Redbrick - Issue 1477

Friday 20th January 2017

Redbrick Issue 1477, Vol. 81

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Green Heart of Campus Redbrick News interviews project manager Stephen Ashton

Redbrick

The Official University of Birmingham Student Newspaper, est. 1936 Churchman Landscape Architects Limited

Redbrick Travel explore the top UK holiday destinations from Knaresborough to Cornwall

Carys Bedford

UoB Honours Students, Staff and Alumni honoured with New Year's titles Freddy Nevison-Andrews

Redbrick Film suggest their top three films to watch in 2017

Sophie Webb explains the 'Smear for Smear' campaign

Niamh Carpenter discusses her Veganuary experience

Redbrick Gaming looks back at the top ten games of last year

Film Page 17

L&S Page 20

Food Page 22

Gaming Page 33

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REDBRICK

Friday 20th January 2017

redbrick.me

Letter from the committee...

It is with a mix of excitement and a perhaps a little fear that I pen my first editorial for this majestic paper. Happy New Year to all of our loyal readers, and similar, if slightly less familiar greetings for those who have picked up Redbrick for the first time (what an issue you’ve chosen!).

For those who don’t know me I’m currently serving on the committee as Treasurer and Marketing Secretary. This means that while I’m not always involved in the day-to-day running of the newspaper, I am responsible primarily for sourcing advertisers as well as organising the funding for everything the paper needs; whether that’s printing costs, putting on fantastic events such as last semester’s Christmas Ball or just footing the bill for Anna’s frankly ridiculous expenses account.

Following on from last semester’s successes, it’s exciting to announce a lot of the brilliant things coming up for 2017. First up is the Give it a Go fair happening next Tuesday in the Great Hall. Come and visit Redbrick’s stall to say hello, sign up or just pick up your copy of the paper. Recently, I’ve heard that Brum has other societies as well as Redbrick, so if you’d like to try something new in 2017 (other than an obscure post-Fab takeaway) the Give it a Go fair is a great opportunity. Following this is the

second-ever Societies Night on the 30th of January. If you came to the first then you’ll remember Harry Turner’s peerless tribute to ABBA (surely this will go down in Guild history?), and if not, then that sentence alone should be enough to persuade you. Social Sec Laura has lots planned for this societies night, including some “gentle” section versus section competitions, welcome games and, most importantly, a late-night pilgrimage visiting Bristol Road’s best takeaways.

Finally, with the new year comes new chances to get involved with Redbrick. Back in first year it was around this time that I first became aware of the paper and what I could do with it. I was a complete newbie to the world of journalism, so if you asked me then where I saw myself in twelve months, my answer would certainly not be in a committee position. So, if you’re a bit like I was, remember that it’s never too late to get involved with Redbrick, whatever stage of your degree you may be in, and indeed whatever it is you may study. Writing, editing, photography, design – Redbrick has something for everyone. If you want to contribute to something during your time at university, beyond the profits of Selly’s various drinking establishments, then get in touch with any of the sections below, or come and say hello at the Give it a Go fair.

We as a committee all hope you enjoy this issue – having spent the last six months working with the writers, editors and all the other people behind the scenes who make things happen, I have found new appreciation for the level of hard-work that goes into producing Redbrick. So, on that note of selfcongratulation, all that remains is for me to say that I hope you enjoy the next semester of Redbrick.

From the dungeons, we salute you,

Will Baxter, Marketing Secretary & Treasurer

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Online this week at redbrick.me...

FILM

FOOD

MUSIC

TV

Review: Rogue One – A Star Wars Story

Mimi Dang discovers the best food in Budapest, Hungary

Album Review: You Me at Six Night People

Sherlock Series 4: The End of the Game

Redbrick Editorial Team Editor Anna Griffiths editor@redbrickonline.co.uk

Deputy Editors Harry Turner Imogen Lancaster deputy@redbrickonline.co.uk

Print & Features Editor Gabriella Marcucci print@redbrickonline.co.uk

Digital Editor Conrad Duncan digital@redbrickonline.co.uk

Lead Developer Andreea Gheorghe

News Editors Beriwan Ceren Grace Duncan Gregory Robinson Joseph Timan

Music Editors Daniella Bassett Greg Woodin Holly Carter Phil Jones

news@redbrickonline.co.uk

music@redbrickonline.co.uk

Comment Editor Aamina Siddiqi Joe Goodsall Harry Tennison

Film Editors Alex McDonald George Griffths Joe Ryan

comment@redbrickonline.co.uk

Culture Editors Imogen Tink Olivia Boyce Sophie Taylor culture@redbrickonline.co.uk

marketing@redbrickonline.co.uk

Social Secretary Laura Burgess social@redbrickonline.co.uk

Travel Editors Carys Bedford Delfina Rainoldi Sophie Braybrook travel@redbrickonline.co.uk

developer@redbrickonline.co.uk

Marketing Secretary William Baxter

film@redbrickonline.co.uk

Life&Style Editors Kamila Geremek Nia Roberts Sophie Kesterton Zoe Screti lifestyle@redbrickonline.co.uk

Television Editors James Tyson Lara Billington Tamsin Hackett tv@redbrickonline.co.uk

Sci&Tech Editors Ellen Daugherty James Pettit Kara Watson tech@redbrickonline.co.uk

Food Editors Lauren Kelly Phoebe Radford Tasha Smart Tamar Smith food@redbrickonline.co.uk

Sport Editors Dan Steeden Harry Wilkinson Nancy Frostick Nicola Kenton sport@redbrickonline.co.uk

Gaming Editors James Lentschner James Marvin Nick Burton Roshni Patel gaming@redbrickonline.co.uk

Careers Editor Lael Hardtman Mira Lodhia careers@redbrickonline.co.uk

Redbrick Guild of Students Edgbaston Park Road Birmingham B15 2TT 0121 251 2462

editor@redbrickonline.co.uk

Editorial Assistants Redbrick is printed through www.mortonAdele Franghiadi sprint.com Emily Roberts 01507 523 456 Hannah Ledlie James Dickinson To advertise in Redbrick, get in touch with Kseniya Shrimpton marketing@redbrickonline.co.uk or visit Laura Burgess www.redbrick.me/advertise-with-redbrick Lizzie Alker for more details, and to see our rate card.

Lorna Taaffe Martha Sanders Designed and typeset by Redbrick Philippa Baker Copyright (C) Redbrick 2015 The views expressed in Redbrick do not necessarily reflect those of the editors, the Guild or the publishers. If you find an error of fact in our pages, please write to the editor.

Our policy is to correct mistakes promptly in print and to apologise where appropriate. We reserve the right to edit any article, letter or email submitted for publication.

NEWS

Friday 20th January 2017

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Open Verdict On UoB Student Death Erin Santillo reports on the coroner's findings and friends' reactions Erin Santillo News Reporter

The coroner’s investigation into the tragic death of University of Birmingham (UoB) student, Matthew Coe, recorded an open verdict.

The report revealed that Coe had been playing drinking games with flatmates before journeying into Birmingham on October 11th of last year. Several hours after being refused entry to Pryzm nightclub, he fell to his death from the Trident House tower block in Granville Square.

PC Lucy Plumbridge, who

attended the emergency, said, ‘There’s no indication he planned to do this’. A pathology test discovered no illicit drugs in his system and a search of his university accommodation proved inconclusive.

"Matt was always a formidable source of laughter and friendship" Coe was studying BSc Biological Sciences and in his first semester at UoB. Before coming to university, he studied at St

Peter’s School in York. Redbrick contacted one of Mr Coe’s school friends, now attending UoB. He said: ‘Throughout the four years we spent together at St Peter's School, Matt was always a formidable source of laughter and friendship.

Even if, like me, you never travelled in exactly the same circles, you still felt the impact he had on the lives of hundreds of people, none of whom could have a bad word to say and can only look back on his memory with a smile.

‘I have rarely felt so hollow as on the day I learned that Matt had been taken from us. Firstly because he was a fellow Peterite who I had seen grow and change throughout

most of his teenage years; but also because he had been where I was only one year earlier; so full of hope and anticipation for the best years of our lives.

"I can only imagine the pain felt by his close friends and family"

can only imagine the pain felt by his close friends and family on that tragic day. My thoughts and prayers have been with them, and with him, as they always will be’.

Speaking to Redbrick, the UoB Press Office, released the following statement: ‘The University is extremely saddened by the death of Matthew Coe. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time’.

They direct anyone affected by the news to access the counselling service through the student services website.

'Hope that had cruelly been taken away. Matt always lived for the moment, though, and I

Sports Centre Members Due Refund Josh Hamilton News Reporter

The opening of 360 Sports and Fitness on campus has been delayed yet again.

The day that the £55 million sports centre finally opens its doors has been pushed back from its opening date, January 9th, 2017, to early 2017. This follows worries that the building would not be ready to open in the new year.

Members were emailed on the 8th December to notify them of the delay. The email reaffirmed the University’s commitment to opening next year, but did not issue an updated opening time.

Compensation in the form of an ex gratia payment is currently being considered as the situation

is reviewed, the email also stated.

Additionally, members will be given a minimum of four weeks’ notice before the building is opened. Memberships to the Munrow Sports Centre will still automatically transfer to 360 when it does eventually open. A cap on memberships has, however, been enforced, to reduce overcrowding of the much smaller Munrow building.

One member, who chose to remain anonymous, said: 'I think it’s outrageous. I bought membership to the Munrow purely because I knew it would transfer to the 360 Sports Centre – first at the start of December, and then in the New Year. I chose this gym over any number of the others because I thought 360 would have great facilities. But right now I’m yet to see any of the benefits from hav-

ing done so.

'You pay a lot of money for a gym membership, which is especially hard on students, since we’re really, really poor. I’ll be very disappointed if the University doesn’t offer serious compensation for having delayed the opening for so long.'

"Membership will automatically transfer to 360 when it eventually opens" This is not the first delay.

Originally, the building was slated to open its doors to members in July of 2016. Its contractor,

Interserve, was forced to push the opening back to September, to coincide with the arrival of the new academic intake. Builders failed to meet this deadline, and the opening was delayed until December 1st. A statement from the University of Birmingham claimed that this was due to various reasons. Notably, that the sports centre was a 'large and complex build'.

Sophie Uyttenhove, second year English student, said: 'I just hope that in due course, students that have paid can acquire their refunds. I doubt it’s purely the fault of the builders, though. You have to think about potential funding issues, too. Or if the builders were actually given enough time in the first place.'

Any number of issues may have delayed the building from

opening. @360Birmingham, the new sports centre’s Twitter account, stated that they are unable to provide a reason for the delay at time of writing. This is because it is still a construction site, and they have not yet received handover of the building.

Members will soon attain access to a 50-metre Olympicsized swimming pool, dance studios, 10-metre climbing wall, gym, and an arena-style sports hall, which will seat up to 900 people.

By the time the sports centre does open, it will have been delayed for nearly one year.

Update: 360 Sports and Fitness recently updated members on their ex gratia compensation. The payment will refund student members by providing their third term’s membership fee.

'Your Ideas' Participation Increases In Most Successful Round Of Voting Ever Daniel Hickey News Reporter

Your Ideas ended its second round of voting on Friday 2nd December with over 4,750 votes cast and the Guild describing it as its ‘most successful round ever’.

The Guild’s Your Ideas initiative takes suggestions submitted online by the student body and gives students the opportunity to vote and comment on them through the Guild website.

The Officer Team looks at each suggested idea and if a particular idea gets at least 200 votes and over 50% of them are positive, they are mandated to discuss it.

The most recent round of voting, which closed in week 10 of the first semester, saw 4,790 votes cast and 11 ideas successfully passing.

The successful ideas from this most recent round of voting were: • More Ticket machines at University station • Gender Neutral Toilets • Online Printing Credits • Sanitary Bins in University Accommodation • Disaffiliate from Castle Cars • Panopto • Introduce Microwaves to eating areas on campus • Allow food and hot drinks in the library • Traffic Lights • Solar Panels on University Buildings • More Vegan options in the Guild Of the successful ideas, there was an equal share of four ideas each within the Guild Development and Welfare & Community zones respectively, as well as three suc-

cessful ideas within the Education zone. None of the four ideas proposed within the Sports & Activities zone passed.

The idea that passed with the lowest margin of positive votes was for there to be more vegan options at the Guild, with 78% of a total of 214 votes in favour of the idea.

Meanwhile, the idea with the highest percentage of positive votes was the idea to be able to top-up printing credits online, with 99% of votes cast in favour - only three out of the 217 votes were against the idea.

Despite passing as an idea, allowing food and hot drinks in the library received 42 votes against, suggesting that some stu-

dents are satisfied with the current ban on food and drink in most of the library's study areas.

However, this number is still dwarfed by the 325 votes in favour of relaxing those rules.

An idea suggesting that a small amount of Meal Plan credit be allowed to rollover from one week to the next reached only 190 votes in total, failing to reach the required 200 votes minimum.

Nevertheless, the Officer Team has shown willingness to look into ideas that receive extremely positive responses.

Given that this idea received 185 votes in favour, it's possible that yet another idea will be added to the growing list of

areas for improvement that the Your Ideas program has generated.

Not every idea was a great success, though. A suggestion for a night of Egyptian Shaabi music - a form of popular Egyptian working-class music that developed in the second half of the 20th century - at the Guild, was met with an overwhelmingly negative response.

Only eight of the 65 votes cast were in favour, producing the lowest positivity rate out of all the ideas voted on.

The idea that received the least attention and the lowest number of votes was an alternative ‘constitution’ for the Guild. Only 57 votes were cast on this idea, and only 20 of these were in favour.

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NEWS

Friday 20th January 2017

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Green Heart Defends Plans For Open Space On Campus Redbrick spoke to Green Heart project manager Stephen Ashton about plans for the new open space on campus set to be completed by 2019 Joseph Timan News Editor @josephtiman

A really good entrance from the North [...] and you’ve got the killer view.’ Many students believe that that’s all there is behind the plans for the new open space that will replace the old Main Library, set to be demolished by the end of this academic year. But Stephen Ashton, the Green Heart project manager, went on to tell Redbrick that there’s much more to it, sharing some of the intricate features, testing challenges and exciting potential of the project.

"University decided to do something that brings everyone together, providing the 'opportunity to meet, to spark ideas off each other...'"

Ashton, who is also project manager for the new Main Library, the old Library demolition and the multi-storey North East Car Park, told Redbrick about the decision to move the Main Library and create an open space in its place. He said that refurbishing the old Library would have taken seven years and cost half of the new building just to solve existing

problems. ‘Disrupting students for seven years wasn’t good,’ Ashton said, ‘spending lots of money not to get any benefit wasn’t good either.’

"One of the biggest factors in prospective students deciding where to study is having open spaces on campus" According to Ashton the architectural company that developed the recent campus masterplan considered rebuilding a new library in the same spot as the existing building, but saw the opportunity to do something special with that space instead. In agreement with London-based MJP Architects, the University decided to do something that brings everyone together, providing the ‘opportunity to meet, to spark ideas off each other [...] and a different kind of space for students to work in.’

Guild President Ellie Keiller, told Redbrick that many students, herself included, liked the old Library, the building and the memories associated with it, and were sad to see it close.

Nevertheless, she emphasised the importance of the University investing in the ‘academic experience’ of students, adding that the old building ‘wasn’t fit for pur-

pose.’

‘We always tell the University that if they’re going to start taking more students, then they really have to put more money into being able to support their students,’ Keiller said, ‘and they couldn’t have done that with the old Library.’

The idea to open up the centre of campus was inspired by the original vision of Sir Aston Webb, who designed the first phase of

spective students deciding where to study is having open spaces on campus. Whilst he admitted that UoB is already ‘winning’ on that, MJP Architects suggested that they could do better and make these open spaces more effective Nevertheless, it was clear that Ashton believed that the Green Heart project, as it is officially called, has taken student consultation seriously too. Nomad, a specialist company that does consul-

and the market stalls at University Square will be addressed by building a wheelchair accessible raised walkway across the front of Muirhead, down towards the Library, touching on the electricity substation, and then to University Square.

This proposal got Churchman the job as it simultaneously provides wheelchair access and covers the bottom of Muirhead Tower, as well as the electricity substa-

buildings on campus over 100 years ago. Ashton also added that one of the biggest factors in pro-

tations on university campuses, was appointed to conduct two rounds of campus consultation last academic year, with further consultation taking place in the autumn semester.

‘Although the initial structure of these big outside spaces was put in place quite early on,’ Ashton told Redbrick, ‘the details of exactly how the seating’s going to work, what kind of facilities, how do you want to use these spaces, what the footpaths would look like, any ideas about planting of trees [involved students].’

Ashton explained the initial challenges that were addressed by the company consequently appointed to design the Green Heart project, Churchman Landscape Architects, who also designed the area around the Greenwich Maritime Museum.

The three main challenges were: disability access, working around an electricity substation and covering the bottom of the Muirhead Tower, which Ashton described as ‘pig ugly’.

The accessibility challenge of bridging an eight metre height difference between the North Gate

tion which would be too costly to move. Beneath the walkway, there will also be space for another food outlet on campus that overlooks the open space. ‘The three really terrible challenges we threw at them, they nailed,’ Ashton said.

Churchman also suggested reconfiguring the footpaths in the existing open spaces on campus Chancellor’s Court and University Square - as well as creating three more external spaces. These spaces include a green square between the new Library and Muirhead Tower enclosed by trees, and a more ‘domestic-scale space’ by the listed buildings at North Gate.

Additionally, Ashton described the grass banks that will replace the North Car Park as an outdoor ‘auditorium-cum-amphitheatre’ that could be used as a staging area for performances.

Ashton suggested that these new spaces can be used for campus events. For example, Grad Ball may be moved to this new location, which has been made possible by replicating the necessary electricity supplies in this development. In addition to this, he hinted that the BBC Proms

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Friday 20th January 2017

could consider holding a performance in such a space. He told Redbrick: ‘We’ve tried to provide a series of different spaces that you can use for lots of different ways.’

Ellie Keiller, who is part of the Green Heart project task group as Guild President, told Redbrick that she would have had a ‘serious issue’ if the rise in tuition fees hadn’t been followed by more building on campus, and that she’s happy that the University is still building for the sake of students.

But she also said, ‘If they were just knocking it down and putting a fancy garden in [...] then I’d kick up a bit of a fuss.’

‘I think it would be great if they built another big fancy lab that students can come and do some amazing research in, or some amazing study spaces,’ Keiller said, ‘but the Green Heart

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is not the only project happening.

The important thing is that students can use that space.’

"All of the spoil from the new Library site was reused somewhere, there’s nothing that couldn’t be reused."

Stephen Ashton told Redbrick that the University has a ‘huge’ capital program that will be spent on developing the campus, and that the Green Heart project is just a small part of that. In fact, the Green Heart project will cost

£16.9 million, not including the old Library demolition, which is incorporated into the £60 million cost of building the new Library.

‘What [the Green Heart project] does, is that it’s the glue that joins all of the other projects together,’ he said. ‘It provides the space in between all of those other buildings, all of the new buildings that we’re planning, all of the refurbishment of the existing buildings that we’re planning, to try and make sure the campus works together as a whole’.

What’s more, Ashton said that improving sustainability and accessibility were two of the big priorities for the project. When asked whether high costs were a constraint in achieving these goals, Ashton said: ‘We didn’t allow ourselves to be constrained by it at all, so that we haven’t had to make a decision which makes

things worse for somebody in a wheelchair or somebody who uses a white stick.’

One of the key aspects of improving sustainability through the project has been promoting sustainable transport, specifically building more cycle storage below the raised walkway that will be under shelter, well-lit and at the front and centre of campus.

‘Having just done the library, and now looking at this,’ Ashton said, ‘I’ve worked very closely with our sustainable transport and there’s more stuff going around the library as it stands, even before we do the Green Heart.’

Another impressive feat of the project, is its efforts to maximise the sustainable constructability by aiming to reuse as many materials used in the construction process as possible.This means reusing materials on site, and when that’s not feasible, making sure that it is reused elsewhere rather than going to landfill. Ashton revealed to Redbrick, ‘All of the spoil from the new Library site was reused somewhere, there’s nothing that couldn’t be reused.’

And when materials can’t be reused on site, Ashton told Redbrick, companies have to tender for them, using the example of Carillion, the construction company behind the new Library, who reused materials for tarmacing in motorway projects. ‘If they have a system in place either within their company or their subcontractors where they can reuse that,’ he said, ‘that gives them a competitive advantage and we’re more likely to use somebody that’s able to intelligently reuse stuff.’

In keeping with the environmentalist stance, another objective of the project is increasing biodiversity on campus. Ashton said that the Green Heart project will involve planting 160 new trees to replace just over 100 trees that will be removed,

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which includes young trees as well as older feature trees. ‘That’s a really nice balance, because we want big stuff so that it feels complete to start with, but the younger ones are better environmentally.’

In addition to introducing new species of trees on campus, the project will put in ‘a wide range of fauna and flora,’ as well as introducing bird boxes, including some specifically designed for swallows. Also, following an idea from students about having a water feature, there will be running water along one side of the open space which Ashton said will concurrently form a key part of the campus’s flood strategy.

The burning question though, is whether these grandiose plans can realistically stick to schedule and be completed by 2019 as planned. Speaking about the delays to the 360 Sports Centre, Ashton said: ‘When you’re constructing something as big and as complicated as the Sports Centre there are always going to be things that will try and catch you out.’

However, whilst he insisted that the University has taken a ‘conservative view’ on the time schedule suggested by external companies, he admitted that the time schedule is still ‘reasonably tentative and very fuzzy.’

For the time being, the next step towards the Green Heart project will be the demolition of the old Main Library which will make its first signs of visible progress in the Easter break, and then continue in the summer.

Whilst Keiller acknowledged that those studying on campus over the Easter break, as well as postgraduate students studying over summer might be affected by the schedule, the Guild President ensured Redbrick that around study and exam period, ‘disruption will be kept to a minimum.’

Keiller also informed Redbrick that the Harding Library will reopen before the Green Heart project is complete, providing students with more study spaces.

Birmingham Cycle Revolution In Gear For 2018 Commuter ‘Highway’ The £12.4 million cycle route that will connect UoB to the city centre and beyond Erin Santillo News Reporter @ErinSantillo

The next phase of the Birmingham Cycle Revolution (BCR) has been approved by the city council, which will see the construction of an 8km long, segregated cycle route along one of the city’s major commuter corridors. The project, which is set to begin in the early part of 2017, will stretch from Selly Oak to Perry Barr via a new city centre connection.

We all know of the numerous health benefits of cycling – from cardiovascular strengthening to emission reduction – but, before now, commuting through Birmingham on bike has been both unsafe and unpleasant, especially during rush-hour.

However, artists’ impressions indicate that the new two-way cycle paths on the A38 and A34 will be separated from vehicular traffic by grass verges in residential areas and raised kerbs on the busier sections; promoting safety and user confidence. It is hoped that these measures will persuade families and commuters alike to use pedal power, instead of petrol power, to travel into the city.

The Cabinet Member for Transport and Roads at Birmingham City Council (BCC), Stuart Stacey, has emphasised the ‘major growth potential’ that the areas around Selly Oak and Perry Barr offer to investors, and indicated that the new cycle route could promote the locations due to their future connectivity to the business district.

The councillor also stated that

‘cycling is an affordable and sustainable form of transport which can open up previously inaccessible opportunities, including employment opportunities for young people by enabling them to travel to work or training’.

Nevertheless, this cycle route will not just serve those who work or seek recreation in Birmingham’s centre; it also aims to act as a north-south ‘highway’ from which cyclists can access sites such as UoB’s campus, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the new Food Hub under construction in Perry Barr.

David Cox, chair of Cycling UK, has welcomed the plans, emphasising that cycling could become ‘an attractive alternative to driving on congested roads or using crowded public transport’ in order to reach these less central destinations.

This BCC initiative comes in tandem with recent investments by the Department of Transport into cycle safety in the new Green Travel Districts (GTD) throughout Birmingham. These projects aim to put people before cars with dedicated walking, cycling and public-transport-only zones in order to reduce congestion, pollution and collisions in populous areas.

Using the 20-year BCR project, the council is striving to make 5% of all journeys in the city to be by bike by 2023, and then increase that to 10% over the following ten years; creating a Clean Air Zone in Birmingham.

‘Cycling is the only form of transport which can meet the competing agendas of increasing capacity, reducing emissions,

increasing physical safety, reducing noise and improving safety’, claims Jackie Brennan, a key promoter of the initiative and Recreation Manager for the West Midlands at British Cycling. ‘In doing this, we will create the cities and towns of the future – healthy, affordable, clean and more productive’.

In a couple of years, it should be possible to cycle safely from UoB into Birmingham city centre in around 15 minutes, improving physical fitness and saving you the train ticket. Although it will take until 2018 for the route to be opened completely, the BCR project has now set the wheels in motion for a radical shift towards sustainable transport and healthier living throughout the city.

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Friday 20th January 2017

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UoB Students, Staff and Alumni Honoured with New Year’s Titles

Following the publishing of the New Year’s Honours list, Erin Santillo reports on the seven award recipients from the university Erin Santillo News Reporter

The New Year may have signified the end of the festive season, but that did not result in any lack of celebration for the 2017 appointees to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, seven of whom are University of Birmingham students, staff or alumni.

This annual award-giving tradition was established 100 years ago by King George V and aims to ‘recognise the acheivements and service of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom’.

Notably, 10% of this years list was comprised of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, such as Andy Murray, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Mo Farah - not to mention our very own Lily Owsley, Sophie Bray and Lora Fachie. However, that is not to say that the 2017 recipients associated with UoB are exclusively sports champions.

In fact, as you will see below, service has been recognised and honoured in a wide range of disciplines.

Professor Peter Weissberg CBE The former Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) from 2004 to 2016, Professor Peter Weissberg was appointed a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for ‘services to Medical

Research and Cardiovascular Health.’

After graduating in Medicine from UoB in 1976, Weissberg soon became a lecturer in Cardiovascular Medicine at the university. A few years later, he was chosen to assume the role of the first BHF Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Cambridge.

D u r i n g Weissberg’s time at the BHF, he oversaw the expansion of research into cardiovascular diseases, which has resulted in the organisation distributing £105 million a year into the fields of heart attack, stroke prevention and care. In response to the news of his honour, Weissberg stated that it ‘would not have come about without the collective effort of all who work at the BHF and, particularly, those people who donate their time and money so generously.’

Professor Susan Hunston OBE Professor Susan Hunston, of the university’s Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics, was awarded the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) title for her ‘services to Higher Education and Applied Lingustics’.

Hunston began her career on the COBUILD

project, which created the first electronic corpus of contemporary text, the Bank of English. She also helped pioneer the theory of Pattern Grammar, which has changed how linguistics is researched and taught today.

After receiving her honour, Hunston said that ‘it’s great that the international importance of Applied Linguistics is being recognised in this way.’

Honorary Professor Keri Thomas OBE Thomas is the founder and Clinical Lead of The National Gold Standards Framework, which has 14 centres across the country aiming to enhance training at hospices for end-of-life care.

Since the creation of the not-for-profit organisation in 2000, national and international standards of care have significantly improved.

Also an honorary professor at UoB, Thomas worked for more than 25 years as a GP with an interest in palliative care.

In the New Year’s Honours list, she was appointed an OBE for her ‘services to End of Life Care.’

Martin Devenish MBE Currently a member of UoB’s Development Advisory Council, Devenish was honoured with the title of Member of the

Most Excellent Order of the Sophie Bray MBE British Empire (MBE) for Also a key member of Team GB his ‘services to Higher women’s hockey team, Bray, Education and volun- alongside Lily Owsley, helped to tary service to make history when the group E d u c a t i o n a l became the first British team to D e v e l o p m e n t win an Olympic gold medal in the Overseas’. discipline at the 2016 Olympics.

Devenish She graduated from UoB with graduated a degree in Psychology. f r o m Bray was honoured UoB in with an MBE by the 1986 Queen, and also with a used social media degree in to express her hapIndustrial piness by tweeting Economics and that it was ‘a very Business Studies special way to end before beginning a a very special career that would year!’ see him work with Andy Hooper HSBC and Goldman Lora Fachie MBE Sachs. He is also a key Fachie, then Turnham, supporter of the Access to studied Physiotheraphy at UoB Birmingham (A2B) programme, before entering into the world of which offers scholarships and Paralympic cycling. She was support to ensure fair access to all appointed an MBE on the New students, regardless of their per- Year’s Honours list for ‘services sonal circumstances. to Cycling’.

A visually-impaired double Lily Owsley MBE world champion, Fachie parOwsley studies Sport, ticipated in the 2016 Exercise and Track World Rehabilitation at the Championships university, and was where she won a awarded an MBE bronze in the ‘for services to Tandem Individual Hockey’. At the Pursuit, then trav2016 Olympic elled to Ostend, Games in Rio Belgium to win two de Janeiro, silver World Cup she was a medals before compivotal peting in Rio on both force in road and track in four the gold separate events. medal hockey Full details about all of the match, during New Year’s Honours can be found which she scored on the Government’s website: the opening goal. https://www.gov.uk/government/ After news publications/new-years-honoursbroke of her honour, list-2017 Owsley took to Twitter to exclaim, ‘What a year and what a team!!!!!’.

Riots Take Over Birmingham Prison Emily Roberts News Reporter

On Friday 16th December, riots broke out in four wings of HMP Birmingham after inmates managed to overpower members of staff and steal their keys.

As a result of this, approximately 240 offenders are being moved to different facilities in the surrounding areas, as riot squads work to reinstate order, and the extent of the damage caused is assessed. It has been reported that an official investigation into the security and disciplinary practices of the prison is to be carried out, as it has been revealed that a number of staff members have felt threatened by aggressive inmates.

According to The Guardian, this marks ‘the third [disturbance] in a prison in England in less than two months’, leading many to believe that serious intervention is needed to reduce the levels christmas of violence within these institutions.

"the most recent worst incident since the 1990 Strangeways riot" Furthermore, speaking to the BBC, Mike Rolfe, national chairman of the Prison Officers Association, claimed that the commotion represented ‘the most

recent worst incident since the 1990 Strangeways riot’. Though the root of this violent behaviour has not been officially identified, some individuals, including head of the National Offender Management Service Michael Spurr, cite the abuse of ‘psychoactive drugs [and] so-called legal highs’.

Another theory has been linked to the prison’s move from the public sector to the private sector. The facility, which has been privately managed by G4S since October of 2011, is one of the largest in Britain, holding almost 1500 prisoners. However, the amount of individuals employed to oversee the inmates has reduced since then, meaning that crucial responsibilities in terms of enforcing

effective discipline and regulation are shared between fewer people.

Speaking to Channel 4, Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott commented on this, stating that ‘private companies should not be involved it’s clear that G4S don’t have the quality of staff to manage a crisis like this.’

"inadequate staff numbers [and] poor healthcare" Leading on from this, alleged prisoners contacted the BBC after the events with claims of ‘inadequate staff numbers [and] poor healthcare and nutrition’, perhaps furthering demands for an investi-

gation into the conditions and living standards of those affected.

When asked about his thoughts on the situation, UoB law student Jack said, ‘it was an excellent showcasing of the incompetence of G4S and how the Government is putting cost before safety.’

However, he also highlighted how policymakers are perhaps constrained by public opinion in this regard; ‘the Government would be heavily criticised if it put money towards prisons as it is seen by many as a “waste”.’

Either way, recent events have indicated that reform is needed, though it is not yet clear what will change, or indeed when these changes will be implemented.

NEWS

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbricknews

07

Education Committee Concerned For Higher Education After Brexit Vote Emily Youlton News Reporter

The latest evidence gathered by the Education Committee highlights the increasing concern of the future of post-Brexit higher education.

The Education Committee is a board consisting of major educational bodies, including membership of establishments such as the University of Birmingham (UoB) and the National Union of Students (NUS). The purpose of this government scheme is to allow experts in the field of higher education to advise and have an input on government decisions and handlings.

The controversial change Brexit presents to establishments in the UK has been met with growing concern by many institutions including UoB. One major area of concern relates to the admission of European students

and staff into top institutions.

Something that UoB believes the government should focus on as it is crucial to consider their immigration policy to allow those most talented academics into our country to contribute their skills to research in the UK. UoB has suggested that Brexit may make prospective students feel unwelcome and therefore less likely to make applications. UoB’s current figures show that 11% of staff members and 4.3% of students are Non-UK EU nationals. If these figures were to decline, they fear that this would affect the diverse and multicultural communities that many universities strive to achieve and maintain.

By restricting movement around the EU, it may detract from the rich global community that can be developed in universities, something UoB believes to be highly detrimental to the future of further education.

Many other educational establishments have also expressed concerns about the future of Erasmus programmes for both home and overseas students. UoB has made it very clear that they believe students should not suffer and that programmes, similar to and including Erasmus, can still run effectively, allowing all students the opportunity to travel and study abroad.

"11% of staff members and 4.3% of students are Non-UK EU nationals" It has been argued that these programmes not only enhance student’s personal experience, but also represent and boost the image

of UK Higher education in a global community. Without this programme many students may be unable to undertake these placements as grant funding is crucial to support many students looking to study abroad.

It is no secret that UK higher education is internationally renowned but many institutions are now concerned that Brexit will affect this global status. With EU funding soon to be cut in research fields, the concern is whether Britain will be able to retain this reputation. UoB has also stressed the importance of collaboration with European universities.

Being in the EU allowed British universities many opportunities to work alongside other top institutions in Europe on research products. NUS has supported similar claims in their written evidence. They have highlighted the importance of

mobility and funding for students, and stress the importance of this being factored into the Brexit negotiations.

Overall, when considering the evidence presented to the Education Committee, it is clear that institutions and individuals are asking the government not to overlook higher education when considering the Brexit negotiations, particularly focusing on EU funding and mobility that was accessible pre-Brexit.

There is also a call to the Student Loans Company, to secure the vacancies for European students until the academic year 2018/19 at the very least. There is a clear focus on ensuring that EU students feel welcome and at ease to apply to some of the top educational institutions in the world, here in the UK. The hope is that higher education will not come out worse as a result of Britain’s’ political decisions.

City Council Plans Massive Cuts After 2016 Budget Black Hole John Wimperis News Reporter

After an overspend of £49 million in the 2016/17 financial year, Birmingham’s Labour controlled city council were criticised by auditors and faced an attempted motion of no confidence.

The council has, therefore, proposed £76 million of cuts. A decision which will seriously affect many department's funding, prompting experts to question the council’s ability to make these cuts. £20 million of savings are to be made from adult social care, but the Local Government Association, who reviewed the budget, have raised doubts about making such cuts to an already stretched department. To anyone

who might be affected these cuts, council leader, Cllr John Clancy told ITV ‘We are still here. We will support you but it might be in a different kind of way that you used to expect your local council to’.

"We will support you but it might be in a different kind of way" Late last year, Cllr Clancy attacked the Chancellor of the Exchequer for failing to offer adequate support to local councils in the social care funding crisis.

However, Cllr Robert Alden, who leads the Conservative opposition group in the council, claimed that

government cuts were no excuse.

‘Every council up and down the country is facing financial challenges resulting from shrinking budgets and increasing demand’, Alden told the Birmingham Mail, ‘yet nowhere is failing to deliver on its own plans on anywhere near the same scale as Birmingham’.

The Conservative opposition called on Cllr Clancy and his team to step down over the budget failures. They also tabled a motion of no confidence in the Labour controlled council, despite Labour holding a clear majority of 80 of 120 seats.

Among other ways of making savings, the council is planning a reorganisation of the council that involves a high amount of vacancies, in the hope of saving £40 million by 2019. However, the

Local Government Association questioned whether the council was capable of making such a saving.

Other targets in the council’s

"Every council up and down the country is facing financial challenges" budget proposal include a cut of 20% to parks funding, and cuts to support services for the homeless and victims of domestic abuse.

Meanwhile, last year’s overspend will be wiped out by use of the council’s reserves.

The council also intend to

raise council tax by 3.99%, the highest amount that they have the legal power to raise it by; 2% of this will go straight into adult social care.

The Conservative government in Westminster is cutting funding to local councils by 6.7% between 2016 and 2020. It was promised, however, that another £3.5 million would be made available for adult social care over this period.

Budget consultation is open until the 18th and any Birmingham resident can share their views on the proposal by emailing, www. birminghambeheard.org.uk, taking an online survey, or by writing to Budget Views 2017, Room M49, Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham B1 1BB. The final budget will be set in a meeting of the council on the 28th of February.

String Of Attacks On Selly Residents Joseph Timan News Editor

Brianna Miller News Reporter

A wave of crime affecting local residents in Selly Oak has come to light in the last few months. Most recently, a man is reported to have been stabbed at a cashpoint on Bristol Road in a New Year’s Day attack.

The stabbing, which took place in the early hours of 1st January, is currently being investigated by West Midlands Police. The 27-year-old victim, who was on his way home from New Year’s Eve celebrations, underwent emergency surgery following the attack

and is now expected to make a full recovery.

According to ITV News, an 18-year-old local resident has been charged with grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife, and will appear in court on 3rd February.

Detectives are appealing for people who were in the area at the time to come forward and talk to the police if they haven’t done so already.

Several weeks earlier, in the final week of the first semester, multiple students claimed to have heard gunshots fired on Tiverton Road. Police later confirmed that gunshots were fired at around 22:25 on 7th December 2016, but nobody was injured.

West Midlands Police told

Redbrick: 'An investigation has been launched and officers are trawling through CCTV as part of their enquiries.' Local residents claimed that police officers were knocking on nearby houses the following morning looking for witnesses and asking for any information.

"It's unnerving to know how nearby we were" Some UoB students living on Tiverton Road said that they thought they heard fireworks at around 22:00, but now believe that they could in fact have been two

gunshots. These students claim to have also heard the sound of screeching car wheels following the incident.

Katie, a UoB student and resident of Tiverton Road, said: ‘We were in the living room when we heard the shots. It was unnerving to know how nearby we were.’

Oli, another resident of Tiverton Road, said: ‘It's worrying that something like a shooting could ever take place in a student area. We will make sure that we are even more careful in our own safety.’

This incident occurred in the same week that a man was charged in connection with another shooting that took place on the same street in Selly Oak. On the night of

the 10th July 2016 a man was reportedly shot through the window of his car on Tiverton Road.

Inspector Richard Marsh said that it is believed that this was a ‘targeted attack’, suggesting that it is not connected with the shooting that took place almost five months later. Since the incident, Chad Greatbatch from Northfield, has been arrested and officially charged with attempted murder for the crime.

The victim who was 27 years old, suffered a single gunshot wound to his upper arm, but police claim that the wound was ‘not life threatening.’ He is believed to have been taken to hospital following the incident, where he later underwent surgery.

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NEWS

Friday 20th Janury 2017

@redbricknews

A 'Hard Brexit' Could Send Higher Education Into Crisis Emily Darby News Reporter

Several of Britain’s top academics have warned that a ‘hard Brexit’ could mean the ‘biggest disaster’ in higher education for decades.

Vice-chancellors appearing in front of the Education Select Committee in Oxford warned that the falling value of the pound, xenophobia and lack of certainty in research funding were some of the key factors highlighted by concerned academics.

Despite reassurances from experts that the exit from the EU could be an opportunity for more investment in research funding and cohesion with international academics, it was reiterated that that damage to the higher education sector may be unavoidable.

Vice-Chancellors from leading universities voiced their concerns. One of those was Alistair Fitt, vice-chancellor of Oxford Brookes University who stated that Brexit ‘would probably be the biggest disaster for the uni-

versity sector in many years’.

John Latham, Vice Chancellor of Coventry University feared it may eliminate Britain from the race to the top of higher education rankings, and would make our universities ‘extremely uncompetitive’ in comparison to the rest of the world.

"It promptly cuts off the flow of excellent people" Amid concerns of poor competitiveness, another issue that arose was that of deterring many bright international hopefuls from coming to the UK which may therefore devalue the calibre of students attending UK universities. Catharine Barnard, EU law professor at the University of Cambridge was one of the academics who expressed this concern in her statement that: ‘It promptly cuts off the flow of excellent people who are coming at the moment.’

These concerns are just the latest amongst fears that have

been growing in the months following the Brexit vote that Britain’s reputation in higher education could be irreversibly hindered.

It was reassured on Wednesday, in Pembroke College that the government still had yet to release information on how funding will be affected after Brexit, much of which comes from EU countries, but many were still left with concerns that the number of prospective undergraduates may plummet, which would cost the sector a total of £690m per year.

Already it has been confirmed that applications from international students to Cambridge have fallen by 14% this year. Professor Bernard told the committee: ‘This year we have seen at Cambridge a 14% reduction in the number of applications from the European Union at undergraduate level, although I should say the number of applications from EU students at postgraduate level are up.’

He added,however, that those who declined an offer at postgraduate level were asked to justify their reasons for doing so in a follow up survey, and the majority of responses ‘offered a range of

factors from a concern about antiimmigrant sentiment to devaluation of the pound and the fact that their scholarships would be worth less, although obviously not in the UK, and uncertainty over future research collaboration.

Although academics at the University of Cambridge have suggested that Brexit could put UK institutions on a ‘cliff edge’ if academics were denied free movement, Professor Fitt was quick to reassure that EU funding does not benefit UK institutions that greatly, saying: ‘European structural funding is very important for the UK but the UK, I believe, doesn't get as much out of it as they put in.’

"European structural funding is very important for the UK" Professor Fitt also proposed that Brexit could provide hope for a better funding system, saying: ‘if we were able to replace the

amount of structural funding with our own funds, that's a real opportunity that we could not only retain all that's best in that system, but actually make it an even better system.’

Alastair Buchan, head of Brexit strategy at the University of Oxford, has pointed out that the easy movement of top English speaking medical professionals in Australia, New Zealand and Canada was ‘a casualty of joining Europe’ and that there is hope of this being reversed with the Brexit vote.

The consensus from academics is a need for a government response to the growing concerns and reassurance that will prevent further dents in applications from top EU students. Anne Corbett, an associate at LSE Enterprise agrees this is the best method to combat the ‘brain drain’.

‘I would say that were the Government to come out of its kind of purdah, or whatever it's called,’ she said, ‘and say that from the start it would be creating a much more positive climate, to assure that EU citizens here were safe, which in the end is helpful all round.’

Queen Mary Vote to Ban Tabloid Sale Megan Stanley News Reporter

Queen Mary University becomes the latest institution to call for banning tabloid newspapers such as The Sun, Express and Daily Mail from campus Last month, City University of London hit headlines after voting to ban the Sun, Daily Mail and Express. At the meeting, less than 200 people out of the 19,500 student body attended. As a respected journalism school, and with many of its graduates going on to work for the three publications, this decision made by its student union came as a surprise.

The decision has been met with hostility, with journalism students threatening to leave the union in protest. Many have questioned the practicality of the ban,

with one student asking: ‘Are they going to try and stop students carrying newspapers and will lecturers no longer be able to use or refer to them?’

The head of the journalism department at City University, Professor Suzanne Franks said: ‘Students on our journalism courses value being able to access the views of publications and broadcasters across the industry and the department will continue to enable all these opportunities’.

Writing in The Guardian, City University student Tony Bennett said: ‘Together these tabloids represent nearly half of the UK’s daily newspaper readership. To ban them – and, in effect, ignore the voice of swathes of the population – is to ignore the realities of modern Britain’.

Queen Mary’s Student Union passed the ‘commercial boycott’

motion on the 6th of December to request that The Sun, Express and Daily Mail are no longer sold in campus stores.

"I watched campus democracy finally die last night [...] this is not radical" Queen Mary Student Union, however, are keen to remind students that the motion ‘is not a ban of these newspapers [...] and students are more than welcome to bring them onto campus. It is a commercial boycott that will ensure the Union does not profit from the sale of these newspapers’.

Students involved in the Free Speech Society at Queen Mary believe the move to be a threat for future debate at the university.

The group have expressed their outrage at the decision and have started handing out free copies of The Sun to students on the Mile End campus.

Writing for Spiked, Emily Dinsmore said: ‘There was much opposition to these student reps haughtily claiming to be censoring in the name of marginalised groups’.

‘I feel like I watched campus democracy finally die last night [...] This is not radical; it’s deeply conservative’.

UoB students appear quite torn over the decision. Oliver Gillman, feels the motions at both universities were positive and told Redbrick, ‘It's a good decision as the quality of their news is poor

and substandard’.

However, Kessia Landsman, a second year English student told Redbrick: ‘I can see why they're doing it but I don't think the boycott is the right way. Talking about them and showing how they're wrong would be a more effective thing in my opinion’.

First year Computer Science student, Tom Williams, also added: ‘Blocking out things they don't like, rather than engaging with opinions they disagree with, is possibly harmful. Universities are supposed to be nexuses of ideas. Students should be able to read whatever they want, and the university should go to reasonable lengths to facilitate that’.

NUS Appoint Europe's First Trans Officer Rebekah Quixano Henriques News Reporter

The 14th December marked a significant step forward in the strive for equality, as the National Union of Students became the first organisation in Europe to implement a full-time Trans Officer role.

Melantha Chittenden, the NUS LGBT+ Officer (Women's Place), praised the decision to elect a fulltime officer to campaign for and defend trans rights, remembering the 14th December as ‘the day

trans students finally got what they'd been campaigning for year after year.’

"The role of the Trans Officer at NUS will begin in July 2017" The role of the Trans Officer at the NUS will begin in July 2017 and elections will be held on 6th March at the Trans Students’ Conference. This news has now given students greater faith in the

NUS of their dedication to furthering their “Trans campaign” and will continue to truly #transformNUS. Chittenden made it clear that despite its significance, this event 'doesn’t mean that the fight is over' or that 'trans people now miraculously have equal rights, access to education or adequate support.'

She sent a message out to all students across the nation, saying: “We must all take responsibility in supporting and respecting the new NUS trans officer when they're elected... but also the trans students on every one of your campus' who are disproportionately

affected by austerity and cuts to vital services.”

"'You genuinely can change hearts and minds with hard work and commendable arguments.’"

Whilst there is currently no officer in our Guild dedicated to supporting solely Trans students,

this historic decision will surely give the Guild officer team including Fran Nash (the part-time LGBTQ Officer) something to consider. Chittenden concluded, ‘There have been some bumps along the way, but [this decision] has proven that you genuinely can change hearts and minds with hard work and commendable arguments.’

If you have any questions about the new Trans Officer role, the NUS encourage students to contact them at governanceteam@ nus.org.uk

COMMENT

Friday 20th January 2017

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09

NHS: a brief Mental Health in a 'Shared Society' overview Comment writer Bea Harvey considers whether Theresa May's September 2015

rhetoric regarding mental health will come to fruition this year Bea Harvey Comment Writer

Jeremy Hunt announces that the Department of Health will be imposing new contracts for junior doctors which will increase their working hours without rewarding them with premium pay. The reasoning behind this is that there will be 24 hour care available for patients who need it, particularly in A&E departments.

March 2016

The NHS's budget is slashed by £1.1billion in George Osbourne's 2016 budget. Lack of money available means that the NHS will not be able to complete maintenance work which could endanger the lives of patients. There are growing concerns regarding how hospitals will be able to cope.

September 2016

A society where everyone has equal access, where the wealth is equally distributed, where we are still a part of the single market and where mental health is normalised. It sounds about as realistic as The Hunger Games and idyllic as an Eden. However, this seems to be the bare bones of Theresa May’s ‘shared society’ agenda outlined on 9th January 2017.

Prime Minister May has presented her social reform ideas, focusing on teenage mental health and the normalisation of mental health in political and social discourses. She proposes reforms to the treatment of mental health in the NHS, giving it equal standing with physical illness and educating teachers and youth workers to recognise the signs of mental health issues in adolescence.

Adolescence is a tumultuous time, as I am sure we all remember. It is also the time where depression and anxiety rates soar, and where many other mental health disorders rear their heads; however, they are largely overlooked in the humdrum chaos of

The state of the NHS is declared a 'humanitarian crisis' by Red Cross. 40% of hospitals had to declare an alert due to problems caused by having too many patients and not enough beds.

98% of hospital beds are reported to be full in the first week of January. Cancer patients are being denied life-saving operations because of shortages. Waiting times in A&E are at an all-time high.

The NHS is self-combusting under the strain of the services it already provides, so how will it be able to cope with the addi-

Commentator Alex Cirant-Taljaard outlines the NHS crisis and ponders how May's government will ever match the demands Comment Writer

January 2017

"Mental health charities have said that the £15 million pledged to the communities’ project won’t be enough to cover the expense"

tional services this pledge seems to advocate?

It can’t. So, yes, it appears we should be crying our thanks at the Government, but there are many practical applications which seem not to have been considered.

Unfortunately, money doesn’t grow on trees. The mental health charities have already said that the £15 million pledged to the communities’ project won’t be nearly enough to cover the expense. It appears that May expects all these new services and training and the like to pop up without costing a penny.

Which is, quite frankly, unrealistic and foolish.

Better access to mental health services is necessary, and the government taking note of that is a great start, but it’s just that. A start.

If we take a step back and look at the bigger picture, what Theresa May is doing, some six months into her leadership, is finding her slogan. Like Margaret Thatcher, like David Cameron, she has chosen ‘Shared Society.’

That nebulous, contested term.

Whether these mental health plans make a difference is yet to be seen. I hope, rather than believe with any certainty, that it helps.

The NHS: A Humanitarian Crisis Alex Cirant-Taljaard

Junior doctors plan to strike for five consecutive days over three months but the plans are suspended by the British Medical Assosication. Concerns for patient safety is said to be the main reaon for halting the strikes.

secondary school, exams and growing up. May proposes an expansion of community services, focusing on community treatment programmes and pledging an extra £15 million for community care with a focus on the ‘black spot’ of adolescent and young people’s mental health.

Adults with mental health are also being pledged more support in the workplace, and there has been mention of the development of a website which will allow people to check their symptoms against mental health disorders.

Does any of this sound familiar?

David Cameron said much the same a little over a year ago in his Big Society promises, focusing on voluntary service providers picking up where the NHS and mental health services were failing. This isn’t the first Conservative pledge to normalise mental health and they of all people should know that change

doesn’t happen overnight. Social reforms take time.

On the surface, this pledge to mental health services is a good thing, great even! Let’s get cracking and finally end the stigmatisation of mental health. Then you realise that May is promising training, education, reviewing and the likely creation of new mental health services - and is not pledging any money. Well, beyond the £15 million for the expansion of nationwide community services. So, how is she planning on this pledge becoming a reality?

The National Health Service once represented the steady foundation of British welfare, the jewel in the crown of our social policy achievements, and something each of us could be deeply proud of. Protected from harmful political machinations by a post-war consensus that deemed a system of universal healthcare vital to the prosperity of the UK, the NHS flourished. Certainly there were stumbling blocks, but crosspartisan support prevented healthcare from falling into the mire of party politics which had consumed so many other areas of social policy.

Today, the picture is tainted.

No longer do we take pride in the British welfare state, and with the recent Red Cross declaration that the NHS facing a 'humanitarian crisis', many feel publicly funded healthcare is on its last legs. While this should generate an effective ‘call to arms’ from the government, the response instead has been one of denial and criticism – with PM Theresa May calling the language used by the Red Cross “irresponsible and overblown”. Along with the attempt to scapegoat GPs as the source of the crisis, a picture is painted of a government at war with its biggest medical institutions. But how did we get to this point? And why is it that this winter the NHS is facing a crisis

of such calamitous proportions?

Effectively, the crisis is one of resources. Recent official NHS England data has shown that under-funding is having a critical impact on the effectiveness of hospitals, with 65 trusts warning of heavy pressures, and six of those declaring a state of high emergency.

"So, if the government refuse to increase spending, how are they going to solve this crisis?"

While funding for the NHS is set to rise, NHS professionals have warned that it is not enough to satisfy the increasing demand for long-term care – demonstrated by the fact that 95% of hospital beds were filled in the first week of January. Overcrowding is never a good thing in hospitals,

the close quarters leading to spread of norovirus and other bugs, which this month meant that 1,197 of the NHS’s 130,000 have been closed. The vicious cycle could send the NHS into a tail-spin, so why have the government refused to acknowledge the crisis or commit to further spending increases? Simply put, admitting that underfunding caused the crisis would disrupt the austerity narrative and throws doubt onto the notion that private outsourcing leads to a more effective healthcare. Indeed, many argue things like PFIs, established under Blair, contributed greatly to the decay of the NHS. So if Theresa May’s government refuse to increase spending to match demand, how are they going to solve this crisis? NHS England and the government have pledged to find between them £30 billion in savings, something which will surely contribute to a further fall in standards. May could not justify this plan if she were not at the same

time blaming the crisis on short GP opening hours, claiming it “adds to the pressure on overstretched hospitals and A&E departments”. Despite the spuriousness of this claim, it may unfortunately be enough to keep the government’s plans buoyant.

A move away from a welfare system dictated by the state has been a tenant of the Conservative party since the time of Margaret Thatcher, and Cameron’s ‘big society’ reinforced the notion that welfare services could better be provided by the market and community. One need only look at the state of the social security system in the UK to see what the negative effects of outsourcing to the market are, which is why it is imperative that we reject the narrative laid out by the government.

Ultimately, while the majority of people agree the NHS is facing crisis, 71% of people agree that the NHS provides a high standard of care – something which can almost entirely be put down to the dedicated, hard work of the NHS staff. Jeremy Corbyn has said that Thresea May is “in denial” about the crisis, but I believe purposefully undermining the effectiveness of the NHS in order to push it into the arms of the market is part of the long term Conservative agenda. Those of us who still champion fairness and equality must fight this with everything we have, before it’s too late.

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COMMENT

Friday 20th January 2017

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Political Populism Will Not Prevail

Commentator James Cox expresses his disdain at the rise in populism and fear mongering tactics used in politics James Cox Comment Writer

It would be fair and accurate to say that there is currently a wave of anti-establishment feeling in Western politics. The established parties are being combated by this new populism tapping into people's fears due to the varying effects of globalization. Brexit, Trump, Le Pen, Bernie, and Corbyn have all advanced under their image of the anti-establishment voice. A voice against the 'elites'. Corbyn’s aids have let slip that they plan to rebrand and relaunch their leader as a leftwing populist. They plan to have him on more television and radio shows and will attempt to mobilise their huge (and young) membership base to cause a campaigning revolution. But what does all of this actually mean?

Populism is both an old and a new concept in British politics.

Whilst a definition is hard to pin-down, most populist movements have been defined by anti-immigration or anti-Europe sentiment.

Right-wing populism has

long been an ideological cornerstone for parties such as Ukip and the BNP and has proven largely successful. This form of populism has grown from the fringes and is now one of the most prominent schools of thought in British politics. James O’Brien defined populism as ‘telling people exactly what they want to hear, regardless of the truth’ - an antithesis to liberalism. It favours rhetoric over facts, majority rule over minority interests, and ideology over pragmatism. With Labour sinking in the polls, it is perhaps a shrewd move to reposition themselves and tap into populist sentiment.

Labour believe that victory can best be achieved by utilising Corbyn's image as an 'unpolished conviction politician fighting for the little guy against big business and vested interests'.

One would imagine they would be taking cues from Bernie Sanders' failed presidential bid as a way of framing Corbyn as the voice of change and of fairness. Corbyn is, in my opinion, not the man to lead this change of message. Populist leaders are typically charismatic and tough,

not qualities often attributed to Jeremy Corbyn – a man who admitted he is never happier than when stuffing envelopes.

With an increased media presence as part of the plan, it will be interesting to see how Corbyn reacts to more critical pressure and scrutineering by independent and, occasionally, hostile journalists. Corbyn has been protected by his aids, keeping a relatively low profile and avoiding audiences who don’t instinctively agree with him, and still

"The referendum has forged a new dividing line that will come to define the political discourse for a generation"

his performances have been lacking. It will be interesting to see how he copes under this new sense of pressure.

The main problem for Labour isn’t messaging, but message.

The referendum has forged a new dividing line that will come to define the political discourse for a generation: Leave or Remain; Populist or Liberal; isolationism vs internationalism.

Gone are the days of the pendulum swinging from left to right.

Unable or unwilling to take a stand on this new spectrum - to have an opinion on immigration controls or a referendum on the deal - Labour runs the serious risk of finding itself redundant.

Instead they stand petrified of losing the North to Ukip and the South to the Lib Dems.

The old Liberals disappeared into the wilderness because they were unwilling to be the voice of radical change and were replaced by a Labour Party with a strong message and a clear purpose. Corbyn may be able to tap into the mood, but without a purpose he risks planting another nail firmly in the Labour coffin.

Masculinity Complex Comment Editor Aamina Siddiqi discusses the rise in male makeup usage Aamina Siddiqi Comment Editor @aamina_siddiqi

If anyone asks me what the burgeoning problem in the makeup industry is, it is the lack of diversity. Specifically the lack of options available for and the representation of women of ethnic backgrounds. But this is where I need to correct myself, why do I automatically think of women when I think about makeup? It is an easy mistake to make. The idea that makeup is solely for female use is perpetuated through the use of glamorous women used in advertisements. Even men who have created their own makeup range, such as Jeffree Star and Tom Ford, use women as a backdrop to present their products.

However, in a world where gender norms are continually being

broken, we are starting to see a new trend emerge: makeup for men.

In July 2016, Anastasia Beverly Hills released a ‘Glow Kit’ and the posters for the product included a diverse range of men. The president of ABH, Claudia Soare, said that the reasoning behind men wearing makeup was to show that they can 'look feminine while still portraying their masculinity'.

The demasculinisation through using something that is considered for female consumption is perhaps the overarching reason why men in the twenty first century do not wear makeup.

Historically men all over the world have used cosmetics to show their status in society but there is also a link between men in makeup associated with drag.

A lot of modern makeup trends have their origins in drag makeup; the ombre brow, overlined lips, contouring, and baking are all techniques that have been used by drag queens for eons and are now making their way into everyday makeup. However, drag is an art form, it involves a full transformation through the use of hair, clothes, shoes, and mannerisms and is so much more than just putting on some lipstick. And, whilst traditional drag makeup has consisted of painted on eyebrows and poorly blended eyeshadow, a new generation of drag - inspired by the likes of RuPaul - is bucking the trend. Internet star ‘Joanne the

Scammer’ is an example of drag that uses sophisticated makeup to embody another persona.

Instagram also heavily features men who do not do drag, such as Bretman Rock, who showcase beautifully applied makeup. It is this move towards makeup as an expressive form of oneself that is straddling the boundaries of gender-normativism.

In October 2016, 17 year old James Charles graced the front

"It is this move towards makeup as an expressive form of oneself that is straddling the boundaries of gendernormativism" page of ‘CoverGirl’ in a full face of makeup donning a backwards baseball cap - effectively becoming the first ‘CoverGuy’. His rise to fame is thanks to an Instagram post that went viral where he redid his high school pictures with better lighting (it paid off, his makeup was incredible). Social media fame has also contributed to Manny Guttierrez becoming the face of Maybelline’s new campaign for the ‘Big Shot’ mascara in January 2017. With over 5 million fol-

lowers on Instagram and YouTube combined, it is undeniable that the social influence generated by the collaboration is a positive one. While it is incredible that such a mainstream company has adapted to an inclusive approach, there is something to be said about Maybelline’s slogan ‘lash like a boss.’

Is promoting a unisex product enforcing a linguistically dichotomous slogan sexist?

'Boss' is a masculine term and this can be an instance where they are applying masculine concepts to appease men.

Giorgio Armani recently released a 'Him/Her Lipcare' in several shades of pink. Is masculinity so fragile that lips cannot be mois-

turised without it distinctively saying that it is 'for men'? On the other hand, the universal term of 'boss' perfectly fits Maybelline's all-inclusive approach.

Social media has infiltrated the world of cosmetics and has restated what everyday makeup is with YouTube tutorials for a ‘natural look’ consisting of upwards of a dozen products.

Ultimately, having crazy makeup and face paints for a night out is perfectly acceptable but when it comes down to covering up dark circles induced by sleepless nights and evening out skin tone, why should the gender of the person is who has purchased the concealer matter?

COMMENT

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Tilikum: We Must Learn the Lessons Comment Editor Harry Tennison laments on the death of Tilikum, Seaworld's famous orca whale, and looks into Seaworld's ongoing controversies Harry Tennison Comment Editor @Harry_Tennison

After 33 years in captivity, Tilikum, the orca, has passed away. He had been subjected to a series of systematic and exploitative abuses by Seaworld for most his life as part of their live orca shows, and was the father of the majority of the remaining whales at the park.

Made famous by documentary 'Blackfish', Tilikum was ‘responsible’ for the deaths of three adults: an unnamed trainer at a previous park (1992), a man who had broken into the park overnight (1999), and his trainer (2010). 'Blackfish' argued that the barbarous separation of Tilikum from his family and the lack of stimulation for these vastly intelligent animals led to these tragic incidents. But to keep a six tonne, seven metre long animal in captivity; where is the sense in that?

Orcas are highly sociable animals: they live in the most stable of family groups in the animal kingdom, and use sophisticated communication techniques which vary based on geographical location. In short, they

have their own dialects, accents and variations of language. An enlarged paralimbic region in their brains means that they are more emotionally complex than humans, and yet Seaworld – amongst other parks – still view

"At Seaworld, the barbaric traumatisation of these animals for the benefit of their pockets has led to tragic deaths" captivity as an option for these extraordinary animals.

In the wild, orcas can live for way beyond half a century, yet in captivity, they rarely live longer than twenty-five years.

At Seaworld, the barbaric traumatisation of these animals for the benefit of their pockets has led to the tragic deaths of two people by their whales. There has never been a confirmed fatal attack on a human by a wild orca, and very few attacks have ever been reported regardless. In

contrast, captive killer whales have attacked humans nearly two dozen times since the 1970s.

The traumatic experience of these animals in captivity and the effect it has on both their own wellbeing and the people who work with them surely proves that they do not belong in a captive environment, and Tilikum’s story must continue to act as a reminder of why these extraordinary animals should be swimming free in the ocean.

Unfortunately, it is not just orcas which suffer such injustice at the hands of humans in captivity.

In the wild, elephants walk up to thirty miles every day. Bears are active for eighteen hours of the day. Lions and tigers can travel vast distances in the search for prey. Without the opportunity to behave naturally, we often see ‘zoochosis’: I have often seen tigers pacing along the perimeter of their enclosures. In fact, it was seeing a tiger like this at a zoo in Cornwall which prompted

my change in opinion regarding zoos.

Zoos often do a great job in facilitating conservation projects, raising money to support endangered animals and educating the public about wildlife. Unfortunately, this can often come at the expense of these animals, especially larger mammals. We have been lucky, and have not seen the disastrous consequences for many zoos as we have at Seaworld, but this does not mean we can be lax.

Instead of continuing to keep large animals in unsuitably small conditions, zoos should encourage nature reserves in the habitats that these animals belong.

Orcas should swim in the Pacific North-West, elephants should march through the African plains and tigers should stalk the jungles of India.

I do not want my future children to look back at our generation and say that we allowed the deliberate and systematic abuse of animals simply for the profit of the zoos and wildlife parks. If we do not allow our prisons to cause psychosis in its prisoners, why should we allow Seaworld to cause its orca the same suffering? The answer is simple: we shouldn’t.

Looking Back on Obama's Presidency Aamina Siddiqi bids farewell to Obama. After serving eight years in office, we take a look at what he has accomplished during his time as President of the USA Aamina Siddiqi Comment Editor @aamina_siddiqi

I read Barack Obama's autobiography 'Dreams From My Father' when I was 13. It was an insightful read, one that gave a glimpse into the life of the man who was campaigning to be the president of the United States in 2008. In the book he beautifully narrates his life as a well-travelled person, documenting his experience of being born in Hawaii, growing up in Indonesia, going to college in America, and struggling with concepts of racial identity in a fragmented society that had only just begun to stitch itself up. It was especially historic because the United States of America was a nation built on the backs of black labour. A land where the sentiments of Martin Luther King's ‘I have a dream’ were echoed because of the deep rooted racial divisions in the society.

Unlike the cold-hearted politicians that we often see representing our country, Obama felt tangible. And in a way, he embodied the American Dream, portraying that no matter what your creed or colour, if you work hard enough you will realise your dreams. He is a rarity who captured the imagination of so many around the world.

Barack Obama was inaugurated on the 20th of January 2009.

The Obama family are a credit to America and leave the White House with a pristine reputation.

Here, we take a look at the highlights of his time as the 44th president of the USA.

On the 26th of June 2015, President Obama paved the way for LGBT rights and made samesex marriage legal in all states.

Couples that married following this could now have equal access to all federal benefits regardless of their spouse's gender.

Obamacare was created in 2010.

Additionally, the Health Care Reform Bill ensured that companies could not deny patients insurance because of a pre-existing condition. Parents can have children on their insurance plans until the child is 26 years old.

The Iraq war began in 2003 under a Bush government and liasion with the UK. It raged on for eight years and effectively ended when Obama withdrew military forces out of the country, the last of which left in December 2011.

In 2009 Obama lifted the restrictive ban on stem cell research, allowing scientists to work directly with federal funded embryonic stem stells as opposed to derivatives. Because of this, advances in medicine such as human regeneration have been made possible.

Obama was inaugurated following the 2008 recession. In 2009 he injected $787 billion economic stimulus to save the dwindling economy. Since then he has put 22.3 million people to work creating 14 million new jobs and cutting the unemployment rate by half.

In 2016 he penned an exclusive essay for Glamour magazine on why he is a feminist. He stated that it was an extraordinary time to be a woman and that he had worked hard as a president to pass the bill for equal pay for equal work and a protection of reproductive rights.

Obama’s relationship with Vice president, Joe Biden, has resulted in some truly splendid memes.

Biden was awarded with the presidential medal of freedom, the highest honour that can be bestowed on any civilian of the United States of America. GoodBiden.

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The Best of the UK Our Travel writers come together to share with us their favourite destinations that are right on our doorstep Glens of Antrim by Matthew Magill Marking out the north-eastern edge of Northern Ireland, the coast road winds alongside miles of cliff face and churning sea. Scattered along the way are the nine Glens of Antrim, each with their own traditional name and histories, stretching from Glenarm (the army glen) to Glentaisie (the glen of Taisie, once a princess of Rathlin Island).

The Glens are classed as an "area of outstanding natural beauty" due to their green pastures and romantically wild seashores. Originally carved out by glaciers in the Ice Age, they have a long history with evidence dating back to Neolithic communities. Now, tourists seek out the culture and tradition that has been preserved over all these years and are welcomed by the locals who share the famous Irish hospitality.

Popular attractions include the famous Giant’s Causeway, a unique geological site resulting from an ancient volcanic eruption or, as legend has it, the result of a feud between the two giants. Not far from the Causeway is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge connecting the mainland to the small island of Carrickarede. Used by fishermen for 350 years, the swingy bridge has now been adapted for the public to cross it if they’re brave enough.

But for those seeking a more peaceful attraction, Glenariff houses a forest park, free to the public. Opened more than 80 years ago, it has a Waterfall Walkway that wanders for three miles through a nature reserve that claims sightings of the endangered red squirrel.

If Glenariff leaves you wanting more from the great outdoors, then further north is the Ballypatrick Forest Park which stands near the mysterious Loughareema, commonly known as ‘The Vanishing Lake’, taking its name from its ability to entirely drain underground, due to the composition of the lakebed, only to refill later.

Yet the best time to visit the Glens has to be during the Summer festivals. Cushendall’s ‘Heart of the Glens’ is held over a series of days, underneath their own ‘Dallywood’ sign up in the hills, and hosts a number of events each year from firework night, food festivals, and a grand, street-party finale with live-music and Irish dancing.

Cornwall by Carys Bedford Recent research revealed that 65% of the generation born post-2000 has never been to a Cornish beach. It is one of the most surprising things that when planning a holiday, Cornwall is not even considered by British people. Cornwall is one of the most beautiful locations in the UK, boasting 300 miles of cliffs, beaches and idyllic harbours, it is the perfect location for a long weekend or a week’s break.

If you’re active and enjoy being out and about exploring whilst on holiday, Photograph by Carys Bedford Cornwall offers the perfect setting. It is the UK’s surfing capital - the conditions are perfect and its position jutting straight out into the Atlantic Ocean produces a magnet for swell. Head to the north side to experience some of the best surfing out there. Fistral Beach in Newquay is the most famous, and Polzeath in Rock is a personal favourite. If visiting in peak season of July and August these are worth avoiding, however, The Cotswolds by Abigail Harvie if you plan your trip during September and October you will benefit from the best surf, balanced with a less crowded beach. If you want to be active but perhaps prefer the dry The Cotswolds. Rolling hills, pale stone, spa towns and Royal seals of land, then why not grab your trainers and head to the Camel Trail? The trail is 18 miles approval. Hugely popular for the gentle walks, the stately homes to visit, the long and stretches from Wendfordbridge to the beautiful harbour town of Padstow. Many sleepy rustic towns straight from a storybook contrasting with bustling people opt to cycle the trail, starting at Wadebridge and ending in Padstow to benefit from towns, the Cotswolds are a stunning place to visit for visitors from home the estuary and harbour views. and overseas for being so stereotypically English. Encompassing Stratford Whether you’ve spent your day catching waves, spinning the wheels on your bike or in the north, and Bath Spa in the south (but not Bristol), with a spattering of hiking along the coastal paths, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite. Food in towns and villages between along the famous walk known as The Cotswold Cornwall is second to none. There is a massive range of food, from Michelin star restauWay. rants, to quaint little pubs, to mouth watering fish & chip takeaways. You’ll be spoilt for But if you don’t like walking, there are plenty of sleepy little villages choice so I’ll offer a few of my favourite eateries. If you visit Cornwall and don’t have fish with streams and old pubs and quirky shops, like Bourton-on-the-Water, a & chips then you have simply sinned. Whilst a lot more pricey than your average chippy, stunning little village right in the middle of the hills. Or if you want somethe best fish & chips you will find is at Rick Stein’s. You’re looking at more than £10 for thing convenient, Cheltenham Spa is one stop from University Station, a a box of fish & chips, but it will be the freshest fish, the tastiest batter, and the best cooked popular town for the annual festivals, the most well-known of which is the chips you will ever have. Enjoy it sitting on one of the benches surrounding Padstow harLiterature Festival in October, and the Jazz Festival every Spring. From bour followed with an ice cream, the perfect Cornish meal! If pubs are more your vibe, Cheltenham, local bus services connect you to: Tudor style Tewkesbury head down to Port Issac, the famous fishing village where the television series Doc Martin (site of the battle of Tewkesbury in 1471 and popular for the Medieval is filmed. A little walk around the next headland you will find the neighbour village of Port Festival every summer); Gloucester City whose Cathedral formed part of Gaverne. Surrounded by lots of cottages, the only amenity you will find here is a pub, and Hogwarts Castle; and Stroud nestled into the deeply green hillside. what a whopping pub it is. There is plenty of outdoors seating for the summer months Bath Spa is also part of the Cotswolds, famous for its Roman Baths, whilst indoors boasts log fires and snugs galore. The menu is simple but good quality with the scenery familiar to anyone who has read Jane Austen (most notably British pub food. In recent years, Cornwall has been adorned with celebrity chefs, one in Persuasion). An easy way to recognise if a village or town is part of the being Jamie Oliver. He’s got a cracking location of a restaurant set in the cliffs of Watergate Cotswolds is the honey coloured huge stone bricks all the old buildings are Bay. Book a window seat at Fifteen and you can spend hours enjoying the panoramic view made of, or the drystone walls which mark hillside boundaries. of surfers at sunset. In the evening it is a gastronomic tasting menu experience but if you If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten track, try just want to soak up the location, swing by for a more simple brunch. There is a special Winchcombe, a twenty minute drive from Ashchurch for Tewkesbury twist as at the heart of the restaurant is the apprentice program. The restaurant has supStation, the village for Sudeley Castle, home of Catherine Parr following ported over 150 young people, in need of a second chance, the access to a life-changing the death of Henry VIII and in the top attractions for the Cotswolds! career. Jamie has created an amazing restaurant experience for a great cause.

The Cotswolds are magical if you have the eye to see it. It is a stunning If you’re an active, food lover, Cornwall needs to be your next holiday destination. It’s area of natural beauty and full of hidden secrets if you know where to look. one of those places that once you go, you’ll only regret having not gone earlier.

And it is really quite close to Birmingham too, for an added incentive!

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Blackpool by Samuel Reid It may not have the best reputation as a glamorous travel destination, but Blackpool is a perfect alternative to the hustle and bustle of city breaks, while still having more than enough to keep you entertained. Many seaside resorts in the UK consist of a beach, and not much else. This would be perfect if we had a more tropical climate, but you’re more likely to soak up the torrential rain than the sun’s rays.

Aside from the beach, Blackpool boasts a theme park, Madame Tussauds, and the Sandcastle - the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, so there’s always something to do. The standout attraction is of course the Blackpool Tower, England’s smaller, tackier version of the Eiffel Tower. Within the base of the tower you’ll find restaurants, a world class circus and a stunning 19th century Victorian ballroom. The top of the tower, however, is the star of the show, offering surprisingly picturesque views of the north west. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Lake District!

Blackpool is also famous for its wild nightlife so after a day of family friendly activities you’re still able to do what students do best: drink. Being only a small town in the north, Blackpool is cheap and the locals know how to go hard. If you think a night at Snobs can be messy, you’ve seen nothing yet. With a double vodka mixer averaging £2.50 and clubs open until 6am, you’re guaranteed to have a wild night that won’t break the bank.

Despite being most famous as the tackiest place in the UK, Blackpool does also have something to give to the more refined student, with nearby Lytham St Anne’s acting as the town’s classier sibling. Filled with upmarket restaurants and bars, visitors can expect a calmer, more upmarket experience while still being in the vicinity of all of Blackpool’s attractions.

A combination of a wealth of attractions and activities, affordability and great nightlife means that Blackpool is the perfect place to visit within the UK. It may not be the most insta-ready destination, but the town’s lack of pretension gives the perfect opportunity to get away and have some good old-fashioned fun.

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Manchester by Hannah Woodbridge Football, shopping and music are some of the things that spring to mind when someone mentions Manchester, but there is so much more to this Northern powerhouse.

The hub of Manchester’s alternative scene is the Northern Quarter. This artsy, hipsterfilled area is home to a plethora of vintage clothes boutiques, vinyl record shops, and trendy cafés. One can easily spend hours wandering the streets and shops of the Northern Quarter, but there are two highlights that you shouldn’t miss. Affleck’s calls itself the ‘alternative department store’ and it certainly is. Affleck’s houses a cereal café, art collectives, a retrogames emporium, and even a comfort food specialist, to name just some of the treasures inside. The other must-visit is café-come-restaurant Home Sweet Home, offering brunch, big plates, and the most amazing cakes. This café is so creative, they’ll even bake your own ideas for you!

Manchester’s museums are as varied as the city, so there is certainly something to interest everyone and they’re all free to enter. The National Football Museum charts the history of the game and can interest even those without a passion for football. The People’s History Museum tells the struggles of how different groups won suffrage, the story of the trade unions and the evolution of the Labour Party. The Museum of Science and Industry cleverly explains how the great industrial cities developed, using its location in a former railway station to its full advantage. For those into modern art, the Whitworth Art Gallery has just reopened following major renovation and can provide an eye-opening few hours of entertainment.

Manchester is famed for its nightlife and it most certainly doesn’t disappoint. The Warehouse Project is the pinnacle - only on for a few weeks a year, it gives clubbers the opportunity to see top artists in an abandoned warehouse, creating the feeling of a true 1990s ‘Madchester’ experience. If you’re not in Manchester when a Warehouse night is on, then try Factory. Although a more mainstream music choice, Factory offers the unique opportunity to spend a night out in the old Factory headquarters, where some of the most iconic music of the 1990s was made.

If clubbing isn’t your scene, try crazy golf at Junkyard Golf for a quieter and quirkier affair. This crazy golf is continuously changing and is made entirely from rubbish. Or if bowling is more your thing, then head to Dog Bowl, offering the adult bowling experience with an extensive bar and £1 bowling for students after midnight.

Knaresborough by Imogen Lancaster Knaresborough is a beautiful town in the North of England, located between York and Leeds, and is a perfect destination for a trip away. Knaresborough has an abundance of charming characteristics and has a lot to offer. The ancient castle ruins, which are just a short walk from the market square, is a historical gem, and the views from the castle are arguably even more captivating. This picturesque vista of the viaduct above the River Nidd amongst the cliffs of Knaresborough has become a famous focal point. Tourists and locals alike regularly take walks along the river, otherwise known as Waterside, so visiting the river is a must-do. Go and have a bite to eat at one of the cosy cafés on the river before hiring a boat for a pleasant ride and stunning photo opportunities. Besides the river is Mother Shipton’s Cave, England’s oldest tourist attraction. It is definitely worth a visit, even if it’s just for the novelty factor!

If the countryside appeals to you, then Knaresborough won’t disappoint. Being in the heart of North Yorkshire, it is surrounded by the Yorkshire Dales and National Trust hotspots including Fountains Abbey and Brimham rocks. These beautiful rural locations show Yorkshire’s beauty in all its glory.

Nature aside, Yorkshire is well-renowned for its pubs and Knaresborough is no exception. Knaresborough boasts a reputable number of welcoming drinking spots in and around the market square. With over 20 to its name, Knaresborough’s drinking scene is arguably a tourist attraction in itself.

Just a short drive outside of Knaresborough you’ll find yourself in Harrogate, a popular town known for its title as the ‘Happiest Place to Live in Britain’ in 2015. This may have something to do with its sheer quantity of open parks, beautiful architecture, Valley Gardens, stylish shops, and countless restaurants and bars. People also come to Harrogate from far and wide to visit the famous Betty’s Tearooms. This quintessentially British establishment is in the heart of Harrogate, and famous for its traditional afternoon tea, baked goods, and tea and coffee selection.

With all of this on its doorstep, as well the bustle of big cities nearby, Knaresborough provides the perfect mix of rural and urban sightseeing opportunities. And as a result, has rightfully seen an influx of tourists over the years. Knaresborough has heaps of character, beauty and history so should definitely feature of your travel bucket list!

Oxford by Angeliki Antoniadou

Photograph by Giulia Bardelli

Oxford is an ideal destination for a day trip, offering a variety of activities and sights for every visitor. Mostly known for being home to the world-renowned University of Oxford, the city also houses the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, where visitors can find exhibits dating from 8000BC until the present day and ranging from Ancient Greek and Roman sculptures to Chinese paintings and Baroque art. A visit to the Pitt Rivers Museum can give you a look into the vast collection of archaeological and ethnographic objects of the University amounting to over 500,000 exhibits.

Visitors can join a handful of walking and cycling tours taking them across the university colleges and the historic centre of Oxford through beautiful cobbled streets and medieval buildings. A climb to the top of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin can offer breath-taking panoramic views of the city all year round whether you are there to admire the glory of Oxford during sunny summer days or frosty winter mornings. It can also provide you with an excellent workout having to walk up more than 100 stairs to get there!

A tour around the Bodleian Libraries is essential. Even though visitors who are not registered users cannot visit the rooms or galleries, it is worth booking a tour to explore the sublime classical architecture of the Old Bodleian and the Radcliffe Camera to feel the atmosphere of university life at Oxford. Not intending to downplay the sheer beauty of other university colleges, if you are planning on visiting a college, you must visit Christ Church. Harry Potter fans will undoubtedly be familiar with the unparalleled magical atmosphere of the dining Hall which featured in JK Rowling’s films. Also visit the glorious Christ Church Cathedral and enjoy the tranquillity of the Christ Church meadow opposite the college.

For food or coffee lovers, the city is filled with interesting small coffee shops and quirky restaurants. The Missing Bean on Turl Street serves delicious cappuccinos and cakes. Vaults & Garden Café, a beautiful gothic architecture café and restaurant, located on Radcliffe Square, offers a wide variety of delicacies and drinks, including options for vegetarians. Try some Goat’s Cheese Tart and some Tofu Thai Curry and to top it off, try the gluten-free carrot cake or tasty scones with tea. For a grab and go meal, try a freshly-made brie and chutney or a bacon baguette at Jimbob’s Baguettes on Magdalen Street.

Whatever time of the year you may decide to visit Oxford, one thing is for sure. You will not be disappointed.

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What I Couldn't Even Tell My Housemates: Mental Health at University Music editor Holly Carter speaks about her experience of mental health at university

Holly Carter Music Editor @holscarts

My housemates weren’t properly aware that I was depressed until I tried to kill myself.

It was March 2016, and I had struggled for a long time with various mental health problems.

From the beginning of university I had suffered drunken panic attacks which eventually spilt over into my sober life, and since the beginning of second year, I had been increasingly depressed.

Uni life is the perfect incubator for depression. There’s no fixed routine, except for lectures and seminars, and it’s not really a big deal if you don’t turn up. It’s all too easy to just hide in your room, and generally spend an unhealthy amount of time alone.

Motivation is hard enough to muster at the healthiest of times, let alone when you’re battling a debilitating mental illness. No one notices your sleeping pattern, your eating, your alcohol consumption, or if they do they often think it’s ‘not their business’ to ask. Your friends haven’t known you as long as your parents – you can always find some excuse for acting slightly strange and they won’t bat an eyelid. Depression at uni is not only very easy to fall into, but very, very easy to hide. If you really want to, like I did.

My housemates in first and second year were amazing, and some of the most caring and supportive people I’ve ever met. But when it comes to serious mental illness, it is a whole other ball game. Especially if, like me, it’s your first experience of it and you don’t really know what on earth is going on. One year on, I’m a lot better at noticing and managing my mental health, but back in those first bouts of depression, I had no idea what to do, so my solution was just to not tell anyone that I lived with.

The day that I overdosed, I sat on the bed in a daze of paraceta-

mol and heard my housemate say ‘you need to learn to talk to us about it’. Which was true, but so much easier said than done. I had been in a three-month downward spiral. I stopped going to lectures, I stopped feeding myself proper food. I slept throughout the days and binge-watched Netflix until the sun rose, at which point I would sit looking out of my window until I felt tired enough to sleep again. After a brief stint of not drinking because of panic attacks, I found myself needing alcohol to deal with the depression, to the point that I would drink alone in my room to send myself to sleep. The smallest things would make me cry for hours or harm myself. My room was a tip and I never did my washing up. And each one of these things sent me further and further into the pit I had fallen into, and I couldn’t tell anyone. I was embarrassed, and scared, and I felt crazy. I woke up one morning after a bad night of too much alcohol, weed and a terrible panic attack, and took too much paracetamol. Luckily I hadn’t done my research, and I scraped by with just a hospital visit, but if it hadn’t been so impulsive it could have been worse.

"Depression at uni is not only very easy to fall into, but very, very easy to hide. If you really want to, like I did."

University can be a lonely place. Even if you have a lot of friends, like I did and do, that doesn’t necessarily mean you feel like you can talk to them about anything serious. University friendships are so new, and com-

pared to the friends I’d had for 18+ years at home, I just didn’t feel comfortable enough to tell anyone how bad things were getting. I think this is true for a lot of people at uni, and is one of the reasons why mental health problems are so rife in the student population. Coupled with the pressure of a degree, fears about the future and constant money worries, it’s no wonder 78% of us have experienced mental health issues (NUS survey Dec 2016).

I’ve struggled for a while with wanting to do something to raise awareness of mental health in university students. I never seemed to know the best way to do it. But since living with new housemates this year, and being lucky enough to be able to be completely honest with them about my illness and what I am going through on a daily basis, I reckon working from where I am is best. Just to tell people my story, and that my story is probably very similar to the story of someone close to you.

Back in the summer of 2015, I met someone on a trip who, at the age of 20, said that he’d never really come across anyone with a mental health problem. I find that impossible to believe, I’m sure they were just suffering silently.

It’s a terrifying thing, talking about your mental health issues, but it can do a world of good.

Even though I’ve struggled this term, the spiral has never got as deep as it did before. Talking about it as it’s been happening has helped me to pull myself out of the holes I can feel myself falling into. As a good friend said to me recently, ‘it’s a horribly unsteady sea to sail, but even when you’re miles from shore, you’re not the only one out there’ - the smallest conversation can be the start of something big, and we can help each other to get through these mad years of uncertainty.

112 full-time students took their lives in 2012 3 in 4 students with an anxiety-related problem also have a depression-related one

Where can I get help?

Laura Burgess Social Secretary

I was diagnosed with depression around two years ago, which at times has been incredibly isolating. However, the support I’ve received from the university and the NHS has been invaluable. So, where can you get help?

13% of students have suicidal thoughts have finished your counselling course, you are able to take it up again at any point, if your situation changes or you just find yourself needing support. Their phone number is 0121 414 5130.

Department Welfare and Support Every department of the university has their own welfare team, who usually run both drop-in sessions and pre-booked meetings.

They can be great for pointing you in the direction of other resources so you can help yourself, and can also just be a friendly face when you need someone to talk to without judgement.

Mental Health Advisory Service In order to access the mental health advisory service, you need to fill out a form online and provide evidence of your mental health diagnosis and how it has effected your learning. A GP note is completely fine for this. You are then assigned a member of support staff, whose main aim is to help you get the best experience out of your degree. This can range from practical advice on how to make yourself do work, to crafting a Reasonable Adjustments Plan, which is shared on a need to know basis with your lecturers.

Counselling and Wellbeing Services The university run counselling and wellbeing support services. In order to access them, you phone up for a same day assessment, which in itself can be very therapeutic. The only issue with this service is there can be a waiting list of over a month in order to start counselling, but if you are in a position to wait it out, it can be amazingly valuable. Once you

Overall, the benefit of using University of Birmingham mental health support over NHS or private support is that it is specifically tailored to helping you get a degree. The NHS is also an incredible resource, and the GPs at University Medical Practice have been very supportive for me. UoB support is also all completely free, and, as we’re paying £9000 a year for this, we might as well take advantage while we can.

FEATURES Sport

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbricksport www.redbrick.me

15

Redbrick Meets: Jess Phillips MP Editors Conrad Duncan and Anna Griffiths spoke to Jess about women in Labour, Tristram Hunt and old Snobs Conrad Duncan Digital Editor @ConradDuncan1

Anna Griffiths Editor-in-Chief @AnnaPhoebee

Even with the standard set since the 2015 General Election, last week was a particularly bad time for Labour. The party still trail behind the Conservatives in polls, despite an ongoing NHS crisis and calamitous Brexit negotiations. They've witnessed an embarrassing performance in two council by-elections, and a botched rebrand that saw its leader commit a U-turn within hours over EU freedom of movement. Then on January 13th, the morning of our interview with Jess Phillips, they saw their second MP in a month resign. The resignation of Tristram Hunt came as a surprise to many; even Phillips admits that she heard the news only 20 minutes before it went public. However, the mood in Phillips’ constituency office is unexpectedly upbeat for an MP whose party has supposedly been in crisis for the past 18 months. That may be because Jess Phillips is no ordinary Labour MP. In person, she is warm and funny but also surprisingly considered for someone who has quickly gained a reputation for being one of her party’s most outspoken MPs. Since being elected to parliament in 2015, she has clashed with MPs from both the Conservatives and within her own party on issue of women’s equality, and as a vocal opponent of Jeremy Corbyn. Whilst it’s clear that Phillips is an astute politician, at no point does she seem like one who is afraid of speaking her mind.

It is with one of her most frequent opponents, Philip Davies, that we start our conversation. The day before, Davies made his debut as a member of the Women and Equalities Committee, a position that was heavily criticised for the Conservative MP’s previous anti-feminist remarks. Yet, while Phillips rolls her eyes at the mention of his name, she is diplomatic in her response to how well she thought he did. ‘I think his attitude shows exactly what we’re up against,’ she says, in relation to Davies’ criticism over whether such a committee is necessary. ‘He has a counter point to offer which sort of proves what will almost inevitably be the outcome [of the committee].’

"Keir Hardie would have been proud that the son of a bus driver is now the Mayor of London" Having been set up after the last election, the committee is the logical home for Phillips as a campaigner for women’s equality, alongside her work for Women’s Aid before she was an MP. Her experience working with the charity, trying to prevent domestic violence against women and children, has been a major influence on her fearlessness as an MP; ‘I’ll never be phased by anything that happens in parliament.

I’ve seen what women have had to go through, the very worst of it.’ Nevertheless, Phillips has received aggressive abuse on social media for her views, particularly from supporters of her own party, and many have seen her treatment and the experiences of other female MPs as indicative of a wider problem with women in the Labour party.

It’s a view that Phillips is inclined to agree with: ‘yes but this isn’t something new [even though] Jeremy likes to believe that he’s above all that.’ Unsurprisingly then, she has been a vocal advocate of allwomen shortlists, supporting the Women and Equalities Committee's recommendation last week that parliament should legis-

late a fixed minimum percentage of female candidates submitted in each constituency election, by each party. Phillips believes parliament needs to extend the provisions of the 2010 Equality Act in enshrining the right to produce all-women shortlists to other political elections. ‘There is no legislation yet to protect mayoralities or police and crime commissioners,’ meaning that even if a party wanted to put forward such a shortlist, they could find themselves facing a legal challenge against it. She also expressed concern over Labour’s failure to nominate any female candidates for the West Midlands 2017 mayoral election, despite two women putting themselves forward for the role. In her mind, the opposition to all-women shortlists represents a clear divide between the two major political parties on how to bring about change.

‘This is the difference between Labour and the Conservative Party; the Tories believe that you should let women candidates reach the top due to merit and naturally, whereas Labour think that sometimes you have to force it to happen, give it a shove – we’ve had the Conservative way for so long now and it is still only 30%’ [the percentage of female MPs in parliament].

"I’ll never be phased by anything that happens in parliament. I’ve seen what women have had to go through, the very worst of it."

However, even if there is a will within the Labour Party to address these issues, many have questioned their effectiveness at doing so in recent years. Phillips has a lot of praise for the work of the Women’s Parliamentary Labour Party, which she chairs, and their ability to unify themselves.

‘When we come together, we get stuff done. There are women on it that I don’t agree with; some are stupid, but it’s bigger than that.’ Nevertheless, she has been critical in the past of Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership of the party in regards to equality and a failure to effectively combat the vitriol on social media that has been directed towards Phillips and her peers. ‘Labour certainly needs to do more to deal with online harassment’ and while she doesn’t place blame at the Labour leader, she notes that her most abusive critics ‘all seem to have the Jeremy Corbyn banner in their profiles.’

MPs complaining about abuse online is hardly a vote-winner and Phillips does note that it is something that is to be expected with her high profile. ‘There are always going to be people that hate you simply because you are a woman and you have opinions. I’ve given birth to a 10lb baby so there is nothing they can throw at me. I’ve felt pain.’ That said, there is one moment that sticks out to her, when her son picked up on a joke made on TV about the abuse of MPs on social media and asked her ‘why do people want you dead?’ However, even though concerns for her safety inspired Phillips to install a panic room in her office last year, she remains a defiantly open and approachable MP. Unlike some other MPs who wish to keep their workspaces private, the bright red and yellow sign that adorns the front of her constituency office is deliberately there to be as noticeable and inviting as possible.

Although she has a clear passion in her advocacy for women’s equality as an MP, Phillips’ problems with the current Labour Party extend beyond that issue towards a wider criticism of the leadership’s obsession with class. In recent years, Labour’s dominance as the party of the working class has shown signs of waning and she is critical of the party’s attitude to regaining

that vote. ‘There is this view in Labour that if you haven’t worked down the mines or you haven’t physically manufactured something, you aren’t working class,’ and by that definition, the working class in Britain is diminishing. Yet, much of Labour’s campaigning in recent years has been focused on demonstrating working class appeal, seen in Sadiq Khan’s insistence on his working class roots and Andy Burnham naming ‘beer, chips and gravy’ as his favourite biscuit. In response to Khan, Phillips noted that ‘Keir Hardie would have been proud that the son of a bus driver is now the Mayor of London’ but expressed uncertainty over the effectiveness of classbased politics in Labour’s future.

Phillips also expressed concern over the rising trend of anti-political sentiment in the UK but interestingly, her misgivings are less with the danger to herself than they are with the danger to the general public. ‘In the end, it won’t be me who gets hurt, it’ll be the public.’ She is a committed believer that politics and politicians can be a positive force for the country and that the vast majority act with good intentions. ‘We always say that with immigrants or Muslims, we shouldn’t treat them as if they’re all the same. But with politicians, we’re quite happy to tar everyone with the same brush.’ This plays into her thoughts on the resignation of Tristram Hunt, who has been widely criticised for leaving the post to work at the V&A, arguing that it was a justifiable decision. ‘I can’t think of many other jobs where you don’t have the opportunity to leave if your dream job comes along.’ As for his duty to serve out his term as an MP, ‘I tend to move away from ideas of duty because so much of that is what has kept women down for so long.’

"If I go to someone’s doorstep and ask them what they think of the PLP, they’ll ask ‘what’s the PLP?’ Not because they’re stupid, but because they have lives."

As an MP, Jess Phillips appears to be someone who is much more concerned with the day-to-day lives of her constituents than the ever-changing politics of Westminster, which may come as a surprise to many. She has gained a reputation as a dissenting voice in the Labour Party, despite the fact that she consistently votes the same way as her party. When we ask her whether it’s frustrating to not have a clear sense of what Labour’s party line is, her reply is simple: ‘my main concern isn’t the party

Phillips' Parliamentary Career May 2015 - elected as Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley with an 11.7% swing from the Lib Dems September 2015 - clashed with Labour's Diane Abbott over the lack of high-profile women in Jeremy Corbyn's first cabinet January 2016 - provoked debate and criticism by comparing the mass sexual assaults in Cologne to weekly cases of sexual abuse and harassment in Birmingham

May 2016 - criticised Twitter for not doing enough to combat online sexual abuse against her and other women August 2016 - told The World at One that a 'panic room' was being installed in her office for her safety

September 2016 - elected as chair of the Women’s Parliamentary Labour Party line, it’s the concerns of the constituents.’

In that sense, she is perhaps more in touch with the general public than most of her party. ‘If I go to someone’s doorstep and ask them what they think of the PLP, they’ll ask ‘what’s the PLP?’ Not because they’re stupid, but because they have lives.’

Similarly, she finds that the main concerns that take up her day are not to do with the headline-grabbing political issues like Brexit but are with more everyday issues like dropped kerbs.

Phillips’ focus on local issues is likely to be because she has been a resident of Birmingham for most of her life. She remembers spending her childhood in the city’s now-demolished Central Library and going out to the infamous old Snobs – ‘I’ll never go to the new Snobs, it’s the old way or no way; god I sound like Corbyn now!’

But if you were to think that Phillips is planning on being an MP that only repeats the views of her constituents then you would be wrong. ‘I’m not a delegate, I’m a representative,’ she says, and argues that she won’t blindly follow her constituents if she believes it will cause them harm. Her political fearlessness is not bound just to the worlds of Westminster and Twitter. As she says, ‘if they don’t like it, they will vote me out.’ That sort of honesty and integrity can sometimes feel like a rare thing in modern politics and, even if you don’t agree with her, they are traits that make her one of the UK’s most engaging politicians.

After a very bad week for the party, people like her should be a reason to be optimistic for Labour.

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FILM

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbrickfilm

Review: Manchester By The Sea Redbrick Film reviews the film that's shaping up to be one of the major contenders at this year's Oscars Patrick Box Film Critic

The first time I remember seeing Casey Affleck was as Morgan in 1997’s oscar-winning Good Will Hunting. From this, he continued to truck along in movies, never really hitting the fame/ infamy of his elder brother or likability of friend Damon. He’s never been a household name, or an actor who can ‘pull’ a movie f i n a n c i a l l y.

H o w e v e r, Manchester by the Sea, the third from play-write-come-director Kenneth Lonergan is going to change all of this.

Affleck has already picked up a goldenglobe for his turn in the f i l m

which, without hyperbole, is a career-best performance.

"Affleck's performance is almost aggresively understated yet utterly believable" The plot of the film revolves around the character of Boston handyman Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) who seems to be existing in a form of self-imposed purgatory. Withdrawn and unemotional, he distances himself from human connection refusing to engage with those around him. However, he picks drunken fights with strangers and swears at rude tenants in the tenements he maintains. Upon the death of his older brother Joe (Kyle Chandler), he is called back to his titular hometown.

There he is horrified to learn that Joe’s will names him the guardian of his sixteen-year old nephew Patrick (Lucas Hedges).

The pair strike up an Odd Couple relationship as Lee tries to find alternatives to returning to Manchester p e r m a n e n t l y.

Meanwhile, flashbacks unravel the tragedy of Lee’s life, the destroyed marriage to Randi (Michelle Williams), and the reasons why he may be beyond salvation.

The supporting cast all give spot-on performances. Kyle Chandler as Joe appears through flashbacks as a gruff, but caring, figure worthy of the grief his passing inflicts.

Michelle Williams’ Randi, alternates between sparky and opinionated in flashback whilst in the present, she attempts to piece herself back to together in a new marriage. C.J. Wilson provides comedy as the clumsy, bear-like family-friend George, but it is Lucas Hedges as Patrick who makes the biggest splash. Loudmouthed, outspoken, petulant, and aggressively self-centred, Patrick is the perfect foil for Lee. Whilst Lee struggles with the emotional tempest of his brother’s passing and his own subsequent return, Patrick is seemingly unaffected; constantly badgering Lee to drive him to band practice and allow his several girlfriends to spend the night.

Their dynamic isn’t completely hostile however. Flashes of affection across a handful of interludes from the snarky sniping, hark back to the close relationship the two shared years ago. A standout moment, where Patrick’s repressed grief manifests itself as a panic-attack over on overstuffed freezer, hits mul-

tiple beats at once.

There is a seam of dark comedy throughout the film, whether it’s Patrick’s excellent use of expletives or Lee’s facial expressions as he deals with these exasperating circumstances. But the tone of tragedy, of shattering loss, is what really permeates. It is credit to director/writer Lonergan that he juggles these tonal shifts so deftly. However the score’s reliance on wellknown classical music, especially at moments of high-drama, is somewhat distracting and

"The whole film is shot in a muted, cold pallete that reflects the icy weather of Manchester" is possibly the film’s only real mis-step. The whole film is shot in a muted, cold pallete that reflects the icy weather of Manchester, and possibly the character’s own refusal to thaw.

Lonergan juxtaposes this with his flashbacks, set in a warmer, brighter time where life was good.

However, all of this is in service to Casey Affleck’s performance. Between the flashbacks, the harrowing nature of

his tragedy, and his chemistry with Patrick we see Affleck’s full range. In the present he’s reserved, hunched under the weight of his own grief and self-loathing, whilst in flashback we see him showcase his more familiar boisterous charm as he enjoys his idyllic homelife and alcohol fuelled gamenights. However at no point does Affleck stray into grandstanding. His performance is almost aggressively understated yet utterly believable, which is astounding considering all the emotional-heavy-lifting he has to do. The much-talked about moment where ex-wife Randi tearily attempts to reconnect only to have him force-out that 'there's nothing there', is genuinely painful. It’s a performance that some have compared to Marlon Brando in his heyday. In my opinion it’s a comparison that is more than justified.

VERDICT: Boasting expert directing and writing, a brilliant ensemble cast and an awardworthy standout performance from Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea is an expertly crafted tragedy that will leave you heartbroken yet enriched by the experience.

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'The World Is Round, People'

With the Academy Awards on the horizon, and the issue of equality once again taking centre stage, Redbrick Film contributor Emillie Gallagher addresses the unequal representation of women in the film industry Emillie Gallagher Film Critic

It is hard to believe that in 2016 we are still fighting against outdated gender inequality in industry, and yet feminist issues are still very much present. The fight for women’s rights continues as we struggle to challenge the perception of what women can bring to the film industry.

There seems to be a misguided and misinformed stigma around women’s capabilities to be successful i n the film

industry, as today UK films are six times more likely to be directed by a man than a woman, and in 2014’s top 100 domestic gross-

ing films, only 22% of the protagonists were female.

But there is hope yet. Luckily, there are many successful women in the industry using their voice to fight our corner. In Cate Blanchett’s striking and inspiring speech at the 2014 Academy Awards, she openly called out the industry’s sexist tendencies and reminded everyone in the audience, and across the globe, that people do in fact want to see movies about women.

Blanchett stated 'those of us in the industry who are still foolishly clinging to the idea that female films with women at the centre are niche experiences. They are not – audiences want to see them and, in fact, they earn money'.

The Academy’s recognition of Blanchett’s performance as the Manhattan socialite

in Blue Jasmine, a film centred around a female protagonist and her (disaster of a) life, allowed her the opportunity to share her message with the industry’s best and most influential, as well as an international audience.

Coupling this with the fact that these awards have been in place since Janet Gaynor won the first Academy Award for Best Actress in 1929, and there is a suggestion of parity in women’s recognition in the industry.

However, Blanchett’s message has gone down as the latest reminder of the continuing injustice of the long under-represent-

"the fight for women's rights continues" ed gender and how far we have yet to go to remove these misguided beliefs. Because she was right. Not only do female-led movies make money, but they make more money.

Between 2006-2015, out of the top 25 highest-earning films

each year, the ones with female protagonists grossed an average

"who better to write and portray... female characters than women?" of $50 million more than those with male protagonists. Yet there continues to be a lack of roles written for women.

Also, who better to write and portray captivating and believable female characters than women? Yet according to a recent Directors UK study, the number of female film directors has 'not improved in ten years, with women making up just 13.6% of working film directors'.

What can we do? We need to make room for more women in film, and to do this we have got to give women a chance to prove themselves. Susanna White, director of television adaptations of Jane Eyre and Bleak House, says that it's 'just com-

mon sense' to want to hire someone who has proven they can do it, 'but its very hard to get a track record in the first place – its hard to find female directors who’ve got enough experience', so we need to break the vicious cycle and give women the opportunity to get established and show what they can bring to the industry. If we get women behind the cameras we get more people interested in telling female-driven stories, and by extension, we get better parts for actresses.

Yet it is not all bad, people are recognising this outdated judgement and are doing something about it. The British Film Institute have announced that they want 50% of their funding to go to women directors before 2020 in attempts to impact gender inequality in the film industry.

Lets not stop here though.

Isn’t it time that gender inequality was a thing of the past? As Blanchett put it, 'the world is round, people'.

FILM

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbrickfilm

17

Up & Coming: Films to Watch In 2017 With a year packed full of anticipated releases, Redbrick Film contributors give you three films to make time for in 2017 Moonlight Liam Taft Film Critic

The 2016 Oscars saw LGBTQ films break out into the mainstream; both Carol and The Danish Girl were nominated, with Alicia Vikander taking a gong home for her portrayal of Gerda Wegner. However, as

much as they raised important issues about gender and identity, they were incredibly conservative choices – the characters were white, upper middle class, and the actors playing them straight – and pushed aside more radical works such as Tangerine, which details the story of two black trans sex workers in LA. This year, however, things are different. Moonlight, the poetic account of a black man coming to terms with his sexual-

ity, is slowly becoming a frontrunner in the race to the Oscars, signalling a huge leap forwards

Wonder Woman

film in this era of the superhero films (and much should be), but there is more to Wonder Woman than that. The directing in the trailers has been fantastic, as have been the glimpses we’ve got of the film’s fight scenes.

Most of all though, the film’s First World War setting is an inspired choice for a hero often presented as a paragon of truth.

In one of the most ambiguous wars around, there’s a lot for the film to explore with a character

like Wonder Woman.

we prefer ‘backbursters’ or ‘Neomorphs’?).

joined by Katherine Waterston as neo-Ripley Daniels, fresh off her turn in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Eclectic choices such as Danny Mcbride, Billy Crudup, and James Franco round out a jam-packed cast.

The trailer seems to have already divided fans online, with detractors citing plot similarities to the original and the hackneyed shower scene, but I live in hope that Scott can deliver a prequel worthy of one of the greatest films of all time.

Harry Turner Deputy Editor

A naïve pick if there ever was one, considering Warner Bros.’ track record, but there is nevertheless a lot to be excited for with Wonder Woman. Much will likely be said of its significance as the first female-led superhero

Alien: Covenant Patrick Box Film Critic

There is a case to be made (mainly by me) that Ridley Scott’s 1979 Alien is one of the most important films in the history of science fiction. For this reason, Scott’s 2012 return to the franchise, and genre, he defined was a crushing disap-

pointment. Prometheus became so caught up in pretentious postulating about human creation that it forgot to provide the pulpy horror-inflections that made the original so enjoyable.

Alien: Covenant, the second film in Scott’s series of prequels, seems to be actively looking to course-correct. The first trailer showcased several hints of grizzly fun, the return of the iconic Xenomorph, as-well as some glimpses at new monstrosities stalking our hapless humans (do

Review: La La Land With critics making a song and a dance about this homage to the Hollywood musical, does it live up to the hype?

A stony silence developed as Emma tried to remember which famous Canadian Ryan she had just met

"One of the most important films of the decade" for the representation of black and queer voices in mainstream cinema. Aside from awards success, Moonlight has been her-

"the return of the iconic Xenomorph" Michael Fassbender reprises his role as android David from Prometheus as-well as the updated model Walter serving aboard the colony ship Covenant. He’s

Robyn Kemp Film Critic

An undiscovered actress working in a film studio café meets an unsuccessful Jazz pianist.

Both are searching for their dreams; one hopes to be a leading actress and the other strives to open a cool Jazz bar in the city.

So begin La La Land, a film for which I had high hopes and big expectations. This is the film everyone has been talking about for the past few months. The level of hype it has been receiving made it a possibility that it would not reach this extreme admiration and that it would be a let down; it wasn’t. Not only were the characters charming, the music elegant and sophisticated, but the visuals were also executed so well as to constitute their own form of art. This musical harks back to the old school Hollywood, full of truly magical moments and soaring romance.

The opening starts as the film means to go on with colour and energy as we see the city come to life through song and dance.

Director Damien Chazelle avoids lapsing into cheesy musical as, although the lyrics are optimistic, the background set grounds the film within a discernible reality. There is a notable French

alded as 'a thrilling, deeply necessary work that opens up a much-needed and rarely approached on-screen conversation about the nature of gay masculinity.' After 2016, the year of the Pulse shootings and the ascension of Trump, America has never needed this story more. Moonlight might just be one of the most important films of the decade – there is nothing in 2017 more deserving of your time.

"the film's First World War setting is an inspired choice" Contemporarily too, Wonder Woman may be coming out at just the right time – a film about

new-wave influence to the film, but it also has a classic Hollywood style that again makes sure this more than just a typical musical. In alluding to the golden age of Hollywood musicals, the film's structure and form sets it apart from the artistic direction of most modern films, even romances.

Rather, the films owes more of a debt to the likes of Moulin Rouge! and Singin’ In The Rain.

The film itself has a contemporary sense of character but with vintage and retro style.

The main pull of La La Land is the charming relationship between Seb (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone). The chemistry and flow of the romance between the two is offset by how raw and real it is portrayed, and the result is hopelessly romantic. The more dream-like sequences have an even more magical effect. The performances from both actors makes it easy to fall in love with them and romanticises the relationship. The glances between characters and the exceptionally beautiful sequence in the observatory demonstrates this films irrepresible charisma and charm.

As with Whiplash, Chazelle has ensured the music throughout the film fits perfectly and is a spectacle of its own, the key

a champion of truth in a world that is currently talking about ‘post-truth’ is certainly interesting in concept. Whilst this all might be too much to expect from a blockbuster – one trailing after films that were, perhaps, overly-ambitious – whether it sinks or swims, Wonder Woman remains one of 2017’s most exciting releases from an increasingly swamped genre.

song ‘City of Stars’ is incredibly haunting and remains an earworm, stuck in your head for the rest of the day. Although perhaps the most notable song is Mia’s audition song 'The Fools Who Dream', this being the moment when the film goes from being beautiful to elegantly heartbreaking and emotional. It is definitely my favourite moment of the film, and truly captures the hopes and dreams of the characters. Even with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling perhaps not being the most outstanding singers or dancers, they definitely play the rolls well and create a lot of the film’s charm.

VERDICT: La La Land is bold, bright and beautiful. It has got great charm, with a stunning look, and the dream-like sequences really do have a magical air to them. A romance, a musical, it won't be loved by all but it sure will make those who do love it, fall in love with it over and over again. A spectuarly cinematic film, even those who don't love it have to applaud the look of the film. Come February, I am sure Damien Chazelle will be picking up a few golden statues.

«««««

18

TELEVISION

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbricktv

The Jump 2017: Is it Worth the Risk?

Nicola Kenton Sport Editor @Nicola_Kenton

The Jump. A great idea on paper but not the best reality television programme. Before the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Channel 4 had commissioned a programme where celebrities would learn how to compete in winter sports events. The competition took place over a week and the celebs were taught by professional former athletes such as Graham Bell and Eddie the Eagle.

It was a unique way of combining celebrities with winter sports, which do not get the desired coverage in the UK, and to introduce them to a new generation.

However, the show has

become notorious not for its coverage of winter sports or use of experts but instead for the injury list that the show racks up. The format in 2014 and 2015 had the show take place over a week and it could be seen that the celebrities taking part were straining their bodies too much and this resulted in injury. Nevertheless, the show continued and for the 2016 series

"The show has become notorious for the extensive injury list" it was aired at primetime on a Sunday evening. However this was the series where the most celebrities have had to withdraw

- in total seven celebs 'retired' from the competition with ailments ranging from a dislocated shoulder to a pulled hamstring.

On the back of Great Britain's success in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio last year, it seems that these injuries have not deterred the sport stars who want to compete in this TV show. Former international rugby players Gareth Thomas and Jason Robinson, recently retired Sir Bradley Wiggins and former footballer Robbie Fowler, are among the line - up for 2017. What's interesting though is the sporting names who have yet to end their career but are willing to take part in a show, seriously risking injury.

Two - time Olympic Champion in taekwondo Jade Jones, Paralympic Champion in two sports Kadeena Cox and Olympic medallist Louis

Smith are also on the line - up.

There has been controversy over this subject with UK Athletics denying Cox of her athlete funding while taking part in the show.

M o r e o v e r, British

7 Celebrities have withdrawn from the competition

Taekwondo h a v e announced their concerns about Jones competing in a show with so many risks. Why do these ath-

letes feel the need to compete in this show? Throughout the life of an athlete, they have to weigh up the risk that a certain situation could put them in and whether they want to challenge that risk to reap the rewards. Cox has stated that after being diagnosed with MS she wants to live her life and The Jump allows her to try something new, a different challenge.

After Rio she had already stated her intent to become a Winter Paralympian by possibly competing at the 2022 Games; however, with her condition she doesn't know whether she will be able to compete at the same level in the future or compete at all, so is surely embracing the opportunity now.

The Jump starts on February 5th, if the contestants stay safe until the first episode, that is!

Skam: A Norwegian Success Chris Eickhoff

Johndy Surio III

TV Critic

TV Critic

Skam is a hit Norwegian show which focuses on the lives and loves of teenagers in an Oslo school. Since its first episode in September 2015, it managed to reach over 1.3 million views in season 2 (over 1/5th of the country’s population) and has recently finished season 3. The show has also gathered a large international cult following, becoming one of Norway’s most popular programmes.

Each series is based upon one character’s life and their personal issues. Over its three seasons, Skam has tackled multiple real-life issues teens are introduced to at that age. This includes mental illness, sexual harassment, date rape, homophobia, and Islamophobia.

Each one is handled incredibly

well, either through showing that solutions can come from the support of the victim’s close network of friends or through strong independence.

Throughout the show, the soundtrack, using current chart hits, is incredibly well - done.

Each song accurately reflects the mood of a scene. Over 12 days, the Skam Spotify playlist has had over 67,000 listens and is incredibly eclectic. Group powerwalk?

There’s a song for that. A fan of Pop and Rap? Skam’s got your back. If you’ve never heard of Nas before, you will be on Spotify in a heartbeat. Skam has plenty of well - timed music and it’s sure to make those cute little moments in the show even more delightful.

First there was Beatlemania, now there is Skammania. The

show has Norway’s teenage population glued to their screens. So much so that Norway is facing a truancy epidemic; students all over Norway are skipping lessons to watch the latest clips. This hysteria can be explained in NRK’s somewhat innovative means of distributing the episodes. Scenes

are posted in real time (if a clip is set at 5:00 on a Wednesday evening, then it will be released at that time), leaving teens itching to watch the next snippet. The excerpts are then assembled

together and released as a complete episode on Friday. NRK have even received numerous fan mails detailing their inability to sleep due to their constant refreshing of the Skam website.

The appeal of Skam does not stop here. Each character has their own social media account and they will often post photos and videos of their daily lives on Instagram. Similarly, text messages exchanged between characters are also released on NRK’s website. This allows viewers to delve deeper into the conversations of their favourite characters.

Events that occur in an episode can then be further explained by these interactions.

NRK gives the viewers what they want. Teens can feel so much more involved with their favourite characters on screen. After all, getting to know the ins and outs of their favourite character’s personal thoughts fuels the fan base’s interest. These features

have allowed Skam to enter the everyday fabric of teenagers’ lives. It’s not just a TV production, it’s an investment. Not only this, but in a country which is gradually turning to Netflix and other sites online for TV shows, Skam helps to return attention to Norway’s cable channels such as NRK through this online disclosure.

Of course, as a Norwegian cable show, there is a certain difficulty in obtaining subtitled episodes online. However, this has not stopped the rise of Skam’s international popularity.

Although the show seems at first to target a fan base concerning teenage girls, this is not the case. Both of us critics are males (20 and 21) and are anxiously awaiting the fourth season.

TELEVISION

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbricktv

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Review: BBC's Revolting Rhymes Laura Bourne reviews the BBC adaptation of Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes Laura Bourne TV Critic

Fancy a classic fairy tale once in a while? Or, maybe a classic fairy tale mixed with dark, silly humour?

Whichever’s the case, you and your whole family will enjoy this BBC adaptation based on the short poems Revolting Rhymes, written by globally acclaimed children’s author, Roald Dahl.

But first, a bit of background information. Published in 1982, Revolting Rhymes was among Dahl’s first collections of comic poetry for children. With illustrations by Quentin Blake, children and adults alike loved these poems, which turned classic folk tales into comical parodies. As Revolting Rhymes was written during Dahl’s most successful years of writing, it was overshadowed by his more popular works such as BFG, The Witches and The Twits.

That’s when the entertainment firm, Magic Light Pictures stepped in. Famous for producing the Oscar nominated film, The Gruffalo, they created two, halfhour animated films for BBC One which were based on Revolting Rhymes. The first half, which aired on Boxing Day, composed of the renowned Little Red Riding Hood mixed with Walt Disney’s Sleeping

Beauty, but with a dark, wicked twist. After leaving you on the edge of your seat with anticipation of what becomes of Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood, the second half continued the following day. This part showed another of Walt Disney’s classics, Cinderella fused together with Joseph Jacobs’ Jack and the Beanstalk. With the epic voice of Dominic West giving us the narration, each sentence creates beautiful euphemism to our ears with a satisfying rhyme. Featuring other talented voices such as David Walliams, Tamsin Greig and Rob Brydon, their voices were cleverly adapted to suit a specific character, with their own quirky looks and styles (inspired by Quentin Blake’s artwork).

The main element I love about this adaptation was the modernity of the 21st century, combined with the early 1900s folk tales. After Snow White escapes from the wicked queen’s huntsman, instead of following the original story, where she approaches the old cottage inhabited by seven dwarves, she hitches a ride from them in their hippy styled bus and carries on to live in their apartment within the bustling city! If that twist doesn’t bewilder you, I’m positive that watching Cinderella boogie to Latin dance music in a short dress will. However, I didn’t quite approve of the seven dwarves

turning into compulsive gamblers, or the Prince from Cinderella becoming a sinister executioner and chopping the heads off the ugly sisters until they raced around like headless chickens (literally).

Asides from that I thought the random twists and subverted endings worked really well with the whole production.

Smooth transitions between the fairy tales and cleverly selected rhyming sequences did a fantastic job of tying the individual stories together. Avid fans of Roald Dahl and even people who have never read his books were impressed too. One Facebook user commented ‘Never read the book, but my what a treat. The art direction was simply outstanding and

the direction and animation. And the story, Wow’. Twitter went as far as counting down the days for this ingenious adaptation and offered praises such as ‘Roald Dahl's #RevoltingRhymes is easily the best thing I've watched this Christmas’. The ending sparked much debate as to whether it really fitted Roald Dahl’s original intentions, but in my opinion, it suited the child friendly hour and left everyone with a relieved smile.

Overall, BBC did a magical job at integrating all 5 fairy tales together, with the exception of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

The adaptation was a fantastic tribute to Roald Dahl during the festive period and gives inspira-

tion to the younger generation to keep reading his literature. Also, with 2016 marking 100 years since his birth, BBC has contributed in bringing Roald Dahl back to life by resurfacing and celebrating the Revolting Rhymes series. It is amazing to see that even 30 years later, people are enjoying and discovering new parts of Dahl’s works, with his joy still spreading.

If you missed Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes it’s still available to watch on BBC iPlayer, but hurry its only available for a short amount of time, so watch it before the clock strikes midnight.

Review: The Crown

Rebecca Cutler reviews the new Netflix period drama about Queen Elizabeth II's reign

Rebecca Cutler TV Critic @hi_its_rebz

If there are two words that encapsulate both the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the new Netflix series The Crown, which documents the beginnings of said reign, they are understated excellence. A quiet but powerful drama, The Crown brings new life to the woman and the family who have found themselves eternally represented and reproduced across the media. With production costs reaching over £100 million, the historical drama was an expensive gamble for the American streaming giant, but with a recent double

win at the Golden Globes, it seems that there might be something that’s catching critical attention and applause.

With the end of Downton Abbey came the beginning of the end of the epic period drama renaissance. The Crown manages to strike the sweet spot between historical drama and the increasing influence of streaming services, combining them to introduce the beginnings of the Windsor dynasty to a new audience, one without memories of the events as they happened. It’s not just all about the Queen either; through the ten episodes of the series, we see the deterioration and death of King George IV, the re - election and downfall of Winston Churchill, an

illicit dalliance between the Princess Margaret and the King’s married equerry Peter Townsend and the ongoing scandal of Edward VIII’s abdication. There’s a lot going on, all precariously balanced around the marriage of

"The Crown is a series of understated excellence" Queen Elizabeth II and her consort Prince Phillip. Each extraordinary event that dictates their lives is made even more incredible considering their real-life inspira-

tions.

With a pedigree for playing royal women, most notably her turn as the ill - fated Anne Boleyn in the BBC’s Wolf Hall, Claire Foy triumphs in her modest yet exceptional portrayal of Elizabeth Regina, from Princess through her coronation and into her role as leader of the Realm. Each crisis that faces the young Queen is approached with a measured and powerful on screen presence, with Foy showing the young Elizabeth’s vulnerabilities equally as well as the developing strengths we recognise in the monarch today. It is her conflicting relationship with the ageing and ailing Winston Churchill that perhaps demonstrates this best; the young woman skilfully defends herself and her subjects in a way that on screen is visually compelling.

John Lithgow’s Churchill is a commanding presence, his physical size matching the authoritative nature of his character, something that is lessened by his declining health. The demise of Churchill gives way for the rise of the new Queen, in a journey that juxtaposes age, authority and gender in a subtle but effective manner.

The relationship between the Queen and Prince Phillip is also one that takes precedent amongst the many storylines of the series.

Matt Smith manages to humanise the man at the monarch’s side, and we are reminded less of the blundersome Duke of Edinburgh and

are instead presented with a man who has given up much – his nationality, his family name, his freedom for the sake of his wife.

The Crown captures the internal conflicts of the Windsor family as they struggle to stop them becoming public – the irony, of course, being our hindsight as modern viewers. The Crown does not shy away from these nuances of royal personalities either; we see hints of the stutter that plagued King George VI, the beginnings of Phillip’s penchant for a public gaffe and Anthony Eden’s struggles with drug addiction. There is no area of royal and diplomatic history that The Crown does not dare to explore, and in doing so it creates a sense of the utter mayhem that accompanies the role of being head tenant at Buckingham Palace.

Be warned, though, just because The Crown is on Netflix, it’s not the ideal viewing if you’re planning to chill. The intense and complicated weave of story arcs require your full attention, as titles are granted and repealed, and alliances are formed and betrayed. It isn’t ideal for binging, but is rather to be enjoyed like your mum’s expensive wine – in small, sophisticated doses that leave you satisfied in quality rather than quantity.

It’s also a shame to waste the production values on a laptop screen - if you can, you should watch The Crown in the highest resolution possible – it deserves it.

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LIFE & STYLE

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbricklife

Filtering 'Flaws' and Forging Ideals: Snapchat Filters Imogen Lancaster explores why Snapchat filters may not be harmless Imogen Lancaster Deputy Editor @ImogenLancaster

Today’s society is relatively wellversed in and fully aware of photoshopping of models in magazines, the exclusive body shape of the Victoria’s Secret models that frequent the runways, and the slim-line figures of mannequins that we encounter in high-street stores. All of these outlets subtly shape our perception of the ideal woman, and have gained much media attention because of it.

However, a relatively recent form of influence includes the likes of Snapchat filters. I am not referring to the dog filters or multitude of other creatures, objects and face-deforming filters that we come across when flicking through the app. I am, however, referring to ‘beauty-enhancing’ settings that we are all openly (at least initially) in favour of.

A large majority of the population are very much impartial to a Snapchat selfie, myself included. And although at surface-level they are seemingly harmless, having a filter slapped over our faces may have subtle detrimental effects on our self-esteem. When you sit back and contemplate the whole concept of it, you begin to question the impact it could have on the self-image of women worldwide. And not only that, but is it influencing our impression of

ideal characteristics?

Some of which immediately banLet me explain. Many of us ish or severely minimise any remare aware of the recent filter craz- nants of blemishes or acne, creates including the flower halo, ing the impression of flawless which simultaneously brightens skin. Other filters automatically and whitens your portrait and make you over by giving you a leaves your eyes a glossy shade of bold red lip, eye shadow and long, b l u e . voluShortly mised after graclashes. ing its Some presence, leave this filter y o u r took over teeth social bright media. white, Indeed it give you is no a glowlonger ing tan, Snapchatchange exclusive, your eye as it frec o l o u r, quently enlarge appears as y o u r Facebook eyes and a n d t h i n Tw i t t e r y o u r profile Before After n o s e . pictures, The list and in Images courtesy of Imogen Lancaster goes on.

Instagram posts. Snapchat users And whilst we may enjoy the fact undeniably love this filtered ver- we do not require a full face of sion of themselves to the extent makeup to send an attractive snap, that it features as a permanent fil- Snapchat is further exaggerating ter on the app. Likewise, Snapchat the importance of makeup and progressed to introduce the simi- subtly reinforces what are deemed larly popular ‘golden halo’ look, ‘attractive’ features. Indeed, among countless other ‘beautify- changing our skin colour and nose ing’ filters. shape is a step too far, especially Our generation is therefore considering the fact that these are constantly encountering an array unattainable traits. This also leads of ‘beauty-enhancing’ filters. us to question the ‘beauty’ set-

tings on modern cameras, which remove blemishes and freckles, and makes us doubt our natural features to the extent that our filtered selves become our preferred selves.

Perhaps the majority do not look this far into something we deem so trivial and harmless.

However, the fact that it is conforming to and confirming traditional beauty stereotypes is implying that our natural selves do not reach the threshold of beauty and that only certain features are considered attractive.

I am by no means attempting to dissuade you from using Snapchat filters. In fact, Snapchat most likely designed these filters with the innocent intention of being fun and games. But it is important to recognise that these are illusions of beauty which should not influence one’s own perception of self-worth and body positivity. However cliché it may appear, we should celebrate diversity and every ‘flaw’ we have.

What would the world be if we all possessed the same glowing skin and glossy, blue eyes? So try not to get swept up in the falsity of the potentially-damaging Snapchat filter illusion and appreciate your filter-less self in all its glory!

Do you think Snapchat filters promote insecurities? Or do you think they're harmless? Let us know: @redbricklife

Smear For Smear: Cervical Cancer Awareness Week

Sophie Webb explains why women are smearing their lipstick for charity and how you can be more aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer With Cervical Cancer Prevention Week fast approaching on the 22nd January, the annual #smearforsmear campaign is also getting underway.

The campaign was set up by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, the UK’s only charity dedicated to women affected by Cervical Cancer. The charity aims to raise awareness of this cancer, support those suffering from it, and fundraise to enable further research to take place, all in the hope that one day cervical cancer will be a thing of the past.

The #smearforsmear campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of smear tests in the prevention of cervical cancer and to encourage all women to have them done.

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under, with around 3,000 women being diagnosed with it per year, and three losing their lives from it every day in the UK. Smear tests prevent a huge, 75% of cervical cancers from developing but one in four women do not

attend the tests despite being invited. Therefore, this campaign is aiming to raise awareness of this lifesaving test and encourage more people to have it done.

The #smearforsmear campaign idea is simple. Similar to the ice bucket challenge which went viral a couple of years ago to raise funds for ALS research, #smearforsmear is a selfie campaign which asks women and men (yes guys, you can get involved too!), to smear their lipstick, take a selfie, and post it on social media.

The aim is simple, to raise awareness and prevent as many people as possible from suffering from this disease by encouraging women to get tested.

Many celebrities such as Rita Ora, Cara Delevingne, and Georgia May Jagger have already got involved with the campaign.

So get smearing your lipstick everyone, and more importantly, get yourselves tested after all, it only takes five minutes out of your day and could save your life.

Symptoms to Look Out For: -Bleeding: Bleeding between periods, after sexual intercourse or after the menopause may be a sign of cervical cancer.

-Pain: Whilst many women with cervical cancer experience pain in the groin and pelvis, back and leg pain may also be a symptom. Pain during intercourse is also another symptom to look out for.

-Unusual Vaginal Discharge: Many women with cervical cancer noted that they had unusual vaginal discharge which was pink in colour, foul smelling and watery.

-Fatigue: Though not one of the main symptoms of cervical cancer, fatigue may indicate an underlying problem.

-Weight Loss: This is not a main symptom but is definitely something to look out for.

LIFE & STYLE

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbricklife

Victoria Beckham: "What I Wish I'd Known"

Katie McDonald explores Victoria Beckham's emotive letter to her younger self, recently published in Vogue

Victoria Beckham is the one of the most beautiful, successful and famous business women of today. She is 42 and has written a letter to herself as an 18 year old young girl. The letter is not only real, honest and heartfelt but also inspiring. Not only does she talk to herself as a teenager, but she communicates with the millions of young girls of 2017, covering every inch of life that rushes through a girl’s mind, from the ‘L’ word to careers. Her writing is as sophisticated as she is, and reminds little women that they can make their lives whatever they want them to be. Victoria’s pep talk to her younger self, therefore, is gentle and funny but also incredibly motivating.

Appearance is one of the biggest anxieties for a teenage girl, and, in fact, for many women too, which is exactly why she tackles this first, head on. But Victoria Beckham doesn’t write with a ‘do this, do that’ attitude because as a mum herself, and having been 18 years of age, she knows that that’s not what girls need. Instead, she

offers them her wisdom to protect them from the pressures of the world. To both herself and thousands of young girls, this mother of four does not preach, teach or shout... she chats, encouraging herself and thousands of young girls to “embrace their imperfections”.

According to her letter, the story of Victoria's success began at college.

Victoria was once a student at Laine Theatre Arts College and one night, she was having a rough time so she did something that I’m sure the majority of us as students can all hold our hands up to – but not ashamedly, I should note. Victoria Beckham called her Mum, Jackie Adams. She told her to come home and promised a shopping spree. Her Dad, Anthony Adams, soon got on the line and told her to stick it out. The 18 year old Victoria chose to follow her Dad’s advice. Now, she tells Vogue that if she had decided to listen to Mum, she wouldn’t be where she is now, which is famous, mar-

ried or writing to us. We should be taking Anthony’s advice to “stay there, prove everyone wrong”.

Victoria's letter also revealed to readers some of her proudest moments. Did you know , for example that she met Nelson Mandela?

Neither did I, until my eyes met the page of Vogue’s special edition.

Victoria Beckham's letter teaches us that amazing things happen.

She teaches us that you won’t expect them to, but that – whether or not you feel ready – you should go for it anyway. Students can relate to the next snippet of advice that this Vogue star gives. She says 'the sky is the limit'. I know final year might feel like you’re rock bottom, but University is just the start, an open door to the rest of your life.

'Celebrate what you’ve got' is her advice and I agree, so much so that I will be blogging myself about the importance of loving yourself and celebrating your achievements.

Trend Essentials: 2017

Antonia Miles explains which trends are going to be the hottest looks of the year 1. Daytime Shine

I know we’ve just had Christmas and everyone’s feeling a bit sparkled out, but in 2017 metallic and sequins will be a thing of the day and the night (fist pumps). Think sequined skirts, metallic tops and a whole lot of sparkle!

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FIERCE Kahmune Shoes 'Nude’ in the clothing industry has, for a long time, failed to be inclusive or representative. But now Kahmune is hitting back by creating a range of nude shoes which are designed to suit all skin tones. Not only do they get top marks for making fashion more inclusive but their shoes are also beautiful!

Body Positivity Body positivity is definitely having a moment. With everyone from fitness bloggers to film stars promoting selflove, we couldn’t be happier to see the amount of positivity on the internet at the moment! It is definitely refreshing to see so many people building each other up rather than knocking each other down.

Unicorn Trends From make-up brushes to hot chocolate, this trend is one of the biggest of the moment and shows no sign of coming to an end any time soon. Who doesn't need a little bit more sparkle in their lives to battle the January blues?!

Revenge Bodies After Khloe Kardashian's transformation, the desire to get a 'revenge body' following a break-up has become worringly intense. If a relationship didn't work out, surely it is better to focus on being happy and healthy and finding someone who loves you for who you are than focussing all your time and energy on getting abs and a bubble butt?

2. Lacy Cami Tops

Mesh tops will be replaced with lacy cami tops this year. Cami tops have always been a wardrobe favourite of mine; I love layering them over t-shirts or long sleeved tops, but the lacy detail adds a far more feminine touch to any outfit.

3. Vintage Jeans

Mom jeans made a comeback in 2016 and now it appears that figure hugging vintage jeans are here to stay in 2017. They’re certainly a welcome break from skinny jeans after all that festive feasting.

4. Wide Leg Trousers

Wide leg trousers were one of the best styles to come out of the 70s and thankfully they’re (ah, ha, ha, ha) stayin’ alive in 2017. Plus, they’re perfect for day and night, and look super flattering.

Winning.

5. Pretty In Pink

Pink is set to be one of the hottest colours this year. From pastels to bright fuschias, there is a shade to suit every style and skin tone.

Definitely one of the easiest trends of 2017!

The Dorchester Hotel The Dorchester Hotel have recently issued a list of unreasonable beauty demands for their female employees which include not having oily skin, having manicured nails and shaving their legs (even if they are covered by tights or trousers). Whilst asking for employees to be presentable is a basic demand for most establishments, this seems completely excessive and has rightly caused many staff members to become disgruntled.

Zoe Screti

Life&Style Editor

6. 90s Platform Heels

Your feet will be pleased to know that ultra-thin heeled strappy shoes which you can barely walk in are well and truly out, and comfy block-heeled 90s platforms are very much in again. But thankfully, as much as we love grunge and Spice Girls fever, that’s one of the only 90s trends making a glorious comeback this year.

FINISHED

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FOOD

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbrickfood

This Month: Veganuary Food Writer Niamh Carpenter gives an account of her january vegan experience Veganism is on the rise and with many animal rights campaigners, health advocates and high profile celebrities foregoing animal products, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

Over the last few years I have become fascinated by the concept of clean eating and the emphasis that is often put on eating an allnatural, plant-based diet; I’ve indulged in all of the ethical documentaries that Netflix has to offer and am growing ever more conscious of global environmental concerns. Naturally, Veganuary was something I was intrigued to try.

If you’re not aware Veganuary, which encourages people to ditch meat, fish, eggs and dairy for the first month of the year, has amassed a record following, with over 50,000 people signing up for 2017.

Many meat enthusiasts can be hostile to the concept of veganism, but I have a real ‘you can’t knock it till you try it’ attitude and I love nothing more than a good challenge! The amount of ‘accidentally vegan’ products on sale is also pleasantly surprising: think Heinz beans, Ritz Crackers and Oreos...

what more could I need?

I have actually found abstaining from animal products easier that I imagined it would be and, although I’ve had the odd mid-essay-writing, stress-induced hankering for a taste of Ben & Jerry’s, I’m certain I’ll be able to make it to February 1st relatively painfree. Attempting a vegan diet has encouraged me to get creative in the kitchen, too. Since my last taste of meat two weeks ago I’ve rustled up chickpea curries, lentil bolognese and the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve tasted in my life.

Veganism certainly isn’t all about bland salads and tofu, and changing this misconception is key to inspiring others to try discarding animal products.

A large selection of restaurants are also supporting Veganuary this year, meaning that forfeiting a meal out with friends after the January exams isn’t necessary.

Handmade Burger Co are currently offering 50% off all vegan burgers and sides, All Bar One have released a vegan set menu and Pret have recently added to their vegan selections; so there’s never been a better time to try switching up

your diet.

The most challenging part of Veganuary has been ensuring I get the correct nutrition as, although it’s entirely possible to get everything you need on a plant-based diet, it does require some thought and planning. So far I’ve been getting by with consuming copious

amounts of nuts and pulses for protein and eating my bodyweight in marmite, which is one of the few vegan sources of vitamin B12.

On the whole my veganuary experience so far has been rewarding and enjoyable. Once I got over the initial shock of not being able

to eat everything I was craving (my few remaining Christmas chocolates are waiting patiently for February to roll around), habits quickly started to form and I’m already getting used to preparing 3 meals a day based entirely around what grows in the ground.

Whilst I’m not yet convinced that this transition will be lifelong, living a month without animal products certainty encourages you to try new foods, take more of an active interest in what you eat and ultimately, is nowhere near as scary as it sounds.

Check out

veganuary.com to find out which food items contain no animal products!

Vegan Restaurant Recommendation

The Stable Tasha Smart

Food Editor @tashanotsmart

If you’re looking for a great Vegan restaurant this month to take part in Veganuary (or if you’re just looking for one in general) The Stable is the one the head to.

Located just round the corner from New Street Station, it’s not too far to go and it is fully worth the train journey. Holding an event entitled ‘Free Vegan Pizza’, three of my favourite words, I was naturally inclined to investigate. Booking a table for me and my two (carnivorous) friends, we were anxious but also excited to see what they had

in store.

As far as vegan menus go, it was quite large, with four, quite varied, pizza options, alongside salad options and vegan garlic bread. We naturally wanted to test out as many as possible so opted to share three between us: the Vegan Fresh Hawaiian, the Vegan Smethwick Scorcher, and Vegan Billy the Kid. The Hawaiian, as you could guess, was a pineapple pizza, quite straightforward and a crowd pleaser for those that liked the original (believe me, it works without the ham). The Scorcher was a personal favourite having peppers and chillies, giving it a bit of a kick. Lastly, Billy the Kid was a great vegan version of a favourite of mine, caramelised onion and asparagus missing the

goats cheese but making up for it with spinach, mushrooms, and roasted hazelnuts! All of the pizzas had a sparse covering of vegan cheese, something I rarely like.

However, the cheese they used was pleasant and, though I would argue it unnecessary to the pizzas as a whole, it did not offend.

I honestly could go on about the pizzas; I cannot rave about them enough, and can truthfully say that neither my friends nor me were disappointed by the lack of dairy! Coupled with some great cider choices (I went for Cornish Orchard, a personal favourite) and a great ambience created by dim lighting and pretty décor, I will certainly be revisiting and choosing vegan every time!

LoSalt Competition Food Writer Alex Reay in the running to be the LoSalt Student Cook Of The Year Tamar Smith Food Editor

The 50-year evolution in student cooking hasn’t moved towards instant noodles and tinned baked beans as is often assumed, but rather to quinoa, quiche and balsamic salmon tray bake. Today’s student is more health conscious than ever and more creative with a budget!

To celebrate and encourage this, LoSalt have been holding a competition over the past couple of months to find their ‘Student Cook of The Year’. Among the entries, Modern Languages, French and Spanish student and UoB and Redbrick Food writer Alex Reay is one of the most promising candidates to win the award, judged by Orlando Murrin, ex-BBC Good Food Editor, among a number of other great judges.

The winner will be crowned ‘Student Cook of the Year’ and win £1,000 in grocery vouchers.

'Student Cook of the Year must be one of the most worthwhile awards ever - the chance to encourage young people into the kitchen, and adopt healthy cooking and eating habits that will last a lifetime,' says Orlando. 'I know it’s going to be fascinating to see what the students come up with, and I just know I’m going to come away with masses of new ideas and inspiration to try afterwards!'

Until the 26th December 2016, foodie students entered the competition by posting a photograph on Twitter or Instagram of a dish that they have created, along with its name and the hashtag #LoSaltStudentCook or

#LoSaltSCOTY. Entries are being judged on how healthy the dish looks and sounds.

Those shortlisted will be set a challenge to create a delicious

and healthy meal for four on a budget. Five lucky finalists will then be chosen to attend a ‘cookoff’ in London where they will cook against the clock and each other, preparing and making a set dish in front of a prestigious judging panel.

Alex entered the competition and has impressed the judges so far with a number of recipes, including her Butternut Squash, Spinach and Pesto Lasagna, which was healthy, delicious and incredibly imaginative!

About her lasagne, Alex said: 'I chose this recipe because lasagna is by far my favourite dish. It gives me that home away from home feeling after a long day at university. However, it often leaves me feeling too full and a little bit sluggish, which is why I wanted to create

a healthy alternative. Butternut squash is low in fat and full of fibre, potassium, and vitamin B6, making it a great heart-friendly ingredient for your bones, and immune system. It is also full of flavour and sweetness, and blending it up really added that special something to the dish, making it creamy and tasty which is just what you want from a lasagna.

That and the spinach, which again is low in fat and cholesterol, and high in zinc, protein, vitamins and iron, are the perfect ingredients to make up a happy and healthy student full of energy and raring to go. I made this dish as a pre-library dinner for my housemates and myself, however it is versatile for all occasions and could be accompanied with whatever you fancy.'

Find the recipe for Alex's lasgna online at redbrick.me/food

FOOD

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbrickfood

New Year, New Me

Food Writer Caitlin Dickinson explores how to be healthier Most of us have aspirations to start afresh in January with hitting the gym, eating healthier and making the new year the beginning of a ‘new you’. However, in most cases after a week of trying to detox and get fit, most people lose motivation to continue a healthier lifestyle. In order to prevent this, I have provided three ways in which you can make subtle changes to your eating habits, to feel allround healthier and happier without having to make a drastic change to your lifestyle.

Swapping Ingredients One of the most practical ways you can make your food healthier is through swapping ingredients.

With the example of cooking oil, instead of using vegetable oil or olive oil, try using coconut oil as a low fat alternative. At almost the same price as ordinary cooking oil, buying coconut oil for around £2.49 (Aldi) is a great health benefit due to it being high in natural saturated fats which increase your healthy cholesterol levels. Another great benefit to having coconut oil in your cupboard is that it also adds great flavour to curries and noodles that other oils cannot,

due to the natural coconut flavouring that it adds to a meal.

Wholemeal Alternatives Many people claim that white bread, pasta and rice has a far better flavour that the wholemeal versions. Yet, in my opinion the taste is great and the advantages of changing these carbohydrates are even better. The large amount of fiber and antioxidants that are packed into wholemeal foods are better for digestion and protein.

With little difference in price, putting these on your shopping list and taking off the ‘white’ foods would allow for a healthier diet.

Stopping the Snacking We are all guilty of snacking, especially when you want a quick hunger fix during the day or do not have the motivation to cook.

However, you could create or buy healthy alternatives to snacks like chocolate bars or packets of crisps.

For example, freezing a punnet of grapes overnight then adding them to a yoghurt or eating them after letting them defrost for five minutes is healthy and delicious. Or you could try roasting chickpeas with coconut oil and paprika for 15 minutes to make them crispy as a change to a packet of crisps.

"You can make subtle changes to your eating habits to feel all-round healthier and happier"

With regards to bread, the seeded loaf variety is relatively cheap from most food stores and apparently makes you feel fuller which is hugely beneficial if you want to cut back on snacks!

With these three ways to change your eating habits for the year, you will no doubt have a healthier lifestyle. Without question, we are prone to having a treat every once in awhile, but through making these minimal changes you will see the results and feel better about yourself!

23

New Year, New Places Phoebe Radford Food Editor

It's a new year and a new term, so alongside all your other new year resolutions, why not get out into the city and try something new?

Byron Burgers Byron Burgers opened on New Street last term, so it’s still relatively new to Birmingham. Priding themselves on their ‘proper hamburgers’ they offer several different beef patties, chicken, and veggie burgers. You can personalize your burgers with additions from their ‘Make it Yours’ options, and you can choose from a variety sides, including bacon cheese fries (£4.75), Courgette fries (£3.50), as well as more standard French Fries (£2.95). It’s pricey, but you don’t get food like this in average fast food joints.

for their loyalty card, which they will send to you, and then you can use their Winter Offer on lunch and dinner courses until 10th February. If you love meat, then this is the place for you. Viva Brazil has fifteen different cuts of meat ranging from leg of lamb, pork ribs, to the more unusual chicken hearts, or caramelised cinnamon pineapple for vegetarians.

If you want to try something new and different this New Year, then definitely check out Viva Brazil.

Keep your eyes peeled...

Zindiya: Originally scheduled to open last year, delays mean that Zindaya is now opening on 26th January in Moseley. If you enjoy the Indian street food at Digbeth Dining Club, then you will definitely want to check out the menu here, with authentic small sharing plates of curry, but also cocktails, beers and even an Indian high tea.

Viva Brazil Located on Bennett’s Hill, this Southern American themed restaurant opened in Spring last year, but is definitely worth a try this year with their 30% off Winter offer. Simply register online for

Interview: Meet The Man Revolutionising Birmingham’s Independent Food Scene, Joe Schuppler Love Birmingham's independent food scene? Food Editor Lauren Kelly meets the founder of Independent Birmingham Often portrayed to be dull and monotonous, Birmingham is widely considered to be a lifeless concrete jungle decades behind other major cities; Joe Schuppler however, founder of Independent Birmingham, is determined to prove critics otherwise.

Please could you explain what Independent Birmingham is, a few words on its ethos, history, and how you became involved.

Independent Birmingham is a website and movement, dedicated to championing the city of Birmingham and its marvellous and unique independent culture, encouraging those who live and work in the city to explore the lesser-known aspects of Birmingham and rediscover their city. The website was founded in August 2013 and since then has been named by Twitter as one of the ten best Twitter accounts to discover Birmingham. How I personally came involved is not too thrilling a tale. On my first day of University (reading Law at the University of Liverpool) I sat next to Oliver Press, who then went on to co-found Independent Liverpool with David Williams. Upon graduating, I decided that a career in law wasn’t for me so I rang up Oliver and told him that Birmingham was crying out for a project like this.

And from there on in I've lived and breathed IB. What does the Independent Birmingham Card offer and how can we purchase one?

The Independent Birmingham Membership Card is a discount card in essence, yet it’s much more than this. It’s a piece of artwork for your pocket, designed by local

graphic designer, Brumhaus, and is your key to the city, granting you discounts and deals at over 90 of the very best independents in Birmingham. With this card you can explore your city like never before, whilst supporting those businesses which add a unique character to Birmingham and make our city special. And, with membership costing just £15 (or two for £20) for a whole year of discounted discovery, you can easily make back the investment of an IBcard in just one or two visits.

The IBcard is available online (www.independent-birmingham. co.uk) or you can pick one up in person from Peel and Stone, Six Eight Kafe or Urban Church St. Those who are on it include: Digbeth Dining Club, The Electric cinema, Simpsons, The Wilderness, Birmingham Hippodrome, Adam’s, Bodega Bar Y Cantina, mac Birmingham, Fiesta del Asado, 40 St Paul’s, The Plough, Two Cats Kitchen, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, The Lord Clifden, The Jekyll And Hyde, Nosh & Quaff, The Church, Cherry Reds, The Prince of Wales and many more.

How do you decide which businesses to feature? Is there a criteria?

Deciding who to allow to join the Independent Birmingham website and IBcard is down to three points of criteria: being independently owned, being unique to Birmingham and providing a highquality service that differentiates you from the rest. Only the very best independents in Birmingham are on the Independent Birmingham Membership Card (including two Michelin Star restaurants).

Do you find yourselves approaching businesses about working with Independent Birmingham or do companies approach you?

In terms of who approaches who - initially I had to go around all of the independents featured on the website and convince them of my vision and my plans (that was during the 9 month period in which I was building a web presence and the IBcard hadn’t even been conceived). Now, however, they tend to approach me. The IB social media presence is significant (with a Facebook reach of up to half a million a week at times), so many businesses see the logo, hear about the scheme from others, and then contact me to become a part of this revolution of localism.

"With this card you can explore your city like never before" Alongside the many offers your membership card provides, how else do you entice people towards visiting independent businesses in the city?

Alongside the Independent Birmingham Membership Card, in terms of encouraging those who live and work in Birmingham to explore the lesser-known aspects of their city, the main thing Independent Birmingham does is write articles. Independent Birmingham advises you on the very best places to visit, to eat and to see in Birmingham. It’s your one-stop guide to independent culture in Birmingham.

Is there anything you feel Birmingham lacks at the moment on the independent scene?

To be honest, Birmingham’s independent scene has boomed over the past two years and every week it seems as though a new restaurant or bar is opening up to the avid delight of enthusiastic Brummies. There are more independents in the city than ever, and more and more people are seeking these places out and choosing to visit them, as opposed to a few years ago when the independent scene was practically non-existent.

And there’s more on the horizon.

Indeed, the fact that the big chains are frantically attempting to gain a Birmingham presence shows just how far this city has come. So there’s not too much we’re lacking. My only concern is that, despite all of this, there is still a long way to go in terms of encouraging people to support local and seek out the places that make Birmingham special, instead of just heading to the usual chains that are convenient and wellknown. If we want Birmingham to be unique and to have a thriving independent scene, it takes more than just a ‘like’ on social media it takes you going out there and supporting them with your money and your custom. But that’s what projects like Independent Birmingham are for - to show you how amazing these independent businesses are, so as to inspire you to visit them and see how brilliant they are for yourself.

Do you feel that the perception of Birmingham is changing?

I definitely think perceptions about Birmingham are changing.

For so long it was hailed as a concrete jungle, a monstrosity where nothing good ever happened and no cool events took place - a desolate city to be mocked on social

media and heckled for its regional accent. Now things are changing, Birmingham’s culinary scene (spearheaded by our fantastic independents) is gathering momentum and gaining national recognition. We’ve got 5 Michelin starred restaurants, a multi-award winning weekly street food event, the best curries in the country and everything in between. All eyes are on us. Indeed, as previously stated, the fact that so many big chain restaurants and bars are so eager to push into Birmingham right now is because of this - they want to capitalise on the hard work the independents have done in driving the food and drink scene to what it is and they want to cash in on this revolution of localism.

It’s not just food and drink though.

More and more great events are taking place in the city, and in the suburbs too. It’s an exciting time here in Birmingham and there’s a lot more to come!

What’s next for Independent Birmingham?

In terms of what is next for Independent Birmingham, there are things in the pipeline - but unfortunately I can’t tell you about them. It’s like Gandalf said, ‘Keep it secret, keep it safe’ - and he knew his stuff. Let’s just say that having successfully sold out my first ever event in a matter of hours, there may be more to come on that front. That’s all I can say for now, but it’s all about building the IB brand and encouraging more people to support local and rediscover their city.

Checkout Independent Birmingham at independent-birmingham.co.uk/

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@redbricktravel

Hidden Gem: Portmeirion Izzy Shaw Travel Writer @izzykshaw

Nestled amongst peculiarly named towns, isolated villages and boundless countryside is a little place known as Portmeirion.

Absent from your typical travel guide, for no ostensible reason other than its location, this little pocket of quirkiness is relatively

"...abundance of beauty and charming weirdness..." unknown outside of Wales. Now, it seems rather comical to put the words ‘exotic’ and ‘Wales’ side by side in a sentence, but this place really shatters the conventional Welsh associations (perhaps asides from the ever present abundance of sheep). Portmeirion is primarily a tourist village, found in the county Gwynedd (and so the bizarre, unpronounceable names begin), in North Wales. It was built by the zealous environmentalist Sir Clough WilliamsEllis between 1925 and 1975, in the style of the Italian village Portofino. Despite Portmeirion

being relatively uncharted beyond the Welsh boarder, many TV shows have been filmed here, so it’s likely you’ve seen a glimpse of its madness.

Having no glaring attractions other than its artistry, this place seriously delivers. If there is one thing Portmeirion can promise a budding travel buff, it is an abundance of beauty and charming weirdness unparalleled with anywhere else in the UK. Such peculiarity can be found primarily in its architecture; the mismatch of various buildings inspired from different eras and countries strangely compliment one another. This is all thanks to the architectural magician, Clough Williams-Ellis. Williams-Ellis notoriously denied that he was influenced by the remarkably similar Portinifino, and instead insisted his only purpose was to replicate a Mediterranean mood.

The Central Piazza is the most distinguished feature of Portmeirion, surround by Riverainspired houses, elaborate gardens and a campanile - you’d sooner believe yourself to be part of some fairytale than Wales. By simply wandering the streets of Portmeirion you will see Kentish weatherboarding, Mediterranean colours which warm sunlight appears to almost dreamily bounce off, elegant Italian arches and

Moroccan mosaic floors. The Rough Guide to Wales calls it “a gorgeous visual poem”, one clever illusionary effect being the design of the buildings. From a distance the houses look rather large and grand, however, the closer you get the smaller they appear; until you reach the arches and realise the ostensibly ‘grand’ building is a cottage at most.

Stop and marvel at the village’s weird and wonderfulness, take your time to find little surprises peppered all around. A combination of replacers and some salvaged structures result in a rather funny peasant-neoclassical-baroque mixture. One example of this being a statue of Buddha, which was used as a prop for the 1958 movie The Inn of the Sixth Happiness. Some other gems are The Bristol Colonnade, Hercules Hall, the Gothic Pavilion and Belvedere, just to name a few.

With a 180° turn you are faced with the Quayside and the waters of Afon Dwyryd; a deceiving welsh name for such a glittery Estuary. When the tide is out a vastness of beach is revealed, which makes for some scenic pictures! Following your costal walk, there’s no better way to finish the day than a little self-indulgence, you’ve satisfied your eyes, now it’s time to do the same for body.

The Mermaid Spa even treats you to Welsh products, just to assure you of where you are!

To continue the ever overindulgence Portmeirion seems to promote, the Hotel Portmeirion boasts a menu of enchantments fit to match the location. More importantly, they also have an award-winning Chef to produce such a cuisine. Then there’s Caffi Glas, a modest cafe in the center

of the village, oozing simplicity and a little Italian flare.

Portmeirion is perfect for a day visit, or if you wish to stay longer there are some rather adorable options. There is the Hotel Portmeirion, which is situated near the water, providing some stunning views. Or for something a little different, it’s possible to stay in one of the small self-catering cottages in the village, which hold up to eight people.

Then finally, for a more lavish experience, there is Castell Deudraeth, an early Victorian castellated mansion, just to add to the fantastical feel!

Any of the three choices are spectacular, however, they do not come without a hefty price tag!

If there is any chance that you’ve heard of this quaint little place before, it would have been through the rather eccentric and character charged Festival Number 6. Held in the village itself, exuding charm and individuality. the festival has previously featured the likes of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Bastille, Bicep and Motor City Drum Ensemble. As well as hosting a range of music, the festival also entertains with intimate readings, comedians and screenings all to keep you on your toes for the entirety of the weekend. Live in your own fantasy, wake up in your castle cottage, or even a boutique tipi amongst subtropical vegetation. Find yourself wandering down the ornate streets, where bloody-Mary making workshops are being held at timely hours to cure those hangovers. Or continue to find all sorts of tasty organic looking treats, as well as the quintessential festival glitter stands and vintage fashion shops.

Start your day off by watching various bands in the lush gardens,

then discover the other surreal and funky stages the festival has to offer, from Castle venues and The Grand Pavilion for wellknown acts, to the Moulin Rouge for late night cabaret, the Clough stage exclusively for Welsh acts and the Estuary stage which is host to seaside views and a pool.

With a little more exploring you come to Gwyllt Woods, eerie and seemingly with no clear end, it’s easy to get rather lost in these woodlands. However, eventually opening to a clearing, here you come across a not-so-familyfriendly area with intimate stages, giant suspended disco balls, small arts and crafts areas, and curling trees where oversized dream catchers linger. With a very Gottwood feel it’s hardly surprising that the same organisation runs the small area. Here people with bundles of energy boogie to DJs till the early hours.

The popular 1960’s television series, The Prisoner, was filmed in Portmeirion, and the festival tries to incorporate some of the drama. It does this by holding giant human-sized board games such as chess, and regular beautiful night-time lantern parades, with people dressed in Edwardian

" The Rough Guide to Wales calls it 'a gorgeous visual poem'..." clothes. Even being unaware of the context behind these elements, it adds to the magical nature of the weekend.

Don’t go to Portmeirion with the expectation of bottomless entertainment, flashy nights out or a shopping spectacular. It is nothing but a small pot of wonderful; a feast for the eyes and food for the soul. Something to take you away from the mundanities of normal life without the need for a plane ticket.

A Postcard From... Toronto Iesha Thomas Travel Writer @ieshamae97

In my post-Christmas blues, nostalgia for my trip to Toronto last summer hit hard. Canada is not all lakes and snow. Having visited in the summer, flights were half price and it wasn’t overrun with tourists. A city with endless hipster spots and culture at every corner, if you’re looking to take a trip across the Atlantic, ‘The 6’ is the perfect place to consider.

I had a self-catered apartment off Yonge Street in the heart of the city for the week. You can find these relatively cheap, and save money by eating in if you’re on a budget. If you’re a solo traveller or looking to meet other travellers, hostels are also great

option. Toronto is walkable if a forty-minute walk doesn’t sound too bad, but if you prefer public transport, the cheap metro can get you almost everywhere in minutes.

From mainstream brands at the Eaton Centre and Queen Street West, to the vintage stores of Kensington Market, there is endless shopping to fit all tastes.

The city boasts tourist destinations such as the CN Tower and Hockey Hall of Fame, but it is also home to High Park, an oasis right in the heart of Toronto. For the sporty types, in the winter months watch the Maple Leafs play, or check out the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre.

Known for its cold climate, the city boasts the tranquil Toronto Islands just a short ferry crossing from the city harbour. Ward’s

Island holds the remainder of the quaint summer homes from years gone by and a gorgeous beach on Lake Ontario. I recommend dining at The Rectory Café on the boardwalk and meander between all the beaches and greenery.

Just a 90 minute drive from Niagara Falls, there’s no excuse for missing out with day coach trips available. The Hornblower boat cruise and the Journey behind the Falls are unique opportunities, similarly, the Skylon Tower provides some amazing views.

Toronto boasts endless delicious cuisines suitable for those with special dietary requirements – having travelled with a Vegan I can confirm this. Hemingway’s in Yorkville is worth a stop, with mouth-watering burgers, friendly staff and a great atmosphere. The Loose Moose in the Entertainment

District has a trendy vibe, and if you’re feeling brave they have ginormous deep-fried fries and onion ring portions! No trip to Canada would be complete without poutine – a concoction of gravy and cheese curds – which you can easily find in restaurants

or food stalls.

Canada is becoming an increasingly popular destination for backpackers and holiday enthusiasts as an alternative to the USA. Make sure you take a visit to Toronto - it is definitely one for the bucket list.

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Friday 20th January 2017

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Cheap Trips: The Bay of Naples Travel writer Phoebe gives us her best advice on how to budget, where to stay and what to do when visiting The Bay of Naples Phoebe WarnefordThomson Travel Writer @phoebewt_

The Bay of Naples is a diverse stretch of coastline; curving from the vibrant and bustling city of Napoli, past the historic Pompeii and picturesque Sorrento before finishing with the idyllic isle of Capri.

The 15km-wide gulf hosts a vast excess of activities and sights of interest, without being overcrowded by tourists. Naples is very metropolitan, and by far the busiest of the sites along the bay.

Nonetheless, it has retained its rich culture of art, music, architecture, food and religion.

Wandering amongst the Neapolitan architecture and exploring the museums and galleries would be a day well spent there. Must-sees are the city’s cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro, the extravagant Royal Palace and the Castel Nuovo, a 13th century castle. Or you could simply park yourself in a restaurant and carb-load until you cant walk back to your hostel (it would be criminal not to in the

"The city is an animated and energetic place..." city that invented pizza).

The city is an animated and energetic place, however, a word of warning to women; Naples may just be the ‘catcall’ capital of Italy, if not Europe. It is not uncommon to walk past a busy road and have three different men lean out the windows of their Fiats to shout “Ciao bella” or some profanity in Italian within a single minute. It is annoying, but it’s better to be aware of it before you go, and to not pay them any attention.

The answer to rest and relaxa-

tion after experiencing the dynamic city are the beautiful locations of Sorrento and Capri. For more serene days, these places are ideal.

The Lonely Planet guide describes Capri Town as “more like a film set than real-life”, which isn’t surprising since the beautiful island of Capri is host to bijou whitewashed stone architecture, narrow, car free streets, and is where the mega-rich come to show of their yachts (Rolex are hosting their sailing week there in 2017). Although this doesn’t mean Capri has allowed any of its quaint, Italian small town charm to diminish. Alternatively, Sorrento has a down to earth vibe of more affordable prices and casual restaurants with stunning sea views.

Sorrento doesn’t have a ‘proper beach’ as the town is set upon a cliff face. If anything, this is a benefit; you can relax on sun loungers atop raised decks that stretch out into the sea, without having to deal with sand infesting your belongings for weeks after you return home. And the panoramic views across the bay atop the cliffs are not to be missed.

The Bay of Naples also boasts two major sites of historical and geographical interest, Mount Vesuvius and the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Excursions here during your trip are vital. Helpful advice here would be to take plenty of water, and sign up to an official

tour; it is possible to tackle the large plot of Pompeii alone but the tourist map can be a little confusing and you’d miss a lot of the facts not provided in the guide.

Spending Money: With access to the lush, diverse culture Italy has to offer, spending money here is essential. However, you can be savvy with what you spend. Cash should be reserved for food, drink, day trips and the small ticket price you’ll pay for a sun lounger on a deck in Sorrento.

In terms of eating out, while there are certainly many high-end options available throughout the bay there are plenty of low-key alternatives, serving brilliant Italian food for a good price, so

"...holds a vast array of culture and history and an abundance of stunning views..." student accessibility here is by no means compromised.

Accommodation: With regards to where you can stay, there are cheap hostels to be found in Naples, but in Italy, you really do get for what you pay for.

A basic price means a basic serv-

ice. If you choose to scrimp and opt for a hostel here you’ll be saving your pennies, with most dorms being offered at around £12 per person per night. However, it may be worth boosting your budget by a small fraction and staying in tranquil Sorrento. There aren’t many hostels here, Seven Hostel being one of the few available. In June, dorms are offered from around £18 a night, but you’ll have to book early before these are filled up. Alternatively you could opt for a room in a hotel, but you should expect to pay double the price (although this may be a cost worth bearing).

Paying the additional price to stay in Sorrento will provide you with a confortable base for your trip, as it is central to the places you’re likely to visit and will likely save you money on excursions. Sorrento is an ideal location for taking day trips to Capri, Pompeii, Vesuvius and Naples, plus perfect to return to in the late afternoon for a swim in the luxuriously warm sea and an evening stroll through its charming streets after dinner.

of the trip. Flights from Birmingham to Naples in June should be expected to be around £160 if you book early. Ordinarily I’d encourage European destinations to be woven into an Interrail trip, but as Italy is not the cheapest country to travel, eat or stay in, the bay of Naples may be better off considered a single entity.

However, it is well worth the visit all the same.

With regards to transport while you’re there, boats or buses are the most obvious modes of getting around. The fastest way of travelling from Sorrento to Naples is via the ferry, which lasts approximately 40 minutes. A return ticket will cost €22 per person, which isn’t bad for the cost of a day trip. There are also regular ferry connections from Sorrento to Capri for a similar price.

Should you choose to visit Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii, package day trips to visit both sites are offered from £40, which will provide you with entry to the ruins, transport up the mountain, Captions go in the corner guide. of pictures and a knowledgeable and shouldn't be hyphenated Overall, this destination holds a vast array of culture and history and an abundance of stunning views that will make you want to return year after year. The Bay of Naples should hold a significant position on every student’s bucket list.

Transport: A flight to Naples International Airport will mean four holidays in one: a city break, walking trips (if you’re brave enough to climb Mount Vesuvius in 40-degree heat), culture and relaxation. So there’s no dispute over the value

Top 3... Quirky Spots in Amsterdam Katherine Lambert Travel Writer @katherinelambert95

Photograph by Rafael Puerto

Niewmarkt is nestled in the centre of Amsterdam just one tube stop away from Central Station. In its winding lanes you can find a whole host of quirky bars, cafés and restaurants much cheaper than the more touristy areas, as well as Amsterdam’s own China town, complete with a Buddhist temple and scores of authentic shops and restaurants. One of my favourite places for a drink is Café T’uinfeest, with its cosy interior and outdoor seating complete with blankets for a slice of “gezellig” Dutch atmosphere. If you fancy a trip back to 1927, head to Café T’maandje; the interior has remained unchanged and provides a truly unique experience! (Also it is perfectly positioned next to a shop selling the best chips I’ve ever tasted).

De Pijp is an area on the west of the Amstel river and home to the famous Albert Cuyp Markt. Open on weekdays, the market is bustling and you can grab yourself some bargains or tuck into delicious food: a personal favourite is fresh stroopwaffels, supersized and slathered in syrupy goodness, these are a musttry when in the Netherlands and an upgrade from their supermarket equivalents. De Pijp is also one of Amsterdam’s trendiest areas, home to many restaurants and sleek bars such as café Tapmarin, open until the early hours when they transform into nightlife hotspots. Amsterdam’s first hangover bar is also located here, so if you’ve overindulged the night before you can ride it out here in luxury!

Amsterdam Noord is an area often forgotten about.

Pllek is a restaurant and bar with a beach created out of shipping containers and busy whatever the weather, especially in summer with brave swimmers taking the plunge into the river. Europe’s largest flea market IJ Hallen happens monthly in Noord with vast arrays of items on offer, if your visit coincides with it, make sure to check it out!

Some of Amsterdam’s best clubs are also located in the North, the most recent addition being Shelter – a huge underground complex with a 24-hour licence christened during the Amsterdam Dance Event festival, which draws in big hitters from the electronic music scene and is a must-visit.

MUSIC

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Friday 20th January 2017

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Redbrick's Picks for 2017 Ben Johns

Music Critic @ben_johns

Tinashe

Holly Carter Music Editor @holscarts

With the release of her new music video ‘Company’, exuding sex appeal, star quality and sass, it's clear she’s not holding back this year. Demonstrating so much potential, it’s strange she hasn’t broken through properly before.

Let’s hope that with some support from her label and radio stations, it will be third time lucky with the release of her third studio album Joyride. It’s time to stop her bops from being flops and make 2017 the year she receives the success she deserves.

"it's a shock she isn't one of the biggest names in the genre"

Music Critic @hannaah_strong

The Big Moon DEAD!

Aren’t we all crying out for a new pop star to take the scene by storm? If anybody deserves to fill that spot it’s R&B singer-songwriter Tinashe. Despite having two albums under her belt, a platinum selling single in the States and a stamp of approval from Kanye West, it’s a shock she isn’t one of the biggest names in the genre. However, it’s fair to say her career has been marred by one too many false starts.

"Exuding sex appeal, star quality and sass, it's clear she's not holding back this year"

Hannah Strong

With only a years' worth of work and 10 songs to their name, The Big Moon are very much in the early stages of success. But success it will be.

Rock band DEAD! , consisting of members Alex Mountford on vocals, Sam and Louis Matlock on guitars and Sam Chappell on bass, ended 2016 on a high. After playing at numerous festivals, releasing some new music and pretty much touring 24/7, the buzz surrounding DEAD! has heavily increased. Touring with the likes of Hands Like Houses, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, as well as doing a one-off show with You Me At Six, DEAD! have successfully made their mark on the rock scene.

Matthew Magill

Music Critic

Music Critic

Alexandra Savior

Hannah Georgas

To compare Alexandra Savior - a female, velvet-voiced singersongwriter - with Lana Del Rey would be lazy, though not altogether unfair. Savior, though ten years younger than the New York songstress, demonstrates the prerequisites to attain similarly dizzying levels of acclaim and success.

I first saw Hannah Georgas at a small, open-air concert in Whistler, Canada last year. Playing to a modest crowd, she introduced herself humbly and with heart; the words of someone not expecting and unaccustomed to fame. From there her set began, and I was swept away by the soft, breathy power her voice held. My first impression was of a hushed Florence Welch, with subdued but emotional tracks like ‘Don’t Go’ and ‘Evelyn’; the latter named after her grandmother and the inspiration for her latest album For Evelyn.The appeal of Georgas is that, alongside these soulful, sing-alone-in-the-car tracks, she still creates songs that lean into a more typical pop genre whilst maintaining her own branded style, such as ‘Crazy Shit’ or ‘Shortie’.

"A sense of effortless cool"

6

"Deep, powerful vocals and compelling '50sesque backing Deep, powerful vocals and compelling '50s-esque backing singing make up the forefront of the all-female four piece’s sound.

Coupled with smooth melodies, strong guitar riffs and surprising twists to all of their tracks, The Big Moon carry one of the best new voices in indie rock right now. Despite being effortlessly cool on stage, the girls are a joy to meet off-stage, as I discovered when bumping into them after their slot at Birmingham’s ‘All Year’s Leaving’ festival in October 2016, just one of their 738(!) gigs last year.

"The Big Moon carry one of the best new voices in indie rock right now" After being played on BBC 6 Music and featured in NME at the end of 2016, this year is bound to be an even greater one for The Big Moon. They hold a slot at BBC Radio 1’s revered ‘Future Festival’ later in the month, and if that doesn’t kick-start them into an amazing 2017, I don’t know what will.

Formed in 2012, they’ve released a number of EPs which have included one of their most successful tracks, 'Alaska'. 2016 saw the band release new singles such as 'You’re So Cheap' and their latest single 'Something More Original', which was released in October. 2017 looks even more promising - with new music, touring (including a show at Birmingham’s Sunflower Lounge on January 26th), raw talent and a solid sound, it’s clear that 2016 was only the beginning for DEAD!

"DEAD! have successfully made their mark on the rock scene"

The Big Moon - Love In The Tinashe - Joyride, out soon

Tom Jones

Her first 3 singles were released in 2016; ‘Shades’, ‘M.T.M.E.’, and her November offering ‘Mystery Girl’ all drip with a sense of effortless cool that render them worthy of rivalling much of Del Rey’s back catalogue. However, it is not her similarity to the Grammy-award nominee that makes Alexandra Savior one to watch in 2017, it is how she is different.

Savior’s close-collaboration with Alex Turner, of Arctic

"Proved that she is able to hold her own with one of the 21st century's greatest songwriters" Monkeys and The Last Shadow Puppets fame, for instance, could be said to set the 21 year-old apart from Del Rey. She has proved that she is able to hold her own with one of the 21st century’s greatest songwriters; one of the pair’s joint-efforts ‘Miracle Aligner’ finds itself sitting quite happily as the second track on The Last Shadow Puppets’ 2016 album Everything You’ve Come To Expect. Savior’s upcoming album Belladonna of Sadness, entirely co-penned with Turner, is due to be released in April 2017.

With catchy lines like: ‘I'm not a player, not a hater, I'm your lover and I want your loving’, Georgas is the kind of artist with songs to complement both the warm feeling of early love and the melancholy of breakup. Starting her career in 2009 and, following several awards including 2011 and 2013 Juno “Songwriter of the Year”, it seems Georgas’ time of rightful recognition has been building to this point.

"The lovechild of London Grammar and Lorde" Recently covering Rihanna’s ‘Needed Me’, with a voice as smooth as if it was the lovechild of London Grammar and Lorde, she returns to the UK with a tour date in Brighton. And so, to the woman who genuinely blushed when I told her she was one of my favourite artists, Hannah Georgas, please, ‘Don’t Go’ anywhere.

Belladonna of Sadness, is to

4th Dimension, out 7th April

DEAD! - Tu Me Manques,

be released by Columbia

Hannah Georgas - For

2017

out now

Records on 7th April 2017

Evelyn, out now

MUSIC

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbrickmusic

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Album Review: The xx - I See You Matthew Freddura

is to come. This is the band you love but not as you know them.

The lead single ‘On Hold’ and its follow up

Music Critic @matthewfreddura

After circumnavigating the sophomore slump of a second album and splintering off for solo projects, Romy, Oliver and Jamie return as a trio with I See You.

"Unlike their previous album, this doesn't feel like an attempt to echo the sound of their first, but is a genuine development" Their first album in five years bursts open with ‘Dangerous’ – a decidedly more upbeat sound for the band. Its production is reminiscent of Jamie’s solo work and the post-dubstep garage element is a distinctively UK sound. Since the band first erupted in 2009 with their self-titled debut album, it has been Jamie - the band’s producer, who has garnered the most attention with his remixes and sampleheavy debut solo album. The horn -heavy refrain of the album’s opener is reminiscent of In Colour and readies you for the album that

‘Say Something Loving’ are both sampleheavy and, unlike their previous

album, t h i s doesn’t feel like an attempt to echo the sound of their first, but is a genuine development. The haunting guitar riffs and conversational lyrical arrangements are still there, but with an extensively bigger base of genres to take influence from.

Both ‘Performance’ and ‘Brave for You’ are classics — they are naked and spare and feel like

tracks that could have come from their first album.

M a d l e y Croft’s iconic guitar

loops, t h e haunting strings and well-placed silences are classic xx. The delivery of the lyrics is exact, managing to convey a

comp l e x range of emotions with simple but effective sentence structures such as ‘I just don't remember the thrill of affection/ I need a reminder, the feeling's escaped me’. This allows Oliver and Romy to show off their now fuller, more rounded vocals.

‘Performance’ and ‘Test Me’ have excitingly experimental

string arrangements with beautifully skeletal production. With a distinctive slow-burning build on ‘Brave For You’, the charging guitar chords and thundering bassline weave together into an ethereal ballad. The album takes an up-tempo turn on tracks such as ‘I Dare You’, with

"The album manages to push the boundaries of their sound but doesn't lose their slow burning charm" a strong pop hook that feels like it could be a chart-topping hit - if it weren’t for the effectively powerful yet lethargic vocals of MadleyCroft and Sims.

The album manages to push the boundaries of their sound but doesn’t lose their slow-burning charm. The tension that they build doesn’t drop or break but is a tension that dissipates. The xx have never been a band that have favoured a cheap crescendo over the careful craft of a deeper spectral sound. The album’s closer ‘Test Me’ is exemplar of their ability to create a sound so full from so little and shows that they are a band moving in the right direction.

Track of the Week: Temples - Strange Or Be Forgotten This week brings us a new track from Kettering four piece Temples.

After the phenomenal success of their debut album Sun Structures, ‘Strange Or Be Forgotten’ is the second release from their upcoming effort Volcano. Following on from lead single 'Certainty', the band demonstrate the layered synth and driving bass that has become their trademark, and fans are very happy to see them back after a two year break. Set to embark on a European tour in the spring, this year can only be one of success for Temples, and new boppy material for us. Catch them at the 02 Institute on the 2nd April for a show that is sure not to be soon forgotten.

Volcano will be released on the 3rd March 2017 Check out Redbrick Music's top tracks of the week on our Spotify playlist. Search redbrickmusic to have a listen!

Redbrick Meets: Imelda May Zoe Screti

Music Critic @zoescretimusic

The past year has been tumultuous for Imelda May and it seems only natural that such dramatic changes in her personal life have been reflected in her music. After the recent release of the first single from her new album set to be released in March 2017, Imelda has received some criticism for breaking free of her rockabilly

"My band wanted me to make the best album I could make and now we’re in the process of making the best live show we can make and we’re doing that together" image. However, as Imelda pointed out, she has never professed to be solely a rockabilly artist. “I have always loved all kinds of music and I have always said I did,” she explained. “I think as an artist and as a songwriter you have to dip into all of your influences and not just stick to one. I wanted a change and decided to shake

things up.” And shake things up she did!

Her signature hairdo which was so quintessentially rockabilly has been replaced by an edgy fringe, and her music also has a new edge to it. One of the striking things about ‘Call Me’, the first track from Life Love Flesh Blood, is the sheer emotional rawness which beautifully runs through the core of the track, something which was only enhanced in the strippedback version of the song Imelda performed for W! Magazine.

Speaking of how the album came together, Imelda said, “I just wrote and wrote and wrote and was as honest as I could be. It was almost therapeutic in a way. I wasn’t thinking about anyone else. I just wanted to stop, be still and start again and write and see where it went.” It is this reflection on life and change that appears to have infused Imelda’s new music with heartfelt honesty and raw emotion, perfectly suiting the album title by reflecting the highs and lows of life. And according to Imelda, fans can expect the emotion of ‘Call Me’ to run throughout the remainder of the album.

But was this somewhat sudden change in sound something intentional or did it come naturally to Imelda May? “I like change,” Imelda said. “Predictability is boring and I wanted to expand and experiment and feel free to do whatever I wanted. I feel that that is important for anybody artistic,

so I wrote a different kind of album using all the influences that I love that I hadn’t touched on enough or explored”. And of course, while not everyone will be satisfied by this change in musical direction, it is important that artists remain fresh and true to the music in their heart and soul. After all, there is nothing worse than churning out album after album, each of which is indistinguishable from the rest. All the greats f r o m Elvis to T h e Beatles

underw e n t changes in sound over their musical careers; to try and confine an artist to a single box with cookie-cutter records simply isn’t productive.

“Before I wrote the last album, Tribal,” Imelda continued, “I knew what kind of album I wanted to write, so it was intentionally as heavy as I wanted to go and it touched on a lot more punk. I knew I wanted to write Tribal and go as heavy as I wanted so that then I could step away. So in that sense Life Love Flesh Blood was intentional in that I knew I wanted

to change. But on the other hand, I didn’t know what I wanted the next album to be and I loved that.

For each album I knew what I wanted to write, except perhaps the first one, Love Tattoo. I had a lot of freedom with that one and I wanted to get that back. I wanted to not know what the album would be and just write and see what came out.” If ‘Call Me’ is anything to go by, what came out of Imelda’s bid for freedom was sheer musical genius and beauty.

Many fans are supportive of Imelda’s attempt to be “creative with boundaries” and let the songs lead her rather than the other way around, and her band are no different. Whilst the band do not feature on the album, which was produced with T-Bone Burnett and his own band alongside outstanding and renowned musicians such as Jeff Beck and Jools Holland, the band nevertheless supported Imelda’s decision to alter her musical direction. Talking about the decision to use a different band for the album, Imelda said, “I was working with T-Bone Burnett and I had wanted to work with him for a long time; he is a brilliant producer and a wonderful man and I’ve been a fan of his for a long time. I produce my own albums and I love producing so I was interested to see what he could bring to my music and I wanted to see how he did it. But one of the things he said was that he wanted me to use his band, and I thought about it for a long time

and then I said ‘OK, let’s do it.”

Whilst this wasn’t an easy decision for either Imelda or her band, the result, as seen with ‘Call Me’, is sublime, allowing Imelda the opportunity to work with some incredible musicians.

But, never fear, the band will be joining Imelda on her tour in May 2017. “[The band] knew what I wanted to do and they knew why - because I’d changed and wanted to experiment and I trusted T-Bone." But it is not only Imelda who has changed. The band has also undergone some changes with the addition of members of Paolo Nutini's band and two backing vocalists.

Despite the changes, Imelda is full of nothing but praise for her band. “My band have been brilliant,” she said. “They’re half replicating what’s on the album but I wanted them to put their own stamp on it because they are incredible musicians and I want them to be comfortable and proud and play with feeling rather than play what someone else has played. They’ve been absolutely great. They wanted me to make the best album I could make and now we’re in the process of making the best live show we can make and we’re doing that together.” It would seem as though, in the midst of so much change for Imelda, some things, such as the support of her band and their mutual love and respect, will always stay the same.

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CULTURE

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbrickculture

Review: ‘Gaslight’ at the New Alexandra Theatre Madeleine Bourne Culture Critic @maddiemae_xo

The audience are seated. The lights have slowly dimmed. The chatter of laughter falls away to an anticipating murmur. I am positively terrified as to how scarily thrilling this psychological thriller is going to be; I’m a little jumpy when it comes to horror. As the curtains draw back at the New Alexandra Theatre on opening night, we are met with a scene of a respectable Victorian household - the kind of furnishings that herald a bygone age of wealth.

Paintings of ancestors on the walls and an ornate fireplace, with the warmth of logs burning, indicate the home of a happily married couple. However, something is askew.

"Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 Victorian thriller... coined the term gaslighting: a form of psychological abuse whereby the victim is made to doubt their own sanity."

The play is packaged up as a psychological thriller, so naturally the skeptical eyes of myself and undoubtedly the rest of the audience are drawn towards two images on stage. Flickering eerily as a token of warning for what’s to come, above the fireplace stand two gaslights. Sat on a chair, albeit nervously, sits Bella Manningham (Kara Tointon) opposite her lounging, perfectly at ease, self-assured husband Jack Manningham (Rupert Young) who is reading the evening’s newspaper.

Before even a word is uttered, the audience is on Bella’s team.

We already do not like her husband; if we’re honest, something about him even terrifies us as well. Our skepticism is proven worthy when Bella rushes to help a maid that is bringing in the dinner. Mr. Manningham proceeds to flirt with the maid in order to teach Bella a lesson that their servants are not ‘equals’. At this point, we as an audience are pretty much ready to give Jack Manningham a rather massive, metaphorical, slap in the face.

Next, Jack hooks Bella in with a proposition to take her to the theatre, something that absolutely delights her. A glance over to the piano, and he suddenly realizes that their gilded photograph is missing. Someone has displaced it. Jack first says with sorrow that Bella really needs to start admitting why and where she keeps hiding objects around the house.

When Bella wholeheartedly protests that she has nothing to do

with such foolery, we begin to see the cold-heartedness of Mr. Manningham’s character. There is a true menace to his voice when he threatens Bella with admission to a mental hospital if she doesn’t stop such behaviour - he then storms out of the house for a night on the town, leaving Bella alone, frightened, shaken up and questioning her very sanity. Heavy stuff, I know.

Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 Victorian thriller has been played out on both stage and screen, and in fact coined the term ‘gaslighting’: a form of psychological abuse whereby the victim is made to doubt their own sanity. Gaslight has played out on different ends of the theatrical spectrum - in 2015, the play was revived for the Royal and Derngate theatre complex in Northampton. The show featured special effects such as video projections, moving doors and floors to heighten the anxiety of the performance. But 2017’s revival didn’t need such hi-tech wizardry to be successful, oh no.

Hamilton once described his play as a pastiche - but the way today’s revival of the thriller skirts over, dodges around and takes a tiny skip over melodrama, teasing the audience with a heightened performance full of energy, but retains sincerity so as not to reach the absurdity that sometimes melodrama can create, means that director Anthony Banks’ production doesn’t need the use of complex sets. We never leave the sitting room of the Manningham household; the only glimpse of a world outside the room is when the door to the sitting room opens, and we can see down a darkened passage to the rest of the house.

This only heightens Bella’s anxiety and impossible position; we too feel trapped. I can tell you it’s definitely not a nice feeling.

The main technical effect used is Manuel Harlan

just a change of lighting. The gaslights flicker up and down throughout, unnerving the steeliest of theatre goers. A sudden moment of a multitude of flashing lights on the empty stage ramps up the tension to a near hysterical degree. We don’t need a melodramatic light show for the sake of it in this production of Gaslight. All we need is the playwright’s words and the sincerity of the actors’ delivery.

Manuel Harlan

"The play is packaged up as a psychological thriller" Having said that, there was a directorial decision which sadly took away from the brilliance of the production. The ghost of a murdered woman appears now and again throughout; something that seemed as if it was intended to shock the audience, but ended up appearing rather comical. The juxtaposition between the psychological nature of Bella’s abuse, something that is gravely serious and believable to this day, and the popping up of a ghostly figure just jarred. The actors’ talk of the ghost and a sinister murder that happened 20 years prior to the play’s setting was enough to really freak us out. We didn’t need a visual representation of something that was already ghastly enough in our own imaginations; imagination is powerful and seeing the ghost dumbed down that power.

But moaning aside, the real brilliance of Gaslight is unearthed in the joy of the actors’ craft, particularly in the appearance of a retired detective (Keith Allen), whose role is to help Bella uncover the true identity of her controlling husband, and the life that

Kara Tointon breathes into Bella’s pale, actually quite lifeless character. Both very complex roles to fill, all we needed was their craft to keep us immersed in the performance. Keith Allen, veteran actor, star of Trainspotting and more recently, Eddie the Eagle, pops up almost magically like a little leprechaun, yet still finds truth and an earnest nature in a seemingly impossible role. The deadpan nature of his comedic tone made him believable: we overlooked the flaws in Hamilton’s tale due to Allen’s skill at dealing with such a farcical character. As for the leading lady, Kara Tointon, star of Eastenders, winner of Strictly Come Dancing and a plethora of West End gigs, instead of finding Bella insufferable and overdramatic, we cheered her

along throughout, due to Kara’s sensitive take on a character that could quite easily slip into melodrama. We believed her character, we felt her pain and we absolutely flipping loved her by the end.

"We believed Kara Tointon's character, we felt her pain, and we absolutely flipping loved her by the end" As the show ended, the cast came back on stage to a sea of applause. Heading up to the bar for a post-show drink, I caught up with the cast for a chat. Unbeknown to myself that they would be there, I was totally unprepared and just a little bit, well, a lot, flustered.

Chatting to Kara, I admitted that I totally felt out of my depth amongst the cast and professional journalists. She in turn gave me a warm smile and said ‘I feel totally the same way. We only rehearsed this over Christmas and I don’t feel quite ready to be showing it yet.’ She was even nice enough to grab a quick selfie with a very unprofessional student journalist and her friend. Going by the stellar performance the cast gave on opening night, you need to get your hands on some tickets, because it sounds like they have a whole lot more, if that’s even possible, to pull out of their theatrical bag.

'Gaslight' will be touring the country until Saturday 11th March 2017.

Places of performance include: Aylesbury, Woking, York, Brighton and Richmond

CULTURE

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbrickculture

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Review: ‘Dick Whittington’ at the Birmingham Hippodrome Olivia Boyce Culture Editor @liv_boyce

Birmingham is and has always seemed lucky enough to play host to a wealth of touring productions, home-grown classics, and spectacular variety of cultural offerings, particularly around the holiday seasons. However, few shows are quite as anticipated an event on the city’s theatrical calendar as the Hippodrome’s current fare – a pantomime, a staple of the holiday season in Britain, yet relatively unknown beyond the UK. Attracting star-packed casts and huge audiences, with a record-breaking 119,000 seeing their 2015 production of Aladdin, it is clear that these are high expectations indeed – and Dick Whittington, this year’s offering, doesn’t so much raise expectations as it does smash them in gloriously brilliant style.

Avoiding the caveat that comes with staging a perhaps lesser known or defined pantomime like Whittington, the tale that unfolds is packed with a clever mixture of superb dance numbers, almost vignette or tableau comic scenes that use well the various talents of the cast, and the occasional bit of plot thrown in to bring it all together. The premise is a familiar one Whittington goes to London to find his fortune, and along the way finds he is the hero needed to free the city, and his new friends, from the terrors of King Rat and his rodent minions.

The cast is a tour de force collective of stage and screen legends from across the decades, boasting familiar faces to audience members of all ages. The titular Dick (Whittington!), the hero tasked with defeating a villain in his quest to become Lord Mayor of London, is here played

by John Barrowman. Famous for a range of stage and screen roles, though perhaps best known for playing Captain Jack Harkness in Doctor Who and Torchwood, Barrowman is stellarly cast here, giving us a handsome Whittington full of innuendo and sharp wit, accompanied by the fabulous

vocal chops that have seen him cast in many a musical. Reveling in the rather smutty comedic gift that is his character’s name, his Whittington often becomes wonderfully self-aware, flirtatious with more than just Whittington’s beau Alice, bringing something brilliant to the tried and tested character formula. All in all, Barrowman’s a rather wonderful Dick.

Jodie Prenger, whose stage career has gone from strength to strength after winning I’d Do Anything, the Andrew Lloyd Webber helmed TV search for an actress to play Nancy in Oliver, is here cast as Fairy Bow Bells, a role in which she captures a playful spirit and pairs it with some great vocals, a duet with Barrowman being a highlight of the whole show. Danielle Hope, whose career also began with a Lloyd Webber show looking this time for Dorothy, is cast as Alice, who quickly falls for Whittington.

Like Prenger, Hope brings charm and vocal flair to the role, though at times both feel a little underused, more so Hope, the only unfortunate side effect of having such a large and talented cast,

with only a few hours in which to best use them.

The Krankies are, as always, on comedic form. Those familiar with their work will find several call-backs to their earlier career,

"Dick Whittington does it all fabulously – comedic genius, a veritable palette of musical delights, special effects and stellar cast, all tied together in a gift of a pantomime" and their patter with Barrowman is what makes a great many of the scenes move from enjoyable to outrageous. Barrowman remarked at the launch of the pantomime that there was a certain ‘something that happens’ when the trio

are on stage together, and this is most certainly the case. They get many of the (perhaps surprisingly frequent) more “adult” jokes, with some leaving parents guffawing in faux shock whilst their kids laugh obliviously along, though this seeks only to include every audience member, rather than exclude the younger ones.

Their quite frequent breaking character, adlibbing and self-referential puns are joyous, and Janette in particular is on cracking form. Her improv is so quick that she sometimes stuns her fellow actors into peals of disbelieving laughter, and her lyrically-altered rendition of a Madonna classic is a moment of unexpected brilliance.

However, star of the show from the moment he appears on stage is Matt Slack. Slack is now a fixture of the Brum panto scene having starred in several past Hippodrome productions, and indeed he is greeted with such rapturous applause when he first treads the boards that he cheekily turns to check that nobody else has come on stage to elicit such a response. He’s ‘Idle Jack... in this one!’, and almost every scene he Simon Hadley

is in he steals, a veritable whirlwind of easy patter, a bevy of jokes and one liners, and the saviour of many of the little mishaps that inevitably happen in panto.

Slack’s comedic talent is a gift, rivalling many great comedians of this or any time, and it is little wonder he has already been confirmed for next year’s panto – he is simply astounding. It is clear that his contribution to the production goes beyond his own lines, with little touches of his comedic routines evident throughout, and it is in little doubt that the panto is all the better for him.

Also remarkable is the ambition on display in the range and ingenuity of the special effects and design. Costuming is excellent throughout, and the sheer number of costumes worn by Andrew Ryan’s Sarah the Cook is staggering. The 3D sequence that the Qdos pantomimes have gained acclaim for have returned once more, this time offering a surprisingly dark underwater sequence that is brilliantly utilised, and there is even a rather terrifying giant rat contraption that emerges from the darkness, red eyes gleaming as it looms over the audience eerily, somewhat oddly evocative of the Martian’s fighting machines in War of the Worlds.

It is just one of several clever usages of mechanics, with a flight sequence that closes the first act that, without spoiling the magic of the moment, is pretty fantastic, and very festive too.

It is one of a great many unexpected moments, in a pantomime where the unexpected seems to happen almost constantly. Qdos have excelled themselves once again, putting on nothing short of a delightful spectacle. Pantomimes are not supposed to be subtle, perhaps more charming than sincere, and Dick Whittington does it all fabulously – comedic genius, a veritable palette of musical delights, special effects and stellar cast, all tied together in a gift of a pantomime. For a festive treat, it really does seem that there is little better than this practically perfect production.

Review: ‘The Rover’ at the RSC Rhianna Hartshorne Culture Critic

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Aphra Behn’s, ‘The Rover,’ directed by Loveday Ingram, is a wild and mischievous spectacle; complete with marvellous flamenco music, strong witty women and hilariously bawdy men – all in all, a lot of fun. Ingram’s intent was to revive the work of Aphra Behn who, in her words, had been, ‘pushed aside by later generations; her feminism and libertine behaviour too ahead of its time,’ and it is safe to say, she has achieved her goal. Once inside Stratford’s time-honoured Swan Theatre, the audience is immediately transported into the electric and energised atmosphere of the carnival, enhanced by the live

musicians: Adam Cross (saxophone), Nick Lee (guitar) and Andrew Stone-Fewings (trumpet), accompanied by flamboyant flamenco dancing, sultry singing and alluring costume: feathers, velvet, masks - you name it!

Ingram presents Behn’s England, when the fashionable accessories for a man were his sword and his whore, encapsulated in the character of Willmore.

And it is Joseph Millson’s portrayal of Willmore ‘The Rover’ himself, a restoration Russell Brand that is the driving force of this production, whose insatiable sexual appetite sees him attempting to bed women left right and centre, whilst he is already promised to the lovely and lively Hellena (Faye Castelow). He is the libertine everyone loves to hate - to him, love is a game that he is excellent at playing, much to

the audience’s comedic delight.

Indeed, the scene in which he, Don Pedro (Gyrui Sarossy) and Don Antonio (Jamie Wilkes) all

"Joseph Millson’s portrayal of Willmore ‘The Rover’ is a restoration Russell Brand that is the driving force of this production" attempt to woo the elusive and adored Angelica Bianca (Alexandra Gilbreath) has all the

audience clapping with encouragement – such a hoot!

The introduction of Hellena, Florinda (Frances McNamee) and Valeria (Emma Noakes) gives the play its feisty edge, as all three women endeavour to find love before they are either married off for money or sent to a nunnery.

Their disguises as gypsies facilitate such a venture and they attend the festivities in search of partners. The choreography of the carnival scene is a joy for the eyes and the ears, complete with flashes of vibrant colour and slinky saxophone sounds-so captivating and full of life, it makes you want to get up and join in.

Lighting and staging plays a huge part in aiding the comedy of the production. The black out and use of the trap door, during the scene in which the wealthy Englishmen Blunt (Leander

Deeny) is duped by the alluring wench Lucetta (Kellie Shirley), is a masterclass in absurd, surreal and suggestive slapstick – (Morecombe and Wise...esque’?!)

- you can’t help but laugh.

I must say, it is very hard not to enjoy this play, especially given the suggestive dialogue of every scene and the playful portrayal of love. But what makes it a true joy to behold is how the play, and Aphra Behn (a woman!), were both remarkably ahead of their time, attempting to overturn the norm. Anyone in need of a good giggle to shake off the January blues couldn’t go far wrong with this fiesta of drama.

'The Rover' at the RSC's Swan Theatre will be running until 11th February 2017

SCI & TECH

30

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbricktech

Mental Health Treatments Science & Tech Editor Kara Watson takes a look at two instances of mental health care treatment, with great positive effect Mental Health Facts

8.2m The number of cases of anxiety in the UK, 2013

7.8% Of people in Britain meet the criteria for mixed anxiety and depression; the most common mental disorder

1/4 People in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any given year

4-10% Of people in England will experience depression in their lifetime

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental disorders in the world. 1 in 10 people will be affected by depression at some point during their lives.

Changing your personality New research has found that therapeutic interventions (including things like counselling and drug therapy) can change patient’s personalities. It was found that people tended to be less neurotic and slightly more extraverted after their treatment. This study, led by Professor Brent Roberts at the University of Illinois, has challenged the belief that certain personality traits are fixed from birth or childhood.

Neuroticism and extraversion are deemed to be two of five key personality traits in people, the others being openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. If you are more neurotic, you are more likely to view situations as threatening, as well as generally being more anxious or depressed.

It was believed that these kinds of traits stay with us our entire lives, with some research backing up that idea, but this new study counters this belief.

In a review of 207 studies on therapeutic interventions, it was found that after three months of treatment, patients reported themselves to be more emotionally stable by about half as much as they would over the course of their lives. In other words, the change in neuroticism that they would normally experience gradually over their adult life instead occurred in three months, which shows that these treatments make a huge difference.

Extraversion also showed as significant increase, although this was smaller, and for the 50 studies which followed up the patients after the treatment found that they still experienced these positive

effects in the long term. Those with anxiety disorders changed the most, whereas patients recovering from substance abuse changed the least. The review also found that the type of therapy used didn’t make a difference to the personality change. Only psychotherapy was associated with slightly greater changes in neuroticism than just drug therapy alone.

'We’re not saying personality dramatically reorganises itself... but this reveals that personality does develop and can be developed' said Prof. Roberts.

New forms of treatment: Intellicare In this digital age, therapies for mental health disorders are moving online and to apps on our smartphones. A new study has found that this could be a positive movement, as the collection of 13 mini-apps that have been developed by researchers at Northwestern University have shown to significantly reduce depression and anxiety in participants that used the apps up to four times a day for eight weeks.

There are over 165,000 health apps available for smartphones, but most of these are designed by developers, not scientists or therapists. 80% of these apps have never been proved effective.

However, the IntelliCare apps have been designed by experts, and are showing promising results.

96 people participated in the study that was looking at the effect these apps have on depression and anxiety. The apps are aimed to be integrated into everyday life, and each app contains different exercises to help with things like reducing self-criticism, highlighting your personal strengths, finding meaning in your life and helping to get a better

night’s sleep. The IntelliCare algorithm recommends the user new apps each week to keep the experience novel and to avoid boredom, which is the problem with a lot of mental health apps.

The participants also received coaching during the 8 weeks, which included an initial phone call and then texts every week.

'We designed these apps so they fit easily into people’s lives and could be used as simply as apps to find a restaurant' said lead author, Professor David Mohr.

The study found that depression and anxiety were reduced by 50% in the patients who regularly used the apps. This success is on the same level as traditional treatments, like psychotherapy and anti-depressant medication. At the end of the study, 35 of the participants didn’t even meet the criteria for depression or anxiety.

'Using digital tools for mental health is emerging as an important part of our future' said Prof.

Mohr.

The research is not without its faults; there was no control group included so it is hard to be sure if the differences made are really down to the apps and not some other external factor. Also, most of the patients were already being treated with other therapies, so it might be the apps just enhance this treatment. The coaching as well could be integral to the study’s success, which is not practical in a real-life situation.

However, the researchers have acknowledged these issues and so have launched a larger study of 300 participants that includes control groups for other factors.

Overall IntelliCare looks very promising, and these kinds of well researched apps could be very important in the battle against mental health disorders as they make treatment more accessible to people who might not be receiving any care.

IntelliCare apps are available free from the Google Play Store.

New TB Vaccine in Development Mia Iyer

Sci & Tech Writer

Tuberculosis (TB) is an ongoing global health issue, and is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. It is caused by a bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) which most often affects the lungs.

It is both curable and preventable; yet in 2015, 10.4 million people fell ill with TB and 1.8 million of those died from the disease. Over 95% of these deaths occur in lowand middle-income countries.

It was hoped that with the invention of the BCG vaccination (developed between 1918– 1921) and medicines, that it would be possible to eradicate TB worldwide in the same way as Smallpox.

This has turned out to be difficult due to the fact that much of the initial improvements in TB rates in higher-income countries were related to the improvements in housing, sanitation, nutrition, and

access to medical care. These are issues which are still, unfortunately, present in less developed nations.

Additionally the BCG vaccine has proven to be effective against severe forms of the disease (E.g. TB meningitis in children), however is not effective against all forms of TB. The emergence of multidrug resistant TB is also a growing issue. It is a form of TB caused by bacteria which are resistant to at least two of the first-line treatment drugs (Isoniazid and rifampin). This makes the disease much more difficult (and more expensive) to treat.

However, new research published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, a

journal of the American Society for Microbiology, talks about a new tuberculosis vaccine which has shown promise in mice.

The vaccine uses ‘bioheads’ (natural polyesters assembled into tiny spheres) which researchers have engineered to display antigens from tuberculosis b a c t e r i a , Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Mycobacterium bovis. The bioheads are said to be natural, and completely biodegradable.

These mycobacterial bioheads were used to vaccinate mice, who were later tested for immune responses. 'We saw evidence of cell-mediated immunity, with the potential to be protective against TB. Future studies will include a vaccination followed by

challenge with TB to show protection, and also the development of more efficient production and purification methods for the vaccine.' Said the principal investigator Alex Heiser, PhD, Senior Scientist, AgResearch Ltd., Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Therefore, this type of vaccine would potentially provide a huge benefit. They would not only be cost-saving in comparison to livevaccines (such as the BCG), they would also be completely safe to use as the vaccine would contain non-infectious material.

This vaccine gives us hope to reduce the huge global burden of TB disease – including the unnecessary number of lives lost from the disease, as well as the growing prevalence of multi-drug resistant TB. We’ll have to watch this space to see what further research can tell us.

Creature Feature Bumblebee Bat Ellen Daugherty Sci & Tech Editor

Scientifically known as Kitti’s Hog-Nosed Bat, this species was named after the zoologist that discovered them in 1974 - Kitti Thonglongya. At only 3-4cm in length and weighing up to 2g, this is by far the smallest species of bat and often argued as the smallest mammal in the world. It is only found in remote areas of Thailand and Myanmar, often roosting along limestone caves by large rivers. Here, they roost in colonies with an average of around 100 individuals, however it is not uncommon to find colonies of just 10.

Due to the Bumblebee Bat’s tiny body dimensions, it is often questioned how they can feasibly fly.

Scientists have discovered a web of skin that connects their hind legs to aid flying, which is something shared with other species of bat and other gliding mammals such as flying squirrels and colugos.

Bumblebee Bats also have long wing tips that enable them to hover like a hummingbird and catch small insects while still in flight.

Forested areas near the limestone caves where the bats roost are subject to annual burning, which often happens during their breeding season. As they only give birth to a single offspring, their population is on downward decline, and now listed by the IUCN as vulnerable. Luckily, in Thailand the bats are being protected under conservation laws and designated national parks have been set up to protect the species.

SCI & TECH

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbricktech

Science Behind: “Clean” Eating The start of a new year calls for more exercise and healthy eating. But is the new fad of “clean” eating backed up by science?

Ellen Daugherty It’s January, which means a new year and a new you... right? Many of you will have heard of eating “clean”, which generally means consuming only organic, nonGMO, natural, and often raw ingredients. It is a lifestyle change that has been highly advertised by online personalities, and has been suggested to encourage weight loss and boost energy.

matter, is extremely harsh on the digestive system. People with IBS, or other digestive conditions, are at particular risk if they choose to do Raw before Four, as their gut cannot handle the excessive pressure put on it by this change of diet.

It has been argued that cooking food releases nutrients that would otherwise be inaccessible to the body if eaten raw. Their is no scientific evidence that suggests this type of “clean” eating has any noticeable health benefits.

Raw before Four

Non-GMO Foods

This is one of the many dieting suggestions that have emerged from the “clean” eating epidemic.

It suggests that only eating raw food before 4 in the afternoon, without calorie restrictions, will enable weight loss. However, it has been warned by dieticians that such a large quantity of raw food, especially if it is exclusively plant

GMO foods are usually crop species that have had their DNA modified to allow plants to grow quicker and at a higher yield, and not to be susceptible to certain infections. For instance, it has been used in some tomato species to resist frost, meaning they can be grown in a larger variety of climates.

There has been mass scaremongering over GMOs, much of which has prompted the “clean” eating movement. However, time and time again it has been proven by scientists that the biotechnology behind genetically modifying food is not harmful to health. It is used only to create higher yielding food sources which is desperately needed for the planet’s continually growing population. The World Health Organisation and many

Sci & Tech Writer

other highly respected scientific organisations have reassured the public that consuming GMO foods has no health risk.

Cutting out processed foods Another stand of “clean” eating is the removal of processed foods from the diet. Processed foods are often high in added sugar, salt and fats. However, they are often consumed due for convenience, compared to whole foods which usually have to be prepared, rather than just thrown in the oven.

Cutting down on processed foods is certainly not a bad thing, and will enable you to limit saturated fats, sugar and salt in your diet which can reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

The NHS still suggests that there is no need to completely cut out processed foods from your diet, and simply by checking the nutritional information on the packaging you can keep an eye on what you are putting into your body.

Orthorexia nervosa Orthorexia nervosa is an eating disorder linked with an obsessive interest with eating healthy foods, which in extreme cases can lead to malnutrition. It is important to note that this is not, as of yet, a recognised mental disorder, and has only been used to describe the

possible mental effects associated with “clean” eating. It suggests that having an obsession with healthy foods, can actually be incredibly unhealthy for your physical and mental health.

There is still a huge debate around “clean” eating, and there is still little known about the psychology behind the dieting fad. It is clear that this trend is over-thetop, and although promoting a healthy lifestyle is a good thing

"The technology behind GMO foods is proved to be not harmful" and increasingly needed in society today, it is important not to let healthy eating become an obsession.

So this January, especially as students, don’t let “clean” eating stress you out too much - we have enough of that with deadlines and exams. Ensuring a balanced diet with everything in moderation, is crucial, and important to staying healthy this new year.

Do you have opinions on this article? Tell them to us: @redbrickpaper

Cheetah Population Racing Toward Extinction After Global Crash James Pettit Sci & Tech Editor @pettit_james

Amid a rapid decline in numbers, the world’s fastest land animal could soon be gone forever according to experts of a recent study led by Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Panthera, and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

The statistics are particularly distressing, with only an estimated 7,100 Cheetahs remaining in the wild and unable to occupy 91% of the habitat that they have historically lived in.

According to the study, Asiatic regions have been hit hardest, with less than 50 of the big cats left in Iran. Elsewhere, over the last 16 years Zimbabwe has seen its Cheetah population cut by 85% - diving from 1,200 to only 170 individuals.

The dramatic decline has resulted in urgent appeals for the Cheetah’s status as ‘Vulnerable’ to be increased to ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is hoped that this will help efforts the save the species because typically there is greater international conservation, prioritization and attention granted to wildlife labelled as

‘Endangered’.

Part of the reason for the dramatic decline lies in the nature of Cheetahs as a carnivore which requires a lot of space, with wideranging movements that are unrestricted by boundaries. As such, 77% of the habitat it now occupies falls outside of protected areas, which weakens the potential for law enforcement and greater increases its vulnerability to impact by humans.

Well-known for their speed and iconic spots, Cheetahs are less well-renowned for the fact that they rarely escape persecution inside or outside of guarded parks and reserves. The fast animals face an extensive range of human threats including the loss of prey due to over-hunting, loss of habitat and the illegal trafficking of cheetahs in parts or as exotic pets.

Dr. Sarah Durant, ZSL/WCS lead author and the Project Leader for the Rangewide Conservation Program for Cheetah and African Wild Dog regards this report as 'the most comprehensive analysis of cheetah status to date.'

Durant also asserted that, 'Given the secretive nature of this elusive cat, it has been difficult to gather hard information on the species, leading to its plight being overlooked. Our findings show

that the large space requirements for cheetah, coupled with the complex range of threats faced by the species in the wild, mean that it is likely to be much more vulnerable to extinction than was previously thought.'

In order to combat the imminent threat to population decline, experts such as Durant call for a revamp of the current conservation strategies which would transcend national borders and gather co-ordinated regional bodies in its strategies.

Dr Kim Young Overton, Cheetah Program Director of wild

cat conservation organization Panthera, said: 'We’ve just hit the reset button in our understanding of how close cheetahs are to extinction.'

Overton maintains that what must be taken away from this study is 'that securing protected areas alone is not enough.' But rather, she states that 'We must think bigger, conserving across the mosaic of protected and unprotected landscapes that these farreaching cats inhabit, if we are to avert the otherwise certain loss of the cheetah forever.'

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Busting the myth of screen-watching and poor mental well being Kara Watson Sci & Tech Editor @Karaml_watson

New research looking into how teenagers use technology has found that moderate use of computers and other screens isn't actually harmful for their mental wellbeing. In fact, it could actually be beneficial for social development.

With the rise in technology, there are concerns that young people are damaging their social skills and mental wellbeing by staring at screens. But a study from Oxford University has suggested that use of electronic devices may enhance communication skills and development, as well as creativity.

The researchers looked at the screen habits of 120,000 15 year olds, broken down into different categories including: watching TV, movies, playing video games, using computers recreationally, and using smartphones.

What was found is that those who watched TV for 4 hours a day on weekdays, or 7 hours on weekends, scored the same on a mental wellbeing test as those who watched none at all. They also had similar findings for recreational computer use.

For video games, up to 6 hours on weekdays and longer on weekends would give the participants no ill effects.

The numbers were lower for smartphones, with only 2 ½ hours on weekdays and 3 hours at the weekend. If the devices were used for less than these times, then the participants actually scored higher on mental wellbeing than those who didn't the devices at all. If used for longer, well being would start to decrease, but it was still a relatively small effect than previously thought.

'Previous research has oversimplified the relationship between digital screen time and the mental wellbeing of teenagers' said lead author, Dr. Andrew Przybylski.

However, there are still other explanations, as it could be that when teenagers experience a drop in mental wellbeing then they turn to their devices more than usual, rather than the other way round.

The study also didn't take into account what the effect was on physical health, or look into whether multiple devices had a cumulative effect.

Nevertheless, this study is important as it shows that there is a common misconception that looking at screens is awful for well being. It is not, so long as it is done in moderation.

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GAMING

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbrickgames

An Ode to Dishonored 2

James Marvin openly gushes about his personal Game of the Year James Marvin Gaming Editor @js_marvin

I’m sure many people left 2016 with some regrets. Going to Fab the night before an essay is due and getting a 2.2, spending all of your loan in the first two weeks on Frosty Jacks or merely realising you really couldn’t afford that bottle of Grey Goose. However, for me my biggest regret was never getting around to properly reviewing Dishonored 2. In my defence, it was because third year at university is an unkind beast and essay deadlines and dissertation drafts came to a head right around the time the game came out. This, though, is my time for redemption in the most biased and subjective way possible because to put it bluntly: I bloody love this game.

Dishonored 2, the sequel to one of the best stealth games in recent memory is now the best

stealth game in recent memory. To anyone that has played the game I only have to mention the words ‘Clockwork Mansion’ and you’ll understand that this game simply has some of the most original and unique level designs I’ve seen in this genre. Ranging from the murky and grey streets of Dunwall, the setting of the original game, to the similar scummy, yet slightly sepia toned, rundown slums of Karnaca to then the mansions and villas of the region’s villains; Dishonored 2 is a staggeringly beautiful and intricately designed game that you can just tell the people behind it at Arkane poured their souls into it. I think I spent a vast majority of my playtime over the Christmas break just staring at the far off scenery than forcing my target to stare down the barrel of my pistol.

It’s not just the look of the game though that astounds you, the story and characters are equally great. Whilst simple in its narrative, essentially boiling down to a revenge and rescue mission against

a usurper of the throne, there’s nothing wrong with retreading familiar ground if you pull it off well which is exactly the case here. Not only that but both performances of Corvo Attano and Emily Baldwin, voiced by Stephen Russell and Erica Luttrell respectively, were fantastic in their own ways. Russell breathing life into an otherwise boring character from the original game that we only recognised from his unique mask and Luttrell making Emily a conflicted heroine that you can’t help but root for in her quest.

By this point I’ve already provided more than enough reasons why Dishonored 2 is my personal Game of The Year and one of the best stealth games potentially ever, and I’ve not even touched on the actual gameplay, which you may have assumed, is also brilliant. Both protagonists that you pick from at the start of the game come with their own unique power set, which I described in my EGX preview as a difference between fast-paced slaughter and slowpaced patient, classic stealth and that, for the most part, rings true in the final game. Corvo’s powers do tend to have you fully assess the area ahead of you for the best possible path but do provide some power to fight back if you put a foot wrong.

Emily on the other hand tends to focus on distracting the enemies to make the best possible path to your objective and similarly her more lethal powers provide similar backup yet these powers also can provide you a quick and lethal highway to

where you need to go. The best part about it though is that no matter how you want to play the game, either full non-lethal ghost or mass murderer, both characters can do either just in slightly different ways through the combination of their powers. This in turn means there are endless ways that you can approach a mission in Dishonored 2 and there are many that I am still yet to try for sure. That is the true mark of a great stealth game, similar to that of my favourite from last year, Metal Gear Solid V; give me an array of tools and abilities and let me adapt them to the environment and see what I can do. Few games I feel have actually achieved the amount of praise from me that this one has.

I remember there was a time where I had literally no interest in this game before it launched and I'm so glad that I changed that mindset a couple or weeks or so before launch. If you are yet to have played Dishonored 2, whilst I do recommend you play the first if you haven’t before this, you definitely need to pick it up in the near future. An absolute gem from last year that did suffer slightly in terms of sales in comparison to the first and that is a massive shame. We need more games like Dishonored 2 out there (such as a Dishonored 3) so I cannot urge you enough to go out and give this one a go, as I am sure that you will not regret it.

Have any thoughts on this article? Let us know: @RedbrickGames @redbrickpaper

Nintendo Switch : A 'switch' in the right direction?

Roshni Patel Gaming Editor @roshofalltrades

After many months of speculation about the Switch, last Thursday Nintendo finally broke their silence and revealed all, at an hour-long press presentation in Tokyo; which was broadcasted and translated around the world.

Eager to hear more about the Switch, journalists all around the world stayed up late or woke up in the wee hours of the morning.

And we were not disappointed, with the presentation starting off with strobe lights and Switch animations and finishing with a exclusive trailer for the new Zelda game, Breath of the Wild. While we were all left in awe by the carefully choreographed and planned presentation, as we caught our breaths and reflected, it was clear to see that there were both positives and negatives to be taken from the release.

The 6.2” 720p screen looks amazing, dwarfing the graphics of the Wii U and any generation of the Nintendo DS. Coupled with its smooth gameplay of graphic intensive games on battery power and the Switch will likely become a handheld console you can’t live without. The Joy-Con controllers also look fairly comfortable when held ver-

tically, their small size and smooth your opponents, adding more corners disappear into your palm. depth and complexity to the clasThey slip off the console effort- sic Wii boxing. Splatoon 2, while lessly and are packed with mostly unchanged from more features than any its 2-year-old predepast controller. From cessor, had been the standard Wii upgraded for the remote style motion Switch, with sensors, to HD better guns Rumble for more and powerexpressive vibraups. Super Wiis sold by tions and IR senM a r i o Nintendo in its sors for spatial Odyssey, feamapping of objects tured rich first year and distances. graphics, which However hardoften depicted ware is only half of the real world landrecipe to a good console, scapes and featured the other being the games, new characters. Many and which would be ready on 3rd-party game trailers were also launch. Nintendo were eager to shown and presented by develstress that over 80 games were in opers, such as Xenoblade development with many 3rd party Chronicles 2, Fire Emblem developers working on games, Warriors, Dragon Quest, a new which were either new for the Atlus game, Skyrim and Fifa.

Switch, or in the case of Bethesda, But while that all sounds ported over copies of popular titles, exciting enough, it does seem like Skyrim. Four new Nintendo like Nintendo is stretching themgames were showcased in depth. selves to tick every box, what The first game, 1, 2 Switch, was a has to give? unique game, designed much like For starters, the graphics. While Wii Sports, with a wide assortment 720p might look amazing on of games, which aimed to show- 6.2”, compared to the Wii U, case the various features of the 1080p is no match for your 4Kcontrollers with each game, such ready PS4s and Xbox One S’. So as the controller's lighting fast while the Switch is good, trying responses and HD Rumble. ARMS to compete in both the handheld was a unique boxing game, which and home gaming market has fitted each player with stretch arms made it ‘just good’ and not a which could twist and turn to fight tremendous upgrade from the

6 million

Wii U. And while you can argue that Nintendo has chosen not to aim for the top in favour of innovation, many consumers these days might not see it that way, opting for a console with better graphics to complement their latest TVs, rather than console with a few additional bells and whistles.

To add insult to injury, the Switch is set for a rather lacklustre launch with only 4 titles available at launch and none complementary in the box like Wii Sports. And while 3rd party developers have said the Switch is easier to develop for compared to past consoles, there are only around 80 games in development, which is still a lot less than what was released in and around the launch of consoles such as the PS4.

Despite all these negatives, I am still very hopeful for the Nintendo Switch, I do think it can ‘Switch’ it up for Nintendo if they address these negatives and launch strong. But regardless, it has big shoes to fill, with the last revolutionary Nintendo home console, the Wii, selling almost 6 million in its first 12 months alone and over 100 million over its lifetime. Only time will tell whether these past successes will help the Switch sail off the shelves or sink back into the warehouses.

GAMING

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbrickgames

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Redbrick Gaming's Top 10 Games of 2016 10. STARDEW VALLEY

Rememeber the days of planting crops outside of a browser window on Facebook? Stardew Valley remembers. Bringing back the genre almost forgotten with the decline of the Harvest Moon series, Stardew Valley allows you to create your own version of rural utopia on your very own farm. Left a large but ravaged plot of land by your deceased grandfather, your character moves out of the big city to the rural town of Stardew Valley, and gets to work restoring the land and making their mark on the town. As well as planting crops and raising animals, you're free to explore the town and its colurful characters, explore the mines, find love and start a family, and even save the town from the influence of a evil big city coperation. You won't find all that on Facebook!

6. HITMAN

If you told me the next Hitman game was going to be episodic I'd have gone on endlessly about how that would've been the worst idea. Oh, how I couldn't have been more wrong. Each episode of the latest Hitman is a complete joy to play and all of them are jam-packed with challenges and assassinations. That plus all the monthly content such as Elusive Targets and not only do you have a fantastic game, but also one that is great value for you cash. Hitman wasn't my favourite game in its genre this year but it earns its place in this list effortlessly.

5. FINAL FANTASY XV

You would expect a game that was 10 years in the making to end up somewhere on a game of the year list. Final Fantasy XV goes larger than any previous game in the series, offering a huge breathtaking open world, stunning visuals, and difficult but addictive combat. The main appeal lies in the same place as most Final Fantasy games, in its story and characters, all of which manage to remain creative and interesting throughout the imensely long run of the games main story. Final Fantasy XV also delivers the sort of epic battles you would expect of a game that pits you against gods, showing you just why waiting all that time was probably necessary to do a game of this style and magnitude the justice it deserved, and earning it a place in our games of the year!

9. FIREWATCH

Campo Santo's first title was always one of my most anticpated of the year. The trailers leading up to it, whilst hiding the 'walking simulator' nature of game, just made my hype for the title grow and grow, as I love a good story and character-driven game. If you read my review of Firewatch way back when you will know that it lived up to every expectation I had of it. The ending was iffy, admittedly, and divided people, but beyond that, Firewatch offers some of the best writing in the video game medium and some of the best vocal performances you will ever find in the history of gaming. If the story and characters are what drives you through a game, Firewatch is one you must play and is definitely one of the best of 2016.

4. DOOM

DOOM was a surprise for everybody. The brilliance of DOOM is its ridiculously fun gameplay! DOOM is all about having fun. It’s all about finding brutal, limb-breaking weapons that will destroy the various types of demons you encounter. Its fast and vertical gameplay is ferocious, and takes time to master. When mastered, you’ll understand how killing demons is its very own art form.

Multiplayer is also very fun, as it has the same core gameplay as the single player. Also thanks to Snapmap mode (a map creation toolkit) there are thousands of different modes and maps for you to experiment with. Some are simply hilarious and some are suicide missions. A worthy mode for one of the finest, most unique shooters to be released in a long time.

8. OVERCOOKED

Developed by a tiny team of only 2 developers in Cambridge, Overcooked is a hilarious multiplayer couch game. This chaotic cooking game puts all your cooperation skills to the test, as the kitchens add additional challenges and hilarity.

We have seen this game develop at speed throughout the year, from a single screen booth at EGX Rezzed, to an overcrowded three-screen booth at EGX, whose queues which could easily have rivalled Gang Beasts’ at times. For its great quality and hours of fun with friends, we’ve given Overcooked a spot on our coveted Redbrick chart. With DLC for free and for a fee released in 2016, it’s clear that Ghost Town Games have a lot more additions up their sleeves to add chaos and comedy to any night in.

7. X-COM 2

X-COM 2 was a game I had very little interest in until it came to console, as a potato has bettter processing power than my laptop.

However, since I've picked it up I've struggled to put it back down. Whilst I am by no means an expert commander of the X-COM resistance I still find myself all in every night for just a couple more missions. If you love strategy you will love X-COM 2. It has its flaws, it's rather buggy and the very luck-based mechanics can make you overwhelmingly frustrated but when you pull off that 20% chance sniper shot you're in for at least another couple of hours.

3. DISHONORED 2

Dishonored 2 is the most fine example of stealth I can think of in recent memory.

Surpassing its predecessor (which itself was a prime example of the best of its genre) in almost every aspect Arkane Studios simply outdid themselves on this one. Everything from the art-style and graphics to the near perfect AI and level design, Dishonored 2 is just fantastic. Whilst I didn't get time to write a full fledged review I cannot recommend this game enough and it stands as potentially one of my all-time favourites, not just for this generation of gaming, but potentially for all of them. It fulfilled an itch that MGSV filled last year, but then it went one step further, and has pulled me in again and again for playthrough after playthrough.

Game of The Year Uncharted 4 concludes Nathan Drake’s and co. epic story. The last two games of this series have some of the best story-telling we’ve ever seen in video games, and Uncharted 4 is no exception. This game will be an example for all in the future in how to tell stories within the medium of video games: how to write character dialogue in the right way; how to give the player some of the best third-person action sequences they have ever experienced; how to conclude a story that feels completely natural for the player. Granted, Uncharted 4 might not be played purely for its gameplay, but its stunning visuals, better-than-average multiplayer, and of course compelling story, makes it one of the best games this year by far.. Go experience this landmark game!

2. OVERWATCH

Probably the most high profile game released all year, and just missing out on our top spot is Blizzard's sensentional new shooter Overwatch. Combining interesting and unique characters with a new take on traditional FPS gameplay probably created this year's most talked about game. Focusing more on team based co-operative gameplay than the standard every man for themselves model of shooter we have come to expect, makes Overwatch a game that every type of player can enjoy on some level regardless of skill, and helping to cement Overwatch as probably the most popular game to be released this year.

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CAREERS

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbrickcareers

2017: Year of the Girl

Careers and Life&Style explore some of the issues and strategies impacting women in the modern workplace We might think of gender issues as something of the past but, on average, male graduates earn up to 10% more six months after graduating, which then continues into the highest level of management. 1 in 5 FSTE 100 companies have no women on their board. Also at university, only 17 out of 115 have a female Vice Chancellor. Women are lesslikely to face career advance-

Gender Quotas: Yay or Nay?

ment because of issues surrounding family responsibilities and perceptions of women as less committed. Stereotypes surrounding female roles and abilities are the biggest factors holding women back. Of course, it's #notallmen, but there are serious issues when it comes to gender diversity in the workplace, and here, we explore some of them, and the ways to overcome them.

Quotas, whether we like them or not, are a hot thing. Women account for up to 47% of the UK’s workforce, and research shows that gender-diverse boards tend to, financially at least (in terms of a 41% increase on equity returns), perform better, and are more innovative. Indeed, the Women and Work Commission find that unleashing women’s full potential could be worth an extra £28.6 billion.

Despite this, male graduates still earn up to 20% more for degree holders. In the financial sector, some women earn 55% less annually, and are grossly unrepresented in the majority of job sectors. In the US, for example, women hold just 10% of the board seats of Fortune 500 companies, certainly not a fair reflection of a companies client and customer pool. Norway, Germany, France, Spain, and the Netherlands have all enacted some sort of gender quota policy. Right now, we rely largely on sponsorship and mentoring of women already on board to improve the inclusivity of gender measures.

Well Dressed with No Stress!

It's those all important interview hacks you've secretly been wishing for Antonia Miles

Life&Style Contributor

Okay so I’ll level with you now, the outfit you wear for an interview isn’t going to get you the job of your dreams, but it certainly could affect the final verdict. It’s so important to come across well and make a lasting impression with your potential employers (for all the right reasons of course!) It may seem silly to be frantically ironing out every crease in your shirt the night before an interview, but attention to detail in how you dress for the big day is very important. Allow us to share with you those all-important interview style hacks that

you’ve secretly been wishing for.

Choose your outfit the day before!

It’s absolutely fine to absent-mindedly fondle in your wardrobe for some clothes to throw on in the morning before a 9am lecture. Let’s face it, you’re hardly going to stress about what to wear. But it’s an entirely different scenario altogether when you’re going to an interview. I would recommend choosing your outfit and laying it out clearly the night before, to avoid that morning panic.

Always dress formally Even if the job you’re applying for won’t require you to dress formally, you should always dress formally for an interview. It doesn’t matter if everyone at the work place is in jeans and converse and you feel out of place on arrival, looking your best is the safest option and arriving in casual everyday wear is likely to generate a few bemused looks in your direction Dress comfortably!

I’d forgive you for thinking that interview style hacks 2 and 3 are mutually exclusive; after all, how on earth can you dress comfortably and formally at the same time? The answer is simple.

If you’re not comfortable wearing 6 inch heels, then don’t wear them if there’s any chance that you’re

going to fall over in them!

Similarly, if you’re not a fan of three-piece suits because you find them uncomfortable, then don’t wear one! Potential employers will notice if you’re fidgeting around mid-interview so it’s best to dress comfortably and avoid a wardrobe malfunction.

Twinkle toes Attention to detail is absolutely key in interview wear and unfortunately, that means it’s time to dig out the shoe polish the night before an interview and scrub those grubby shoes! It may seem very trivial (after-all, there are lots of other things to prepare before an interview) but your potential employer’s quizzical brow will say otherwise.

Take out an 'Ironing for Dummies Guide' It’s completely up to you if you iron your clothes for everyday use but I would suggest that ironing your clothes is a pretty imperative style hack on the day of an interview. Dig out your ironing board and make sure everything is ironed and looks neat and tidy. If you don’t have an ironing board, hang the piece of clothing on a hanger outside your shower door and the steam will get rid of the creases!

Pros Quotas make it easy to bypass actual barriers that prevent women from taking part, and are the quickest and most effective way to equalise the number of women and men on board. It’s been found,

Lael Hardtman Careers Editor @ehardtman

once in positions of power, women are more likely to hire other women. Quotas are also a powerful tool for putting women in positions of power, thus enabling them to act as role models, but also break the chain of largely elite, male management. Depending on which side of the fence you’re on, quotas don’t promote discrimination against men, but correct existing biases against the hiring of women.

Cons Often times the instillation of quotes is seen as going against the principle of equality, and is often a point of contention.

There is, of course, the question of qualification (e.g. whether women are qualified to even hold CEO positions), which all feels rather absurd.

Further, many women find that quotas would encourage preferential treatment rather than earning positions by merit. As always, there’s the issues of 'tokenism', whereby women are just seen as forced impositions on a company, and as a result, have less power, and diminish their reputation in the long run.

So we see, the debate rages on.

There’s no right or wrong answer, but maybe a middle path would include family - friendly options, reducing the costs of childbearing and motherhood on a women’s career.

CAREERS

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbrickcareers

35

Towards equal pay and beyond Gender might be a factor, but never let it stop you The slow stride towards inclusivity

The long, long road to Equal Pay Mira Lodhia Careers Editor @LodhiaMira

Even though it’s been fourty years since years Equal Pay Act was introduced, the gender pay gap still stands at 13.8%, meaning that women are still not paid for doing the same work as their male counter-parts. For women of colour, the gender pay gap stands at an appalling 26%. There are a number of factors that prevent women from earning the same amount as men, for the same work.

Socio-economic factors such as direct and indirect discrimination, segregation in the labour market (with women tending to work in lower-paid and part time jobs more than men), the undervaluing of women’s work, and childcare issues can be attributed as causes of the pay gap.

The issue of childcare, and the unequal burden women are expected to take on seems to be one of the main factors that contribute to the gender pay gap. There are various initiatives to help tackle this problem including the equality act 2010 and the Think, Act, Report scheme. Reforms to the maternity leave system, called Shared Parental Leave allows mothers and fathers to split the 50 weeks of parental leave, meaning that

mothers who want to return to work sooner rather than later, can do. While this is a step in the right direction, the UK is behind in terms of shared parental leave, as these measures have been in place for several decades in other EU countries.

Despite this, paid parental leave may be a factor in the narrow pay gap in countries such as Sweden where parents have

"The Gender Pay Gap still stands at 13.8%, meaning that women are still not paid for doing the same work" enjoyed this right since 1974, as in Sweden, women’s average monthly salaries are 94 per cent of men’s when differences in choice of profession and sector are taken into account. In addition, a survey for Linklaters law firm found that more than 70 per cent of men and women were interested in the scheme, suggesting that such initiatives can stimulate a change in gender roles.

A study by Delloite suggests

Here's are some of the top companies that are aware of the gender bias, and actively seek and recruit female students and graduates of all backgrounds.

that the gender pay gap and the move towards equal pay is moving at an abysmally slow rate, and will not be eradicated by 2069. 'BE GRATEFUL, YOU COULDN’T VOTE 100 YEARS AGO', I hear you shout. It’s this mindset that plays into the slow closing of the pay gap, as women would have to work until they were almost 80 to earn the same amount as their male counterparts do by the time they’re 65. That's 14 years of unpaid work, so there’s not an awful lot to be grateful about. So what are women doing to highlight the issue?

Increasingly, they’re taking a stand and protesting.

Across Europe in recent years women have been staging walkouts. 90% of the female workforce in Iceland, where the pay gap stands at 14-18%, went on strike at 2.38pm, because at this point in every eight hour day, women are essentially working without pay. Walkouts of a similar nature have been staged in France and Britain. These protests are a great way to raise awareness of the gender pay gap. But it is evident that there’s still a long way to go until women's pay is consistently comparable to that of men's.

MORRISONS Morrisons has a total of 3 female members on their 9 person board and have a total percentage of 33.3% of women in their boardroom. They have a number of industrial placements, graduate schemes, and direct entry routes for those interested.

HSBC HSBC has a total of 42.1% women in their organization.

Check their website http:// www.hsbc.com/careers/students-and-graduates/programmes for a full range of opportunities.

UNILEVER Unilever has a percent 50/50 spilt of men to women on their 12 person boardroom and strove to become a gender balanced organization by 2015.

They offer a 3 year graduate program with starting at £30,000 with a wide variety of roles.

A Few Strategies for Sucess Lael Hardtman Careers Editor @ehardtman

In a Linkedin essay, Anastasia Gorianina notes the following challenges for women in leadership: 'how to trust her intuition and use both intuition and logic, how to communicate effectively so to be heard and to influence, how to better understand her strengths and form a unique leadership style that is both influential and enjoyable to her, and how to stay in the game'.

This list, of course, is not extensive.

But there comes a point in life where we’ll all face a hard decision, or be in a position of leadership.

These tips can be framed as just that, tidbits of advice, but can also act as a strategy for newly graduate (or student) women, and indeed, people of all genders.

1. Know yourself, and advocate accordingly.

Break the social and mental box that society puts you in. Gender is a factor, but don't let it define you!

Leverage yourself and your strengths. Yes, there’s a noted social disincentive for women to speak

that can be largely attributed to what scholars are calling 'the backlash effect', that knee jerk negative reaction to women who dare to violate traditional norms. The best way to combat this? Define success on your own terms. Don’t get so caught up in the now that you can’t see the world ahead. Don’t be afraid to take risks and put yourself out there. The fear of failure can only hold you back.

take care of yourself! Explore and make the most of the university niche while you can. Success, as stated above, is multifaceted and now is a great time to discover yourself. The most successful candidates - indeed the most successful people - are life long learners, as cheesy as it sounds. Be your best, and be genuine.

"Don't get so caught up in the now, that you can't see the potential future ahead. Don't be afraid to take risks"

Help out others when you can.

Build on a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and consultation. Become the creator of your company of success. So be collaborative and grouporiented, and still able to get that job done too. (Yes. You can in fact have it all).

2. Nurture yourself.

Time and effort, as we all get older, will be increasingly difficult to find. So while you have the time,

engineering students. Graduate employers are making a real effort to boost the number of female students hired, so don’t miss out on this welcome opportunity.

6. Have clear goals, but be flexible!

3. ...And your peers too.

4. Meet people, be brave!

It’s really not as self - explanatory as it seems. You never know where the friends you make at university will take you, or where any of you will be in future, so put yourself out there! Make your networks of friends and colleagues now.

Network, network, network...

5. Don’t hold back.

It’s when we step out of our comfort zones that the opportunities present themselves, and you only achieve when you challenge and push yourself! Seriously, though.

It’s been found that women make up 54% of students but only 47% of applications to graduate schemes.

The jobs you take out of university will set the tone of your career, so don’t sell yourself short! No experience is bad experience and you’ll be surprised how far you can go if you let yourself. So go on, apply for that graduate scheme. Even in male dominated industries like IT and engineering, women succeed in attaining nearly 30% of jobs in these fields, even though they make up 17% of IT students and 15% of

Goals change, as does life.

But direction is always key.

What is it that you want from your life? Be SMART—small, measurable, attainable, realistic, and tangible. They can be as simple as getting a first, interning over the summer or winter period. Align whatever career you think you might want (this will change of course and that’s to be expected) with your goals, passions, and beliefs. And remember, it’s okay to change your mind and adopt your plans depending on the circumstances.

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Sport

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbricksport

Championship Players of the Season so far

Honourable Mentions: Henri Lansbury (Forest), Sam Gallagher (Blackburn), Jordan Hugill (Preston), Glenn Murray (Brighton), Sam Winnall (Barnsley/Sheffield Wednesday), Tom Ince (Derby)

Harry Wilkinson Sports Print Editor

Harry Wilkinson gives an account of some of the top performers in the Championship so far this season

Scott HoganBrentford

Tammy AbrahamBristol City

James ChesterAston Villa

Dwight GayleNewcastle United

Aaron MooyHuddersfield Town

Scott Hogan has been one of the stand out strikers in the Championship this season, attracting offers from Premier League clubs in the January transfer window (don’t be surprised if he’s moved to West Ham by the time you read this). The 24-year old striker has been making waves at Brentford, ever since he moved there in July 2014 for 750k from Rochdale, scoring 21 goals in 33 games. This season Hogan has netted 14 times in 26 for The Bees, including a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Preston, helping them sit in a healthy 15th position in the table. Hogan’s main attributes are his lightning pace, composure when finishing, and strength, which comes from a low-centre of gravity similar to what Sergio Aguero possesses.

Unless he does move to the Premier League within the month, expect the Irishman to score a fair few more before the end of the season.

Abraham has been a fantastic asset for Bristol City, signing onloan from Chelsea until the end of the season. The 6ft4 striker has scored 14 in 25, and being just nineteen years old in what is regarded as one of the toughest leagues in the world, that is a very impressive record. Abraham scored 74 goals in 98 games for Chelsea’s youth teams in the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons, and certainly looks to be in Chelsea's plans for future.

Let’s just hope Chelsea treat him with respect upon his return: if not providing him with a chance in the first-team, giving him a move worthy of his talent.

Welshman Chester has settled into Villa Park superbly since his move from West Brom in the summer.

The 27 year old centre - back has provided the leadership, competence and composure that the Villa back four desperately needed after leaking so many goals in the Premier League last season.

Chester, despite being under 6ft, wins his fair share of headers, but most notably is a formidable presence when commanding his area in threatening situations. His reading of the game is superlative. If Villa have any chance of making the play-offs, then Chester must retain his form all the way until May.

Gayle has taken the step down to the Premier League by storm, scoring 19 goals in 20 appearances for Newcastle (compared with 15 in 60 appearances for Crystal Palace in the Premier League).

The 25 year old has had two hattricks (Norwich and Birmingham) and three braces so far, as well as a consistent flow of goals helping Newcastle maintain the top spot for most of the season. Gayle's main assets are his pace, closeknit dribbling and clinical finishing. If Newcastle end up winning the league they have a lot to thank the young Englishman for.

Huddersfield have surprised a lot of people this season, currently sitting 5th in the table. Many have tipped this outstanding feat to have been catalysed by players like Australian midfielder, Aaron Mooy. On loan from Manchester City, the 26 year old has caught the eye of Pep Guardiola due to his wonderful passing game and ability with dead - ball situations.

As well as his ability to display prowess in the centre of the pitch, Mooy justifies playing for The Terriers with his terrier - like tackling and presence, despite not having the largest stature. For Huddersfield to maintain their spot in the play-offs come the end, Mooy and co must see out the season’s second half with dogged determination.

Pontus JanssonLeeds United The Swedish centre - back has been a big part in Leeds' impressive campaign so far. Despite being on - loan from Torino, Janssen has become a fan-favourite at Elland Road. The big swede, standing at 6ft 5, is a real presence and leader at the base of Leeds' spine. There are talks of Janssen sighing a permanent deal at Leeds, one which will intimate after the Swede has made 22 appearances; a piece of business Leeds fans are sure to be ecstatic about.

Anthony KnockaertBrighton & Hove Albion Knockaert started the season fantastically, scoring three in the first five games, playing a slightly unfamiliar role behind Tomer Hemed up front. The winger continued to display his prowess in attack, sometimes on the wing and other times in the advanced number 10 role, scoring 11 goals in the process. The frenchman’s spark is one of the reasons Brighton have been well - worthy of their position in second place, His explosiveness in attack has been an inspiration to the rest of the team.

Kelly Smith: A Football Legend Nancy Frostick Sports Online Editor

Kelly Smith’s retirement from playing football, marks the end of an emphatic career that inspired so many. The moniker of ‘legend’ or ‘icon’ is all too easily bandied around these days in relation to sports stars, but when we’re talking about Smith it really isn’t too far. In fact there probably isn’t a good enough adjective to summarise her talent, and what she’s done for women’s football.

Over a glittering career in which she won numerous FA Cups, league titles and the UEFA Cup (now the Champions League) with Arsenal, as well as representing England 117 times and scoring 46 goals, Smith left her mark on domestic and international football. She became England’s first professional female player, and is the figurehead of a group of players that have inspired the next generation. Her wicked left foot has defined her style as a striker but her reputation as a born goal-

Following Kelly Smith's retirement from football, online editor Nancy Frostick looks at Smith's impact on the women's game

scorer even more so. To consistently perform for club and country, both in league campaigns and tournaments until the age of 38 is an incredible feat. Even despite some time lost to injuries, to win the quadruple with Arsenal in 2007 and be at the top of world football for as long as she has is remarkable.

In many ways it is a shame that Smith’s career came when it did, that she had to be the trailblazer, because the addition of Kelly Smith at her prime to the current England squad would have brought silverware aplenty for the Lionesses. That’s not to say that she won’t still be involved in some way in any future success for England and Arsenal – her legacy will certainly continue to impact women’s football for some time. As a player - coach at Arsenal, Smith has started the road into coaching, which is an exciting prospect.

As an Arsenal Ladies and England fan, she has been one of my football idols for as long as I can remember. Even when England have looked drab and dull or Arsenal have looked like they might finally be toppled by the opposition there has always been the feeling that Kelly would effect the game in some way.

More recently it has been from the bench, rather than in the starting eleven, but even so to have such an impact is a fantastic quality in a striker. Just this year in the FA Cup Final, she showed that she still had it - starting for Pedro Martinez Losa's side and dominating the first half of the game.

She was integral in helping the Gunners go 1-0 up and maintain their lead, ensuring she fulfilled her dream of lifting the cup at Wembley.

I have been lucky enough to see Kelly play for both Arsenal and England, and in the flesh it is

even more apparent that her natural ability puts her head and shoulders above the rest. In a recent interview, FIFA ‘The Best’ Winner Carli Lloyd said Kelly was the best player she has ever played with – so if you don’t take my word for it, believe her! My favourite memory of Kelly Smith’s playing career isn’t one from the pitch, although you could fill highlight reel after highlight reel with her goals. After watching Arsenal against Bristol Academy some years ago, I very briefly met Kelly as she signed my match program. Although I can’t remember the match itself apart from the fact that Arsenal won, I remember the fact that Kelly took the time to stop and sign something for every single fan that wanted to meet her on the way in to the changing room. That speaks volumes to her status in women’s football and is why she will still be my idol, long after hanging up her boots.

Sport

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbricksport

37

Redbrick: Premier League Top Four Predictions

The Redbrick Sport team make their predictions on which teams will finish in the top four at the end of the Premier League season, and why Dan Steeden Sports Print Editor

Alex Alton Sports Writer

Daniel Brett Sports Writer

Bradley West Sports Writer

Harry Wilkinson Sports Print Editor

1. Chelsea

1. Chelsea

1. Chelsea

1. Chelsea

1. Chelsea

2. Spurs

2. Spurs

2. Liverpool

2. Liverpool

2. Spurs

3. Liverpool

3. Arsenal

3. Spurs

3. Spurs

3. Arsenal

4. Arsenal

4. Liverpool

4. Arsenal

4. Manchester United

4. Manchester City

As far as I’m concerned, the top four we have currently, will be the same when May comes around. Chelsea are too welldrilled under Conte to blow a seven point lead at this stage, even if Costa goes to China.

Tottenham are slipping under the radar somewhat but with Dele Alli and Harry Kane on form they are a destructive side, along with a defence that has only conceded 14 goals. An equally destructive side is Liverpool, but their defence is shaky and there will be days when their dazzling attack misfires. Arsenal have finished in the top four for the last 20 seasons, why stop now, especially now Giroud is actually playing?

Side note: The two Manchester clubs are works in progress, but they aren’t ready yet. Next season London will not rule the top four.

After 21 games of the season, Chelsea look like runaway winners of the league after that mightily impressive 13 game winning streak. The rest of the top four looks to be tightly contested between five teams who could all feasibly be there in May. Liverpool, who are now taking shape under Juergen Klopp, are scoring frequently and are able to see games out.

Arsenal always finish in the top four, and are on track for a 21st season of doing so, with reasonably consistent results. Spurs are perhaps the most left field of choices for top four, but seem to grind out victories regularly and have only conceded 14 goals, something that will stand them in good stead to seal a Champions League place. Proving their title credentials with a 2-0 win over Chelsea,Spurs would be my dark horse to challenge Chelsea for the title, something I regret saying as an Arsenal fan.

Despite revelations regarding a potential Costa move to China, with a five point lead, a rock solid back three, Kante buzzing around the midfield and Willian, Pedro and Hazard in attack, it is difficult to look beyond Chelsea for the title.

The inspirational Klopp has created an energy that means Liverpool can beat anyone when on form. Coutinho’s return also coincides nicely with Mane’s departure to AFCON, whilst Matip and Henderson can restore calm to a shaky team when on the back foot. Spurs: Again a decision partly determined by a manager in Pochetinno. Provided they can keep their team’s spine in Lloris, Alderweireld, Alli and Kane fit, it is easy to see Spurs competing at the end of the season again. It feels ludicrous to leave City out of the top four, however I have arguably played it safe here. All “4th placed” jokes aside Arsenal have finished in the top four for twenty straight seasons. They may need to be dragged there by a disgruntled Sanchez, and fans themselves may still be disgruntled at Wenger, but I think that will be the all too familiar outcome.

1. Chelsea

1. Chelsea

1. Chelsea

2. Manchester City

2. Liverpool

2. Manchester City

Chelsea look best placed to be top come May. They have a frontline firing on all cylinders and a top class manager executing a finely drilled set of tactics that is working wonders. I don't expect Conte's side to be caught but I do expect the battle for places two to six to be extremely competitive with only a point or two to separate who finishes where. As such, any of the five other sides currently in the top six have a great chance of finishing in the top four. Nevertheless, I fancy Tottenham for second place, due to their defensive solidity and the upturn in form of their attacking talents such as Dele Alli and Harry Kane.

They're consistent and tough to beat so look good for a top two finish. Liverpool have all the attacking flair to win the title.

However, recently the cracks in their defence and their drop in standards when missing key men such as Henderson and Matip have revealed cracks that I think make them outsiders for the title but comfortable top four finishers nonetheless. To round off, with Manchester United's poor start to the season seemingly behind them and top talents such as Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan starting to show what they're really capable of, expect the Red Devils to squeeze into the Champions League places.

Chelsea have not won the league yet! Although they probably will.

There's still a long way to go, and it would perhaps be wise to consider that they are only 7 points ahead, not 29 million as it seems to be made out to be by pundits and the mainstream media. Spurs have a lovely spine, exciting young players and the perfect manager to fit it all together. They'll win the title in the next three years. There's something a little different about Arsenal this year. They seem to be winning games they shouldn't (like Burnley away), displaying a character not usually associated with them, and just seem a bit more fun. They still won't win the league though and that's not necessarily a dig at them. Now the 'fourth jokes' have got old, it is worth lauding them for the achievement of finishing in the top four for 20 years in a row: a ridiculous achievement. It's a shame they haven't got a European Cup to show for it though. City have the best squad in the league, and along with one the best managers in the world as well, it seemed like City would walk it this year. But it just hasn't quite happened. Losing against Chelsea at home was the big one.

But who knows, City are just as capable as Chelsea of going on a win streak; there could still be real life in their title challenge.

3. Arsenal

3. Arsenal

3. Manchester United

4. Spurs

4. Manchester City

4. Arsenal

Chelsea have been the best team by some considerable distance, since they settled on a formation.

It is hard to see them giving up the top spot, and they look likely to return to the top with a bang.

Manchester City have one of, if not the best squad in the league, which, when partnered with Pep Guardiola puts them in a strong position. This isn’t their year, but they shouldn't be too far behind Chelsea. Arsenal look a better team than they have done in recent years, but they still suffer from frailties. While this means that they won’t mount a credible title challenge, they know what it takes to finish in the top four.

Tottenham round out the top four teams, edging out Liverpool for fourth place due to their consistency.

At this stage of the season the title seems to be Chelsea’s to throw away. I think what will stop the other top teams from challenging is a lack of consistency rather than anything earthshatteringly good. As long as Liverpool keep scoring as many goals as they are and don’t lose any of Lallana, Mane or Firminho, this could be the best shot they have had in years. Arsenal will probably do the usual and suddenly find form to surge up the table to their scripted third or fourth place finish, usurping Spurs somewhere along the way.

I’ve put City in fourth because I think Guardiola’s first season in England will be a quiet one , whilst he is still tinkering (and regretting sending Hart packing).

As good as Aguero is, I don’t think it’ll be enough to drag such an unsettled side any higher.

I find it hard to see any other team being able to catch Chelsea this season, especially with no midweek European games clogging up their schedule. I can see Pep’s City project, for City, slowly coming to fruition as the season progresses, albeit too late to catch Chelsea. Manchester United may be an unlikely contender for third place, but recent weeks have shown consistency in this United side, unseen for quite a few seasons and if their current good form continues I can see them playing Champions League football next year. The final Champions League place has to go to Arsenal, for no better reason than that they always seem to string results together at just the right time to ensure a Champions League spot every year.

Sam Harrison Sports Writer

Nancy Frostick Sports Online Editor

David Garbutt Sports Writer

38

Sport

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbricksport

Redbrick Sport looks forward to 2017 What sporting events are you looking forward to in the new year? Some of Redbrick Sport's writers pick their most anticipated sporting event of 2017 Bradley West

Harry Wilkinson

Shona Smith

ICC Champions Trophy (1st - 18th June)

Champions League Final (3rd June)

Lions Tour (3rd June - 8th July)

On the back of the drama of the World Twenty20 in 2016 this year's Champions Trophy, featuring the top eight countries in the ODI rankings, looks set to be an enticing prelude to the 50 over World Cup held in England and Wales in 2019. With the Champions Trophy also being held in this country, and on the back of an encouraging revitalisation in ODI cricket, England have a major chance of success too.

Despite there being no Euros and no World Cup for the men, the event I'm looking forward to most this year is still somehow related to football. As a cricket man, one might think I'd be most excited about the Ashes series, which starts in late November.

But still, I'm going to have to say the Champions League final being held in Cardiff's Millennium stadium is what I'm really most pumped about.

To have the most prestigious club competition have its final in Wales is just awesome, and I can't wait to get down to the capital and lap up the atmosphere, no matter who is taking part in the final.

Following the success of the previous Lions tour in Australia in 2013, victory is at the forefront of expectation for the northern hemisphere rugby public. The home nations have all enjoyed success in 2016, and selection for the touring group of around 40 players is set to be Ăźbercompetitive. There are at least 3 (often more) players in each position, which will pose a headache to head coach Gatland and his coaching staff. Will the selection of Wales right-hand man Rob Howley for a third tour be a mistake? Andy Farrell, the Lions defence coach, steered an Ireland team to victory over the All Blacks in a historic night at Soldier Field in Chicago, and all eyes will be on him to see if he can replicate Ireland's now critically acclaimed defence for the Lions.

Nicola Kenton

Dan Brett

Nancy Frostick

World Para-Athletics/Athletics World Championships (14th 23rd July/4th - 13th August) The fastest athletes in the world will once again descend on the London Stadium to try to become World Champion in their favoured event(s).

With the likes of Usain Bolt and Mo Farah retiring after this championship, it will be a celebration of two of the greatest track athletes of alltime. Moreover, the Para Athletics championships give the younger British athletes who were inspired by London 2012 a chance to compete on home soil.

Campus Sports Results January 18th

The event I am most looking forward to in 2017 is the World Athletic and ParaAthletic Championships in London. The able-bodied championships represent a chance to celebrate Usain Bolt, his achievements and in the words of Steve Cram, how 'he saved his sport'. The Para Athletics Championships represents an opportunity.

London 2012 saw sell-out events which made the interim near empty championships between London and Rio all the more disappointing. This championship can see paraathletes treated as heroes for more than once every four years.

Women's European Football Championships (16th July - 6th August) England will head to the Netherlands in the summer as one of the top contenders to win the Euros. Unbeaten in their last ten games and still riding on the momentum from their heroic third place finish at the World Cup in Canada in 2015, this is the best chance in years for Mark Sampson’s team to win a major football tournament. A safe bet to go far in the competition, the Lionesses are sure to be a good watch. I'm buzzing for this already!

Badminton (women's) 2nds 2-6 Coventry 1sts

Football (men's) 2nds 1-2 Oxford 1sts

Lacrosse (women's) 2nds 8-11 Oxford 2nds

Tennis (men's) 1sts 8-4 Warwick 3rds

Sport

Friday 20th January 2017

@redbricksport

UOB 1st XV

1. Chris Lippiat 2. Calum Grant 3. Luc Jeannot 4. Jared Harvey 5. Barnaby Hayward 6. Charlie Smith 7. Sam Cordery 8. Will Onslow 9. Chris Carlisle 10. James Chaumeton 11. Josh Amadi 12. Jack Dart 13. Adam Hakimian 14. Rich Galloway 15. Craig Bonnar

39

UOB Medics RFC 1 st XV

1. Chaz Hudson 2. Jake Thompson 3. Dom Wilson 4. Alex Hollis 5. Aiden Butler 6. Joe Hogan 7. Stuart Clarke 8. Adam Mackie 9. Tom Axon 10. Stefan Griffin 11. Dom Catlow 12. Sam Bourke 13. Ben Kennard 14. Ben Rowlatt 15. John Metcalfe

Photo Credit: Olli Meek

Continued from page 40 Even at this early stage, the score line was harsh on the Medics as their perseverance was causing problems for the University, not least in the pack where Barnaby Hayward was shown the yellow card and sent to the sin bin on the half hour mark. By this time, being a man down wouldn’t even tempt the University machine to put the brakes on, and just five minutes later – and the same distance from half time – the Lions scored again. This was a game for the front rows, Hooker Calum

Grant braking the white line this time and a hat-trick of conversions, this one the hardest yet, saw Chaumeton make the score 21-0 before the end of the first forty.

We then arrived at half time, with the University twenty-one points to the good, and seemingly out of sight despite the best efforts of a resilient Medic team.

The second half was punctuated more frequently by injuries than tries, emphasising the intense physicality of both teams’ game plans. Again, the share of possession offered opportunities in attack for the Medics and the University in equal measure.

Substitutions were aplenty; changes in personnel and fresh legs were beneficial for both sides, with the University striking first through Craig Bonnar with his second try of the game just shy of 70 minutes. Due to James Chaumeton being taken off it was then up to Bonnar to convert, and his nudge went close but no cigar – the score rested at 26-0.

In an attempt to win the second half, the Medics rallied and pressed forwards. A couple of link ups and some quick ball later, they broke forward. The ball found itself on the wing, it was two on one, the Medic section of

the crowd held their breath. The offload came to prop Chaz Hudson, whose juggle put hearts in mouths... but he successfully regained control of the ball to score. Whilst it was not a gamechanging try, it certainly in-part rewarded the Medics' steely resilience and unquenchable optimism throughout the match. They well deserved to be on the scoreboard.

The conversion was successful to make the score 26-7 in favour of the University.

This was to be the final act of note in what had been a very entertaining Varsity 2017. The University came out deserved

winners in the end after a potent attacking display, with credit going in equal measure to the pack and the back-line. The tallies were unkind to the Medics however, who were by no means a pushover side for the University first team, and showed instances of real quality throughout. All the best to both sides representing the University of Birmingham for the rest of the season, and we look forward to Varsity 2018 in the hopes of an equally competitive fixture.

University of Birmingham's Sport Stars Receive New Year Honours Online editor, Nicola Kenton, reports on the success of UOB students, past and present, in the New Years Honours Nicola Kenton Sports Online Editor @QueenNikNak

Last year, the University of Birmingham hosted their 'Road to Rio' event in celebration of the achievements performed by alumni and current students at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Those featured at this event had more success over the Christmas holidays, as they were named in the 2017 New Year Honours list.

Current Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation student Lily Owsley, along with teammate and psychology graduate Sophie Bray

Golf 2nds 4.5-1.5 Loughborough 2nds Tennis (women's) 2nds 0-12 Warwick 2nds

were awarded MBE's for their services to hockey. At Rio 2016, they achieved their goal and made history by becoming the first British women's team to win Olympic gold in the hockey. At the games, Bray and Owsley combined in the Olympic final where Bray passed the ball to Owsley, who then scored the opening goal.

Physiotherapy graduate Lora Fachie, née Turnham, received her MBE for services to cycling.

In 2016, Fachie won bronze at the Track World Championships in the tandem event, as well as winning two silver medals at World Cups. In Rio, the visually impaired cyclist won bronze in the women's

tandem time trial before clinching a Paralympic title in the women's tandem individual pursuit.

20.01.2017 Harry Wilkinson reviews the Championship's best players so far

Page 36 Redbrick Sport

predicts the top four of the Premier League

Page 37 Nicola Kenton reports on UOB's success in the New Years Honours

Page 39 For more, follow us on Twitter:

@redbricksport

Photo Credit: Olli Meek

Lions operate at highest level in Brum Varsity Olli Meek

Sports Reporter @ollimeek

Whether the enthusiasm of crowd attendance was fostered through a love of competitive rugby, or the possibility of getting hold of the most elusive of things – a FAB ticket – a good crowd turned out at Bournbrook for the UOB Varsity 2017. Those who turned up early were treated to a fantastic performance from the UoB Bhangra society who were well deserving of an honourable mention for their part in proceedings. Pulsating, energetic, and very smiley, they were a pleasure to watch. This was just the first instalment of entertainment, with the UoB Pussycats also giving it their all in their half time performance.

With the Medics taking the victory in last years contest, the UoB 1st XV were keen to regain the title. Conditions were close to ideal – luckily there was a little give in the turf due to the recent cold snap, and the blustery winds from

earlier in the day had mostly died down.

The University took kick off and subsequently took the catch, a confident start with possession in the Medic half, exactly where they wanted to be. A couple of aerial exchanges and switches in possession emphasised the hunger and ability on both sides. First blood came after just seven minutes for the University. At right wing, Rich Galloway made a lot of ground with a blistering dart, drawing multiple Medic defenders and duly offloading allowing full back Craig Bonnar to finish in the corner. The Medics would be sick of the sight of these two by the end of the afternoon. The conversion was then coolly dispatched by James Chaumeton from a challenging angle, giving the University a 7-0 lead.

Not to be deterred by an early setback, the Medics gave as good as they got for a significant spell from then on, with valuable possession and field position putting the university under pressure. Unfortunately for the Medics,

no score came of their persistence due to some resolute defending from the University.

Both packs were tested, with multiple attacking scrums for both sides in the first half, with this tally added to by handling errors apiece. It was from a scrum that the next opportunity arrived, again for the University.

Attacking off the back, they made ground quickly and hit the Medics with some impressive phase play. The momentum was with the men in red and they were rewarded when prop Luc Jeannot went over to make the score 12-0. Once again Chaumeton dispatched the conversion, making for a comfortable 14-0 cushion for the University.

Continued on page 39