388 wickets.

hodge unlucky A knee injury robbed Brad Hodge of the chance to end his first-class career against Victoria’s traditional rivals NSW. The Victorian recordholder planned to farewell Sheffield Shield cricket in the game against the Blues at Newcastle but was ruled out three days before the game.

Smith turns blue Champions League winners NSW signed West Indian allrounder Dwayne Smith for the upcoming Twenty20 Big Bash tournament. The 26year-old Smith has played 71 one-day and five Twenty20 matches for the Windies.

Vettori flexible New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori said he would continue to bat at number six if necessary.

Vettori said he would prefer to bat lower but was intent on maintaining balance in his line-up.

New Zealand cricketers rue the one that got away

Kiwis just miss out Mohammad Yousuf looked to the grey skies and praised Allah, but a downcast Daniel Vettori cursed the weather gods as the third and final cricket Test between New Zealand and Pakistan was condemned to a watery grave.

The rival captains expressed their relief and disappointment after the final session of a potentially knife-edged climax

Australian legend Dennis Lillee was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Lillee took 355 scalps at an average of 23.92 over his 70-Test career, which was interrupted by World Series cricket.

night Tests coming

Hashim Amla

South Africa played themselves into a strong position in their Test against England at Centurion.

At the close of play on the fourth day England were 1-11 in their second innings chasing 364 for victory.

Hashim Amla gave his team a good shot at victory after helping to steady the ship when England were intent on dragging themselves back into the game.

Amla came to the wicket with South Africa 2-20 in their second innings with a lead of only 82.

Captain Graeme Smith (12) and first innings centurion Jacques Kallis (4) were gone

shortly after and the door was ajar for the English with South Africa teetering at 4-46.

But Amla then combined with AB de Villiers (64) for a 119-run stand.

Amla was finally bowled for 100 by James Anderson but he had done his job allowing Smith to declare at 7-301.

Morne Morkel backed up his captain’s declaration by claiming the scalp of Andrew Strauss in the second over of the innings to give South Africa the advantage heading into the final day’s play. The second Test starts Saturday.

ON THE BOX Saturday 7.30am Sky Sports 2 south africa v england

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otherwise it would be difficult to defend (208) on this track,” Yousuf said.

“It’s disappointing for them, not for us. We are lucky,” he said.

Vettori agreed. “We were denied an opportunity this afternoon so we look back on that with a bit of disappointment,” he said.

“I am pleased we fought long and hard enough to give ourselves a chance.”

Amla gives Proteas shot at victory

Lillee inducted

Australia was “made for” day-night Test cricket, according to ICC president David Morgan who said he expected it to become a reality within the next two years. Trials with a pink ball for use under floodlights are already underway.

was ruined by persistent showers in Napier.

New Zealand was 118 short of winning the Test and series when play was abandoned with 24 overs remaining.

They had to maintain a reasonable run-rate of 4.91, but had all 10 wickets in the bank.

Yousuf admitted Pakistan were fortunate the weather closed in.

“We were lucky. Allah helped us because of rain,

cricket

Australia snared the one wicket needed on Sunday to win the third Test against the West Indies at the Waca but it didn’t come without more controversy.

Take a punt

The West Indies, resuming at 9-308, added 15 runs to their overnight total before being bowled out for 323, handing Australia a 35-run win.

But the last wicket fell in controversial circumstances.

Kemar Roach (17) was given out by umpire Billy Bowden, who deemed the batsman had edged Doug Bollinger (3-71) behind.

Roach appealed the decision and even though replays showed no evidence of an edge, TV umpire Asad Rauf gave him out.

Australia’s win secured a 2-0 triumph in the series.

The Windies resumed play

series starting on Saturday.

5-1

The odds being offered on Pakistan beating

Australia in its three-Test match Source: betfair.com.au

perilously placed, needing 51 more runs with just one wicket in hand.

And Gavin Tonge (23 not out off 22 balls) threw caution to the wind, slashing away in a bid to whittle off the runs quickly.

But the victory target of 359 proved too much, with Roach dismissed in the fourth over of the morning.

Had the West Indies reeled in the total, it would have been the eighth-highest successful fourth-innings run chase in Test history.

43

Doug Bollinger celebrates while Kemar Roach calls for a video referral

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Behaviour back under microscope “I didn’t expect anything better … that’s typically Shane Watson.”

Whether it was a sly sledge or just a brutally honest assessment, West Indies skipper Chris Gayle hit back at the Australian all-rounder after Sunday’s 35-run loss.

Watson’s unsightly celebration of Gayle’s wicket on Saturday made viewers both at home and at the Waca Ground cringe.

Watson screamed manically and aggressively in Gayle’s direction after dismissing him in the second innings.

Gayle kept his cool and walked away but was clearly disgusted by Watson’s antics.

Watson was later fined 15 per cent of his match fee for conduct contrary to the spirit of the game.

He joined teammates Brad Haddin (25 per cent), Mitchell Johnson (10 per cent) and Windies spinner Sulieman

Shane Watson goes over the top in his celebrations

Benn (banned for two one-day matches) as others found guilty during what had turned out to be a heated Test match.

Ponting admitted his team would need reminding about their behaviour ahead of the Test series against Pakistan.

“I’m not proud of the fact

news & sport

Aussies battle for victory

[and] I’m sure the players aren’t proud of the fact either that we’ve had three guys reported in the one game,” Ponting said.

“I know all the guys are a bit embarrassed probably and know they’ve overstepped the mark.”

Ponting wary of Pakistan Australia skipper Ricky Ponting was adamant his team wouldn’t take Pakistan lightly in the upcoming three-Test series, which kicks off in Melbourne on Saturday.

Pakistan have won just one of nine Tests in 2009 but Ponting said they remained a formidable and dangerous unit despite their recent modest record.

“We know that they’re a very dangerous side. They’ve started to get their fastbowling attack back on the park again as well,” Ponting said.

Ponting faces a fitness test during the week after suffering a blow to his elbow against the West Indies while batting.

It forced him to retire in the first innings and he batted at nine in the second innings.

ON THE BOX Saturday 12am Sky Sports 1 Australia v pakistan

tntmagazine.com

general Around the

Libby Trickett has tasted enough success in the pool

NEWS & SPORT

grounds

44

Burgess arrives South Sydney star recruit Sam Burgess arrived in Australia from the UK to start his NRL career. Burgess celebrated his 21st birthday shortly after touching down.

Williams not aware Tiger Woods’ New Zealand caddie Steve Williams continued to deny he had any knowledge of his boss’s extramarital affairs. Williams said his employment did not include following Woods around after hours.

Gallen fined Cronulla fined Test lock Paul Gallen A$10,000, $5000 of it suspended, after he was issued with an infringement notice for public urination.

Gallen, who was spotted urinating in public and near someone’s head, was issued with an infringement notice by police.

tua withdraws A family issue forced New Zealand boxer David Tua to withdraw from his proposed heavyweight bout in the US in February. Tua was due to fight American Bruce Seldon in Atlantic City on February 7 ahead of meeting Nigerian Friday Ahunanya in New Zealand in March.

Hayne still an eel Jarryd Hayne officially re-signed with Parramatta.

Hayne said he never seriously toyed with the idea of changing codes but did not rule it out in the future.

slam an option

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Triple Olympic champion Libby Trickett said the decision to retire from competitive swimming was the most difficult of her life.

Trickett, 24, spent the past few months contemplating her future following the world championships in July.

The Australian star also won eight world championship gold medals and is a former world record holder.

“It’s something that I’ve been thinking about for almost

a year now and after much consideration, and speaking with my family and close friends, I know that I am ready to move on to the next stage of my life and career,” Trickett said.

“Swimming is such a great sport to be involved with and has been a huge part of my life for such a long time.”

Trickett said she would now pursue a career in the media and had already signed with a broadcaster.

Libby Trickett Age: 24 Coach: Grant Stoelwinder Events: 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly Australian debut: 2002 Oceania Championships, Noumea, New Caledonia Achievements: Triple Olympic gold medallist – 100m butterfly, 4x100m medley (2008), 4x100m freestyle (2004)

Thurston considers rugby switch NRL star Johnathan Thurston sent shockwaves through rugby league by declaring he was considering a switch to rugby union.

Thurston is off contract at North Queensland next season and declared: “I could easily see myself being a Wallaby.”

His manager is entertaining offers from rival clubs and codes, with reports Thurston could earn more than A$1 million a season in rugby.

Thurston said he had to do what was best for him

and if that was playing rugby, then he would.

Queensland chairman of selectors Des Morris said while a switch to rugby for Thurston would be very disappointing, it would not harm his chances of playing Origin for the Maroons next year.

“We can only pick them on their form next year, hopefully rugby league will keep him,” Morris said.

Queensland may be without Darren Lockyer who is also considering his future.

Johnathan Thurston

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The New Zealand Rugby Union was looking at a Grand Slam tour next year.

Trickett has enough

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GENERAL

NEWS & SPORT

THE QUOTES...

46

“At the moment when Hauritz is bowling to me, it’s like I’m bowling to myself.” West Indies captain Chris Gayle doesn’t rate the bowling of Australian spinner Nathan Hauritz.

“Every night when I sleep I am thinking about when I’ll fight those guys. It is in my dreams.” Aussie boxer Vic Darchinyan is after revenge against Nonito Donaire and Joseph Agbeko.

“We just sort of sat there and hugged and chatted about what’s happened over the last few days and how nervous we both were.” World surfing champion Mick Fanning on his moments in the Hawaiian surf with great mate Joel Parkinson.

“We are from a war-torn country and they don’t expect this to happen so when something like this happens, it means a lot to them and gives them a lot more confidence to go out and be involved in the community.” North Melbourne rookie Majak Daw is the first AFL-listed player from Somalia.

“I’ve always maintained I don’t go out on a football field to make friends. If I upset a few people along the way, so be it.”

Melbourne Victory captain Kevin Muscat, pictured, on how he plays to win.

Nasi Manu and his Canterbury teammates will be charging into a new competition in 2011

New NZ premiership The New Zealand Rugby Union unveiled a new competition structure of 14 premier provincial unions.

Next year will feature a full 14-team round robin with semifinals and a final, the same format as 2009.

But in 2011, a new structure will see the 14 teams split into two divisions of seven, based on their on-field finishing positions in 2010.

The top seven teams will form the Premiership and the

bottom seven teams the Championship. Teams will play all other teams in their division plus four other teams from the other division.

The NZRU said there would be an “innovative” new process for teams to select their cross-division opponents, with the detail to be finalised in the first quarter next year.

The winner of the Championship will receive automatic promotion to the Premiership, replacing the

seventh placed team in the Premiership, which will be relegated to the Championship.

In 2011, due to New Zealand hosting the rugby World Cup, the competition window will be restricted to eight weeks. As a result, in 2011 only, there will be three mid-week matches and no semifinals.

From 2012, the competition will begin two weeks after the conclusion of the expanded Super Rugby in mid-August and be played over 12 weeks.

Stosur aims higher for 2010 season Take a punt

4-1

The odds on

Serena Williams winning the

Australian Open in Melbourne next month.

Source: sportingbet.co.au

breakthrough in confidence came in May when she was a quarter-finalist in Miami, beating Dinara Safina.

“On any given day I can beat anyone out there. I’ve had really good wins this year and been able to back them up,” Stosur said.

“I’ve set myself up better going into the next year than what I ever have before.”

Getty Images

Samantha Stosur

Fuelled by a rising self-belief, world No.13 Sam Stosur has been telling herself she belongs in the top 10.

Stosur said she needed to focus on getting into the second week of grand slam tournaments more consistently, starting with the Australian Open in January where the 25-year-old hasn’t advanced beyond the fourth round.

The French Open semifinalist will play the Sydney International as a warm-up for the Australian Open and faces a stiff test to her New Year’s resolution of becoming a top-10 player.

Ranked No.52 at the end of 2008, Stosur said her

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CAREERS CAREERS & MONEY

way from bartender to bar manager to general manager of various clubs.

What do you do day-to-day?

My day revolves around talking to bands and liaising with bar suppliers, making sure everyone is happy at the venue, and I’m constantly working on developing the image of Charlotte Street Blues.

I’m always thinking about how I can improve the place.

ON THE JOB CHRIS MAXWELL Career Manager, Charlotte Street Blues Age 32 Lives Fitzrovia From Auckland, New Zealand How did you get into your job?

I’ve travelled the globe, plying my trade as a chef. I fell into bar work after walking past a bar called Riki Tiks back in ‘96, where I saw the bartenders having so much fun I had to be involved. I’ve since worked my

What’s the best thing about your job?

Working with a great bunch of people means we always manage to have a laugh. Plus, I get to meet new people all the time, and get to listen to great music every night. Also, when you work at a venue such as ours, you’re around people having fun all night and it’s nice to work in that kind of atmosphere.

What’s the most challenging thing about your job?

The most challenging thing about my job is continuing to be innovative in a city that has everything.

OFFICE GURU Samantha Baden

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TACKLES YOUR CAREER DRAMAS

What are ‘the rules’ of a successful interview?

Getting there early and looking presentable are the starting points of good interview practice.

Hays manager Catherine Goosem says if difficult questions come your way don’t be afraid to ask for more time and request to

return to the question at the end if you can’t think of a suitable answer.

It’s also important to take advantage of the final minutes of the interview to ask relevant questions. Ensure both your questions and answers demonstrate that you are passionate about the role and company.

49

Mothers do it tough G

iving women a lengthy period of maternity leave could mean they miss out on high-flying jobs, a new study has revealed.

The Research Institute of Industrial Economics has found that the more familyfriendly a country tries to be, the less its women tend to succeed in the workplace.

In the UK, where mothers are entitled to 39 weeks’ paid maternity leave, only 31.6 per cent of managers

are female. In the US, where there’s no entitlement to paid maternity leave, women hold 42.7 per cent of top posts.

Australia is the only other developed country that has no paid maternity leave – and women occupy 37.1 per cent of managerial jobs.

CITY JOBS BOOST

MEDIA GIGS TRENDY

The number of vacancies in London’s financial services industry rose on annual basis for the first time in two years in November, showing that improving confidence in the recession-battered city is reflected in the jobs market.

According to the UK Graduate Careers Survey, working in the media was the second most popular choice for the ‘class of 2009’ after teaching. An estimated 40,000 graduates applied to work in advertising, journalism or broadcasting.

tntjobs.co.uk Sign up for job alerts and get more career advice at tntjobs.co.uk

A NEW YEAR A NEW START LIVING AND NURSING IN THE UK www.pulsejobs.com

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CAREERS & MONEY

MONEY

WHERE DOES YOUR DOSH GO?

52

Paul Farina

Tesco makes a sales call esco is shaking up the iPhone market by offering 12-month contracts to those who want to buy the gadget.

Tesco Mobile, the supermarket’s joint venture with O2, is offering a monthly tariff of £20, which is a third lower than competitors.

But customers wanting to

T

EASY MONEY Tom Sturrock MAKES YOUR CASH GO FURTHER

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How do you budget?

take advantage of the offer will have to shell out £222 for the older, lower-storage capacity iPhone 3G handset.

Shaun Collins, an analyst at CCS Insight, says Tesco’s offer was cheaper than some other mobile phone companies’ packages, but the main difference lay

in the 12-month deal.

“I think this is Tesco rejigging the proposition rather than sparking an outand-out price war,” he says.

“They are offering people different ways to buy it “ A 24-month contract with a free iPhone 3G would cost £702 with Tesco Mobile.

I try to limit going out to events for when old friends are in town, and I buy only stuff I really need. But these rules get broken often.

BUNDLES ON THE RISE

THE HALL OF SHAME

Some 35 per cent of consumers in the UK opt for cheaper bundling deals when it comes to buying communications products, according to communications industry regulator Ofcom. The regulator claims this figure has risen by 5 per cent over the past 12 months.

Consumers International, a global consumer watchdog group, has named Audi, EasyJet, BP, CO2isgreen and Microsoft as winners of the international Bad Company Awards 2009, accusing them of making “dubious corporate green claims” and “playing up low-carbon credentials”.

Do you have any extraordinary expenses?

What do you blow your cash on?

I love treating my girlfriend, and I try to go on three or four holidays a year – that’s quite a lot in the current climate.

I’ve been here for eight years, so when Aussie mates come to town, I go out of my way to ensure we have a cracker time.

On those nights out I don’t have a good braking mechanism – the receipts can be horrendous.

SO BAD THEY’RE FUNNY …

It’s nearly Christmas and you haven’t done your shopping. Fear not – you can still grab these gifts, which tread a fine line between crap and hilarious » Dog ball and moustache » Crime scene scarf – it’s like – a ball is attached to a moustache so when Fido fetches, he looks like Mussolini.

It’s £9.95 worth of sheer genius. » Michael Quackson glow duck (left) – you can Beat It in the bath with a £6.99 rubber duckie dressed in Jacko finery.

yellow police tape, but in scarf-form. Everyone has at least one mate who is enough of a dickhead to wear one. » Inflatable hair – there’s Elvis hair, rasta hair and a big badass ’fro. Hours of fun, if you’re a complete tool.

Getty Images

If you need to send gifts to family and friends back home, you’ve left it too late to mail anything in time for Christmas Day. But the internet is full of innovative gifting schemes that allow you to fulfil your gift-giving obligations.

Check out boonspace.com, which allows you to compose cards and multimedia messages to send to your loved ones all over the world.

The site also allows you to send virtual gifts or transfer funds via PayPal so the recipient can turn their present into the real thing.

If you want to give a gift to someone who really needs it though, visit oxfam.org.uk.

Job Aveda salon development partner From Adelaide Lives Finsbury Park Age 30

COMING & GOING ACCOMMODATION There are Antipodeans and South Africans calling all parts of London home, but generally they tend to head west (Acton, Shepherd’s Bush, Fulham, Hammersmith), north (Dollis Hill, Kilburn, Willesden Green) or south (Clapham, Southfields, Tooting).

For listings see tntmagazine. com/accommodation.

Dossing Offer to chip in £5 a night minimum.

Hostels Expect to pay at least £10-£25 a night.

Sharing You can share a room for about £50 a week, while a room to yourself will start at about £80 a week.

Going it alone A bedsit or studio is at least £150 a week.

Bills Bills can include phone, gas, electricity, water, council tax and a TV licence.

Bond This is usually a month’s rent. You may also have to pay one month’s rent in advance.

Leases You may need to sign a lease, which will typically run for six or 12 months.

ASK THE EXPERTS Marissa Murdock SPECIALIST, VISA BUREAU

Q

I arrived in the UK from Australia in June 2005 on a four-year ancestry visa and have since had my visa extended for a further five years to 2014. I understand I can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years and apply for citizenship after five years. Do I have to obtain ILR before applying for a UK passport? What are the conditions once I have ILR or citizenship?

A

Once issued with ILR you must spend 12 months in the UK, with no more than 90 days spent abroad during that time, for naturalisation as a British citizen.

When applying for ILR you must show

you have met the ancestry visa criteria by having been in some form of employment for the past five years with no long absences outside the UK, and that you have the funds to support yourself.

If you were to spend a year abroad once issued with ILR you should be able to return on this status. However, you would need to delay your naturalisation application to make up the time missed. If you were abroad two years or more you risk losing your ILR status.

» For more, see visabureau.com. To ask a question about getting started or moving on email realitycheck@tntmagazine.com

you want, though it’s usual to give a month’s notice and help find someone to move in.

Pay and cancel your bills

Namely council tax, internet, phone, gas, electricity, TV, gym membership, insurance.

Settle overdrafts and credit cards Any defaults on bank

payments will be filed with a credit reference agency (making it difficult for you to set up an account or rent a flat if you return), or you could receive a County Court Judgement.

EMPLOYMENT Getting a job doesn’t have to be an impossible task. Register with a couple of agencies, the cream of which advertise in TNT and at tntjobs.co.uk.

Most recruitment agencies handle specific sectors: IT, banking, finance, secretarial, legal, medical and teaching are the broad categories.

Make an appointment to see a consultant, and take your passport, CV and references with you. Some agencies will help you open a bank account.

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NATIONAL INSURANCE You need a National Insurance (NI) number to work in the UK. Call 0845 600 0643 to make an appointment to apply for one.

Some NI contributions go into a State Second Pension (S2P). You can contract out of this and direct the money into a private pension fund instead.

You’ll need to do this before the end of the tax year or your contributions will be lost.

TAX

TNT’S TOP TIP

Visit Columbia Road Flower Market, but hold off buying your blooms till after 2pm when it’s cheaper.

» Email your tips to reality check@tntmagazine.com

TNT online Check out tntmagazine.com/ movingtolondon if you’re on your way, tntmagazine.com/ leavingtheuk if you’re going.

MOVING ON CHECKLIST Resign from work How

much notice you need to give your employer will depend on your contract (usually two weeks to three months). You must give at least one week’s notice if you’ve been in your job for a month or more.

Give notice on your flat

Check the conditions of your Tenancy Agreement. If you want to leave before your lease is up you may be liable to pay until new tenants are found. If you’re living in a sharehouse and haven’t signed a contract, you can move out whenever

The UK tax year begins on April 6, and if you work only part of the tax year you should get some tax back.

The tax threshold is £6475 per year – so if you earn less than this you won’t pay any tax. You’ll need a P45 (when you leave a job) and a P60 (at the end of the tax year).

If you’re leaving the UK and won’t work again before the end of the tax year, you can claim a rebate by filling in a P85.

SHIPPING Get plenty of quotes, checking sizes and whether customs and tax charges are covered.

For sea freight (which should take no longer than 12 weeks to arrive) you’ll pay about £80£150 for your first box – less for suitcases – and £30-£90 for additional boxes.

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TRAVEL 55

GLOBAL VISION Indian shopkeeper and animal lover Madal Lal, 80, holds the injured wing of an eagle in Amritsar.

Lal has cared for sick animals and birds, including pigeons, ducks and mice, for the past 62 years, nursing them with his own money before setting them free.

Photo by Arinder Nanu / AFP / Getty Images

tntmagazine.com

of the

ART MATTER Nottingham isn’t short of historical attractions, but its new modern art gallery is set to draw the crowds WORDS AMY ADAMS

Nottingham ENGLAND

N

certainly more interesting on closer inspection.

What looks like corrugated iron from afar is a series of curved concrete panels embossed with lace in tribute to the city’s worldwide trade in the 19th century. Huge windows give a taster of the art works inside, and what at first looks like a one-storey building falls away to three levels as the gallery stretches down a sandstone cliff.

If some are still to be convinced about the appearance (“looks like it should be in Vegas,” someone in the queue said of the entrance’s gold trimming), the gallery’s contents seem

Richard Bryant, Getty Images

ot since Robin Hood and his merry men chose to wear tights has there been a more controversial cultural event in Nottingham. It took years to complete, cost a pretty penny and looks from some angles like a giant shipping container.

Despite all of this, Nottingham Contemporary opened last month to lengthy queues and rave reviews. “The architecture is entrancing,” said the Telegraph. “Ingenious,” said the Guardian.

The modern art gallery (above) is

SHORT BREAK NEED TO KNOW

UK outside London, dating back to 1878. to be winning them over. Nottingham Contemporary launched with an exhibition from British painter David Hockney, and its light, spacious rooms are the perfect setting for his sun-soaked depictions of California.

HEROES AND VILLAINS The city is well versed in artistic innovation.

The Broadway Media Centre, a pioneering cinema, regularly exhibits digital art, and the New Art Exchange is the UK’s first regional city arts centre for Black and Asian arts.

Nottingham has always been more famous for ancient history than modern art, though.

Robin Hood was thought to hide out in nearby Sherwood Forest to do battle with the Sheriff of Nottingham. His legend lives on across the city, in the many pubs, hotels and streets named in his or Maid Marian’s honour.

The more unlucky outlaws were brought to justice in Nottinghamshire’s old courthouse and gaol, now the Galleries of Justice – a museum dissecting centuries of crime and punishment.

Its sister attraction, The City of Caves, explores the fascinating network of caves carved out of

STAGS AND HENS After swotting up on Nottingham’s history, stroll past the Robin Hood statue to the Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem. Its ghost stories and lowceilinged rooms makes it feel like the oldest pub in England, even if two other pubs in the city also claim this title (The Bell Inn on the Old Market Square and Ye Olde Salutation Inn on Maid Marian Way). Perhaps this long history of drinking explains why today Nottingham is as famous for its nightlife as its eventful history.

From the bars in bohemian Hockley, to the clubs of the city centre and laid-back pubs along the canal, there’s something for everyone in Nottingham. You’ll also find the only Hooters in the country, perfect for the more lecherous drinker. With so much on offer it’s little wonder the city is a favourite for hen and stag parties.

Let’s just hope they’re not too hungover to take a look at Nottingham’s newest attraction.

LOCAL LEGENDS FASHION GIANT Fashion designer Paul Smith is a Nottingham lad and opened his first store here in 1970. Just down the road is his flagship store, a threetiered wonderland of his signature stripes.

BOOTS AND BIKES As well as being a major producer of lace in the 19th century, Nottingham is home to the HQ of Boots (the chain of chemists) and was the birthplace of Raleigh Cycles.

FAMOUS OUTLAWS Head to the nearby Sherwood Forest Country Park to see the Major Oak, a tree so old it has to be propped up and, legend has it, was a former hiding spot of Robin Hood’s.

SPORTING GLORY Local football teams Nottingham Forest and Notts County are both enjoying a recent upturn in fortunes. In the Market Square there’s a statue of Brian Clough, who led Forest to two European cup wins (now the Champions League).

» Amy Adams travelled to Nottingham with Experience Nottingham (visitnottingham.com), and stayed at the Ibis Centre (ibishotel.com).

TNT Images, Neale Clarke / Robert Harding

Nottingham’s Market Square

Local lads: Nottingham Forest

TNT online For travel guides on visiting other cities in the UK see tntmagazine.com/travel

TRAVEL

WHEN TO GO Nottingham Contemporary’s David Hockney exhibition runs until January 24. The next show is on from Nottingham February 13.

GETTING THERE ENGLAND Trains between LONDON Nottingham and London St Pancras take about 1 hour 45 Robin Hood statue minutes. The train station and Nott ingham Cast le is a five-minute walk from sandstone during medieval times, which runs the city centre. beneath Nottingham.

GETTING AROUND You can easily walk around the town centre.

The network extends under Nottingham GOING OUT A pint costs £2.50-£3.

Castle. Today, where the fortress once stood, ACCOMMODATION Dorm beds from £13.50. there’s a mansion instead, but inside, a museum A double at the Ibis starts at £54. shows you how it once looked, and you’ll also SEE visitnottingham.com. find the first municipal art gallery to open in the

57

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UNDER £200

58

Flight Centre (0844 800 8628; flightcentre.co.uk) has return flights to Geneva for £114. Valid for travel until December 31.

A nine-day tour of Egypt with Topdeck (0845 257 5212; topdecktours.co.uk) is £184.50.

Departing January 16 or 23, the tour visits Cairo, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings.

The trip includes transport, B&B accommodation, some meals, and two nights on a felucca (no flights or local payment).

Depart January 5 for seven nights on the Canary Islands with Monarch (0871 423 8642; monarch.co.uk) for £149. Offer includes B&B accommodation on Lanzarote and return flights.

Two nights in Champagne, France, is £184 with Grape Escapes (0845 643 0860; grapeescapes.net). Offer includes B&B accommodation in Reims, guided tours of Champagne houses including tastings, and a three-course lunch or dinner with Champagne (no transport).

A three-night break in Brussels is £109 with Great Escapes (0845 330 2089; greatescapes.co.uk). The offer is based on departures before January 8 and includes four-star accommodation and return ferry travel.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

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Depart January 4 for seven nights in Tunisia for £364 with Thomson (0871 231 5595; thomson.co.uk), including full-board accommodation and return flights.

Spend a five-star week in Egypt for £345 with Olympic Holidays (0844 576 2386; olympicholidays.com). Offer includes seven nights’ halfboard accommodation in Makadi Bay and return flights departing January 15.

Seven nights’ half-board accommodation in North Cyprus is £210 with gonorthcyprus.com (+90 533 834 2137). Valid from January 14.

Spend New Year’s Eve in a Scottish Castle for £335 with Ecosse Unique (01835 822277; unique-cottages.co.uk). Offer applies to a week in a four-bed property in Dalry in Ayrshire from December 28.

A four-night break in San Francisco is £539 with Hayes & Jarvis (0871 664 0246; hayesandjarvis.co.uk). The trip departs January 7 and includes four-star accommodation and return flights.

Flight Centre (0844 800 8628; flightcentre.co.uk) has return flights to Brisbane for £568.

Valid for travel between April 5 and June 10. The offer ends January 14.

Contiki (0845 075 0990; contiki.co.uk/discovery) has a 12-day tour of Europe for £899. The tour visits eight countries including Italy, France and Germany.

Depart January 17 on a nine-day tour of Kenya with Gap Adventures (0844 410 1030; gapadventures.com) for £900.

The trip includes game drives, accommodation, transport and some meals (no flights).

*All fares are ex-London, unless otherwise stated.

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A four-night break in Berlin for New Year’s Eve is £169 with First Festival Travel (020 8896 6070; firstfestivaltravel.com).

The offer includes B&B accommodation, city tour and New Year’s Eve party.

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

TRAVEL 59

TNT Weekender Peak District ENGLAND

England’s largest national park (and Europe’s most visited) is a medley of hidden limestone dales, rolling Pennine hills and endless options for walking, climbing and cycling.

black forests and parched yellow grass. In the White Peak, the gritstone has worn away to leave each hilltop with a distinctive punk hairdo. This is farming country, full of green grass criss-crossed by drystone walls as far as the eye can see.

OUT AND ABOUT THE LIE OF THE LAND

TNT Images, Everett Collection / Rex Features

The Peak District National Park falls into two areas: the imposing Dark Peak in the north, and gently rolling White Peak in the south. It’s visited by an estimated 22 million tourists a year, making it the second most popular national park in the world, after Japan’s Mt Fuji. Although the park is chiefly in Derbyshire, it extends into several neighbouring counties.

Manchester is the nearest city.

A BIT OF GEOGRAPHY The region is special because of the underlying limestone.

The Dark Peak sits on millstone grit, creating a rich, peaty ecosystem of steep valleys and moorland plateaus. The ridges glow purple with heather in summer, contrasting with the bottle-green bracken,

The active should head to Edale, where you can set out on the Pennine Way or watch paragliders above Mam Tor. Stanage Edge is another good spot for hiking, as it has

awesome views from the gritstone ridge, while at Castleton you can try caving and potholing in the area’s limestone caves. Charming towns such as Bakewell (home of the famous tart) provide solace for the weary rambler, and at Buxton you can admire the architecture in this historic spa town.

GET THE CAMERA OUT Chatsworth House is set in the valley of an expansive deer park, backed by woodland and skirted by ornamental gardens.

The house, owned by the Duke of Devonshire, is a treasure trove of fine art and opulent architecture, the result of the decadence of dukes past. The attractive gardens, dotted with sculptures, have glorious vistas at every turn. Various films have been shot at Chatsworth, including Pride And Prejudice and The Duchess, which both star Kiera Knightley (left).

NEXT WEEK VALENCIA

NEED TO KNOW WHEN TO GO Hunker down in a cottage in the Peak District over Christmas and New Year, and take bracing walks across the national park. The weather is changeable, but tends to be wet. Pack boots and a fleece.

GETTING THERE The Peak District is about three hours’ drive up the M1 from London, or two hours by train from St Pancras.

GETTING AROUND Local train and bus services link the towns, and the Hope Valley line is particularly scenic.

GOING OUT A pint of beer is about £2.50.

ACCOMMODATION There are plenty of campsites, B&Bs and hostels in the area.

SEE visitpeakdistrict.com.

Manchester c Peak District

TNT online

ENGLAND LONDON

For a full destination guide on trips in the UK go to tntmagazine.com/travel

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l o o c s s i sw Behind Zurich’s reserved exterior, the city has an exciting new identity to explore WORDS BARNABY SMITH

Zurich SWITZERLAND

I TNT online For a full travel guide on what to see in Switzerland go to tntmagazine.com/travel

an uptightness that makes the Queen look like Jim Morrison. It is also ranked globally number two for quality of life, and is the second most expensive city in the world.

But for those willing to look, a subversive subterranean Zurich exists, and it’s pretty easy to find – the city has a population of under 400,000, after all.

A RICH HISTORY Like many places dominated by commerce, there is a strong reaction against it. Some locals refer to the city as ‘Zu-reich’, meaning ‘too rich’, and there is a history of radicalism – James

AP / Press Association Images, swiss-image.ch

A cultural centre in Zurich’s trendy west quarter

t’s Thursday night on Langstrasse, the infamous main drag of Zurich’s west, and city life is in full swing. In one hectic 30-minute period I’m dragged to an art exhibition featuring a collage of hardcore pornography, invited by strangers to attend avant-garde theatre in a warehouse a few blocks away, and tempted into a strange little electro club behind inconspicuous, halfdestroyed, graffiti-stained doors. Suddenly the nearby ski resorts don’t seem so much fun.

Zurich has a reputation as a lifeless centre of international finance. You can add to that the manic Swiss organisation and efficiency, and

SHORT BREAK NEED TO KNOW

NEARBY SKI RESORTS FLUMSERBERG

Flumserberg

ANDERMATT ENGELBERG One of the biggest resorts within striking distance of Zurich. Monks brought skiing here in the early 20th century and Engelberg now boasts 26 ski lifts and 82km of ski runs. It is also home to the world’s first revolving cable car.

A tranquil and quiet retreat, this is the pick of the bunch. Two hours from Zurich, Andermatt is something of a hidden gem. The resort offers endless off-piste opportunities and sits amid imposing peaks, while the town itself is one of Switzerland’s prettiest mountain villages.

WHEN TO GO Ski season is December to March, and Zurich is just as attractive under a carpet of snow as it is when it shines in summer.

GETTING THERE EasyJet and Aer Lingus fly to Zurich from Luton and Gatwick airports.

GETTING AROUND Zurich is easily explored on foot, while the comfortable SBB trains take you into the Alps.

VISAS South Africans require a Schengen visa.

CURRENCY Swiss Franc.

1 GBP = 1.68 CHF. LANGUAGE Swiss German.

GOING OUT A large beer is 6.80 CHF. ACCOMMODATION A dorm bed in a hostel costs from 35 CHF, while the cheapest three-star hotel is 70 CHF. SEE zuerich.com.

Zurich

SWITZERLAND

Christian Perret, Christof Sonderegger / swiss-image.ch, Getty Images

The left bank of the Limmat river

BERN

Joyce lived in Zurich during the 1920s and ’30s (he is buried in the Fluntern Cemetery), Lenin took refuge here in 1916, and the Dadaist art movement began in the city in the 1920s.

But modern Zurich is a unique experience, even if the city remains pricey. Most of the action is in the west, far from main street Bahnhofstrasse and its luxury shopping.

The former industrial district has undergone a transformation in the last decade, and is a hub for music venues, theatres and things such as Binz, a former factory that now hosts plays, concerts, films and exhibitions, as well as housing up to 40 squatters.

ALL TIME HIGH Down the road is Letten, home to Europe’s largest open-air heroin market until police closed it down in 1995. Now, it’s an idyllic spot on the Limmat river where teenagers and 20-somethings congregate in summer to swim, and then drift into a nearby arts centre that doubles as a bar for refreshment.

Shady characters still dwell here, as the man who offered me a bag of something illegal can testify. It is behind the veneer of respectability that Zurich’s exciting new identity lies. You have to look beyond the suits and famous Swiss reserve to find it, but it’s there.

ITALY

Zurich has a great nightlife

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As a favourite among locals and tourists alike, Flumserberg can get busy in high season, but offers tobogganing and dog sleds for non-skiers, and has the additional attraction of being only 45 minutes by car from Zurich.

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HOTSHOTS

HOLIDAY SNAPS

HOW TO MAKE YOUR PHOTOS STAND OUT

THEME: TALL BUILDINGS Pepper Pot on the Isle of Wight by Mark Carter

TRAVEL

Turning the camera on its side is the first thing a new photographer can do to increase the possibilities of their composition. Mark made the most of this lighthouse by using a vertical format.

WHY THIS WORKS:

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1 Vertical format emphasises height and power.

2 A wide-angle emphasises the clouds radiating from the building.

3 A wide angle makes the coast zoom into the distance.

4 A low viewpoint places the building well above the horizon, making the most of its height.

5 Soft lighting brings out the texture of the lichencovered stone.

HOT TIPS: 1 Faces and bodies tend to be elongated so a vertical format works well for photographing one person.

2 Any subject that leaves a lot of empty space at the sides is suitable for vertical format.

For example, a tall building, a waterfall or a tree.

3 If you have a subject with vertical lines, then a vertical format will emphasise its strength and power.

4 A vertical format lets the eye travel up the frame.

5 If you shoot for editorial, then both vertical and horizontal formats will ensure a designer is not limited.

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TIPS The northern lights

READERS’ TIPS A SCENIC ROUTE

TRAVEL

Earlier this year we TIP OF flew into Zurich, THE WEEK then took the train to Milan. It was the most spectacular journey, hugging the shore of the lakes, with a constantly changing backdrop of mountain scenery. The Man in Seat 61 calls it one of the most picturesque train journeys in Europe. Try it!

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Nigel, via email

ISLAND GETAWAY

YOU ASKED FOR IT Tom Hall FROM LONELY PLANET

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand visit Koh Chang Island, only 4-5 hours from Bangkok. You can book a bus/ferry ticket from Khao San Road for about 300 baht. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place where you can relax on the beach, dive at nearby Koh Rang or even go elephant trekking.

Elin, via email

With my last winter in the northern hemisphere coming up before I head home, I’m desperate to see the northern lights. Is Finland the place to go? Will any company take me out there if I organise my own flights and accommodation?

I don’t want to be stuck on a group tour.

Natalie, via email

Q

A

tntmagazine.com

Q

A

The good news is that this is possible and dozens manage it every year. You’ll need a 4WD for this trip, even though for most of the time you’ll be on sealed main roads. It’s only when you venture into more remote areas of east and southern Africa that an off-roader comes into its own.

The exception to this is the unavoidable drive through northern Kenya, which you must take as it’s the only route I know of that offers a clear passage through Africa (from Egypt, to Sudan, Ethiopia, on into Kenya and then south). You have more flexibility before and after this, but will need to enter Egypt through the Middle East. There may be a route down the west coast of Africa and through the centre, but it’s sketchy and besides, I want you to visit Ethiopia on the way.

Essentials? A vehicle, good mechanical knowledge, heaps of spares, visas, vehicle paperwork, lots of cash and maps. For more advice see Bradt’s Africa Overland (£13.99).

Email your words of wisdom to traveltips@tntmagazine.com. Tip of the Week wins a Lonely Planet guide and other published tips win a fiver.

WIN

Lonely Planet’s Tom Hall will give you the benefit of his infinite wisdom if you email a question to traveltips@tntmagazine.com.

If he answers your question, you’ll win a Lonely Planet guide of your choice. TNT readers can get 20 per cent off all Lonely Planet guides valued at more than £12.99. Enter promotional code PTNT01 at shop.lonelyplanet.com.

This is a reader forum — TNT and Lonely Planet accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone using the information provided.

Getty Images

Don’t despair, Natalie. Tour groups offering northern lights-spotting holidays are trying to sell you packages for just staring at the sky. There is no need to take one of these trips unless you have a hankering for huskysledding or cross-country skiing.

And should you want to tick these boxes you’d be better off just going and doing such things rather than joining a trip that dresses itself up as an aurora-spotting adventure. In fact, seeing the northern lights takes no more than heading to somewhere far enough north and waiting for it to get dark.

Then you just need clear skies. The north of Norway, Sweden and Finland are the closest places to the UK to do this. Get a no-nonsense flight, dress up warmly, and watch the skies.

Once you’re in any of the main Nordic winter destinations you’ll find someone willing to run you out of town. The beauty of doing it this way is that you can keep costs low and explore at your own pace. My pick would be Rovaniemi in Finland, but there are loads more to try.

My boyfriend and I want to drive overland from London to Cape Town.

We would love to take bikes, and climbing and hiking gear, and go adventuring on the way. Do you have any tips on the best way to organise such a trip? In particular, would we need a 4WD or would an ordinary van do?

And which route would you recommend?

Vanessa and Brett, via email

TRAVEL NEWS The Lake District

LOCATION GUIDE

TRAVEL

VisitBritain, the UK’s national tourism agency, has launched a free British film location app for iPhone and iPod touch.

The app allows users to discover the most iconic British film locations in cinematic history, from Harry Potter’s Hogwarts or one of the battlefields in Mel Gibson’s Braveheart.

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FLIGHTS TO SPAIN Flights to Majorca and Ibiza will be the first leisure services to be run by British Airways from London City Airport.

The flights are due to start in May, and one-way fares start at £69, including taxes and charges.

GOING FURTHER According to the customer patterns of ebookers.com, an increasing number of travellers are booking longhaul trips for 2010.

Holidaymakers are choosing destinations such as Honolulu, Orlando, Cape Town and Miami Beach.

FESTIVE SEASON SURGE The number of people searching for last-minute Christmas and New Year breaks has surged in the past two weeks, with Yorkshire and the Lake District proving the most popular destinations with festive holidaymakers.

The UK’s leading accommodation and tourism directory, iknow-uk, has seen a significant increase in searches for Christmas and New Year holidays this month, with more than 36 per cent of people favouring Yorkshire as their Yuletide holiday of choice.

The Lake District follows closely behind in the festive popularity poll, with just under

20 per cent of people opting to visit the region for their Christmas or New Year getaway this year.

Marcus Simmons, managing director of iknow-uk, says: “Maybe now that weathermen are hinting there could be a white Christmas this year, people are being enticed by the thought of a romantic break away in a cosy country cottage.”

Scotland has also proved popular, with almost 10 per cent of visitors searching for breaks north of the border – with a particular focus on Hogmanay holidays.

Holidays with a difference Keep it on Learn how to travel with ice in Athens your conscience intact with Learn to care for injured animals

TNT Images

The Athens Ledra Marriott Hotel has opened The View on Ice, a rooftop ice-skating experience that offers views of the Acropolis, Until the end of February, visitors can skate for free and warm up with seasonal drinks and food.

Frommer’s 500 Places Where You Can Make a Difference.

The new guidebook provides a wide range of suggestions for volunteering holidays around the world, many of which can be done in a just a one or two-week span.

From collecting scientific recordings on the whales and dolphins in Scotland to working on an archaeological dig in Cornwall, or caring for orphans in Delhi, this detailed guide has ideas to suit every personality and age range.

The book also gives useful

TNTMAGAZINE.COM MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS 1 England 2 France 3 Italy 4 Egypt 5 Spain

HOTTEST KEYWORDS ON TNTMAGAZINE.COM/TOURSEARCH

and up-to-date information on costs, and advice on how to pick the right trip, suggestions of sites to visit nearby, as well as trip provider contact details.

Andrew Mersmann, the author of the new travel guide, says: “Every time you make an effort, you shift the world – and cause change in bigger ways than you imagined possible.”

1 Morocco 2 Czech Republic 3 Christmas markets 4 Snow and ski 5 Italy powered by

FREE ONLINE GUIDES Go to tntmagazine.com/ travel for travel guides on more than 170 destinations.

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ON THE ROAD

WORDS ELIZABETH EUN

NETMAGE.10

TRAVEL

Bologna, Italy January 21-23 Held in the Renaissance Palazzo di Re Enzo in the heart of the medieval centre of Bologna, this contemporary festival features the very best in cutting-edge electronic music and film.

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» netmage.it

UP HELLY AA torch processions replaced burning tar barrels in 1876.

DO IT BECAUSE: It’s a full day and night of drunkeness, but the next day is a public holiday, which means the whole town gets to nurse their huge hangover together.

HOW MUCH: Free to attend.

» uphellyaa.org

TNT online For more upcoming events, see our destination guides at tntmagazine.com/travel

HOGMANAY Edinburgh, Scotland Dec 31, 2009 edinburghshogmanay.org

VENICE CARNIVAL Venice, Italy Feb 5-16, 2010 veniceconnected.com

RIO CARNIVAL Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Feb 13-18, 2010 rio-carnival.net

LERWICK, SCOTLAND WHAT: Europe’s biggest fire festival – which takes place in Lerwick, Shetland – is just a little mad, with 24 hours of fiery fun. A large crowd parades down the streets with torches, axes and Viking gear. The procession ends with the burning of a replica Viking longship, before the revelry continues at different halls in the town.

WHEN: January 26 WHY: The festival marks the end of Yuletide, and celebrates the sun’s return after winter solstice. The

LOCK IT IN

NEW ORLEANS MARDI GRAS FESPO HOLIDAYS AND LEISURE FAIR Zurich, Switzerland January 28-31 As the largest holiday fair in Switzerland, Fespo attracts more than 70,000 visitors annually. This year’s highlight is a special golf display with 140 exhibitors.

» fespo.ch

Where in the world?

New Orleans, US Feb 16, 2010 mardigrasneworleans.com

LAS FALLAS Valencia, Spain Mar 15-19, 2010 turisvalencia.es

SNOWBOMBING Mayrhofen, Austria April 5-10, 2010 snowbombing.com

THE TRAVELLER …

Erika Disher, 22, from Waikato, New Zealand Where’s the best place you’ve been to?

Fiji. People were really friendly.

Best place in the UK?

Bath. The atmosphere was really pleasant.

Most over-rated place?

London. Doesn’t quite live up to everything it’s said to be.

Dream destination?

Prague. The shopping is meant to be really good

Warren Harvey from Durban, South Africa, at Ghibli Raceway, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

tntmagazine.com

Curried insects in Fiji.

Where are the friendliest locals?

Bristol.

Getty Images

WIN

Been somewhere good lately? Send us a horizontal photo of yourself with a copy of TNT from anywhere around the world and, if we print it, you’ll win a day trip for two to Bath and Stonehenge with Anderson Tours, valued at £90. » Email your pictures to ontheroad@tntmagazine.com along with your name, where you’re from and where the photo was taken, or see tntmagazine.com/world. Files must be at least 500Kb.

Weirdest thing you’ve eaten?

GEAR UP MARKET KNOWLEDGE

THE INSIDER DAN YATES, MANAGING DIRECTOR, PITCHUP.COM My first big trip was …

Cycling through the Welsh mountains near Llangollen.

Unfortunately, I got lost, fell asleep on a couch, and lost all my money but it was still a great trip.

My favourite place in the world is … Santa Barbara. It has fantastic weather and is

Amy Adams SOLVES YOUR TRAVEL GEAR PROBLEMS SILK WARM New Zealand-based Silkbody creates silk garments that work with the body to form a second skin, such as this Silkspun long-sleeve crew top, which traps warm air to provide a lightweight insulating base layer.

THE DAMAGE: £59.95 WHERE: actionoutdoors.co.uk

SNUG AS A BUG You can pile on the thermal layers, but if you’re wearing underwear made from cotton or a synthetic material you’re likely to feel chilly or sticky.

With the warm-wool sports top, you’ll stay both comfy and warm.

THE DAMAGE: £49.90 WHERE: nordicoutdoor.co.uk

laid-back. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse has an open-air tower, which gives you the best views of the city.

My most memorable travel experience was … In 2002 I spent a Bank Holiday at Surfer’s Paradise Campsite, Croyde Bay. The weather and beach were perfect, and I was with good friends, which made the trip.

The next destination on my travel wishlist is … I have

TRAVEL

Why is it that no matter how much organisation you put into New Year’s Eve at some point you always seem to be standing outside, be it queuing to get into a bar, oohing at fireworks, waiting for a taxi home, or struggling to pick your mate off the pavement?

Now all this is fine if you happen to be welcoming in the new year in the southern hemisphere, but if you’re anywhere else, the early hours of January 1 are likely to be fairly chilly. And if you’re heading to Scotland for Hogmanay this will be a serious understatement.

Expect to feel a different part of your body go numb with each chime of midnight.

One solution is to wrap yourself in a thick blanket of alcohol and hope that, combined with the extra insulating layers of turkey and mince pies you’ve accumulated over the Christmas period, this might keep you warm.

Another is to invest in a few technical layers. If long johns aren’t likely to compliment the party frock you’ve picked out, then consider thermal underwear instead. It might not be the best look if you’re hoping to get lucky, but then neither are goose pimples or frostbite.

GET PACKING: THERMALS

67

TOASTY TREWS The three-quarter long johns from Snow + Rock traps air between the fabric and your skin to create a thermal barrier to keep you warm when the temperature drops. The fabric also wicks away moisture if you get too cosy.

THE DAMAGE: £24.95 WHERE: snowandrock.com

COSY CREW Rohan superfine merino fabric is sourced only from the wool of the perfectly-adapted sheep of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, meaning this men’s crew base layer will do a good job of keeping you toasty. It’s also lightweight and quick-drying.

THE DAMAGE: £41 WHERE: rohan.co.uk

always fancied boutique camping – otherwise known as ‘glamping’. The Lake District has some very cool yurts, so I will be checking those out in 2010.

My top travel tip is ... iPhone gadgets are no use when the battery dies.

Take a map!

I always pack … Twice as many clothes and books as I need, and cash for the excess baggage charge.

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Paradise

Discover one of Mozambique’s best-kept secrets – the unspoilt islands of

the Quirimbas Archipelago

WORDS ROBIN MCKELVIE

Quirimbas Archipelago MOZAMBIQUE

W

hile many of Africa’s most idyllic stretches of coastline have been ravaged by mass tourism, the same can’t be said of the Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique. This island landscape, swathed in history where the main mode of transport is the dhow, looks like it has been touched up on a computer for a glossy tourist brochure.

Mozambique was formerly a Portuguese colony and today the archipelago is sprinkled with the faded remnants of those days. The Portuguese named the Quirimbas the Maluane Islands after a local cloth, but they soon brought in cloth, architecture and cuisine of their own, leaving a legacy that still ripples through the islands today.

Although in the 1970s and 1980s Mozambique suffered a savage civil war, it is now peaceful, and open to tourists who have an appetite for exploring somewhere truly unique.

TREASURED ISLANDS The Quirimbas Archipelago is a chain of more than 30 islands and islets in the Indian Ocean, which stretches for more than 400km. It offers starched white beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush tropical forests.

Flying over the archipelago is a sublime experience as you get to admire reef necklaces and thick mangrove swamps, which make

The flight over “ the archipelago is sublime ” marine navigation so tricky. The only signs of life are the tiny thatched roof villages that occasionally slip into view.

Many of the islands are protected, forming part of the Quirimbas National Park, which was set up in 2002 in an attempt to look after a stretch of the Mozambican shoreline as well as a swathe of islands. You have to pay to enter the park, though most of the places offering accommodation collect the money, and camping is allowed within the park too for a modest fee.

One of the most positive aspects of the national park is that the government, local people and international NGOs have all pitched in together. The result is that the local people take pride in the park and are serious about conservation, which has the knock-on effect of attracting tourists who are keen to visit areas of the world not overrun with development.

The flight over to Matemo Island from the mainland only takes 10 minutes, but it is a spectacular journey. Sitting next to the pilot,

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Found

BIG TRIP

69

NEED TO KNOW WHEN TO GO Temperatures tend to be cooler during the dry season (MayOctober) while Februaryearly April is the worst time to come as it’s the height of the wet season.

GETTING THERE You’ll have to get there via South Africa. From there local airline LAM (flylam.co.za) flies to Mozambique. The ways of getting around the archipelago are by dhow, rented motorboat or plane.

VISAS Required by most nationalities, except South Africans. Regulations change frequently so check in advance.

CURRENCY New Mozambique Metical.

1 GBP = 45 MZN. LANGUAGE Portuguese.

GOING OUT A local beer is about 40 MZN. ACCOMMODATION A hostel or guest house costs about 450 MZN a night, while a room in a private hotel is about 1500 MZN. SEE visitmozambique.net.

TNT online For a full travel guide on visiting Mozambique go to tntmagazine.com/travel

Spla shing around on the beach

Ibo is a world away “ from the luxurious island resorts

”

you can trace the edges of the reefs and watch the local fishermen on their traditional boats, before bumping down on to the tiny landing strip. Matemo is one of the new breed of classy island resorts, but it is much more affordable than the seriously exclusive ones.

REEFS AND REMNANTS The hotels on the islands can organise snorkelling and dive trips for you. Just popping a snorkel mask on metres from the shore reaps instant rewards as the water is crystal clear, while the diving is world class. As well as tropical fish, there are regular sightings of both loggerhead and leatherback turtles. Some local dive operators say the archipelago is so unspoilt, their clients have unearthed new sections of reef that they have been able to name themselves.

Nearby Ibo is a world away from the luxurious resorts and is the real star of the Quirimbas. The island locals take what few tourists there are on guided tours. A whole treasure chest of old colonial buildings have survived the heat and take on a forlorn air, as the Portuguese administrators and merchants who once strode around them are long gone.

The town’s mightiest fort (there are three)

Quirimbas Archipelago

Ilha de Mozambique Gurue

Matemo

Ibo

MOZAMBIQUE

AVERAGES FOR MAPUTO

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

14

13

12

12

11

11

11

11

12

13

13

14

MAX

31

31

30

29

27

25

25

26

27

27

29

30

MIN

22

22

22

19

16

14

13

15

17

18

20

21

159

138

98

56

30

18

18

15

41

57

77

84

KEY: Hours of daylight Average rainfall (mm) *Statistics based on monthly averages Weather information provided by weather2travel.com

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sits abandoned too. Once the symbol of the Portuguese empire’s power, St John’s Fortress stares idly out to sea, its guns lined up to aim at no one in particular. It dates back to 1791 when Ibo was a trading and slavery hub. These days the fort battles the creeping tropical greenery more than any human enemy.

All pretensions dissolve among tourists who are lucky enough to make it to Ibo, as crowds of children follow them on the streets. They whoop with delight at photos of themselves on digital cameras and prove more than willing subjects. Some enterprising locals sell jewellery smelted from old Portuguese coins, but tourism is seriously low key with only a sprinkling of modest guest houses (and some homestays) and there is none of the hassle factor you often get in other parts of the continent these days.

A short distance to the south of Ibo is another of the archipelago’s most appealing islands, the eponymous Quirimba. You can walk between

Inhambane Parque Nacional do Limpopo

MAPUTO

Quirimba Getty Images, TNT Images, Robin McKelvie

weather

Matemo island resort

BIG TRIP

It will be a long “ time before mass

tourism takes over

”

SPLENDID ISOLATION The other islands in the archipelago attracting visitors include Vamizi, Rongui and Macaloe, and they are perhaps the face of the future of tourism in the archipelago.

The Maluane Project involves the local community in developing tourism without damaging the environment. It also puts money into local fishermen’s projects across all three islands. The project has overseen the building of one lodge on Vamizi, but the islands still largely retain their charm.

It will be a long time, if ever, before mass tourism takes over the Quirimbas like it has other parts of the African coast. For now, this once-troubled archipelago is a real oasis for both luxury tourists with money to burn and travellers looking to make an effort to go beyond the guidebooks and discover one of the most unspoilt and idyllic corners of the globe.

TRAVEL

the islands at low tide with a guide, but it is not advised to try it on your own as the tides change quickly.

Quirimba island is the de facto capital of the archipelago and makes for a good base for exploring as a number of dhows leave from here for the other islands.

71

Flying over the Quirimbas Archipelago

CAPITAL IDEAS It may not be one of Africa’s most famous capital cities, but Maputo is one of its most beguiling.

The scent of jacaranda trees and salt from the sea waft around the laid-back streets, while the ghosts of the country’s colonial past emerge through the Portuguese architecture.

Essential stops are the fi sh market, Avenida Marginal promenade and national art gallery, which houses some of the finest works by local sculptor Alberto Chissano. Visit the rugged old Fort and sample the Portuguese culinary legacy in the city’s fusion restaurants.

NEXT WEEK: LAOS Kickback in Southeast Asia

OTHER PLACES TO EXPLORE ILHA DE MOZAMBIQUE Listed by Unesco, this island oozes history from its old stone pores. Close your eyes and drift back to the days when Portuguese merchants and Arab traders filled the buzzing streets.

Maputo P Groenendijk, Andrew McConnell / Robert Harding

GURUE

Tofo Beach

Head inland to hike through the old tea plantations in a world away from the white sand beaches. A great escape for those who find the heat of the low-lying areas too much.

and idyllic white sandy beaches are the main drawcards here. Learn-to-dive courses are also available.

INHAMBANE

SAFARI PARKS

Delve back through the centuries in this historic oasis where dhows float on the sea and flamingos patrol the coastline.

Mozambique’s safari parks are just starting to get back on their feet. The most exciting developments are the joint projects with South Africa in the south, which aim to see fences dropping between the Kruger and the Parque Nacional do Limpopo.

TOFO BEACH The great diving, with huge manta rays,

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85 TOURS

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ACCOMMODATION

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accommodation tntmagazine.com/accommodation

Whatever type of accommodation you’re looking for you can find it here, and loads more at tntonline.co.uk/accommodation.

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renting

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To advertise you property on these pages call the sales team

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hostels / hotels

The Back Pack Shack 5 minutes walk from Acton town tube.

VERY LOW COST ACCOMMODATION £45.00 P.W.

If you are looking for a room and you are willing to help an older or disabled person then Vitalise Homeshare could be for you! We have several placements across London. Swap 10 hrs per week helping older person. Keep own job/studies.

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To the girl who has a small forehead: I was at Belushi’s

106

the other night and you commented on how small my forehead was. I laughed because I thought your forehead was small too. I’d love to see you again and maybe rub heads. MF. See tntmagazine.com/seeking.

K-Rocker: I know you’re struggling being back in Mactown, after the most amazing summer on van tour, missing travelling, all the crew and ye olde London town, but you have an amazing opportunity in front of you with this new job, so best of luck and please don’t be sad it’s over. Look back and smile because it happened.

Love Flyboy crew xxoo.

Carol aka Queen Bitch: I’ve got a confession to make, I’m the one who left the milk out the other morning. I was too scared to tell you at the time so I blamed it on Raj, but think it might be time to come clean. Please don’t kill me! PS. In certain countries sour milk is a delicacy. Your friendly, reliable, goodhearted housemate, Mat. Looking to meet new people:

Hey guys, I’ve been in London for a few months, and the people I know here are heading home in time for Christmas! I am keen to meet new people, so let me know if

post your message at tntmagazine.com/seeking or email seeking@tntmagazine.com

you are out and about! Tricia.

See tntmagazine.com/seeking.

Sparkles: It has been great getting up to mischief with you! Wish we had more time to hang out. See you on our next adventure.

To the barman at Princess Louise, Holborn: You talked to

me while I was waiting for my mates one Monday a week or so back. I’m pissed I didn’t get your name! (My Aussie mates suggested posting this btw).

My name is Becky and if you remember me, send me an email on dellgirl242@ hotmail.com.

200 in the first carriage:

I didn’t want to ruin my makeup yesterday so made a quick exit. It’s been fabulous meeting you, partying with you and when Aleks wasn’t broke, having dinner with you :-). Going to miss you very much Lauren. Who am I going

to ring at ridiculous o’clock to tell the latest news about monkeys and beer pong?

Love you xxx.

Fudge: Happy birthday little lady! We hope you have a wonderful day, and even though you’re pissed about being a Christmas child (“I only get presents once a year!”), remember only special people are born on the same day as the man himself – JC. And you sure are a very special girl and we love you to bits. A & P. To the biggest (and not in height) Kiwi in Clapham: Jacs,

what will we do without you when you leave to go home to NZ? We possible might play volleyball better without the drinking influence leading us astray. But it just won’t be the same :-( We’ll miss your “sweet as bro” sayings, a few quiet drinks together and the

Desperately Seeking is a reader forum, and all messages should be within the spirit of the page; TNT cannot take responsibility for offence caused. No phone numbers can be printed. Messages may be edited for publication. See tntmagazine.com/seeking

Q

I’ve fallen for my best mate’s ex-girlfriend.

I know the unwritten law and all, but they’ve been over for more than a year, and he’s been seeing other girls.

Is there a way for me to get the girl and keep the friend?

A

Fairy-tale endings can happen – but generally only in romance flicks, chick lit and Disney stories.

Still, if you’re really serious

tntmagazine.com

about this girl, no one can stop the two of you from pursuing a relationship.

There are a million factors you should take into account,

though, such as how long she and your mate and were an item, who dumped who, how good a friend is he, etc.

If you do decide to go for

reminder that NZ does exist every two secs. Come back soon, and don’t worry we’ll continue to look for the rich English lad for you to marry.

Flaming 6 volleyball club.

Lost camera: Black Canon Ixius lost on the corner of Bedford and Sandmere Roads in Clapham North on Friday, December 4. Reward offered if returned. See tntmagazine. com/seeking.

Santa: I hope you’ve received my wish list this year cos I’ve been a particularly good boy.

I haven’t been smoking pot like last year, I’ve been eating those fucking horrible sprouts from Belgium, and cut down my swearing by approximately 0.7 per cent. So anyway, Santa all I want for Christmas is my very own cruiseliner so my mates and I can have one big crazy party all over the world.

What ya think? You can join us if you want, and the girls can sit on your lap :-). Dean.

T-zone off to bloody NY:

Gonna be sad to see ya shoot through T-zone! Was sad enough to see Lando bail on us mad Kiwis. Gonna miss your wacky dance every Saturday at the Walky! Not gonna miss your off-to-NewYork attitude though! Or the jobby ya left in the bath! LOL! TGIF! See you foreigners in the Big juicy Apple! Boom!

Phil Mcracken and Tittytash.

it, your best bet is to have a frank man-to-man talk with your mate first, and do your best to explain the situation and how much you like this girl. But make sure you go to a cashpoint first – you’re going to need to buy him shed loads of pints to keep this friendship sweet.

» Got a sex or relationship dilemma? Email dearreuben@ tntmagazine.com

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