Your Free Union Magazine

October 2008
Freshers’ Issue
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 EDITOR’S NOTE
Hi everyone and welcome to the first Spaghetti Junction this academic
year! If you are a returning student, welcome back. I hope you had a
great summer and that your results for this year were good. If you are
someone who is just joining us, welcome to Birmingham City University!
I hope you are settling in and that you have a great time while you are
here. Welcomes over and done with, this is an extra special issue! Not
only do we have a brand new look, this is also the Freshers edition! This
month, we have coverage of Freshers week, some great articles for all the new students, as well
as some old favourites like Cookery Corner and, of course, all the latest film, album and DVD
reviews. We also have some new features this issue, check out ‘Student of the Month’ where a
student who has made remarkable achievements is celebrated. As ever, I hope you enjoy this
issue (which I’m sure you will) and remember, the magazine is now completely student run so if
you want to get involved, get in touch! See you next month!
Roxanne Carmen Hawker
Editor-in-Chief: Roxanne Carmen Hawker
littlemissrox13@hotmail.co.uk
Deputy Editor:Natalie Marchant
nataliemarchant@hotmail.com
News, Current Affairs, Features & Student Groups Editor: Georgie Campbell
georgina.cambell@students.ac.uk
Design & Graphics Co-Editor: Jak Flash
jakflash@rocketmail.co.uk
Design & Graphics Co-Editor: Poppy French
poppy_french@hotmail.co.uk
Communications Officer: Jennifer James
union.comms@bcu.ac.uk
With thanks to all those who contributed to this issue,
and to Paul Muller for the Freshers’ events access.
UP FRONT
Meet the Team 4
Safety Tips 6
Union News 8
Recycling 10
Mature Students 12
LGBT 13
Gay Out Much? 14
Gosta Green 16

FEATURES
What’s on in the City? 18
Freshers’ Week 21

STUDENT CULTURE
Health & Fitness 27
Natalie’s Cookery Corner 28
Fashion on Campus 30
Student of the Month 32

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Bridging the Gap 34
Bands in University 35
Reviews 36
Horoscopes 42

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Illustration: Jak Flash

UP front meet the team
Spaghetti Building Blocks
The roads that cross to bring you the Junction
Hi everyone! I hope that you have had a great
summer and welcome back or, a big hearty
welcome if you’re a Fresher and are just joining
us at Birmingham City University. I am now
starting my second year at Birmingham City on
the Visual Communications course, specialising
in Photography.
In this edition of Spaghetti Junction - the very
first of the year, you can find plenty about what
to do in Birmingham, as well as university
focused events and issues – we hope you
find them useful and interesting! I urge you to
especially check out the Cookery Corner where
I’ve thought up some quick, cheap and tasty
recipes for you!
Like I did last year, you too can get involved
with Spaghetti Junction. Just contact us via
email if you want to write gig reviews, get your
writing published and even if you’re an aspiring
photographer. We are always on the lookout for
fresh talent, especially as the magazine is now
completely student run!
I wish you a happy and successful year ahead!
Natalie Marchant
Deputy Editor
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Picture:Poppy French & Jak Flash
Moved out when I was 16, left the Shire to
come to the city. Came to university on a whim
(probably the best whim of my life), decided
to change my name, met some pretty decent
people, and moved in with my mates, leaving
me in my current position.
Although I’ve slacked towards the end of
the year I love to go out, get wasted, have a
dance, find myself in unknown places, general
responsible behaviour. You can’t go wrong
with a gig at the Barfly followed by some
homosexual based fun at DV8 fuelled by free
alcohol.
When I’m at university you can probably find
me milling about BIAD, as I too am studying
Viscom. I’m specialising in Graphic but I have
no real idea what I want to do with myself (do
any of us really? Live fast, die young and all
that jazz). Me and Pops have re-designed the
magazine giving it (what we hope is) a fresh
new look.
I’ll see you about sometime.
Jak Flash
Design and Graphics Co-Editor

Welcome students!
Old or new it’s good to see you! Please do
come round for tea, Jak is always baking.
I too am doing Vis Comm and we are certainly
a hard working bunch. If you are a hard worker
too, why not join us? We are always looking for
people to join the design team.
So a little about me? I have big dreams and
I’m hoping that university will help me to fulfil
them, but then I guess success and happiness
is everyone’s dream right?!
2008/2009 will be the year of change. You
should be aware the student magazine has
had a total refit, not just a new lick of paint but
a wonderful redesign which we are all really
proud of!
So I want you, yes you to tell me what you think
about Spaghetti Junction. Like it? I want to
know about your student life, where you like to
go out, what makes you happy and angry. 2008
shall be the year of your opinions because
what’s a student magazine for if it’s not all
about us?
Poppy French
Design and Graphics Co-editor.
UP front meet the team
Woo! We are finally back. This year already
looks hot to trot with our fortnight of Freshers,
new students and our ever expanding
University - so what else are you waiting for?
To find out about all the mischievous events of
the forthcoming year, make sure you watch this
space. But you all still need to keep in touch to
make sure this magazine is exactly what YOU
guys want.
Moving into the second year is a somewhat
scary step – as now the real work begins. But,
no, that doesn’t mean I’ll forget about all our
readers – far from it. I hope this issue proves
helpful to our newcomers with handy safety
and fitness tips. Oh, and make sure you all
check out the cookery corner when you’re
scratching your head for an idea for dinner.
I can’t emphasise enough how much we all
want your involvement in the magazine. After
taking control last semester, it really has given
us students a platform to discuss pressing
issues and get things done. Working with the
Students’ Union, we can really make some
changes around here. We’ll keep you updated
with all the dirt behind the scenes but, we need
your help... It’s our University – so pipe up and
have your say!
Georgie Campbell
News, Current Affairs, Features and Student
Groups Editor
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UP front safety tips
r e she rs
01 f o r F
1
Safety It’s a scary world out there! So Georgie Campbell has very
kindly taken the time to give you a few handy hints on how to keep
your stuff safe and those thieves at bay. Some of them may seem a bit ridiculous,
some may be stating the obvious, but believe me when I say you will thank her one day.

So Freshers, you’ve made it... your parents Getting right down to business... numero uno from
have finally stopped fussing and left you alone my list of advice. This may be the most obvious
to get on with it! But do you really know what but, amazingly it does happen. Do not, I repeat,
you should be looking out for? Who’s lurking DO NOT leave your purse, wallet, keys or MP3
round the corner, in the bathroom or even the player unattended. In the past, students have
kitchen? shown genuine surprise when they come back to
the canteen to discover their treasured possessions
are no longer there. The security guards will not be
impressed when you tell them you “just popped to
the toilet!”
The one killer characteristic of the young
gun Fresher is, of course, going to be
naivety. Being at university is probably the
first time you’ve lived away from home,
probably the first time in a few years you
have had to make new friends and the first
time you’ve entered an unknown city on
your own. All this means you have to take
extra care. So get wiser.

Now to the tricky stuff...

as your bank account
swells with your first
loan instalment, the one
thing Freshers must
NOT do: flash their
cash. It may very well
be the most money
that your account has
seen in a long time
after partying through
the summer, but it
is not something to
boast about. Buying
the first round may
very well entice your
new friends, but you
can’t buy friendship
and your so-called
mates will remember
that first night with Mr
Moneybucks. Tactic –
be conservative, that
money does have to
see you through until
Christmas.

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 UP front safety tips

Living in halls throughout your first year will seem like
fun, but you still need to remember you don’t actually
know these people as well as you think you do. When
the first slice of bread goes missing from your fridge,
alarm bells should start ringing. As term continues, you
will become more comfortable, but don’t leave your food
open to others. Buying only what you need ensures
that your food doesn’t go astray and that it doesn’t go
mouldy before you’ve had a chance to eat it.
Your first year should be full of fun
memories, drunken nights out and, of
course, a wee bit of studying – so make
sure it is. Just remember that whatever you
are fearful of, it’s almost guaranteed that
someone you know is thinking the same.
Everyone has had to go through the same
process, we’re all in the same boat – so look
out for each other.

Of course you’re going to hit the

town with your new crew in tow,
but ensure that you stay with
someone. Walking aimlessly
through Birmingham, whilst
under the influence of alcohol in
the early hours of the morning is
not clever. Being unfamiliar with
the area or even the route home
almost spells trouble before it
hits, so avoid it at all costs.

If these few words of wisdom do not enlighten you and lead you down the safe path to second year – what will?
But just in case, make sure you check out your security office in both your academic and residential campuses.
Knowing where to go if you do end up in trouble will take the pinch out of an awful situation, so get exploring.
Now you’re fully loaded with advice – go out and enjoy yourself.
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UP front union news

“Hello and welcome to both the

new bods and the returnees! What is Student Council?
I hope that you have all had a If you want to have a say into how your Union is being run,
good Summer (which has lasted and be part of one of the highest decision making bodies in
a lot longer than I thought it your Union, then all you need to do is become a member of
would), both through work and the Student Council.
raising money for local and Council is of the utmost importance for the university as it is
national charities. However, the the official forum to get results, have your voice heard and
Exec team have been pressing most importantly, be there while decisions are being made.
on in preparation for your
arrival and we await with eager
grins as you return, hopefully
refreshed. There is so much to
offer and so much that is little Who is on council?
known about the Students’ Council Faculty Representatives (CFR) get elected by the
Union and this year we hope to student body before the first council takes place. There are
change that! In order to find out 37 positions all up for grabs.
a little more about our work and
how we represent and cater for
your needs, check out How to get involved
www.birminghamcitysu.com. Simply visit our website and fill out the from provided
I know that I can’t wait to meet or email Communications Officer Jen James at union.
you all and I’m sure the other comms@bcu.ac.uk.
Execs feel the same so make
sure you say hello if you see
any of us!
Ethical and Environmental Officer
This is my second and final year
Last academic year, a motion was passed at AGM calling
as President and I wish you all
for the introduction of a 7th part time Officer ‘Ethical and
the best of luck with your studies
Environmental Officer’ and we need you!
and promise to listen and act on
your voices.”

Oz Hetherington To find out what the post is all about visit our website
Union President www.birminghamcitysu.com or email the Comms officer.

With each New Year comes a new

and improved Students’ Union!
We have a brand new website, giving you all the information
you are likely to need for the year ahead like up to date
news, events, sports & society info and much more. With its
Facebook like features (Profiling and picture tagging), the
website is better than ever!

Also, we have extended our Exec team from five to eleven,

giving you more representation and support throughout the
year. The five usual suspects are still on hand but they have
now been teamed up with six part-time Executive Officers;
a Black & Minority Ethnic Student Officer, a Mature Student
Officer, an Edgbaston Campus Officer, a Gosta Green
Campus Officer, a Millennium Point Campus Officer and a
Conservatoire Campus Officer. For more information on the
Exec team, visit the website where full profiles are available.

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UP front recycling

Recycling was a BIG issue

for the Union this year, with
a HUGE campaign launched
earlier in the year. However,
a few months down the line,
has anything really changed?
Is Birmingham City University
any closer to helping save
the planet? Or was all the
‘action’ from the Union just a
load of old rubbish? Georgie
Campbell investigates.
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After the enthusiastic launch of Birmingham City
Students’ Union recycling campaign earlier in
the year, should we expect to see an increase
of facilities on campus? Unfortunately – not just
yet. But progress is being made. Newly elected
Representations and Campaigns Officer, Hannah
Newland has shown her strong commitment to the
issue and promises some changes in the near future.
We already know that there is strong support from the
University’s students from last year’s online petition
set up by the Students’ Union, but now is the time to
see something being done about it. R & C Officer,
Hannah said: “The University is currently recycling
around 4% of their waste, so in two years time we
are aiming for an increase to 25% - if not more!” So
kids, it looks like plans are on track for a greener Uni.
So – do we now sit back and give a “thumbs up” to
our Student Union? After all, they’ve shone through
and proved once again that they really are listening to
student concerns. But... NO! That doesn’t mean our
involvement in this campaign is done and dusted, far
from it... Although we are powerless to enforce more
facilities around our campuses, there are still things
that we can do in the mean time.
Carrying on our carbon footprint battle, here’s
a re-cap of handy tips to help you on your way:
Remember rule number one – avoid the “evil villain”...
the PLASTIC BAG! Supermarkets are phasing out
the treacherous carriers, but we can still cut down the
number we use. Most bags are 100% degradable –
but why use them in the first place? Take your own
bags to Asda, saving the environment whilst avoiding
the embarrassment as your bag splits when getting
on the bus... it will happen! Now I’m sure you won’t
all be eating takeaway pizza and Chinese with all the
cookery tips in this mag... but if you do surrender (to
the detriment of your waist line remember!) make sure
you do your bit. Recycling that cardboard pizza box
and chow mein plastic container is easily done. The
plastic tub can be washed out and reused as a lunch
box for your money saving lunch time needs, whilst
most residential areas provide small black boxes for
cardboard collections... so use them!
UP front recycling
Your Union’s new
environmental campaign
involves discontinuing carrier
bags in all Union outlets.
Instead, we provide cool,
environmentally friendly bags
for life; costing just £1.25.
Plastic bottles – they’re everywhere. Look around,
they’re on the shelves, in the bins, on the streets, in
the bushes and why? Because we need to drink of
course... but did you know they are tricky to recycle?
Believe it or not – most city councils ask for the bottles
and lids to be separated before entering the recycling
process. As the two parts are made from different
plastics, they need treating differently, so prove more
challenging than other items. So, whilst we’re waiting
for more machinery to be invented to deal with this
problem what can we do? Well, it’s obvious... no
brain wave here. Re-use bottles as often as you can.
Carrying around a bottle of water not only saves your
pennies but keeps your mind active and can even
avoid tiredness. That bottle will seem like your best
friend as you sit through your midmorning lectures
after a heavy night out on the pop.
But that’s not all we can do. While we sit and wait
for our greener Uni to emerge, what can we recycle
on campus? THINK! It’s simple. Why did you need to
print that six page essay to proof read it? Printing only
when you ABSOLUTELY need to will not only save
your printer credits but will also reduce the amount
of waste paper we’re using. With your recycling tips
in check you can carry on the battle against global
warming, whilst reeping in the benefits from saving
those extra pennies. But why are we all so passionate
about recycling?
There are the obvious reasons of saving the world,
blah blah blah, but that’s not all. It will affect each and
everyone one of us individually. Ridding the streets
of rubbish will not only help to improve the image of
our Uni and city, but will ensure a safer environment
for our community. Proving a passionate issue that
is increasingly becoming a topic of debate in many
households, it really does proving a passionate issue
that is increasingly becoming a topic of debate in
many households, it really does emphasise its own
importance within our student lives. R&C Officer,
Hannah said: “I’m really going to push recycling this
year as it’s a global problem already and it’s what
students want.” So with the full support of our SU –
make sure you keep recycling those pizza boxes!!
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UP front mature students
It’s not all chalk and cheese
A
mature student: someone
who is at least 21 years old at
the start of their course and has
usually been out of the education
system for at least two years.
Can also include students who
have been out of the education
system for decades, or students
with no secondary education.
source: wikipedia
Mature students are the forgotten
breed who are now increasingly
entering education at university
level. During 07/08, 46% of degree
level students at Birmingham
City University were classified as
mature students. Our university is
following the nationwide consensus
of having mature students form
the vast majority of part-time
students, and an ever increasing
proportion of the full-time student
population. UCAS (2008) states:
“[that] one of
the encouraging
developments in recent
years has been the
growth of lifelong
learning. Increasingly,
students are taking up
courses at every stage
of life. What was once
seen as the preserve
of the young is now
rightfully an area for
all.”
As a mature student myself (I am
about to embark on the second
year of my course), I believe that
us mature students should be
greatly valued; whether we have
joined the ranks to improve our
job prospects, to make a fresh
start in life or purely down to being
12 SPAGHETTI junction
interested in a particular subject.
We should also be valued for what
we can bring to a course. Things
like our enthusiasm, the fact that
we add diversity to the course
and also for our life experience
and previously gained skills.
Remember, we are not ‘old’, we
are simply experienced! We have
bravely decided that it is not too
late to improve our prospects; this
being hurdle one. We have been
accepted onto a university course.
That is hurdle two. Now we begin
to panic! Although all students
have to deal with the stress of
university life, mature students
experience a whole different
range of pressures and stress.
That is why I have put together my
top five tips for mature students:
1) THROW OFF THE IMPOSTER
SYNDROME!
Many mature students feel they are
at university under false pretences
and that someone will eventually
discover them and throw them out.
Remember that you have earned
your place through hard work,
determination and commitment.
This should give you a boost;
others have already seen the
potential in you and have the
confidence that you can cope with
the work level. Make the most of
this experience and ENJOY IT!
2) NON-MATURE STUDENTS ARE
OK!
University is a great opportunity to
mix with a wide range of people.
Try to make friends with all age
groups and other nationalities.
Remember, first impressions are
not always right. People cannot
be categorised using stereotypes
so ensure that you take everyone
for what they are: individuals.
3) GET READY…
To have the feeling that you
aren’t doing enough and
of never being finished!
It will be hard work and there will
be lots of it! If you set up a weekly
study timetable and don’t leave
things to the last minute, you
should be able to cope with this.
If you feel that you aren’t coping,
don’t be afraid to ask for help!
4) DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE
SKILLS YOU ALREADY HAVE!
Since leaving school and joining
university, there has been a gap
and whether you have been
a full time parent or been in a
working environment, you have
gained life skills. Remember that
these skills will be advantageous
to you whilst on your course.
5) DON’T FORGET YOUR FRIENDS
AND FAMILY!
For some, the decision to return
to the education system will be an
entirely selfish one. For others, the
decision will be based around an
entirely selfless act of improving the
prospects of your family. Whichever
it is, remember that you will be
required to adapt to a new way of
life. Any student that spends their
university life living at home has
a completely different university
experience than those who live in
university accommodation. As your
year progresses, you will adapt to
the university way of life. It is highly
likely that your social timetable
will be affected and, although
dedication and sacrifice is required,
ALL WORK AND NO PLAY
MAKES ANY MATURE STUDENT
A VERY DEPRESSED PERSON!
My final words of wisdom come from
my own personal experience. You
may not always find your course
easy and life as a mature student
will have its challenges but just
remember that you are not alone!
Hundreds of students are in the
same boat and are encountering
the same problems, HONEST!
Written by Suzanne Rule
 UP front LGBT

LG
w
BT
hat does LGBT mean? Well, for those of you not familiar with the term, it’s quite simply an abbreviation
for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and transgender/transsexual people. It is used as a replacement for the phrase
gay community, as many people felt this was not an accurate representation of all those to which the term
referred. Here at Birmingham City University, we have a healthy and active LGBT community who get together
at the beginning of every month. We offer students support and advice on a variety of issues from sexual
health and coming out, to places to party and campaigning for any issues that students may have. We talk
about Birmingham as a city and offer an insight to its attractions that may interest people, or we may discuss
recent LGBT issues such as the gay blood ban and think of any ideas that can help raise awareness about
these issues. The topics vary from meeting to meeting depending on what members want to discuss. As well
as monthly meetings, we have regular events throughout the year. Recently, we had our popular ‘Hurst Street
Hussle’ bar crawl that trails its way through the heart of the gay scene. A record number of people attended and
we enjoyed great exclusive drink promotions! Other outing highlights include bowling at Star City, the Thursday
night of fun which sees us attending Dv8 and Nightingales for cheap drinks and great music, and we will soon
be attending the High School Musical 3 premiere!
The group is not exclusively for people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Trans, it is for everyone and people
who are heterosexual are encouraged to join. In the past, LGBT groups have faced criticisms, with some people
believing that grouping together people with non-heterosexual orientations perpetuates the myth that being gay/
lesbian/bisexual makes a person deficiently different from everyone else. Here at Birmingham City University,
the LGBT society celebrates its sexuality but most importantly we celebrate pride, diversity and individuality.
These are the reasons we encourage people from all walks of life to join our group, in recognition of their
support for the political rights and social dignity of the LGBT community.
Some groups differ on what LGBT stands for; some groups argue that the transgender and transsexual
causes are not the same as those of LGB people and therefore shouldn’t be included. This argument centres on
the idea that transgender and transsexuality have to do with gender identity, while LGB issues may be seen as a
matter of sexual orientation. Others see the LGBT as people that are supposed to fight on issues that the LGBT
community face, examples being same-sex marriages and the gay blood ban.
Here at Birmingham City’s LGBT, we believe in a mixture of discussion and tackling the issues facing LGBT
members. Most importantly though, we exist as another form of social networking within the university, to give
people the chance to meet other people, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Written by Lee Lawrence

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 Picture: Jak Flash

UP front gay out much

GAY OUT MUCH?

Here at Spaghetti Junction, we want to make sure that
we have something for everyone, especially as we are
welcoming loads of new students! With that in mind, Lee
Lawrence has taken a look at the Birmingham gay scene.
14 SPAGHETTI junction

As with any large town or city,
an exciting and active night-life
plays an important role in the
commerce and culture of a city.
Luckily for us, Birmingham boasts
Broad Street and The Mailbox
(both in the City Centre) among its
key attractions for people seeking
a great night out. However,
Birmingham also has a very
healthy and active gay community.
The area around Hurst Street is
affectionately known as “the gay
village” and whilst it might not be
as big or as busy as the scene
in Manchester or London, it’s
certainly on the cusp of greatness,
boasting an impressive twelve
bars to its name. Here is a brief
round up of what key bars the gay
scene in Birmingham has to offer.
Glamorous is the first bar
people are most likely to see;
it’s a cabaret bar that is famous
for its nightly themes that range
from vocalists to strippers, and
its specialty of drag queens
and you will regularly find drag
shows being performed. Then,
on to Nightingales which is
Birmingham’s biggest club with
three floors and a restaurant. The
entertainment here tends to be the
best of anywhere in the Midlands!
Saturday nights feature famous
acts with appearances in the past
including Kelly Rowland and Booty
Luv. DV8 isn’t too far away and
is definitely the best for drinks
offers. Every Thursday, they hold
their ‘Skint’ night where entry is
£7 and all drinks are free! It has
become the busiest student night
in Birmingham, easily establishing
itself as a firm favourite with all
students. Finally, there’s The Fox,
located on Lower Essex Street
which is Birmingham’s only lesbian
bar. The staff there are some of
the friendliest about and there are
lots of nooks and crannies, with
the pool room tucked away behind
the bar.
Now on to events; described
by its organisers as ‘the largest
gay and lesbian event in the UK’,
Birmingham Pride is a weekend
long gay and lesbian festival held
annually in the Gay Village. This
year’s flamboyant Birmingham
Pride took place over the May
Bank Holiday weekend and,
whatever you’re looking for at a
gay and lesbian festival, you’re
likely to find it at Birmingham
Pride, which is definitely an event
with a great heart and a friendly
atmosphere. There are dance
and musical events, funfair rides,
street stalls and entertainments to
name a few of the occurrences at
this three day extravaganza! is presented by David Nash and
Birmingham Pride usually features
a carnival parade through the City
Centre on the Sunday but the ‘08
parade was cancelled this year
causing controversy within the gay
community. An alternate march
was held by campaigners, led
by the University of Birmingham
LGBTQ association who followed
the same route as the original
parade but with a protest march.
The protest attracted between
350 and 400 people and aimed
to combat political apathy within
the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual
and trans) community. The
placards carried a variety of
messages, targeting many issues
including the commercialization
of LGBT spaces, homo, bi and
trans phobias and the gay blood
ban. The campaign was seen
as a success, and generated
nationwide press interest and
made the front page of a number
of local publications as well being
featured on BBC news.
While plans for Pride 2009
are on the go, upcoming events
SPAGHETTI junction 15
UP front gay out much
include the annual Pride Ball
which is a fundraising event,
usually held two months before
Birmingham’s Pride festival.
The fundraising event boasts
‘over 750 diners, [and] has to
be undoubtedly the biggest gay
ball in the UK’. It is also said
that it is ‘one of the best and
most prestigious gay events in
the UK’. Next year’s ball has a
theme of Gold and Silver and
features a three course meal,
as well as entertainment that
includes performances from
X-Factor finalist Niki Evans and
a disco. The event raises money
for charity whilst doubling up as a
presentation night for the Midland
Zone Magazine Readers’ Awards.
The Oscar-style Awards ceremony
the ball supports lesbian and gay
charities. Everyone that wants to
have fun and indulge in an elegant
evening is more than welcome to
buy a ticket.
Some people claim the gay
scene in Birmingham does not
equal the importance of Old
Compton Street or Canal Street.
However, the number of gay bars
and clubs on the scene is both
significant and impressive. It is
true to say Birmingham’s Gay
scene, on and mainly around
Hurst Street (with Subway
being a notable exception) is
considerably smaller than London
and Manchester but what it
lacks in size, it makes up for in
character! With Birmingham City
Council recently announcing
plans to put £1 million towards
environmental improvements that
are much needed to the city’s Gay
Village, (which should hopefully
be implemented by Pride 2009),
it seems that Birmingham’s Gay
Village is going from strength to
strength, and can only get better!

UP front gosta green
The grass is always Greener at Gosta
Gosta Green is one of five campuses that make
up one of the biggest faculties of Art and Design
in the UK. It can be found in the midst of the Aston
University Campus, as they’re located right next to
each other. This is a campus budding with creativity,
bursting with energy and thriving with students
who have great potential. Here, you can study a
wide variety of courses from Animation to Visual
Communication (which I study, it’s amazing!). There
is so much available for the students to use as well,
we really are well kitted out. There’s a dark room for
developing all your negatives and a studio with a
white cornerless cove for all your photography needs.
It doesn’t stop there though… oh no! There are suites
full of Macs, there’s a chroma key room (painted like
something Slimmer from Ghostbusters got hold of)
and even a stop frame animation studio, complete
with light boxes (which were crafted by one of Gosta
Green’s own members of staff). When the students
want a break (after all the strenuous work they have
been subjected to), they can relax and grab a coffee
and some food (including chippez!) from the canteen.
All the Freshers’ are in for a treat as all the chairs
have just been replaced with some super sexy green
16 SPAGHETTI junction
Picture: Jak Flash
ones. Don’t spend all your pennies in the canteen
though, because there is a Union art shop where all
the things you want to aid your creative desires are
available for a worthy price. The Union office can
also be found in its lovely circular cubical, keeping
you up to date on all that is student. On the way out
of Gosta Green, there’s a display on the right (one
of four to be found on campus) that, in the past has
featured some great work including a vinyl display
from Lunartik A.K.A. Matt Jones (Lunartik.com). In
the Visual Communication reception, you can often
find great works around the walls. A notable exhibition
from last year was Rob Gibb’s (Photography
Lecturer) photography pieces. He displayed various
black and white works from his personal collection,
demonstrating an interesting form and approach to
photography. The most recent exhibition to be put
on was the MA show where works were displayed
thoughout the campus. It was great to see such talent
on show, and the ambition of the current students
keeps on growing so come down and look at the
future exhibitions.
Jak Flash
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SPAGHETTI junction 17

Features what’s on in the city
What’s on in the city?
As many of you are new to
Birmingham, we know you will
be wanting to find out about
all things you can do in our
city. Poppy French has created
her guide on the best of Brum.
Enjoy!
As a student you will be
bombarded with leaflets. They
are absolutely everywhere! As
a student in Birmingham, many
of the leaflets thrown at you will
be advertising Broad Street.
For those of you new to the city
(and for those who just didn’t
know), Broad Street holds many
of Birmingham’s clubs and bars.
These include Lloyds bar (part of
the Wetherspoons chain so it’s
cheap), the Walkabout Inn (good
for the following: watching
sport on big screens,
good deals on
drinks and
some
18 SPAGHETTI junction
hilarious live music acts;
remember East 17? They played
here last Christmas!), Reflex;
where every night is 80s night
and Flares (which is the same as
Reflex only it’s stuck in the 70s…).
If after all that decade jumping you
feel like a laugh, why not check
out the comedy club Jongleurs?
It has a special student night and
when the comedy is over, the club
turns into the 90s music room
for the club Risa (more decade
jumping…). If you love alcohol
and variety (who doesn’t?), check
out vodka bar Revolution, which
boasts many different vodka
flavours (including chilli for those
of you who like hot stuff…). One
of the latest additions to the Broad
Street family is the world famous
Gatecrasher club which aims
to be ‘the UK’s most glamorous
destination and luxury nightclub.’
We’ll see. Just a word of warning
about Broad Street though; is best
to avoid it at the weekends as it
tends to be filled with sleazy office
types and entrance and
drink prices are usually
raised.
Beyond
Broad
Picture: Poppy French
St, you’ll find the Broadway Plaza
which, in my opinion holds the
best cinema in Birmingham, we’re
talking huge screens and refillable
popcorn. Woohoo! Fancy a spot
of bowling? There is a bowling
complex in the Plaza too and you’ll
find offers for both the cinema and
bowling on the Student Beans
website (www.studentbeans.com).
From Broad Street, there’s a canal
network that leads to the Sealife
Centre (two for one available on
student beans) and the Mailbox
shopping centre. The Mailbox
has many of Birmingham’s more
expensive shops like Harvey
Nichols and it’s also possible to
get a canal boat down to it if that’s
your sort of thing!
Now for a bit of culture; if you
find yourself in a blues orientated
mood, check out the Yard Bird
Jazz club. From there, it’s just
a short walk through Paradise
Forum to the Birmingham Museum
and Art Gallery, which has the
UK’s biggest public collection of
Renaissance art. Then, opposite
Birmingham City University’s
Margaret St campus are the open
gallery spaces. Recent exhibitions
include the Stitch exhibition
(Birmingham was the only city
in the country to have the
show). When you’re
done with all the
art, why not
go

shopping and put a dent in
that student loan? Birmingham
City Centre was recently name
dropped by Channel 4’s Gok
Wan as one of the best high
street shopping destinations.
There is a brilliant selection of
shops, ranging from high street
to small boutiques, as well as a
great selection of vintage shops
and charity shops. For a more
interesting range, it’s worth
travelling out of the city centre
to areas such as Moseley and
Harborne which are all on the
Birmingham bus routes. Slightly
out of town (but still within walking
distance), you will find the glorious
Jewellery Quarter which has
many lovely restaurants (perfect
for dates and when your parents
visit), sleek bars and of course
our university’s famous Jewellery
school. The Jewellery Quarter is
also home to the club Concrete
(just below the Big Peg building).
The club follows the stylish feel of
the Jewellery Quarter and hosts
fabulous eclectic live nights, with
a £50k KV2 sound system it is
the first of its kind in the Midlands,
with the opening night featuring
a DJ set from none other than
Bloc Party. Also check out St.
Paul’s Square, where you will find
the Jam House which is Jools
Holland’s famous pub. Again there
are live nights as well as excellent
beer but make sure you arrive
early to avoid disappointment.
Nearby, you will find Subway City.
This club hosts many excellent
club nights with Hardcore, Funk
and Electro at the weekends.
Tuesday is a popular student night
with a 90s feel and every alternate
Tuesday is all you can drink.
Heading back into town, you will
find the Birmingham Academy
(situated at Dale End). This is a
great place for live events and the
acts range from the super famous
to the undiscovered! The Academy
also hosts two club nights, with
Ramshackle on Friday (generic
indie pop tunes with a fabulous
electro room) and Subculture on
Saturday (Birmingham’s biggest
rock and metal night). Both nights
are well priced but do expect to
get filthy shoes!
Heading down from the centre of
Birmingham you come to Digbeth.
The first clubs you come to are
The Sanctuary and Barfly. The
Sanctuary hosts the Panic! club
night every other Saturday. This
massive stately ex-mental asylum
is a brilliant back drop for any night
out. There are loads of rooms,
from Drum N Bass to Nineties
cheese and a brilliant Electro
room! Barfly plays host to many up
and coming acts. It also has club
nights on many nights of the week
so it’s worth checking their website
or their free magazine The Fly for
more information about what’s on.
Also in Digbeth, you will find the
Custard Factory, which is truly
awesome. During the day, it has
many interesting stores, vintage
clothes shops, an urban vinyl
shop and a folk instrument shop.
On Sundays it has a flea market
with many stalls, including a
regular spot from BIAD students
so pop down and show your
support. At night, the Custard
factory is transformed. One of
the most popular events at the
Custard Factory is the Eclectricity
night. Last year, Pendulum made
their Birmingham debut at this
event and it also hosts other top
SPAGHETTI junction 19
Features what’s on in the city
DJs including Erol Alkon, LCD
Soundsystem, Annie Mac, MYLO,
Simian Mobile Disco, DJ Yoda and
Hot Chip DJs to name but a few!
These nights can be pricey but
are definitely worth saving those
loans for.
Another brilliant Birmingham
venue is The Rainbow, which has
its own warehouse. Coincidentally,
it is the very same warehouse
that plays host to the Birmingham
City Students’ Union Warehouse
Party. The Rainbow also often
hosts the famous Drop Beats Not
Bombs, which involves the street
being closed so the party can
continue under the railway arches.
Definitely one of the coolest
venues in Brum!
Heading back towards town,
there is the Arcadian (situated in
Birmingham’s Chinatown). This
area is also theatre land and
the outskirts of Birmingham’s
gay Quarter. There are many
restaurants and cool bars, as
well as Oceana, Barracuda
and another Reflex bar. Some
bars in the Arcadian are more
reasonable than others, so it’s
worth moving around to get the
best drinks prices. This area is
also home to the Hippodrome
theatre and The Glee club which
hosts folk, acoustic music and
comedy events. Just opposite
the Glee Club is a fabulous old
fashioned sweet shop which sells
all the favourites. Great for reliving
childhood!
So that’s my guide on some
of the best of Brum! Go out
and enjoy yourselves, and let
Spaghetti Junction know what
you get up to!
Feature

20 SPAGHETTI junction
 Features freshers’ week

Warehouse Party
23.09.08
Speculation was rife, Facebook was buzzing with
rumours: “I’ve heard EVERYONE’S going. Will we
get in?” This is always a good sign for a Warehouse
party.
So we strolled up at around half-past ten, press
passes in hand. The queue was hu-uge with
everyone dressed up to the nines in their best rave
attire.
The Rainbow was its usual beautiful self with the
graffiti adorned walls setting the scene for the
fabulous party. The DJ’s were blaring out their best
mixes, the dance floor was filling up and things
were certainly hotting up. Before long, the stages
were filled with our most talented ravers. The more
chilled out Freshers had headed to the beach, not
Skegness, oh no! The Rainbow was kitted out with its
own beach!
With a thick taste of glow sticks in the back of their
throats and sleepy dancing feet, the revellers headed
home, to be tucked up in bed by new friends ready to
dream of the next Warehouse Party.

SPAGHETTI junction 21
Features freshers’ week

After the Warehouse Party there was a lot to live up too. And
let me tell you that Saturday night’s silent disco at Bar 42 was
certainly a fabulous experience.
When Spaghetti Junction arrived dressed up in our favourite
mime outfits the place was looking a bit empty with only a
couple of bravest fresher’s throwing shapes around on the
dance floor.
Soon with the finest disco tunes blaring out on the two
channel head phones everyone was out singing at the top of
their voices and care freely waving their limbs about.
Eventually some one realised that the wireless headphones
worked outside and everyone spilled out into the night air.
With everyone dancing to different tunes it was absolutely
hilarious to watch.
As the night drew to a close and without to many injuries we
all wandered home still dancing and prancing. My verdict? If
you’ve never been to a silent disco, go, NOW!

22 SPAGHETTI junction
 Features freshers’ week

S D
i i
l s
e
c
n
t
o

SPAGHETTI junction 23
Features freshers’ week

Main Event
So this is what we had all been wait-
ing for and everybody was certainly
ready. This event was truly classy, with
everyone looking especially beautiful in
preparation for the evening’s events. In
the main room, anticipation for Lil’ Chris,
Booty Luv and Platnum was building
and you Freshers simply burst when
they came on stage! When the bands
had finished, everyone settled down to
what you lot seem to do best, dancing
your asses off! The evening certainly
was brillant, definitely a main event to
be remembered.

24 SPAGHETTI junction
 Features freshers’ week

SPAGHETTI junction 25
26 SPAGHETTI junction
 Student Culture health & fitness

Health & Fitness

It’s a well known rumour that students pile on the
weight within their first year of Uni. So, to save you
going home at Christmas looking like a stuffed turkey,
here’s a few handy fitness tips from Georgie Campbell.

Cooking for yourself for the first
time may seem daunting – but
that does not mean you should
always go for the easy option. A
year’s worth of Pot Noodle and
toast will get boring, and what
about your health? A healthy diet
creates a healthy mind, so we
really do need to avoid
all those E numbered
foods. Attempting to eat
your five a day fruit and
veg will make you feel
healthier, but it’s not all
about food.
Regular exercise is important to keep
trim and on the ball. I know you’re
thinking the gym sounds like such hard
work – but there are other ways. Walking
is a wonderful form of exercise which will
not only keep those love handles at bay,
but will keep that purse bulging. Saving
£3 a day on the bus will add up so it’s
worth it. Walking to Uni with friends not
only keeps you active but gives you the
chance to have a good old gossip before
sitting through those three hour lectures.
The fresh air will keep you awake
for longer too so you will be able to
concentrate while even the most boring
lecturer is talking!

Next tip – take the stairs. Elevators

are the easy option, but you’ll benefit
from climbing those two flights of
stairs. It really isn’t that hard and
will get easier as term goes on.
When you have mastered walking
up the stairs, try taking them two at
a time which is even better exercise!
With our new Sports Centre under
development in the City North Campus,
the opportunities for exercise are
increasing, just extremely slowly. But
in the mean time, Alexander Stadium
has a cheap(ish) gym for students in
the Perry Barr area. Students based
in the centre of Birmingham may find
alternative gyms, clubs or facilities but
we need to make sure that the ever
increasing obesity levels of England are
not contributed to by Birmingham City
University’s students.
There are, of course, more hard core
types of exercise. A kick around after
Uni will keep those young bodies buff,
or even a light jog around the field will
do wonders. The sports societies are
normally thriving at Birmingham City
University, so why not tryout for them?
As well as getting regular exercise,
you will also meet a lot of great people,
and you may even
get to compete in
tournaments so
it’s worth thinking
about.

If you can’t face the gym, why not invest in an exercise DVD? There are some great ones out there,
for all fitness levels and that way, you can work out in the privacy of your own home, which is great for
those who don’t like the constant staring from personal trainer types at the gym!
Whatever you decide to do, have fun and enjoy the benefits of a healthier you.

Freshers, in fact all students -

dump the junk and get active.
SPAGHETTI junction 27
 Student Culture Natalie’s cookery corner

Natalies Cookery Corner

Here is our first Cookery Corner of the year and I hope that you enjoy the recipes that we have created
especially for you! We decided that in keeping with our name, from here onwards each edition of the
Cookery Corner will have a spaghetti themed recipe.

Cheesy Vegetable Bake (25 minutes)

This is a really delicious way to get a whole variety of vegetables in your diet and makes a change to a pizza or
pot noodle! It can also change depending on what seasonal veggies are available. If you want some meat in it, it
is also very good with chicken in there too. All you need to make it is:
1 A medium sized sweet potato
2 A red/white onion
3 A bunch of broccoli
4 A small courgette
5 Cheese
6 Garlic salt or other herbs or chilli sauce for seasoning
7 Breadcrumbs
8 Tomato sauce
Here’s how you do it:
Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees or 180 degrees for a fan assisted oven. Peel and cut up the potato and boil
it for 5-10 minutes until it is soft when you stick a fork in it. You can also cook the broccoli in the same pot for
less washing up. At the same time as they’re cooking, cut up the onion and courgette and lightly fry them. Once
they’re done, place ½ the amount in the bottom of an oven proof dish. Then add ½ the tomato sauce on top.
Then combine the other half with the potato and broccoli and put that in the dish too. Here’s your chance to add
some garlic and herbs if you want to. Place the breadcrumbs over the top and finally grate some cheese over
the top.
Pop it in the oven and bake until the cheese has melted which should be about 10 minutes!

28 SPAGHETTI junction
Picture: Jak Flash
 Student Culture Natalie’s cookery corner

Spaghetti and Sausage Special (15-20 minutes)

This is a really simple yet hearty dish that is also really cheap to make as it uses
very few ingredients. All you need is:
1 A packet of sausages (meat or veggie)
2 An onion
3 Any tomato based pasta sauce
or drained chopped tomatoes
4 Cooking oil
5 Spaghetti
6 Herbs to taste/ Chilli sauce for a bit of a kick!

Here’s how you do it:

Cut up the onion into small pieces and fry in a frying pan. Once slightly browned, add the sausages and cook
them according to the instructions on the packet. Once they have cooked, just cut up into small discs. Add the
sauce to this and let it simmer. At the same time, in another saucepan cook the spaghetti. Add chilli sauce or
herbs to the sauce for a bit of extra taste.
Once the spaghetti has cooked, drain it and mix the sauce in. Serve and enjoy!

Apple Crumble (25-30 minutes including cooking time)

A real favourite of mine that is straightforward and simply uses cupboard ingredients! Anyone can put this one
together for an impressive home-style dessert.
Here’s all you need:
1 One red apple
2 One green apple
3 A tin of chopped apples
4 A tablespoon of water
5 Ground cinnamon
6 White sugar
7 Flaked almonds – adds a bit of a twist to it!
8 McDougalls crumble topping
Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees or 180 for a
fan assisted oven. Peel and chop up the

We'll see you

two apples into chunks. Place them and
the tinned apple into an oven-proof dish.
Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over and then
add the water, as this will stop it drying out
in the oven. Sprinkle over a few almonds

next time for

if desired. Cover in a generous layer of
crumble topping and sprinkle some sugar
over that. Just pop it into the oven and bake
for 15-20 mins until the crumble just begins
to go golden. Serve with a nice big dollop of

moreCookery Corner
hot or cold custard!

SPAGHETTI junction 29
Student Culture fashion on campus

Well you’ve all come from far and wide; you’ve scoured the country for somewhere
to be educated and have arrived dressed for such an occasion, ready to show all
your friends what’s hot (that’s you) and what’s happening (that’s you too). So us
lot at Spaghetti Junction couldn’t let you run off without snapping you with our
cameras! Here are 10 lucky candidates we found trundling round the Freshers’
Fayre in search of some freebies. So, lucky readers, cast your eyes upon these
beauties.

Claudette James Kaz

Fashion Design Fashion Design
Hat- Primark Jacket- Topshop
Dress- Primark Top- Primark
Belt- Vintage Bag- Cyprus
Cardigan- Topshop Bangles- Oasis
Bag- Primark
Kaz likes to chow
Claudette’s supple down on Oreos
limbs allow her still and Peanut butter
to do the splits! in her spare time!

Natalie Chan Sophie Benson

Fashion Design Coat- Ebay
Jacket- Bench Shirt- Ebay
Cardigan- All Saints Skirt- Ebay
T-shirt- Topshop Bag- Charity Shop
Leggings- Hong Kong Belt- H&M
Bag- Primark Necklace- Vintage
Cardigan - Primark
Natalie loves to
whistle a tune... Sophie won’t accept
through her throat! your last Rolo, she
only eats things in
pairs!

30 SPAGHETTI junction
 Student Culture fashion on campus

Sam Adam Moffatt

Forbes-Walker
Visual
History Communication
Jacket- H&M Jacket- Ebay
T-Shirt- Blue Rinse T-shirt- Flip

Need your fish Just like Poppy

gutting? Well, French Adam
Sam is a qualified loves a bit of the
fishmonger no less! good ol’ Arrested
Development!

Jakaria Antoine Turner

Law Multimedia
Jacket- H&M Technology
T-shirt- Selfridges Jacket- Fred Perry
Belt- Levis T-shirt- JD Sport
Jeans- Topman
Antoine is hoping for
Ladies we’ve found a white Christmas
you a shopping this year, because
partner because he sure does love to
Jakaria will shop till snowboard!
he drops!

Natasha Wallace Evdokia

Papadopoulou
Accounting and Marketing-
Finance Advertising and PR
Jacket- Babyfat Jacket- Primark
T-shirt- New Look Jumper- H&M
Jeans- G-star Necklace-
Bag- New York Accessorise
Bag- Primark
Milk with your
cereal? No? Don’t judge this
Natasha likes book by its cover,
salad cream with the dumb blonde
everything! routine is just an act!

SPAGHETTI junction 31
Student Culture student of the month

STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Welcome Wonchop, one hell of a cheeky monkey!

Having completed his first year at BIAD studying Visual Communication Ben Smallman has continued
to achieve great things in the world of animation including his first television debut on the Kevin
Bishop Show. Spaghetti Junction brings you a little insight into the workings that are the mind behind
Wonchop, Hypocrite and Demise of a Match.

So what made you want to come to Birmingham City

University?
Basically, I wanted to go to some animation course, and like
most of the schools I’ve been to up to this point, this one was
the closest to wear I live XD
How did you find the first year?
A bit mixed. Some parts were better than others. I was
mostly unprepared about how little actual teaching there was
in universities. But stuff like animating traditionally and using
stop motion were pretty fun.
So did you find it difficult, i mean you’ve done a lot of
animation before haven’t you?
Well my only real experience in animation involved Flash,
and a small bit of 3D. Prior experiments to that were the
general Flicker Book experimentation and making animated
GIFs over webcam footage. Ah, the good old days when I’d
take my eyes out and eat them. Good times.

Ah , the good old days when I’d take my eyes

out and eat them
32 SPAGHETTI
What’s your favorite piece of animation that you’ve created?
Hard to say really. If we’re going on the basis of animation skill, I’d
probably say one of the commissions I’ve done that I can’t really talk
about. For plain lulz, a short cartoon I did a while back called Demise of
a Match provides a few giggles.
So you’re already getting work, have you got plans for future
productions or work?
I’m not really one of those people who plans too far into the future. After
all you can never tell when something’s gonna happen midway that
screws it all up. I do have some ideas of what I want to do, but I need to
have a bit more courage in my drawing and animation skills before I can
make a start on them, so in the meantime I’m just doing whatever gets
shoved under my nose or whatever pops into my head.
Well getting your animation on Channel 4 is a good start, how
did that feel?
It’s pretty neat. Sitting there watching it show on air with a grin
beaming on my face and oohs coming from my parents. Working
for Weebl has really helped in getting my foot into the industry,
something I probably wouldn’t have been able to do easily prior
to that in fear of getting my tootsies crushed.
You can find Ben’s work at
www.wonchop.net
http://wonchop.newgrounds.com
http://weebls-stuff.com
junction http://www.youtube.com/user/wonchopmonkeyman
SPAGHETTI junction 33
Arts & Entertainment bridging the gap

Bridging the Gap (Chapter II)…

Is Hip-Hop dead? Have MC’s become clichés? Has grime become grimy?
Roxanne Hawker gives you her opinion on the decline of UK urban talent and
those who can help us to rise again.
For the past two years, in the first Spaghetti Junction of the academic year I have written articles promoting
urban talent from the UK as I felt that our home grown talent was just as good as, if not better than that from
across the Atlantic. This year though, although I still think that the UK is home to some very talented individuals,
in the past year I have noticed that urban music is losing its roots. No more are lyrics the product of a gritty
urban survivor who fought back against the system and made something of themselves! The UK seems to
have been taken over by those who have no respect for music and what it represents. Basically the ‘reppers’
are out in force! For those who don’t know, ‘reppers’ are those who think that the only thing that matters is their
postcode and they walk around acting like no one can touch them, while blasting weak tunes from their phones
that they have made themselves as they think all you have to do to be a gifted rapper is simply to spit… Trust
me, the only things that these people can and should be spitting is salvia! It was a sad day for Hip-Hop/Grime/
whatever you want to call it the day all these pretenders started trying to claim the keys to the kingdom! Luckily
for all the true urban music lovers out there, the best of the best had the sense to change the locks!
So, rant over, and back to doing what I love-supporting those who have talent! Could the latter part
of 2008 be the UK’s year? Instead of the US cracking us like some mouldy nut, will someone urban UK break
the US? Admittedly, the UK has had some recent success in America, most notably from Leona Lewis and Amy
Winehouse. If the pop/soul divas can do it, then there’s no reason another UK talent can’t do the same! I think
we have some serious contenders for the Hip-Hop heavyweight title, the UK has some gifted spitters. Look at
UK rapper Akala, who is, (in his words but I completely agree) the reincarnation of Shakespeare. We have the
bard himself producing bars and beats! Let’s show the world what we’ve got! We can show the US that Hip-Hop
ain’t dead, it has just relocated!

34 SPAGHETTI junction
Words & Picture: :Jak Flash

Arts & Entertainment bands in university

ACRES OF OCEAN
TO THE DEPTHS OF THE OCEAN
subtle and it’s something else. These guys really
They come on stage each are trying hard and they are dedicated to all aspects
their own person, and of the band. They’re studying music business,
music production, music technology and visual
they are who they are communication; all with focus on a different aspect
until they start playing. of the band. Adam’s also in promotion (he works for
Obscure Tour Promotions).
That is when they become With the thrill of performing still circulating around
Acres of Ocean. their systems, the guys start to pack up all their

T
equipment. “Mum, you getting a taxi home tonight?”
Adam asks his mother. Although they perform heavy
he transformation of Sam Berrington from
progressive rock, these guys all still have homes to
Birmingham City University to Sam Berrington
go to at the end of the night. “If your mum’s not gonna
as the front man of Acres of Ocean is incredible.
turn up then who the f**k is?” jokes Ad.
The transition from student to performer is almost
The name Acres of Ocean reflects how their music
mesmerising. The music takes hold and he is lost in a
is much like that of the big blue; whether it be calm
sea of performance. It’s not just Sam though. There’s
and breezy or the ferocious destroyer of cities, as
Sean on Bass, Ad on Guitar and Adam on Drums and,
the tsunami of sounds engulfs the unsuspecting
together they form a tempest of progressive rock.
audience. They’re setting sail too, with the release
Their music contains such an intense build up, as the
of their EP on its way, this group of guys have hopes
band seems to lose any sense of being human. For
for getting out of Birmingham, getting on a tour,
the moment they’re on stage, they really are living
reaching out, travelling Europe and seeing where this
the music. This isn’t just some violent clamour of
adventure takes them.
instruments though; it’s a beautiful combination that
creates something powerful. The moment you hear
the haunting melody that is the start of Oceanic, you
www.myspace.com/acresofocean
know you’re in for something special. It’s soft, strong,
SPAGHETTI junction 35
Arts & Entertainment live review

60 SECOND INTERVIEW
This issue, we caught up with local
singer, Crystal Melody.
Chinese or Indian? Chinese
TV or Radio? Radio
Sweet or Savoury? Sweet
If you found a tenner on the
street what would you do with it?
Same thing I did on my 17th bday
(Claim it as my own)
Clubbing or staying in? Staying in
Facebook or Myspace? Myspace
Hot or cold? Hot
Countryside or city? City (I don’t
like it when it’s too quiet)
Book or film? Film
Christina or Britney? Both
Beer or cider? Neither Tattoos or
piercings? Piercings Rock or
rave? Rave
Call or SMS? Call, I can’t stand
texting
Comedy or horror? Comedy, my
memory is too graphic for me to
watch a horror
If you want to find out
more about Crystal Melody,
check out her Myspace
page at www.myspace.com/
crystalmelodyonline

The Main Event:

Live Review
The line up promised to provide three bands who provide some of uni’s most loved and played dance floor
fillers. The night’s musical entertainment began with Lil’ Chris. You may remember him as the pre pubescent
boy who stormed the charts and stole our hearts back in 2006. Not normally my kind of thing but he (and more
importantly the band) were excellent and not purely for their comedy value. He rolled his way through all the
“classics” and finshed with the student favourite Checkin’ it out. By this time the Freshers were going insane,
there was quite a lot of inappropriate touching of Lil’ Chris from female members of the audience! We’ve
checked though, despite appearances he is over 18! With a whistle and a wave he left the stage for us to wait in
anticipation for Booty Luv.
Now to be honest, I was quite excited about the lovely ladies from the original line-up of the successful hip-hop/
pop group Big Brovaz. I think we can all remember a time when (maybe slightly drunkenly) we’ve strutted our
stuff to Boogie 2nite, and tonight was certainly no exception; with the ladies (and I must add the gents) singing
along to all the well known tunes such as Shine, Don’t Mess With My Man, and Some Kinda Rush.
Directly after all that Booty Luv, Platnum came on. Before tonight I was unaware of who they were, but it quickly
became clear they were the singers from that fabulous song of the summer What’s it Gonna Be. I was certainly
pleasantly surprised, by this stage the crowd was really hyped and everyone was raving like maniacs. With only
two songs played, their set was a little short but everyone seemed pleased to get back to the matter in hand
which was some serious dancing. From the lovely atmosphere left by these three bands, I think the Birmingham
City Students’ Union Fresher organisers made wonderful choices in their picking of fun cheesy bands for the
main event 2008.
36 SPAGHETTI junction

GYM CLASS HEROES
LIVE @ THE CARLING ACADEMY
Do you remember being at
school and having to work really
hard in gym class? I’m talking
like a proper workout, at the
end of which you were dripping
with sweat and had pulled a
few muscles. Well, going to
see Gym Class Heroes is a lot
like that, except that there is no
crazy teacher yelling at you to do
another star jump. The venue for
my second GCH experience was
the Carling Academy 2, which is
part of the Birmingham Academy.
I arrived, only to be greeted with a
queue, the majority of which was
made up of fourteen year olds. I
didn’t let this get to me. Well, not
once I had got over the shock of
feeling like an OAP at 20 years of
age. Anyway, one glass of warm
water and a bit of background
music later, the first support act
sauntered onto the stage. Like I
said, this was the second time I
had been to a GCH gig and the
first time, the support was some
rock/metal type people which,
I’ll be honest scared the s**t out
of me. No joke. Luckily for me,
the first support act was a man
called Cosmic Jarvis. I’m not quite
sure how to describe him and his
music…think sort of indie but not.
He sang/shouted his way through
a few of his songs, I didn’t like
any of them but I think he is an
Arts & Entertainment live review
acquired taste. Someone who, to
paraphrase sings: ‘Britney Spears
would say hit me one more time/
Then I would say no because
domestic violence is a crime’ is
definitely an acquired taste. Also,
his performance was hindered
by the fourteen year old girl in
front of me who kept screaming
that the guitarist accompanying
him was fit. Luckily for me, (and
everyone else in the building), my
friend told her to shut up. Cosmic
Jarvis was followed by a man who
introduced himself as Professor
Green. He then introduced fellow
MC Cores and their DJ. Now,
back to the Professor…one of the
most talented MC’s that I have
ever seen. The crowd was going
crazy for this guy. There is nothing
like a good bit of Hip-Hop to get
you feeling hyper, a feeling which
increased when the Professor
brought his guest Haydon onto the
stage. I’ll sum this talented singer
up in one word (aside from those
I just used to describe him): HOT!
I was actually disappointed when
the Professor and his people left
the stage, they are gifted guys.
From one set of
talented guys to the next…
of course I mean GCH! This
alternative Hip-Hop group just
gets better. Lead by the genius
that is Travis McCoy, or Travi as
SPAGHETTI junction 37
he is better known, the heroes
are just that. They started with
the smash Clothes Off and, at
this point the room was so hot I
was wishing I could take some of
mine off! Some people went that
little bit further though as half way
through the song Travi had two
bras thrown at him…Anyway, the
hits just kept coming, including
The Queen and I, On My Own
Time, Viva La White Girl and the
song that launched them in the
UK, Cupid’s Chokehold. They
also performed tracks from their
latest album The Quilt, including
the current single Cookie Jar. We
were also treated to a cover of
the Prince track When Doves Cry,
which was amazing! Although their
set was legendary, I was slightly
disappointed that it only lasted
about an hour…still, I guess the
fact I wanted more says it all. If
you are yet to have a Gym Class
Heroes experience, then what
are you doing still reading this?
Buy their albums, have a rave in
your bedroom and go to see them
when they come back to the UK
next year. Even if it’s just to hear
Travi start singing the Usher track
Love in this Club, stop and say
f**k this s**t!
Roxanne Hawker
Arts & Entertainment album review

ALBUM REVIEW
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. Anyway, this
issue ( as ever), we have reviews of some
of the latest album releases. Enjoy, and if
you fancy having a go at writing an album
review, get in touch!

NE-YOyear of the gentleman

So, one of the brightest stars of the R&B world is back with his third album…
but is Ne-Yo still shining? Thankfully, the answer to that is yes…Ne-Yo has
once again proved that he is a talented man. Lead single Closer showed
us that he wasn’t afraid of doing something different, and the rest of the
album follows suit. Ne-Yo combines flawless vocals with soulful lyrics and
beautiful beats, a combination that is increasingly rare in the world of R&B
these days…Watch out for slow jam Part of the List, where Ne-Yo shows us
his vulnerable side as well as second single Miss Independent which, trust
me, you will be humming for a while! Another highlight is Single, the other
version of which is doing big things in the US, as a collaboration with New
Kids on the Block. All in all, this album is one of the best things someone in
the R&B world has produced for a while, Ne-Yo definitely won’t Fade Into the
Background anytime soon… 4/5 Roxanne Hawker

BLOC PARTYintimacy Intimacy doesn’t just take over from where A Weekend In the City left off as
some fans may expect. Intimacy is a logical musical progression for a band
who pushed the boundaries of music from their conception. Those familiar
with Bloc Party’s soundscape will instantly notice the jittery guitar tracks such
as Halo and One Month Off, which are reminiscent of early Bloc Party mate-
rial Little Thoughts and Banquet, and putting those tracks into perspective
are ethereal ballads Signs and Zephyrus. Putting it retrospectively, if Bloc
Party had released Intimacy as their debut album, nobody would have ‘got it’.
But that’s good, nobody ‘got’ Pink Floyd, nobody ‘got’ Bjork and people still
don’t ‘get’ Radiohead! Does that make them bad artists? No…it makes them
world class! Bloc Party have once again pulled 10 indie anthems out of the
bag and only 18 months after their not so difficult second album Intimacy is a
success. 4/5 Kneale Brown

PUSSYCAT DOLLSdoll domination

After a failed attempt at becoming a solo artist, Nicole decided to rejoin her
four backup dancers and become a Pussycat Doll once again. There’s no
denying that the Dolls have hit upon a winning formula - their debut album
shifted an astonishing seven million copies! Although, I wonder how much of
that success was due to the fact that they are basically singing strippers…
Anyway, have they recreated that success on their second album? No.
Although lead single When I Grow Up is definitely a scorcher, there is
nothing that comes within sniffing distance of first ever single Don’t Cha. Still,
the Dolls’ formula occasionally works, with highlights including I Hate this
Part, a break-up number on which Nicole is allowed to emote fully, and future
single Whatcha Think About That. For the most part though, the Dolls offer
nothing definitive. It’s definitely not the time for Doll Domination… 2/5
Lee Lawrence
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 Arts & Entertainment DVD review

DVD REVIEW
A veritable smorgasbord of DVD reviews here by Joel Harley, who, in his own
words ‘deserves a medal for watching the Sex and the City movie all the way
through - without having to resort to Clockwork Orange style torture methods.’

SEX AND THE CITY

At last comes the movie that boyfriends everywhere
were dreading (nearly as much as the ABBA thing). Set
four years after the end of the TV series, we find Carrie
Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker, murdering my word count
with her stupid triple barrelled name) getting married to
Mr. Big (so called because of his burgeoning belly) whilst
her friends suffer various crises and dramas. None of this
matters however, since it’s all an excuse to show lots of
shoes and dresses and earn Prada a few thousand dollars
in advertising. Yes, it’s Shoes: The Motion Picture!
Is it any good? Let’s be honest, that’s a moot
point. Its target audience will watch nevertheless. But it’s a shame, because this is a shallow, cynical and lazy
exercise. The TV show’s fans deserved better. 1/5

WELCOME HOME ROSCOE JENKINS

If there’s one actor today that continues to astound and
amaze by his ability to continually get work, it’s Rob
Schneider. And then there’s Martin Lawrence. The poor
man’s Eddie Murphy, he hasn’t made a decent movie since
Bad Boys, but keeps bringing them out anyway. The plot
of this execrable film stars Lawrence as the title character
– a big shot talk show guru who returns home after years
of absence. Despite initially arguing with his old friends
and family, Roscoe realises the values of life (money does
not equal happiness etc) and things end in a boringly
predictable manner. Cedric the Entertainer (an ironic
moniker, given his choice of movie roles) and Michael Clarke Duncan offer little support, whilst Lawrence is his
usual gurning, annoying self. Avoid, unless you hate your own eyes.
There are no extras. Which isn’t really a bad thing – because 114 minutes of Martin Lawrence is
already too much. 0/5

TIMBER FALLS
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: beautiful
Americans venture into Southern backwoods and get
hacked up by (usually inbred) locals. Its derivative nature
aside, Timber Falls is a mostly entertaining shlock-em up
with a nutty religious twist. A horror movie for atheists, this
follows a bickering couple as they are kidnapped by crazy
Christians and forced to make babies (yes, really). The
usual torture and bondage guff is present and accounted
for, as is a bucketload of gore, and one of the aunts from
Sabrina the Teenage Witch!
There’s a decent amount of extras on the disc,
including commentaries, some trailers and a documentary. Check it out if you’re a fan of backwoods horror. Not
recommended for the faint-hearted or easily offended Christian types. 3/5

SPAGHETTI junction 39
Arts & Entertainment film review

FILM REVIEW
THE WOMEN
Mary (Meg Ryan) has it all – a beautiful country
home, a rich husband, an adorable daughter and a
part-time career designing clothes for her father’s
company. Her best friend Sylvie (Annette Bening) is
the happily single Editor of a fashion magazine. Other
friends include mega mummy Edie (Debra Messing)
and author Alex (Jada Pinkett-Smith) However, all hell
breaks loose when Mary discovers that her husband
is having an affair with Crystal (Eva Mendes), a sultry
‘spritzer girl’ from the Saks Fifth Avenue perfume
counter. Naturally, chaos ensues, as everyone tries
no men appear anywhere in it at all; it’s all about the
to help Mary in their own way, which leads to further
women. This might sound empowering and feminist,
problems. Then, as if Mary wasn’t having a tough
except that the women are all quite shallow and their
enough time, she is betrayed by Sylvie. Bad times.
primary topic of conversation is, (you guessed it)
Ultimately, Mary uses all of these events as the
men. This aside, the film shows that the 1939 version
means to reinvent herself and everything that she
was the original Sex and the City. With a supporting
stands for (to sum up she bonds with her daughter,
cast including Candice Bergen and Bette Midler, The
straightens her hair and becomes a better fashion
Women is a sharply-scripted comic treat. If you aren’t
designer). The rest of the women also make some
normally a fan of ‘girly’ films, then this could be the
changes in their own lives, and everyone learns
one that converts you. It’s definitely this year’s must
something about themselves that they didn’t know
see. 4/5 Lee Lawrence
before. Good times. The gimmick of the film is that

EDEN LAKE
If the tabloids were to review this, the debut piece
by James Watkins, they’d probably wheel out the
hyperbole. They’d talk about holding mirrors up to
things and mention Broken Britain a lot (note the
capitals! Normally, it’d be like listening to a slightly
racist grandparent whinge about “the youth of today”
and make with the populist ill-informed garbage. But
in the case of Eden Lake, they’d be mostly right.
The plot (cribbed from a similarly themed
French chiller) follows a pretty young couple as
they holiday to the rural, titular lake. A heartstrings- worst of all, you can half expect to see him loitering
tugging marriage proposal is in the air, and they’re outside your local chippy.
so gosh-darn lovely that the forthcoming nastiness That’s not to say it’s perfect. Too much
is practically signposted. Their romantic weekend is of the tension relies on horror clichés, and the final
rudely interrupted by a gaggle of noisy, recognisably twist – whilst deliciously vicious – is perhaps a bit
horrible yobs. Soon enough, petty arguments too predictable. The movie’s particular brand of
escalate into brutal violence, and it’s adult VS youth – terror won’t be for everyone, that’s for sure. Its
to the death! deliberate humourlessness and cruelty will put off the
The past few paragraphs fail to convey squeamish, whilst it’s probably a little too dismal to
just how horrible Eden Lake is. This isn’t a film you make for a good date movie.
watch – this is something you experience. It’s all All in all however, Eden Lake is an
humourlessly done, with a sadistic streak so wide assured debut from a director who has already proven
you could park a landrover on it. Forget the creepy himself as a face to watch in the future of Brit-horror.
blonde kids of Village of the Damned – these pre- This is a white-knuckle rollercoaster ride from start
pubescent psychopaths are achingly plausible and to finish - provocative, relevant, scary and gruesome
terrifyingly realised by the script and the child actors in equal measures. Eden Lake will make you fear
themselves. Kudos must go out to Jack O’ Connell, children… Hug these hoodies, Cameron. 4/5 Joel
who plays Brett, the gang leader. He’s far scarier Harley
than any Freddy Krueger or Jason Voorhees. And
40 SPAGHETTI junction
 Arts & Entertainment theatre & book review

HAMLET
‘Which dreams indeed are
ambition, for the very
substance of the ambitious is
merely the shadow of a dream.’
Act II, Scene II

King Hamlet, Prince Hamlet’s (David Tennant) father is dead by the time the play starts and this has
clearly affected him. That’s not all though. To add to his problems, his mother Queen Gertrude (Penny Downie)
has married Prince Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius (King Hamlet’s brother), played by Patrick Stewart. Prince Hamlet
is not very impressed and believes this to be an incestuous relationship. Then, as if things couldn’t get any
worse; Prince Hamlet is visited by King Hamlet’s ghost (also Patrick Stewart) who reveals that he was murdered
by Claudius. And you thought Shakespeare was dull!
So when you take a classic text, add a talented group of actors, a great director and some brilliant designers,
what do you get? An absolutely fabulous play! It was evident that a lot of hard work had gone into this
adaptation. The modern costumes and set designs work well and do not take away from the undeniable beauty
of Shakespeare’s language. Risks were clearly taken making this production. I mean, if I was staging Hamlet, I
probably wouldn’t have the majority of the stage consist of mirrors. However, that is because I am not as brave
as the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company). The mirror stage was amazing and stripping the set like that really
made you think about the language the characters are using and the figure types they are reflecting.
Quoting from the programme, Jan Kott said: ‘Hamlet cannot be performed in its entirety. One has to select,
curtail and cut. One can only perform one of several Hamlets potentially existing in this arch-play. It will always
be poorer than Shakespeare’s is; but it may also be enriched by being a Hamlet of our time.’ The actors and
backstage staff had clearly taken this quote to heart. The performance was fluent and relevant and although a
few changes in text and order had occurred, that only served to enhance the RSC’s interpretation of the piece,
rather than taking anything away.
Patrick Stewart and David Tennant both put in faultless performances and are supported excellently
by the RSC ensemble. If there are still tickets available in London, GO!
Louise Wood

DEVIL MAY CARE sebastian faulks

Taking the reins from the spectacular Ian Fleming, Sebastian Faulks has revived
the action-packed life of British legend James Bond.
Bringing Bond back from the dead in the Devil May Care split the nation, with
critics claiming Faulks would never be able to recreate Fleming’s style. However,
Faulks’ tale of a heartbroken 007 did not try to mirror the film character, but
instead presented a mature, wiser Bond who no longer seeks a “shaken not
stirred” lifestyle.
Faulks not only captured the life-threatening atmosphere, beautiful accomplices
and loathed villain criteria of previous Bond tales, but added the occasional tug
on the heart strings to make his novel stand out.
The tale places Bond in Persia, with a mission to obtain secret information from
Soviet-supported drug-lord Dr Julius Gorner and evil henchman, Chagrin. With
help from a beautiful brunette and several British allies, Bond saves the day yet
again. Drinking Bourbon and complaining of back pains, the new 007 seems
somehow more desirable.
Georgie Campbell
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Arts & Entertainment horoscopes
HOROSCOPES by joel hardy
LIBRA
September 24 - October 23rd
Eating three bags of Haribo in one sitting lends
itself to some really strange dreams this month,
so I’d only advise it if you’re after a Voodoo-
esque epiphany trip. In other news, did you
see what Virgo has taken to wearing?? What an idiot!
ARIES
March 21st - April 20th
Yikes. For some reason, I’m drawing
a blank on your destiny this month.
Literally, I don’t see anything in your
immediate future! So it’s time to get out
of bed and go and do something constructive!!!

SCORPIO
October 24th - November 22nd
Single? Hanging round on a street
corner, wearing a signpost that says as
much could change that. By scratching
my crystal balls, I can see a tall, dark,
handsome stranger in your immediate future. Oh
wait… sorry, that’s just my reflection in the glass…
SAGITTARIUS
November 23rd –December 21
Okay, you may be free and single but,
trust me – dating a Cancer isn’t the way to
go. I’m not one to point fingers – but their
star sign is a crab for a reason. Capish?
CAPRICORN
December 22nd - January 20th
Ridiculing others is a bad habit to fall into,
and it’s very unbecoming of you Capricorn!
Besides, those in glass houses shouldn’t
throw stones - what is a Sea Goat anyway?
AQUARIUS
January 21st - February 19th
Boy, are the stars shining on you this month! LEO
The moon is in the seventh house and July 24th - August 23rd
Jupiter aligns with Mars. This is the dawning
of the Age of Aquarius! Yes, I steal my
horoscope predictions from old ‘5th Dimension’ albums.
PISCES
February 20th - March 20th
Not reposting that chain e-mail will VIRGO
have dire consequences. I don’t know August 24th - September 23rd
what you’re being so sceptical about.
You’re reading Horoscopes! Is that really easier
to believe than the notion of a little ghost child
with no eyeballs? Repost or be single forever.
TAURUS
April 21st - May 21st
I foresee a difficult month ahead for you as
Big Brother withdrawal syndrome begins to
set in. But worry not, X Factor is back on
now and you’ll soon find yourself hypnotised
by the brilliant white teeth of Simon Cowell…
GEMINI
May 22nd - June 21st
So, I was having tea with Derren Brown
earlier and I got in a bad mood after he
tricked me into electrocuting a kitten. This
bears no relevance to your horoscope
readings, but I wanted to do some namedropping.
How come that showoff gets his own TV show while
I’m stuck writing for a student magazine? Humph.
CANCER
June 22nd - July 23rd
A difficult month as you feel people are
being deliberately obscure with you. I’d
recommend fustigating the gaberlunzies
before they can hornswoggle you
any further. That should stop their ishkabibble.
Your Galaxy is alive with movement this month.
Whilst that would normally be a good thing,
I’m sure the Sun’s not meant to be that colour.
Knock Knock. Who’s there? Armageddon.
Armageddon-who? Armageddon out of here! And
so should you, if you know what’s good for you.
You tend to be very suspicious of others, and
if you’re not careful, it’ll prove detrimental to
future relationships. Really, people aren’t
talking about you behind your back…

Birmingham City Students’ Union Oz Hetherington

Although we try our hardest, not all
Full Time Officers: Union President
the pictures in this magazine are
originally sourced from us. If we
Nicky Hedley Jen James
haven’t directly referenced them
Activities & Sports Officer Communications Officer
in the magazine you’ll be sure to
find out where they come from on
Hannah Newland Stray Dave
the Spaghetti Junction Student
Representation & Campaign Officer Commercial & Finance officer
Magazine Facebook fan site.
Please visit the website for details

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