By Steve Swoffer   Tue, Apr 20, 2010

The Apple iPad
By Steve Swoffer
Swoff Media
www.swofmedia.co.uk

To see this article as it appears in the magazine follow this link http://thegiven.co.uk/issue/apr_may/article/the-apple-ipad

The iPad has landed, we take it for a test drive, when you pick it up you first notice, how light it is, and how thin, weighing only 0.68kg, and only half an inch thick. Our impressions of the device are largely positive Apple has once again built a product that looks good and feels great in the hand, and the familiar user interface, borrowed from the iPhone and iPod touch, is perfectly suited to the bigger screen. The iPad whizzes along, opening applications, re-sizing web pages, and zooming in and out of maps almost instantaneously.

It's a great, fun gaming platform, and it's lovely to view full-size web pages while browsing the internet. Developers, no doubt, are already rubbing their hands with glee about the apps and services they could tailor specifically for this device.
The aluminium backing has a graceful curve, and the smooth glass screen with its attractive black border just begs to be touched. The iPad is well-balanced enough to hold in one hand like a tray of drinks while using the other hand to navigate, or to grip with both hands while you drive the UI with your thumbs, or even to balance on your knees while poking at it with both index fingers. We never felt like we were going to drop it, or that our hands were too small.

The 9.7-inch screen is brightly illuminated by LED backlighting, and the IPS technology kept the images viewable from wide angles without appearing to fade. Anyone used to the Iphone at maximum brightness, will be pleased to know the Ipad backlight is brighter. The multi-touch function works well with the photograph slideshows, but the fingerprint marks that are left behind disappoint.

The new touch-optimised iWork suite is beautifully realised, making it quick and easy -- and, dare I say, fun -- to piece together a spreadsheet or presentation. It also helps to elevate the iPad to more than just a plaything. But in several crucial areas, the iPad falls short of the functionality that would have made this more than just a large iPod touch. The lack of Flash support is a major issue; the iPad's big screen is designed to make the best of multimedia content and the full-screen browsing experience, but the sight of little blue squares dotted around web pages where embedded video should have been just makes you feel like you're being short-changed. The iPad's inability to multi-task could also severely hamper its appeal. It's being pitched as a portable device that you could kick back and use on the sofa at home, but you can't listen to your Spotify playlists at the same time as writing an email, or browse the web while using an instant-messaging app to chat with friends. It's one or other, just as it is on the iPhone and iPod touch, but for the extra money you're paying for the iPad, you expect something more akin to a laptop computing experience.

I love Apple's new e-reader application, iBooks. The virtual bookshelf, on which your digital tomes sit, is an example of Apple design at its best; elegant, simple, well-executed. The reading experience itself was also delightful, with the pages of the virtual books having the sort of patina you would expect to find on a printed novel. Turning pages is achieved with a swiping gesture, or a single tap in the right-hand margins.

In conclusion the iPad is a great device, in which Apple provide all the applications to match your creativity and allow you to complete each task with the minimum of fuss. Whether the launch of the iPad will signal the end of the notebook, for all the impressive versatility of the touch screen I doubt users will be throwing away their traditional laptops for Apples new innovation. A case in point, following their meteoric launch a few years ago, Netbook owners who hailed the mini windows systems are now returning to their old full size laptops. Only time will tell but the iPad could suffer the same fate, from all but the staunchest of Apple technology fan.

 www.apple.com/ipad

A word from Steve Swoffer:
"I aim to create attractive and usable websites that look good, perform well and convert business. You can also follow me on Twitter for more tech news: twitter.com/SteveSwoffer"
www.swofmedia.co.uk

By Rae Louvaine   Wed, Apr 14, 2010

  Tell me a little about your journey to this point?

"Our journey so far has led us to many highs and lows and given us the opportunity to play to thousands of people across Europe. From playing to no one in pubs and a year or so later be touring with Magnum playing to thousands was amazing. The low comes in thinking’ what if it never happens?"

Where do you see yourselves at the end of this year?

"Well! ... with all the work we have been doing down in London recently, working with producer Nick Tauber on lots of new tracks as well as meeting quite a few industry people, we are really hoping we can get signed by then and be working on a new album with a label backing us!"

Having seen you perform live, the experience is very different to listening to a CD.

"Thank you! well we all love playing live and feel this is what we do best as a band! It's great to see people enjoying the show and be able to play the tracks you have been working on for months, its a great feeling when it's going well! All we hope is that people enjoy the show for whatever reason and that we do ourselves justice."

John, you are an extremely confident performer. Is that something that comes naturally to you?

Tell me about your ‘scary eyes!’

"Many people talk about my scary eyes, I think I must save them for on stage. I think they just happen when singing certain lines, I'm really not sure as I don't get to watch myself!!"

You look as though you are totally immersed in the music…

"When I'm on stage I do go into another place, and don't really know what I'm doing or about to do! Things just happen, and then the track ends and you remember that you need to get your other guitar on!"

Paul, the speed at which you were drumming in This Life was incredible- how fast was it?

 "Very fast! I'm glad it's the song we usually finish on 'cos the arms ache a bit after! It's about 18 hits every 140 beats per minute bar or something like that."

Who has inspired your drumming style? 

"The great John Bonham from Zeppelin is probably the drummer that is most inspirational but Larry Mullen Jnr of U2 is pretty good too."  

 PJ on the band…"It represents an opportunity to earn a living doing something I really enjoy along with my two bros (and friend)"

What music do you like to listen to when you’re not playing?

"Predominantly classic rock: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Love, Doors etc.
Some cheesy rock: Journey, Europe, Bon Jovi etc.
More recently: Nickleback, Bullet For My Valentine, aramore, Incubus, Limp Bizkit, Stevie Wonder and Jay-Z."

  How do you cope working with 3 brothers Dan?

"It's all good really; there are occasions where I've had to step in and break up the odd tiff or two, and when artistic decisions come down to a "democratic" vote I can sometimes get ganged up on a bit! But generally speaking it all goes pretty smoothly; of course, from a musical point of view, the brotherly bond extends into the mix and gives us a tightness that you can sometimes really struggle to achieve in other musical settings"

The band must be all consuming at the moment- how do you guys find time for a ‘normal’ life?

"We certainly spend a lot of time on the band, rehearsing, writing, re-working etc. and we'll have some festivals as well that we'll play in the summer. We can't wait to record our album now and get out on the road as well. We need backing for this though and after some London industry showcases we've got a couple of labels interested, a publisher and a live agent so we're really hoping for something good to happen this year.
Besides this, we still get time for all the 'normal' things like going out, chilling with mates, watching footie and eating pizza!"

 ‘UXL - Destined for Major Attention'

 Young British rock band UXL are the three Tierney brothers John, PJ and Paul from Birmingham (20-23) and long time friend Dan Clark from Wolverhampton. Their music has been compared to many of the rock heavyweights but UXL are essentially a melodic rock band with an epic sound - sweeping, accessible rock with pop sensibilities.

Last summer UXL were contacted by producer Nick Tauber (Thin Lizzy, Marillion, Toyah Wilcox, Def Leppard) He was greatly impressed by the foursome and offered to help with recording new songs. Following industry showcases in London, UXL have attracted a lot of attention from the music industry including live agents, publishers and several major record labels.

A few years have passed since the teenage brothers decided that they were going to be in a rock band and remarkably the youngest brother is still only twenty, yet they've packed an extraordinary amount of experiences into their time together. From friend's birthday parties, to sticky carpeted pubs to clubs and festivals, the live scene is where UXL are particularly strong with their trademark epic approach being central to their live performances. Already for 2010, UXL are booked onto several festivals in the summer and a potential visit to China is also being planned as well as a UK tour.

The early days saw them play to over 20,000 people at Sandwell Festival, record an acoustic session at the BBC studios, and meet Metallica's FOH sound engineer the legendary big Mick Hughes who described UXL's frontman John Tierney as having 'one of the most powerful voices he had ever heard.' In later days, UXL were invited to support Wishbone Ash at Cambridge which was hailed as a great success and valuable experience for the young band. Slots at Barfly, Cambridge Rock Festival, Birmingham Arts Festival, In The City Manchester, as well as many radio acoustic sessions and interviews followed.

UXL's memorable live performances caught the attention of legendary rockers Magnum who invited them as support on the UK leg of their European Tour. The tour incorporated nine top UK venues and UXL had an amazing response from the crowds and reviewers and were then invited to tour Switzerland, Germany and Czech Republic.

UXL's music has attracted widespread impressive reviews from magazines like Music Connection, Metal Hammer, NME and Guitar & Bass Magazine. Classic Rock Society Magazine commented, 'Every now and again you come across something that really makes you sit up and take notice. . .It really shouldn't be this good. These guys deserve to be huge.' UXL have had widespread radio airplay in the US with the track 'Make It' reaching number 4 in the Indie charts. The President of Canadian Music Week invited UXL to play at CMW in 2008, Canada's largest entertainment event where they performed on the Amnesty International stage in Toronto.

So expect more great things from these guys!

By   Tue, Mar 23, 2010

Simply click on the subscribe icon at the top right hand corner of the screen, fill in the required fields (this is FREE, we will never charge you) and you have become a member of 'the given' online!  You will then be entered into our monthly drawers to win prizes from our sponsors.

Comment on our blogs or write your own-just login and get typing! http://thegiven.co.uk/login

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By   Tue, Apr 20, 2010

*

to view this article as it appears in the magazine follow the link below http://thegiven.co.uk/issue/apr_may/article/figures_up_for_summer

LUCY WEARS (left):
Trousers: Semour trouser, Hobbs at Pavilions - £119
Top: Coral frill top, M&S at Pavilions - £32
Shoes: Floral pumps, Evans at Pavilions - £20
Necklace: Bead, Pearl & charm necklace, Evans at Pavilions - £12
Bracelets: Gold and pearl stack, Evans at Pavilions - £18
JOSEPHINE WEARS (right):
Dress: Multi floral tea dress, Monsoon at Pavilions - £45
Shoes: Sion Block heel, Hobbs at Pavilions - £119
Belt: True blue belt, Hobbs at Pavilions - £55
Necklace: Flower and pearl necklace, Evans at Pavilions - £12
Bag: Blue ruffle clutch bag, Monsoon at Pavilions - £30

Figures Up For summer At The Pavillions

With designers like Mark Fast at London Fashion Week to the latest Italian Vogue all celebrating the voluptuous woman, Birmingham shopping centre, Pavilions, has opted to use a ‘plus' size model for its Spring/Summer fashion shoot.

Featuring fashion and accessories from a range of retailers including Monsoon, Marks & Spencer, Evans, LK Bennett, Hobbs and jeweller, Azendi, the Pavilions fashion shoot due to appear in March/April editions of magazines celebrates all body shapes. Statuesque model Lucy Shropshall from Worcester who is a size 14 - 16 has been chose to feature alongside size 8 fashion model Josephine Anderson to showcase new looks for Spring/Summer 2010.

Pavilions' Marketing Manager, Sarah Jenkinson, said, " our customers are women with real figures and we feel it's important to reflect a healthy body image in our fashion shoots. Given that our retailers provide fashions for everyone, it's only fitting that our latest Pavilions fashion shoot represents beauty in all shapes and sizes."

Lucy, 27 , used to adorn the catwalks of uber designers such as Vivienne Westwood and was trained by Jay Alexander of America's Next Top Model before developing curves and becoming a plus size model. ‘I became a catwalk model when I was 14 and by the time I was 18 my figure had ‘filled out'. While the job was exciting, I saw lots of friends starve themselves to stay in the industry and I quickly realised that life wasn't for me." Since becoming a plus size model Lucy has featured in Italian Vogue and is still in demand. "I never diet and I love my curves, and luckily clients like Pavilions do too!"

Designers that were brave enough to buck the skinny trend and opted to use fuller sized models at last year's LFW saw an exodus of stylists and creative directors while others in the industry continued to campaign for an end to size zero on the catwalk.

For all your Fashion needs www.pavilionsshopping.com

By Amanda Baker   Tue, Apr 20, 2010

Eats Grass and Bark
... and other myths of veganism

Amanda Baker, The Vegan Society, Jewellery Quarter.

To view this article as it appears in the magazine please follow this link http://thegiven.co.uk/issue/apr_may/article/eats_grass_mag

Food Myths

Confusion often arises around the term vegan, as some chefs, caterers and home cooks believe vegan to be the trendy term for vegetarianism. In fact although vegans are vegetarians , they avoid taking anything from other animals. So vegans choose not to use things such as animal milks, eggs and honey, as well as anything taken from dead animals.

Vegans do have a varied, tasty and nutritious diet which includes all kinds of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, peas, beans, lentils, herbs and plant based spices, mushrooms and foods made from vegan-friendly ingredients from curries to chocolate cakes.

Veganism is a way of living, touching every part of daily life . Vegans are consumers but they endeavour to purchase vegan-friendly versions of everyday products, including wine, beer, cosmetics, clothes, shoes and household cleaning products to name but a few.

Health Myths

A common myth is that vegans are unhealthy. On the contrary, Amanda argues, there is sound scientific evidence showing plant-based diets can support healthy lifestyles for all ages including during pregnancy, breastfeeding, throughout adolescence and adulthood too - as long as they are well planned. But shouldn't we all be planning our diets well?

Oh No! We're having a vegan for dinner!

Amanda says first : Don't panic! There are plenty of suitable ingredients in most kitchen cupboards, fridges and fruit bowls. Perhaps you could adapt one of your family favourites? Ratatouille, vegetable curry served with rice or chapatti or a vegetable couscous can easily be adapted to a vegan version. Simply substitute vegan versions for ingredients such as cheese, milk, butter, margarines and eggs. Pure coconut milk and pure olive oils are great ingredients which can add flavour to your vegan dishes . If you're not so confident or creative in the kitchen, the internet will give you access to dozens of vegan recipe websites, many beautifully illustrated.

Independent wholefood shops and many supermarkets now stock a range of specialist vegan-friendly ingredients such as vegan margarine and vegan meat substitutes, although beware that all Quorn products contain eggs.

Soya alternative to milk can be found in many stores which can be used as a direct substitute for cows' milk in most recipes. So make one fruit crumble and custard for dessert to suit all your dinner guests.

For more information you can contact www.vegansociety.com
Or email at info@vegansociety.com or tel 01215231735/6 during office hours.

But you don't have to be vegan to try this delicious gourmet vegan recipe created by Paul Russell, Lecturer in Hospitality and Culinary Arts Management at University College Birmingham and winner of the first ever Vegan Catering Challenge 2008.

www.flavourphotos.com

Crispy fried baby artichoke in poppy seed coating, served on a pea and roasted pepper risotto, with cashew nut aioli (serves 4)

Pea & Roasted Red Pepper Risotto

1. Place 50 g cashew nuts & 50ml water into a blender. Blend until smooth. Add 200g frozen peas cooked with 25g mint to nut mixture & blend to a smooth puree.
2. Roast 4 red peppers over an open flame to blacken skins. Place in bowl, cover with Clingfilm and allow to cool. Remove skin & seeds. Finely dice flesh.
3. Sweat 100g onion and 50g rapeseed oil add 200g risotto rice & stir, add 500ml of water in 100ml stages, stirring regularly & waiting till water is absorbed before adding the next amount of water. When all the water is absorbed and rice has softened but has some bite the dish is ready to finish (Should be of a ‘spoonable' consistency but not sticky).
4. Just before serving add the pea puree to the risotto and season.

Crisp Fried Baby Artichokes in Poppy Seed Coating.

1. Prepare coating by mixing 100g corn flour, 50ml water & 50g poppy seeds to form a paste.
2. When ready to serve dip 200g marinated baby artichokes in batter. Deep fry in hot oil until golden brown and serve immediately.

Cashew Aioli

1. Blend 50g of cashews, 1 clove of garlic, 1g smoked paprika, the juice of 1 lemon in a food processor. Slowly add 10ml rapeseed oil whilst continuing to blend. Season to taste.

To serve.

Place a portion of risotto onto a plate. Warm roasted red pepper in some oil & spoon around the outside of the rice. Deep-fry artichokes in the batter and place on top of the risotto. Serve with cashew aioli in a small bowl as a condiment and enjoy!

 Famous Vegans:

Heather Mills
Moby (musician)
Local man Benjamin Zephaniah, a performance poet who has been a vegan since his teens.
Olympic gold-medal winning athlete Carl Lewis
Elite British marathon runner Fiona Oakes

WIN some vegan skincare....
www.thegiven.co.uk

By W.M. Lee   Wed, Apr 28, 2010

The Editor has informed me that she has received over forty e-mails from irate ‘Blue Noses' complaining about my negative predictions about Birmingham City. R Rawlings of Erdington, ‘Brummie Boy' of Tamworth and H Coleman of Hagley are amongst a raft of disciples demanding that I apologise for my unflattering assessment. Whilst this proves that this magazine's circulation (certainly its website) reaches far beyond the second city itself, only the Hagley fan indicated that he was a regular visitor to St Andrews this season. Why is this?
Surely the Blues deserve better support having performed so well. My other thought is why don't the aggrieved make the discussion more interactive and use the ‘Given' blog on the website to articulate their torrents of abuse? I digress. In reply, I am not sorry that the Blues have already passed the golden forty points total and guaranteed their top flight status for the 2010/11 campaign. It is true though that I am pleasantly surprised that they have consolidated their position without a massive transfer investment in the January window. I still maintain that Jerome, Ridgewell, Benitez, Johnson, Dann lack the quality to be consistently influential in the Premiership and that the cruel and unforgiving passing of time is eroding the cutting edge of the likes of Bowyer, Ferguson and Philips. This is a tremendous and heartening story of over-achievement and McLeish must take considerable credit for what he has master-minded. Joe Hart, an excellent young goalkeeper on loan from Manchester City has been a defensive beacon and a formidable part of this unlikely success story. Unfortunately his loan is not necessarily renewable so his presence cannot be assured at Saint Andrews beyond May 2010. Otherwise next season will provide few easy challenges and (mindful of a recent tepid surrender at Sunderland) maybe my reservations will come to fruition if the major and costly squad overhaul that I advocate is once again ignored.

Having lost the home fixture by four goals to nil, I saw struggling Sheffield Wednesday battle bravely at the Hawthorns in March, my heroes undone only by a brilliant late goal of high pedigree from Koren. The Albion remain the second best team in the Championship, outshone only by Newcastle. Pretty much as predicted then! I'm afraid I don't offer apologies for being utterly smug either! Incidentally, correspondents from Harborne, Edgbaston and Coventry have commented on my apparent need to mention a team from South Yorkshire in what is supposed to be a primarily West Midland based column. It's always in context, guys!

On that theme, having seen both Newcastle and WBA play against the Wednesday, I cannot see the Geordies struggling next year at the higher level. Even with only modest reinforcement I believe that they are well prepared and classy enough to operate all next campaign outside of the bottom six. Not so, the Albion. Sadly, they are already well established as the perennial ‘yo-yo' side, too good for the Championship and yet woefully weak in the company of the elite. Jumping ahead, it appears a thankless prospect for Di Matteo next season with the likes of Miller, Carson (once such a bright loanee at Hillsborough - oh no, I've mentioned them again!) Brunt (ex-Owl, I'm afraid!), Dorrans and Moore amongst a lengthy list seemingly unable to effectively step up to the higher grade and standard required within the Premiership. Still, I said much the same about McLeish's chances this season!

My forecast that Wolves will teeter on the tightrope of relegation to the bitter end prevails and therefore appears chillingly accurate too. In truth I can take little credit for this as they were most people's hot favourites for the drop anyway. A respectable 2-2 draw at Villa Park recently was up-lifting, even more so was a crucial 2-0 win at Turf Moor where Burnley continue to suffer the bewildering mismanagement of (ex you know who!) Brian Laws. Financial problems and a nine point deduction surely mean that Portsmouth will accompany Burnley through the trapdoor, leaving Wolves or Hull I believe to take the final and unwanted eighteenth spot. Hull have rather rashly sacked Phil Brown and the unfathomable appointment of his successor Dowie may just send the Humberside team down and spare the men of Molineux.

I understand that a few Villa followers have corresponded with this magazine in an acidic manner, questioning my resounding assertion that their idols will not finish in the top four. Of course they won't! A small squad and a likely replication of last season's weakened resolve in the final quarter will only secure a position of seventh, maybe even eighth. (Okay, my original prediction was ninth, but there is no way that O'Neill's team is ready to seriously challenge for a top four berth.)

Walsall FC is ready for a rather uneventful end to their League 1 season. The curtain will fall with neither an interest in promotion or relegation. Hate to mention it, but I predicted this as well to an absolute tee. However, I failed to highlight the possibility that my beloved Owls maybe visiting the Bescot Stadium next season if they cannot unravel themselves from an ugly relegation fracas at the bottom of the Championship. A handful of Villa fans plus those many, many Blues supporters who wanted me to be sorry may yet have their wish!

W.M. LEE

By Tim Watson   Tue, Apr 20, 2010

Reviewed by Tim Watson

Have you seen the new Jaguar XJ? It's amazing. And I mean a properly amazing concept-car kind of amazing. It looks all modern and expensive but it's still, how to put this, very Jaguar. The XJ has always had those 4 round headlights, a long bonnet and a design as English as the hide which cloaks the seats inside of it. It has been pretty much the same since it was launched back in 1968 but now they've gone all ‘new‘. There's nothing ‘old England' about it, yet it still resembles everything Jaguar, and that's English. Even if it is owned by Tata.

The inside: Gone are any signs of cheap plastic and in are cool blue mood lighting, a sea of leather and an amount of technology representing a branch of Dixons. And we're talking useful, wow factor technology, not the type of technology only there for bar chat.

The Sat Nav, for instance, is touch screen and controls everything in the car from temperature to sound, the lot. That's as modern as you can get in just about any car, but Jag has gone that one step further. It's High Definition and it's got something called dual view. Basically it allows two people to watch two different things on one screen. Each viewer gets a full view, but as you angle to either side, the screen somehow magically changes! It's sort of got a second layer, but however it works, what a brilliant idea. I wish I had that on my telly at home, it would save a lot of arguments on a Saturday afternoon!

There's a iPod dock, so your car becomes the most expensive iPhone holder in the world, and it's even got an on board hard drive. What that means it you can save all your music in the car, and never need to remember a CD or iPod again.
The Instrument Cluster: Yes it's got dials, but computer generated ones. If you're like me at this point, a little frown will have grown across your face at the point. I like technology, but I want dials in my car, real ones. I'm glad to report to you that they look about as realistic as you can get, and there's a real reason for them not being there. The virtual display works with the on board computer to give you instructions and options directly in front of you, rather than on the centre consol. This means you'll be able to drive safer. That's very good sense.

Then there's the whole design of the thing. Inside you have a 1950's speed boat inspired wrap around, and what better era was there for design that the 50's? Starting from under the scream; wood curves around down the door panels towards the rear, a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. That's a word you don't usually associate with cars of this type, old hand built Morgan's, yes, but not premium luxury saloons. The mood lighting is the real finishing touch . It makes it feel clean, crisp and new. Rather than bombard you, it's sort of highlights the areas you're meant to see and leaves other areas dark and mysterious. It is absolutely right for this car,.

The outside of this creation is almost as good as the inside. Cleaver little design elements make this car stand out. Like the rear lights running down the rear wings rather than across, incorporating 3 lines of LED rear lights, mimicking cats' claws. And the rear c-pillars are black, to match the glass and disguise some of the cars width.

On a more technical side now, it may look like a big heavy car but don't be fooled. Its an aluminium monocoque. Which in English means the car has no heavy foundation that things then get built on like in most cars, but is in fact a 3d skeleton made out of light weight metal, 50% of which has come from recycled sources. This means that the new XJ is not only lighter and quicker, but is more manoeuvrable, stops shorter, uses less energy, is safer and remember, Aluminium doesn't rot like steel. Incorporate this with aerospace build techniques and you can see why the new XJ is setting new industry standards of luxury. Even when the car is finally finished with, in 20 years time, at least 85% can be recycled.

Engines: Simple really, V6 Diesel or V8 petrol (with or without a supercharger). I'd have to recommend the V6 Diesel, as it'll going to be cheaper to run with better fuel economy. One figure sets it out for me though. 184g/km. That means for every km it travelled, 184g of CO2 are emitted. To put that in perspective, my 2002 Astra Coupe emits 202g/km, and this car is in another league. That truly is remarkable, especially for the size of the car.

And the price for the huge piece of luxury? £53,775 on the road for the V6 diesel. Looking at the standard of luxury this car has to offer, I would have guessed at twice the amount. Even the range toping, supercharged V8 with all the toys is only £90,455.
Looking at this car as a whole then, its a remarkable step for Jaguar. It's modern, while still being Jaguar. Big, but still environmentally friendly. Cleaver but not ghastly. And cool without being at all snobbish. Its beauty with brains, is what it is.

By David Craik   Tue, Apr 20, 2010

Education: Lost Opportunities For People and Politicians.

Dr David Craik

Tony Blair proclaimed "Education, Education, Education!" on the eve of Labour’s victory in 1997 as the priority of his government. The record of the last 13 years on education has been mixed. There is far greater provision of nursery education for 3 and 4 year olds, mainly as annexes to primary schools, more students are entering university than ever before and achievements have improved nationally at GCSE and A level. Also, Surestart has been well targeted and successful. Undoubtedly, more children and young people are achieving in education. Progress has been in the right direction, but as most of our school reports said, "Could try harder."

Looking at the Government’s National Statistics website (

By   Tue, May 04, 2010

Akita Cabins - Log Cabin Builders and specialists in Timber Cabins and Timber Summer Houses, UK

Based in Worcestershire in the UK,  Akita Cabins are log cabin builders who specialise in timber summer houses and timber cabins. The individual log cabins are built from heavy gauge logs tailored to meet your exact requirements and specification. Our log cabin builders produce bespoke timber cabins which are suitable as home office, gym, garage, summerhouse, dog kennel, spa room, study and more.

www.akitacabins.co.uk

Materials

All timber summer houses and timber cabins made by our log cabin builders use two heavy timber sizes: 200mm x 100mm and 250mm x 125mm

Both sizes are specially treated to reduce the risk of natural movement.

They have a rustic look and when completely weathered turn to an attractive silver/brown finish, with the bleaching effects of the sun.

Roofs

The roofs as displayed on the above photographs show our hipped design, but a regular up and over apex roof is available at your request.

Attractive and very durable asphalt tiles are our standard roof finish, offering great strength and protection from all weathers. Cedar shingles are available as an optional extra which are also suitable for all our cabin designs.

Windows and Doors

Windows and doors on the timber cabins can be wooden framed or UPVC. Single or double glazed units. Position and size can be agreed during design.

Internal

The internal finish on the timber cabins can be left with a beautiful traditional cabin feel or can be given a more polished interior finish. Again its your cabin your design!

The minimum wall thickness on the log cabins and timber frame summerhouses is 100 mm, therefore added insulation isn't necessary for occasional use.

If specified the stairs and loft area can be an extra play room for the children, or an extremely useful storage space.

Electrical Installation

Timber cabins produced by our log cabin builder feature a basic electric installation which is included in your purchase price. Positioning of sockets and switches is to be agreed during design stages. Additional fittings can be added as extras.

Foundations

The construction of any timber frame or log cabin building relies on substantial foundations, this is where the work starts with the installation of an accurate square and level 4" min concrete base. Which could be finished with any suitable textile or timber flooring.

Planning

We can assist in all aspects of the design and specification of your timber frame cabin to ensure it meets with local building regulations. Planning permission regulations were revised and relaxed in October 2008. In most cases your Akita timber summer houses and timber cabins will be allowed without planning approval under the permitted development rights to your property.

Security

We took a 14lb sledgehammer to one of our timber cabins for 15 minutes and couldn't break in, how many other so called Log Cabin Builders makers can say that!

Follow this link for more information

 www.akitacabins.co.uk

By   Tue, Apr 20, 2010

"Not Youth Theatre as you know it "
JUST JOIN IN!
A Stage 2 Shout Out! Written by Emily Timms, 17 and Ellie Allum-Marshall, 18.

Stage 2, Birmingham's biggest and busiest youth theatre is calling out ot all 7 to 21 year olds! Interested in acting? Backstage roles? Gaining work experience? Being in shows? And, most importantly, making new friends? Well, here is what you are looking for and more...

With over 200 lively and enthusiastic members, Stage2 has been running for 21 years and is truly Birmingham's biggest and busiest youth theatre based in the heart of the City Centre at Millennium Point, Eastside, Stage2 runs on Saturdays and is brimming with so many options and opportunities, making it a diverse company of which we are proud members!

Every term, there is the opportunity for all member to be in a stage 2 production. Though these are not your ordinary productions: Stage2 explodes conventions with huge casts and even bigger choruses as anything up to 175 of Birmingham's young people take to the stage of venues such as the Hippodrome's Patrick Centre and T he Crescent Theatre. Every single show is designed to be fun and challenging, and there is nothing more rewarding than all working together as an ensemble to get 5* reviewed shows, whilst learning a lot and making friends along the way.

" Everyone lived up to the demanding standards that this remarkable youth group sets itself. The first night sent me home rejoicing."
(Much Ado About Nothing)
Birmingham Metro

But shows are not the only options available-every single term there is a different skills workshop, where members can hone a particular skill, or learn a new one. Additionally every single term there is a General Drama workshop which serves as the perfect introduction to theatre, whilst making sure that even more experienced members learn something new.
"I thought that General Drama was amazing! It was really fun and I met a lot of people and the sharing was amazing!"
Laura,8

Stage2 is a registered children's charity (No 1108213) and acquired a grant from The Big Lottery to invest in work experience for members. At Stage2 there are so many training opportunities that every single member can take advantage of such as doing a backstage role for the shows (yes, members do lighting, stage management and sound for their own shows!) or being a member of the Marketing and Fundraising Committee. The Marketing Committee members have designed posters and leaflets, written press releases and had interviews with the media, whilst the Fundraising Committee members have raised funds for all areas of the company. Everybody gets to work in groups, so nobody feels overwhelmed and Stage2 offers help and advice every step of the way.

However what is most important about Stage2 is its number one rule: that nobody will ever be left out at any time. The Stage2 ethos is that no matter who you are, you will be part of a company that will accept you and be friends with you. Nobody is made to do anything by themselves and no matter what you do, you know that you are in a supportive environment and that you have a company wishing you the best every step of the way. Stage2 also has an accredited group of Peer Mentors who are comprised of the friendliest members of the company who you can talk to at anytime: new members also gain a Mentor Buddy, who makes sure that you are setting in well.

We were the first (and are still the only) Youth Theatre in the UK with a Mentor Scheme to have met the required standard for safe and effective practice in Mentoring and Befriending by the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation.

"For me Stage2 is more than just a theatre company, it is a community. It has given me a direction in the life. A place in which for the first time I have felt truly accepted... a place in which I can honestly say I have had more wonderful moments in a year than I have had in my whole life"
Irfan Hussain

For booking information please contact Stage2 and 07961018841 or visit www.stage2.org or email info@stage2.org. we look forward to seeing you there!

By   Tue, Mar 23, 2010

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