Derren Brown: Master of Mystery

by Courtney Hendry

The 27^th of February 1971 brought the arrival of new baby boy to Christine and Bob Brown, a child that would one day grow up to be described by The Guardian as, “The greatest dinner party guest in history… He’s either a balls out con artist or the scariest man in Britain.”

We are of course discussing the man who has had the nation glued to their seats (literally), broadcast a ‘live’ séance that became one of the most complained about shows in television history and correctly guessed the lottery results, among many other incredible achievements.

It’s hard to describe Brown to someone who doesn’t understand what he does. He classes himself as a, “illusionist, hypnotist, painter, writer and sceptic”, however when trying to sum him up it’s easier to just say he’s a man with incredible intelligence that gives him the ability to do things no ordinary human can. The effect he has on critics, journalists and everyone else is impressive. He rarely receives negative reviews and is highly praised for his work; resulting in two Laurence Oliver Awards and two Bafta nominations.

Derren Victor Brown was born and raised in Croydon, London along with his younger brother Dominic. He has said previously that some of his interests in magic, illusion and psychological techniques date back to his childhood but it was a perfectly ordinary young life that he lived, having being privately educated at Whitgift School.

His interest in perusing magic did not take hold until later in life when he was studying law and German at The University of Bristol. It was a hypnosis show performed by Martin S Taylor that made Derren reconsider his career path. He began spending his 20’s drinking wine and practising hypnosis and close up magic for hours on end. He started performing his act in cafes and bars in Bristol and abandoned the distant dreams of a law career.

Aside from creating new acts and tricks to astound audiences Derren is a patron of the Parrot Zoo Trust charity and lives with two parrots. He finds painting a relaxing hobby and he has had his impressive caricatures displayed in a gallery. He is very quiet when it comes to his private life but since revealing in a 2007 interview that he was gay, he’s said that he is in a “blissfully happy relationship.”

The big break came for Derren in 2000. Channel Four was looking for someone talented to create a television show based on the theme of mind reading. Derren happily obliged and Mind Control was such a hit with audiences that in 2001 and 2002 the Mind Control series continued, gaining Derren more and more popularity.

He continued to make successful television shows with Channel Four with shows like Russian Roulette where he shocked the 3.3 million people who turned in to watch it and Derren Brown: Séance which was a very controversial show and one of the most complained about television shows in history.

The Heist, which was broadcast in 2006, was one of Derren’s most exciting shows. He selected members of the public and claimed that he was holding a ‘motivational seminar’ to teach some of his skills. He was actually conditioning the participants to respond to music, colours, phrases and experiences he had set up, in such a way that they would experience this motivated mind set that encourage them to believe they could do anything and so three out of four of the chosen participants attempted to rob a security van in broad daylight.

In 2010, he managed to transform the life of a normal man who had a severe fear of flying. He took Matt Galley on a journey from being stuck in his ordinary life to being able to summon the strength to land a plane, when he believes it is in trouble, at 30,000 feet. Brown considers Hero at 30,000 Feet his “fondest and best show”.

Derrens most ambitious show to date is Apocalypse. It aired in October 2012 and focused on Steven who described himself before the show as “lazy and irresponsible” and his own mother said that she felt he didn’t love her anymore. The show took months to set up as it involved meticulous planning. Over 200 actors were used and the team involved had to hack Steven’s phone, control his news feeds and make special versions of television and radio shows to convince Steven that a meteor shower was hitting earth. He then worked his way through an abandoned military hospital as one of the few survivors allowing him to develop courage, brains and a heart on the journey. It was one of the most popular shows on Channel Four in the past two years with 2.3 million viewers.

Derren’s stage shows are perhaps even more amazing than the television shows. His ability to work a crowd is outstanding and his humour comes across in ways that it can’t on TV. He has had five stage shows since 2003 with another new show starting in 2013. Something Wicked This Way Comes from 2005-2006 and Svengali from 2011-2012 both won Laurence Olivier awards for Best Entertainment Shows.

Empire Magazine has possibly come up with the best way to describe Derren Brown, “The closest our galaxy has to a Jedi Master.”

Record Increaser Lionel Messi

 By Jordan Fergusson

Lionel Messi increased his goal-scoring record last night when he scored two goals against Cordoba, leaving Barcelona with a 2-0 victory in the first leg of the Copa del Rey.

Messi surpassed Gerd Muller’s 40-year record of 85 goals on Sunday’s 2-1 win when he scored a brace against Real Betis.

Barcelona’s number 10 scored 11 minutes into the match last night with Cordoba, scoring again afterwards. Messi scored 2 goals in each of the past seven matches he has played. Yet, he doesn’t seem fussed about his record.

Although the Argentinian footballer has extended his goal record to 88, Zambia Football Association and Flamengo are questioning this. Zambia FA says it will present Fifa with evidence that Kabwe Warriors striker, Godfrey Chitalu scored 107 goals in 1972, while former Brazil captain Zico 89 in 1979, according to Flamengo.

Zambia FA told Soccer Laduma that they show that Chitalu holds the record for most goals:

“What we are doing is, we have commissioned an independent team locally to go back into the archives and record minute-by-minute each of those goals. The team that we have put together is going to calculate all of those goals, recording whichever game or tournament they were scored in.

“We will then send that to CAF [Confederation of African Football] and Fifa so that we can show that, while Messi’s record is there, while Müller’s record is there, the actual record holder in terms of goals per calendar year is actually an African. It’s actually Godfrey Chitalu.”

Muchimba, a Zambian football researcher, explained in a December 11 report that he spent a great amount of time going through 1972 newspapers to record Godfrey Chitalu’s goal tally.

If Chitalu wins, then the competence of the Zambia league that he played in will be criticised. Although, Chitalu may have seen weaker defences and less talent, the legendary footballer didn’t have modern

A Dog is for Life

By Shannon McClurg

Pets are a great addition to the family for many reasons. What people don’t take into account is the care for an animal that is needed. Thousands of animals are abandoned every year, especially dogs. The ‘Dogs Trust’ logo “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas” has been about for 13 years yet people are still not grasping its meaning. People are too caught up on buying someone a cute puppy as present. Once the initial excitement has worn off they then realise that it is a lot of work.

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 outlines that owners and keepers are responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of their animals are met. These include; a suitable environment to live, a suitable diet, to exhibit normal behaviour patterns, to be protected from pain, injury suffering and disease.

It also states that anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does not provide for its welfare needs, may be banned from owning animals for life, and fined up to £20,000 and/or sent to prison.

So the question is why are owners continually abandoning their pets of on the streets? Why are owners physically abusing their pet?

The excuses are endless. “Reasons” vary, but some that people give are ridiculous. “The dog doesn’t match my couch”, “It’s not as cute as it used to be”, and “It smells of ‘dog”.

This is a clear indication that people are not thinking about what owning a pet entails. They are also not thinking about the consequences to both the pet, and the dog.

The Animal Welfare Act came into force in England and Wales first.  It then came into force in Scotland in October 2006.

The Act also raised the legal age of buying a pet from 12 to 16 without parental supervision. It also banned the docking of animal’ tails for cosmetic reasons, with the exception of ‘working’ dogs like those in the police or armed forces.

Other acts of animal mutilation are also banned by the act. However, this excludes the practices including castrating, spaying cats and dogs and ear tagging.

The act was hailed a breakthrough in the fight against animal cruelty by the RSPCA.

Since the act has been put in place, animal cruelty figures have dropped significantly because it has made dog owners aware of what is involved in caring for a pet.

Before the act, high profile animal cruelty cases involved; a terrier that was abandoned in a house and was forced to eat her two dead companions t survive.  A Bichon Frise whose owner was caught on camera suspending it from its lead and kicking it, racing greyhounds being transported in cages that were too small for them to stand up straight or lie down, and a horse and sheep who had been left with terrible untreated crippling injuries that they had to be put down.

Unlike England and Wales, Scotland bans giving an animal as a prize altogether.

So why are people still buying pets before doing their research? ‘A dog is a mans best friend’, couldn’t be a truer phrase. A dog will love anyone who treats it right and gives it the love and affection it deserves.

Owners and buyers need to realise what a pet is. A pet is not a fashion accessory, it is not a toy, and it most certainly is not a Christmas present.

A pet is a long-life addition to the family.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e24AsCCTkPA]

Did Anyone See That Ludicrous Display Last Night?

By Holly Callender

Recently, much to many fans surprise, Bradford City managed to beat Arsenal at a home game. It was all thanks to left-centre back, Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen missing the important penalty shot.

It would seem that the Gunners have had quite the running streak of bad luck, with only one win under their belt in the past six matches. Even more, Arsene Wenger has only got his team one considerable win since 2005.

A little while ago, Arsenal’s only nemesis was the successful Bacelona. Not that has all changed.

Arsenal fans were outraged due to this embarrassing loss against a team who have spent many a time bottom tier. The score was standing at 2 all 2 minutes before full time. When no one scored at the extra time the game was sent to penalty shoot offs, where Vermaelen made the embarrassing shot.

Furthermore, Bradford City have made themselves comfortable in League 2, with their players worth less than £1 million together. Compare that to £637.74 million of Arsenal.

Quoting the IT crowd episode where the nerdy characters try to fit in with the “men” at the pub:
‘Did anyone see that ludicrous display last night?’
‘The thing with Arsenal is they always try to walk it in’

Stiff Little Fingers Review

by Jamie Harkin

HMV Picture House ,19^th November, £17

The lights go down. An electric atmosphere that has slowly been bubbling throughout Spear of Destiny’s brilliant support performance suddenly explodes throughout the venue.

Enter the Stiff Little Fingers. A band known for 35 years as one of the few true embodiments of punk music. The eruption in the room is met only with a polite nod and a blisteringly energetic rendition of Wasted Life. The crowd goes wild, lapping up the chance to see these legends play.

After the first few tracks Burns stops and introduces himself to the crowd, stating “now I’m not a religious man, but I do believe Simon Cowell is the anti Christ.” The night is interspersed with statements like this as well as reminding the crowd of mental health week and the anniversary of the death of Joe Strummer.

The setlist is dominated with tracks like this: fast paced anthems originating from the earlier incarnations of the group. Tracks such as Nobody’s Hero and At The Edge also go down incredibly well, with lyrics being chanted by everyone in the room. Then comes the incredible Barbed Wire Love whose speed is topped only by the breakdown section with the crowd swaying along and crooning to the mock doo-wop style.

The energy of the room definitely mirrors that of crowds 30 years ago. Which could be because quite a lot of those who attended the show were likely there first time round. Highlighting a real mix of age groups in the room from younger teenagers to folks in their later 40s. However possibly due to this mixture of age groups there is quite a hostile nature in the air, with near fights erupting every few tracks or so. This seems mainly to do with people getting annoyed at others jumping around, even though they themselves are doing exactly the same.

Then there are the encores. The first contains the mesmerising Johnny Was, its heart pounding snare roll ringing throughout the venue conjuring the image of a wartime march. This is followed by the most well received track of the evening: Alternative Ulster. Out of every gig I have been to I have never seen a reception like that for a track. Finally there is Gotta Get Away, which Burns swears that it will be the last time they ever play it.

Overall the gig was fantastic. With an impressive support group and a brilliant setlist, the night may have been more suited to a smaller venue such as the Barrowlands or the Corn Exchange but overall it was a great show.

Solid and Dependable – The Playing Career of Neil Lennon

  By Darren Carrigan 

 

Neil Francis Lennon was born in Lurgan Armagh on the 25^th of June 1971 and as a passionate Celtic fan from youth, he couldn’t have dreamed of the success he would have in football; both as a Player and Manager.

Lennon’s first professional side was Glenavon: a small Irish team.  During his debut in the Irish League Lennon scored his first professional goal in football. His performances at Glenavon hadn’t gone unnoticed and he was signed to Manchester City as a trainee in 1987, before Crewe Alexandra signed him on a free transfer in 1990.

He stayed at Crewe for six years, becoming the first Crewe player to be capped internationally when he was called up for Northern Ireland to play against Mexico.

Lennon left the side for Leicester City during February 1996 for a transfer fee of £750,000. Whilst he played for Leicester City Lennon won the League Cup twice (1996-1997 and 1999-2000) and was a runner up in the 1998 -1999 League Cup also. These titles were the first that Lennon had won in professional football and put him on the radar of his childhood club – Glasgow Celtic FC.

Neil Lennon was signed by Celtic in December 2000 for a fee of 5.75 million pounds, a figure that emphasised his importance to the squad that manager Martin O’Neil was forming.

Upon arriving at Celtic several threats, hate messages and insults were directed at Neil focusing on his religion and the fact he was a Northern Irishmen. This led to the depression that Lennon has often talked about in interviews and his autobiography and is respected for being so vocal on the subject of depression in football. Recently, a booklet issued by the PFA to players and other football personalities listed Lennon as a depression sufferer who had managed to manage his condition.

However, the hatred directed towards Lennon ended his National career after 40 caps for Northern Ireland. Over the course of his national career he scored twice and had captained the team. In 2005 Lennon retired from national football following a death threat he had received before Northern Ireland played Cyprus. The threats were motivated by a comment Lennon allegedly made to a friend saying: “He wanted to play for a team representing a United Ireland.” That such a level of hate was directed towards a man for a comment that may not have even been said is ridiculous. Even now as a manager he has had bullets mailed to him and his family moved by the police for security. At Celtic, Lennon was one of the first names on Martin O’Neil’s team sheet and he repaid his manager’s faith by being a solid and dependable force in midfield day-in day-out. The passion that Neil had playing for Celtic was infectious and every fan he met has spoke of how infectious that enthusiasm was. At Celtic, Lennon won five SPL titles, four Scottish Cups and two League Cups. Other highlights of his Celtic career include two runners up medals for both the SPL and League Cup and a runner up medal from Celtic’s historic Uefa cup run.

At Celtic he also got awarded three Player of the Month awards in March 2001, March 2004 and April 2007 respectively. Lennon managed to distinguish himself enough for these honours playing in the company of players like Henrik Larsson and Nacho Novo. After seven years Neil moved to Nottingham Forest for a year, followed by a spell at Wycombe Wanderers before moving into the coaching world by taking a job at Celtic.

 

YULETIDE RAIL STRIKE IMMINENT

 

By Christopher Macarthur-Boyd

ScotRail is set to strike later this month in the run-up to Christmas.

The protest is over what they claim is the unfair dismissal of an
employee, according to the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport
Workers.

A majority of ScotRail staff voted to take action against the rail operator.

The employee, Scott Lewis, was fired for attempting to ensure that a
passenger had purchased the correct ticket, said the RMT.

The union have stated that the rail strike – due to take place between
December 21 and Christmas Eve – will cause “massive disruption”.

The RMT is willing to call off the strike, which also affects sleeper
services, if Lewis is reinstated as a ticket examiner.

ScotRail has hit back with claims that the strike is a “clear attack on
the travelling public across Scotland at Christmas.”

Lewis was let go following an incident that left a passenger reduced to
tears.

Both Scotrail and the RMT have said they are willing to get together
discuss calling off the strike, providing that the talks are “meaningful”.

Olly Murs: Right Place, Right Time Album Review

 

 

By Emma Tomlinson

Unfortunately for him, Olly Murs will always be remembered as ‘the guy who lost to Joe McElderry on X Factor’. Although faith is not lost in this battle as Olly strikes another blow in the form of yet another number 1 album. So, as Joe McElderry disappears off the face of the music industry, what does this third album hold for loveable Olly?

In the new album, Right Place Right Time, Murs offers a new variety of sounds, ranging outside of his 50s swing/pop style into more sombre, serious depths. Although fear not, he’s still chucked in a few songs you can have a dance to while getting the washing done. With the first released single, Troublemaker
already reaching number one twice with its upbeat, innocent tone with a brief cameo from Flo Rida launching the song to new levels. Also to keep him to his cheeky chappy roots are the ever optimistic, romantic What A Buzz and Hey You Beautiful keeping the ladies swooning.

The loveable crooner gushed on Facebook over his double number one success to his ‘Murs Army’ posting: “DOUBLE BUBBLE!! NUMBER 1 single & album! Amazing news! Been a huge year for me, thanks to everyone for all your support and for buying the album! Hope you’re enjoying it as much as I did recording and writing it!”

With the presence of old school Olly still lingering, he clears the air with an influx of new and improved musical brilliance. Army of Two ranking highly in the pop rock stakes, with the drums being thumped and their feet even louder, Murs breaks out of the cute popstar mould and shows the makings of a future Robbie Williams.

Fans on Twitter don’t seem to have any qualms with Olly’s new style as they expressed their joy over the new material. One user gushed “Right place, right time is definitely my favourite Olly album so far!” whilst others went on to call it ‘the album of 2012.’

So as of now it would seem the sky is the limit for Murs. Topping the charts not only once but twice, an army of screaming girl fans and the nation’s heart. With this sort of luck, The X Factor’s rejection of him is a mere thing of the past. It most certainly feels like Olly is in the Right Place at the Right Time.

Mandela Losing His Sparkle As He Battles Illness

By Nico Liverani

Nelson Mandela, 94, is currently undergoing his lengthiest hospital spell in over a decade after spending his sixth day in hospital today.

This spell in hospital has coincided with the anniversary of Mr Mandela receiving the Nobel Peace Prize on the 10th November 1993.

The former President of South Africa is suffering from a lung infection and wife, Graça Machel, whom he married on his 80th birthday in 1998, has said it was painful to see the anti-Apartheid leader “ageing”.

“I mean, this spirit and this sparkle, you see that somehow it’s fading,” she told eNews Channel Africa on Monday in her first interview since Mr Mandela went into hospital.

“To see him ageing, it’s something also which pains you … You understand and you know it has to happen,” she said.

Mr Mandela – or Madiba as he is known in South Africa – is being treated at the 1 Military Hospital in capital Pretoria, the biggest military hospital in the region. He is said to be “comfortable” and not in any immediate danger.

Officials are refusing to say when he might be released and have urged the press to respect Mr Mandela’s privacy saying that any new information would only come from his doctors.

The Sunday Times, a South African newspaper, quoted an unnamed person close to the Mandela family as saying: “He has not been talking … he is not looking good. It’s clear that something is troubling him.”

Nelson Mandela’s health has been of great concern to the people of South Africa who showed what high regard they still hold him in this past July as the country celebrated his 94th birthday with good deeds across the country. Citizens performed at least 67 minutes of public service on July 18, a reference to the number of years he devoted to helping others.

Police Hunt For Man Connected With The Sexual Assault Of A Teenage Girl

By Michele Kennedy

Strathclyde Police have released CCTV footage of a man in connection with the sexual assault of a teenage girl on a National Express night bus from London Victoria to Glasgow. The 18-year-old was on her way home from a weekend in London with her friends when she was indecently assaulted on Wednesday, 31st October.

The teen was seen crying at the station by a passer-by that stopped to help the girl who was left badly bruised and shaken by the events that took place. The woman informed the station’s security who then informed the police. The girl was escorted to Stuart Street police station by officers were her family was waiting for her.

The man is described as being between 5ft 10in and 6ft, with a thin build and a strong English accent. He was wearing a dark brown/black jacket, blue jeans and was carrying a blue and white hold all bag. The man was seen leaving the bus at Glasgow’s Buchanan Street bus station.

The man is also said to be connected with a similar assault of a 28-year-old woman on the Mega Bus from London to Aberdeen just two weeks previous. The woman alerted the driver who then pulled over to the nearest service station were the man in question fled.

Detectives are keen to speak to this man and pleads with the public to come forward if the recognise the man. Anyone with information regarding any of these cases is asked to contact police on 0141 532 3000.

The number of sexual assault cases in Scotland has increased since 2002/3 and 2011/12. The number of sexual assault cases in 2002/3 has increased from 206 to being a total of 415-recorded cases in 2011/12.