Friday 17th June 2022
Redbrick Issue 1523, Vol. 87
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5,000 Unfilled Commonwealth Games Jobs page 4
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UoB Apologises For Historic Conversion Therapy Ellen Knight News Editor
Dan Hunt News Editor
In December 2020, the BBC broke the story of a gay man who, in the 1970s, was referred to a psychologist at the University of Birmingham (UoB) and was subsequently subjected to months of electric shock ‘therapy’ in attempts to ‘cure’ his sexuality. Chris - not his real name - told the BBC that whilst trying to find ‘closure’ from UoB, he was ‘met by an absolute wall of silence’ from the University. The BBC reported that UoB claimed at the time that it had been a ‘private project’ for one individual researcher, yet Chris maintained that all ‘sessions’ took place on the UoB campus ‘with university staff, university students, and university equipment.’ At the time, UoB responded by stating that they were ‘unable to find any evidence that this was a university-sanctioned research project’, but admitted that ‘during the late 1960s and 1970s there may have been some isolated activity of this nature.’ Fast-forward two years, and the University has published a report investigating the conversion therapy research and practice hap-
pening on its campus between the years 1966 and 1983, something UoB has described as ‘a very challenging part of our history.’ In an email sent to students, Vice-Chancellor Adam Tickell said; ‘I understand that many of you will be distressed and angered to learn of the findings of this research. While we cannot change the past, today, we want to formally acknowledge and apologise for the University’s role in the historical research and practices detailed in this report and the harm that they caused.’ Tickell also added; ‘we also want to take this opportunity to apologise for any distress caused by our initial response to media reports.’ The full statement from the Vice-Chancellor can be found online. The report, commissioned in 2020, began its research in summer 2021, chaired by Professor Sarah Beck, Professor Elaine Fulton, and Dr Mo Moulton. Representatives from the School of Psychology, the Guild of Students, and the Rainbow Staff Network were also included, with Dr Rebecca Wynter as the project’s lead researcher. In a statement, the authors of the report wrote; ‘Our discussions have been complex and multivocal, reflecting the multiple identities and experiences in our group. Although we each related differently to this history, its visceral pain has been obvious to all of us. We have asked how it was that the University failed some of the most vulnerable people in our
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My First Time Reading a Graphic Novel
Features 12-13
Culture 19
community in the past, and how the University might create processes that safeguard them better. We have reflected on the nature of research in an evolving society, recognising our own potential complicity in practices that might someday be understood as harmful.’ The six key recommendations for the University were as follows; ‘the University of Birmingham formally acknowledge its role in the research and clinical practices detailed in this report and the harm that they caused’ and that ‘the University apologise for that harm’, that ‘the University acknowledge and apologise for the distress caused by its initial response to media reports about this 1960s/70s research in 2020’, ‘the University make the results of this research project widely available, at the minimum through a dedicated website, public events, and, where appropriate, archival deposit within the University archives of relevant materials collected’, ‘the University develop a stated policy to provide access and material support to further academic enquiries into this history’, and finally that ‘the University support efforts and campaigns, in
Kitty Grant
coalition with relevant organisations and charities, to ban so-called ‘conversion therapy’ practices aimed at ‘curing’ a minority gender identity or sexual orientation (in other words, LGBTQ+ identities). In addition, we recommend that the University state clearly that any such ban must not restrict the ability of trans and nonbinary people to access gender-affirming therapy and healthcare.’
Clothes Maketh Woman Redbrick Picks: (Loving Science Fiction Woman) Favourites
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INSIDE: Redbrick members share what the society means to them
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Friday 17th June 2022
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A Letter from Committee Jasmine Sandhar Deputy Editor
I first joined Redbrick in January 2021. Technically, I had been a member since the first month of university, but given the restrictions of the pandemic, I had a few issues with actually understanding how everything worked. I remember going to my first opps meeting over Zoom: it was with the music section and the editors were a little intimidating, so I claimed a review of an Ariana Grande single that I had no intention of writing about… and I never did. After the end of semester one and having set some new year’s resolutions, I decided to give Redbrick another crack by going to a TV meeting and that is when I truly felt part of the society. I remember staying on the call for ages chatting with the editors about what shows we were watching to pass the time of being locked indoors. I wrote my first article about Bojack Horseman, and it felt like such a rush when I was pouring out my feelings onto the page. So then I started writing consistently and posting about my articles on social media. It gave me so much joy to receive messages from family members, friends and even complete strangers, who all were not only reading, but also actively enjoying my work. As I wrote more and more, I decided that I wanted to get as involved as possible with Redbrick and so I ran for committee. I created a manifesto over a few days, designed some graphics on Canva and recorded multi-
ple videos, all with the hope of getting literally anything - that is why I ran for about half of ones available for those of you who remember. When I heard I got the role of Deputy Editor, I was absolutely over the moon. To be elected into such a high position after less than a year with the society felt surreal. However, little did I know how much extra work was coming my way. Having never been a section editor, meaning that I was unaware of the inner workings of the digital process, and not seeing a single print edition of the paper in-person, there was a lot for me to learn. On the one hand, embarking on this new adventure was exciting, but it was also extremely daunting. To be frank, I have had a love-hate relationship with Redbrick this year. There have been so many amazing opportunities that have landed on my doorstep, whether that be something as small as honing my InDesign skills or bigger things like organising the Commonwealth Journalists’ Association conference (which will be taking place at the end of this month!) Yet, at the same time, there have been so many challenging hurdles to overcome, ranging from mediating various disputes to combatting the intense exhaustion that comes with print. Perhaps the best way to describe it all would be as a whirlwind of organised chaos. It was nice to be recognised or all of these extra duties (that quite often go unnoticed) at the Redbrick Awards last Wednesday evening, where I received a highly commended award for Best Behind the Scenes.
However, I was very lucky to have a brilliant committee of people supporting me behind the scenes. Digital Editors Cerys and Saskia have always worked hard to get time-sensitive articles uploaded as quickly as possible online. Treasurer Jen secured us a hefty grant from the Alumni Impact Fund with an impressively professional Dragons’ Den esque pitch, and also got us some swanky merch, including tote bags and fleeces. Social Secretary Ella has gone above and beyond her role, not only orchestrating what we like to call ‘the events of the year’, but also writing up articles in less than ten minutes to go into print. Print & Features editor Kitty has almost singlehandedly run everything to do with our five print issues released this year. Editorin-Chief Chelsie Henshaw has manage to oversee the running of the society, despite having to be largely absent due to her knee surgery. I would not have been able to do justice to my role without all of the aforementioned. Most people were under the impression that I would run for Editor-in-Chief for next year and whilst I did consider it, I realised that my time with Redbrick this year has been enough. Having to power through the revolving door of my co-deputies over both semesters, I slowly started to view my responsibilities as a chore rather than something I wanted to do. Whilst it has been rewarding to bring print back from the ground up after Covid and I have had so much fun orchestrating the Redbrick Recap podcast (now available to listen to on Spotify), I feel at peace let-
ting that go for my final year, which is already jam-packed with my dissertation and Burn FM, as the new incoming station manager. This is not to say that I will be completely disappearing, for there is always spare time to write or EA, of course. Redbrick will always feel like home to me. It is what I have dedicated most of this year to and gained so much from. It is where I met some of my closest friends to date, who are bound to be in my life for years to come. It is how I found my voice and figured out what I want to do career-wise with my life. Whilst I may not miss sitting in the dungeon-like Redbrick Office from 10am to
10pm (on a good day), I will miss everyone and everything that has made Redbrick special this year. So although it may feel like one, this is not a goodbye, but a thank you and see you later. I wish next year's committee the absolute best of luck. Redbrick is not easy by any means and you do have some pretty big shoes to fill, given how successful the return of the society has been this year. However, I am sure that under the lead of Dan, an individual who has already pretty much given his life to this paper, and the rest of his brilliant team of committed members, Redbrick will only continue to grow and thrive in the forseeable future. Up the Brick!
Life&Style Editors Emma Davis Natasha Farwell Saskia Hirst Julia Lee
Editorial Assitant Charis Gambon
Redbrick Editorial Team Editor-in-Chief Chelsie Henshaw
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Deputy Editors Jasmine Sandhar
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Print&Features Editor Kitty Grant print@redbrickonline.co.uk
Digital Editor Cerys Gardner Saskia Hirst
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Lead Developer Billy Harding
News Editors Sophie Handler Dan Hunt Ellen Knight Anastasis Mauriac Oliver Shaw
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Comment Editors Emily Baldwin Colette Fountain Ffion Hâf Phoebe Snedker
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Gaming Editors Sonny Elliott comment@redbrickonline.co.uk Finn Russell
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Culture Editors Leah Renz Sofia Salazar Studer
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Music Editors marketing@redbrickonline.co.uk Samantha Andrews Lorcan Drury Social Secretary Ellie Harris Ella Kipling Aimée Sargeant social@redbrickonline.co.uk
Film Editors Samantha Hicks Emily Wallace
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Food&Drink Editors Sarah Cayless Chloë Hyde Cara-Louise Scott
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Travel Editors Sarina Shah Helen Sun
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Sci&Tech Editors Daniel Bray Gwydion Elliott Elliott Haywood
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Sport Editors Lauren Coffman Oscar Frost Rachel Higgins Sophie Utteridge
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Redbrick Guild of Students Edgbaston Park Road sport@redbrickonline.co.uk Birmingham B15 2TT 0121 251 2462 editor@redbrickonline.co.uk The views expressed in Redbrick do not necessarily reflect those of the editors, the Guild or the publishers. If you find an error or fact in our pages, please write to the editor. Our policy is to correct mistakes promptly in print and to apologise where appropritate. We reserve the right to edit any article, letter or email submitted for publication.
News
Friday 17th June 2022
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UoB Ranked Among Top Research Universities Cara-Louise Scott Food&Drink Editor
On 12th May 2022, the University of Birmingham (UoB) received an ‘outstanding vote of confidence’ in the quality of its research and contribution to society, ranking it among the top UK universities for its research. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) has determined that UoB is one of the best universities in the country. The best work is scored at 4 stars by review panels; the University was ranked equal 10th amongst Russell Group universities and equal 13th in the whole UK for Grade Point Average according to the Times Higher Education. More than 50% of the university research was recognised as 4 stars. Nine subjects were ranked in the UK Top 5 for 4 stars; Physics, Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences; Computer Science and Informatics; Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies; Area Studies; Education; Sport and Exercise Sciences; Leisure and Tourism; and Public Health, Health Services and Primary
Care. As well as this, 15 subjects, including the topics above, were ranked in the Top 10 for 4 stars, as well as Anthropology and Development Studies; Classics; Art and Design; History, Practice and Theory; Social Work and Social Policy; Law; and Engineering.
“We have an enormous amount to be proud of" The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adam Tickell said ‘This is a tremendous result for Birmingham and an unprecedented rise within the Russell Group of leading universities.’ Tickell says that it ‘reflects many years of hard work by outstanding researchers working at the forefront of their disciplines across the University’ and also ‘reflect the strong partnerships we have with industry, health and cultural sectors, working together to deliver solutions for people’s lives, society and our planet.’ Pro-Vice-Chancellor in Research and Knowledge transfer, Professor Heather Widdows
says she is ‘proud and delighted’ in the University’s ‘vital role to play in bringing diverse people and organisations together to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing individuals, society and the planet.’ The University of Birmingham is focusing their research on a range of global challenges such as transforming health across the world with new discoveries, treatments and patient care, particularly with the impacts from COVID-19. Birmingham’s leading School of Education are working towards eliminating inequalities in accessing Education, and the University’s Birmingham Energy Institute is supporting Tyseley Energy Park’s mission to transform clean energy innovation in Birmingham and the West Midlands, working towards helping climate change. Professor Adam Tickell pushes forward that ‘we have an enormous amount to be proud of’, they aim to become a global top 50 University. Korng Sok
World's Top Graduates Offered UK Visas Dan Hunt News Editor
Recent graduates of the world’s 50 best-ranked universities will be eligible to live and work in the UK, following a shift in visa rules. The new ‘High Potential Individual visa’ is designed to allow top graduates to innovate companies and setup businesses in the UK. Any graduate of a university ranked in the top 50 of at least two of the Times Higher Education, Quacquarelli Symonds or the The Academic world university rankings at the time of their graduation can
apply, with bachelor’s and master’s graduates able to stay in the country for two years and PhD recipients able to stay for three. Although the government claims the new scheme will help attract the ‘brightest and best’ to work in the UK, critics of the plan point out the lack of diversity in the universities accepted and the fact that those who are accepted do not need to have a job lined up before they arrive. In addition, the Telegraph has reported that the number of these visas available to be issued is uncapped, meaning anyone who meets the eligibility criteria will be able to move
to the UK. There are some caveats to the application, as those who are accepted still need to pay £715 to purchase the visa on top of the immigration health surcharge, which allows migrants to utilise the NHS. Candidates will also have to pass a security check and meet the B1 English language requirements (be fluent when talking to native speakers) to be accepted. Families of graduates are also welcome, provided they have a maintenance fund of at least £1,270. Among the list of accepted universities, are the American universities Harvard, Stanford
and Yale, Australia’s the University of Melbourne and Japan’s Kyoto University. Out of the 37 accepted universities listed, 20 of them are based in the United States, with the remaining 17 being located in Canada (containing three), Hong Kong, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, China (each containing two), Sweden, France, Australia and Germany (each containing one). This means that no graduates from top universities in Central or South America, South Asia or Africa are eligible. In response to the criticism, the government pointed to the other visas that are available to
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international graduates, including the Graduate, Skilled Worker and Global Talent schemes, but the University of Cape Town’s Christopher Trisos argues the government is disregarding the ‘diverse skills and in-depth knowledge held by many graduates from universities in developing countries.’ Despite this, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak believes ‘the UK will grow as a leading international hub for innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship,’ as a consequence of this scheme, as it allows ‘the businesses of tomorrow to be built here today.’
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NEWS
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbricknews
Five Thousand Jobs Unfilled for Commonwealth Games Ella Kipling Social Secretary
With just over a month to go until the 2022 Commonwealth Games, 5000 short-term jobs still need to be filled. The Army is currently on standby, according to Chief Executive Ian Reid, and leaflets have been put through doors in an attempt to hire more workers. Reid told the BBC that while they are ‘seeing a huge uptick off the back of the marketing campaign,’ there is still ‘a lot’ of recruitment to be done.
“13,500 military personnel helped to provide security at the London 2012 Olympic Games" This would not be the first time the Army have gotten involved with a large-scale sporting event, as 13,500 military personnel helped to provide security at the 2012 London Olympic Games. In recent weeks, there have been calls for the Army to tackle the problem of the lack of airport staff. However, Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary,
dismissed suggestions, stating that ‘the Army is not a snap solution to every problem.’ Over 41,000 people applied to volunteer at the Games across more than 300 different types of roles, according to organisers. They stated that volunteers ‘will be at the heart of these Games,’ and with over 13,000 of them, they will be ‘one of the largest workforce groups.’
“Over 41,000 people applied to volunteer at the Games across more than 300 different types of roles" ‘From those meeting and greeting on the front line to backstage heroes, and specialists like paramedics, the volunteers will shape the experience of those competing and attending. They will be the difference between a good and a great Games,’ organisers said. Thomas Phipps, assistant branch manager at Verve People Birmingham, which is aiding recruitment, explained that the operation was huge for his agen-
cy. He said that demand ‘is going to be there,’ as there are thousands of people coming to Birmingham to watch the Games this summer.
“Organisers have failed to engage the city's diverse communities in a meaningful way" The 2022 Commonwealth Games organising committee recently responded to a report by the Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG) which revealed that diverse communities have been left feeling ignored. The report, which was produced by a panel of race quality practitioners and consultants, says that while Birmingham’s diversity was ‘leveraged as a positive factor in the pitch to secure the Commonwealth Games,’ organisers ‘have failed to engage the city’s diverse communities in a meaningful way.’ The organising committee stated that they value the input and will ‘carefully consider their recommendations.’
Korng Sok
Government Cuts Ties to NUS Amid Antisemitism Allegations Charlie O'Keeffe News Writer
In May it was announced that official government contact with the National Union of Students (NUS) would now be banned. This is due to there being a considerable number of allegations of anti-Semitism against the group. Seven million students at universities and colleges are represented by the union, and 600 student unions are affiliated. This is a suspension that will only impact the group’s relations with Westminster, not the governments in other nations.
“Jewish students need to have confidence that this is a body that represents them"
Stefan K
In April this year it was announced that the NUS would face an independent investigation over allegations of anti-Semitism. There had been numerous complaints from Jewish students and involvement from former NUS presidents and other political figures. The Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi had warned that
the allegations could be enough cause for the government to consider severing links with the organisation. The government became especially concerned about these anti-Semitism allegations after Shaima Dallali was elected as the next NUS president. Groups including the Union of Jewish Students expressed their concern after some of Ms. Dallali’s alleged historic comments resurfaced. Mr. Zahawi announced the suspension of NUS recognition saying that ‘Jewish students need to have confidence that this is a body that represents them.’ Although connections were severed, Mr. Zahawi expressed confidence that the NUS is ‘keen to take action,’ and he will ‘welcome further updates from them.’ In addition to Mr. Zahawi’s comments, Michelle Donelan, the minister for higher and further education, has announced that she reached out to ask the electoral body that carried out this year’s NUS presidential election for details on how the election was carried out. The Department for Education said that the steps being taken by the NUS ‘need to lead to substantive action.’ The government’s decision will be kept under review. Labour’s shadow universities minister, Matt Western, said
‘it is important that the NUS is listening, and I hope that the independent inquiry they have rightly set up resolves these issues to the satisfaction of all concerned.’
“We have sought to undertake the investigation in a serious and proper way" An NUS spokesperson said: ‘We are disappointed that the universities minister has press-released that the DfE will be disengaging from the NUS, rather than seeking to engage with us directly. Following a complaint about antisemitism, we launched an independent investigation. We will be appointing a QC, in consultation with the Union of Jewish Students, next week. We have sought to undertake the investigation in a serious and proper way, and are working in collaboration with UJS at every step of the way. Once the QC has been appointed, we will be able to update on the process and timeline. We look forward to working with the government constructively on this matter.’
News
Friday 17th June 2022
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Student Loan Interest Rates Capped at 7.3% Cerys Gardner News Writer
On Saturday the 11th of June the government announced that student loan interest rates would be capped at 7.3% from September in order to ‘to protect them [students] from a rise in inflation.’ The current interest rate on student loans is between 1.5% and 4.5%. The interest rate was due to rise to 12% because, depending on graduate earnings, the interest rate on student loans is calculated
as somewhere between the rate of the Real Price Index (RPI) and RPI plus 3%. The RPI figure announced in April, covering the rise in inflation from March 2021 to March 2022, was 9% and so the highest earning graduates would have seen their interest rate rise to 12%. Michelle Donelan, the Higher and Further Education Minister, said ‘the government has always been clear that where it can help with rising prices we will, and I will always strive for a fair deal for students, which is why we have reduced the interest rate on
student loans down from an expected 12%. ‘I want to provide reassurance that this does not change the monthly repayment amount for borrowers, and we have brought forward this announcement to provide greater clarity and peace of mind for graduates at this time.’ The student loan interest rate for the coming academic year is usually announced in August. The National Union of Students (NUS) President Larissa Kennedy told the BBC that ‘these interest rate figures are still cruelly high. While some graduates
might breathe a sigh of relief that the interest rate is no longer in double figures, ministers should be prioritising providing urgent cost-of-living support here and now.’ Martin Lewis, founder of the website MoneySavingExpert, stated that ‘it’s a psychological boost but in practice any financial gain is only for the highest earning graduates as the rest wouldn’t repay the extra interest in the 30 years before the loan wipes. ‘To be fair, this is what many students have asked for (I suspect many through fear rather than the
actual impact). Though in my view a bigger priority is ending the frozen repayment threshold (which adds a lot to loan costs) and maintenance loan rises to cover cost of living.’ The loan repayment plan is also changing for students starting university from September 2023. The interest rate for repayments will be capped at the RPI rate of inflation and students will pay off their loans over 40 years not 30.
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High Interest Rates Set to Deter University Applicants Cara-Louise Scott Food&Drink Editor
Higher interest rates are to be applied to student loans later this year. The amount of interest someone may pay depends on what they study and which country in the UK they applied to for finance. Prior to a 7.3% cap being announced, English and Welsh graduates who took out a student loan after 2012, and earn more than £49,130 a year, would have faced a 12% maximum interest rate. The reason for this is because the rate is linked to the current RPI inflation rates. However, the current interest rate is 4.5%. March 2022’s RPI was 9%, up from 1.5% in the previous month. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found that higher-earning graduates would be most affected by the increase, as they are more likely to repay their entire loan within 30 years of graduation. Someone with a typical debt of about £50,000, a high-earning recent graduate would collect about £3,000 in interest over six months. The threat of sky-rocketing interest rates has led to some being persuaded to remortgage their homes in order to pay-off
their student debt early. Former Ministers and MPs are calling for the government to prevent these increases. They think that some young people who have the ability to take up a university place will be put off if they might have to repay a larger, more expensive debt for years.
under Boris Johnson, Chris Skidmore, argues that while many students never pay back their loans, this additional debt burden created by this interest might put more young people off thinking about university over fears of paying back a larger sum in the future.
“It is a breach of what students expected - the interest on loans would be no higher than market rates"
“This additional debt burden created by this interest might put more young people off thinking about university"
Greg Clark, former business secretary and universities minister, argues that it could deter graduates from getting the skills they need, arguing the increase in interest rates is ‘an outrageous charge that the government must prevent from happening.’ He also claims ‘it is a breach of what students expected – the interest on loans would be no higher than market rates.’ A former universities minister
A spokesperson for the Department for Education said that ‘monthly repayments will not increase for students if there is a change in student loan interest rates. For future students, the government has cut interest rates – so, from 2023-24, graduates will never have to pay back more than they borrowed.’ Tim Gouw
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NEWS
Friday 17th June 2022
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Education Secretary: Oxbridge Should Not Alter Admissions to Accept More State-School Students Joshua Herman News Writer
After the University of Cambridge announced plans to orientate the enrolment process towards accepting more state-school students, the Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi responded by stating that this alteration will ‘tilt the system away from children who are performing,’ as reported by The Times. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Professor Stephen Toope, elaborated on plans to make the admissions process fairer for stateschool students. Toope told The Times that the adjustment is aiming to ‘welcome others’ as opposed to telling private school students that ‘we don’t want you,’ Rejecting Toope’s solution to opening and providing opportunity for state funded school students, Nadhim Zahawi argues that ‘You don’t create a system that people feel is fair and equitable by in some way thinking that there is an easy fix. The best thing you can do is create schools in the state system that are as good as independent schools. Which we are.’ Zahawi noted the state sixth
forms in Dudley, Middlesbrough and Oldham opened by Eton College – with the goal of helping more state school students succeed in the Oxbridge application process.
“The best thing you can do is create schools that are as good as independent schools" Zahawi further reported to the paper, ‘I need to continue my journey to deliver more outstanding and high-performing schools. That’s the right strategy. Not to say actually, let me just accept that we’re not going to produce outstanding schools so let me just tilt the system away from children who are performing.’ Discussing the applications of students from private school, Toope brought up that ‘Individual students who are talented, we would want them, but they’re going to be competing against an even larger pool because there are
more students coming from state schools who are seeing a potential place for themselves at Cambridge or Oxford or other Russell Group universities.’ Approaching students at the University of Birmingham who came from state funded schools and took part in the Oxbridge application, Redbrick asked them how they found it. One stated that the process was challenging, however their sixth form were supportive during the process. ‘I went to a state sixth form, and found the Oxbridge process not too bad, stressful but also fine. We were constantly reassured not to put too much pressure on ourselves and to be ourselves. We had group visits to Oxford and Cambridge (I went on the Cambridge trip) and had really good help from my head of sixth form with the personal statement and interview prep, she was determined to get us in. However, I felt really unprepared for the tests and hardly completed any of the questions, which was stressful.’ Another student felt that their department was unhelpful, saying that ‘The process was hard. My sixth form was really helpful and had a lot of places to help Oxbridge
applicants but the English department was horrific. I was told by someone in the department that they didn’t think I had any chance
of getting in and didn’t know why I was bothering. They were really unhelpful helping me prepare for the ELAT.’
Tim Wildsmith
UoB Fails First Round of Teacher Training Re-accreditation Dan Hunt News Editor
The University of Birmingham (UoB) has joined other top UK universities in failing the first round of reaccreditation of its teacher training programme, amid claims the government is attempting to eradicate left-wing departments. A policy change last year meant all initial teacher training providers had to apply for re-accreditation in order to continue to operate after 2024. The Department for Education (DfE) has announced that out of 216 institutions which applied for re-accreditation, only 80 have passed in the first round.
“Out of 216 institutions which applied for re-accreditation, only 80 have passed the first round"
Kenny Eliason
Leaders in higher education are accusing the government of dismissing education departments unfairly, with the general secre-
tary of the National Education Union Mary Bousted claiming former Schools Minister Nick Gibb thought university education departments were ‘hotbeds of leftwing intellectualism’. This comes after several of the UK’s top teacher training providers failed to make the grade.
“Nick Gibb thought university education departments were 'hotbeds of leftwing intellectuallism'"
This includes UoB, which failed re-accreditation despite being picked by DfE to act as a specialist partner for the launch of the National Institute of Teaching. Fellow Russell Group member the University of Nottingham also failed despite Ofsted rating it outstanding earlier this year. Other leading figures in teacher training have highlighted the damage the policy of re-accreditation can cause, with the University of Manchester’s Professor David Spendlove claiming the process
will lead to a loss of autonomy over universities’ curriculum – which the University of Cambridge cited as the main reason why it had refused to apply.
“The process will lead to a loss of autonomy over universities' curriculum" These changes come amid increasing pressures in teacher recruitment, with applications for teacher training down 24% last year, bringing rates lower than pre-pandemic levels. The vicechancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, Professor Chris Husbands, whose training programme passed the first round, has nonetheless criticised the policy, arguing ‘the risk the government runs is driving out some of the people they should be aiming to keep.’ Redbrick has reached out to UoB for comment.
News
Friday 17th June 2022
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Redbrick Round-up: This Month's Biggest and Smallest News Stories Boris Johnson wins Confidence Vote to remain as Prime Minister...for now Last week the Prime Minister won a confidence vote of his own MPs after 54 of them submitted letters to the Conservative Party Chair stating he should step down. The vote, in which 148 Tory MPs voted against him, was won by a narrow margin, leading commentators to question how long the Prime Minister has left at No10. Although Conservative Party rules mean another vote of confidence cannot take place for another year, the fact that over 40% of Tory MPs and over 50% of backbenchers voted against him may lead to a change in the rules, especially with two crucial by-elections taking place this month – the results of which could decide the Prime Minister’s future. A poll earlier this month for the Wakefield by-election put Labour 20 points ahead of the Tories, while the Lib Dems are targeting the Tiverton and Honiton seat vacated by Neil Parish after he admitted watching porn in the House of Commons chamber. This comes amid a bleak year so far for the Conservative Party, with the Partygate scandal and a recent U-Turn around a windfall tax to help support the cost of livin crisis putting support for the government under question. Despite the challenges to his leadership, Boris Johnson and his cabinet have dismissed concerns and claim to be fully focused on the job at hand. For how much longer though is another question.
First Rwanda Deal Flight Leaves UK At the last minute, an intervention from the European Court of Human Rights meant that the Home Office’s first flight to Rwanda, set to take place on Tuesday with seven or eight refugees, did not happen. The Rwanda Deal is intended to deter refugees from taking dangerous small boat crossings of the Channel, and sees migrants transported to Rwanda where they will be offered asylum. Despite this, several groups have condemned the practice, with 20 leaders of the Church of England calling it ‘immoral’ and the UN’s Refugee Agency describing it as ‘unlawful.’ The government has defended the decision, but several legal challenges to the deportations have proved successful, with around a dozen refugees successfully being taken off the list for the first flight. Nonetheless the High Court has sided with the Home Office to allow the plan to continue, agreeing with the argument that this trial policy is in the national interest. The Rwanda Deal is costing the UK £120m and is set to last five years. Next month judges will decide if the plan is unlawful, and if that is the case some of the people deported to Rwanda could return to the UK.
Jean Carlo Emer Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona
Mathew Browne
Country Marks Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with Bank Holiday Celebrations
Redbrick Celebrates Year With Redbrick Awards
A four-day Bank Holiday and thousands of street parties across the country took place to celebrate the Queen’s 70 year reign. Alongside private celebrations, numerous events at Windsor Castle and London were attended by members of the Royal Family, politicians and the general public, including a Thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral and ‘Party at the Palace’, a concert that took place outside Buckingham Palace where acts including Queen, George Ezra and Diana Ross performed. Although the Queen attended some events, including a historic Buckingham Palace balcony appearance with other working Royals, the 96-year-old was absent from several events as she suffers from ongoing mobility issues. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex flew in from California to mark the occasion. A notable absence however was Prince Andrew, who, according to a Royal spokesperson, tested positive for COVID on Thursday 2nd June: the first day of the Bank Holiday.
The Redbrick Awards took place for the first time since the onslaught of the pandemic last Wednesday evening, and it was an extremely enjoyable night to say the least. Set against the beautiful venue backdrop of the verdant Birmingham Botanical Gardens, there were plenty of opprtunities for some memorable photographs to be taken in the glorious sunshine, courtesy of photographer Ellen Knight. Although obviously all of the awards are significant in their own individual ways, many members were highly anticipating the results of the slightly more competitive ones, such as Best Section, which was scooped up by Culture, and Best Editor, which was actually given jointly this time to music editors Samantha Andrews and Aimee Sargeant. It was also nice to see our committee members recognised for their work behind the scenes. With a delicious three-course meal and plenty of funky dancing, it is safe to say that everyone at the ceremony was more than satisfied with the evening, whether they received an award or not!
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COMMENT
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbrickcomment
British Media and Keeping the Union
James Konn discusses the Northern Irish election, arguing that it is crucial for the British media to maintain the union in order to avoid growing nationalism James Konn Comment Writer
You would be forgiven for thinking the election on the 5th of May was purely for councils in England or, at the very best, councils for the whole of the United Kingdom. However, this is not the case. While the elections in Scotland and Wales were for local councils, like in England which also had some mayoral elections, the Northern Irish election concerned Stormont, the Northern Ireland Assembly. It has not had a functioning executive for three months now since the DUP left the powersharing agreement in protest of the Northern Ireland Protocol as enshrined in the Brexit Deal. Thankfully, the British Government stepped in and prevented the whole parliament from collapsing again as it did five years ago. The lack of coverage of this election and the others in Scotland and Wales is symbolic of England’s supremacy in the British news, which must end if the United Kingdom
is truly to remain united. The emphasis of my argument will be based on Northern Ireland, purely due to circumstance. It was the area electing its largest body; the area with no functioning administration and the area where, for the first time in its history, the largest party and thus the first minister is set to be from a Republican party. Northern Ireland is no more important to the UK than Scotland, Wales or England. Though, for this election, it is the one to watch. In the last two months, there was a bomb hoax in Belfast at an event attended by the Irish Foreign Minister, a candidate for the Northern Irish Assembly was ‘grabbed by the throat’ whilst campaigning, and the Ulster Union Party’s leader’s office was attacked. These would all be big events if they were to happen in England and everyone would know about them. But, the British media treat them as if it is distantly removed and as if they are of no concern to us. But polls and internet activity from the time of the Scottish Independence referendum show
that the people in England do care about what happens in the rest of the UK and want the union to remain. In fact, those in England were most supportive of the Union out of the whole United Kingdom. If the Union is so important to the English then why does the media reduce its significance by segregating the news depending on which geographical region of the UK you reside in? By not focusing on events that occur in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the media ‘others’ them. It is as if in the United Kingdom, there are two levels of citizens - the English and the rest. This surely will provide support for nationalism within all parts of the UK. If you are English, by knowing less about the rest of the UK, you end up caring less as they become more and more foreign. If you are Northern Irish, Scottish or Welsh then you believe you are an after-thought and that issues regarding yourselves do not matter to the rest of the UK, so why should you be part of it? If you are a Unionist like
myself, then the idea of the First Minister of Northern Ireland being from Republican Sinn Féin should be of concern. Though independence of Northern Ireland is yet to have majority support, a majority of those in Northern Ireland do support a referendum on the matter. If Stormont sits with Sinn Féin leading it, and is viewed to perform well for the Northern Irish people, then support for it and its policies including independence could occur. The sentiment of a united Ireland could become even greater if Sinn Féin were also to become the largest party in Ireland too, with it currently being the second-largest by only one seat. If both Northern Ireland and
King's Church International / Unsplash
Ireland have the same majority party, it is logical to think of having the same legislature. Thus, these factors could help lead to a majority of those in Northern Ireland supporting reunification meaning according to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, a referendum would be held. The media have the power to help fight against this. They can unite the people of Northern Ireland with their brothers in the United Kingdom. They must reduce the sea border between Great Britain and Northern Ireland to just that, a geographic border. They must make the British media truly, the British media.
A Call for Buffers in Abortion Clinics Cara-Louise Scott speaks of the importance of implimenting buffers outside of abortion clinics in the UK in order to protect women from the abuse of protestors Cara-Louise Scott
Food and Drink Editor
Trigger Warning: abortion
mentions
Abortion clinics should be a safe space for women and girls. A place that they go to for reasons that have nothing to do with anyone but themselves. It is not anyone’s right to harass or intim-
“Abortion clinics should be a safe space” idate them for making this choice. However, people still do. Anti-abortion groups gather outside abortion clinics on a regular basis, saying their gatherings are designed to offer help, that they are prayer vigils to give support. But what help are they giving? The only help a woman needs is to be reassured that she is making the right decision for her body, not being told that what she is doing is wrong, which can in turn increase her
anxiety. This is why efforts are being able to be safe near other being made to protect women spaces too. If harassment is illefrom the common harassment gal, why is it different outside and intimidation they receive abortion clinics? outside of abortion clinics. Lead The Faculty of Sexual and medical professions in the UK Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) have launched a new call for are demanding for a nationwide buffer zones to be implemented network of legally-protected around abortion clinics to pre- spaces to be set up to shield vent activists targeting patients patients from harassment and and staff. intimidation. The president of A buffer zone is an area the FSRH, Dr Asha Kasliwal, around an abortion clinic that said harassment and intimidalegally limits how close anti- tion outside of clinics affect abortion camboth patients paigners can and staff and get to the cause distress clinic. This for women and would mean girls accessing women could abortion care. walk into an Kasliwal argues abortion clinic that ‘the only without being way to ensure hassled by patients are able protestors. to access healthHowever, care free of harhaving a buffassment and er zone may prove useful, intimidation is the legal implebut only if the area is widementation of buffer zones.’ spread enough to mean there For many women, are no protests anywhere going to an abortion near abortion clinics in the clinic can be a dauntfuture. ing experience, one This new demand is being they may have to do called ‘urgent’ – it is long by themselves. As past due. We talk about women such, women might being safe on the streets all be less likely to go the time but what about us Gayatri Malhotra / through with an Unsplash
abortion because of the fear of the abuse they will receive when arriving at the clinic. It may even cause some women to consider unsafe routes for their abortion rather than showing up to a safe clinic. Is it not hard enough for women to get abortions without making them feel guilty – guilt that they might already feel with the stigma from society? The UK’s first so-called buffer zone was set up outside an abortion clinic in the London Borough of Ealing in 2018. ProChoice campaigners were hopeful that this could become the
“50 new clinics have been targeted since 2018 by protestors” norm but only two more of these have been created in England since 2018. The British Pregnancy Advisory Service said 50 new clinics have been targeted since 2018 by protestors in England and Wales. In 2018, the idea of buffer zones for England and Wales was rejected by the gov-
ernment. However, in 2020, Priti Patel pledged that the government would review the rules around protests near abortion clinics. The government says that they are reviewing the issue in England and Wales. But this is not enough, in my opinion. Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, is expected to chair an emergency summit next month on introducing buffer zones. It makes me question why our government are failing to consider more ways that they can make women feel safer going to abortion clinics. Yet, these buffer zones should have been introduced years ago. It makes me wonder why it is only now that we are considering ways to limit protestor harassment outside clinics. A woman’s privacy should be respected. A woman should feel safe in the space of the clinic, outside and inside. There is expected to be a debate in June on the amendment to the Public Order Bill to introduce protest-free areas around clinics. We can only hope things will change.
COMMENT
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbrickcomment
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Comment Considers: Pride Month Molly Day
Life and Style Editor
Although this confession might seem sacrilegious in June, despite being a lesbian, I have never actually been to Pride. I have walked, quickly and suspiciously, through parades while closeted, but never felt comfortable enough to actually go. Really, it is only now that I am happier in my skin that I have thought about it. I spent a lot of time doubting and dreading my sexuality. But finally, at 20, I do not feel like that at all. I like who I am, I love all the queer people in my life and my girlfriend is the best person I know and will know. It may sound cliche, but this is why I love pride. Even if you do not feel like you belong yet, it is there waiting for you for when you do. I had 19 Junes feeling not so proud but I finally do on the 20th, and it is a fantastic feeling.
James Simpson
Comment Writer
Today Pride retains little of the radical energy that characterised the Stonewall Riots and the broader Gay Rights Movement of the 1960s and 70s. In the early twenty-first century, corporations have effectively sapped the life out of gay liberation. Pride month amounts to little more than a cynical cash-grab, an opportunity for businesses to sponsor official pride events and bedeck themselves in rainbow iconography in order to appear ‘woke’ and relevant to their stakeholders. The contemporary discourse surrounding Pride is saturated with neoliberal jargon: corporations are keen to preach ‘equality’ and ‘diversity’, but such terms feel sterile and meaningless when LGBTQ+ people make up a disproportionate percentage of the homeless population, and continue to face socio-economic disadvantages not experienced by cis/straight individuals. Corporations champion queer liberation at the rhetorical level, but they have absolutely no interest in championing it at the systemic level. It is all a performance, one that patronises queer people, treats them as a novelty, as something to make capitalists feel good about themselves. Therefore, it is no won-
der that many LGBTQ+ people, such as myself, frequently feel alienated at this time of year. We owe our freedom to activists on the ground, to everyday queer people, not to the wealthy and elite. The revolution will not be brought to you by Red Bull.
other 11 months of the year. The first (and only) pride parade that I attended was London Pride 2019. It was one of my highlights of 2019 as I was able to strengthen my relationship with the friends who I went with. It was an opportunity to express myself with rainbow eyeshadow and accessories without the fear Benjamin Oakden of judgement because I knew I Comment Writer would be surrounded by similar people. Pride is a chance for If, like me, you have ever had queer people to find a commuthe misfortune of looking nity, whether that be by meeting through your balding uncle’s like-minded people at parades or Facebook page, you might get a celebrating with queer friends. sense of what the less LGBTQHowever, Pride should not allied members of our society be confined to 31 days. Pride think about Pride Month. ‘Gay Month magnifies queer issues people have their rights,’ they and culture to a larger scale, but drawl, ‘so why do they have to this recognition is pointless rub it in our faces?’ unless it is embraced all year However, while some may long. The world is still far from claim that the fight for LGBTQ homophobia and transphobia no rights is over, the tragic reality is longer being an everyday reality that, even in our supposedly for most queer people. The bigenlightened age, that simply is oted remarks that I regularly not true. There are still 69 coun- endure as a feminine gay man do tries across the world in which not evaporate the second June homosexuality is a criminal rolls around. offence, with several nations Companies with pride flags still issuing the death penalty. in their logos will not stop the Even in western nations, which increasing violence against trans we perhaps naively believe to be people. This is why I celebrate more ‘civilised’, the LGBT com- being gay every day of the year. munity still faces constant attack, From walking down the road in with 670 anti-LGBTQ bills being drag on the way to my radio filed in the US since the start of show that focuses on queer cul2018, including Florida’s recent ture, to simply sharing a post passing of the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ from a queer activist about the bill. As well, the UK made the history of gay rights. Of course, decision to exclude trans people enjoy Pride Month, but do not be from their recent ban on gay afraid to let the rainbow colours conversion therapy. bleed into every other month of As we enjoy the festivities of t h e year. Pride Month, we must remember that the battle continues. History Anna Day does not move in one direction, Comment Writer and we are always at risk of our rights backsliding into a darker age. And of course, there are With such a notable absence of still millions of people who lack queer history in the British the basic human right to fall in schooling system, Pride continlove. For that reason, we must ues to play an important role in continue to ally ourselves with celebrating queer culture and the LGBT community and cele- highlighting LGBTQIA+ combrate Pride Month as vibrantly munities to people who may othas we can. erwise feel excluded or isolated. For this reason, I have found pride to be essential in encouraging both myself and those Lorcan Drury around me to educate ourselves Comment Writer on queer history and experiences in today’s society. As a queer person, Pride Month Despite the month having an is incredibly important to me ongoing list of positives, I do because it is a chance for queer not think that I am alone in people’s voices to be amplified. believing that the real intentions However, it also highlights and meanings of pride are often the lack of emphasis on the overshadowed by the overLGBTQ+ community in the whelming onslaught of rainbow
iconography, brand logos, and pride-exclusive products. It often seems that certain brands release new logos and products during pride month out of a consumerist habit, rather than a stance of allyship or desire for equal representation. Last year, Popular Information released a list of 25 corporations who have previously donated money to ‘antigay politicians’ in the prior two years. This list included major American companies like Walmart and CVS who have at the same time participated in ‘supporting’ pride month with rainbow branding and the occasional tweet. The need for inclusive queer representation should be a necessity in a brand’s marketing and advertising year-round, not exclusive only to pride month. While progress is still progress, the image of brands ‘cashing in’ on celebrations of queer communities draws focus away from far more important aspects of pride month.
Charis Gambon
Comment Writer
In honour of Pride month, here is a look at some historical figures who were important to the movement. Alan Turing was a mathematician who cracked the Enigma code at Bletchley Park. His actions are thought to have shortened the war by several years. Unfortunately, Turing was arrested in 1952 as homosexuality was illegal at the time. Turing ultimately chose to take his own life in June 1954 after being subjected to conversion therapy. He has since been acknowledged as one of the most innovative and powerful thinkers of the 20th century. Alan Turing would not receive his ‘official’ pardon until 2013. Jackie Forster was a news reporter and lesbian activist who was instrumental in supporting the UK LGBTQ+ scene. As a founder of the 1970 Gay Liberation Front, she supported Britain’s first-ever Pride march in 1971 and founded Sappho magazine, a publication for lesbians, in 1972. She was a recognisable public face of the lesbian community in the 1970s which is still understated now. She was also involved in the campaign for Homosexual Equality in 1969.
Zenna Hussain
Comment Writer
The LGBTQ+ movement has made some great advances in the last couple of years—the Gender Recognition Act of 2003, gay marriage in 2013, and the potential criminalisation of conversion therapy. However, there is no denying that the visible LGBTQ+ community is still a monolith of white males. Despite research from Stonewall in 2018 showing that nearly 51% of BAME LGBT persons reported experiencing racism in the community, white gays can be defensive about racism, ignoring the hierarchy of privilege that benefits them to the disadvantage of QIPOC. From racism in dating apps, to the objectification of BAME people, the privilege of gay bars as a meeting place (despite the fact that many LGBTQ+ people do not drink), POC are isolated within the LGBTQ+ community as minorities inside a minority. Even attempts to include POC inside the community, like the progress flag that includes brown and black stripes, can feel hollow and performative, leading to a separation between LGBTQ+ people and people of colour, even when they overlap. Groups that allow QIPOC to flourish and create a community, when they have been isolated from both their racial and the LGBTQ+ community, must be encouraged to help solve this problem.
Emily Baldwin
Comment Editor
Like many queer students, moving to university drastically changed my relationship with my sexuality and Pride. After many years in a small town with very few queer friends or a visible community, meeting new people and building new relationships in Birmingham was a welcome change. It can be hard growing up as a queer person with homophobic experiences at school and home, and I used to get nervous around Pride month, quickly turning the volume down on the television or changing the subject if sexuality was brought up. However, now I take every opportunity I can to share my pride, in June and beyond.
Patrick Fore / Unsplash
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“Four Republicans voted against the “When it comes to bill” timed assessments, more needs to be done” COMMENT
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbrickcomment
The Hypocrisy of Biden’s Plan to Seize Russian Oligarchs’ Assets James Simpson explains the recent vote on a bill enabling the US to seize Russian assets, highlighting the hypocrisies of their policy James Simpson Comment Writer
On Thursday 28 April, U.S. President Joe Biden unveiled plans to provide aid to Ukraine in its ongoing resistance to the Russian invasion. The proposal, which sets-out $33 billion in military, economic and humanitarian aid, is part of the United States government’s wider initiative to obstruct Russian influence following President Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine on 24 February of this year. Commenting on the proposal, President Biden has affirmed that ‘the cost of this fight is not cheap, but caving to aggression is going to be more costly if we allow it to happen’. He later added: ‘We either back Ukrainian people as they defend their country, or we stand by as the Russians continue their atrocities’. Contained within this new initiative are plans to both seize and liquidate Russian oligarchs’ assets. These plans were formally approved by the House of Representatives on 27 April, when the overwhelming majority of Democratic and
Republican lawmakers voted in support of the Asset Seizure for Ukraine Reconstruction Act. The legislation, set-out in a bipartisan bill sponsored (among others) by Rep. Tom Malinowski, demands the following of President Biden: ‘The President should take all constitutional steps to seize and confiscate assets under the jurisdiction of the United States of foreign persons whose wealth is derived in part through the corruption linked to or political support for the regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin and with respect to which the President has imposed sanctions’. A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate. Four Democrats (including outspoken progressive Alexandria OcasioCortez) and four Republicans voted against the bill, prompting criticism on both sides of the political spectrum. However, the bill is non-binding; it merely preempts President Biden’s intention to transfer liquidated funds to Ukraine to ‘remediate harms of Russian aggression’. There are easy objections to be made against the new proposals. As Bruce Fein argues in an arti-
cle for The Hill, the plan to seize Russian oligarchs’ assets ‘sets an appalling precedent’. Not only does it grant the President potentially unlimited power to confiscate oligarchs’ assets, but it could well violate pre-existing legal protections that are enshrined constitutionally. Fein goes on to claim that the U.S. government’s plans violate ‘the spirit, if not the letter, of the constitutional prohibition of bills of attainder in Article I, section 9, clause 3’, which prohibits any legislative acts inflicting punishment on a party ‘without any conviction in the ordinary course of judicial proceedings’. So there may well be legal justification for taking umbrage with Biden’s proposal. However, for me, the main issue does not concern the legal dimensions of what has been proposed, but rather the hypocrisy that underlies it. In a piece for Project Syndicate, former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis notes that Russia’s wealthiest 0.01% ‘have taken about half their wealth, around $200 billion, out of Russia and stashed it in the UK and other [tax] havens’, while ‘America’s wealthiest 0.01% have taken
around $1.2 trillion out of the United States’. In short, the issue of corrupt wealth is of more pressing importance at home than abroad. By explicitly targeting Russian wealth and its murky sources, all the while failing to address the issue within its own borders, the United States has made it abundantly clear that the move to seize Russian assets is entirely politically-motivated and little more than axe-grinding. Of course I entirely understand the need to challenge Putin and the ongoing atrocities in the Ukraine, but doing so in a way that merely exposes double standards entirely undermines Biden’s credibility as a political opponent. America’s double standard when it comes to billionaires’ wealth reveals itself even at the rhetorical level: why are the likes of Jeff Bezos frequently referred to in the media as ‘billionaires’, yet Roman Abramovich and others among Russia’s super-rich are labelled ‘oligarchs’? An oligarch is defined as ‘one of a small group of powerful people who control a country or an industry’, so why is this term not also applied to the American billionaires
who exercise just as much power and influence as their Russian counterparts? Varoufakis rightly notes that American multi-billionaires enjoy ‘no less clout’ and stash ‘no less money abroad’ than Russian oligarchs. Yet for some reason Biden and his government are clearly reticent to sanction the likes of Bezos, Elon Musk and other tycoons who have amassed eye-watering fortunes while continually avoiding paying federal income tax. They also seem reticent to challenge dubious wealth in other countries, such as Saudi Arabia, where multi-billionaire princes profit off of the country’s ongoing genocidal war against the people of Yemen (conveniently, Saudi Arabia is also one of America’s largest oil exporters). What the recent move shows, therefore, is that the United States has no moral high-ground to take in tackling corrupt wealth, or, indeed, in issues of foreign policy. Its plan to seize Russian wealth is just one in a series of cynical moves to flex its imperialist muscles and maintain dominance in the theatre of global relations.
The Importance of Non-Violence Climate Activism
Gwydion Elliott argues that non-violent protests are important in the fight for climate change Gwydion Elliott Sci&Tech Editor
This April saw a wave of environmental protests with Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion calling for an immediate end to new oil and gas projects. Though the groups’ disruptive methods, from blocking oil terminals and banks to occupying bridges, have drawn hostility from many politicians and media figures, I can find little fault in their approach. Faced with the calamitous actions of governments and fossil fuel companies, there is little choice but to speak out and draw attention to the crisis using disruptive means. Make no mistake, the actions of the UK government should be illegal, in my opinion. According to Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, ‘there can be no new investments in oil, gas and coal, from now – from this year’ if we are serious about stopping climate
change. According to the IPCC, the group of scientists responsible for advancing knowledge on climate change, greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2025 if we are to have a chance to limit warming to 1.5C. Beyond this threshold, climate change is likely to go from bad to catastrophic. The impacts of climate change will be many-fold. Crop failure and food shortages, deadly heatwaves, hurricanes, floods, droughts, swathes of the globe becoming permanently uninhabitable, the decimation of corals and tropical rainforests, a ‘death sentence’ for island nations facing catastrophic sea level rise, and widespread ecosystem collapse - killing off countless species including those we depend on for our food, their replacement with hordes of diseasespreading pests, and the rapid shift to a new climate in which irreversible feedback loops could be triggered which accelerate warming and send us careening over the edge into a world which can support neither human civi-
lization nor the other organisms with which we share this planet. If my tone sounds panicked in the above paragraph, it is because I am. Despite the above being scientific fact, governments around the world continue to offer only empty promises of change. The UK’s new energy strategy, will order more drilling of oil and gas in the North Sea and do little to expand renewable energy and insulate homes, despite these being better measures for reducing people’s energy bills. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, accused governments and businesses of ‘lying’ in claiming to be on track for 1.5C. We have gotten to this point because those in power have been stalling for decades. Fossil fuel companies spent decades deliberately fuelling climate denial, funding groups which sought to paint climate change as an unresolved issue even when scientific consensus had been reached. Now, with this position untenable, the likes of Shell and BP openly admit
that climate change is real but continue to stall action by painting themselves as climate saviours while actively lobbying governments to make climate legislation as weak as possible. Had we responded earlier, climate catastrophe could have been avoided much more easily. The disgusting actions of fossil fuel companies are a large part of why we are now balanced on a knife’s edge with climate change, and the whole process is still very much ongoing, with these companies holding great power in our economies and governments. All this is why climate activism must disrupt. We are long past the point where calmly advocating for change will work – the climate crisis has been deliberately allowed to happen, placing everything at risk. Those hoping to do something about climate change must use methods that will work as fast as possible. Non-violent protest and civil disobedience, though inevitably causing disruption to those who are not at fault, is a
proven method for causing political change. This is not to say that mistakes cannot be made – sometimes disruption is misplaced, ineffective and more harmful than useful – but bringing the crisis to the streets has the power to show people the urgency of our situation and forces those in power to reckon with the will of the people. The line linking social disruption with policy change is murky and messy, but this is not the fault of activists – rather, the fact that we are forced to use these methods demonstrates how divorced most people are from the power to truly participate in democracy. Sadly, a bad electoral system and decades of climate change lie make blocking roads, banks and oil terminals one of the best ways we can try and cause political change before it’s too late. I believe that participating in non-violent protests is the best thing I can do to try and save our future planet. Those who do so, in whatever form that takes, deserve our support.
COMMENT
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbrickcomment
11
Jubilees, Monarchy and Crises James Simpson writes about how Jubilee celebrations highlight the monarchy's separation from the problems their subjects are facing James Simpson Comment Writer
This year marks Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. It is a milestone occasion, celebrating seventy years since the current monarch’s ascension to the British throne. To honour the occasion, the government has announced an extended bank holiday weekend from 2-5 June. In the spirit of previous jubilee events, these four days entail a range of festive activities, including the Trooping the Colour ceremony, live music outside of Buckingham Palace and (who could forget?) rambunctious street parties in every town and city. The occasion is certainly difficult to ignore, and, if previous decades are anything to go by, the few people who have expressed scepticism or disinterest will likely be dismissed as unpatriotic fun-haters.
But amidst all the bunting, paper plates, and fireworks, it is easy to forget that this year’s celebrations, and the sentiment that underlies them, fundamentally does not speak to the current living situations of thousands and even millions in this country. Based on the previous Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the cost of this year’s celebrations is projected to total in the millions or even billions. At a time when the cost of living is spiralling out of control and leaving a substantial number of Brits struggling or destitute, investing extortionate amounts of money and publicity into jubilee celebrations is crass and insensitive. Echoing Yasmin AlibhaiBrown in a recent article for The Independent, the fever surrounding the Platinum Jubilee serves as a distraction from the real issues affecting millions across the country, from rising food costs to sky-high energy bills.
Since this time last year, the average cost of pasta, bread and other basic food items has risen by as much as 50%: that is more than five times the rate of inflation for the same period. In tandem with rising food costs most households have experienced a record increase in energy bills, attributed in part to supply-chain issues precipitated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. The cost of living crisis is one that has touched the lives of almost everyone, particularly lower-income households but also those whose financial situation has traditionally been stable. It is, therefore , wildly inappropriate that the government should be throwing millions in funding at an event dedicated to someone whose enormous wealth and privilege is so far removed from the lived experiences of her subjects. It is horribly ironic, too, that many of those affected by the rise in living costs will in fact be celebrat-
ing this weekend. Given this government’s unflinching disdain for poor and working-class people, my best guess is that this year’s jubilee celebrations have come at an opportune time for those in power to divert public attention away from the current crisis. As also illustrated with the Olympic games ten years previously, the Conservatives enjoy exploiting a patriotic occasion in order to summon support and quell dissent amid socio-economic turmoil. Ten years ago the poorest in this country were bearing the brunt of austerity measures ushered-in by the then-coalition government. Today the same injustices persist, compounded by a catastrophic living crisis that Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak, and the rest of this government simply refuse to take responsibility in addressing. It is laughable that the monarchy, an institution that has
amassed staggering wealth through dubious means and for whose upkeep normal British citizens continue to foot the bill, should be stealing the limelight at such a fraught political moment. Were this government truly concerned about the crisis faced by so many in this country, they would prioritise investing money in helping the poorest, not in propping-up an overblown vanity project that does nothing to address our material situation. But for that they would have to care.
Cyril Davenport @ Wikimedia Commons
Is Sex Empowering Women? Colette Fountain argues against the usurpation of masculinity in sexually liberated feminism, instead prioritising education around female pleasure make it inaccessible to the vast majority, failing to benefit women as a whole. This is a very Comment Editor nuanced issue which involves considering lots of conflicting In what is generally considered factors. to be the fourth wave of feminism, sexual liberation has risen to the forefront of the debate surrounding what is and is not considered feminism. Interestingly, in her non-fiction work, The Guilty Feminist, Deborah Frances-White explores the complexities of defining ourFor starters, studies suggest selves as feminists. Often there that women may be less likely to is an intense pressure that every- enjoy hookup culture. While sex thing we do be perfect, or a sym- should not be entirely based bol of female progression; but around orgasm, in almost every what happens when our belief study, women are shown to systems are at odds with one orgasm less on average than another? This is where her men. In one study, it was found phrase, ‘I’m a feminist but�’ that 95% of men had orgasmed emerged from. My personal take in their most recent heterosexual on this is: ‘I’m a feminist but I experience, in comparison to think sexually liberated femi- 69% of women. This figure nism isn’t the progression we drops even further with casual need right now.’ sex, as only 49% of women Sexually liberated feminism reported finishing. This is not refers to a wide variety of issues, directly anyone’s fault but could from debates around sex work, stem from the insurmountable to hookup culture, to the MeToo lack of education around female movement. In theory, I fully sup- pleasure. port sexually liberated feminism Second-wave feminists like - I long for the day when women Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem are no longer shamed for express- were hugely influential in begining sexual desires, when they are ning the conversation around free to ask for exactly what they sexual pleasure, something we want from a sexual partner, and have seen more recently with the when sex workers are treated open, honest shows of Sex like human beings. Education and The Sex Lives of However, I do not think we College Girls, both of which are there yet and I think promot- celebrate female pleasure. ing sexually liberated feminism However, in school education is doing more harm than good systems, this is still significantly because it fails to account for the lacking. I distinctly remember pre-existing inequalities which being taught that sex was for
Colette Fountain
“It fails to account for the pre-existing inequalities”
reproduction and male pleasure, never being taught about female pleasure, masturbation, or more specifically how to make a woman orgasm. There is a recurring issue within sexually empowered feminism which prioritises hookup culture because of the belief that women should be allowed to act the same as men. At the forefront of this belief is the podcast, Call Her Daddy, which aims to empower women sexually. Call Her Daddy was founded by Barstool Sports, a historically misogynistic, problematic organisation which perpetuates damaging stereotypes of women. Its hosts promote the idea that in order for women to be empowered as individuals, they must have the same experiences as men. Primarily, they must partake in hookup culture, they must engage in rough sex, and in extreme cases, gaslighting and manipulation must be allowed. There are so many issues with this argument it feels impossible to tackle, but this promotion of the ‘masculinising’ of women is one of the main issues I have with it. It is what FrancesWhite identifies as part of mainstream feminism, rather than the more radical approach which wants to dismantle the structures which historically have been oppressive. Instead, radical feminism suggests that it is not enough to simply promote women to the top of the pyramid of a patriarchal social structure, instead a new system must be created which is fair for all. Thus, the Call Her Daddy mani-
festo collapses if we take this approach - the toxic masculinity and misogyny promoted in hookup culture cannot be undone simply by women adopting a more active role in it. While in a utopian world, women would be free to participate in hookup culture, this oversimplification fails to acknowledge the imbalanced starting point men and women are working from. Socially, women face more shame for having more sexual partners while medically, women have more concerns about contraception. With men sometimes expressing reluctance to wear condoms, the burden is on women to regularly take the pill, get a more permanent form of contraception like an IUD, or get an abortion in more extreme scenarios.
“The burden is on women” Until there is a male equivalent, I think it is ignorant to assume that women can approach hookup culture with the same nonchalance expected of men. Similarly, women are often afraid to ask for exactly what they want, particularly with a new partner, leaving them unsatisfied or feeling used. Again, in more extreme cases, I think this can emerge as an inability to say no and acceptance of acts which they do not necessarily want. If podcasts like Call Her Daddy continue to promote the idea that a woman cannot be a feminist if
they only have vanilla sex, it worsens women’s concerns that they cannot say no at the risk of being called ‘frigid’. Ultimately, women are not at the same starting point as men, so simply adopting the same behaviour is not the feminist progression people think it is. Until we are able to reach the same starting point, I believe that promoting sexual liberation is potentially damaging for the movement as it alienates women who might consider themselves feminists. In a dream world, I would love for women to be empowered enough to get exactly what they want from their sexual experiences, but for now, I am not sure if that is attainable without some negative ramifications. Until society catches up and the stigma around female pleasure is undone, I think true sexual liberation is impossible. We need education in schools, we need better representation in the media, and, overall, we need more discussion around sex generally. Talk to your friends, your partners, other feminists, about their sexual experiences (within reason and with consent), because I think communication is one of the best ways to empower women and begin to move towards equality. I cannot wait for the day when I no longer have to say I am a feminist, but I do not believe in sexual liberation, and instead can proudly declare I am a feminist and I believe in sexual liberation. But until education improves, we just are not there.
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Commonwealth Games Guide Sport writers give a guide to the Commonwealth Games taking place in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands area later this year Swimming Swimming is one of the sports to have featured at every previous iteration of the Commonwealth Games. In Birmingham there are 4 individual styles the athletes can compete in: breaststroke, butterfly, backstroke and freestyle, alongside medley events. Distances range from 50-1500m. Venue: Sandwell Aquatic Centre Date: 29th July-3rd August Medal Hopefuls: Australia are sending a particularly strong team this year. New World Record holder Ariarne Titmus will compete, and Zac Stubblety-Cook will hope to break Adam Peaty’s winning streak in the 100m event. Team Scotland have four-time Tokyo Olympic medalist Duncan Scott flying the flag, whilst on Team England Freya Anderson will be hungry for her first senior individual medal. Fun Fact: Sandwell Aquatic Centre is Birmingham's only totally new venue, and it will reopen as a community facility after the games.
Lucy Parry Sport Writer
Serena Repice Lentini / Unsplash
Cycling Cycling is one of the biggest competitions at this year’s Commonwealth Games with 26 events over 10 days. The huge variety of events, including track, road and mountain biking, makes this sport third in the number of medals that could be won. Venue: There are four venues for cycling. Cannock Chase Forest will host mountain biking, West Park Park will host time trials, the road race will take place at St Nicholas’ Park and finally, the Lee Valley VeloPark in London will see track cycling. Dates: 29th July-7th August Medal Hopefuls: Helen Scott MBE is back at it again in para-cycling and is definitely one to watch in this year’s games. Fun Fact: England cycling has won 121 medals overall, making them second on the all-time cycling medal table.
Sophie Utteridge Sport Editor
Mark Timberlake / Unsplash
Lawn Bowls & Para-Lawn Bowls
Judo
Lawn Bowls is one of the core sports at the Commonwealth Games, having been played at every single iteration of the competition, except for the 1966 Kingston Games, where there were no Lawn Bowls facilities available. Venue: Victoria Park
Judo is a form of martial arts in which the objective is to take your opponent down using control. The sport relies upon Balance, mental focus, tactics technique, agility and leverage. Judo is now a core sport in the Commonwealth Games programme, having previously been left out in the 2018 games when it still held optional sport status. Birmingham 2022 will be the fourth appearance for Judo.
Dates: 29th July-6th August
Venue: Coventry Arena
Medal Hopefuls: Settling for silver in 2018, Scotland pair Paul Foster and Alex Marshall will be hoping to reclaim their Pairs title. 2018 hosts Australia topped the Lawn Bowls rankings with seven medals, including golds in both Para-sport categories, so they will be ones to watch again.
Dates: 1st-3rd August
Fun Fact: The Commonwealth Games is regarded as one of the most prestigious competitions in Lawn Bowls.
Fun Fact: A judo fighter is called a ‘judoka’. Judoka is a Japanese word for someone who practises or is skilled in judo techniques.
Ella Kipling Social Secretary
Medal Hopefuls: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have announced their male and female teams but Team England are yet to release their list of competitors.
Charis Gambon Sport Writer
Joshua Jamias / Unsplash
ua Jamias / Unsplash
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Squash
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3x3 Basketball
Squash will return to the Commonwealth Games this year, having made its debut in Kuala Lumpur in 1998. With squash yet to feature at the Olympic Games, this is a fantastic opportunity for the sport to garner increased support and usher in the next generation.
Basketball 3x3 is basketball as you have never seen it before: a shorter, smaller version that is fast paced and furious. Using half a court and only one hoop for each sides, defence suddenly transitions to attack.
Venue: The University of Birmingham
Venue: The Smithfield Arena
Dates: 28th July-3rd August (Singles), 3rd-8th August (Doubles)
Dates: 29th July-2nd August
Medal Hopefuls: Whilst the established nations are once again sending a strong contingent, Kenya’s Muqtadir Nimji, a second-year physics student at the University of Birmingham, will be looking to win his country’s first ever medal in the sport.
Medal Hopefuls: Australia will of course be favourites, but watch out for Team England, who boast seasoned national team talents like Temi Fagbenle and Chantelle Hardy in the women's squad, as well as GB captain Myles Hesson for the men.
Fun Fact: Whilst Australia is the most successful nation in squash at the Commonwealth Games, they have never won the men’s singles. Will that change in 2022?
Fun Fact: This is both Wheelchair Basketball and 3x3 Basketball’s first appearance at the Commonwealth Games.
Will Rogers
Zenna Hussain Sport Writer
Sport Writer
Hockey Hockey is a fast paced 60-minute game, played with a goalkeeper and ten field players on each team. The sport has been part of the Commonwealth Games since 1998, and as a ‘core’ sport its inclusion is compulsory. Venue: The University of Birmingham Dates: 29th July-8th August Medal Hopefuls: Australia are likely to be the favourites across both categories, but it is not a certainty, especially in the women’s competition. England’s women came away with a silver and bronze medal at the 2014 and 2018 Games respectively, so they will be looking to ensure a third successive podium place, and hoping to add a gold to their collection. Fun Fact: Hockey goalkeepers can touch the ball with any part of their body, whilst field players can only use the flat part of their stick. Twitter/@GBHockey
Lauren Coffman Sport Editor
T20 Cricket Google Maps
Women’s cricket is currently one of the fastest growing sports in the world. It is the first time that both T20 Cricket and women’s cricket will feature at the games, and it promises to be a real highlight of the calendar. With twenty ‘overs,’ consisting of six balls, per side, it is the fastest paced format of the game - perfect as a spectator sport. Venue: Edgbaston Stadium Date: 29th July-7th August Medal Hopefuls: Having been victorious in the recent white-ball world cup, Australia should have a very strong squad for these games. England will also be in with a shout, and with the short nature of T20 cricket, anything can happen. Fun Fact: Cricket has only been played once before, with a men’s 50 over competition being held in Kuala Lumpur in 1998. This makes South Africa the last, and only, winners in this event.
Oscar Frost Sport Editor
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and great music, hosted at the stunning botanical gardens with a beautiful wintery theme. The editors were all lovely, stopping to have chats with everyone, and there were some great photos to remember the night. The ball was a great opportunity to celebrate Redbrick and other groups. Despite the presence of other societies, there were enough Redbrick members for me to feel at ease, as well as the latest print on the tables to leaf through while we weren't dancing or eating. The night was definitely one of my favourite memories from university, and it embodied Redbrick as a society—welcoming, laidback, and fun.
Ellen Knight
Emily Baldwin Comment Editor
I knew I wanted to write for Redbrick before I even knew I was going to go to university. My year 12 History teacher was a UOB alumni and former writer. He spent his lessons talking about the stories, friends and shenanigans he got involved with whilst writing in the late 90s. The way he spoke about his time at Redbrick made me want to be involved - I could not wait to see the office for myself and made it my goal to become an editor. It may be a bit unconventional to pick your university based on your teacher’s experience with the student paper, but Mr John made me realise university could be for me and that student journalism was an exciting community.
“I wanted to write for Redbrick before I even knew I was going to go to university’’ Now, almost four years later, I am a Comment Editor, a Redbrick Stan and the most typical student journalist imaginable. I have made friends for life at Redbrick, I talk to my fellow editors and writers every single day and owe my student experience to them. Redbrick has surpassed all of my expectations and it is an honour to be involved. From writing articles about gender and sexuality and winning an award in my first year, to working alongside my incredible Comment team and interacting with everyone from committee to writers to EAs and other editors. It is a privilege to watch people grow in the society and my role at Redbrick is one that brings me the most pride and personal fulfilment imaginable. I am so excited for another year here, and to watch where our graduating team go. After my first article was published online I emailed my old teacher and thanked him for his encouragement. I hold the excitement that my 17-year-old self held for Redbrick with me every time I enter the Guild basement and sit at the computers. Redbrick is a special society with a great history and I am so lucky to be a part of it. Long live the brick!
Kitty Grant Print & Features Editor
After what was a pretty awful first year I was really nervous about
Ella Kipling coming into second year, but thanks to Redbrick, I can honestly say this has been the best year of my life. I originally ran for committee on a whim, thinking there was no way that as a first year with no experience I would win, and I probably wouldn't have had anybody ran against me. Thanks to Redbrick, I’ve been stressed, my grades have got worse, and I’ve spent way too much money at the pub, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ve learnt so many new skills, made some work that I’m really proud of, and discovered what I want to do after university. But most importantly I’ve made so many new friends and had so many amazing experiences. Some of the best memories have included getting a bit too messy after a couple of pitchers at Spoons with Dan and Julia, making fun of Oli for his...questionable McDonald’s order (fish finger happy meal if you’re wondering), dressing up as Jedward for Jen’s 21st, watching Sonny run with his hands in his pockets at the rounders social organised by Ella, going to basically every Thursday Gales with Dan, and responding to every ‘pub?’ Snapchat from Ellen with ‘obviously’. But as well as the memories I've made with my closest friends here, I've also absolutely loved just spending time in the office chatting to the editors. As I'm rushing to finish this feature, it's hard not to get too emotional reading about how much everyone loves Redbrick, because I just love this silly little paper so much! I’m going to miss everybody so much while I’m on my year abroad, but I know the friends I’ve made through Redbrick will be friends for life, and I can’t wait to see what Dan and the rest of next year’s committee are going to do with Redbrick!
Zenna Hussain Features Writer
Only starting Redbrick this year, I was a tad apprehensive about what it would entail; perhaps it would be a slightly more solitary society where the only interaction would be sending emails with finished articles. However weekly opps list with the editors, events like Redbrick Awards, balls and socials throughout the year have made Redbrick a very welcoming society. The Media Ball, however, was my absolute favourite Rebrick event of the year. Admittedly, I was hesitant to attend a ball since it seemed a little extravagant and unnecessary , but because it was fairly cheap, I decided to go, and I am honestly so glad I did. Every aspect of it was enjoyable: wonderful food
Social Secretary
When I turned up to the Redbrick welcome meeting in October 2019, I was terrified. It was almost a month into first year and I was worried that everyone else had found their people and I was falling behind. Within minutes, I knew this was going to be the place for me. I gazed up at former Editor in Chief Tom Leaman and the rest of the committee, and knew that this was something special. Redbrick has helped me grow in confidence massively. Being able to call someone up and interview them for an article was incredibly daunting at the start, and now is something I can do without so much as a second thought. A huge part of what has fuelled my love of journalism is the news editors in my first year, who pushed me to pursue some difficult leads and publish stories which held the university accountable. They showed me the way and have had such an impact on me and my career so far. My favourite articles that I have written are my piece on the Guild’s refusal to take a sexual harassment case further, one on leaked messages about former Guild President from a UCU group chat, and my long-form report on the university’s treatment of disabled students. The last one was shortlisted for a National Student Publication Award, which is something I’m very proud of. The articles that Redbrick produces matter. They have an impact on students, they build bridges with the community, and hold organisations accountable. I am so proud of this society, and everyone in it. Throughout challenges such as a pandemic, and continuous strikes, Redbrick has been my one constant. Student media is incredibly important, not just for the work we produce and the skills it teaches us, but the people we meet along the way. I cannot wait to be reading national newspapers in a few years and seeing all your names in print!
“I cannot wait to be reading national newspapers in a few years and seeing all your names’’
Rachel Higgins Sports Editor
I have been writing for Redbrick for three years now and enjoyed being a Sports editor for two. As a girl interested in writing about the martials arts world, I was initially hesitant due to the stigma attached; not just women in sport, but women that comment on it too. However, my worries were immediately calmed as the sports section welcomed me in and were keen to support my article ideas. This was an important outlet as journalism was always my dream career path and I was finally getting to experience a practical side to pursuing it. Within a few months of writing I had secured my first ever back page, covering the Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. rematch. I remember the feeling of accomplishment seeing my name printed across the article and being the December edition, copies were put on display across the Media Ball. After falling in love with writing, I decided to apply for editor and take my relationship with the society more seriously. Yet, the turmoil of COVID-19 meant my plans for a year abroad were jeopardised and I was forced to study online at home. However, Redbrick was my saving grace as I continued to be a part of the sports section and covered the devastation felt as the world realised life without sport was almost unbearable. Another year has passed, and I have enjoyed covering the return to sport that saw our best BUCS performance in years. Most importantly, I cannot thank Redbrick enough for giving me the opportunity to express myself as a woman in sport and represent a voice that is often dismissed in the world of combat sport coverage.
Dan Hunt News Editor
The first Redbrick meeting I attended was on Zoom. It was a Sports meeting that started at 7pm on the second Tuesday of the term. At 6.45pm I sat at my desk in my tiny Mason bedroom, switched on my laptop and logged onto facebook. At 6.50pm I
Emily Baldwin
walked down the corridor to the stupidly long Mason kitchen to grab a glass of water. I then spent the next 8 minutes staring at the clock on the screen, waiting for 7pm to come. I was nervous. I could’ve gone on my phone and responded to the zero messages from the zero new friends I’d made at uni so far, but instead I waited until the clock hit 7. After waiting the obligatory 10-15 second fashionably-late-to-the-Redbrick-meeting period, I clicked on the link and never looked back. In two years I’ve made countless friends, embarrassed myself even more countless times and never regretted a second of it. Redbrick might be a silly little student newspaper that not many people read, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is what it means to so many of our members: friendship, and a passion for writing. Thankfully I’ve now left my tiny Mason bedroom and the stupidly long kitchen, but I’m still here, two years later, writing silly little articles and having a whale of a time.
“I’ve made countless friends, embarrassed myself even more countless times and never regretted a second of it’’ Cara-Louise Scott Food&Drink Editor
It’s crazy to think that I’ve nearly been a Food&Drink editor for a year which is now coming to an end - where has this year at Redbrick gone? Becoming an editor was one of the best decisions I have made at university – I have been lucky to become more involved with Redbrick this year, editing people’s articles and meeting new people. The sense of community at Redbrick pushed me to stand up for Digital Editor a few months ago, and I am so excited to take on this role, allow-
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ing me to be further involved with Redbrick for my final year. Writing is my passion and being able to write fun articles about food, personal experiences, news, theatre reviews, and comment articles to express my opinions on current affairs, has allowed a space for my voice amongst many others here at UoB. Before coming to university, I had hoped to be involved in the student paper, but this has turned into something bigger for me than I had thought I’d be capable of. Redbrick has enabled me to push my aspirations in journalism and gain exciting opportunities outside of university. To me, Redbrick is more than just a student group or a newspaper, it is a home for our words, a place we can all belong.
“Redbrick is more than just a student group or a newspaper, it is a home for our words, a place we can all belong’’ James Evenden Features Writer
I first got involved with Redbrick in February of this year with the intention of it being a casual hobby I would not do too much with. Since then, I would say that Redbrick has become one of my favourite aspects of my university life. Redbrick has given me an outlet to share my opinions and has sustained my passion for writing during times when my degree has not. The thought of falling out of love with my degree terrified me, and without Redbrick I am sure that would have happened. Writing for Redbrick has acted as a reminder as to why I love writing, and why I came to university to pursue an English degree. Redbrick has allowed me to meet
Ellen Knight
Ellen Knight
some wonderful people who share my interests in film and tv and has introduced me to some really good friends I would not have made otherwise. I have friends at university, but being a small part of Redbrick has given me the chance to feel like a part of a community. It feels separate from my degree just enough to make it feel like a fulfilling hobby, whilst still providing an array of transferrable skills I have been able to use in my studies. I look forward to continuing my work with Redbrick in my final year, hopefully as a section editor or continuing on as a writer. I am looking forward to it because I know how much Redbrick has enhanced my second year in just a few months. When I first came to university I knew that I wanted to join societies and play an active role in them, and Redbrick has given me that opportunity, an opportunity I am very grateful for.
James Simpson Features Writer
I’ve absolutely loved my time as a writer for Redbrick. What started as a curious foray into student journalism has developed into a passion for writing and expressing my opinions on a range of topics. From current affairs to film criticism, Redbrick has been a perfect creative outlet for me to discuss the things that interest me most. There is just something so rewarding about seeing your own words in print, and to know that there are people out there who read and appreciate your work. I have especially enjoyed writing for the newspaper’s comment section, among my favourite submissions being an article on Barbadian independence that I wrote in December of last year. My time at Redbrick has also enabled me to hone my communication skills and to develop a clear and eloquent writing style. Of course my contributions would be nothing were it not for the editors, who have dedicated so much time and effort to what I can only imagine is a highly demanding role. They
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are nothing but pleasant and have always been open to any ideas I have pitched. I look forward to continue writing for Redbrick, and I hope to get even more involved in this wonderful society during my remaining time here at Birmingham.
“Of course my contributions would be nothing were it not for the editors’’ Sian Allen TV Editor
From the fateful moment I stepped out of the Freshers Fair in September 2019, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my time at uni – I was going to write for Redbrick. I remember being so proud to see my first full TV review in print (my housemates pinned it up on our noticeboard) and so excited each time a new opps list came out. I became a TV Editor in June 2020. It’s been my life for the past two years, and I’ve been so proud to incessantly promote Redbrick to my family and friends. Being an editor gave me a purpose during the perpetual, never-ending lockdowns. It means that I’ve gotten to read countless insightful and intriguing articles and meet some amazing people who are weird enough to care about television as much as I do. All the time I’ve spent editing, co-hosting meetings, making graphics, and trying to figure out the mysteries of InDesign is invaluable to me. I hope I’ve made the TV section a welcoming, open space where anyone can write about their favourite show, no matter how obscure or underappreciated it is. If the future editorial team has half as much fun being part of Redbrick as I have, they’re doing something right.
“If the future editorial team has half as much fun being part of Redbrick as I have, they’re doing something right’’ Charis Gambon Features Writer
I joined Redbrick as I thought it would be something fun to do. I could never have imagined what would come out of that decision. I was shortlisted for an award with the National Student Publication awards, and while in the end I did not win, I was amazed at making the shortlist within my first year. As someone who has dyslexia, I sometimes struggle with writing but writing for journalistic articles seems to come naturally to me. I have enjoyed writing these articles a substantial amount and because of that original decision to join Redbrick I have been able to write for some other publications too. All of this would not have been possible without Redbrick. While I was only able to stay for a year I could not have
Ben Court
asked for much else. Redbrick has given me the first platform to share my disability, Dyspraxia which has led to me being able to share the story of others with Dyspraxia. I am so thankful for the opportunity to raise the platform for my disability as most people have never heard of it. When I was nominated for the National Diversity Awards a substantial amount of Redbrick Writers, committee and editors expressed their happiness at the nomination and took the time to vote for me, which meant a lot. Rebrick allowed me to realise that Dyslexic or not, I’m great at writing.
Ellen Knight News Editor
When I started university in September 2019, I would’ve laughed in your face if you’d me that within a year I’d be dead-set on a career in journalism. Lots of things happened in March 2020, but joining Redbrick that month has got to be a highlight for me. Since then, it’s felt like a complete headlong rush into writing and journalism - without my bylines in Redbrick and the paper’s encouraging atmosphere, I doubt I’d have had the confidence to start freelancing or branching out into the dreaded world of broadcasting with our frenemies at Burn FM.
“Lots of things happened in March 2020, but joining Redbrick that month has got to be a highlight for me’’ As both a writer and News Editor, Redbrick has given me some genuinely extraordinary experiences, from touring COVID-19 campus testing sites to going up Old Joe - both of which were exciting but I’d say the latter is the one I’d rather repeat! Seeing my writing on the front cover of Redbrick has been an absolute highlight, and the paper has made me feel like my writing does have some impact in the world outside the dungeons whether that’s actually true or not! As well as contributions to
the paper itself, I know that I’ve also made lifelong friends through the paper and I can’t wait to see how everyone’s careers unfold over the years. From our pub trips to the (somewhat) classier balls, I’ve loved every minute I’ve spent with the Redbrick community, and I know I’ll miss it immeasurably next year. Up the ‘brick!
Chelsie Henshaw Editor-in-Chief
200 words to recap one of the highlights of my degree? That is definitely going to be difficult. Despite not getting involved in Redbrick until my second year (who else was too nervous to join as a fresher?), it has been a constant throughout my degree. From writing weekly articles in my second year, to being a Comment Editor in my third, to now finishing my reign as Editor-in-Chief in my final year, Redbrick has certainly been a huge part of my university experience. Redbrick has allowed me to write about subjects I am passionate about, review theatre shows and performances by artists such as Dua Lipa and develop my writing skills as a journalist. Without Redbrick I can honestly say I doubt I would be the person that I am today. In terms of the past year, the highlight for me has to be he release of our first print. Whilst the process led to many long, tiring, and stressful days in the dungeon (for Kitty especially), nothing was more rewarding than holding a physical copy of the paper in my hands. I am so grateful to have met and worked with so many amazing people over my years at Redbrick and I cannot wait to watch the paper grow even more. To the current committee, thank you and to those about to begin their roles, I have every faith that you will do an amazing job.
“To the current committee, thank you and to those about to begin their roles, I have every faith that you will do an amazing job’’
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Book Review: Lost Lanes Central Harry Curtis Culture Editor
Lost Lanes Central is the fifth in the series by Jack Thurston, a writer and cycling campaigner, where he shares cycling routes round the Midlands and beyond, which embrace the beauty of the lanes abandoned by drivers rushing to get from A to B. The cover is tastefully illustrated by Andrew Pavitt, and nearly every page features Thurston’s own skilled photography of the sweeping vistas, ancient holloways or urban cycleways that you can expect to come across on the 36 routes detailed in the book. He begins with a heartfelt ode to the hidden-in-plain-sight nooks and crannies of the English countryside, with descriptive detail not unlike Tolkien’s, so within seconds of opening the book I was excited to get out on a ride. Following the introduction of the Lost Lanes concept, he goes on to explain some sensible and considerate bicycling practicalities, and he appears
careful to guide everyone from families with young children to lycra clad sport cyclists on how to have a safe and enjoyable trip.
“Within seconds of opening the book I was excited to get out on a ride” Thurston’s knowledge and passion for sharing this way of life shine throughout the book but are particularly evident in the route description chapters. These are intensely well researched, with interesting details on topics ranging from the Gravelly Hill Interchange (Spaghetti Junction to you and me!) to the cider heritage of Herefordshire. These sections focus on a general description of the route, rather than a turnby-turn navigational guide because, as Thurston explains, the book isn’t designed to be taken out with us, instead we should download the GPX file
I had been sceptical of onto a compatible mobile app. This is straightforward, but Thurston’s promise of escape, even with his warnings, is pro- how could there be any lost moting mobile-based naviga- lanes anywhere near this city dominated by Ubers and modition a good idea? I don’t think this review fied hatchbacks? But, after could do the book justice if I barely 20 minutes along NCN didn’t use it as intended, so this 55, I turned up Primrose Hill morning I wheeled my trusty and the traffic noise diminished. steed out of the shed and got From here I peacefully sailed going. Conveniently, route away into Worcestershire, but number 19, ‘Escape Velocity’ not before a swift half of the from Birmingham to Warwick aptly named ‘Slow Lane Pale via Stratford-Upon-Avon, pass- Ale’ at the Coach and Horses, es close to my house along the one of the books recommended Rea Valley Cycleway, so I chose establishments. to follow this “moderate” Thirst successfully 46-mile route as my quenched, I weaved first foray into the my way round empty lost lanes of lanes all the way to Worcestershire and Stratford, stopping Warwickshire. I set occasionally to off on my ultraappreciate the quiet heavy, slightly rubwith only the odd bish commuter bike aggressive driver. It with very limited takes a rather circuigearing in the late tous route into morning, and within Shakespeare’s town, minutes I was and it was here whisked away into where I struggled Wild Things Publishing a luscious green with navigation, but tunnel of leaves and before long I was the noise and stress of the out the other side and back onto Pershore Road was behind me. the lost lanes. By this point,
Wild Things Publishing
despite being quite an experienced cyclist of reasonable fitness, I was starting to get quite tired, and I was glad I hadn’t decided to tackle one of the more challenging rides in the book. Despite my fatigued legs, the last few miles into Warwick passed quickly and it wasn’t long before my bike and I were safely packed onto the train back to Birmingham. All in all, I had a great day out. By following Thurston’s guidance, it is possible to escape the noise and connect with the nature that surrounds us. His sensible guidance wonderfully facilitates the move from cautious CenterParcs cyclist to competent explorer of the beautiful British countryside.
My First time... Reading a Graphic Novel Ffion Hâf Comment Editor
As an English student and longtime lover of literature, books have always held a close place in my heart. I adore how books can transport readers to an entirely new world and how when reading I can simply tune everything else out and immerse myself in the words on the page. However, I found that after three years of reading solely for my academic studies, I did not know where to start. It was as though I had put the pressure on myself to pick the perfect book after waiting for so long to read something when I finally had the freedom to read for myself again. W h a t would be the perf e c t book t o read? Wo u l d it be fiction, or would it be non-fiction? Was it going to be a classic or perhaps a contemporary novel? Feeling both spoiled for choice
and almost overwhelmed with the prospect of reading a full written book, I decided to try something new and picked up my first graphic novel in an attempt to rediscover the enjoyment of reading for myself. In honesty, I had never considered myself a fan of graphic novels as I had always been used to reading ‘normal’ books and had made myself believe that they were the best form of reading that there was; I had never thought to think otherwise. However, given that I had friends who had read and enjoyed them, I finally decided to keep an open mind and give them a real try. H a v i n g watched the Netflix TV adaptation of A l i c e Oseman’s Heartstopper and fallen in love with both the storyline and its characters, I felt like this would be the perfect place to start my graphic novel journey. The novel is a graphic queer romance that follows both Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson as they get to know
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each other as friends and begin to fall in love. The narrative is everything you would want from a wholesome coming of age romance that also depicts the young adults’ exploration of sexuality and identity. Although I was familiar with the story, having watched the series before reading the graphic novel, seeing Charlie and Nick’s relationship blossom on the pictured page was utterly joyful. With every chapter, I felt as though I was a friend experiencing the events alongside them. One of the main aspects of the novel that I enjoyed whilst reading this novel is that I was left genuinely full of happiness, the read as a whole was such a pleasure to experience and the story was conveyed beautifully. I simply could not have picked a better series to start reading graphic novels with. One of the pros of reading graphic novels is that the action is presented fully to you on the page. This made the taking in of information and the story a lot quicker than in an average book. For me, this added to the excitement of watching the story unfold as it moved along so fast and I could enjoy more of the narrative in a shorter space of time. Along with this, with a graphic novel, you not only get to read the words on the page, but thanks to Oseman’s effortlessly beautiful visual art, readers get to see the characters’ faces and body language which
helps to depict their emotions and individual characteristics. Oseman truly brought the characters to life on the page and it was their lovable qualities that made the novel such a special thing to experience. A favourite aspect of mine was the leaves that were scattered across the pages which are used as a tool to highlight the novel’s most emotional and heartfelt scenes, which Oseman describes as ‘Heartstopper moments.’ The leaves add to the magic of the graphic novel’s reading and it suggests that Charlie and Nick’s romance is a beautiful fairy tale, embodying the moment when you meet someone who is made for you, the feeling of that first k i s s that feels like fireworks. However, although Oseman’s illustrations were a pleasure to experience, I did sometimes feel as though graphic novels take away the ability to imagine the characters, as they are presented to you by the author. Because the characters are designed and shown on the page, they do not possess the descriptive qualities that general books do as you do not need to create an image in your head. Although I enjoy the personal imaginative aspects of prose books, the lack of this in graphic novels did not mean I could not enjoy them any less than written ones. Having read my first graphic novel, I can confidently say that I would want to continue
doing so in the future. The three remaining Heartstopper books have undoubtedly made it to the top of my books to read in the future as I look forward to continuing with Charlie and Nick’s journey and to seeing where Oseman takes their relationship in the following novels. Other graphic novels that I would also be interested in reading would be The Sad Ghost Club by Lize Meddings which depicts the power of friendship to help find a light beyond loneliness and the joy in meeting l i k e - m i n d e d communities, Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker which is a love story that blossoms alongside a witchy and supernatural plot, and finally, Bloom by Kevin Panetta and Savanna Ganucheau which follows Ari’s story after he meets Hector while interviewing for his replacement at his family’s bakery. Overall, I would urge anyone who may be hesitant to give graphic novels a try as they have changed my mind about what should be expected out of a novel. The truth is, we put boundaries on literature when we confine ourselves to a certain style or genre and can easily forget that enjoyment can be found outside of our comfort zones. As a graphic novel, Heartstopper provided me with the perfect story to reclaim my love for reading and finding stories that bring me happiness, and I will most definitely recommend this novel to anyone.
CULTURE
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbrickculture
Comedy Review : UoB Footnotes' Herlarity!
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Editors' Picks: Summer Reads Sofia Amazon UK
Siân Allen TV Editor
Gender in comedy can sometimes be a volatile subject. It’s no secret that panel shows, stand-up and sitcoms continue to be dominated by men. The outdated, misogynistic perception that women can’t be funny still permeates our culture today. But gender is inherently laughable: a perpetual series of weird little performances we do for our families, friends, strangers, and ourselves. Being open about how we think and feel about gender is a great source of comedy and solidarity. Last Tuesday night, four female performers did just that for a good cause. The Indie Lounge was transformed into an intimate comedy venue for Herlarity 2022, a night of stand-up organised by The Birmingham Footnotes Comedy Society. Herlarity, advertised by Footnotes, UoB’s comedy society, as ‘an evening of big laughs in support of Female and Non-
Alfred Taylor
Binary comedians’, put its money where its mouth is by donating all its proceeds to local charity ‘RVSP: The Rape and Sexual Violence Project.’ The charity provides support for anyone who has experienced sexual violence across Birmingham and Solihull. This set a great tone for the show as a night of entertainment that was not only dedicated to giving female and non-binary comics a platform, but also to making a real difference in the local community. The night started with compere Olivia McDonnell. She made full use of the PowerPoint transition and animation effects we were all obsessed with in primary school to tell us how she got from her first stand-up performance at Herlarity 2020 – only a few weeks before the first lockdown – to being a fully-fledged stand-up comic today. McDonnell’s well-timed use of visual aids and her energetic stage presence made her a great opener for Herlarity. She spoke about what femininity means to her with humour, warmth, and high praise for whoever invented the vibrator. The night continued with a set from Laura Walsh, who spoke frankly and hilariously about supporting her mum through menopause and unique ways to do pelvic floor exercises. Like Walsh, most of Herlarity’s performers spoke about the taboo subjects of womanhood – like female masturbation or menopause – with ease and good humour, using comedy as an effective tool of
destigmatisation. All good stand-up has a bit of awkwardness and vulnerability. Walsh used both well to quickly get the audience on her side (and get them wondering about the strength of their own pelvic floor). Rachel Baker also made use of visual aids for excellent, if slightly self-deprecating, comedic effect. A definite highlight included her photoshopping a candid and somewhat unflattering photo of herself into a hoard of zombies from The Walking Dead. Baker’s set became the most memorable, however, when she asked the audience to close their eyes for a full minute so that she could surprise us by transforming into the character of ‘Gwen’ – a middle-aged woman unfortunately unaware of the fact that she’s being scammed by her younger lover, Stavros. Complete with an impressive quick change, ‘Gwen’ was when Herlarity took a brief detour from silly into completely absurd, and The Indie Lounge loved it. Then came time for the night’s headline act, Isabelle Farah, an award-winning comedian currently previewing her upcoming Edinburgh Fringe show. Farah had a bold and captivating stage presence right from the start of her set. Her genuine fascination with the lab work of a Biology student in attendance was very charming. Farah’s amusingly told anecdotes from her life as a BritishLebanese woman in her thirties were a fresh and exciting take
on femininity at the end of a night of student comedy, whether she was joking about gender inequality in the workplace or the ups and downs of one-nightstands. Her effusive energy – as if you were catching up with a friend you haven’t seen in a while – ended Herlarity on a high.
“Complete with an impressive quick change, ‘Gwen’ was when Herlarity took a brief detour from silly into completely absurd, and The Indie Lounge loved it” And so, after a very chaotic raffle, Herlarity was over for another year. It was a very entertaining night of funny and fresh stand-up that explored what it means to be a woman. I only hope that more women of colour, non-binary, and genderqueer people feel confident enough to perform in the future, because The Indie Lounge was a very welcoming and warm space for all the comedians on stage, and I would have loved to have heard more perspectives. Overall, Herlarity was an evening full of laughs that celebrated female comedians and raised money for a great cause.
Beach Read by Emily Henry Amazon UK
She Gets The Girl by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick
Leah
The Lion, The Panto, And The Review Zenna Hussain Culture Writer
According to Brumfess, UoB Panto Soc is one of the gayest societies on campus. After watching The Lion, The Witch, and the Panto, I have to admit that they have earned their moniker – from Queen Aslan (Adam Dorey) to a genderbending Caspian (Ellie Littlewood), and the general campiness of the pantomime. Moving at a breakneck pace, The Lion, the Witch, and the Panto manages to keep fairly faithful to the original, cramming the whole tale of the first Narnia film and incorporating aspects from later films into two and a half hours. The changes merely add to the pantomime's campy magnificence, which the production is entirely devoted to. These modifications include the queering of the tale.
Susan's (Sav Dixon) and Caspian's lovely, bumbling relationship dominates the second act, in all of its queer beauty, as does Ginarrbrik's (Evie Crawford) fascination with the White Witch. The ensemble had strong chemistry, playing off one another. They are evidently comfortable with each other, as seen by the group numbers, some of which seemed to include the whole cast. Their synchronisation with each other was striking, even without considering the fluid, Becky Woods elaborate choreography, and beautiful, various voices. The ensemble also managed to play off the crowd, which, despite being in the middle of exam season, was impressively
large. The characters, notably Edmund (Immie Booth) and Aslan, use the classic pantomime clichés of heckling and audience participation. The panto's strongest aspect had to be its self-awareness, which is another common pantomime element. While not of the highest quality, the set pieces added to the show's charm as a university production. The transition to Narnia, with its icy trees, was marked by a helpful, tongue-in-cheek sign that said, 'Psst, you're in Narnia.' This was complemented by an almost im-paws-ibly large number of lion puns courtesy of
Aslan, as well as purr-fectly fitting tunes like Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’ and ‘Eye of the Tiger.’ Songs by Journey, Ababa, Rihanna, and musicals like Oliver! were also featured. S'N'M's parodic Narnia-version will haunt you, and I herby petition for it to be put on Spotify. Similarly, Edmund's performance of I Want to Break Free was reminiscent of a fever dream, and his whininess, like Peter's (Anthony Johnson) pontification, Lucy's (Ellen Chancellor) kindness, and Susan's self-sacrifice, was completely in line with the film. The effort put into this play is obvious; the programmes have a home-made appeal, there are crocheted animal hats, and the animals in particular were adorable. There are all the markings of a wonderful panto: a superb live band, catchy, wellloved songs, and flashing strobe lights.
Amazon UK
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han Goodreads
Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen
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MUSIC
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbrickmusic
Album Review: Kendrick Lamar ‘Mr Morale and the Big Steppers’ James Simpson Music Critic
Mr Morale and The Big Steppers, acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar’s latest release, is one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. This is a bold statement, given that the album is new. But, it is one that I, and, I am sure, a vast swathe of critics will agree with. Dropping half a decade after his last studio album, 2017’s Damn., the rapper’s much-awaited most recent effort is a double-sided LP chock-full of collaborations with some of the most acclaimed (and controversial) music artists of Lamar’s generation. Sampha, Ghostface Killah, and even Beth Gibbins from Portishead are among the artists who join Lamar on his confessional and confrontational journey through past guilt, trauma, and suffering. Whereas his monumental 2015 album To Pimp A Butterfly primarily engages with the toils of fame and the collective black experience, on Mr Morale and The Big Steppers the rapper is invested in his own personal troubles, touching on family, fatherhood, redemption (all of which are invoked by the
album’s cover,) writer’s block, and past prejudices. The album’s tone is markedly pensive and poignant, encapsulating the artist’s reflections on a lengthy career of both tremendous highs and tremendous lows.
“Mr Morale and The Big Steppers is yet another complete and utter triumph.” Every single one of Lamar’s previous releases has won universal acclaim from critics and fans alike; true to form, Mr Morale and The Big Steppers is yet another complete and utter triumph. From the production, to the songwriting, to the instrumentals, to the vocal arrangements, every element of this masterwork is impeccably executed. The record’s opening track, ‘United in Grief,’ is a tour-de-force of sharp lyricism and sonic innovation, with fast, heavy drumbeats segueing to a haunting piano medley. Lamar showcases his trademark wry
humour in ‘Worldwide Steppers’ and juxtaposes the wholesome expectations of fatherhood (‘playing baby shark with my daughter’) with unresolved tensions and rivalries from within the music industry (‘watchin’ for sharks outside at the same time.’) Tensions in the rapper’s personal life come to the fore in ‘We Cry Together,’ a raw and mesmerising duologue with Taylour Paige that shows the rapper wrestling with his own abusiveness and misogyny. Prejudice is a recurring motif on the album, and in what is arguably its most groundbreaking song, ‘Auntie Diaries,’ Lamar pens an arresting love letter to his trans cousin. Though ‘Auntie Diaries’ has attracted controversy for its use of various slurs, Lamar’s purpose is clearly not to offend, but to con-
front the homophobia and transphobia he harboured in his youth, and champion the self-betterment that comes with age and maturation. It is the beautiful apex of a beautiful album in my opinion, and an absolute first in an
Facebook @kendricklamar
industry and culture that has historically been unreceptive to LGBTQ+ identities.
Live Review: Lunar Vacation Facebook @lunarvacationatl
Riley Wells Music Critic
Facebook @lunarvacationatl
“ L u n a r Vacation’s live shows are completely magical” Lunar Vacation hail from Atlanta, Georgia, and played their first show in August 2016. Describing themselves as ‘pool rock,’ the band is composed of Grace Repasky on vocals and guitar,
Maggie Geeslin on guitar, Matteo De Lurgio on keys and Connor Dowd on drums, with Ben Wulkan joining them on bass for their live shows. Inspired by the nostalgic indie-pop of the early 2010s, Lunar Vacation are a breath of fresh air for the music industry, and particularly the indie genre. Following the release of Inside Every Fig is a Dead Wasp in October 2021, Lunar Vacation embarked on an adventure – a season-long tour that brought them to Europe, and by extension Birmingham, for the very first time. Their show at the Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath was a wonderful testament to the evolution of indie pop over the last decade, while the cosy setting allowed for a social element which is often lost in bigger venues. The supporting act, Robert Craig Oulton, set the tone for the evening with just two instruments: his guitar and his laptop. With his raw, passionate vocals reminiscent of British indie giant Catfish and the Bottlemen, Oulton captivated the audience, while his meandering guitar held echoes of Midwest emo bands such as Modern Baseball and Mom Jeans. After a short set by Oulton, Lunar Vacation took to the stage, opening with a track from Inside Every Fig is a Dead Wasp entitled ‘Peddler.’ Grace Repasky’s vocals brought a naïve sweetness to the track, which is customary of their silvery, lingering style. Meanwhile, Connor Dowd on drums brought a liveliness to the performance
which can only be experienced live. Despite the venue’s limited capacity, what the crowd lacked in numbers was more than made up for in support (and sometimes backup vocals).
“A liveliness to the performance which can only be experienced live” Other standout performances included the third number, ‘Unlucky’, and later, a 2018 track titled ‘Too Late, Colin.’ ‘Unlucky’ was originally released in March 2020 and contained a masterful blending of smooth guitar riffs and Repasky’s melancholic lyrics. Similarly lovelorn, ‘Too Late, Colin’ was the track that introduced me to Lunar Vacation and allowed Matteo De Lurgio to showcase his keyboard ability as the crowd swayed in time. In between tracks, Repasky and guitarist Maggie Geeslin made an effort to engage with the audience, so when someone asked them if they had seen Peaky Blinders, they of course responded with their best British accents. Another endearing moment came when Repasky introduced their bandmates by name before ask ing the crowd to introduce themselves all at the same time. Such interactions between a band and their audience may seem small, but they greatly enhance the atm-
osphere, especially in such a homely, informal setting. Two of my personal favourite tracks on the album, ‘Mold’ and ‘Gears,’ made for excellent performances. The opening of ‘Mold’ was completely ethereal, with Repasky and Geeslin’s voices combining to create the iconic ‘are you in love?’ introduction, while the painfully honest lyricism spoke to the performative influencer culture of Los Angeles. Alternatively, ‘Gears’ described the uncanny sensation of looking back on past relationships, and the process of realisation and selfforgiveness that comes with it. Additionally, it was a great opportunity for Dowd to exhibit his talent with the varied pace of the song. In short, Lunar Vacation’s live shows are completely magical, and the amount of care and precision they put into each of their tunes is clear. It would be a privilege to see them again, if just to hear ‘Too Late, Colin,’. Inside Every Fig is a Dead Wasp is definitely an album to look out for.
“A breath of fresh air for the music industry, and particularly the indie genre ”
Though the record retains many of the jazz textures that set Lamar’s discography apart from other contemporary rappers, it also incorporates orchestral arrangements that make almost every second of its seventy-threeminute runtime a treat for the ears. The glistening piano on tracks such as ‘Father Time’ and ‘Mother I Sober’ both juxtapose and marry beautifully with the luscious synths on tracks such as ‘Purple Hearts’ and the ethereal feminine vocals of Beth Gibbons and Summer Walker. Though still relatively accessible, the record experiments with sound and texture enough to keep it interesting. I am perfectly convinced that this record supersedes Lamar’s already excellent and beloved catalogue of music. In so many respects. Mr Morale and the Big Steppers takes hip hop to new and bold frontiers, and for that reason it is nothing less than a masterpiece.
««««« Editors’ Songs of June Sammy Andrews: Late Night Talking - Harry Styles Lorcan Drury: Rina Sawayama - This Hell Ellie Harris: Funeral Grey - Waterparks Aimee Sargeant: N95 - Kendrick Lamar
Upcoming Events: Editor’s Pick: Phoebe Bridgers, O2 Academy, 26th June Phoebe Bridgers is finally touring the UK, and her Birmingham show is set to be full of the emotional moments we love from her music. Best of the Rest: Waterparks, O2 Academy Birmingham, 25th June The Beat, The Glee Club, 27th June Wireless Festival, NEC Outdoor, 8th-10th July
MUSIC
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbrickmusic
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Album Review: Harry Styles - ‘Harry’s House’ Harry Styles’ latest album is a drug-fuelled 80s trip through his love life, argues music critic Anna Emmerson Robinson Anna Emmerson Robinson
Music Critic
Harry Styles has released his third studio album to critical acclaim. Fans have waited a long time for the One Direction member to release new music. Ahead of his upcoming UK and Europe tour for his previous album, Fine Line, which was delayed due to COVID19, fans are preparing to sing his new songs at the performances taking place in June. Speaking to Zane Lowe, Styles suggested that the title for the album, Harry’s House, was less about a physical house as the album art would suggest, but more about a personal home, as he stated ‘home is an internal thing.’ With this in mind, the album feels homely in a sense, with a deeply intimate level of song-writing that reveals much about Styles’ love life and relationships. Many of the songs have an 80s feel to them, as though we are transported back to the heyday of pop music.
lyrics and upbeat backing ensure the start of the album is uplifting, ‘Grapejuice’, the third song, feels dreamy, and the piano in the background adds to the ethereal quality of the song. Opening with Styles counting in the song, there is a long opening before the lyrics begin. The lyrics echo around the instruments and we begin to feel the 80s vibes of the album coming through. As Styles sings of sharing a bottle of wine with a loved one, we hear him begin to get drunk in his lyrics, as the alcohol and drugs take over the album. In this song, he also states ‘I’m so over whites and pinks,’ which fans have speculated suggests he is over his Fine Line era and ready to move onto the next album - this one. The debut single from the album, ‘As It Was,’ is next. The song currently has over 601 mil-
guish when the opening notes come in. The shifts between heavy drums and guitar, and wispier synth backing instruments throughout the song break up the verses and ensure this tune will be popular over the summer. The album then takes a sharp shift into a section of melancholy beginning with heartbreak anthem ‘Little Freak’. The layered vocals and heartbeat backing rhythm create a deeply intimate song as we enter Styles’ mind as he thinks about a lost lover. The sense of nostalgia in this song is clear as he reflects on a past relationship and wonders how the ex-partner is doing. In this song, Styles is expressing pain and regret through imagery, but it does not feel obvious. The subtle nuances of their relationship, such as the ‘ginger beer’, make it personal to whomever he is singing about, whilst
“The funk backing techno undertones and booming horns come together to create something loud” The album is designed to be listened to in the order it appears, with the first and last songs creating a loop back to each other. The opening track, ‘Music For A Sushi Restaurant’, brings an upbeat opening to an album that features some heavily emotional songs. The funk backing, techno undertones and booming horns come together to create something loud and something to dance to. The title was inspired by Styles hearing one of his own songs in a sushi restaurant and thinking it was a strange song for the setting. In some ways, this song feels strange within the album as it feels perhaps better suited to the ‘Watermelon Sugar’ era of Fine Line. However, the lyrics match others on the album and Styles’ wider repertoire as the subliminally sexual lyrics talk about his attraction to the other person. The next song, ‘Late Night Talking’, feels much more intimate as he sings of the late night discussions with a loved one, wanting to comfort and help them through the difficult times they share with you. Slated to be the next single from the album, ‘Late Night Talking’ feels comfortable and homely, with the synth adding a layer of happiness to a song about concern and care. The song, written for Styles’ girlfriend Olivia Wilde, was first performed at Coachella and immediately went viral on TikTok. The reassuring
Instagram @harrystyles
lion streams on Spotify, cementing it as one of Styles’ most popular songs. The upbeat backing drumming, and swelling bells and chimes sound reminiscent of a wedding or celebration. However, the lyrics speak of a complex emotional journey as he sings of his relationship with fame and how his life has changed since skyrocketing to fame in One Direction. The bridge is fasterpaced than the rest of the song and creates a shift as he recalls his past as a boyband star. ‘Daylight’ - which Styles recently made a music video for with friend James Corden - is a romantic song about sticking with the person you love and wanting to be with them all the time, even when they are away from you. The song has quite a similar backing track to others on the album, which can make it hard to distin-
also ensuring listeners can relate to the heartbreak. With each listen, the song seems to become sadder as different elements come to light. Styles, within the lyrics, accepts that he was the reason for the end of the relationship. It feels refreshing to hear a male artist take responsibility within their music whilst creating a vulnerable song. ‘Matilda’ immediately follows ‘Little Freak’ and sticks to the sad theme of this section of the album. The song was written about someone who was suffering and opened up to Styles, but he has disguised their identity as Matilda from the Roald Dahl book, who was mistreated by her family. The acoustic guitar creates an indie feel on a pop album, and is similar to artists such as Daughter. The song is not instrument or synth heavy and instead focuses on the vocals and
the important message they hold. The song ensures the person knows Styles was listening, but Styles does not make it about him, as he encourages them to start a family of their own.
“The song feels like going on a road trip [...] and the feeling of escape” Following this interlude of emotional songs, Styles shifts back to the 80s with a sexual song about his relationship with Olivia Wilde. The title, ‘Cinema’, is a nod to her job as a film director, as he sings ‘I bring the pop [music]’ and ‘You got the cinema.’ The blending of their two careers within the lyrics implies the blending of them as their relationship progresses. The overtly sexual lyrics are definitely not familyfriendly but the synth backing and guitar creates an 80s feel. The instruments are slow and sensual to match the lyrics, and the layering of repeated phrases creates almost a ‘climax’ within the song. As he sings of his love for his partner, the love continues with ‘Daydreaming’. This is much more upbeat than the previous song, but still has an 80s infusion. Styles collaborated with Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon on this album to create something funky. ‘Daydreaming’ samples the 1978 song ‘Ain’t We Funkin’ Now’ by Brothers Johnson as Styles sings about craving love from a partner. Inspired by a previous era of musicians, this song cements the album as being 80s funk and groove inspired. One of the key memories of the 80s is the use of drugs by many musicians. In the next song, ‘Keep Driving,’ this is overtly mentioned within the lyrics. The song feels like going on a road trip - or another kind of trip - and the feeling of escape when driving along. The bridge is different to the verses with lyrical groupings that come together to form a wider image of a relationship. Many of these groupings feel a bit nonsensical such as ‘wine glass, puff pass’ and ‘cocaine, side boob.’ The frequent mentions of drugs within this song creates a more mature image of Styles as someone who has grown up and is enjoying certain recreations. The bridge feels similar to Billy Joel’s ‘We Didn’t Start The Fire’ in terms of its lyrical listing. This is one of the shortest songs on the album but definitely packs a punch. The next song became an immediate fan favourite on the album. ‘Satellite’ has a sombre beginning, but becomes more upbeat at the chorus with a catchy hook. Towards the end of the song, it becomes overwhelming as the music swells and the lyrics layer over one another. The lyrics talk about feeling distance between
Styles and another person and who fails to see he is there waiting for them. The penultimate song on the album, ‘Boyfriends’, was also originally performed at Coachella. The song begins with the phrase ‘fool you’re back at it again’ played in reverse. A motif of Harry’s music is to begin songs with something unique, such as the voice note at the start of ‘As It Was’. The song feels like a lullaby with a slow guitar backing played by Ben Harper on the same guitar played on the other two albums. The lyrics lament boyfriends who mistreat their partners. Styles has noted that he acknowledges his own behaviour within the song and the behaviour of others he has witnessed such as towards his sister and friends. He stated in the Zane Lowe interview that watching people date, they ‘don’t always treat each other nicely.’ Despite this, the final song on the album ends the loop of love songs as he sings ‘Love Of My Life’. The deeply emotional lyrics are juxtaposed with a more upbeat backing track. His voice is deeper in this song and more emotional as he sings of someone he has lost who was the love of his life, but he did not realise it at the time. The song comes full circle from the opening track as we take on this journey through love and relationships with Styles. The song curates quite a sad ending to the album, particularly with the final piano notes. Similar to the ending of ‘Fine Line’, the piano rounds the album off rather than any lyrics being the final thing.
“We see Styles as a mature musician” With many of the songs featuring heavy synth backings, the 80s inspiration and funk rhythms throughout the album create a nod to the past. The mention of drugs and sex feels slightly unnatural for a previous boyband member, but also ensures we see Styles as a mature musician who can sing about anything. The lyrics are poetic even when also deeply sexual. What I enjoyed most about the album was that the meanings were not overtly obvious. Many pop songs give a lot of explanation within the lyrics, but Styles ensures his lyrics make you think about what he is saying in subtle ways. The house we enter when we listen to the album feels welcoming and largely upbeat and like a space for everyone. As Styles recently said when reading a CBeebies bedtime story, ‘it’s love that turns wherever you live into a home.’ The album feels like that - a listing full of love songs that brings warmth and a homely feeling to the listener, enveloping them in the song-writing of Styles.
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FILM
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbrickfilm
Review: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Eve Greybanks reviews Marvel's latest adventure into the Multiverse Eve Greybanks Film Critic
Have you ever dreamt you are being chased by a dinosaur, or are falling down a never-ending hole? Well, within Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, these are not dreams, but are events happening in the lives of your alternate self. Crazy, right? Well, the endless opportunities that this storyline could exhaust sadly does not quite live up to the excitement of its concept. Unfortunately, the film fails to live up to not only the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) collection, but the hype surrounding this release. Following on from saving the world from Thanos in Avengers: Endgame and then, arguably, himself in Spider-Man: No Way Home, the audience catches up with Dr Steven Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Wong (Benedict Wong) as they come to meet the acquaintance of America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez). After meeting the multiverse-jumping teenager, who is being chased through the cosmos by ‘henchmen’ working for a bigger entity demanding her powers, Strange must find a way to protect America Chavez, his own world, and the infinite multiverse. After requesting the help of his fellow Avenger, Wanda/The Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), the story expands to other universes, where his own intentions and fixations on the multiverse are called into question, and his path continues to cross with his on-and-off loveinterest Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams). The return of director Sam Raimi had been long-awaited by fans, including myself, of the MCU. After his role in directing
Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man of the entirety of the MCU, it Trilogy, he should be regarded as could be thought that even the a significant director in the Marvel story’s concept has some incrediComics’ progression and early bly questionable, pointless and depiction on the big screen. confusing aspects that negatively Unfortunately, his return is a dis- impact the film. It almost feels appointing one. A glance at his like too much is happening within filmography shows anyone the a two-hour sitting; an entire chardark tone and elements of the hor- acter development arc that had ror genre that has increasingly taken numerous films to create, is appeared in his films, and has essentially destroyed and re-done crept into Dr Strange in the in the space of one film – yet Multiverse of Madness. somehow, it still feels like nothing Although there are many aspects that keep this film rightly within the Marvel genre - its always perfectly on-the-nose comedy, for instance - the dark tone and vibe created by Raimi, in this instance, is arguably an unwelcome one. Unfortunately, the attempt at a gloomy Marvel film pushes the boundary too far, bleeding into the DC Universe with its angsty, brooding, and serious take on the comic book genre. As a superhero film, something that should be expected from Marvel is its accessibility to the younger generation. Facebook/@ However, with numerous DoctorStrangeOfficial jump-scares, gory deaths and overall quite unsettling scenes, it is perhaps unbelievable is actually happening on-screen. that the film even classifies as a Avoiding spoilers, it even feels 12A age-rating. Perhaps if it was that important developments and not a Marvel film, it could easily plot points of beloved characters have been given a 15 certificate. are further being ignored and Ultimately, the dark nature of the abused within this film. If not film, although it does allow for ruining their characters, then some exciting new soundtrack Doctor Strange in the Multiverse experiences by Danny Elfman, is of Madness even goes as far as to too inaccessible for a younger just kill them off, in pointless and audience, its future fanbase, and ridiculous ways. To add to the creates unsettling changes to the disappointment further, it could experience of an MCU film. be perceived that the eventual Even when looking at the film ending, which had been built up in its own right, without the weight so much throughout the screen-
ing, is underwhelming, pointless and confusing. The chances given to writers and producers to create such a perfectly complex film, with endless opportunities of infinite, unexplored, multiverses, were poorly attempted. Ultimately, to say that this film did some of its characters unbelievable injustices could be considered an understatement, and to further imply that its storyline was not fully taken advantage of, to the best of its capabilities, would be an even bigger one. Fortunately for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, there are still many aspects of the film that are of course interesting, enticing and thoroughly exciting. One thing you can always be sure that Marvel will pull through with is action scenes; done to perfect precision and in great quantity, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is no exception. With the development of skills continuing the story lines and new powers being explored, it is not only thrilling but a satisfying addition to the film. Furthermore, cast portrayals are continuously well-played. Elizabeth Olsen’s portrayal of Wanda/The Scarlet Witch is especially exciting and ingenious; the different tropes she is able to endlessly unlock and add to the character is nothing less than impressive and enticing. It could be suggested that concerns for this film, and the remainder of other new MCU films, were created with the new addition of the TV shows that were
introduced on Disney+, such as Wandavision and the What If? series’. Used to bridge gaps between stories and to give Marvel fans those extra moments with their favourite characters, it was a worry that without watching the TV shows too much information would be missed, meaning the average cinema-goer cannot follow along with the bigger stories. Luckily, these concerns need not have been there. Within Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, a few lines here and there is enough to understand what happened within Wandavision and makes it possible to follow along with the story of the Scarlet Witch. Ultimately, although there are obvious faults with this film, as a whole it cannot be denied that it is part of a huge collection of cinematic masterpieces that will go down in cinematography history as an incredibly significant blockbuster franchise that knows how to create amazing films. VERDICT: As a Marvel fan, I cannot help but feel disappointed at the weak attempt given to the endlessly opportunistic story that is Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. It is undeniable that the blueprint for a perfectly complex film were handed to them on a silver platter, but lacked execution. Although there are great moments and tropes used within the film, the only emotion formed after a viewing is a feeling of being conflicted - you really want to like it, but sadly, you just cannot. Maybe in another universe, this is my favourite Marvel film. But in this one, I am sad to say it is not.
Review: Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers
Chip 'n' Dale: Rescue Rangers is forgettable at its worst and charming at its best hel
Siân Allen TV Editor
As a distinguished cinephile and all-around film nerd, I sometimes get asked what my most anticipated film of the year is. The answer for 2022 was a bit of a curveball - it wasn’t The Batman, Multiverse of Madness, or even Sonic The Hedgehog 2. Instead, it was a quiet Disney+ release with very little hype or press fanfare:
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Chip ‘n' Dale: Rescue Rangers. Let me explain myself. As an avid fan of animation and The Lonely Island, this movie seemed too good to be true. A live-action animation hybrid Disney movie starring Andy Samberg and directed by Akiva Schaffer (Hot Rod, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) was made for me – surprisingly, Rescue Rangers is notthe first CGI rodent film I have watched because of its cast. I am also very familiar with the ‘Disney Afternoon’ – where cartoons like the original Chip ‘n' Dale series got popular – from the DuckTales reboot. I am undoubtedly the most qualified Redbrick writer to do a Chip ‘n' Dale: Rescue Rangers review justice. And I am here to tell you that it is just okay. The film follows the eponymous Chip (John Mulaney) and Dale (Samberg), now estranged thirty years after their hit show Rescue Rangers was cancelled. Dale, struggling to stay relevant with fan convention appearances,
has undergone CGI surgery, while Chip makes ends meet as an insurance salesman. When their friend and former castmate Monterey Jack (Eric Bana) goes missing just before warning the pair about Sweet Pete (Will Arnett) and his dangerous bootlegging business, Chip and Dale must work together again to solve his disappearance. Like most of The Lonely Island’s best stuff, the film is at its funniest when it is being profoundly stupid and/or self-aware. The ironic jokes about the state of contemporary cinema culture are easily some of the movie’s funniest moments (‘Batman Vs. ET’ currently lives in my head rentfree). Chip and Dale’s visit to the ‘Uncanny Valley’ is also a highlight, as is an unexpected but hilarious cameo from a certain blue hedgehog. Rescue Rangers is a spiritual successor to Robert Zemeckis’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, and I enjoyed how Schaffer’s take on toon-human co-existence does not just include
beloved animated icons but creepy CGI characters with ‘Polar Express eyes’ too. IP movies - shorthand for films that take full advantage of how much intellectual property a studio owns - have become more and more common lately, but are often dismissed by critics for being overstuffed with cheap fanservice and shallow reference humour. For the most part, Rescue Rangers does not stoop as low as films like Ready Player One or Space Jam: A New Legacy. Unfortunately, the cameos and references to beloved animated characters - and some not-so-beloved - are not really enough to make Rescue Rangers’ comedy pop. Its meta critiques and self-awareness are often amusing but it can ring hollow coming from a Disney property, as the House of Mouse is arguably the main reason that mainstream blockbuster culture seems so exhausting and repetitive today. Despite an all-star comedy cast, a seasoned comedy director
in Schaffer and writing from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’s Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, Rescue Rangers elicits more light nose exhales than full-on belly laughs. The plot is fairly simple and predictable even for a family movie, but the threat of being ‘bootlegged’ is a funny and original way to raise the stakes. Ultimately, Rescue Rangers is forgettable at its worst and charming at its best. VERDICT: Not even Ugly Sonic can save Chip ‘n' Dale: Rescue Rangers from relative mediocrity. Yet, it is definitely a step above most of the IP movies that have come before it with a fun premise, some great jokes and cameos, and even one or two genuinely heartfelt moments. The choice is yours to either go in with low expectations and be pleasantly surprised, or go in with high expectations and risk being disappointed.
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Director Rundown: Wong Kar-wai
James Simpson goes through the career of renowned auteur Wong Kar-wai James Simpson Film Critic
Speak to any cinephile and they will almost certainly have heard of Wong Kar-wai. One of the most acclaimed and prolific directors in Hong Kong cinema, Karwai’s idiosyncratic style has borne an enormous influence on filmmakers the world over. From their vivid sense of atmosphere and signature noir aesthetic to their erratic cinematography and improvised screenwriting, Kar-wai’s films showcase some of the most bold and innovative techniques of any living director. At once experimental yet accessible, intellectual yet laid-back, the director’s style situates him as one of the few remaining auteurs in world cinema.
“At once experimental yet accessible” Born in Shanghai in 1958, at the age of five Kar-wai emigrated to Hong Kong with his parents. Surrounded by a new environment and unfamiliar language (Cantonese), Kar-wai struggled to integrate into Hong Kong life,
resulting in feelings of loneliness and alienation. This troubled biography heavily informed much of his work later in life. After graduating from Hong Kong Polytechnic with a degree in graphic design, Kar-wai entered a career as a screenwriter, before making his directorial debut with 1988’s As Tears Go By. The film laid the groundwork for his later, more successful ventures. Two years later Kar-wai released Days of Being Wild, in which he further refined his moody and evocative style. The director’s sophomore effort also marked his first collaboration with Australian cinematographer Christopher Doyle, who would go on to help craft Kar-wai’s singular approach to filming and editing. After a brief hiatus, the director finally made his international breakthrough with Chungking Express (1994). Containing a bifurcated narrative that follows the intersecting lives of two police officers longing for love and meaning on the streets of Hong Kong, Chungking Express showcases Kar-wai at his most artistic and stylised. The saturated colour scheme, frenetic camerawork and wistful air that pervades the film from start to finish all coalesce to form a mesmerising meditation on love, loneliness, and life in the thriving inner-city.
Chungking Express also exhibits some of the best use of music in film history, communicating its central themes through songs such as ‘California Dreamin’’ by The Mamas and The Papas and ‘Dreams’ by The Cranberries. It is undoubtedly a film that sits with you long after you have finished watching it.
“Some of the best use of music in film history” Fallen Angels, released the following year, saw Kar-wai indulge many of the same techniques as Chungking Express, including its binary narrative and feverish energy. In my opinion, the director perfects these tropes in Fallen Angels, developing a more fluid, intertwining narrative structure, evoking an even more vivid sense of place and atmosphere, and incorporating utterly brilliant moments of dark and non-sequitur humour. From beginning to end, we are completely immersed in the grimy and stifling worlds of our two protagonists: Wong Chi-ming, a jaded hit man played by Leon Lai, and Ho Chi-mo, a capricious mute played by the dashing Takeshi Kaneshiro.
We follow their various antics and tragedies as they move through the hazy nocturnal world of innercity Hong Kong. 1997 marked the release of what, in my opinion, remains Karwai’s best work and one of my favourite films of all time. Happy Together stars Tony Leung Chiuwai (a frequent collaborator with Kar-wai and one of the most recognisable actors in Hong Kong cinema) and Leslie Cheung as a Hong Kong couple who travel to Argentina in an attempt to rescue their strained and volatile relationship. Early on both men separate, and over the course of the film we see them reunite and then drift apart in agonising cycles. Happy Together is staggeringly beautiful: not just in its visual style, but in how Kar-wai so hauntingly and uncannily portrays the human experience of love and the feelings of remorse, regret, anguish and ennui that attend it. The first-class performances of the two lead actors bring these emotions into razor-sharp focus, exposing a fraught and crumbling relationship of which neither can let go for fear of isolation and the unknown. It is a towering masterpiece of both twentieth-century and New Queer Cinema, and a film that leaves me on the verge of tears every time I revisit it. The final film of Wong Kar-
wai’s ‘great’ period’, In The Mood For Love (2000), remains the director’s most critically-acclaimed and best-known to international audiences. While not a personal favourite, it is still an impressive feat. Tony Leung stars in the lead role once again, this time as Chow Mo-wan, a Shanghai journalist who, having recently emigrated to British Hong Kong in 1962, slowly falls in love with Su Li-zhen (played by Maggie Cheung) after the two realise that their respective spouses are having an affair with each other. The premise is utterly original. While stylistically more refined and mature than Chungking Express, Fallen Angels and Happy Together, In The Mood For Love still displays the acute attention to detail, bold colour scheme and transfixing atmosphere that define the serene and intimate world of Wong Kar-wai. Since 2000 Kar-wai has directed multiple other films that, while successful, do not quite stand up to the skill and might of his nineties output. Nevertheless, he is one of the few remaining auteurs in world cinema, with a filmography that is at once experimental yet accessible, intellectual yet laid-back, and that, above all, speaks to universal themes with stunning dexterity and dynamism.
Review: The Bob's Burgers Movie
The Bob's Burgers Movie is a hilarious and heartwarming portrait of family bonds Samantha Hicks Film Editor
A giant sinkhole, late loan repayments, and� a murder mystery? By now, we are no strangers to adult animated television shows getting the cinematic treatment, and this is usually accompanied by expectations of a perhaps slightly underwhelming extended episode of sorts. However, fans of Bob’s Burgers know that this animation is special - consistently subverting the tropes we expect in adult animation, and this certainly extends to resisting the expectations of a sup-par film adaptation. The Bob’s Burgers Movie is a resounding success: weaving together the strands of comedy and a genuinely heartfelt family portrait to create what can really be considered the paragon of 2D animated films. Sometimes it feels as though the Belcher family cannot catch a b r e a k .
Living paycheck-to-paycheck and (in true cartoonish style) constantly getting themselves into increasingly outlandish situations, The Bob’s Burgers Movie does not see the family getting any respite from this. We open to Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) and his wife Linda (John Roberts) preparing burgers for their loan adviser, in the hopes that he will extend their readilyapproaching repayment deadline. After being given only seven days to make the repayment, disaster strikes as a giant sinkhole opens up directly in front of their burger restaurant. To make things worse, the street is transformed into an active crime scene when the youngest Belcher child Louise (Kristen Schaal) discovers a skeleton in the sinkhole. As Bob and Linda set out desperately trying to make the money for their loan repayment, Tina (Dan Mintz), Gene (Eugene Mirman) and Louise endeavour to solve the murder mystery and save their family restaurant. Alongside brilliant one-liners, witty puns, and a fantastic sense of comedic timing, the charm and hilarity of The Bob’s Burgers Movie comes from the iconic voice acting. The voice acting of the Belcher family is as fantastic as ever - particular highlights being Kristen Schaal as Louise and John Roberts as Linda. Both put so much energy into their
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voice acting, creating a truly magnetic performance from both characters - you cannot help but love either of them throughout the film. Much of the main cast also reprise roles as beloved side characters throughout the film; it is hilarious hearing all the different roles H. Jon Benjamin takes on alongside Bob himself. Bob’s Burgers is known to indulge in the odd musical number, and the film took this to the next level, with several instances of the characters breaking into song. The best part of this is the fact that Bob’s Burgers does not take itself seriously - none of the cast try to put on a show stopping, Broadway-worthy vocal performance. Nonetheless, each song is surprisingly catchy, and the quirky singing is an endearing addition to the film. We are immersed into the musical lives of an ordinary family, marking a satisfying break from the families of musical prodigies we often see in film and on television. With bangers such as ‘The Itty Bitty Ditty Committee’ and ‘Try to Look Like Alley Trash’, The Bob’s Burgers Movie provides an iconic soundtrack to the escapades of the Belcher family. Bob’s Burgers translates fantastically onto the big screen. The larger budget is evident: slick animation with an increased number of frames make for a thoroughly enjoyable cinematic experience. Transforming a twenty-minute episode blueprint into a featurelength film naturally presents some challenges, yet this master-
ful animation combined with a brilliant script demonstrate that the creators were up to the challenge. I found myself fully immersed; the film utilises the dynamics we are used to seeing on the television show, yet somehow makes them feel fresh and oftentimes innovative. The Bob’s Burgers Movie undoubtedly appeals to those who have never seen the show, ensuring that the plot is not contingent on too many previously-established plot points or in-jokes. Nonetheless, the film ensures that there is no shortage of subtle references to episodes from throughout the show’s twelve seasons for die-hard fans to enjoy. From references to Tina’s horse and zombie obsessions, the comeback of the One-Eyed Snakes, to even some ‘Ghostboy’ graffiti, The Bob’s Burgers Movie knows what its audience wanted to see. With myself falling into the category of die-hard fan, I can safely say that The Bob’s Burgers Movie provides much to please its fanbase, without it coming across as overt fan service. As my most anticipated release of the year (after many Covid-related delays), The Bob’s Burgers Movie stands as a great film in its own right - the viewing experience of which is only enhanced with prior knowledge of the show, but nonetheless ensures it remains accessible to a wide audience. Underneath its more upbeat and quirky tone, The Bob’s Burgers Movie also deals with more serious issues. Class divides feature
heavily in this film - the Belchers struggle to make ends meet and witness the cognitive dissonance of their landlord, who owns a significant chunk of their hometown’s properties. Calvin and Felix Fischoeder (voiced by Kevin Kline and Zach Galifianakis) are presented as out-of-touch, slightly useless, and excessively greedy men with a disproportionate and undeserved amount of power. Alongside this surprisingly deep class commentary, The Bob’s Burgers Movie also carries a powerful message of self-acceptance and confidence. Behind Louise’s tough exterior, we witness a young girl with a lot of insecurities, hidden behind the safety blanket of her iconic pink bunny ears. The Bob’s Burgers Movie finally gives us the surprisingly emotional backstory behind these, proving that upbeat animated comedy films can still carry deep and relatable messages. VERDICT: The Bob’s Burgers Movie is the feel-good film of the summer. Hilarious, off-beat, and genuinely touching, this story of a rag-tag family unit is sure to entertain anyone - fans and newcomers alike. In my eyes, it is the perfect animated feature-length film, demonstrating that 2D animation should still have a central place in our world of CGI. The Bob’s Burgers Movie is a riot, yet it is the messages of self-acceptance, the importance of family bonds, and strength in the face of adversity that push it to the next level as a must-watch film.
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Review: Stranger Things - Season Four
Asmaa Rayhanah praises the long-awaited new season of Stranger Things Asmaa Rayhanah TV Critic
After three years of radio silence, Stranger Things is back just in time to save Netflix’s crumbling reputation. Season Three mirrored the classic smalltown 80s vibe from prior seasons, which was responsible for the show’s initial surge into popularity. Season Four, however, strips the show of its iconic 80s glamour and pulls it into a completely alien direction. Often finding itself compared to cult classics like The Goonies and Stand By Me, Stranger Things abruptly shifts from a fantasy, coming of age teen drama to a full-fledged horror show this season, leaving viewers stunned and disoriented.
“It would be impossible [...] to not refer to Stranger Things as a horror show from this season forth”
Season Four picks up months after the gang’s bittersweet success in the Starcourt Mall battle. As we know by now, peace does not last long in Hawkins. This season, the gang faces a threat that is much darker, more sinister, and ultimately more horrifying than the flesh-eating Mind Flayer from last season. Vecna is the infamous villain of Season Four. He is a powerful wizard from the Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) board game, with the ability to paralyse his victims, alter their sense of reality with visions, and infiltrate their most intimate thoughts. It would be impossible, whilst witnessing Vecna mutilate the bodies of his victims in graphic detail, to not refer to Stranger Things as a horror show from this season forth. Unfortunately for us, the gang is split up again in Season Four. However, the show’s seamless introduction of new characters is a reasonable compromise for the lack of reunion between the original gang. Eddie’s (Joseph Quinn) bizarre yet captivating introduction has become the highlight of the season for many fans. In a passionate attempt to school fellow Hellfire Club members, Eddie makes his iconic debut by marching down a cafeteria table, whilst
ranting about the universal significance of D&D. He is admired by Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) and Mike (Finn Wolfhard), and subsequently us, for owning his rather eccentric nature in the face of his judgemental peers. It is Eddie’s character that reminds us how crucial D&D is to the gang’s friendship, and to the show in general.
“It is obvious that a lot of thought went into developing character dynamics this season” It is obvious that a lot of thought went into developing character dynamics this season. Dustin and Steve’s (Joe Keery) bromance remains as timeless as ever. Robin (Maya Hawke), Steve, and Nancy (Natalia Dyer) form a reluctant group, which enables Robin to adopt the role of perfectly awkward wing-woman between the estranged exes.
Jonathan (Charlie Heaton), in enlightenment, there are attempts what is a hilariously unexpected m a d e to turn of events, goes from social re-establish order and control, but recluse to hippy pothead this sea- to no avail. Hawkins, it appears, is son, with the help of new friend, too far gone to be saved. The only Argyle (Eduardo Franco). For way out is to leave. what it’s worth, Stoner Jonathan Season Four marks the beginhas greater on-screen presence ning of the show’s evolution. This than Loner Jonathan. Murray season, the writers certainly made (Brett Gelman) and his one-liners the correct, albeit difficult, deciremain as iconic as ever. He pro- sion to prioritise plot and characvides the viewer and Joyce ter development over the show’s (Winona Ryder) with a healthy popular 80s themed aesthetic. dose of comedic relief this sea- With each new season, we are son. reminded why we fell in love with However, it becomes blind- Stranger Things in the first place. ingly obvious that the danger, this time around, is at its peak. It reaches the inevitable point, where even the gang’s parents, as well as the local authorities, begin to take notice of their strange b eh av io u r. Despite three seasons of being oblivious to it all, the town is now beginning to consider the very real possibility that Hawkins is cursed. With Facebook/@StrangerThingsTV this new, shared
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Joking Hazards: Ricky Gervais and Free Speech in Comedy
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James Evenden discusses the latest controversy surrounding Ricky Gervais James Evenden TV Writer
by the content is a victory for Gervais, who is more comfortable in the composition of quips that rely on a cheap shock factor than any emotional or creative truth.’ I think this sums up the issue with Gervais’ style of comedy. In trying to defend the right to say anything, he ends up cracking jokes that seem more interested in fanning the flames of controversy so he has more to criticise. Hollywood Insider’s Leah Donato said ‘I personally don’t see any true malice behind these
These days, it feels like Ricky Gervais wants to be seen more as a defender of comedy rather than a comedian in his own right. I think this is again the case with his latest Netflix special SuperNature. Gervais seemingly delights in picking the low-hanging fruit of our current social landscape, making fun of everything from the trans community to AIDS. Gervais makes sure to include lines emphasising the irony he is going for, and that his jokes do not represent his actual political views. In my opinion, I can see the positives in his argument for a lack of policing in comedy. However, I believe more so that the recent backlash to Gervais’ special rightly highlights the laziness of Gervais’ jokes in SuperNature. Facebook/@Ricky Gervais I do not know how or why Ricky Gervais has become a sort of bastion for free segments on Gervais’ special. It’s speech in comedy. The understandable to see what he Independent recently noted in was going for, but I find that there their review that ‘being offended could’ve been a bit more thought
put behind said jokes.’ I think Donato hits the nail on the head – Gervais, in his quest to tell us that the topics he jokes about can be joked about, becomes too bogged down in the rules that he forgets to be inventive. I do not think Gervais is actually transphobic, but his jokes about the trans community do not feel like they have much of a purpose. Black humour is all well and good, but without anything to back it up, it comes off as oppressive and boring. I think that comedy is a subjective art form, and seeing some of the positive things people have had to say about SuperNature, Gervais’ wild popularity is seemingly not slowing down anytime soon. I think that on the surface, there is nothing objectively wrong with Gervais’ message that there should not be untouchable subjects. If comedy is subjective, different people will find different things funny. However, as The Independent noted, just because Gervais might have a point about comedy needing to be open, does not excuse the obviously offensive jokes he makes.
Just because something can be joked about does not necessarily mean it has to be in such a gross fashion. Most things about SuperNature feel gross. Gervais, in establishing a lack of rules for comedy, does nothing interesting with this blank canvas other than telling distasteful jokes. He uses the excuse of “irony” to say anything he wants. Whilst I think he is being ironic, the jokes he tells simply feel unnecessary. I think for any of these to work he needed to create a more open space that does not feel as cruel. In rejecting the policing of comedy, it feels like Gervais is himself policing what is allowed to be said, without any consideration of what does not need to be. The annoying thing about Gervais’ style of comedy is that anyone who tries to criticise it is seemingly playing right into his hands. Gervais presents an argument for a lack of rules that he seemingly thinks is an intellectual and brave thing to say. As soon as he sets out this ‘genius’ rulebook, he resorts to childish jokes about AIDS and paedophilia. Gervais wants to be both the smartest voice in the room but also the most irreverent, and these tones do not work well. If all you want to do is tell crude jokes, that is
fine. I do not think that he needed to establish his own rules for how
“Just because something can be joked about does not necessarily mean it has to be” comedy should function, because he does nothing ground-breaking with these new rules. Ultimately, Ricky Gervais’ SuperNature focuses too heavily on setting up a lack of rules only to do nothing new or interesting with them. The backlash Gervais has received with undoubtedly go into his next special, and I predict that he will focus on the offence he generated rather than channelling that offence into anything constructive. I found SuperNature difficult to get through, not because I was particularly offended by anything or Gervais’ persona, but because in trying to be ‘anti-woke’ Gervais instead comes off as mean-spirited for the sake of it. He adds nothing new to the conversation around comedy being an open space, rather he uses that open space to justify his crudeness.
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Review: The Time Traveller's Wife Zenna Hussain reviews Steven Moffatt's latest TV offering Zenna Hussain TV Writer
The Time Traveller's Wife novel was published in 2003 and quickly became a best-seller, generating a mediocre film adaptation in 2009 and now an HBO series premiering on May 15th, 2022. Over the six hour-long series, the episodes brilliantly mixe themes of unending love, sacrifice, marriage, and survival while defying defined genres of science fiction, romance, and drama. The Time Traveller's Wife, adapted by Steven Moffatt of Doctor Who and Sherlock fame, chronicles the convoluted, perplexing, magical, and out-of-order love tale of Clare Abshire (Rose Leslie, well known for her role in HBO's Game of Thrones) and Henry DeTamble (Theo James) and a marriage of three: Clare, Henry, and time travel. The weekly episodes have gotten darker and darker, with the first depicting the first encounter of six-year-old Clare and 36-yearold time traveller Henry, and fourteen years later the second first encounter of 20-year-old Clare and 28-year-old Henry, when she wanders into Henry's workplace, claiming to be his future wife.
Later episodes centre on Clare's efforts to transform the selfish, belligerent younger Henry into the guy she grew up adoring, as we witness scenes from Clare's upbringing and how their lives have intermingled. Perhaps The Time Traveller's Wife's biggest flaw is that it cannot transcend the implications of its source material. The Time Traveller's Wife is a spellbinding, self-aware series, with nasty overtones, since Henry has actually witnessed Clare grow up, with a tongue-in-cheek joke regarding the grooming element. Perhaps this might be funnier if this wasn't the second adaptation glorifying this book. As good as the a c t i n g between the older protagonists is, particularly Leslie, the a c t i n g between the younger Clare (Everleigh McDonell and C a i t l i n Shorey) and Henry feels odd and slimy, leading to an e m o t i o n a l Facebook/@HBO detachment
from the plot. Rotten Tomatoes offers The Time Traveller's Wife a 37 percent approval rating, while Metacritic gives the series a 45 out of 100, indicating mixed or mediocre reviews. The overall view appears to be that The Time Traveller's Wife lacks storyline, which benefits character development. A tight concentration on only two characters and the poor script lets down two acclaimed actors who have solid if not mind-blowing chemistry. As a magical realism examination of the painfully literal allegory that love transcends time, the series sometimes take itself a bit too seriously. Clare's passivity helps with this, as she waits for Henry and is degraded to merely the wife in the name of the series. Even M o ff a t ' s attempts to excuse the twisted love story avoid the grooming part in a manner that the series does not, since Clare clearly admits to shap-
ing herself around what he wanted her to be. It is purposefully unpleasant, more of an inquiry into a relationship with a lack of agency on both sides, as Clare bursts into Henry's library with little-to-no explanation, and Henry becomes aware of the hazards of rewriting history, while Clare has been raised, wholly steered by Henry. Even the equalising component of Clare influencing Henry's life feels skewed, and relates to Moffat's failure to write female characters successfully, since the onus is on Clare to make Henry a nice guy, a painfully ubiquitous cliche in current media. The Time Traveller's Wife isn't without some redeeming qualities: the performances are passionate, there are countless twists and turns, and it stays true to the original material, although the usage of prosthetics and make-up for ageing is hilariously awful. In a nutshell, The Time Traveller's Wife is edgy. Fans of the novel will like the series as a multi-genre, gothic, self-conscious (though bordering on excessiveness) love story, but I would suggest caution if you are easily upset.
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Review: Obi-Wan Kenobi
Ms. Marvel Disney+ 8th June
Alex Taylor reviews the Star Wars spin-off series that breathes new life into the prequel trilogy Alex Taylor TV Critic
From the Disney+ behemoth that, like a hungry rancor, is quickly dominating the streaming landscape, Obi-Wan Kenobi is the anticipated latest instalment to the Star Wars canon. The six-part series is sandwiched within the twenty-year period that succeeds the prequels and precedes the original trilogy. It follows the so far reluctant tribulations of the undeniably older titular character. After a seventeen-year hiatus, Ewan McGregor’s reprisal of the iconic role is an inevitably welcome return to the franchise. The break is more than justified through his increasingly nuanced performance. Having previously suffered criticism due to the restrictions imposed by the quirks and idiosyncrasies of his predecessor Alec Guinness, McGregor’s inherent charm undoubtedly prevails. However, McGregor is not the only welcome return to the saga’s production. Despite the brilliant work of Ludwig Göransson for The Mandalorian, John Williams notably returns to score the series, providing a musical bookend for McGregor’s engagement with the character. At the time of writing, the sixpart series is more indicative of an action-thriller than a formulaic
addition to the Star Wars canon. Underpinned by fight sequences and an aesthetic reminiscent of the John Wick franchise, the narrative focuses on a tired Kenobi, forced into a plot akin to Liam Neeson’s Taken. The neon glow of the Hong Kong-inspired city juxtaposes the monotonous desert the now reclusive character inhabits, and alludes to the criminal underbelly the Star Wars universe is increasingly exploring.
“Alongside its unconventionality, Obi-Wan Kenobi continually honours the franchise's prior instaments” Alongside its unconventionality, Obi-Wan Kenobi continually honours the franchise's prior instalments. It does so through its more recognisable deployment of lightsabers and ambiguous aliens, but also through its violence, a neglected aspect of the original series. It is committed to worldbuilding and explicitly references the prequel films as shown through the haunting flashbacks Facebook/@officialtaskmaster that Obi-Wan experiences.
Alongside this, for the audience, is evidently a testimony to the connotations of the prequel series world-building abilities of George emerge not only through night- Lucas. With the undeniable mares, but the series’ engagement momentum and escalation the with very talented (and very franchise has gained over the last American) child actors, that are as forty years, Obi-Wan Kenobi is impressive as they are forgivably simultaneously very connected to cringeworthy. the Star Wars saga’s current place The Star Wars television series in popular culture, while feeling continually engages with the risk more than ever that it all started a of appearing too similar to a fan- long time ago, in a galaxy far, far made film. However, in Obi-Wan away. Kenobi, those rare occasions are somewhat made up for through thoughtful visuals and considered pacing, which despite the series’ flaws, imbue it with an inherent sense of maturity. Despite some feeling nonplussed about Disney’s streaming pursuits, the series’ unique sense of patience before cashing out on meaningless action sequences facilitates the tension necessary to justify the series. This is not only through the promise of future Jedi mysticism, but in the imposing presence Darth Vader already has before fully featuring. Obi-Wan Kenobi Facebook/@StarWars.UK feels far removed from the original series, which
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The Umbrella Academy - Season Three Netflix 22nd June
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Westworld Sky Atlantic 27th June
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GAMING
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbrickgaming
@Valve
07/22/10 Finnian Russell stumbles into forgotten flashes of childhood while playing the video games of his youth Finnian Russell Gaming Editor
Last played: 7/22/10. Last week, I found this date displayed before my eyes on a smudged television screen. I, as any good gaming editor should be, was at a LAN party. The game of the moment was Halo 3, and setup for the next match was underway. One fellow gamer was flicking through gametypes and came across the date that prompted the writing of this article. Much to the surprise and amusement of this gaming editor, the 22nd July 2010 was the last day on which I had played the beloved custom game type ‘FROGGER’. Attention was brought to bear on this fact, and for a moment, a reflective silence reigned as all we partygoers pondered what we had been doing with the 12 years since. Playing video games, I suppose. A discussion started about who we all were back then; or more specifically which 18-rated games our ten years old selves were playing at the time. Gaming had turned to contemplation, until someone fumbled the start button and we were back at it again. But what makes a simple lowresolution date on a screen such a powerful spur for reflection? Gaming as an entertainment medium is unique in how one is dealing with the consequences of their past selves. Levelling up and creating custom content are all iterative processes; log on each day, make some progress, and come back tomorrow for some more. This constant advancement
ensures a steady flow of dopamine as one is always close to the next new shiny thing. But for gamers who frequent their console, this process feels seamless, continuous. To be confronted with the actions of oneself twelve years prior is a very different feeling.
“Gaming as an entertiainment medium is unique in how one is dealing with the consequences of their past selves” Existential questions aside, why am I still returning to a game that I was enjoying when I was under half my age? Perhaps my attempts to push controllers into the hands of my friends to play some Halo is a process more fuelled by childhood nostalgia than I realise. I might ask for their opinion next time. Multi-kills certainly bring the same childlike elation they did all those years ago, but for those who were not initiated into the genre at such a ripe young age the same intensity of emption does not seem to be present. It does not help that those unfamiliar with games could become fodder to fuel the killstreaks of their betters. The thing to remember about this, dear reader, is that what makes games enjoyable in the moment is disappointingly unobjective. Childhood nostalgia
can not only power through aged graphics or clumsy mechanics, but can also give a competitive edge that transfers fun from your friends to you as you slay them using the routines learned all those years ago. But the LAN party need not just be a nostalgia trip at your friends’ expense. In a gaming environment with differing skill levels or exposure as a youth, co-operation can often be the route to universal fun. That does not necessarily mean slaying your friends is out of the question, moreso that being the teacher and making a concerted effort to show your friends why they should love a game through introducing them to all the tips, tricks, and idiosyncrasies necessary to win.
“What makes games enjoyable in the moment is disappointingly unobjective” It will be inevitable that for some, nostalgia for old games cannot be taught on a crash-course. Tastes do change, and for some who are used to slick (if bloated) modernity it will be difficult to go back to the experiments and radical ideas of games from decades past. With untested concepts and widespread attempts at creating art rather than corporate success, there will also be clunkiness and ideas that flop. Consoles and controllers, too, have not aged perfectly. Controllers
before the 8th console generation were consumer-grade, utilitarian affairs. After 10-15 years of play, the fact that some of these old, dust-filled machines in my possession are still soldiering on is impressive, even if they give out the occasional splutter to remind you that they are the ones who decide whether a disk is readable or not. But how have we as gamers changed in the meantime?
Although my buddies were not stopped from gaming for too long after seeing ‘7/22/10’, I am sure thoughts on the trajectory of our lives since 2010 were niggling away at us as we played on. You will have to entertain a paraphrase from a beloved gaming antagonist from my childhood to finish: With our consoles still going strong, we realised that for many of us the thing that had broken in these past 12 years, was our hearts.
Gaming Editors: Our Month in Gaming Shiram Rajgopalan (Flickr)
The Royal Game of Ur (about 2400 BCE)
Brickset (Flickr)
Portal 2 (2011) @Culture Crave
Mitch Haupt (Unsplash)
Majong (1800)
Army of Two: the 40th Day (2010)
GAMING
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbrickgaming
Why I love... Bioshock Infinite Charis Gambon explores the enchament of Columbia, the multicoloured world of Bioshock Infinite Charis Gambon Gaming Writer
I first played Bioshock Infinite a few years back and loved the game straight away. I adored the setting of the game and the characters as soon as I began playing with them and my fondness for them grew even more as a player. My favourite character from the game is definitely Elizabeth, as you do not see many strong female main characters within video games. I saw her as a strong, intelligent and feisty character which I loved especially when female characters are often not three dimensional and are
never the main character. The storyline for BioShock was outstanding and I did not see the twists and turns within the story coming. Every aspect of the game was chosen for a reason and there was not a single aspect of the game that I did not enjoy. I enjoyed the game so much that I later purchased the additional content as I left wanting to play more. I thought that the character development of Elizabeth and Booker was clearly incredibly well thought out the development throughout the game
produced a stronger bond to the character which meant that you would be more likely to keep playing. The setting of the game is so colourful and so incredibly beautiful. I loved the steampunk fantasy world of Columbia and found myself wanting to live there. I found the fact that the city was suspended in the air th rou gh a combination of giant blimps, balloons, reactors, propellers, and ‘quantum levitation’ absolutely fascinating. I loved that the world was also set
“Every aspect of the game was chosen for a reason”
@Bioshock
in a historical timeline as the year chosen was 1912, I definitely felt that some historic factors had been weaved into the fantasy world, such as the carnival and even Elizabeth’s clothes. I do not usually play games again after I have played them once, as I largely believe that games are not as good when you see the twists and turns coming. However, Bioshock is one that I have played again since my original gameplay, and I was looking forward to playing the game on this occasion just as much as I was on my first go. Bioshock Infinite excites me in a way that other games never have. Every aspect of the game from the characters, set and clothing choices I still love on this newer playthrough, and I think that I will always love every aspect of Bioshock Infinite.
“Bioshock is one that I have played again since my original gameplay” I would certainly encourage other people to play Bioshock infinite if they have not previously as there certainly is not another game remotely like Bioshock Infinite. If you have already played the game, I would definitely recommended playing it again. In my opinion the game has aged so well, and I think people will continue to play Bioshock infinite for years to come.
“Sarge, are you high?!”: The challenges of RTS on controller Finnian Russell
Console ports of PC titles have to grapple with a less accurate Gaming Editor pointing device (analogue sticks vs a mouse) and many fewer Kotaku may praise the controller inputs; an Xbox 360 controller has as the ‘violin of gaming virtuosos’, 14 buttons usable in-game, vs but even a virtuoso will struggle 105 keys on a UK keyboard. On to play the whole orchestra at top of this, more stringent once. Such can be the world of expectations on graphical quality playing a strategy game on a and smooth framerates on console controller; your tools places limits on the are very limited, and size and activity of the demands set on “All these battles that would you are high. What are not be a concern on your orders, techniques to PC. commander? Attempts at Real-time strategy adapt the RTS to console RTS success (RTS) gaming has have generally been been around for a long console have split into two camps: time, with Dune II titles ported from likely taking the crown been mouse and keyboard as the first ‘true’ game controleld, or those in the genre 30 long unsuccessful” d e s i g n e d years ago. Since then, specifically for the the genre has had its ups and limitations of a controller. downs, but all of its best-selling Bespoke console RTS games on franchises (Command & Conquer, console are often designed around StarCraft) have found much a smaller scale and/or slower pace greater success on PC. Forays by of conflict to give a fighting RTS onto console have been chance to controller users (see made, but very few have been met Halo Wars). PC ports to console with success. may similarly cut out mechanics
that are considered too convoluted for execution on a controller (See Age of Empires 2 on PS2). In the eyes of gamers, all these techniques to adapt the RTS to console have been unsuccessful in breaking the genre into the mainstream on the platform (though the novelty of their techniques is appreciated). Wrangling the controller and inputting the wild button combinations required to play console RTS at speed can admittedly be satisfying, even if I doing it I feel more like a juggler seconds from disaster than a virtuoso. The future, however, is promising. In the early 2000s, shooters were similarly a niche genre on console. Then came a game called H a l o , w h i c h struck a brilliant balance between catering for
limited hardware and being a complete package. Shooters are now synonymous with the console experience. New controller technologies could be the change needed. Gyroscopes and trackpads —notably the Steam controller and later DualShocks—are increasing the power of the controller to manipulate the game world, notably enhancing aim. They are currently gimmicks, used frustratingly infrequently, but this editor sincerely hopes that bit of clever game design around this more potent hardware will ‘change the game’ for console RTS in future. Viva la revolución!
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Redbrick Gaming’s Pride Month Picks
@camposanto Firewatch (09.02.16)
@GoneHomeGame Gone Home (15.08.13)
@SupergiantGames
Hades (06.12.18)
@ConcernedApe Stardew Valley (26.02.16)
@NaughtyDog
The Last of Us (14.06.13)
@Fallout
@ATVI_AB
Fallout 2 (30.09.88)
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FOOD&DRINK
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbrickfood
The Problem With Calories on Menus Cara-Louise Scott challenges the new government legislation, arguing that it will do more harm than good Cara-Louise Scott Food&Drink Editor
Content Warning: mentions of eating disorders, calories and mental health Going out for a meal with friends or family is supposed to be a joyous occasion, something fun to do to celebrate a special occasion, or an enjoyable experience after a hard week of work.
"We must also consider people who may be recovering from an eating disorder" However, with the new government legislation of making calo-
ries on menus compulsory in England, that joy is being taken away from people, and more significantly, it makes the act of eating a meal out even tougher for those with eating disorders. The official government website claims that these measures ‘will help to ensure people are able to make more informed, healthier choices when it comes to eating food out or ordering takeaways’ in order to tackle obesity. Restaurants and cafes employing more than 250 people are now required by law to show calorie information, with a similar system being considered for Scotland. The government says that it will not impact small, independent businesses and says it will ensure that those who might find the requirement more difficult are not impacted. But what about those wanting to eat from larger businesses? Some places are offering an optional no-calorie menu, but
it requires you to directly ask someone for it, which for some people, will cause anxiety in itself.
"Calories on menus could affect the work done by mental health services"
While the government may say that they are aiming to improve people's health, I think that being told you are overweight and that you need to calorie count is more detrimental to someone's mental health. Some may claim that it will make people more aware of what they are consuming, but I think this can be done without the need for calories to be printed. If there is an obesity problem in the UK,
then the government seems to care more about that than helping those with eating disorders. You cannot claim to be helping some people, but not consider the effect on others. Diabetes campaigners have called it ‘an important step in preventing people from developing type 2,' which is a type of diabetes that can be diet-related. This may be the case, but it is also a step in the wrong direction of making people too calorie-focused. We must also consider people who may be recovering from an eating disorder. Estimations of how many people in the UK have an eating disorder are between 1.25 and 3.4 million (according to The Priory Group). Professor Sandeep Ranote, who is a consultant paediatric psychiatrist specialChloe Hyde ising in eating disorders, says that ‘part of recovery planning is about reintroducing social activities, being able to go on holiday and visit restaurants [...] some of what
we know from those with lived experiences of eating disorders is that seeing calories printed on menus could be a huge trigger to their anxiety.’ She says that putting calories on menus could affect the work done by mental health services. Having calories on menus is more likely to teach people to have an unhealthy relationship with food, instead of a healthy one. People should be able to consume food without worrying about the number of calories in their meal. It is too late for the government to turn around this new rule, but I think more needs to be done by those in power to consider how food affects different people; a rule like this cannot be implemented at the detriment of others. Menus with compulsory calories will not be the improvement they desire; nothing will change, apart from everyone knowing how many calories are in a burger.
A Brief Biography: Nadiya Hussain Sarah Cayless provides a run-down of Nadiya's life and achievements Sarah Cayless Food&Drink Editor
Nadiya Hussain, aged 37, was born in Luton where she grew up alongside her four siblings. She first appeared on our screens in 2015 when she took part in the sixth series of the BBC’s The Great British Bake Off. At the time, the BBC described her on their website as a full-time mum of three who enjoyed creating ‘beautiful masterpieces at family occasions, having been inspired by her home economics teacher who encouraged her to ‘develop her skills.’
"Her cultural impact has done nothing but grow" The Bake Off changed everything for Nadiya. It was her husband who printed out the form and told her to apply. According to Nadiya’s website, he said ‘your wings were clipped somewhere along the way but I think it’s time for you to fly.’ And she did fly. All the way to the final, where she won after baking a three-tiered lemon drizzle wedding cake. Throughout her adult life,
Nadiya has suffered with panic disorder, so she showed immense courage to enter a show which would be viewed by millions. Besides her talent, it was Nadiya’s kind and humble personality that made her, and continues to make her, a television hit. Since winning the competition, her cultural impact has done nothing but grow. In addition to her monthly column for The Times, Nadiya has written a selection of books. This includes her baking book ‘Nadiya bakes’, and also savoury cooking books such as ‘Nadiya’s Fast Flavours’. She has also penned children’s books, which she
creates with the intention of encouraging children to grow in self-confidence. Outside of cooking, Nadiya has worked with the clothing brand Next in order to produce a range of shoes. This spring, their collaboration also introduced a selection of headscarves and turbans. Seven years on from her Bake Off win, it is clear she still has a lot more to give. In her words: ‘I am a mamma and a maker,’ and she makes us proud every day. Instagram / @nadiyajhussain
Review: Heidi's Bier Bar
Ella Kipling went to the opening night of Birmingham's new ‘après-ski’ themed bar Ella Kipling Social Secretary
Heidi’s is a new bar located on Broad Street, nestled between Pitstop, and Food Republic. The bier bar takes its ‘aprèsski’ theme seriously, with the interior featuring wooden tables (on which you are encouraged to dance) and the bar staff dressed in Lederhosen and Tyrolean dresses. The ground floor of the bar is packed with tables and a square dance floor, so patrons can get their boogie on to the
sounds of the live musicians, who put on an excellent show. Their energy, matching outfits, and song choices added something more than just a DJ would, and livened up the atmosphere. As I am not a beer fan, I stuck to the cocktail menu, but appreciated how cool the oversized beer glasses looked, filled with double pints. The Sex On The Beach cocktail was fruity and packed a punch, while the Pornstar Martini was the highlight of my night. The taste was the perfect blend between sour and sweet, with the passion fruit flavour, the staple of the
Unsplash / Louis Hansel
drink, coming through perfectly. Staying on brand with the après-ski theme, Heidi’s also served colourful shots on skis, with sparklers coming out of one end. The bar staff are a fabulous asset to Heidi’s and went above and beyond on the night, even going as far as to relight the ski shots when one member of our group missed the display. The upstairs of the bar provides something different, and the range of activities mean that there is something for bar goers who need a break from dancing. The beer pong tables, which
come with free cups from the bar, can be played with any drink of your choice, and you can also play pool in the same room. Also upstairs is, arguably the best part of Heidi’s, the karaoke stage. Anyone can perform, simply choose your song and wait your turn before taking to the stage and serenading the fellow patrons to wild applause. My duet of Breaking Free with fellow Redbrick writer Seth Nobes probably made the ears of the audience bleed, though the ski shots are definitely to blame for that performance.
FOOD&DRINK
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbrickfood
Royal Food Fit for the Queen
Editor's Pick: Seasonal Veg
Sarah Cayless explores the various food items that have arisen from royal celebrations Sarah Cayless Food&Drink Editor
We have just celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Across the four day bank holidays, streets throughout the United Kingdom flowed with party food as people honoured Elizabeth II’s 70 years of reign. The Queen’s coronation took place on the 2nd of June 1953, in Westminster Abbey; a momentous day that brought us a culture-changing recipe. The dish ‘Poulet Reine Elizabeth’, more commonly known as Coronation Chicken, was created by Le Cordon Bleu to be served at the Coronation Luncheon.
humble and reliable Victoria Sponge, named after Queen Victoria who, according to the royal website, is known to have regularly enjoyed a slice of sponge cake with her afternoon tea.
"Over a kilogram of sugar and thirteen eggs"
roll amaretti trifle. According to the BBC, Jemma Melvin drew inspiration from the lemon posset served at the Queen and Prince Philip’s Royal wedding, and the trifle is made with ‘layers of lemon curd swiss roll, custard, jelly, a mandarin coulis and amaretti biscuits.’
"A range of Platinum Jubilee themed dog food" The question now arises as to whether this trifle will become an integral part of the British diet. Before the winner was announced on BBC One, the food historian Regula Ysewijn explained the profound role that food plays in our lives, and the way in which each decade is accompanied by its defining dishes. Trifle is already a
"Jemma Melvin's innovative twist on this classic has the potential to be popular"
Unsplash / Mariah Hewines
On the original royal menu, it was described as ‘chicken, boned and coated in curry cream sauce, with, one end of each dish, a well-seasoned dressed salad of rice, green peas and pimentos,’ according to the Cordon Bleu website. The recipe has remained popular, with research by Warburtons revealing that a quarter of Brits chose to eat coronation as a sandwich filling while celebrating Harry and Meghan’s Royal wedding. Other royal foods include the
This year’s Platinum Jubilee introduced another recipe, this time a dessert. There was a competition open to all UK residents over the age of eight, which over 5,000 people entered. The desserts were judged, among others, by Dame Mary Berry and the Great British Bake Off winner Rahul Mandal. Amateur baker Jemma Melvin from Merseyside was announced as the winner, with her entry of a lemon and Swiss
Unsplash / Peter Pryharski
common party food, so Jemma Melvin’s innovative twist on this classic has the potential to be popular. However, the official recipe, proves to be rather complicated, requiring over a kilogram of sugar and 13 eggs. When Rachel Cooke from The Guardian attempted this royal dessert she found it fiddly and time-consuming, though she acknowledged that the finished product was beautiful. Fear not though, Melvin has provided us with a cheat version, which largely requires compiling shop-bought ingredients such as lemon curd. Other royal foods include the battenberg cake, which is said to have been created as a wedding present for Prince Louis of Battenberg and Queen Victoria's granddaughter, Princess Victoria. While an increase in anti-German sentiments led the prince to change his name to Mountbatten, the chequered cake kept its original name. This year, the food celebrations were not restricted to us two-legged creatures. ‘Hug Pet Food’ (dog food specialists) worked closely with corgis in order to create a range of Platinum Jubilee themed dog food. According to their website, their new ‘Hug Coronation Chicken’ recipe allows you to ‘treat your dog like royalty.’ Perhaps the success of Jemma Melvin’s dessert will have to be measured by whether or not there will be cat-friendly Swiss roll trifle available in ten years’ time.
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Unsplash / Tijana Drndarski
Aubergine: a versatile alterto meat native for most recipes
Unsplash / Riki Lifestyle
Spring Onions: lovely in a salad or as a garnish on top of a stir-fry
Unsplash / Hai Nguyen
New Potatoes: a quick potato salad will be welcome at any summer picnic
Cake or Fake? The Baking Trend Nicole Morris analyses the latest baking fad taking over the internet Nicole Morris Food&Drink Writer
From their exterior, you would think that these cakes were in fact something else entirely. They seamlessly disguise themselves as other food items, shoes, or even people, with bakers caricaturing themselves as cakes. However, underneath these decorative layers of fondant and tempered chocolate, they are still the same humble sponge cakes that we are familiar with. The art of making hyper realistic illusion cakes is becoming increasingly popular thanks to Netflix’s new TV show Is It Cake?. This show sees contestants try to trick the judges, and the audience watching at home, into thinking that their cake is actually something else. The first few episodes have seen contestants camouflage their cakes as a burger,
clutch bag, and a piña colada filled coconut to name but a few examples.
"Will wedding cakes soon become cake portraits of the happy couple themselves?"
The successful concept of this TV show has translated into a TikTok trend, with many keen bakers attempting to convince their followers that their cakes are everyday objects. Although, the concept has also been reversed online too; jokesters on TikTok have been pretending to cut into things that are not cakes at all and are in fact ordinary household items. Either way, both of these trends have contributed to the increasing hype surrounding
realistic cakes. It is interesting to consider how the hype about realistic cakes will continue in the future Will these types of cakes become more mainstream and found on supermarket shelves? Will people opt for a birthday cake which pushes the boundaries of cake creation, or will they continue to support the traditional Victoria sponge cake? Will wedding cakes soon become cake portraits of the happy couple themselves? Despite the fact that these cakes are visually marvels to behold, and would make an impressive party piece, I anticipate the popularity of eating them will be minimal due to the vast amount of icing used to decorate them. Therefore, it is likely that the sweetness of icing would overpower the light fluffy sponge, which would inevitably not appeal to everyone. Personally, I think you
cannot beat a simple sponge cake as it will always be a crowd pleaser. Instead, it seems more likely that these cakes will remain relevant on baking shows, as judges continue to test bakers’ talents by creating more challenging briefs. The Great British Bake Off set bakers the challenge of making a realistic cake back in 2017; contestants rose to the challenge and delivered cakes resembling sandwiches and watermelons, amongst many other designs.
Unsplash / Brooke Lark
So it would be safe to assume that this will return as another Showstopper Challenge again in the near future. There is potential for hyper realistic illusion cakes to exist beyond the world of baking shows and social media in the future too though. They could form an art exhibition in their own right or become staples at food fayres and food festivals. Many people travel to visit art galleries – why not travel to behold creative cakes too? There is no doubt that making hyper realistic cakes is an art form. Bakers spend hours crafting their illusions and adding intricate details in order to deceive the eye. They truly are artists, but also have the additional pressure of ensuring that their masterpieces taste good too. One can only wonder what creative disguise these talented bakers will come up with for their cakes next.
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TRAVEL
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbricktravel
A New Way of Travel: Sleeper Trains Daisy Griffin explores a new mode of travel that is reshaping the travel industry Daisy Griffin Travel Writer
As a world that is becoming increasingly aware of the ways our individual actions harm our surrounding environment, this has led to greater consideration for using alternative modes of transport aside from air travel. Recent discussions regarding the revival of sleeper trains, and whether they might mark the future of transcontinental travel, follow the reveal of plans for a flurry of sleeper trains throughout Europe in the upcoming months and years. Assessment of the pros and cons for this way of travel continue to dominate debate. Following a proposal from Germany’s Green Party last September to establish connected night trains across Europe, the country has set out an ambitious plan for their ‘Night Sprinter’ network. According to FutureRail, the proposed ‘Night Sprinter’ is set for a phased launch in 2030, connecting some 200 cities across the continent with the UK connected to popular city-break spots including Barcelona,Florence, Copenhagen, or Stockholm, extending as far East as Moscow and Istanbul, and down South to
Palermo, Alma, and Athens.
“Connecting some 200 cities across the continent” This exciting proposal follows the success of the Nightjet train network, launched in December 2016. According to its own website, the network currently links four central European cities: Vienna, Paris, Amsterdam, and Zurich, with other cities set to follow in the summer. The Paris-Vienna route even takes passengers along part of the famed Orient Express (all the while at a significantly reduced price). Nightjet full-bed cabins currently start at 89.90 euros (£75) with even cheaper sleepers on the Romania journey starting at 59 euros (£49). Upon comparison with the prices of budget flights (bearing in mind additional costs of air travel including airport transfers etc.), it is no wonder that the prospect of sleeper train travel is becoming more widely considered. So, what is the catch, if any? The fundamental reason as to why the use of sleepers is not seeing as much frequency, is the difficulty in making them work commercially and the extra effort
needed in ensuring the right conditions on board. People will always have personal preferences, and the noise and frequent jerky movements of sleeper trains are likely to put off light-sleeping travellers. They are inevitably slower than your average budget flight, making those with a tighter schedule understandably inclined to take alternative options. However, if anything, this slower and more purposeful form of travel is where I believe its unique selling point lies; many are attracted to the allure and romance of long-haul travel, likely inspired by the nomadic spirit of travel that the famed Orient Express captured so perfectly. The idea of making one’s journey part of the overall travel experience is also of great appeal for many individuals.
“Slower and more purposeful form of travel” With these recent proposals it does appear that people need slightly more convincing to make sleeper trains a success. An emphasis on the environmental benefits of this form of travel over air travel will surely be a
Unsplash/JK
form of encouragement, not to mention the endless downsides of air travel: time wasted waiting around in airports, travelling to airports, lost luggage, 100mL liquid limits, the stress of baggage claim – the list goes on. The financial gains of sleeper trains as a form of travel will certainly convince any remaining sceptics, if nothing else. To achieve this, these train networks must set a new benchmark for night trains with set conditions that offer guaranteed comfort for passengers, whether that be private cabins or a nice bar and restaurant. The involve-
ment of the luxury market is a possibility, with proposals for ornate bar carriages featuring bright, retro interiors of midcentury modern design. There are clearly a few hurdles that must be crossed in the upcoming months and as the summer approaches. However, I for one, am incredibly excited to see the return of these trains. Especially in light of countries lifting restrictions and the return to an ease of travel that Europe prides itself on, I hope to see myself cruising across Europe aboard a sleeper train in the near future.
How Mindfulness Can Enrich Travel Travel Writer Nick Loat suggests ways to enrich one's travel experiences through mindfulness Nick Loat Travel Writer
Mindfulness is a term that has gained significant traction over the past few years. According to Mindful.org, the practice refers to the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we are doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by everything going on around us. The idea behind mindful travel is to blend a gentle self-awareness with the good, the bad and the ugly of travel. We have all heard that travel broadens the mind, but what if our mind can in fact broaden the travel? Mindful travel explores the notion that, by looking inwards, we can determine the outcome of our experiences. Here are a few mindful approaches that can help us to weather the trials and tribulations of modern travel. 1. Managing intentions The prospect of travel tends to evoke in us a whole host of goals, hopes and desires; all of which can be elevated to the point at which expectations do not meet reality. Before departing, we often fabricate an image
of what a place should be and how it should make us feel.
“Before departing, we often fabricate an image of what a place should be and how it should make us feel” Walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in north Spain will instil in me a gratitude and appreciation for what surrounds me. The weekend in Paris will revive the spark that is missing in my relationship. This tendency to project onto the destination the desired imprint that it will leave on us not only fosters an underlying pressure for a preconceived outcome but also foreshadows potential disappointment. Instead, we might like to let go of any existential expectations in favour of opening a space in which we let our travel experiences unravel, free from judgement and overinflated optimism.
2. When things “go wrong” In a similar vein, we are inclined to expect that travel plans, complex or straightforward, unfold precisely as we had anticipated. We subconsciously expect to be able to travel seamlessly from place to place, confident that our 7-minute connection at Paris Gare du Nord will have us sitting in the correct seat bound for the correct French coast. This mindset precariously positions us at the mercy of unexpected external setbacks that threaten to topple our well-conceived plans and cheery temperament. Being mindful of events that are inherently out of our control can help us to reframe our frustrations towards unpleasant and stressful experiences. If we surrender ourselves to the imperfect reality of travel, we can be well-equipped to remain unfazed by the many challenges that it throws our way. 3. Reviving curiosity We all tend to live in bubbles that, after some time, can begin to dull our sense of curiosity in our surroundings. Moving beyond our bubbles to other parts of the world revives our appetite to
explore and marvel at beauty and novelty – a skill that can be honed to enrich our own travel experiences. We should be encouraged to return to our primary senses in order to deepen our connection to the environment in which we find ourselves. While meandering through the medieval streets of Dubrovnik on an autumn morning we might like to focus on the aroma in the air outside a traditional bakery, observe the two elderly gentleman sipping coffee over a game of chess or listen out for the distant crowing of the pigeons from the rooftops. Mindful attention to the small details that paint the picture of daily life can be the most fulfilling memories that we take home
“We should be encouraged to return to our primary senses in order to deepen our connection to the environment”
with us. 4. Slow down It is difficult not to get caught up in the frantic crossing-off-ofthe-itinerary frenzy that compels us to see as many sights and visit as many landmarks as we can before home time. Mindful travel seeks to compound this hectic mentality by encouraging us to embrace the art of slow travel Slow travel comprises any activity that prioritises a full experience of local culture and customs. The slow traveller might opt to stay in one place long enough to pinpoint a favourite coffee house or get to know the local fishmonger. Slowing down allows us to truly savour the local environment and what it has to offer us; a refined step beyond blazing through the handful of tourist hotspots that may not give a flavour of what the destination’s true nature might be. Through the incorporation of these mindful approaches to travel, we begin to cultivate a mindset that is inducive of full presence and immersion in the moment. In this way, your travel adventures can become truly unforgettable.
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LIFE&STYLE
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbricklife
Clothes Maketh Woman (Loving Woman) Life&Style Writer Zenna Hussain demystifies the overlap between sapphic and Christian fashion through their common demonimator– whiteness Zenna Hussain Life&Style Writer
Sapphics have used everything from violets to monocles to flannels to communicate their queerness in a world where it was not always safe to do so. The growing commercialisation of queer fashion, pride month spouting a slew of evergaudy rainbow graphics, and lesbian style being relatively generic all contribute to a sort of ‘fashion confusion’.
Fundamentalist Christians and lesbians have an uncanny likeness, made obvious when TikTok Christian rock singer Olivia Leach became viral on lesbian TikTok. Christian women’s fashion as a whole have a great overlap with the casual lesbian style– flannel, loose hair, minimal makeup. While lesbian fashion is frequently worn with the desire for countercultural expression, this is a risky generalisation for all those who wear that style. In Mormon communities, the Bible Belt of the United States or more traditional communities in England, it is considered a sign of connection to God and modesty. T h e increasing commercialisation of the LGBTQ community suggests that seeming queer is becoming fashi o n a b l e . Celebrities such as Zendaya and Kendall Jenner have popularised the suit for straight women, while men such as Jaden Smith and Harry Styles rely largely on a queer-coded, Iheb AB
androgenous style that market them to as non-threatening and anti-patriarchal. Unlike these celebrities, Christian women do not profit from the fashion mix-up of Christians with sapphics. Yet, the underlying tensions between the queer and Christian communities make this unlikely comparison all the more striking. Sapphic fashion frequently defies strict gender boundaries by blending femininity and masculinity in an act of gender nonconformity. In a world that celebrates masculinity, Christian fashion is all about promoting ideas of womanhood, tight gender norms, and heteronormativity. The fashion objective of modesty is conservative– to assist men in protecting their virtue, and so their 'not dressing for the male gaze' simply appeals to men in a different way than sexuality. They act similarly to ‘pick-me girls' who reject traditional notions of femininity and denigrate other women who embrace them. While lesbian fashion arose out of a need for political and sexual rebellion, with style and identity inextricably interwoven, fundamental Christians utilise fashion to draw closer to God. Sapphic fashion strongly focuses on fashion as an identifier, with clothes and accessories acting as a series of communicators to signal to potential partners and other queer people in a way that would not alert heterosexuals, and more importantly, homophobes. Fashion has generated its own cultural history with a plethora of ‘gender’ expressions lying on a spectrum of queerness: butch, femme, ‘lipstick’ and ‘Chapstick’ lesbians. Femme lesbians, for example, use hyper-femininity such as flowy dresses and quirky earrings as deliberate fashion choices to highlight queerness. However,
this may be reductive and hurtful in and of itself, as lesbians can be pressured to fit into the labels femme or butch based on whatever stereotypes they fit at the time. An alleged 'gaydar' due to stylistic choices can present problems for gay persons of colour, who are often invisible, or deemed ‘not gay enough’, thus less likely to be able to find and identify other sapphics and build those essential community-building ties. Having to appear gay, i.e. having short hair, wearing flannels or being clearly out, causes and perpetuates the homogenisation and whitewashing of queerness. White queerness has been aestheticised into a hegemony– Phoebe Bridgers, Doc Martens, and lavender oat-milk coffee have all become symbols of queerness. Ignoring that whiteness underlies these ‘codes’ make it and queerness become almost indistinguishable. Queer-coded fashion such as cottage-core lesbians, fairycore bisexuals have lately gained popularity on apps like TikTok, expanding the matrix of styles under the umbrella of (white) queer fashion. This can be aggravating when despite these women of colour are rarely regarded as gay enough, yet fundamental Christians could be mistakenly perceived as gay, despite their likely homophobic views. Sapphics of colour may be accused of remaining in the closet if they do not fit into the restricted ideals of lesbianism, and change the way they present, but fundamental Christians may also be accused of hiding in the closet if they dress as they do. Olivia Leach, a Christian singer-songwriter who went viral on TikTok, was bombarded by the LGBT community and accused of being closeted due to her modest
wardrobe of cargo pants and an oversized button up shirt, who claimed that she was suppressed and closeted because of her religion. Despite the use of fashion as an identifying tool, the perception appears to have altered that certain clothing choices necessarily denotes lesbianism, a belief that essentialises queerness and will only inevitably hinder progress. While sapphics and fundamentalist Christians have a more relaxed way of dressing, both described as owing to a 'lack of the male gaze’, Christians use fashion to honour God, dress modestly in order to attract men and differentiate themselves from other ‘loose’ women. Sapphics are the only ones with the goal of removing themselves from male attraction entirely. Their fashion is a means to connect with the past and present lesbian communities while embracing the freedom of expression living in a more accepting environment. Both dress for themselves and their community, yes, but their relationship to each other are not without fraught histories. Fashion has long been used as a means of self-expression and mutual identification, but opening up the queer bubble onto its oppressors can cause tangible harm. While it may be disrespectful to assume that someone is closeted, an indisputable truth is that many slacks-wearing Evangelicals contribute to institutional and interpersonal homophobia. Not only is there a historical distrust between the two groups, conflating them based on fashion sense alone inadvertently absolves these Christians of their bigotry. In the end, both fundamentalist Christians and sapphics use fashion for love: Christians for love of God, sapphics for love of sapphics.
Y2K Fashion and Toxic Beauty Standards Lula Izzard discusses the resurgence of Y2K fashion and its links to diet culture Lula Izzard Life&Style Writer
Recently, fashion trends of late 1990s-2000s have seen a resurgence in popularity. Y2K, a style which dominated the late 1990s and mid 2000s, includes crop tops and vests with various logos and graphics, denim mini skirts, and low-waisted jeans. This style of fashion contrasts massively with high waisted jeans which have been popularised during the 2010s, such as mom jeans. It is easy to see the appeal of Y2K fashion, considering the aesthetics’ colourful, bold makeup looks, bright, vibrant clothing and lots of accessories. However, many people who lived through the era from which it originates have raised concerns about the implications of this Y2K revival,
such as the impact it will have on beauty standards. For instance, Y2K in the 1990s-2000s was inherently linked with thinness, rigidly encouraging people to conform with this standard in order to access this style, while ostracizing anyone who wore larger sizes.
“Y2K in the 1990s-2000s was inherently linked with thinness” Various articles have illustrated the changes in beauty standards throughout history regarding the ideal body type for women. In the 1990s and 2000s, extremely thin bodies were exclusively celebrated. In this sense, it
is understandable that many are worried that the resurgence of Y2K fashion, a style which was intertwined with the extremely thin beauty standards of the 1990s and 2000s, will cause people to attempt to fit these beauty standards, which are unattainable and dangerous for many people. Sirin Kale highlighted how misogyny was intertwined with diet culture and toxic beauty standards, with plus-sized women either being portrayed as ‘figures of fun’ or ‘unlovable’, the bodies of celebrities being cruelly scrutinised, with a ‘celebrity cellulite special’ published in Heat in 2004, and the rise of the size zero, representing a new level of thinness women were pressured to reach. This had a dangerous impact on teenage girls, with eating disorders becoming normalized; Kale even stated that ‘Emerging from the toxic swamp
of 2000s diet culture without an eating disorder was a real challenge’.
“Misogyny was intertwined with diet culture and toxic beauty standards” Alex Tee highlighted the romanticisation of the early 2000s on TikTok, refuting claims that the era was ‘a cooler, better, friendlier, more inclusive time’, emphasising the ‘trend of ultraslenderness in 2000s media’ and its ‘distinct flavour of toxic body image.’ The early 2000s may appear a more fun time, with bright, colourful clothes and
makeup. However, this era was clearly no more inclusive than our current society, and was a difficult place to grow up in due to its harshly restrictive beauty standards. Y2K, like other fashion trends, can be enjoyed, but it is important not to forget problematic aspects of it. Plus-size fashion bloggers have ‘reclaimed’ Y2K fashion on social media, demonstrating that this style can be enjoyed by people of all sizes, despite the previous links between thinness and Y2K. It is okay to wear clothes and experiment with styles that you personally like, regardless of how ‘flattering’ they are deemed by others. It can also be fun to incorporate aspects of styles such as Y2K with your own personal style and clothes you feel comfortable in.
LIFE&STYLE
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbricklife
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Is BeReal Bringing Back Authenticity on Social Media? Food&Drink Editor Chloë Hyde breaks down why the app may change our relationship with social media for the better Chloë Hyde
Food&Drink Editor
A new social media platform called BeReal is currently rising rapidly in popularity with Gen Z. Though the application launched in 2019, it is only in the past few months that users across the globe have boosted this platform to the scale of other social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and TikTok. So, what makes this platform different from others? Other social media have been increasingly criticised for their detachment from one’s authentic self. Where Instagram encourages curation (such as having to take multiple different photos to find the perfect one), BeReal’s main aim is to show the reality of your life with one image a day.
“BeReal’s main aim is to show the reality of your life with one image a day” As we know, most social
media have a multitude of filters for their stories and posts, which include artificial makeup, teeth whitening and tanning to name a few. Though these filters can be a bit of fun, they also create unrealistic beauty expectations for users, which can have a harmful affect after a prolonged period of consumption. It is probably fair to say that a lot of young people have grown up alongside the advances in social media, and now would find it quite difficult to avoid daily scrolling on various apps. In a bid to change this, BeReal offers no way of altering the images you post, promoting a much more authentic and natural version of your life to be shared with your friends. A very unique aspect of the app, which enhances the realness they are striving for, is the unique method in which you post. BeReal sends out a notification to everybody at the same time once every day and gives you a two-minute countdown to capture your image. In this time, you can retake your images as many times as you wish, as long as it is within the countdown. This includes both a front-facing selfie, and a picture from the back of your phone camera. This instantaneous upload
process highlights the realities of daily life– in my experience of the app, I received a notification while I was writing this very article, and the previous day as I was writing an essay plan. I would rarely post the realities of my degree on other
Jenna Day
social media platforms unless I thought it was something of interest, like a photo which I posted customarily with my completed undergraduate dissertation. Some of my friends’ posts included them on the way to campus, mopping floors and writing emails at
work. If you miss the two-minute countdown, you are still able to post after the allotted time, but the app notifies your friends that you have posted late so they know you will not have taken that photo in that moment. Comments and reactions are aspects extracted from Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, but with the addition of a live reaction image named a ‘RealMoji’ which allows users to react to their friend’s posts with a real-time image. The lack of likes reflects recent steps taken by Instagram to hide the number of likes a certain post receives in order for users to become less obsessive with them. In terms of feed however, it is only as lengthy as the number of friends you have, and subsequently, only those of which who have posted that day. As a result of this, you hardly spend hours constantly scrolling and refreshing the app for new content, rendering the whole process much less addictive. Having noted this, there is the option to share your BeReal post among the whole world-wide community if you choose to, meaning hundreds of thousands of people will be able to see your post. One aspect I think is poten-
tially harmful is the location services available with the ‘Discovery’ part of the app. The real-time posting element, coupled with the real-time image means that if you are not careful, random users could locate you in that very moment, especially if you are out in public spaces which are easily recognisable.
“If you are not careful, random users could locate you in that very moment” It is understandable why many people may not have encountered BeReal before. The output of posts is much fewer, you cannot really find your friends apart from sharing your username on other social media platforms, or indeed your phone contacts, and it is hardly geared towards having the most followers possible. BeReal is much better suited to your close friends who are actually interested in your day-today life, rather than extended distant connections who may follow your Instagram profile.
Beyond the Cosmetic Makeup does not devalue activism, Julia Lee argues contribute to a curated feed, Tiktokers who transform from one look to another to popular music. Given the popularity of the genre and the central appeal being the creators’ personalities, it seems natural, even prudent, that some see it as a way to incorporate their non-makeup passions into their content. Fashion, mov@mattxvi / Instagram ies, lifestyle – but why does activism through Julia Lee the medium stir up criticism of Life&Style Editor performativity and vanity? In the past few years, Matt One of the most prominent sub- Bernstein (@mattxiv on sets of the social media ‘influ- Instagram) has become a recogencer’ is the beauty guru. There nisable figure in ‘influencer’ are YouTubers who create detailed activism, particularly that of the talk-through tutorials and reviews, queer community. They rose to Instagrammers who draw elabo- prominence combining vibrant rate pictures on their bodies that rainbow-coloured makeup with
slogans and sayings such as ‘who I am is not a trend’ and ‘you don’t need to be out to be valid’. Matt frequently attaches to his posts relevant articles of and reactions to current events, anonymous personal accounts from his followers, and his take on the topic. While always aesthetically pleasing, there is no doubt that their content is informative and invaluable. Over the years, people have drawn comics, created art, designed tote bags, T-shirts and pin badges as activism all the time. Would people find slogans weird or self-centred if it were any other medium? Subconscious misogyny is at play in the perception that activism through makeup is ‘less serious’. If the aim is drawing attention and raising awareness, there is little doubt of its effectiveness. It is therefore clear to me that accusations of illegitimate or insincere activism is itself illegitimate. There is an important distinction to be made between similar criticism directed towards Instagram infographics, which often over-simplify a current issue into easy on the eye and easily shareable slides. Putting a face on the issue makes whatever
information conveyed all the more intimate and personal, which does well to raise awareness. The very face accusations of vanity are levelled at is what draws you in. Perhaps a factor that lends credence to the ‘narcissistic and shallow’ accusation is the static nature of Instagram, a platform used primarily for image sharing. This type of content may be distinguished from the more interactive YouTube. As a somewhat natural progression of ‘chit-chat get ready with me’ type videos, YouTubers who make beauty related content have started to incorporate their lives and interests into their content. Bailey Sarian’s ‘Makeup and Murder’ is a spin on the increasingly popular true crime genre. She has been criticised for trivialising tragedy by doing makeup while giving lighthearted and voyeuristic commentary to horrific crimes. Ignored however is the fact that most all true crime content is exploitative, not just those done by beauty personalities. Mainstream outlets are treated as more ‘legitimate’ by the virtue of their platform, but they also profit off crime, often without consent from the victims. Those
of Internet fame put their face on their content, and so are more easily targeted by the self-policing entity that is the Internet. On the other hand, ‘Fundie Fridays’ is a channel that ‘talks about fundamentalism while doing makeup’, keeping an audience through this consistent format. Makeup is treated as an activity to do while handling subjects of dark natures rather than minimising, making light or sensationalising them. Her videos are well rounded, well researched and informative – and that is what is most important. Doing your due diligence works in tandem with engaging the audience with your niche, here makeup. There is no flippancy that necessarily ties itself to the act of putting colours and glitter on one’s face. Matt’s current Instagram has grown beyond queer issues to take on a current issues focus– still colourful, but observably makeup-less. It is difficult to say if the criticism he had attracted contributed to this shift, but with social media taking over as a news source (however ill-advised), the importance of ‘influencers’ like Matt is greater than we may realise.
SCI&TECH
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Friday 17th June 2022
@redbricktech
Redbrick Picks: Science Fiction Favourites Redbrick members pick their favourite pieces of sci-fi from the worlds of books, film, and television Georgia Brooks Sci&Tech Writer
Leah Renz
Daniel Bray
Culture Editor
Sci&Tech Editor
Gwydion Elliott Sci&Tech Editor
Josie Scott-Taylor TV Editor
Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
Years and Years - Russell T. Davies
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet - Becky Chambers
Arrival - Denis Villenevue
Ishiguro’s 2005 novel Never Let Me Go follows the life of Kathy and her two friends, Ruth and Tommy, from their childhood and adolescence at the school of Hailsham through to old age. As their purpose as ‘carers’ is gradually revealed in Ishiguro’s signature subtle style, the book reveals an unsettling dystopian England of the future that is all too easy to envisage. Without giving too much of the novel away, Ishiguro tackles issues and questions around society’s relationship with the individual, self-determination and the nature of humanity in a beautiful and poignant manner.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy has the dubious honour of being one of the funniest books I have ever read. From the early ‘unhelpful remarks from the author’ to the magnificent description of spacecrafts which ‘hung in the sky in much the same way that bricks don’t’, this novel, and the books which follow, are a veritable spawning pool of pithy oneliners and in-jokes which you will suddenly recognise in use everywhere. The plot, insofar as The Guide, has a structure beyond the stringing together of hilarious adventures, follows ‘Earthman’ Arthur Dent and small-planet-in-the-vicinity-of-Betelgeuse extra-terrestrial being Ford Prefect as they travel the galaxy to compile the intergalactic best-seller, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, which is full of satirical jabs at marketing firms and nonsense bureaucracy abound. When not busy chuckling or smirking with glee, you will be left in awe at Adams’ fantastic imagination, all decked out in flamboyant vocabulary.
Years and Years is a harrowing imagination of the struggles of family life in England in the immediate future. The six-part TV series follows the stories of the Lyons family as they struggle to keep up with advances in technology, economic strife, the rise of populism, and much more. The series is short but sweet, touching on many issues that we might expect to encounter in real life in coming years. Of particular interest to me was how the series portrayed the growing obsolescence of human beings through advances in artificial intelligence, and the advent of ‘transhumanism’ - a viewpoint mainly held by ‘techies’ which posits that humans will be able to transcend their bodily self and become either part-machine or completely digital. While I have my doubts about the validity of these views, the portrayal of these people is fascinating and thought-provoking. These were not the only emotions that Years and Years invoked in me - in amongst this brilliant dystopian world were tear-jerking moments and at least a couple of moments where I felt a pit of anxiety and despair open in my stomach. Causing these strong reactions in me is where I think the series is at its strongest, as I truly felt a connection to the characters’ plights. At first viewing, the future that Davies portrays conjured a deep sense of unease inside me, as I could conceive how events in real life could plausibly cause many of the incidents shown to happen to me - and how they would completely ruin my life. This is borne out of the prescience shown by Davies in portraying events such as pandemics and invasions, which makes repeat viewings just as vivid and gripping as the first.
The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet is the first in a series of novels by Becky Chambers. Fleeing her old life on Mars, Rosemary joins the crew of the Wayfarer, a ship tasked with building wormhole tunnels. The multi-species crew aboard the ship are, for me, the novel’s greatest achievement.
Arrival is a beautiful and inspiring science-fiction film based on a short story by Ted Chiang. On the surface, it is just another film about aliens, but underneath, it is so much more than that. It combines language and science through linguist Louise Banks’s (Amy Adams) attempts to communicate with a pair of terrifying and mysterious creatures who land on Earth in a way that no one else seems capable of, and the journey that she embarks on to understand them is seamlessly intertwined with time travel and family love.
Becky Woods
Themes that feature frequently in science fiction are here approached in a perhaps more unusual manner to a lot of novels within the genre. Ishiguro’s understated approach and the unique nature of Kathy’s narration allow for world-building in an incredibly gradual manner, creating a sense of unease in the reader as more and more details are revealed, and yet so much is left unsaid. Ishiguro’s novel was deservedly short-listed for the 2005 Booker Prize, and its sensitive handling of scientific topics that seem eerily likely to become more than just fiction marks it out as a standout novel within the genre.
Becky Woods
Sci-fi novels once made me nervous, and I was convinced that they were not for me. Fortunately, all this changed through my reading of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. I would urge anyone similarly indisposed towards scifi to, at the very least, give Douglas Adams a whirl.
Becky Woods
Becky Woods
We meet a diverse cast of aliens in the novel, from the reptilian, feather-maned aandrisk Sissix, to Ohan, a quiet, ape-like ‘sapient’ with two consciousnesses – the second a virus infecting his brain. Each alien species is brilliantly imagined, with the cast a collage of different biologies, histories and customs. The Aeluons communicate not with speech but with colour-changing patches on their cheeks, while the Grum transition from female to male to somewhere-in-between over the course of their lives. This explosive diversity, and the efforts of these groups to understand and accommodate each other, makes the interpersonal relationships in the galaxy and aboard the Wayfarer all the more interesting. As the ship travels through the galaxy, Chambers’ writing shifts its point of view between each of the characters, exploring their own personal lives and their experience of living aboard the somewhat cramped starship. It is clear that the motley crew have formed a family, and it is deeply encouraging to see these relationships morph and grow. This novel’s worldbuilding is both fascinating and a lot of fun to read, and lays a fantastic groundwork for the gripping plot of the subsequent book. Chambers’ world is brilliant.
Becky Woods
The power of language is the backbone of this Denis Villeneuve film; without it, humanity would be completely alone in the universe. Language allows the characters to connect with a species that they seemingly have nothing in common with, and Louise’s determination to understand these beings that instil so much fear in others is heartwarming and serves as an allegory for the polarisation of today’s society. Whether you are a diehard science-fiction fan or a complete newbie, Arrival is something everybody should watch at least once in their life.
Jeremy Thomas / Unsplash
SCI&TECH
Friday 17th June 2022
@redbricktech
When Mars Looked Like Earth Gwydion Elliott Sci&Tech Editor
4.5 billion years ago the red planet likely looked a lot like our blue marble. Looking at Mars’ geology from space and on the ground, we can spot the traces left behind by liquid water as it carved through the rock, forming a network of valleys and gullies.
ESA & MPS for OSIRIS Team MPS/UPD/LAM/IAA/RSSD/ INTA/UPM/DASP/IDA
Woods
One of the most impressive examples is Ma’adim Vallis, a huge channel that was carved by running water, perhaps in the form of huge floods. At 700 km long and, in places 20 km across and 2 km deep, the feature dwarfs Earth’s Grand Canyon. Upstream of the channel sits Eridania Lake’s dried up bed. At around 1 million km squared, this lake was around 10 times as big as Earth’s largest. Using CRISM, an instrument aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, scientists have identified sediments on the lake bed that are likely to have formed in deep water heated by volcanoes. These hydrothermal conditions may have been a place where life on Mars began. Back on Earth, hydrothermal vents spew magmaheated water up from the bed of the ocean, and are hot-spots for a range of ocean creatures.
NASA/ Unsplash
Today, Mars has a very thin atmosphere less than 1% as thick as our own, but in the past it was much thicker. This thicker atmosphere provided the pressure needed for liquid water to persist on the planet’s surface. Over time a key gas, Argon, was lost to space in a process called ‘sputtering’, where solar wind blows the gas into space. What is left behind is a cold, harsh world. Even still, we might one day find fossilised remains of the life that once called Mars home – or even find bacteria surviving beneath the surface.
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Gene-edited Crops Nearing Government Approval Daniel Bray Sci&Tech Editor
Gene-edited crops may soon find their way onto supermarket shelves, without the growers requiring any special indications on their packaging. The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill was introduced to parliament on Wednesday May 25th, and will 'remove unnecessary barriers to research into new gene editing technology.' This undoes a ruling by the European Court of Justice stipulating that products developed by gene editing must be subject to GMO regulations, which was carried into UK law following Brexit. Gideon Henderson, Chief Scientific Adviser of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), said that 'substantial environmental, health and food security benefits' could be the result of this bill being passed into law. One promising example of the technology being used comes from a team primarily based in Norwich, who have created gene-edited tomatoes with increased levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiencies can cause increased risk of many illnesses, including cancer and depression, and has been linked to an increase in COVID19 severity in patients. The decision would only
apply to England though, as the bill would require being passed for use separately in each of the devolved administrations. Professor Joyce Tait from the Innogen Institute warned that Scotland have a 'big risk' of being 'left behind' if they do not follow suit and pass the proposals, but some news outlets claim that the Scottish government want to keep their laws as close to EU law as possible to allow a swift re-entry into the EU, should the country get another chance to vote for independence.
“The bill would require being passed for use separately in each of the devolved administrations”
desired crops themselves. Those who support gene editing compare this process of adding or deleting specific genes to the changes that we could produce from selective breeding of organisms - only at a much higher precision and rate than normal. With the United Nations having recently warned that global hunger levels are at an all time high, and that not feeding people 'feed[s] conflict', the proponents of this bill will be pushing hard to see it passed into law. However, some people are worried about the precedent that it might introduce - the RSPCA’s head of public affairs David Bowles said that 'allowing gene editing would be a serious step backwards', in particular highlighting ethical concerns surrounding testing genetic editing on animals. Gene editing
Gene-edited crops are different to genetically modified (GM) ones. GM crops have genes introduced from other species - for example, farmers might take a crop that is resistant to certain pesticides, and then use it to introduce the pesticide resistance gene into their corn or potatoes. On the other hand, gene-edited crops use a technology called CRISPR to alter the DNA of the
on animals has already been done by The Roslin Institute, who created pigs resistant to a reproductive and respiratory syndromecausing virus.
“In particular highlighting ethical concerns surrounding testing genetic editing on animals” Whether you agree with the proposals or not, the future of genetically edited organisms is sure to be an interesting one.
Sangharsh Lohakare / Unsplash
Creature Feature: Hen Harrier Elliott Haywood examines the fate of a beloved raptor Elliott Haywood Sci&Tech Editor
The Hen Harrier is a slim bird of prey that has a wide distribution across Europe and Asia. Female Hen Harriers, known as ‘ringtails’ are streaky brown, whilst the elegant males are silvery grey adorned with black wing tips. This attractive plumage has made them a favourite amongst naturalists and the delicate courtship flights where a pair passes food to each other in the air has earned them the affectionate nickname of Skydancers.
“The elegant males are silvergrey adorned with black wing tips” Despite being classified globally as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, these birds are critically endangered in the UK, with less than 700 pairs across the country. Within this limited distribution, the species’ strongholds are in the upland moors of Scotland, Wales and the
Isle of Man, with only a few locations in England being regular breeding sites.
“These birds are critically endangered” Their preferred habitat of upland moors provides plenty of prey items in the form of gamebirds, particularly Red Grouse, and is the reason for the Hen Harrier’s fitting name. However, this is also the reason for their severely low numbers in the UK, as Red Grouse are a popular bird to shoot for sport, and Hen Harriers are regularly and illegally persecuted by landowners to protect their grouse populations. Whilst there are many cases of alleged persecution of Hen Harriers and other birds of prey on grouse moors, very few end in prosecution; grouse moor owners acknowledge some illegal killing by rogue land managers and publicly condemn any acts, although several studies have suggested that there is ‘compelling evidence’ for continuous persecution and that grouse moors have much lower population densities and breeding success than other areas.
Such illegal targeting, combined with the Hen Harrier’s natural appeal has made the species a symbol of conservation in the UK, with charities such as the RSPB using the bird for its Skydancer conservation project, and the annual Hen Harrier Day being held on the opening of the grouse shooting season. The debate has even sparked the creation of Wild Justice, co-founded by big names such as Springwatch’s Chris Packham, to take the fight for conservation to the courts. Whilst not a well-known species for most people, the Hen Harrier is becoming an increas-
ingly important mascot for conservation in the UK. The effects of grouse shooting are a uniquely British problem, and the continued pressure and awareness from conservation charities may result in significant change to land management, and save this popular species.
“The effects of grouse shooting are a uniquely British problem”
Stephan Sprinz
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Tennis: Have the ATP and WTA made Wimbledon pointless? Alex Lancaster-Lennox Sport Writer
With the end of the French Open a fortnight ago, tennis fans around the world are preparing themselves for the return to the grasscourt at Wimbledon. The tournament held at the All-England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) will start on the 27th June and there is much anticipation surrounding how it will unfold. On Friday 20th May, it was announced that the ATP and WTA had decided to strip Wimbledon of its world ranking points following the AELTC’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing. The resolution has sparked discussion on both sides and has significant repercussions for both players and the tournament. Wimbledon holds great significance in the WTA and ATP tours. Fans around the world look forward to seeing how their favourite players tackle the grasscourt and how the tournament shifts the world rankings. This year, however, Wimbledon will no longer hold as much significance to the world rankings. The decision to remove ranking points means that WTA and ATP players will not receive any points for playing in the tournament,
rendering the tournament essentially pointless for many. Instead, the only draw to the tournament is a potential title and the prize money.
“WTA and ATP players will not receive any points for playing in the tournament” Naomi Osaka has stated in an interview with The Independent that she may not compete because it is now an ‘exhibition’ match. In addition, Roger Federer and Serena Williams have not been included in the Wimbeldon entry lists, indiciating they will not be participating. By missing the tournament, it means Osaka and other players can focus on tournaments with more prominence in the ATP and WTA ranking. It will allow them to not risk injury and fatigue and thus fall out of contention for higher ranking positions. One player the decision affects is Novak Djokovic. After missing out on the Australian Open due to his vaccination status, the decision to remove ranking points from Wimbledon means he has
lost a potential 4000 points. He told The Independent that the AELTC’s ban of Belarusian and Russian players was a ‘lose-lose situation,’ however insisted he still intends to compete on the infamous grass-courts because Wimbledon is more than ‘points and money.’ Although a pointless tournament is a knock to Djokovic’s and other athletes’ seasons, it is the Russian and Belarussian players who are most affected by the decision. These athletes include Daniil Medvedev, who was briefly World Number One; World Number Eight Rublev, who earlier this year wrote ‘no war please’ on a camera in Dubai; former World Number One Victoria Azarenka and many others.
of the players and families by making them sign a declaration that they are against the war. Amelie Mauresmo, former World Number One and current French Open Tournament Director, told Sporting News there is ‘no fair decision to take’ but ‘we keep the line of what all European Governments and other governments decided,’ to allow athletes to compete under strict neutrality. Furthermore, the ATP issued a statement on their website that they are not ‘seeking a statement that is critical of the Russian regime, to avoid the potential for any undue personal risk.’ This shows that Wimbledon, under the advice of the British Government,
took stronger action against Russian and Belarussian players in comparison to other governments and tournaments. Wimbledon is around the corner, but with the state of the tournament and the attitude of the players, many are sceptical about how it will unfold. The tournment will be lacking some big names this year due to bans, other players opting out in solidarity, and some choosing not to play due to the ranking points decision. As a result, it leaves the door open for British talent to shine on hometurf. It will be interesting to see how Emma Raducanu in particular performs after her debut at the tournament last year.
Twitter/@Wimbledon
“A pointless tournament is a knock to Djokovic’s [...] seasons” In an official statement, Wimbledon argued they did not want Russia to use a player’s success as propaganda and suggested they did not want to risk the safety
Wales Qualify for Qatar World Cup After 64-Year Wait Joe Liddicot reports on the culmination of a historic World Cup Qualification campaign for Wales, as they beat Ukraine 1-0 to book their place at Qatar 2022 Joe Liddicot
and their successful overseeing of Welsh football has certainly warranted a reward as glamorous as the World Cup. Having finally reached the elusive competition, Wales will not be content with merely participating, they will want to make their mark on the competition by at least making it out of the group. Fortunately, it appears as though there will be a good opportunity to do just that. They find themselves in Group B, accompanied by Iran, The USA, and England a favourable draw in the eyes of many.
Sport Writer
The rain that hammered down on the Cardiff City Stadium on the 5th June did little to dampen the jubilant atmosphere that engulfed a nation after Wales’ historic 1-0 win over Ukraine. The victory earned Rob Page’s men a winter excursion to Qatar to compete on the biggest of international stages: the FIFA World Cup. The World Cup has eluded Wales since 1958, a time when even Pele’s nascent career was not held in the reverence it is today and England had not yet lifted their famous Jules Rimet trophy. This 64-year sabbatical ended on a rainy June evening courtesy of a Ukrainian own goal that sent the Welsh faithful into rapture. Gareth Bale’s powerful and testing free-kick was inadvertently directed goalwards by West Ham’s Andriy Yarmolenko - the goalscoring winger showing he has a knack for goal in both boxes. Wales held on nervously for the remaining hour to qualify at
Twitter/@FAWales
Ukraine’s expense, with goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey repeatedly denying any hope of a Ukraine equaliser. Jubilation followed the full time whistle, fans and players alike basking in an ocean of pride. Wales is, indeed, a proud country and its footballers have given fans plenty to shout about in recent years. Most notable was their magical run to the semi-fiMatthew Grubb
nals of Euro 2016, while the individual success of Bale is something that Welsh football enthusiasts muse about tirelessly. Traditionally a land where rugby reigns supreme, football is rapidly increasing in prominence and popularity, in no small part due to the feats of Page’s men. This is something the Welsh FA can be extremely proud of. The association is popular with fans
“Wales will not be content with merely participating” Victory against Iran in their opening game will be vital in order to build confidence and hope going into a crucial tie against a young American team. Anything can happen in the final group game against rivals
England, and Welsh fans will be hoping they can silence their noisy neighbours by stealing a result from the Three Lions, who will be striving for the tournament’s top prize. Reaching the knockout phase is a very realistic prospect for Wales and we can expect to see similarly ecstatic scenes on Sunday if they do. Regardless of how they fare in Qatar, Wales can be very happy with their performance in the qualifying stages. They have made history and can make even more with the leadership of Bale and the guidance of Page steering them in the right direction. There is undoubted quality throughout the Welsh XI, with Bale supported by the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Ben Davies, and Dan James - talented players in their own right, and all with copious Premier League experience. Welsh football is in a very healthy place, and with plenty of young talent coming through this is just the beginning of Wales’ rise to becoming a mainstay at major tournaments. Another 64-year wait would not be appreciated by anybody.
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British Athletes Shine at the Müller Birmingham Diamond League Lucy Parry Sport Writer
The Diamond League returned to Birmingham after two years, hosted in the newly renovated Alexander Stadium. Athletes and spectators got an early look at the venue, which will become the home of Track & Field at the Commonwealth Games this summer, and it certainly looked rejuvenated. The additional stands have increased the capacity from 12,700 to 30,000 and the facilities were wonderful. However, the brand new track got mixed reviews. Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake told The Guardian that it did not feel like a fast track. On the other hand, Olympic 200m champion Andre de Grasse commented that the cool weather was the main factor in the slower times. It is also still early in the athletics season; for many of the athletes competing, it was only their first or second race of the outdoor season, so the proof will be in the pudding when the Commonwealth Games begin in July. After having her Olympic dreams dashed by an untimely injury last year, Dina Asher-Smith has a point to prove and plenty of opportunities to do so this summer. Like all the British athletes, Asher-Smith could compete in three major championships, the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships, and she intends to do all three.
Birmingham marked her first 100m race of 2022, and despite double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah pulling out lastminute, it was still a strong field including Olympic bronze medallist Shericka Jackson and two other Olympic finalists. In her introduction, Asher-Smith received a huge cheer from the crowd, who then roared her on to victory in a time of 11.11 seconds. Jackson was a close second in 11.12s and fellow Brit Daryll Neita came third. Asher-Smith and Neita later joined forces with Imani Lansiquot and Beth Dobbin to run the 4x100m relay. Slick changeovers and brilliant sprinting from all four women led to the fastest time in the world this year, 42.29 seconds. Unfortunately, the men’s 4x100m relay, consisting of Adam Gemili, Zharnel Hughes, Richard Kilty and Nethaneel MitchellBlake, were less successful. The baton was dropped during the changeover between Kilty and Mitchell-Blake, especially frustrating after a fast start.
“Brilliant sprinting from all four women led to the fastest time in the world this year, 42.29 seconds”
Twitter/@dinaashersmith
tion in the home straight as she pulled away from Australian Jessica Hull to victory in 4:02.81.
Joi Foote Content Warning: Mentions of suicide, racism and homophobia Jake Daniels made history last month as he became the first professional football player to come out as gay since Justin Fashanu in 1990. The Blackpool forward and Adidas athlete said in a written statement: ‘Off the pitch I’ve been hiding the real me and who I really am. I’ve known my whole life that I’m gay, and I now feel that I’m ready to come out and be myself.’ ‘It’s a step into the unknown being one of the first footballers in this country to reveal my sexuality, but I’ve been inspired by Josh Cavallo, Matt Morton and athletes from other sports, like Tom Daley, to have the courage and determination to drive change.’ He furthered this by stating ‘I’ve hated lying my whole life and feeling the need to change to fit in. I want to be a role model myself by doing this’ and signed
off with ‘I just want to tell them that you don’t have to change who you are, or how you should be, just to fit in. You being you, and being happy, is what matters most.’ Just 17 years old, Daniels was met with a mass of online support from both his teammates and the wider football community. The official Twitter account for Adidas Football championed his actions, stating: ‘We share the same pitch, we all play the same game. Show us football is for everyone.’ It was only seven days prior that Daniels announced he had partnered with the multi-national sporting company. Prince William also showed his support, reiterating his belief that football should be a game for everyone. He commented, ‘What Jake has done takes courage and will hopefully help break down barriers that have no place in our society. I hope his decision to speak openly gives others the confidence to do the same.’ It is no doubt that Daniels’ decision to come out will have greater implications on the football community as a whole. The
Sport that Stuck With Me Rachel Higgins Sport Editor
“Keely Hodgkinson and Laura Muir showed their pedigree in the 800m and 1500m” There was further disappointment in the men’s 100m. Hughes was disqualified for a false start and no Brits finished in the top four. Canadian Aaron Brown won the race in 10.13 seconds. Luckily, there was some success for the British men on the track: Birmingham boy Matt HudsonSmith triumphed in the 400m in 45.32 seconds, after the past three years of him struggling with injury and finding the right coach. The stadium commentators Katherine Merry and Geoff Wightman named this win as their Performance of the Day. Olympic silver medallists Keely Hodgkinson and Laura Muir showed their pedigree in the 800m and 1500m respectively. Hodgkinson was a class apart; when she went into fifth gear, no one else could live with her. Muir used this opportunity to test out her body after suffering a back injury in January. She displayed that well-known gritty determina-
Turning to the Field events, the two standout performances came in the women’s long jump and the men’s discus. German olympic champion Malaika Mihambo showed her class once again. Her winning jump of 7.09m came in the 4th round and was 43cm ahead of second place. In the discus, Slovakian athlete Kristjan Ceh threw a Diamond League and national record of 71.27m. The Olympic high jump champion Gianmarco Tamberi has not quite found his Tokyo form yet as he came second, jumping 2.25m. Canadian Django Lovett won with 2.28m. There was disappointment for British pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw as she did not manage to clear her first height, with American Sandi Morris winning with a world-leading vault of 4.73m. Hopefully, this success in the Diamond League will translate to medals in the major championships this summer.
Football: Jake Daniels Comes Out as First Active Gay Male Player Sport Writer
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UK’s favourite sport has had a long-standing history of homophobia. It is this tension that is explored in Channel 4’s digital documentary ‘Football’s Coming Out’. Here they discuss the barriers that often prevent Premier League football players from coming out, whether it be the reactions of fans and fellow players or even financial stakeholders. The four-part series features several discussions with high-profile voices including Amal Fashanu, the niece of former footballer Justin Fashanu. She is also the founder of The Justin Fashanu Foundation. This year marks 32 years since Fashanu became the first UK football player to come out in an exclusive story with The Sun; ‘£1m Football Star: I AM GAY’. His brother, John Fashanu followed this by publicly condemning him as an ‘outcast’. In his unfortunate short-lived career, Fashanu had to deal with both racism and homophobia attacks in and out of the sporting world. In May 1998 Fashanu committed suicide at the age of just 37. It is positive to see the attitudes
towards homosexuality in football changing for the better. However, responses were not solely positive and it is evident that there is still a long way to go before homophobic abuse becomes a historical issue amongst football fans. At a time when we have openly gay male athletes like Olympic gold medallist Tom Daley, Rugby star Gareth Thomas and now Daniels; when will the time come that an openly gay footballer is not seen as something sensational?
Although an unconventional sport for a young girl to undertake at the age of four, I have been practising the martial arts discipline known as kickboxing for most of my life. Growing up dedicating a majority of my spare time to hours of training, both in and out of the ring, the sporting event that has always stuck with me would have to be winning my first World Championship title. The year was 2012, and the Championships were set to be held in Thessaloniki, Greece. Following the annual British National Championships and follow-up squad selection training, I had successfully qualified to compete as part of Team GB for the third time in my fighting career.
“I had successfully qualified to compete as part of Team GB for the third time in my fighting career” This was an opportunity I was hungry for. I had lost out in the semi-finals, coming away with a bronze medal at my first World Championships in Belgrade 2009, and suffered a close defeat in the final round in Karlsruhe 2010 to receive silver. On the hunt for gold, I knew it was going to be tough going up against familiar faces that had beaten me before. I faced a Greek fighter in the first round, with a considerable height advantage. Luckily, I had worked on defensive leg drills to keep her out of reach and claim an assured 12-5 win. After a few rounds of close-calls, I had once again made it to the World Championship final, and the deja-vu of the previous year’s defeat was setting in. Two two-minute rounds against a strong Ukrainian fighter saw her initially take the lead. In the final minute, adrenaline had soared to an all time high and three consecutive head kicks meant I had finally secured my place at the top of the podium with a gold medal round my neck. I remember the medal ceremony vividly, looking down at the rest of Team GB and the national anthem blasting in the background.
“I remember the medal ceremony vividly” Twitter/@Jake_Daniels11
This was early on in my kickboxing career, but something that will stick with me forever.
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Commonwealth Countdown: The Pacific Islands Nations Will Rogers Sport Writer
Welcome to Redbrick Sport’s ‘Commonwealth Countdown’, where we bring you all the news, insight and interviews in the runup to Birmingham 2022, taking place from 28th July to 8th August here in the UK’s Second City.
For almost 100 years, the Commonwealth Games has been dominated by three countries: Australia, England and Canada. Yet behind these sporting powerhouses, we should not forget the smaller nations of the Games, to whom a singular medal means so much. The Commonwealth Games provides a stage for many smaller nations, such as those in the Pacific Islands, to shine, since they so often get overshadowed. By examining the future and present of the ten competing Oceanic Island nations (not counting Australia), we can see how they have so many phenomenal athletes and stories that transcend the sporting landscape. New Zealand have been far and away the most successful Pacific Island nation at the Games, winning gold medals at every
event, and 15 last time out on the Gold Coast. Having hosted the Games on three occasions, in 1950, 1974 and 1990, they are certainly a sporting powerhouse, yet often get overshadowed by their ANZAC neighbours.
“New Zealand have been far and away the most successful Pacific Island nation at the Games” They have enjoyed success across a plethora of sports, especially athletics and cycling, with athletes like Valerie Young and Valerie Adams being two of the finest field athletes of their respective eras. The diminutive Precious McKenzie, standing at only 1.45m tall, won gold medals in weightlifting for England and New Zealand, and his powerlifting record total is one of the longest standing records in all of sports. Even further outside of the mainstream media are the other island nations, many of whom have won medals in weightlifting and boxing. Nauru, a country with
fewer than 10,000 people, has won 30 medals in their history, including 10 gold medals. Marcus Stephen dominated the weightlifting events from 1994-2002, winning 7 gold medals, before remarkably becoming the country’s president in 2007. In Manchester in 2002, Nauru won 15 medals, including 10 by female athletes, to finish ahead of Pakistan, Northern Ireland and Bangladesh on the medal table. Whilst rugby may dominate Fiji’s sporting reputation, they have also had success in athletics, with Mataika Tuicakau winning their first ever gold in the shot put in 1950.
David Katoatau in weightlifting in 2014, but he may be better remembered for his iconic singing interview with Hazel Irvine on the banks of the Clyde. The other nations have had limited medal success but should still be remembered for their numerous appearances. Junior Fa, now a successful boxer representing New Zealand, won a bronze medal in 2010 representing Tonga, whilst the Norfolk Island has won two bronze medals in the lawn bowls. The Cook Islands also won a bronze in the lawn bowls in 2018, so perhaps Leamington Spa could become a new home for the
Pacific Islanders in 2022, whilst the Solomon Islands have a singular medal in the weightlifting. Niue and Tuvalu, two of the smallest competing nations, have yet to medal but with the rising talent and availability, perhaps 2022 is the time for them to get on the board. Birmingham 2022 is predicted to be one of the biggest and most successful Commonwealth Games ever. Although much of the focus will go on the wide success of the established nations, we should not forget the smaller nations, the talents that they bring and the desire to represent their countries.
“Nauru, a country with fewer than 10,000 people, has won 30 medals in their history” All of Tonga’s medals, bar one, have come in boxing or weightlifting, and with a record five medals in 2018, they will be looking to climb even further up the medal table. Kiribati has just one medal to its name, a gold for
Twitter/@birminghamcg22
Birmingham Bears Half-Season Review Toby Fenton Sport Writer
The Birmingham Bears have got off to a good start in the group stages of the Vitality T20 Blast, with five wins and three losses from their eight games so far. They find themselves in third place, on 10 points, behind Northamptonshire and Lancashire on 11 and 13 points respectively. Their tournament kicked off with a high scoring encounter against Northamptonshire, as Paul Stirling scored a magnificent 119 off 51 balls, including ten sixes, alongside Sam Hain’s 66 not out.
“Paul Stirling scored a magnificent 119 off 51 balls” The Bears made 207/3 off just 16 overs as rain curtailed the end of their innings. In reply, the Bears steamrollered Northamptonshire for just 81 inside 15 overs, with three wickets apiece for Jake Lintott and Danny Briggs, as the Birmingham side won by 125
runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method. This kicked off a threegame win streak for the Bears in style. They played away at Derbyshire next, where the Bears reached another impressive score of 200-6, with Chris Benjamin (43*) and Adam Hose (55) blasting several huge sixes, setting Derbyshire a tough target to chase down. The Falcons almost managed an improbable chase, led by Brooke Guest’s 54, but they fell three runs short of the target. They needed 47 off the last 18 balls, and in a dramatic finish Henry Brookes bowled two waist-high no-balls and was removed from the attack with Paul Stirling completing the over. The Bears held their nerve as Craig Miles bowled out the final over, dismissing the impressive Guest in the process. The Bears followed this narrow win with a convincing fivewicket victory over Durham, with three overs to spare. Chris Benjamin top-scored with a rapid 68* off 36 balls. Benjamin has arguably been the star of the tournament so far for the Bears, with 218 runs off 126 balls in his seven innings, at a strike rate of 173. The Bears then took a dip in form, with subsequent narrow defeats against Leicestershire and local rivals Worcestershire, where
they lost by 5 runs and 15 runs respectively. Despite the two defeats, the Bears bounced back with an enthralling one run win over Nottinghamshire Outlaws in a rain-shortened eight-over thriller. This was followed by a sixwicket win over Durham as the Bears did the double over Durham. The Nottinghamshire game highlighted the quality of left-arm wrist-spinner, Jake Lintott, with his 2-6 off two overs looking very good in a high scoring game. He has been highly impressive with the ball, taking 13 wickets at an average of 15.61, with an excellent economy rate of 7.25 and best figures of 4-27 against Leicestershire. He is one of the top wicket takers in the Blast this season and surely will be on the radar of England selectors in white-ball cricket if he can maintain his form, especially if Adil Rashid is unavailable.
Yorkshire was probably the worst performance of the season from a Bears’ perspective, as they lost by 10 wickets. As a Bears fan in the ground, I felt incredibly disappointed in the team performance, especially since such a good crowd had gathered on a Friday night in hope of an enthralling game.
“As a Bears fan in the ground, I felt incredibly disappointed”
The Bears made just 101 all out. While the Bears were poor, Yorkshire cruised to the target easily, as Adam Lyth and Dawid Malan used all their experience to chase down 102 inside 13 overs. Overall, despite that recent disappointment, the Bears have had a good start to the season and can hope to finish in the top four and claim a quarter-final berth, with all eyes on a Finals Day on home turf.
“[Lintott] is one of the top wicket takers in the Blast this season” The most recent game against
Twitter/@WarwickshireCCC
mcg22
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BUCS Sports Club of the Month: Rugby Union Rachel Higgins Sport Editor
The University of Birmingham’s Rugby Union (UBRFC) has been named the final Sports Club of the Month of this year. UBRFC are a major asset to the UoB sporting community, earning considerable success across their five teams that compete in BUCS at various national levels including the Premiership North A, Midlands 1A, 3A and 1B. They are a sports club that embrace keen rugby players of all abilities and as stated by the club at the beginning of the year, ‘our program is about creating a brotherhood through respect, hard work and shared experiences.’ This welcoming ethos is cer-
tainly true as UBRFC continues to welcome back previous players for friendly matches against current members. This includes the most recent annual alumni match on the 7th May 2022 at Chiswick Rugby Club. The students enjoyed a 59-41 win, but as head coach Tom Drewett commented, ‘the values of rugby were the real winner’, due to players benefitting from shared experiences between past and present club members.
“Students enjoyed a 59-41 win” Within the club, members enjoy the option to excel within the sport to a high standard. Performance enhancing opportunities include additional strength and conditioning sessions, nutri-
tional workshops and sports psychology meetings on offer. At the same time, UBRFC holds a notorious reputation for the social and welfare side of the club. Notably, the club has a close partnership with the OddBalls Foundation who raise awareness and fundraise for the treatment of testicular cancer. In fact, the 28th May 2022 saw the OddBalls Foundation Festival where the Lions competed in a 7s tournament. They began the day of reigning champions and ultimately defended their title from the previous year. Rugby Union welcomes any newcomers that wish to tryout at pre-season this August. As our final Sports Club of the Month it is clear this is a sports team that supports its members both on and off the pitch.
@UBRFC / Instagram Instagram/@UBRFC
Birmingham Shine at BUCS Athletics Summer Championships Oscar Frost Sport Editor
The University of Birmingham’s athletics team have gone from strength to strength this year, with their best results ever in many competitions. Sitting just behind Loughborough in terms of track and field dominance, it has been a fantastic season across the board. Most recently were the combined events championships in Chelmsford, Essex. There, three Birmingham athletes competed against the best in the UK in order to prove their mettle on the BUCS stage. Craig Moncur had the most notable weekend, finishing with a fantastic silver medal in the men’s decathlon. Alice Linaker and Jamie Worman also competed well, with Worman finishing a senior decathlon for the first time in his career so far.
A few weeks before this, a huge Birmingham team went to Chelmsford to compete in the BUCS Outdoors competition. With 52 finalists across the weekend, it was an amazing competition across the board. This was followed by 15 medals being won across various events, which highlights the depth in the Birmingham squad that attended.
“A huge Birmingham team went to Chelmsford to compete in the BUCS Outdoors competition” Speaking of the squad, it was
the largest of any university that attended the competition, making a sea of red around the track all weekend. It was a weekend to be proud of, for sure. Also at BUCS outdoors, there were four club records, and a championship record. Laura Zialor took home this championship record in the high jump, leaping to a fantastic equal personal best of 1.91 metres. Since this, Zialor has also won an international competition in Nairobi, highlighting her immense form this season ahead of this summer’s home Commonwealth Games. The other club records came in the relays, all of which were a joy to watch. The highlight of the quartet of relays came in the women’s 4x400m, as Issy Boffey led the team to a sensational gold medal against strong Loughborough opposition. The men’s 4x100 side also took home
a silver medal, just falling short of a speedy Brunel side. The women’s 4x100 squad also medalled, coming home with a third place finish. Again, these awesome relay results highlighted the depth in the Birmingham athletics squad at the moment.
“Issy Boffey led the team to a sensational gold medal” Overall, both the BUCS outdoors and BUCS combined events championships were a roaring success for Birmingham. Being the first championships in a few years as a result of COVID-19, the team could not have performed better in the biggest competitions of the year for many of the athletes on the university circuit.
John Bailey
Sports Awards 2022 Roundup Lauren Coffman Sport Editor
The 2022 University of Birmingham Sports Awards took place on Wednesday 18th May back in person in the Bramall Auditorium. The annual ceremony celebrates the wealth of sporting talent on offer at the university, as well as the biggest moments from across the year. The awards on offer were Team of the Year, Club of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Coach of the Year, Outstanding
Contribution and the coveted Sportperson of the Year Award. In addition, Sport Colours, HalfBlues and Full-Blues status were up for grabs for our student athletes. Team of the Year was won my the Athletics Men’s Cross Country team. They beat the Hockey Women’s 1s and Squash Men’s 1s to the award. The award rewards the achievements of a specific team within a sports club, which has to be their highest ranked or first team. At BUCS XC early this year the UoB men’s A and B race teams both took gold, with Will Battershill and Ethan O’Shea adding to the tally with individual
golds. BUAC won the most medals ever won by a university at a single BUCS Cross Country, making the men’s XC team worthy winners of this award.
“Worthy winners of this award” Squash, Athletics and Tennis contested the Club of the Year award, with Squash taking home this year’s prize. This is an award that looks at the achievements of the whole club across a range of all-encompassing criteria, including sporting achievements, com-
mittee achievements, new developments and innovation and member engagement. On the court the Squash club won a gold and two silvers at Big BUCS Wednesday, the most successful of any UoB team, and off it they have been making strides too. Squash’s excellent work this year was also rewarded in the Coach of the Year category, with Squash Head Coach Jon Tate beating Dean Miller of the Athletics club and Karate coach Mairi Kerin. Tate has also been nominated for coach of the year for the upcoming BUCS awards, the outcome of which will be announced at the BUCS
Conference on 6th July. In addition Fran Atkinson of netball won Volunteer of the Year and Rugby League took home Outstanding Contribution. Finally, hockey stars Pippa Lock and Millie Giglio as well as 2021 nominee Issy Boffey went up for the coveted Sportperson of the Year award, the highest individual accolade awarded that recognises university athletes competing at the highest level. Millie Giglio was the winner, in recognition of her superb year for the UoB Women’s 1s and the England Junior team, with whom she won a bronze medal at the Junior Hockey World Cup.
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17.06.2022
The McCullum-Stokes Era Begins Sophie Utteridge assesses the state of play as England Cricket enters a new era, with Brendan McCullum and Ben Stokes at the helm Sophie Utteridge Sport Editor
It is no secret that England’s Test performances as of late have been disappointing at best and dismal at worst. With the exception of Joe Root, England’s batting is at its lowest in years. So, like many, I was sceptical to say the least when Brendan McCullum, renowned T20 star, got the job of England’s Test coach. Whilst it was clear to me that Ben Stokes was really the only choice for captain, Brendan McCullum was definitely not on my list of possible replacements for Chris Silverwood. However, if England’s first and second Test against New Zealand is anything to go by, this unlikely combination may just prove to be the change that England need. In my opinion, there are three key adjustments implemented by McCullum and Twitter/@EnglandCricket
Stokes which have immediately impacted the squad going into the New Zealand Test series.
“This unlikely combination may just prove to be the change that England need” The first, and by far the most important, is the reintroduction of James Anderson and Stuart Broad into the team. After being dropped from the Test side, England’s star bowlers have proven themselves vital once again after their performance in the first Test. Although many have raised concerns over Anderson and Broad’s longevity as a bowling pair for England, whilst they are still performing well then there is no reason to remove them from the squad. Stokes also clearly held this view and, as his first act as captain, reinstated both Broad and Anderson straight away. The second change that McCullum brought to the squad is Ollie Pope at Number 3. This move did not pay off in the first Test which was to be expected. The role of the Number 3 is pivotal and, with Pope having been seemingly thrust into the position, it may be a while until he is fully comfortable. However, this adjustment period clearly was not needed as during the second Test, Pope hit a huge 145 runs in the first innings, showing his class and potential to be England’s next great Number 3. Pope’s partnership with Root in particular showed glimpses of the side England could become if they have any aspirations in gaining the World Number 1 Test ranking. Lastly, McCullum should be praised for introducing fresh new talent to the squad in the form of Matthew Potts and Harry Brook.
Potts has already proven his worth throughout this Test series so far, taking key wickets and supporting Broad and Anderson at all stages. Some have even begun to speculate that Potts could be next in line for Anderson’s throne if he continues to impress. As for Harry Brook, even though he is yet to have his chance in the Test arena, McCullum has already shown enthusiasm for integrating Brook into the squad at a later date. This desire for introducing new players can only inspire competition for places – something that is proven to force current players to step off their games in order to keep their position in the team. McCullum has made it clear that no one’s place is safe – a culture which I believe is desperately needed in this previously static England set up. As for Stokes, his captaincy so far has been nothing short of exemplary. Whilst initially I was concerned that his famous hot-headed behaviour may impede on his ability to make clear decisions, so far, he has led England with a calm yet forceful nature. It is difficult to fault him as of yet for any decisions he has made, however there is a worry that the pressure of the captaincy may start to have a negative effect on Stokes’ performance with the bat and ball. It is still too early to say whether or not this new McCullum-Stokes era will be successful. However, the early changes that have already been enforced does seem hopeful. If the success seen from the first two New Zealand Tests continues, then perhaps we will finally have a settled and competent England Test team before the year is out.
INSIDE SPORT THIS WEEK: Sophie Peck
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England vs New Zealand 3rd Test: When: 23rd-27th June 2022 Where: Headingley, Leeds
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