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Your Free Union Magazine

November 2008 Straight


from the
Big Top
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Illustration: Murray Somerville

EDITOR’S NOTE
Hey everyone, welcome to the second issue of Spaghetti
Junction this academic year! I hope you all enjoyed the Freshers’
edition and that you are ready for another great issue (if I do
say so myself). As ever, we have coverage of all the latest Union
happenings, as well as all the latest music, film and DVD reviews.
For all you avid readers out there, we have a book review for you.
So make sure you check it out, so that when you head down to
Waterstones to pick up whatever it is on your reading list, you will
know what’s hot and what’s not outside of all that ‘academic’ literature! If after all that book
related excitement you are feeling peckish, be sure to check out Natalie’s Cookery Corner
for some cheap and tasty recipe ideas. So, that’s it from me and the team until January
when we shall be back with our Winter special. See you all then!
Roxanne Carmen Hawker
Editor: Roxanne Carmen Hawker
littlemissrox13@hotmail.co.uk
Editor-in-Chief: Jennifer James
union.comms@bcu.ac.uk
Deputy Editor:Natalie Marchant
nataliemarchant@hotmail.com
News, Current Affairs, Features & Student Groups Editor: Georgie Campbell
georgina.campbell@students.bcu.ac.uk
Design & Graphics Co-Editor: Jak Flash
jakflash@rocketmail.com
Design & Graphics Co-Editor: Poppy French
poppy_french@hotmail.co.uk

UP FRONT
Documentary 4
New Street Station 8
Scratch Radio 9
Union News 10
Recycle 12
LGBT 13
Charity 14
Jew Society 15
City North 16
Food Miles 18

FEATURES
Sports 21
Stampede 22
Big Squeeze 24

STUDENT CULTURE
Beauty 27
Fashion on Campus 28
Natalie’s Cookery Corner 30
Student of the Month 32
Study Tips 33

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT


Bands in University 35
Reviews 36
Horoscopes 42
UP front documentary

Heart of the In this article Jak Flash investigates


one of the greatest social divides
in Britain; looking into those
Homeless who have no home and the
ramifications this status can hold.

N ow, I can’t quite tell what the


driving point was for me to write
the man who comes on the bus in
his dirty ragged clothes, smelling
to give exact numbers and find
statistics that detail on the number
this article. I’m not charitable and of urine, bottle in hand, shouting of people who are homeless in
my general outlook is you get obscenities to each passer by, and England. This is because you
out what you put in. I was always I imagine it’s true for most of us don’t register as being homeless,
under the impression that people that we pick up pace whenever we its just something that befalls you.
who where homeless never tried see someone in our path selling A report was created in
hard enough to be homed. For the Big Issue. Before they’ve even 2007/8 detailing the reasons for
whatever reasons they came asked, you’ve made the decision homelessness and grouping them
to live on the streets, it was you don’t want it and respond with into percentages. It was also
their own fault and, if they really some minimal dismissal. speculated that approximately 500
wanted, they could get a job and Homelessness is a social people sleep rough each night,
find somewhere to stay. I feel the category for people who do not although many people argue that
real reasoning for this is the fact have a home, if you live in a hostel this statistic is much lower than
that I moved out when I was 16 you are also considered homeless the actual reality of those without
with little financial help from my as they are only short term fixed residence. So I wanted to
parents, so if I could do it, why abodes. There are an estimated investigate what homelessness
couldn’t everyone else? 100 million people world wide who was and open the doors on these
We’ve all stuck our nose up at are homeless, however it’s difficult social outcasts.

Hostel today, gone tomorrow


T o begin my research, I wanted to find out what help was available and where homeless people could stay so,
using the Birmingham City Council website, I sought to find some local hostels so I could investigate the living
conditions there. The first thing I noticed from the list was that 7/9 hostels only housed men and each hostel had
a specific age limit. From the list, I contacted Milner Court hostel (just outside of Digbeth) that specifically homes
men aged 16-21. I found this one particularly relevant, as it’s an age range applicable to a lot of university
students.
I rang up and arranged a visit
and, although they seemed very
busy and eager to maintain the
confidentiality of the residence,
they managed to fit me in. The man
I spoke to on the phone helped
me to find the hostel by giving me
directions and saying: ‘you won’t
miss it, it looks like a hostel’. In
my mind, I envisaged a shabby
old council building in desperate
need of fixing up, with bars on the
windows and those common place
council design signs. However, I
was faced with something contrary
to my previous belief. Here before
me was a brand new building
with a modern design, clean walls
and intercom doors. I was quite
shocked at how high the building’s
quality was.
It turned out that some time ago a
Milner Court is funded by ‘The Supporting People programme’ which helps people indeed improve their quality of
life by providing a stable environment helping them to live independantly. man named Reverend Milner set up
a night shelter in Digbeth

4 SPAGHETTI junction
UP front documentary
that was called The Boot. Then, on the grounds where Milner Court stands, a second shelter was established-
The New Boot. Last December, the shelter was revamped and renamed Milner Court Hostel after the Reverend
who set up the initial shelter.
11 members of staff run the hostel with its 25 bedrooms, which are pretty much always in use. The hostel
allows its residents to stay there for a maximum of 28 days, and provides them with breakfast, an en suite
shower room and kitchen and, I must say in my opinion, the quality of these rooms was far beyond that of
Hamstead Halls. The hostel isn’t just a place to relax and get away from it all though, you’re given a key worker
and provided with help to set up benefits and things in order to get your life back on track.
There are many reasons that people may find themselves staying in a hostel; for Milner Court I was told
common reasons are such things as family breakdowns, people seeking asylum and people released from
custody.
There are restrictions in this hostel though, not just anyone can stay here. They will not admit anyone with
previous arson, sexual or violent offences. Milner Court has established a close bond with the police who will
arrive almost instantly if there is even a hint of trouble.
To get a place in a hostel you first have to attend a meeting in the St. Basil’s Link, which is located near the
Gosta Green campus, and then receive an interview/induction at the hostel.

I feel that the homeless have a stigma attached to them that we aren’t willing to easily investigate or question.
Before writing this article, I had little place in my life for these people and disregarded them as something I didn’t
have time for.
When faced with a homeless person, many of us presume upon first sight how that person may have come
to the position they’re in. Generally, I feel the initial reaction is just to apply excessive drunkenness to loss of
belongings and home, but what we have to remember is that these situations can be very complex and fighting
our personal demons can often be a battle lost without the correct help.

you’re pretty
Affordable housing, unemployment, lack of healthcare, drugs, mental
illness, domestic violence, prison release, natural disaster and eviction
are some of the many reasons that may leave a person without a home,
much a social left to seek refuge upon the streets, in doorways and train stations.
Once the onset of homelessness begins, it can be a dangerous and

outcast, but tragic spiral, with the few hopes you have dwindling away.
On the street, you are without proper healthcare and the nights can be

things can get


cold, the floor is dirty, your five a day fruit and veg will be out the window
along with all proper nutrition. You won’t have the opportunities to have
a good education and won’t be suitable for employment. With no bank
worse to save your money and no technological communications, you’re pretty
much a social outcast but, things can get worse because the moment
you’re on the streets, you’re subject to discrimination and possibly violence, regardless of the reasons you have
to be without a home. I imagine most of us come from loving parents and have a lot of support from our families
‘back home’. It may be that the guy you see on the street was thrown out by his family and now without a fixed
residence is unable to continue the education that we’ve take for granted.

It is possible for the homeless to take the first step though. There are charities and businesses available that
help the homeless to better their living conditions. The Big Issue for example, is a business that helps the
homeless to raise money for themselves. The homeless have to register and then are given 10 free magazines
to sell. After this free instalment, they have to pay for the magazines which cost 70p and retail at £1.50.

“Because we deal with vendors in a commercial way, we help give them the skills they need to get
on in a commercial world. Our philosophy is to give people ‘a hand up, not a hand out’, and provide
them with a way to earn a legal living and get their lives back together that requires input and hard
work from them.” www.bigissue.com

The Big Issue helps people to help themselves. It’s their starting point to get off the street. Now I myself have
heard Big Issue vendors receiving verbal abuse like ‘Oh, go get a job!’. Well, this is a job! It is near impossible
to get employed without a fixed residence, bank account or legal documents, so this is the only chance people
have to help themselves.

SPAGHETTI junction 5
UP front documentary
I wanted to find out what it was like to be homeless by asking someone who was currently in that position. Not
just anyone though; someone who was making an effort to do something about it. With a brief knowledge of
what the Big Issue does after acquiring the information from their website, I set out in search of a distributor. I
came across the young Daryl Tustin selling the magazine outside of New Street Station. I asked him if I could
interview him and told him I would give him some money for his time. He was willing but keen not to waste
too much time, time that could be spent selling the magazine. I was always sceptical whether anyone actually
brought the BI but sure enough, as I was planning my questions, a woman came over an bought a copy.
into a hostel but there’s never what I mean, saying ‘oh get a job’
no spaces at salvation army like and all that sort of shit, but I’m just
and I’m on a waiting list to get a trying to do my best.
council flat. So you don’t feel you deserve
Does selling the Big Issue help to be treated like that because
you alot? they don’t know anything about
Yea it can help me. If I haven’t got you?
much money one day I’ll like just That’s what I mean, they don’t
go and buy like two copies, that’s know my life’s background. I don’t
like £1.40 and I can make like a want to be doing this but some
couple of pounds, you know what I days it’s my only option to get
mean, just so I can get something some food, but sometimes I can
to eat and that. go to like places to get free meals
How long do you work for? and food and stuff like that. So
I just do it once a week some days I’m alright, but some
sometimes, you know what I days when I get stuck I just fall
mean? Once or twice a week. back to this.
DARYL And how old are you? So it’s good, you are trying to
TUSTIN
So how did you become
I’m 23.
Have you been to school
help yourself, you don’t want to
be homeless:
homeless? before? No, and I’m on a Methadone
I was in a children’s home since I Yea, I did do school. Whilst I was program at the minute. So I’m not
was younger like, and then when in the childrens home they used to doing drugs at the minute. I’m on
I left the home I moved into a get a private teacher to come in. I Methadone yea.
flat, and err I ended up going to did really well at school but I didn’t What drugs were you on, was it
prison and they didn’t pay the rent take my GCSE’s but I can read Heroin?
whilst I was in prison, and I come and write perfect. And I’ve got a Yea, Heroin, yea.
out of prison and I lost my flat forklift licence aswell. Any other drugs besides that?
basically. And since then I’ve been Do you have any plans for the Just crack Cocaine as well. I used
homeless. future? to do that as well.
For what reason did you go to Yea, I want to get a job. I want to How did you get onto that?
prison? start fork lift driving again, but I I started off smoking Cannabis
Because I got involved with drugs just need to get a permenant place when I was younger and then
and that. to live first, before I do that. And I started doing Speed then ecstacy
Do you live in a hostel now? want to get settled down with a girl which led onto Heroin and Crack
No, err, I was in the salvation and that. Cocaine.
army for three days right, like in Is it easy selling the Big Issue? Was it easy to get hold of?
an emergency room but they ain’t Err, not... it is and it ent because Yea, so easy to get hold of. It’s
got no permenant spaces to I had some people come up and give easier to get Heroin than it is to
to move out. But I’m trying to get you a bit of stick, do you know get Cannabis these days.

It seems that drugs are the root cause for Daryl’s homelessness. My previous association with homeless people
and drugs would have put me into the mindset of giving him little pity. We may think that someone who uses
‘smack’ deserves what they get for using such a dangerous and dirty drug. However, after speaking to Daryl,
I realise that he didn’t initially intend to be a Heroin user. He started on speed and ecstasy which are common
place recreational drugs for a number of university students across the country. For whatever reason he felt the
need to try Heroin, he did. It could have been peer pressure, it could have been curiosity. I for one know how
easy it is to accept drugs when people you know are offering them out.
Heroin is an strong drug that creates a physical addiction. It changes the chemicals in your body until it comes
to be that your physical being is reliant on its intake. Holding back from Heroin can create some aggressive
withdrawal symptoms, so it’s not something you can easily quit. It’s a pitfall that many vulnerable people can
easily fall into.
What I did like about Daryl was his personality and his willingness to help himself. He’s out there selling the Big
Issue because he can’t get a job without somewhere to live. The life he leads is not the one he wants. He’s just
a young guy like you and me trying to make his way in the world, however difficult that may be.
6 SPAGHETTI junction
UP front documentary
My next mission was to find someone who’d been homeless and managed to build up a life away from the
street. Luckily I managed to find someone with a direct relevance to the student body; a photography lecturer
named Paul O’Donnel, who works at BIAD. Paul was willing to give me some of his time so he could tell me his
story of how he’d been on the streets, and overcome them.
Paul O’Donnel had no great fears
of living on the streets because he
had a lot of previous rock climbing
experience, that had given him
knowledge on how to sleep rough.
A common spot that he’d taken
to staying in was Hebdon Bridge
Railway Station, which I imagine
was a safer bet than a random
doorway. He did have the option
to stay at his relatives, but with
the grief and guilt that they would
give him about getting a job he
felt pressured, and found that the
streets were more inviting.
This is a problem that we never
really take into account. We all so I was curious to know what All work and no play etc etc.
know how stressful family is and the weather conditions had been Now of course Paul is sat before
sometimes the only option is to like, as he would have had to me in the photography office,
get away from them. Whether it be endure the seasonal variations. eating his sandwich, drinking out
to move out or take to the streets, Luckily for Paul, with his previous of his large Guardian newspaper
there isn’t always someone you rock climbing experience, he had mug, right next to a Mac, so it’s
can fall back on. attained a good quality sleeping a safe bet that he’s no longer
As I speak to him, he jokes and bag that kept him warm so the homeless. I enquire into how it
tells me that the most curious weather was never too much of was that he managed to escape
place he’d ever slept in was a issue. the tumult of the street and return
on the back of a lorry that was For Paul times were different, to society.
carrying large concrete drainage we’re talking 30 years ago here It turns out that back then, public
tubes. When he’d climbed in in when he was about 25 and most baths weren’t uncommon so
order to take refuge, the lorry of us weren’t even born. We all maintaining a level of cleanliness
was stationary and the carriage think we’re strapped for cash now, wasn’t such an issue. After a good
wasn’t attached so it seemed like scrapping away at our loans and scrub, Paul would ‘hang around’
a reasonable shelter. Eventually tunnelling into our overdrafts. Rochdale Art College in North
though, he was awoken by the Well, living on the streets means Manchester. He managed to fix
rumbling of engines as the lorry you have serious financial issues. himself up with an art student and
began to drive away with the Paul would work short jobs on eventually moved into her flat! I
carriage in tow. So with a quick places like farms, and to endure guess this was a lucky break as I
dose of courage, he made his this labour you needed energy. can’t imagine things would turn out
agile dismount from the moving The first thing the farmer would so rosily in today’s judgemental
vehicle. I suppose it’s a key fact to do is feed you. Getting this free society. There’s a man I often see
take into account that when you meal would have been a great sat on the Gosta Green walkway,
have no fixed residence, you don’t benefit. Living without a fridge and there’s no chance I’m inviting
know where you’ll be sleeping and cupboard space means him back to my house!
next and how it is you’re going to you can’t stock up on your local A long time has passed since
be woken up, and what you’ll be supermarket bargains. Paul’s time living on the streets.
faced with when you do. We have After working and gaining a small He works as a lecturer in
to remember that not everyone wage, Paul informed me that the Birmingham City University, he’s
is caring and understanding. If first thing he would do is take managed to secure a family, (and
someone finds you sleeping on his money and go on a ‘bender’ a narrow boat it seems). So all
or in their property, they may not around Manchester. is not lost. Being homeless isn’t
welcome you with open arms. I suppose that if you are living on the end of someone’s life. They
Paul told me that he was on the street, the last thing on your can rejoin society and escape the
the streets all through the year, mind is starting a savings account. stigma of being a bum.

In writing this article, I set out on the task to broaden my own knowledge of the homeless, to give me reason
to give them my time or help. By doing this, I’ve come to the realisation that these people are people too and
no matter how cliché it sounds, we’re all human and deserve equal treatment. Don’t run out and give all your
money to charity, but next time someone asks for help, consider their situation and how much they’re doing to
help themselves and what you can do to help give them the opportunities you’ve had.
SPAGHETTI junction 7
UP front new street station

BRAVE NEW LOOK


“Don’t we Brummies deserve to travel in style?”, I hear you cry! We are the second biggest
city after all!

Well, with over 35 million people travelling through New Street Station every year, it was fair to say
that the place was in need of a good lick of paint. But, boy, they have not stopped there! Birming-
ham City Council, Network Rail, Advantage West Midlands and Centro have all clubbed together
to give our station the £600 million pound makeover that it desperately needs.
The BIG revamp; also known as the Gateway Project is full of new, visionary and breathtak-
ing designs. Chairman of Gateway Funders, Cllr Mike Whitby said: “The Birmingham Gateway,
which will support over 52 million passengers a year, demands a world class architectural vision to
embody the rebirth of New Street Station.’’
The daring reinvention was revealed to Birmingham City passengers in September, including
plans for three high tech digital displays that will mark the main entrances to the station. New
Street station will not be missed that’s for sure!
It is expected to be three times the size it is now, and as if that wasn’t enough; the entire station
will be covered with reflective metal. So finding it is easy, navigating your way around it may be
slightly trickier though.
Not only will it impress the parents when they finally make it up to bring you some home cooked
food, but your mates will be gagging to come back.
This is another string to Brum’s bow in making this city one of the best for its construction and
design achievements out there. The development will also bring economic benefits by creating an
estimated 10,000 new jobs for the people of the city.
Chief executive of Network Rail, Iain Coucher said: “We listened to the people of Birmingham
and made New Street a top priority – with this new design we can be sure of a top class station for
the millions of people who use it every year.”
Maybe going home won’t be such a drag after all? We can now travel in STYLE!

Kirsty Booth

8 SPAGHETTI junction
Scratch radio, the University’s own radio There are various departments withing Scratch:
station will be on air 24/7 starting from early
January. The studio is open for registered Music Department - This department works
volunteers now until December 6th for studio in conjunction with labels, receiving and
training sessions, and to pre record shows reviewing new releases ready to add them to
ready for the launch in January. the studio playlist keeping the station’s music
at the forefront. For more information, contact
Whether presenting, promoting, production emma.nouriel@scratchradio.co.uk or
recruiting, or just spinning some wax is your justin.stainton@scratchradio.co.uk
interest. Scratch is more than welcome for
you to get involved. Also, if your interested in News and Sport - Keeping Scratch up to date
music, radio or working in the music industry, on the latest news regardless of the topic along
by registering with us as a volunteer will prove with all the latest sports.
beneficial to you and will put you in contact sarah.stevenson@scratchradio.co.uk
with other like minded people within the
University and in the business. Promotions/Publicity - Keeping the station in
the public eye, through various mediums. For
Three is the magic number (just like De more info contact jon.price@scratchradio.co.uk
la Soul preached); in order to become a
volunteer. All three departments are keen to work with
new students.
1. Apply for the application form at
studio@scratchradio.co.uk Get Involved if you want to be heard.
2. Complete the application form
3. Return the complete application to
volunteers@scratchradio.co.uk
UP front

UNION

10 SPAGHETTI junction
UP front

UNION

SPAGHETTI junction 11
Illustration: Daisy Whitehouse

UP front recycling

Recycling Goes Green


We have finally reached the last stretch; the end is in sight, but just how far
away are we from reaching our goal?
Ok, so maybe the recycling campaign isn’t moving along as fast paced as the 100m sprit, but you catch
my drift. Progress has been made, I repeat, progress has been made.
The Freshers’ Fayre not only saw pink fresh faced youths creeping around campus, oh no... a whole
new light was shone on the recycling fiasco. Representation and Campaigns Officer, Hannah Newland
said: “I hope that students noticed our proactive approach to recycling at the Freshers’ Fayre this year.
“We had recycling bins outside Bar 42 and also made sure we had some large wheelie bins available to
recycle all the cardboard boxes. This is a lot more than we have done in the past.”
Now, don’t be fooled in thinking that is all that is being done. A few extra bins are, of course, a step up
from our previous facilities, but it is not nearly enough to minimise the unnecessary rubbish produced by
the students on all Birmingham City University campuses.
With over 150 people expressing an interest in joining an environmental society at this year’s Fayre,
it’s pretty obvious that we do want something more permanent and effective to be done.
Birmingham City Students’ Union proved, once again, to be very active in supporting the students’
concerns. Hannah explained the plans to set up “the first ever People and Planet society meeting!”
Attracting a lot of students at this year’s Freshers’ Fayre provoked a coalition between the Union and
one student, named Aaron Carford. Working with other members of staff, Hannah and Aaron are the
driving force behind our recycling campaign, so thumbs up and a pat on the back to them both!
With recycling in the bag, and the Switch Off Scheme still running in student halls of residence, we
should rest easy knowing our Union is making a difference.
Georgie Campbell
12 SPAGHETTI junction
UP front

The universities join forces for their common cause... and party!

L e s b i a n G a y B i s ex u a l Tr a n s g e n d e r

BY
Cherie Lyster
COALITION
LGBT
students were lucky enough to have their academic year kicked
off with an innovative, inter-university Freshers night. Coalition, the
organisation behind it saw Birmingham City University’s lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender society join up in partnership with
other Midland’s universities to put on a spectacular night out!
The night began at Glamorous on Hurst Street where LGBT students from across the
Midlands gathered for the event, and they were dressed up military style (that was the
theme). They received free goodie bags and enjoyed exclusive drink promotions and
competitions, with Birmingham City University’s own Dan Porterfield winning a free bottle of
champagne. The party, made up of LGBT Freshers and returning students then moved on
to trendy club Chic, where the students were given free shots at the bar. University rivalries
were left at the door as students from various LGBT societies met strangers and crawled
home with new friends.

The idea of Coalition began within our own LGBT society, with the motivation to create a
more united front for student LGBT societies in the Midlands. For the first time in years,
Midland’s LGBT societies will be working together on campaigns and club nights, this being
the first of many LGBT events to come for Midland’s students. The night was a huge hit
amongst the students who can’t wait for the next event, which is being planned for the end
of November. They can also look forward to workshops and campaigns which will be taking
place throughout the year.

As a united group of Student LGBT associations and societies in the Midlands, Coalition
2008; whether it be for partying or campaigning, promises to be a force to be reckoned
with.
Facebook group: Coalition Birmingham
SPAGHETTI junction 13
UP front charity

A HUNDRED
CUP CAKES LATER...

Chocolate
cupcakes,
fairy cakes, rice
crispie cakes and
carrot cakes...I can only
be talking about one
thing- oh yes, the coffee
afternoon held on behalf of
Macmillan Cancer support.
Monday 27th October hosted
the most successful coffee
afternoon that has ever been
held at the TIC. In one afternoon,
we raised £200, from the sale of
cakes and beverages! We are very
grateful to all those who participated
and were generous enough to contribute.
Margaret Mulhall, who holds the fort at the TIC and Gosta
Green Student Union offices approached me about getting involved
in this. At first, I just liked the idea of being involved in something and
meeting new people. However, after doing some research I realised
what this task meant. It meant Macmillan’s could have a greater chance
of sustaining its unfailing support of cancer patients and families;
from funding nurses to holding conferences that inform about cancer.
I committed a lot of time making up mini leaflets and baking cupcakes.
Avi Sehmi, Edna Bates and Graham Gambin all donated cakes to the event
where Lewis Read, Kat Harris and myself served cakes and beverages for
donations. A lot of people had a personal interest in the charity for the work they
do. Before the day was over, I was made aware how important our collective was.
I have every confidence that the effort was worth it and I would
encourage people to get involved with volunteering. I know that for me,
this has been one of the prominent highlights of my university life so far.
It is a great way to extend your social network, hosting skills that sometimes
go unnoticed, learning new ones and in doing so benefiting worthy causes.
If you do want to get involved, contact the Students’ Union, there are loads of things that
you can do. Doing new things and growing as a person are part of the university experience, and
volunteering goes beyond this as it allows you to have a positive impact on somebody else’s life.
Mica Castillo
14 SPAGHETTI junction
UP front jew society

A belief behind a belief


Judaism: it’s a love hate relationship with me, especially being both Jewish and irreligious.
The University of Birmingham has allow people to connect on both only educate others, but also to
more than 800 Jewish students, a spiritual and social level. Just interact with other societies, both
there are 100 in Aston University passed was one of the holiest at Birmingham City University and
and 250 here at Birmingham City days of the Jewish calendar, Yom Aston and Birmingham university.
University. Taking into account Kippur, a day where Jews all over JSoc have done events with
those relatively small numbers, the world are to fast and pray for societies from both Birmingham
in comparison to the thousands forgiveness for all their sins. This and Aston university, such as the
of students that study at those involves spending the majority LGBTQ and LGBT (Lesbian, Gay,
universities, the Jewish Society at of their time in a synagogue. So Bisexual and Transgender society)
Birmingham City University tries inevitably, JSoc provided a service and Sports Soc, organising
to involve all the universities and that no more than 50 people were football tournaments and so on. As
colleges, in order to create one expected to attend, as many go we live in a country which is more
large Jewish student community. home for this day. Yet, 175 turned liberal and accepting, it is more
The general associations that up to stand together. This can important now than ever to show
surround Judaism are those be interpreted as evidence of that we do care for social diversity
that do not entirely associate JSoc influencing Jewish solidarity within our lives.
with JSoc. The ideology that this throughout Birmingham. But after praising such a
student society has, is based The arguments have been society, what realistic negatives
around social interaction rather put forward however, that JSoc, does it hold? Well the main thing
than religious intervention. With and for that matter any other I can think of is that the diverse
club nights, football and poker religion-based group, is an number of people whom involve
tournaments, to volunteering in the exclusive club that can be thought themselves in JSoc is limited, and
old age home, it is more of a party to alienate other people. It seems we are in dire need of others who
way of life. There are nights that it would be easy to disprove want to help raise the awareness
JSoc in Birmingham are famous this idea as the Jewish Society of Judaism amongst us. I am a
for within the Jewish Student ensures that it does volunteer Jew, someone who might not
community of the UK; such as work with outside organisations be as religious as some, but
Booze for Jews, a clubbing night – packaging Christmas presents nevertheless, I am very proud
of vast proportions - an event that for the needy, donating blood, of my heritage and have been
most larger universities take part inter-society relations and so on. completely honest throughout this
in. There is also Wasted Wej - an Also, technically, anyone of any piece.
intense bar crawl throughout religion and ideology is able to In such a commercial and
Birmingham. For those events join JSoc. Obviously the majority modern world, appreciating one’s
alone, collectively about 2000 are Jews, but at JSoc, we have past and a lifestyle involving
people came to party till the early an ideology of social and political religion is not something to go
hours of the morn. So, it would acceptance, that we are soon amiss. It is part of an identity
seem that JSoc is nothing but to delve into once university that few are proud of; you
an excuse for getting drunk with has finished. I know I have met should never be afraid of being
people of the same faith. However, numerous people who have said an individual, and following
alternatively, JSoc follows up with that they have never met a Jew, or delving into traditions that
many other events that celebrate and they seem so excited when I have been passed down from
Jewish festivals as well; the most announce I am one. It is as if they generation to generation, even
recent being Simchat Torah, are learning cold facts about some if it is for your own curiosity as
which celebrates the end of us long forgotten religion, as though opposed to having to necessarily
reading through the Torah (the Jews are some dead specimen believe. This is what JSoc stands
Jewish Bible), which is read every on a Petri dish. People seem to for: making the statement that
week at synagogues. In truth, the forget that there is still a large Judaism exists and will continue
amazing thing about JSoc is that Jewish community within Britain to do so.
it can bring together students from at the moment. So in turn, an
all four corners of the UK, and important aspect of JSoc is to not Joshi Sallon

SPAGHETTI junction 15
Pictures: Caron Taplin

UP front city north

It’s all going on up North


City North Campus is situated around 3 miles building, which includes Bar42, the Arc, several
north of Birmingham city centre, and easily shops, SCRATCH radio station, Ria’s hairdressers
reached via both train and bus services from and a Fair-trade coffee shop. Within the Students’
around the local area. First impressions of City Union building you can join numerous sports
North Campus may leave you feeling blasé about teams, volunteering services and societies, such
university life. Admittedly, not much is appealing as hockey, football, netball and rock climbing.
to the eye; drab, grey buildings surround For more information on our Students’ Union,
the middle walkway and the ever-confusing see: http://www.birminghamcitysu.com/. The
quadrangle imitates a prison-like feel. Look closer Union organise frequent nights out, including the
however, and you will find that Birmingham City acclaimed Toons (at Bar42), Wednesdays Are
University’s North Campus boasts a wide range of Great (at Dragon Eye, now known as Sneak on
facilities; both for academic related purposes and Broad Street) and The Big Squeeze (at many
also social activities. pubs in the Broad Street vicinity) for which all you
To aid your educational development, the need to produce is your student ID card…and
William Kendrick Library, situated near to the some money.
Students’ Union holds thousands of books, The campus car park is accessed via Wellhead
journals and resources to do with all aspects Lane (behind the front entrance to the campus)
of your course. Study rooms are accessible on and you are advised to arrive early so as to secure
the 2nd and 3rd floor, both bookable and non- a space and avoid disappointment.
bookable. However, it is advisable to book a room All in all, City North Campus, as the main campus
in advance using the library website (http://library. for Birmingham City University, has a copious
bcu.ac.uk/) if you are to definitely get a vacant amount of amenities for your benefit. They are all
room. there to assist you during your time at Birmingham
City North Campus is the University’s key City University so, why not use them?
campus, and houses the main Students’ Union Emma Shilston
16 SPAGHETTI junction
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UP front food miles

A Meal Less Travelled


With the environment and what we eat becoming a major concern for today’s society, Poppy French
heads to Birmingham’s Wholesale market to investigate our food and where it’s all coming from.

The Government and the media (DEFRA), airfreight generates 117


are constantly bombarding us with times more green house gases than
messages about our health, with shipping. However, it is important
statistics like: “eat five portions of to note that food from abroad is
fresh fruit and vegetables a day” often grown in much
and “by 2050 60% of men and greener conditions
50% of women could be obese”. than food from
[Department for Health] So, for the UK. For
the good of our health, we are example,
encouraged to change the way green beans
we live. But with our tastes grown in
changing and becoming Kenya are
as international as they grown
have ever been, how without
is the way that we eat the use of
affecting the environment tractors, and
around us? the waste
In the last century, our from cows is
attitudes to food went through used as fertiliser.
serious social and economic They also have low-
changes in the UK; with the tech irrigation systems in
world becoming a smaller Kenya, as well as providing
place, all the taste sensations employment to many people
from around the globe became in the developing world.
available to us. This also Waste is also a huge
allowed the constant supply factor in food, the
of our favourite fruit and environment and basic
vegetables from abroad. We economics. Birmingham City
are now able to have access Council has estimated that
to these all year round. This an average family throws
has left us in the situation out £420 worth of good food
where ‘half the vegetables every year and, according to
and 95% of the fruit we the Love Food Hate Waste
eat comes from abroad’ campaign, this is the same as
[bbc.co.uk/ food]. With buying three bags of food and
more recent concerns throwing one away. Obviously
about the environment, as students, particularly those
a neologism has been living in halls, we cannot be
coined (by Dr. Tim Lang, described as an average family.
Professor of Food at But have a think, how much of
London City University) your student loan ends up in
to explain the distance the bin? Milk or fruit you brought
food travels from too much of and then it went off
field to the plate, before you could eat it, vegetables
known as food miles. you didn’t know what to do with,
Increasingly, food is or a meal you cooked too much of
arriving by plane as and then you threw the rest away.
this saves valuable I certainly don’t want to preach as
freshness time I myself am guilty of these things
and, according to too but, with careful thought I have
the Department of come up with some tips to help
Environment, Food stop food waste, both benefiting the
and Rural Affairs environment and your pocket.

18 SPAGHETTI junction
UP front food miles

Get together with the people who


share your kitchen, what foods do
you have in common? Are there any
meals you could make together and
buy ingredients in bulk (often making
them cheaper) and making enough This should be the same
of meal so you can freeze portions with fruit and Vegetables
and eat when ever your hungry? find it difficult to eat a whole
bag of carrots or bunch of
bananas before they go bad?
Then share with a friend.

I always end up with mouldy bread,


but have recently discovered it Only make you want. Think
keeps perfectly in the freezer, so carefully about how much you
you can have one slice whenever want to eat before you cook it.
you want as it defrosts fine in the Think carefully about the times
toaster. Frozen vegetables are also you haven’t finished all a meal
a good idea as they will keep for and thrown it away. Could it have
months in the freezer and you can been saved for when you were
just use a portion when you need it. hungry later? Check out the
lovefoodhatewaste website for
information about portion sizes.

Enough of statistics though, as aspects of the catering industry. for the market; the current site has
what do they actually mean to The food suppliers have seen become more difficult to update
us students? Most of us feel that many changes in the habits of with recent consumer changes.
we need to be more responsible consumers. It goes without saying So, the market will move to a new
for the environment, whether it’s that we now do most of our site with better composting, water
by joining in with Birmingham shopping in supermarkets, and and waste management systems.
City Students’ Union recycling we now prefer our meat cut off If you visit the Bullring market,
campaign, or taking the bus rather the carcass in portioned pieces. you will find produce from the
than driving. But how many of Believe it or not, this has helped to wholesale market on sale. The
you have considered the notion reduce food waste. For example, produce is more reasonably priced
that what you eat affects the lamb from New Zealand is now than the supermarkets. Although
environment? I wanted to know if being sent over cut off the carcass supermarkets are often branded
my theories about people’s buying and vacuum packaged, meaning enemies to the green consumer,
habits were on target, so I headed more food for consumption can be with the excess of packing and
down to Birmingham Wholesale sent over. rejecting of more organic shaped
Market to meet up with Simon The market also recycles. For fruit and veg, it is still possible
Hughes to investigate further. example, for the products that to buy seasonal and often local
Birmingham Wholesale Market is a come in Polystyrene, the packing produce.
21 acre site of Pershore Street, in can be reused or it can be turned So, whether you care about
the centre of Birmingham. In 1974, in to briquettes, used in insulation. the environment or not, changing
the market opened to trade in Also, all the pallets through- out your attitude towards food and
meat, fish, poultry, fruit, vegetables the market are constantly reused your eating habits could save you
and flowers. The market and then sold back into the some pounds whilst giving the
provides goods for greengrocers, industry. environment a little boost as well.
butchers, restaurants, and all I was also told of the new plans

SPAGHETTI junction 19
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Pictures: Poppy French

Features rugby society

A game for thugs, played by gentlemen


It was Oscar Wilde that said “Rugby is a good going to be a really easy game, and was seen
occasion for keeping thirty bullies far from the as a training exercise, giving the whole of the 25
centre of the city.” And for his part, Wilde was right strong squad the opportunity to play. This certainly
about one thing; Birmingham City Students’ Union was a strong start to the season.
Men’s Rugby team’s first game of the season The rugby team has been
was certainly miles from the city centre. described as being one of
However bullies they were not, they all Birmingham City Students’ Union
played like gentlemen towards the most successful sports teams.
team from De Montfort, who were Squad member Jimmy Moore
of a lesser ability than our brilliant spoke of how the team was a
team. With a record breaking really social society with many
score of 138-0, it was certainly a nights out, as well as practice
one sided match. Our team was every Monday and Tuesday, with
mostly made up of guys from a match on Wednesday. If you want
last year, with some significant more information on the rugby team,
new players. When the game had login to the sports section of the Union
begun, it was quickly realised this was website-www.birminghamcitysu.com

SPAGHETTI junction 21
Features stampede
The plains of Broad Street were open, and everyone was off
on the prowl. However hunting wasn’t on the mind of every
fresher; tigers were drinking with rabbits, lions were sharing
watering holes with the lambs, we were certainly a serene
bunch! But with the drinks starting to flow, the roars and
howls could be heard all over Broad Street as the sold out
Stampede made its way up to Dragon Eye, the home of the
Student Unions’ Wednesday’s are Great. Here you furry lot
pranced and preened in three rooms of fabulous tunes, the
favourites for the animals! After such a grrrreat, evening we
must say the biggest animal thanks to the stewards. The top
steward being Elgan Hughes who got a free ipod & the worst
steward Jodie Gibney who got a wooden spoon. With fur
beginning to fade, there were certainly more than two sleepy
beavers out, we all headed home, back to holes, nests and
hutches for a well deserved rest.

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a
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a

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22 SPAGHETTI junction
Features stampede

Illustrations: alex Hovey


Illustration: Alex Hovey

Features big squeeze

24 SPAGHETTI junction
Features big squeeze

With faces ranging from Heath Ledger’s ‘Joker’


to finely painted designs, we all headed out
to Broad Street for some serious clowning
around. From crocodiles to conjoined twins and
everything in between, you were certainly a
well-dressed bunch!
After a perfect performance through the bars
of Broad Street, we sauntered into Walkabout
where the shenanigans continued.
With the dancing moving into some
impressive amateur dramatics you were all at
your best and we at Spaghetti Towers were
impressed! With make-up beginning to slide and
comedy flowers starting to wilt, having left the
clown cars at home, we all headed back in taxis,
trying to fit the clown feet and balloon animals
in the door; where we all headed off to bed to
dream of the next fancy dress encounter...

SPAGHETTI junction 25
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M
Student Culture beauty
O kay, so not only have those wild nights during Freshers’ (together with somewhat excessive binge drinking)
taken their toll on our skin - but we now have to face up to the facts. British weather is getting greyer (if that’s
possible) and with autumn round the corner our skin craves a little TLC!
But girls (and boys for that matter), don’t lose all hope just yet. We have hugely appealing tips to
retain moisture for chicks on the move! We could just sit back and blame the weather or Mother
Nature – but wisen up kids!
Central heating and air conditioning.
These may be technological marvels but they’re dermatological disasters! We are
often unaware of just how much moisture is drawn out of the air and our skin as we
resort to central and air conditioning to keep us warm.
Too much ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’!
When it comes to retaining moisture within your skin, water can appear to
be the enemy. Inside your skin it keeps the cells plump and moist, but it has

Moisture
the opposite effect when you are met with it on the surface. Stripping your
skin’s natural oils whilst believing you are ‘deep’ cleansing is a common
mistake. Even if you suffer from the odd nasty spot it is important to retain
a comfortable moisture balance so aim to get ‘soap free’ products.

Maniac!
Using a PH balanced face wash will maintain your skin’s natural
oils while removing dirt and impurities. Ensure you use warm
water as hot water will take away the skin’s natural moisture.
Increase your water intake. This is the most important and
cheapest way to stay hydrated and it keeps your hangovers at
bay! We are expected to consume at least two litres of water
per day, and with the typical student’s busy day to day lifestyle,
juggling social activities with education, surely we would need
to consume more? And if you use radiators to keep warm, then
a bowl of water will soak up the heat instead of leaving it all to
your skin to soak up!

Skin around the eyes is the most delicate and is often the first
place to collect fine lines and, much to our disappointment the
area that reveals tiredness and exhaustion.
Using eye creams is essential this month and will ensure the
area causes no discomfort.
Top Tip: Mix a little eye cream with your favorite concealer and
apply around the eyes. This will give you a natural coverage
leaving the eye area hydrated for longer (even in attempting to
cover up last night’s drunken antics/ facing a hangover during
the following morning lecture!)

Chapped lips happen to the best of us and it doesn’t help


when it’s self inflicted! Last night’s snogging may have left
them a bit rough round the corners but not to worry, thanks to
Dermalogica’s climate control lip treatment.
Shea Butter, oat and lavender extracts enhance the barrier
function of the skin. Not only will your lips stay looking luscious
and tasting great but the lavender acts as an antiseptic barrier
making that pout extra sexy for that special someone!
Written by Roshan Adam
For Roshan Adam’s Top 5 Beauty Buys visit the Spaghetti
Junction fan page of Facebook by searching ‘Spaghetti
Junction Student Magazine’.

Picture: Alis Pelleschi


Student Culture fashion on campus

We’re more than a month in now and you crazy cats are still parading down the
catwalk we call university life, and that’s what we like to see! This issue we’ve
hunted down some of the fashionable folk from Birmingham’s Institute of Art and
Design at Gosta Green. So people, feast your eyes on this sauve of students and
maybe next time you’ll find yourself amongst these colourful pages.

Amy Amy
Fashion Design Studies at BIAD
Glasses- D&G Dress- Punk Shop
Jacket- Charity Shoes- Punk Shop
Top- H&M Top- H&M
Trousers- H&M Scalf- H&M
Shoes- H&M
If you need your
Amy happens room redesigning
to be a culinary don’t worry, call
genius with Sushi as in Amy, she’s
her speciality! on speaking
terms with Kevin
McCloud from
Grand Designs!

Gina Lisa
Studies at BIAD Studies at BIAD
Dress- Miss Selfridge Scalf- Market
Top- Topshop Jeans- H&M
Shoes- Office Jacket- Charity
Scalf- Market Top- Charity

It’s not just the Forget your Prozac?


sauce that’s from It’s okay, Lisa loves to
Worcester, so’s this make people smile!
spicy number!

28 SPAGHETTI junction
Student Culture fashion on campus
Stewart Daniel
Studies at BIAD Illustration
Shirt- River Island Top- Topman
Jeans- H&M Shirt- Topman
Trainers- Schu Jeans- Topman
Shoes- Converse
Stewart wouldn’t
shave his head Beam him up
for less than Scotty because
£1m. Sounds like Daniel loves to
someone’s in need draw Sci-fi!
of a reality check!

June Linda
Fashion Fashion
Shirt- H&M Hat- Taiwan
Skirt- China Top- Forrina
Shoes- China Jacket- China
Jeans- All Saints
And you thought Shoes- J.U.S.T.
Poppy and Jak
were sleepy Noodle bars watch
beavers, well June out. Linda’s not
can sleep for 16 picky she likes all
hours! the noodles she can
get her hands on!

Antony William
Visual
Communication Studies at BIAD
Hat- Topman Coat- Debenhams
Jacket- Topman Trousers- Topman
Top- Topman Trainers- Hong Kong
Jeans- Topman Jumper- TK Maxx
Shoes- Converse
William doesn’t like
Antony’s a talented to see food go to
young fellow, waste, he’ll even
with the ability eat the chicken’s
to down a pint in feet!
three seconds.
That’s quite an
achievement!

SPAGHETTI junction 29
Student Culture natalie’s cookery corner

Natalies Cookery Corner


Hey all, I hope you like these scrumptious meals, that all use cheap and eco-friendly ingredients;
in keeping with the theme of this issue of reducing your carbon footprint! So, you can keep the
environment healthy as well as yourself! Enjoy!

Toad in the Hole with Mashed Potato(40 minutes)


This is a favourite of my flatmates and I and it is also a great winter warmer. It can use either pork or vegetarian
sausages, and is best served with creamy mash, gravy (and some vegetables)!
1 120g flour (sifted)
2 240g sausages
3 2 eggs
4 300ml milk
5 Pinch of salt
6 Large knob of butter
Here’s how you do it:
To make the batter, put the sifted flour, eggs, milk and a pinch of salt into a mixing bowl and beat well until
bubbles appear in the mixture. Take the sausages, brown them for about ten minutes at a high temperature in a
frying pan with some oil. Heat the butter in an ovenproof dish or baking tin and pour the batter mixture into the
dish. Then drop the sausages in the batter. Cook on 200 degrees for about 40 minutes.
While the toad in the hole is cooking you can make the mash! It takes 20 minutes in total.

You’ll need:
1 3 pounds potatoes
2 water to cover
3 125ml to 175ml milk
4 6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
5 3/4 teaspoon salt
6 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Peel the potatoes and cut into large chunks. Boil water in saucepan, and put ¾ of the teaspoon salt in the water.
Cook the potatoes in boiling water with a lid for 15-20 minutes until they’re tender. Drain the potatoes. Mash in a
large mixing bowl until no lumps remain. Add milk in small amounts, beating each time, until correct consistency.
Add the butter, ¼ teaspoon salt, and pepper, beating until mashed potatoes are light and fluffy.
Makes enough mashed potatoes for 6 to 8 people.

30 SPAGHETTI junction
Picture: Jak Flash
Student Culture natalie’s cookery corner
Flapjacks
Flapjacks are very quick to make and satisfying for any sweet tooth. Below is the basic recipe, but of course you
can experiment and put in nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips if you fancy!
1 225g Rolled Oats
2 75g Brown Sugar
3 3 Tablespoons (75g) Golden Syrup
4 100g Margarine
Here’s how you do it:
Put the oven onto 180 degrees and grease
a baking tray. Mix the margarine, sugar and
golden syrup and heat gently in a saucepan.
Once the mixture has melted, pour in the oats
and stir. Then place mixture into the baking tray
and press down firmly to ensure all the mixture will be stuck
together. Cook in the oven for around 20-25 minutes. Take out the oven and let it harden a bit. Then cut it into
sections before it completely cools. When cool remove from the tin and eat!

Macaroni & Cheese (20 minutes)


Everybody’s favourite! Simple, cheap and tasty. Lots of cheese...how can you go wrong really? This recipe
serves four people – so you and your friends can have a quick meal – as it’s ready in about 20 minutes!
You’ll need:
1 250g macaroni
2 40g butter
3 40g plain flour
4 1 pint of milk
5 250g cheddar (grated)
6 50g parmesan (grated)

Here’s how you do it:


Cook the macaroni according to the
instructions. At the same time, melt the
butter in a saucepan that’s bigger than
the one you used to cook the macaroni
in. Add in the flour and mix together. Then
gradually whisk in the milk and cook on a
low heat for 10-15 mins. Pre-heat the grill
at this time. Add 175g of the cheese to
the sauce and make sure it is all melted
in. Then add the macaroni and mix it all
together. Then, transfer it to an ovenproof
dish and sprinkle over the remaining
cheeses, then place under the grill. Leave
it until the cheese on the top is golden
and bubbling. Then serve and enjoy!
Yummy!

SPAGHETTI junction 31
Picture: Poppy French
Student Culture student of the month

STUDENT OF THE MONTH


Studying down at Bournville, Rachel Anderson is sewing up a storm.
Recommended by her elective teacher for her outstanding textile work,
Rachel talks to Spaghetti Junction about her work, her prizes and her
future. After winning £500 for her Alice in Wonderland inspired collection,
Rachel continued on at Birmingham City University, where she is currently
taking her second year.

Why did you choose to stay in Birmingham to take your degree?


After college I wanted to do the foundation course, and I was told Birmingham City University was the best place
locally to go to. So, after the foundation course, it just seemed like the obvious place to study as I was already
there.

Why did you choose to do Visual arts by negortiated study?


I was initially enroled on the Textile Design course- but then at the end of the foundation course, my work started
to become more fine art/textiles, which I felt the textiles course wouldn’t accomodate for. The Visual
arts course allows me to work with textiles, but also allows me to work in a more fine art sense,
which is much better suited to what I do; plus I get to write my own projects, so I focus on what I
want.

How are you finding the course, and do you feel it’s helping you to develop your
skills?
I’m really enjoying the course as a whole- considering the fact that it wasn’t a course
that I initially considered, I think it has definitely worked out
to be the best course for me. The tutors really encourage
you to push your work further, and to incorporate different
disciplines within your own work, which I think has
really helped me push my skills forward and helped
me to develop my ideas.

How long have you been interested in


textiles?
I did fashion at secondary school, but I
started to be really interested in textile based
art whilst I was at college. I think the foundation
course really helped me to realise where my
interest lies, and since then I have just kind of
developed my interest in textiles.

You won £500 at the end of your foundation


course from the Royal Society of Decorative
Arts, what did you have to do to win that?
I won it for my end of year project, which I based
around the children’s story Alice in Wonderland by
Lewis Carroll. I created the key characters from
the story out of textiles and kind of ‘recreated’ the
Mad Hatter’s Tea party, which is one of my favourite
projects I have done. It was a real surprise to win the
money. I was really pleased though, and the money
helped me buy the materials for last year.

After finishing your degree what would you like to


go into?
I’m still really unsure as to where I would like to be in the
fututre. I’m kind of using this year to explore the possible
careers I could take, though at the moment I am quite
interested in costume design, which is something I’m going to look into.

32 SPAGHETTI junction
Picture: Jak Flash
Student Culture study tips
Essential Study Tips for the Modern Day Student
So, we’ve realised by now that things are changing. No more do students lock themselves away in dark and
dusty rooms for three years with their heads buried in an old leather-bound book. Oh no, times have changed
and so must we.
Of course, I’m not condemning books, far from it! Books should be every student’s best friend. But choosing
the right book, learning to skim read and effectively summarise can prove challenging at the best of times. So
here goes... essential tip of the day: read the ‘contents’ page. It may sound simple, but believe it or not, most
students pick books solely by their title or blurb.
Academic books and journals are not written in a confusing way on purpose, but after combining several
studies it would be hard to summarise the entire book in a two paragraph blurb on the back cover. Reading the
introduction and conclusion can normally give you an idea what the article or study is about, avoiding wasted
time reading something that is totally irrelevant.
Effective studying can make the ideal student, but how do we go about retaining the information? Does
the answer lie within your diet? Actually, yes! Believe it or not, what we eat does affect our memory. So, tip
number two: eat fresh fruit and vegetables. I know, I know, you don’t want to be nagged at to eat healthily, but
it will honestly affect your studying. Dark green, leafy and root vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots and sweet
potatoes are especially good for you.
If the green fingered approach is not your thing, whole grains (such as brown basmati rice or oats and rye)
oily fish (such as sardines or mackerel) or even eggs have been proven to give your memory a boost. You’ll by
wishing you’d paid more attention to this advice when sitting in an exam with “writer’s block”. So get down to
your local supermarket and stock that fridge!
So we’ve got the body and brain sorted, but what about group work? This is a tricky one. You either like or
you hate it. But there are ways to work through it without tearing out your hair. If you prefer individual work, it
will help to divide the group into sections. Working on a single section will allow some individual work, whilst
collating together as a group for the overall project.
If you are the complete opposite and prefer to work in groups, you will of course suffer on individual
assignments. To conquer this... talk to a classmate about your work. Getting advice from someone else
provides similar support as in a group.
With these tips in tow, everyone can become the “Student Idol”. Eating healthily and reading the correct
material may seem simple but it will help. So, armed with essential tips, you will overcome anything your course
can throw at you. Georgie Campbell

SPAGHETTI junction 33
Picture: Alis Pelleschi
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Words & Picture: Jak Flash

Arts & Entertainment bands in university

Kneale Brown
A child in the eyes of the Lord
Solo artist Kneale Brown takes it as it comes. He’s During his performance, Kneale stopped to talk to
not seeking fame or money, he seems to be in it for his listeners. It was already personal with us sitting
the music alone. He’s studying Music Tech, which he so close but still Kneale persists in reminding us that
doesn’t see as being a course that will throw him into he’s human, just like the rest of us and he’s here to
the music industry and believes if it does happen, it’ll share the music. He discarded the microphone and
be purely by accident. To him, a degree is more like preformed directly and if anything, it increased the
an experience, not something that necessarily puts vitality of his melodic ballads.
you into a career. He’s under no delusions about his He started singing at school and was asked to join
future and it’s this honesty and openness that makes a band by his friends when he was 14, which is where
him so inviting. he learnt to play guitar. Clearly with time and practice
In the expanse that is Bar42, Kneale played to a his talent progressed, bringing a new perspective to
small crowd, strumming away at his guitar, playing a variety of music. He used to like a lot of 60s bands
something he calls ‘acoustic pop’, although from the like The Doors but, since coming to university, his
lyrics and the intensity he brings across in his voice, taste has deviated into the works of processed beats
it’s clearly something deeper. from the likes of Aphex Twin and Björk, leaving us
With the crowd spread across the room, Kneale with the artist that he is today.
calls everyone in telling them to bring their chairs, He took a year out before coming to Birmingham
making the whole set a lot more personal. He’s got a City University and played an assortment of gigs with
great vocal range and it’s clear he’s dedicated to the Indie and function bands, whilst managing as many
music as it rides through him. We see him briefly lift short or free college courses that he could.
off his seat, carried away by the momentum of the He believes not that music should be free, but
music and, playing his new song Fresh brings the that the artist should really work for what they earn.
tempo of the music up. He’s currently recording it with Instead of paying a great expense for an album,
a guy called Sidney Kabul from the Conservatoire, Kneale would prefer to give you his music for you to
and hopefully it’ll be released onto his Myspace in enjoy.
coming months. It’s definitely something to look out
for. www.myspace.com/knealebrown
SPAGHETTI junction 35
Arts & Entertainment live review

“ See that
girl over
there? She’s
been to
every single
TheBeggars

gig we’ve
played this
tour.
She’s made us a new hearty set full of old and new song as intricate as Leonard
fan page and all...” Well, gems. Their new material, Cohen’s The Future and not
with fans like that, this such as Mays Lane, is fail miserably is a result
band really must have more mature and that most could not
something. What’s more is reflective, achieve – yet they
that they appreciate their showing the do, and they
fans and their devotion. audience truly make it
Wednesday 8th October t h a t their own,
was a fine night for the there’s replacing
Carling Bar Academy. a lot to Cohen’s
Reading-based Indie band, c o m e gravelly
Beggars, had arrived in from the voice with
Birmingham. The quartet band – Girdlers.
have supported no less having T h e i r
than The Courteeners, b e e n Myspace
Babyshambles, and Joe together page lists a
Lean and the Jing Jang for less than mountain of
Jong at different points three years, but influences from
this year, and (at the time having known each Buffalo Springfield to
of writing) are currently other since childhood. The Kinks via the likes of
on their own 21 day This bond can be seen The Beatles, The Libertines
headlining tour of the UK through their performance; and Bowie. Through this,
that culminates at London’s Jamie Girdler along with they’ve managed to forge
100 Club mid October. his brother Justin and the their own completely
There wasn’t as large of a two Dan’s -Webb and Starr, natural sound that is like a
turnout as one could have showcase songs about love, breath of fresh air on the
expected for these boys, life, drugs and politics... competitive indie scene.
who have played to sold- that they make somehow Oh, and just to top it
out crowds across the tie together into anecdotes off, they’re all good
country, but this was not that you don’t want to end. looking! A recipe for
going to stop them from “Lost in thoughts of past success? I think so...
putting on a blinder of a set. regrets, scattered thoughts You’ll be hearing more
There was an air of mystery and cigarettes/making plans of Beggars soon,
in the room, as the band, you forget” introduce the trust me on this one.
who don’t behave song Someday too Soon Find their blog on http://www.
like most other and have a sort of youngmodsforgottenstory.
rising talents melancholy grace, blogspot.com and
on the scene, compared with the more information on
quietly took catchy lyrics of You their myspace page,
to the stage and Me, one of www.myspace.com/
and then their older tunes. beggarsband
gave the After all, a band Natalie Marchant
audience a who can cover a
36 SPAGHETTI junction
Arts & Entertainment live review

THOU
SHALT
NOT
F**K
WITH
THIS
AKALA
When a gig starts at 7:00 p.m, and at 7:00 p.m you are the only one there-and I mean the only one
there, you get a little bit worried. I’m talking like I wasn’t just first in the queue, I was the queue! Luckily
for me (and Akala’s ticket sales I guess), more people arrived, the doors opened and I was in, out of the
cold and wet! This was my second Akala gig and my first time at the Bar Academy, part of the Carling
Academy family. The man himself wasn’t due on stage until 9:30p.m so there was a bit of time to kill.
Luckily, there was a DJ on stage to keep the crowd entertained. I say luckily, what I actually mean is the
man was awful! I have no idea who he was but I think I could have done a better job! It’s like dude, learn

LIVE
how to use the decks and you might get somewhere! As fun as it was listening to a bad DJ, myself and
my fellow Akala fan Caroline decided that now was a really good time to go to Macdonalds. I have to
say, in my whole life, I have never been so happy to see that big yellow ‘M’. After filling up on fries and
milkshakes, we headed back to the BA where thankfully, the DJ was almost done. Time for the support
act-a rapper named Sincere, who, I’ll be honest, I felt was anything but. He had some talent, but he was
nothing special. Maybe I felt like that because I was comparing him to Akala...who knows?
When Mr not so Sincere in my opinion sauntered off the stage, I felt like I was going to burst
from sheer excitement! I knew what was coming next, the Shakespeare of the urban world... Akala! As
the comparisons with Shakespeare suggest, this man is legendary. The crowd went crazy the second
he stepped onto the stage. He performed tracks from his current mixtape (The War Mixtape Vol II),
some of which were updated versions of his earlier work, like Roll Wid Us (featured on the Kidulthood
soundtrack). Another highlight of the night was Bit by Bit, a track taken from his second album Freedom
Lasso. He performed it acoustically which was a beautiful thing to witness. Also on the playlist were
Electro Livin, Bulls**t and Freedom Lasso, all songs which get the crowd going, as well as a few
freestyles thrown in for good measure. Then, the track that proves why he is referred to as Shakespeare,
Comedy Tragedy History, where he incorporates all the titles of Shakespeare’s plays, as well as quotes
from them. If that isn’t lyrical genius then I don’t know what is. His set had flown by, and I loved every
minute of it. The last song of the evening was (of course) Shakespeare, one of my favourite Akala tracks,
and with good reason. As amazing as Akala is, he is still very much an underground artist and I have
no idea why. He is, by far one of the most talented rappers the UK has ever produced, if not the most
talented. All of the self proclaimed greatest rappers could learn a few things from him...as the man says
himself ‘Thou shalt not f**k with this’! Roxanne Hawker

SPAGHETTI junction 37
Arts & Entertainment album reviews

ALBUM REVIEWS
Shakespeare said that music was the food of love…here at Spaghetti Junction,
we say that music is the reason why Shakespeare said that. Clever, I know. Here
are some of the latest album releases reviewed, just for you, enjoy!

ASHANTIthe vault
After three platinum selling albums, Ashanti returned this year with her
fourth album that has struggled to reach gold status, never mind produce a
hit single. With The Declaration being labelled a flop, it could be said that
her new release is the label’s way of countering their losses, as The Vault
is a collection of unreleased tracks the former R&B sensation recorded
during her early years; otherwise known as 2001 when Murder Inc. were
still called Murder Inc. and people still bought Ashanti’s albums. The old
recordings have been revamped as they have been paired with present day
beats, created by some of the hottest new producers. Kidd Kold produces
the majority of the album, adding irresistible, exciting beats, but the highlight
comes from the single Let’s Do Something Crazy which was produced by
newcomer Migs. It must be said that The Vault does contain some hidden
gems, but it’s sad that Ashanti has to turn to recordings from her once golden
era to keep her in the charts.

SUGABABEScatfights and spotlights


Despite scoring one of their biggest hits last year with About You Now,
the babes have lost some of their sparkle, and are attempting to put some
electricity back into their sound, with Catfights and Spotlights. The girls are
touting the album as their most “mature” outing yet - no bad thing for an act
now on its sixth album. More alarmingly, the group who’ve given us some of
the best pop singles of the 21st century - Freak Like Me, Push The Button
to name a few, are claiming to have moved on from pop. But no need to
fear just yet- lead single Girls with its brassy chorus, is as radio-friendly as
anything they’ve ever released. Highlights include new single No Can Do
and Mercy which pays homage to the sixites. Catfights and Spotlights is a far
more sensible album than we’ve seen before and is the sound of Sugababes
growing up gracefully. 4/5 Lee Lawrence

OASISdig out your soul Liam, Noel, Gem and Belly are back with their 7th studio album Dig Out Your
Soul, along with new drummer Chris Sharrock (let’s see how long this one
lasts!) They appear to have ventured towards a more psychedelic, slightly
electronic, electric guitar and heavy drum lead sound you would expect to
hear from Kasabian and, at times, The Chemical Brothers’ lighter stuff. The
cynics may laugh this album off, but it’s a step in a different direction. Bag
It Up, a song that will be recognisable for the lyrics: “got my heebijeebies
in a little bag”...whatever that means, is definitely good. Watch out for I’m
Outta Time, a song which took Liam Gallagher a self proclaimed nine years
to write, in dedication to the memory of John Lennon. Overall, this is a
respectable return to form from the Mancunians, with eight out of 11 tracks
being worthy, the boys are a definite Oasis in the desert that is the music
world... 4/5 Ash James
38 SPAGHETTI junction
Arts & Entertainment DVD reviews

DVD REVIEWS
There is nothing better than completely ignoring your university work and settling
down with a good DVD. With that in mind, Joel Harley has reviewed some of the
latest DVD releases. Although, be warned, he seems to hate Family Guy...

THE HAPPENING
Marky Mark Whalberg talks to a potted plant. A plastic one
at that. People start to commit suicide because Mother
Nature and her plants tell them to through the means of
some chemical or something. Zooey Deschanel looks
bewildered (and a bit stoned) throughout. And a man feeds
himself to a lawnmower.
Yes, the worst movie of 2008 is now on DVD! M Night
Shyamalan’s The Crappening manages to out-terrible his
entire back catalogue (including the one in the village and
the one with the fish lady), with 90 minutes of idiocy, bad
acting and ineptitude on all fronts.
Pretty much everything here is awful, the only redeeming point being its unintentionally comic undertones.
Seriously, there are some hilarious moments in this film. If you really hate yourself (and I’m talking an intense
self loathing), buy the two disc special edition, which includes an extended cut.
I don’t know about Mother Nature, but this film sure made me want to kill myself. 0/5

FAMILY GUYseason 7
Yes, they recomissioned it again. Season seven of
everyone’s favourite Simpsons rip-off arrives on DVD, as
original as ever. Sorry, did I say original? I meant faux-
offensive, unfunny and stupid.
I could summarise some episodes, but the plots are
interchangeable really, and just a collection of repetitive
non-sequitors. There’s nothing particularly new, just a slew
of the same old “remember that one time…” jokes, mostly
without punch lines, and a reliance on FAT MAN FALL
DOWN FAST and I REMEMBER THAT FROM THE 80s
stuff, all served up with a side order of bad characterisation
and extra servings of Seth Macfarlane’s horrible ‘acting’. There is also an evil baby with an ‘British’ accent,
as well as a dog that can talk (and drive and read and write...) More of the same then. If you liked the first six
seasons, then you’ll like this. Incidentally, this gets one star simply because it isn’t American Dad. Don’t get me
started… 1/5

DOCTOR WHOcomplete series 4


Who would have thought that Catherine Tate could make
such an endearing sidekick? Many were sceptical, but
Donna Noble is a success. Her relationship with the Doctor
(David Tennant) is great to watch, the pair making a funny,
organic odd-couple act. It’s a refreshing change from the
unrequited love-ins of past companions.
Series 4 is consistently strong. Standout episodes
include the library double bill, and the tense Midnight. Of
course, everyone will be talking about the series finale,
which reunites old favourites and characters from other
series, as well as Davros and the Daleks. It feels a tad self
indulgent at times, and the ending is a bit… easy, but these are minor qualms. It’s a cracking tale, and Doctor
Who remains the last word in Saturday night family entertainment.
Also included on the DVD is the Christmas special, and the Comic Relief thing. A good box set, with plenty
of bang for your buck. 4/5

SPAGHETTI junction 39
Arts & Entertainment film reviews

FILM REVIEWS
Wondering what’s hot and what’s not at the cinema? We have reviewed some of
the latest releases to hit the silver screen! So, happy viewing-but don’t blame us
if your popcorn is stale, we just review the films not the cinema!

BURN AFTER READING


Low-level CIA data analyst Ozzie Cox (John
Malkovich, on fine, sweary form) quits his job, just as
his wife (Tilda Swinton) decides to take her affair with
her horny lover, Harry Pfarrer (George Clooney) to
the next level. Things get complicated when a couple
of blue collar gym workers (Frances McDormand and
Brad Pitt) find Ozzie’s bitter memoirs in a changing
room. Mistaking them for something important,
they decide to blackmail Ozzie. Things escalate,
strangeness ensues and John Malkovich swears a lot.
The Coens have assembled a great cast.
no one to care for. Even McDormand’s sad gym
Clooney and Pitt remind us that they still know how
instructor is a tad too selfish to invite sympathy.
to act, with George giving the serious political plap
Many people won’t like Burn After
a rest, and Brad stepping out from under Angelina’s
Reading simply because it isn’t No Country For Old
big pouty shadow. Pitt, particularly, is a revelation.
Men. Next to that particular masterpiece, it inevitably
His character is a bouncing, childlike fool with bad
comes up short. But in of itself, this is a funny, clever
highlights. Every moment he’s onscreen is a great
and original piece that’ll have you thinking about it for
one. Clooney gurns like crazy beneath his slightly iffy
days afterwards. You’ll enjoy it, but you’ll question
beard. Unfortunately, this over-the-top brainlessness
why. It’s fun, but disposable. The title, perhaps, is
from all involved hurts the film slightly; full of
somewhat apt then… 4/5 Joel Harley
characters that are all idiots, deviants and crazies,
who are we supposed to root for? Really, there’s

THE HOUSE BUNNY


Shelly (Anna Faris) is a big Bunny on Campus at
Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion. With her 27th
birthday approaching, Shelly eagerly anticipates the
fulfilment of her dream: of being the centrefold of the
month. Sadly, her dreams are dashed when Shelly
learns that she is being booted from Bunny land for
being too old. She finds herself with no family or
place to call home. Desperate for both, she stumbles
across the socially inept sisters of the Zeta Alpha Zeta
sorority. With no hope of attracting new pledges and
the consequent threat of losing their sorority, the girls
family that needs her most.
of Zeta take in Shelly as their new “house mother.”
Faris (who co-produced the film) is a comic delight as
Shelly immediately sets to work, helping the Zetas
Shelly, with a perfect blend of sexy charm and sweet-
bring out their inner Glamazons whilst also catching
natured cluelessness. Supported by an excellent cast
the eye of Oliver (Colin Hanks), who forces her to
of fresh faces, The House Bunny is an irresistible tale
realise that it will take more than the Playboy Mansion
of inner beauty and “sisters” sticking together.
and her bunny ways to win over a good man. Finally
Its tag may read Legally Blonde meets Mean Girls
(and perhaps somewhat predictably), Hugh Hefner
but strip away the second hand attire, and The House
calls to offer Shelly her dream centrefold shoot. It
Bunny manages to stand on its own thanks to Anna
is then that she must make a decision: fulfilling her
Faris’ comic genius. 4/5 Lee Lawrence
dreams and returning to the family that loved her best
or leaving that behind and saving her new sorority

40 SPAGHETTI junction
Arts & Entertainment theatre & book review

THEATRE & BOOK REVIEWS


For those of you who are a bit more cultured, we have both a book and a theatre
review. So, when you have read the book, you can pop down to the theatre for
some general thespian type activities. Woohoo!

BLOOD BROTHERS
Blood brothers are two males related by birth, or men
who aren’t related by birth, who swear loyalty to one
another. The musical tells a story revolving around
twins who were separated at birth. The twins’ different
backgrounds take them to the opposite ends of the
social spectrum, one becoming an Oxbridge graduate
and the other ending up on the dole. With a twist of
fate, the brothes become best friends and both fall in
love with the same girl. Ultimately, this conflict leads
to their tragic death.
The mother of the twins, Mrs Johnstone, was played
by Niki Evans who was the runner up of last year’s
X Factor. She had a fantastic voice and an amazing
stage presence. She also had a very convincing
scouse accent even though she’s actually from
Birmingham. Niki played the part excellently and
you could really empathise with her character. The
musical was also humorous throughout which
actors who played the twins, switched flawlessly from
complimented the dramatic storyline. They even made
hyperactive children to troubled adults and had such
a joke about the fact they’d used the same actor for
good chemistry that you would actually believe they
the milk man and the doctor.
were brothers. The narrator worked well alongside the
Blood Brothers had a justified standing ovation.
storyline, flittering around the characters as though
However, I wouldn’t recommend it if you don’t like
he was a conscience or a shadow. I wasn’t however,
loud bangs, or if you know the story well and aren’t
overly impressed with his singing voice.
accustomed to change as the ending is apparently
I didn’t know the storyline before seeing Blood
different to the play. I also felt it was quite abrupt to
Brothers at the Hippodrome. This made me a
finish, which spoiled the atmosphere, but overall I
bit apprehensive about it, but I thought it was
think it’s a musical that is definitely worth watching.
well performed and you could easily relate to the
Kirsty Dronfield
characters which made it even more moving. The

GONE FOR GOOD harlan coben


This heart stopping thriller is not one to be left on the bedside table for too long.
Full of unexpected twists and turns, it will not only impress every student out there
but is guaranteed to leave you looking for more Coben novels.
After eleven years of being known as a murderer’s brother, Will Klein’s life
finally seemed to be getting back on track. The Klein family were left at the centre
of an international manhunt, when a young girl was found brutally strangled in
her basement close to the family’s home. Will’s brother, Ken found himself in the
frame but disappeared and had not been seen since.
Convinced his brother is dead, Will tried to get on with his life, securing a job
and a girlfriend, but the cracks began to show after his mother reveals Ken is still
alive, over a decade since his disappearance.
Shocked and heartbroken by his mother’s news, Will’s life shatters as he
discovers his new girlfriend Sheila is missing. Determined to find her, Will
crosses over to a side of town he swore he would never go to again.
Looking under every stone in the New Jersey for clues as to Sheila’s
whereabouts, Will stumbles across some life changing information... that Sheila
is wanted for a savage double murder herself. Is history repeating itself? Will
everyone that gets close to him become a villain?
Georgie Campbell
SPAGHETTI junction 41
Arts & Entertainment horoscopes
HOROSCOPES by joel harley
SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22) TAURUS (Apr 21-May 21)
A particularly vicious bout of flu is in the
Destiny hands you a key. But not a proper
air this month, so you might want to watch
one: one of those metaphorical things that
yourself. I’d suggest carrying a gas mask
don’t mean anything really. I know you’re
in your bag, just in case. Also handy for
disappointed, but pretend to be happy anyway.
dealing with those fellow students who
Hopefully next time it’ll be keys to a Bentley.
aren’t too up on their personal hygiene.

GEMINI (May 22-Jun 21)


SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21) Nipping into a public toilet, you might recognize a
Ho hum, you lot don’t live very interesting lives, do certain phone number on the cubicle wall. If you
you? It’s like trying to read biscuits. Those ‘nice’ don’t, give it a call anyway. It’s the number to my
biscuits with the word ‘nice’ printed on them. Spice psychic hotline. Calls charged £1.50 a minute.
things up a bit: go join a fight club or something. Downmarket, maybe – but do you know how
much newspaper advertising costs these days?
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 20)
You remember I said you were gullible before? CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 23)
No? I did, take my word for it. Anyway, double Your love life is looking up this month. No
that for this month, because people really start not there, I said look up. It’s parachuting
to take advantage. Maybe it’s because they at you from a great height. So, uh, take
read it in a previous issue. Incidentally, did cover. It’s raining men, hallelujah. Or
you know that gullible isn’t in the dictionary? not, depending on your sexual orientation.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21-Feb 19) Leo (Jul 24-Aug 23)


Your obsession with a certain Indie comedy Love life looking a bit gloomy? Hit the town
programme sees you earmarked as an idiot this with a few chums and paint it red. There’s no
month, so stop spouting stupid catchphrases guarantees you’ll pull (what am I, psychic??)
like you invented them. Get into My Family but you’ll have a good time, all the same.
instead. People will think it’s ironic and hey Think Sex and the City. Only the city’s
presto, you’ve invented “the next big thing.” Birmingham and the sex is a bit rubbish.

PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20) Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 23)


Like a cat chasing its own tail, you’re not going The answer, apparently, is yes. I know
to catch that prize no matter how hard you try. that’s not very helpful, but cold reading isn’t
And, like a dog chasing traffic, there’s going easy, and I’m not very good at it. Just keep
to be a messy accident if you don’t give it up. asking questions, and sooner or later you’ll
get whatever it is you’re after. Possibly.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20) LIBRA (Sep 24-Oct 23)


I know what you did last summer. And you’re gonna Oh no you didn’t!!! Actually, no, you didn’t.
have to pay generously to keep me quiet. That And now you’re going to regret it for the rest
thing you did with the… thing… and the hooks? of your life. A little downbeat perhaps, but
Damn, that was harsh. Like I said… generously. them’s the breaks. I just tells it like I sees it.

Check out the Spaghetti Junction


fan page on Facebook
Search “Spaghetti Junction Student Magazine” on facebook to find the fan page. Not everything we want to go
into the magazine can fit, so we’ll be putting more articles, reviews and updates onto Facebook.
You’ll find all the photos we take at events on there, as well as illustrations and previous cover shots. It also
gives you a chance to tell us what you think. So get online, and become a fan!
Although we try our hardest, not all the pictures in this magazine are origionally sourced froms us. If we haven’t directly referenced them in the magazine you’ll be sure to find out where they come
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42 SPAGHETTI junction
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