Printed and Disposable Electronics News

EL makes backpacks lighter

Oryon, a leading safety clothing brand in the US will make its jackets and backpacks more visible by integrating flexible EL lights.
Lightweight high-visibility jackets for cyclists and backpacks for campers will be launched across Asia, the US and Europe by Q4 2007.
Orgacon, a printed electronics spin-off from Agfa is producing the EL lights with its own line of inks and materials. Tradtionally, EL has been avoided by the clothing industry because of its inability to withstand water. Louis Bollens, business manager at Orgacon claims the EL lights are more durable than others on the market and are rugged enough to be laminated into apparel.
Orgacon is also developing its business in the automotive industry. The company has formed joint development partnerships with European EL manufacturers Elumic and Schreiner Variolight to produce lights for number plates and interior lighting. In Q3 2006 the German government passed legislation for all drivers and motorcyclists to use EL lamps on their number plates to improve visibility in the dark.
Trucks and large freight lorry companies in Germany began using them in Q1 2007. He adds: 'This could have excellent
commercial opportunities for Orgacon. Over the next five years we expect most number plates on German roads to use
our technology.'
Interior car lighting is another new area for Orgacon as leading car designers are taking lighting design far more seriously.
Luxury car brand Jaguar is the first to use EL in this way. In 2006, Jaguar integrated thin strips of flexible blue light into its CXF concept car.
Orgacon is also launching new EL materials with higher transparency, meaning the lamps will be able to emit more light. Bollens says the screen printable materials can also be used to produce other flexible displays apart from EL. 'We
are moving into more optical applications such as flexible displays and more advanced signage modules,' he says.

The battle to build for the best

The race is on to find the right construction team to transform ambitious plans into an inspiring reality

Along with the Olympic Village and Stadium, the Aquatic Centre is a cornerstone venue of any Olympic Games.
It is also a chance for a host nation to showcase its architectural talent. Rising to this opportunity, British architectural firm Zaha Hadid Architects is in the final stages of creating blueprints for a technological masterpiece that will make London the world’s most advanced centre for sports.
The Aquatics Centre will mark the entrance to the Olympic Park from Stratford. The design includes two 50m competition pools, plus a diving pool. The centre will host swimming, diving, synchronised swimming, water polo finals and pentathlon, with 20,000 spectator seats all housed under a sweeping roof design.
During the Olympics and Paralympics, the Aquatic Centre will host all the swimming and diving events, and after the Games will be converted into a 2,500-seat complex with the potential to add in a further 1,000 temporary seats for European events.
Zaha Hadid is not a company to shy away from designing Olympic structures. The firm also drew up designs for the Olympic Village for New York City’s bid for the 2012 Olympics. By winning the bid, London thwarted this plan – but created an opportunity for Zaha Hadid to design on home turf.
Architect Zaha Hadid says: "The architectural concept of the London Aquatic Centre is inspired by the fluid geometry of water in motion, creating spaces and a surrounding environment in sympathy with the river landscape.”
Now the plans have been finalised, the battle has begun for three companies bidding to win the contract to build the Aquatic Centre. The construction companies bidding for the contract are UK-owned Balfour Beatty, German company Hochtief, and French firm Eiffel.

Infrastructure to sports structures
As the only UK entrant for the battle to win the construction contract for the Aquatic Centre, Balfour Beatty is a top competitor with experience in large-scale projects.
The company is contributing much more than the Aquatic Centre to London in the run-up to the Games. The company is at the heart of major infrastructural developments that will play important functions in controlling the flow of traffic into the capital for the visitors.
In 2002, the company was awarded the contract to develop Heathrow airport’s terminal five complex, which is due to open in March 2008.
And at King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground station, Balfour Beatty is building the new northern ticket hall of as part of the phased development of the station. By 2011, King’s Cross Underground station will be able to handle an anticipated 92,000 passengers during the daily morning peak.
According to Ian Tyler, Balfour Beatty’s chief executive, the combined impact of the developments at King’s Cross and Heathrow will contribute as much to the Olympics in 2012 as the Aquatic Centre. “We are very pleased to have been awarded the contract for delivery of these key London and Olympic infrastructures. Three Balfour Beatty Group companies will be involved in providing an integrated solution to London Underground’s needs,” he says.

Towering opposition
Another contender to construct the Aquatic Centre, the French building titan Eiffel, has had prior experience with UK architects. Eiffel was involved with the building of the British-designed Millau Viaduct that spans the valley of the River Tarn near Millau in southern France. The viaduct was designed by UK-based Norman Foster Architects, famous for designing the distinctive City Hall and the Swiss Re Headquarters in London, along with French bridge engineer Michel Virlogeux. The bridge stands at 343 metres above sea level.
The gently rising floodplain of the Lea Valley – the site of the Olympic Village – is not comparable in scale to the dramatic Tarn Valley traversed at Millau. However, Zaha Hadid’s structure is likely to include a bridge as a major aspect of its design.
Also to its credit, Eiffel has experience of constructing large-scale aquatic sports facilities. Along with its parent company Eiffage, the company was commissioned to build the Nemo-Wodnyswiat sports complex in Poland, which features a large aqua park and a range of sports facilities.
This wealth of relevant experience means Eiffel could present itself as a strong contender in the bid to construct the 2012 Olympic Aquatic Centre.

Sporting specialists
The third contender, the German construction company Hochtief, is no stranger to building sports facilities. It was contracted to build the stadium in Mönchengladbach, inaugurated in 2004, which features seating for over 53,000 spectators. As well as acting as a home ground for the German football team Borussia Mönchengladbach, the development also plays host to a number of other sporting events.
This stadium is not the only leisure project on a large scale that Hochtief has put into practice. The company built the basic structure of the Sport and Culture Centre in Luxembourg, constructed its underground garage and completed the link to the Olympic indoor swimming pool. The curved domes are made of laminated wood, glass and copper to produce one of the world’s biggest free-span buildings, giving a futuristic look to the Sport and Culture Centre.

Choosing from the best
All three companies vying for the contract to build the 2012 Aquatic Centre are all experienced in the field, and each of the companies has unique strengths. The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has a big decision on its hands before announcing the final decision on who will build the Aquatic Centre at the end of 2007.
ODA chief executive David Higgins says: “We are pleased to have such a high-quality shortlist competing to build the Aquatics Centre which will form a spectacular gateway to the Olympic Park from Stratford. It is a challenging programme but we are on track to deliver.”

WHERE TO GO...BOURNEMOUTH
New Places to go in Bournemouth
For theNative magazine

60 Million Postcards
19-21 Holdenhurst Road, BH2
Tel. 01202 292 697
With deals you just can’t say no to, 60 Million Postcards brings in stylish DJs to get your feet more than just tapping. The venue has certainly seen a turn around after its chain roots as Edwards, now a chic bar with leather booths and Boho decor, it attracts everyone from indie chicks to classy birds. Laid back during the week, the heat is turned up at weekends, and past guests such as Trash Pussies (Peaches Geldof and her mate Fifi Brown), Chris Peddle and Joe Ransom, make sure you let your hair down good and proper.

Ibar
15 Holdenhurst Road, BH8
Ibar claims it’s a ‘cutting-edge independent bar and club’, and with an enticing line up every week, plus a mashed-up mix of beats for all tastes, it’s the hottest new bar in Bournemouth. Surf the net while you’re sipping away, and download tunes onto your phone or laptop for free. If you miss the big event, you don’t even need to turn up to sample the tunes, just log onto the website and enjoy the gig in your room. Art Bitch Tuesdays are guaranteed to get your creative juices flowing with an arty farty exhibition of everything from film, design, fashion, photography and animation.

The Burger House
274 Old Christchurch Road, BH1
Tel. 01202 311 308
With the atmosphere of an exclusive London club, The Burger House is the number one choice for a classy lunch in town. Sleek leather sofas and stylish art on the walls make it an experience you’ll keep going back to. All food is locally farmed, and the beer locally produced. The friendly staff know everything there is to know about cows, sheep, chickens and pigs, and the wine is chosen by the world’s youngest Master Sommelier, of the Wine Library in Bournemouth for vino freaks out there. From organic lemonade to hand made mayonnaise, you’re guaranteed to leave satisfied.

The Metropole
2 Holdenhurst Road, BH8
Tel. 01202 311 400
Previously known as Karma, The Metropole has had a makeover to give Cher a run for her money, and is now a top venue for budding singers, with Kamikaze Karaoke on Thursdays and Revolving Door open mic night on Tuesdays. You can take a gander upstairs to celebrate the music loft’s Classic Albums Festival throughout May, or just kick back and relax on the decking outside with a pint. Although it’s in the slightly rougher Lansdowne end of town, the spacious bar looks like it could and should be in London’s West End.

Landmarc
Exeter Road, BH2
01202 589 868
The only thing you’ll be worshipping at the Landmarc is alcohol. The club and restaurant is in an old church, and the interior keeps the character of a Grade II listed building. It’s certainly Hogwarts Great Hall cum chic Boho bar with long dark wood benches, tall arches and stained glass, making you feel like you’re rocking with the gods. With everything from a Comedy night on Wednesdays, to private functions, to an estranged mix of pop and rock performances, you can either sit down and eat (£25 per person) or stand up and enjoy the bustling atmosphere (£10 entry).

CAPTAIN SENSIBLE
Appeared in What Mobile

Nokia 6300
In recent months, Nokia seems to have been concentrating on its Nseries and E-series handsets. Yes, ‘multimedia devices’ as Nokia describes them are becoming more and more accessible and affordable, and most users don’t even realise they’re smartphones, but for those who are a little scared by the term ‘smartphone’, Nokia has released a decent Series 40 handset.
The candy bar 6300 feels top quality in the hand. Although it’s heavy for a handset that’s only 11.7mm thick, what else would you expect from something made out of stainless steel? The design is sleek; it has a metal front and back with hints of black plastic, coincidentally the same colour scheme chosen by Sony Ericsson for the W880i (see p34). In fact, the two handsets are very similar, proving that even the companies who don’t often compete in the ‘fashion’ or ‘ultra-slim’ categories are jumping on the bandwagon.

The keypad is the best I’ve seen on a Nokia Series 40 handset to date. The number buttons are a joy to use – there’s no effort required, but they’re not so soft they don’t respond. Even the world’s slowest texters will have no problem getting their typing skills up to secretarial level. Above the number keys is a four-way square key with the menu button in the centre. There are also two buttons on each side of the four-way key which are self-explanatory: call answer/end and two customisable selection buttons, preset as shortcuts for the Internet and phonebook.

The screen is a crisp, 240x320 pixel display that can show over 16M colours, and is simply stunning. The active standby screen can be modified simply, just by highlighting the application you want to replace, clicking on options, and then ‘change shortcut’. This means you can have quick access to the features you use the most, whether it’s creating a text, logging onto the web or setting the alarm. You can also see what you’re playing on the music player, radio and view your appointments on the active standby screen. There are two themes loaded on the 6300 – both that make the handset look identical to a Series 60 handset. For a sleek look, go for the black, for a simpler look, go for the blue.

The camera is decent enough considering it doesn’t have a flash. In fact, the 2.0-megapixel snapper creates ultra-sharp bright images. The only slight annoyance is the time the photos take to save onto the phone. You’ll be waiting at least five seconds for the animated ‘saving’ icon to disappear.

Thank you for the music
The music player is simply designed, and just as simple to use. You control it via the four-way button and central ‘menu’ button. The media equaliser gives more options than a standard stereo, plus there are two customisable ‘set’ options for personal settings.

For a handset with a mono speaker, the sound it blasts out is remarkable. Although the speaker is on the rear, so it’s quieter when the phone is placed face-up on a surface, you will still be able to hear the tunes loud and clear. This goes for the ringtones too. You’ll never miss a call with the ultra-loud tones, especially if set to a favourite MP3. There’s also stereo Bluetooth for wireless listening, with a ‘stereo widening’ option.

As with all handsets, to listen to the FM radio, you’ll have to plug in the earphones that come in the box. The sound through the earphones, whether listening to the radio, MP3 or media player, is just perfect. There’s even a skip track button integrated into the ’phones so you don’t have to keep fishing the handset out of your pocket. If only there was a volume button too, it would be worth getting your hands on a 2.5mm to 3.5mm adaptor and using them with your MP3 player.
Applications pre-installed on the 6300 are quite impressive when you consider it’s a Series 40 handset. Although it’s becoming more commonplace for standard handsets to feature a wider selection of applications, it’s pleasing to see the Opera browser is pre-installed, making web browsing even simpler than using the Nokia browser. There’s also Nokia’s Sensor community application installed. Although this is certainly no Microsoft Messenger or MySpace, it’s great to use if you’re playing around with mates with Sensor-enabled handsets.

While it’s unlikely to win any design awards, the Nokia 6300 is a great choice for someone who wants a reliable, high-spec handset that’s easy to use. With everything you’ll ever want or need, including an FM radio, decent camera, MP3 player and a tip-top browser, in one thin, solid, good-looking handset, this device is all set to take the mass market by storm.

WHAT'S HOT
May issue of What Mobile

Sony Walkman NW-A800
2GB/4GB/ 8GB
£120/£140/£200
The time has come for Sony to produce a new MP3 player, fit to rival the Nano. The NW-A800 is the first Walkman music player to feature a video player in addition to crystal clear sound, and with a 320x240 pixel screen the quality of video playback isn’t too shoddy either. You can watch footage either horizontally or vertically, and downloading content is easy by dragging and dropping files onto the player.
With three Clear Audio Technologies (Clear Stereo, Clear Bass and Digital Sound Enhancement), you’re guaranteed to get the clearest sound whether in a library or on the night bus home. If you find battery life is a problem when listening to tunes or watching video on your current player, the Sony NW-800 offers 30 hours continuous music playback or eight hours video playback. Available in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB versions, there’s also a range of colours to choose from depending on your mood.
www.sony.co.uk

Roam-Mio
Mio C220; C320; C520; C520t
£135; £240; £275; £310
Although Mio may not be as well known as TomTom, the company is hoping to raise the bar by launching four new SatNav systems. The entry level C220 retains the standard 3.5-inch widescreen as seen on previous models, while the C320, C520 and C520t receive an upgrade in the form of a 4.3-inch screen. All four products take on the latest TeleAtlas maps, MioMap v3 software, plus speed camera alerts and a SIRFstarIII GPS receiver.
The C520t also comes with a TMC-enabled version of the standard cradle, which is supplied with the C320 and C520.
Like their predecessors, the three higher-market products feature split-screen mode. In addition to displaying the map on the widescreen, this also displays vital route information including time and distance to destination, the next four manoeuvres, local traffic congestion and selected POIs nearby.
www.mio-tech.be

Snappers delight
Kodak Z712; Z885; C613; C763
£230; £150; £70; £TBC
Kodak has launched four new cameras. The Z712 features a 12x optical zoom with image stabilisation. With a 7.1-megapixel sensor, you can create images to fit the size of A4 at top quality.
The Z885 (right) has 10 smart scene modes will make sure you get stunning shots every time. With a 5x optical zoom and 8.1 megapixels, you’ll never struggle to create crystal clear shots, especially with the high ISO, which has been deigned to tackle low-light environments and action scenes with ease.
Two lower-market snappers have also been announced. The Easyshare C613 and C763 are available for less than £100, and although they could be considered budget, the spec isn’t bad at all. The C613 is a 6.2-megapixel snapper with a 3x optical zoom, while the C763 features a 7-megapixel sensor also with 3x optical zoom.
www.kodak.co.uk

The Nimzy whimsy
Nimzy Vibro Max
£80
If you’re planning a trip abroad soon, but can’t fit portable speakers into your suitcase, look no further than the Nimzy Vibro Max. This nifty little device doesn’t work like a conventional speaker, but instead transforms any flat, solid surface into a speaker itself, meaning the sound will be as big as your table, or floor, or whatever you place the speaker upon. This tiny speaker is only 60x60x50mm, but if you’re concerned that a small speaker means small sound, worry not. In fact, the miniature device will produce sound that you can expect from a 20 watt speaker – now that’s impressive!
www.widget.co.uk

SOUND CLASH
As published in What Mobile

Samsung K5

Samsung’s K5 is an MP3 player with a big difference. Although to the untrained eye it may look a little chunky compared to a Nano at 18mm thick, there’s a good reason for this extra bulk, as the player features a slide out speaker for social listening. There’s also a host of other features that will have music lovers salivating.
The K5 is glossy black on the front and matt on the back. The large speaker slides out from the back of the device with a satisfying whoosh, because it’s power-assisted like the Samsung D900’s slider.

You may be thinking that if an MP3 player is only 98mm long, the speakers are going to be of a poor quality. However, on this occasion, you’d be wrong as the dual speakers pump out impressive stereo sound. The one disadvantage to having built-in speakers on an MP3 player is that there’s a distinct possibility that the annoying teenager who puts their mobile on loudspeaker while on the same journey as you will be even more tempted to slide the speaker from the K5 and listen to their tunes in an extremely disturbing fashion.

If you’re more one for a quiet life, you can use the bundled earphones that also produce brain shattering sound to drown out the sound of the annoying teenager. They’re in-ear, so may look like a method of torture, but they certainly make sure the sound stays where it’s supposed to.

The touch controls (groan) are surprisingly good. In fact, compared to the controls on the Maxfield (p46), they’re a dream. Although once again the front is too glossy to avoid big fat greasy finger marks, the buttons do eas they’re told without any time lag.

Turning the device on and off is easier too. You simply have to slide the button to one side for mere seconds before you’re greeted with the bright screen. Although the themes consist of icy blue or icy blue, it displays photos as well as you can expect on a 1.7-inch OLED screen, especially as the pics are rotated according to whether they’re landscape or portrait.

On the menu
The menu user interface is as straightforward as you'll get. Simply scroll to find the music, FM radio, photo, alarm or the settings sub-menu and you're presented with a clear list of options that change from grey to white when you highlight them. In the music menu, you can choose to view tracks by artist, album, track, genres or playlists. To backtrack, you simply have to press the arrow key which lights up when the device is in active mode.

The K5 features an FM radio and, like most mobile phones and other devices with this attribute, you’ll have to plug in the earphones that act as the aerial. You do have the ability to blast tunes to your mates and sound is crystal clear as MP3 playback.

Although Samsung has just announced a sleeker version of this product, the K5’s most outstanding point is its slide out speaker, which makes music truly mobile. Just turn it on at a party, and there’s more space for drinks and nibbles on the table. Forget spending hundreds of pounds on a DJ, the K5 is all you need to get the party started.

KUWAITI ARCHITECTURE
Published in Host City magazine

Known as one of the busiest financial and trade centers in the Middle East, it’s not surprising that new developments are taking hold in Kuwait. With two new city projects on drawing boards, the Gulf epicenter is emerging as the new Dubai, and not on a small scale.

The Kuwaiti economy has expanded substantially over the last three years, mostly due to
the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003. As the economy wakes up from the damage, huge building developments are emerging, and evidence of this can be seen around Kuwait. Added to the fact that Kuwait sits on 10 per cent of the world’s oil reserves and the government is looking more and more at inward investment, companies all over the world are bidding for new development projects to be built on the most up and coming country in the Gulf.

Following in the footsteps of Sydney and Athens, UK architects Eric Kuhne and Associates has drawn up plans to create an Olympic city in Kuwait. Madinat Al Hareer (City of Silk), is a 21st century city, planned to be developed directly across the Kuwait Bay from Kuwait City, and will be linked by a 23.5 km bridge.

Although there are no immediate plans to hold the Olympics in Kuwait, preparation is the key if the Gulf country is going to reach it’s projections of population increase to more than five million by the year 2030 (an increase of approximately 40 per cent). The government is already benefiting from tourists being drawn to the diverse country, and the Olympics will give an even larger opportunity to draw tourists, and further strengthen the infrastructure.

“The concept was to create a city for 700,000 people, and an Olympic city tied in with leisure and health. Working with the Kuwait government, the Emir and the prime minister, we are hoping to lift the Kuwait posture globally and create a centre of excellence in health and athleticism,” says architect Eric Kuhne. “We were aware of Dubai sports development and the aim of this project is to rise up and compete. We wanted to make sure the recreation facilities and athletics facilities are world class, and fit into the vision of global capitals.”

The project is much more than simply an Olympic City. Although it comprises a health and leisure area, plans also include three more primary employment centres; business, finance and trade, culture and diplomacy, and ecology. A wildlife sanctuary covers a third of the 250 sq km development, with the culture and diplomacy area facing the Gulf coast, the business and commerce centre facing Kuwait Bay, and the leisure area directly backing onto the river. The centrepiece for the whole project is the Mubarak al-Kabir tower, deemed to be the tallest building in the world.

The tower will extend to more than 1,001 m tall, and house more than 200 floors. With the exception of the three communications towers, Kuwait City is still predominantly low-rise, thanks to building height restriction of 40 storeys. Now building rules have been relaxed to encourage investors to the country, such a skyscraper can be built. The tower will overshadow the previous tallest Gulf coast skyscrapers including the Burj Dubai in Dubai (808 m). The twisting, tapering structure of the Mubarak al-Kabir will feature three blades, terminating at different heights to provide residents, workers and guests with cultural, civic and religious amenities.

The KD 25bn project is expected to contribute KD 45bn to Kuwait’s National income over the life of the project and is estimated to create 500,000 jobs for the area, which is a welcome addition to the country’s economy.
Kuhne concludes that,“The project is conveyed as a balance between commerce, culture, leisure and ecology, and in doing so it is an independent city centre, and a 21st century city centre.”

It’s not only foreign investment that is building up Kuwait’s portfolio of extensive development. Kuwaiti estate and investment company, EFAD Holdings showcased its plans to create a future city near Fahaheel at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) earlier in the year.
The KD 500,000,000 project plans to enhance Kuwait’s status as host for international investment and events, while regenerating the Fahaheel area of Kuwait. Wholly financed by the private sector, the range of residential areas, hotels, retail, plus services in the shape of a specialised hospital and education establishment will encourage investors around the world to inject money into the Kuwaiti economy.

The project will cover 770,000 sq m and will feature hotels, hotel suites, 25 residential units, 20 residential buildings (to house 7,200 people), eight office towers, one shopping mall, entertainment and commercial units, plus a whole new transport system. The focal point for the project is an undercover walkway that stretches from one side of the city to another, and utilises the latest technology to keep the area cool through all seasons.
British architectural visualisation company, Designhive, has been brought onboard to create the branding identity for the project.
Designhive is one of the leading architectural visualisation specialists in the UK. The 17-strong team works independently with architects, planners and specifiers to create realistic visualisations of future environments. The company’s extensive portfolio includes London 2012 and Turkey Resort.

“Khabary is a future city outside Kuwait City that was designed by Make Architects on behalf of Al Dar [a subsidiary company of EFAD Holdings]. The investment company needed to win government approval and we were commissioned to produce branding and marketing for the Kuwaiti government,” says Designhive commercial director, Janine Tijou. “We were supplied drawings by Make of the original masterplan, which they had been developing for about 18 months beforehand with Al Dar. We then developed the original drawings into format using 3DS Max software.”

“We needed to composite the future city into the context to fit in with the surrounding area. We first took aerial photographs of the proposed site, and used Bijou, which is a programme used in the film industry, to create the 3D effects. As we came down to ground level we had to create what the surrounding city looks like in CGI. To do this, we created block models in the style of the existing buildings. This was done quite generically to give the feel of being in that environment,” says Tijou.
Another integral part of the marketing of the design was to create visualisations of the project to show how it will look being used by people. “Animating people within scenes was a big challenge. It’s quite easy creating populated scenes with easy shortcuts, but when the shot requires flying through buildings, past people, they need to be realistic. For this, we used green screens and actually went out to Kuwait to film people wearing traditional costumes, and people who are likely to be using the city,” says Tijou.

As a result of Designhive’s work, the government has granted permission for Al Dar to start constructing the project. The Future City is due for completion in 2009, and Designhive has created marketing materials to present the idea to potential investors.

Although Kuwait is currently lagging slightly behind Dubai in construction and economy terms, new developments such as the Madinat Al Hareer and Khabary Future City mean it will soon be playing the same game. With the tallest onshore skyscraper proposed, and whole city projects in the making, it is only a matter of time before Kuwait becomes much more than just another developing county in the Middle East.

HEALTH AND SAFTEY AT WORK
Products and Services sample

Safety check
Crowcon's new CheckBox IMH automates the calibration and bump testing of portable gas detectors, reducing operation time and so reducing costs.
The new device ensures all data is permanently recorded ensuring traceable records which can be uploaded and saved for future access
The station supports up to eight gas inlets, including air for zeroing, with the remaining inlets allowing up to seven different calibrations.
For further information, tel. 01235 557 700 or visit www.crowcon.com

Good guide
A merge between Barbour and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health has resulted in the launch of seven practical and comprehensive guides for Health and Safety professionals.
The guides deliver guidance and market leading information including relevant information, necessary legal requirements, checklists, self-assessment questions and helpful summaries for ease of use.
Subscribers will be able to access commentary on topics including Safety Systems of Work, Emergency Planning, Techniques of Inspection and Perspectives in Occupational Health.
For further information, tel. 01344 899 280, or visit www.barbour.info

First Aid tools
A.T. Toolcentre is working with Manchester-based Steroplast to put together a First Aid product range of some 150 product lines.
Available in a new 16-page product catalogue, the range includes HSE compliant First Aid kits, Burnshield Burncare products, Eyecare solution, pads and complete stations, assorted dressings and bandages, resuscitation tools and various medical disposables.
The products were specified because of Steroplast’s guidance in range selection, the quality of their products and unbeatable service levels.
For further information, tel. 0161 9023 040, or visit www.steroplast.co.uk

Speedy repair
A dedicated BoSS Repair Centre has opened at Youngman’s Maldon Factory in Essex.
The 800sq ft unit is a specialist repair facility, and services include collection, repair and delivery of BoSS items which need fixing within 10 days.
Should any equipment be beyond repair, Youngman will offer to scrap the product and credit customers the full scrap value, or a trade-in price will be offered and offset against new equipment.
For further information, visit www.youngmangroup.com.

WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

Now a haven for houseboats, the River Stort was originally a transportation link into Roman Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire. Clare Hopping takes a winter walk along the river to see how it has changed

The quiet River Stort runs past watermills and country houses through some of the most dramatic landscape in Southern England. A tributary of the Lee, the rural Stort’s gentle, 14-mile winding course has remained unaltered by the passage of time. Sprinkled with a Roman Fort, a celebrity mansion and a Norman water mill along the way, the River Stort has to be one of the most diverse rivers in the country.

At 7 o clock on a winter’s morning, many people are still curled up in bed, if not on their way to work. I left that comfort behind to take a walk along the River Stort, where every surface is coated in a silky white blanket, and the moon hangs in the sky, highlighting the spectacular landscape in purple.

My journey starts at Harlow Mill, situated on the border between Hertfordshire and Essex, an establishment steeped in history. In 1066 it belonged to the manor of Harlow until the mid

19th century when it was sold to local heroes, the Barnard family. The surviving mostly 17th century building was converted to a country club in the 1930’s, damaged by fire in the Second World War then partially demolished and the remains converted to a restaurant. This is how it stands today, fronted by a parade of houseboats moored along the riverbank, their silhouettes creating a dramatic contrast to the delicate 300-year-old architecture in the winter dawn light.

Looking up the river, Harlow Mill Bridge stands proud, with its backdrop of pinky-bronze morning light, harbouring the sporadic flow of traffic like a father’s hand cradling a new born baby.

Beyond the bridge, the river path winds untouched, except for the couple of early morning runners making the most of the silence. The only noise is the rhythmic crunching of their footsteps upon the frosty ground, a woodpecker in a tree and swans floating over the calm water. As the rising sun gently heats the water, steam begins to rise off the surface, floating effortlessly towards the flawless blue sky.
Crossing an ice-layered bridge, the roar of rushing water breaks the silence. Underneath is a waterfall, silky water flowing fluently, frothing as it hits the water below. The steam makes it look like a hot tub, bubbling and spitting.

Approximately 100 metres on from the bridge stands Beckingham Palace. Any celebrity spotters dream. Rowneybury House is an imposing 1930’s built former home for disabled children on the outskirts of Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire. From the river path, the windows glint like eyes, watching over the surrounding grounds and fields for any sign of paparazzi. To the left of the main building, the recently erected private chapel can be spotted. At 9 o clock in the morning, I can hear the bells in the chapel chiming, making birds rustle in their frosted habitats.

The wildlife in this part of the river is at its thickest. Frozen catkins look like defrosting icicles, ready to drop, whilst the spiky teasels contrast against the smooth blue water, only spoilt by the ripples of fish grabbing a breath of icy air.

As I enter the small town of Sawbridgeworth, fisherman sit by the river’s edge, their rods outstretched in the hope of making a catch to reward their morning spent in the bitter cold, their breaths making puffs of milky fog in the still air. Sawbridgeworth is a Tudor town, bursting with beamed architecture and rippling roofs, sprinkled with traditional cafés and bric-a-brac shops along the cobbled streets.

Continuing along the river, I walk to Spellbrook, a village just outside Sawbridgeworth. The Three Horseshoes makes a comfortable retreat for a morning drink. The converted Tudor farmhouse is a charming pub, with low beams, low lighting and a roaring fire to warm me up. It is set right on the thick, winter countryside, with fantastic views in the summer from its ‘beer garden’.

After a mile or so, the path is crossed by Pig Lane, a picturesque country lane, lined by a row of cottages. Twyford House is situated approximately 200 metres from the main river path. As a child, I remember looking at in wonder. To me, it was a huge doll’s house with its sturdy red brick frontage, and rather grand entrance. The ancient name Twyford means ‘double ford’, and in this case, it is derived from two fords once used to cross the River Stort. A large country home built in the mid to late 1700s, Twyford House is another building that should be visited when walking along the Stort. The country house will forever be associated with just two families of Thorley, Hertfordshire – the Freres and the Rapers. The name Frere first appeared in local records in the early 13th century but it was the Rapers, a wealthy family of London silk merchants, who became lords of Thorley Manor in the early 1700s. The house changed hands in 1806 through marriage, and the Freres became the owners, until 1939 when the War Office requisitioned Twyford House for use as a maternity hospital for pregnant women, mostly evacuees from London’s East End. A total of 693 babies were born in the hospital. During the remaining century, Twyford House was redeveloped to become private residencies and offices. This is far

from the original use of the house, but it still stands as the one of the most beautiful houses along the Stort, and one of the most vivid childhood memories I have.

On the other side of Pig Lane, vibrantly coloured houseboats lay silent and unmoving – exotic names, such as Zenadu painted perfectly along their sides, replacing the small merchant boats that used to bring Bishop’s Stortford and its surrounding villages necessities during the past 2000 years.

My journey continues into Bishop’s Stortford, a Roman Market Town. Through the town centre and past the newly constructed leisure centre and cinema complex, the path ends up in gardens. Named Castle Gardens, due to the remains of a castle, that towers above the small town.

Waytemore Castle was once used as a royal fortress, residence and prison and was also fortified by various Bishops through the years. However, the Castle was in ruins by 1549 and demolished in 1649. Today, only the mound remains, rumoured to be haunted by a witch. It is set in attractive moated garden with scented flowerbeds, tennis courts and a childrens paddling pool and water fountain. In the summer, Castle Gardens and the River Stort is a haven for all generations, from grandparents to their grandchildren.

HOW TO LIE AND SUCCEED

We've all done it - told a little white lie to get a job, embellished a little here, omitted little things a little there, but Clare Hopping set out to find out the truth behind people's CV's and found out what happens when they get caught out

For most, lying has become a way of life – whether it’s where you were last night when your girlfriend ‘needed’ you (and you were down the pub watching football), or pulling a sickie. But lying to get a job is always a tricky situation – how do you know the interviewer won’t catch you out, and what are the consequences if they find out you lied?

Exaggerate your qualifications
Scotty Clark applied for a job in IT recruitment. The 40-year-old was turned down because the company wanted a graduate.
“After returning to the UK after working in Berlin, I applied for a job in IT recruitment, only to be told that

they wanted a graduate, which I wasn’t. I applied for another job in the same industry, but said I had a degree in communications from Manchester Polytechnic. No one asked for the certificate and the job was mine. In fact, the graduates employed by the company all left within a week because they couldn’t hack it!”
“The basic rate was £12,000 a year, but with commission it took my yearly salary up to £42,000. I was employed to cold-call large businesses to see it they needed a high-end IT technician. It was around the hype about the Millennium Bug, so demand was high. These technicians were paid between £500 and £600 per day, and we took 10 per cent of that home as commission.”

“If I’d been caught out at the beginning, I would have been sacked straight away. After a year or so, me and the boss were out one night, and we were both pretty pissed. I told him that I had never been to university and he laughed in my face! I had proved myself, so there was no problem. I even think if I’d said I’d had sex with little girls, he still would have kept me on, because I can do the job well.”
Employers will hardly ever ask for proof of exam or qualification results. If they do request a certificate, scan in a mate’s, and edit the name, and hope that no one will ever know!

Give reliable references
23-year-old Michael Menzie works as an engineer for the army. He lied about his references to get in, and no one checked the truth. “Mostly, I lied about my references because I wanted to take away any possibility that I wouldn't be able to join, and I needed the job to be able to pay child support. I didn't want to be a dead-beat, and the Army seemed to be the best way to be able to support my son and take care of him by providing insurance, and money for his future. As it turned out, the money was pretty poor, and I never had time off to even see my child. Now I’m going more and more broke because of it.”

“My lying has put me into a tight spot, but not in the way that would be assumed. As it stands, the lying and irresponsibility of the people in the Army has got me into a very bad situation. The fact that I lied to join only means that I now can't get out of the Army, because I lied so well to get in. I have proved myself to the officers, and now they won’t let me go because I’m a good soldier.”

“If you're willing to do things by lying, then you obviously don’t care about the chance of getting in trouble at the time. I don't believe that lying is ever good, although it does tend to be the lesser of many evils.”
Ensure that your references will give you a positive report; don’t give your manager’s details if you slept with his wife, and don’t give the details of your ex. Make sure any disagreements are resolved before you leave your previous company – buy everyone a drink at the pub and flirt with anyone higher up the career ladder than you.

Research
Make sure you know exactly what you’re expected to do in the job you’ve applied for. If it’s as a male escort, make sure you’re good at charming the ladies. If it’s an IT technician, ensure you know how to turn on a computer (or restart – that’s the only cure for a broken computer).

“I lied about having previous waitering experience, and when I got offered a job at a restaurant, they believed me, and didn’t follow up any references. It turned up pretty badly as they expected me to know what I was doing,” says 21-year-old student, Andrew Butler.

“My first shift was a disaster. I had five tables in my section, and I got confused with orders, and table numbers. I took the wrong food to the wrong tables, had no idea what the dishes had in them when people asked, and threw an ice bucket over one of my customers right at the beginning of my shift. While everyone else was earning about £40 in tips, I got £4. I only worked four shifts before they stopped booking me.”

Be selective with the truth
There are certain things that employers need to know (like your name and address), but a lot that they don’t. 25-year-old Johnny Blair applied for a £16,000 job in Halifax without telling them he’d been sacked from his previous jobs, “ I worked in Tesco between1998 and 2001. I was sacked because I told a customer to f**k off. I had received 2 warnings before this. Then when I was working at Halifax straight after, I was sacked because I increased the interest rates as a joke on the website.”

“If I’d told employers I had been sacked, I wouldn’t get the job. Now every time I am sacked from a job, I leave it off my application, and think of a different excuse for why I left, like ‘got bored’, ‘too monotonous’ or ‘uninspiring’. Companies won’t employ someone who has been asked to leave.”

If you’ve been sacked, say you left for personal reasons. Unless you give their name as a reference, your potential employer won’t contact your ex-boss. If they do go snooping around, say you acted that way because you were ‘going through a tough time’, and that the company had a grudge against you because of your fantastic abilities.

Another thing not to surrender on job applications is a criminal record. That is, unless you have the appearance of The Godfather, because you’ll probably give the game away as soon as you enter the room. Even then, you might get away with it. 20 year-old Michael Springer has never revealed his criminal history in a job interview; “I know that if I put down my prison history, my application will be thrown out.”

During the interview
Act the same throughout the interview
According to psychologist Dr Paul Seager, employers conduct group interviews to judge how a candidate acts when they are relaxed. During the group session, they can set a ‘baseline’, and compare this to reactions during one-on-one interviews. If this pattern shifts, they know the candidate is uncomfortable – an obvious sign of a lie. In this situation, make sure you react the same during all parts of the interview. Maybe smoke a joint of marijuana before the interview to ensure ultimate relaxation. This way, employers won’t spot any slip-ups, especially if they question you about doubtful parts of your CV. Laugh your way out of it, and of course, you may have to elaborate on the truth more the better the job.

Everyone tells white lies and out although one little white lie can culminate into a huge vendetta of myth, lying is a man’s forte, and we almost always succeed. If you want a job badly you're going to out-sell yourself to some extent. Employers must be aware of that, and unless you lie about something like an ability to ride horseback or juggle, then you should either learn very quickly or lie in the comfort zone you have surrounded yourself in with the prospect of being found out. But who can judge whether these five men are telling the truth about lying or not?

HOW I CURED MY FEAR OF HEIGHTS

All my life I’ve been terrified of heights. Little did I know that a trip back through my childhood memories could well be the key to a new outlook on life

The expression ‘paralyzed with fear’ is a phrase I know well. Ever since I can remember, the thought of being in an open space more than three feet high has literally made me freeze with anxiety. Only last year aged nineteen, I was reduced to tears when my parents decided to take the family on a cliff-side drive in Fuerteventura, pausing only to take a family photo up against a crumbling wall, which seemed (to a height phobic like myself) ten million feet above the ground. A seaside pleasure trip on the Bournemouth Eye, a brightly coloured anchored hot-air balloon, was an attempt to conquer my fear of heights. As the balloon rose to 500 feet, there was only a flimsy barrier preventing me from plunging to my death. I was left clinging to the side with my eyes closed, shaking uncontrollably and unable to appreciate the beauty of the seaside resort, while my friends took a leisurely walk around the perimeter of the hot-air balloon. I thought at the age of 20, it was time to overcome this fear forever, and I was prepared to do that by any means possible.

During my research into different therapies, including past-life regression and hypnotherapy, I discovered that the two hold distinct similarities. Both call upon your past to heal. “Hypnotherapy involves tapping into the much greater power of your unconscious mind, which is the part that controls fears,” says experienced hypnotherapist Nick Hixson. “During the process, I talk to the unconscious mind directly, suggesting ways it can still protect the client but in a softer way. It is not any sort of mind control, and the subject will be able to stop at any time. They will never be doing anything which is against their beliefs of morals.”

Past life regression involves calling upon much more distant memories, perhaps even from a past life to find the problematic memory.

I’m not the sort of person to believe that hypnotherapy or past life regression works, although I do have an open mind, and I’m willing to believe that negative experiences can scar people and affect their lives. Martin Armstrong-Prior is a senior clinician in psychotherapy and hypnotherapy, and a member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy. He explains the trance-like state that allows people to overcome their fears occurs in everyday life. “Trance state is a normal phenomenon and most people go into trance between five and seven times a day. In this the focus of the “conscious” mind drifts from the here and now, while the “sub-conscious” mind continues normal function.”

Beryl West is a spiritual healer, psychiatric nurse and hypnotherapist, specialising in fears, phobias and past life regression. Although I had never met her, she seemed very chatty on the phone, and I felt comfortable talking to her.

Driving to Beryl’s house, I felt nervous. Against my expectations, of a shabby looking, crooked, unkempt property, her house in suburban Bournemouth was a 1930’s stone-fronted detached property, just like any other house along the road. Walking up to the front door, I felt like turning back and driving back to the comfort of my own home. A small lady answered the door, her face showing signs of suffering a stroke, and her body bent through 20 years of feeling others’ anguish. The interior of the house was alive with small trinkets. A sign of the life the hypnotherapist had once lived. A small white flower basket, brimming with tiny blue and pink bone china flowers sat next to an a chunky gold table-top clock, ticking away the years that had passed on a heavy mahogany cabinet. I was invited into her living room, where soft, relaxing music was playing in the background, and more heavy wooden cabinets bordered the room, again littered with tokens of thanks from healed clients. I was invited to take a seat in a brown velour reclining armchair, as Beryl took a seat opposite me, her arthritic hands curled around a sheet of paper as she asked me questions regarding my mental and physical health. I was made to feel comfortable right from the beginning, as she talked openly about her past clients. One young lady had a fear of aeroplanes. She had not been holiday for 10 years, despite the need to travel around the world for her job. After one session, Beryl used a process of interpreting language to reveal that the young lady’s problem had stemmed from an experience when she was 14. By re-associating aeroplanes as ‘safe places’, the client felt comfortable enough to book a holiday. A month after the treatment, the client took the 9,000-mile trip to Australia and was completely cured of her fear.

After talking for about 15 minutes about what hypnotherapy is, and what would happen, Beryl reclined my chair, and gave me a vibrantly coloured crocheted blanket as a comfort. I began fingering the loose threads as nervously I pulled the blanket higher around my body. Myth says that some people need a security blanket to make them feel safe when under hypnosis. Your body temperature drops when accessing your subconscious, so the blanket also serves to give warmth.

The relaxation exercises consisted of Beryl telling me to relax my body, starting from the head, down the back of the neck, the front of the neck, and down to my feet, then she told me to imagine a bright light, travelling the same path, from my head to my feet. I could feel my eyelids fluttering, almost like I was blinking repetitively. She then counted from five to one, deepening my relaxation further.

Beryl then asked me to recall a time when I had experienced a negative event with heights. I remembered that when I was four, I had fallen up an escalator. I recalled that I had been wearing white tights, a dark red skirt and black patent shoes. My mother was at the bottom, and my father was at the top. I wanted to go shopping with my father, so I got on the escalator, but missed the first step and fell over, grazing my knees badly. I remember looking down, and seeing blood soak through my white tights.

I was then asked to go back further in my subconscious, and I remembered being on a beach in Menorca. I was three years old, and I was going to go to the shops to get an ice cream. I remember wearing a yellow swimming costume. Retrospectively, this appeared to be out of character, as I don’t normally remember anything about family holidays before the age of 17. I recall walking up concrete steps to the shop, but instead of walking back down them to get to the beach, I jumped off the path onto the beach, falling on a stone, and hurting my knee.

After I had recalled my memories to Beryl, she told me to visualise a safe place. I visualised my bed. Beryl then asked me to fast forward and rewind my bad memory, ending in the safe place, starting with the beach incident. First she guided me through it, and then told me to do it as fast as I could by myself. She then asked my to visualise a newer negative experience, so I recalled going up in the Bournemouth Eye. She asked me how scared I felt, on a scale of one to ten, with ten being the scariest, one being the least scary. I felt completely comfortable with stepping onto the Bournemouth Eye, so I scaled it at five. She confirmed with me that I was comfortable with the situation, and then counted from one to five, and I was awake.

During the hypnotherapy, I felt relaxed, almost like I was asleep, but I could sense everything around me, and knew I was in the room, under hypnosis. I also knew I could open my eyes at any time if I wanted to. Afterwards, I had a chat with Beryl and she said I went into a hypnotic state almost instantly. She told me about when she was hypnotised, and found out she had subconsciously separated her life at a young age, due to a negative experience. With the help of hypnotherapy, she had re-joined her two selves. She also explained that some people try to resist hypnosis, while others refuse they have been hypnotised, because it feels so natural. It doesn’t feel strange at all, and you are in control at all times. Half an hour after arriving at Beryl’s house, I was ready to leave, but was I cured?

Test number 1: Spinnaker Tower
The first task seemed easy – to visit Portsmouth’s answer to the Eiffel Tower. Spinnaker Tower is as high as three Nelson’s columns, and overlooks the harbour. There is a panoramic lift on the outside of the architectural structure, and this was the test. Could I get in the lift, and travel up to the peak? Watching the numbers climb metre by metre on the lift display up to the lower floor, I felt slightly uneasy, but confident I could carry out the task.

Entering the first floor gift shop was a lot easier than I expected. Faced with an enclosed space, I was fine. The only thing slightly deterring me was the floor to ceiling glass windows. The view across Portsmouth Harbour was breathtaking. The next step to the challenge was standing on the glass floor in the centre of the room. This was something I have found virtually impossible since the age of five. I always used to avoid stepping onto lights set into the floor at shopping centres for fear of falling through. The thought of plunging more than 300 feet to my death did not boost my confidence. After five minutes watching toddlers and teenagers dance happily on the transparent surface, I was overcome by the need to follow their example. Gingerly stepping onto the first tile, grabbing onto the rail, just in case (the small doubt in my mind told me) the glass gave way. I felt revitalised. This would not have happened a month ago. Feeling a surge of adrenalin, I let go of the rail, and walked across the remaining tiles with a renewed confidence.

I was ready for the next step. Walking up the stairs with a refreshed attitude, I arrived in the Cabin, 400 feet above sea level. Looking around, I was able to appreciate the spectacular site across Portsmouth Harbour, feeling completely safe and comfortable.

Golden Cap, Dorset
Golden Cap is the highest point along the south coast. As my car struggled to climb the steep roads leading to the National Trust site, I began to feel slightly nervous. Situated south of small holiday hot-spot Chideock, West Dorset, Golden Cap stands more than 600 feet above sea level, twice the height of Big Ben’s clock tower. Driving along single-track roads to the car park, my anxiety grew, and the cliff loomed in front of me. The three-quarter of a mile walk to the peak would have been a workout for any experienced walker, but for someone who exercises once a year, it was torture.
Approaching the summit of the cliff, I felt a renewed energy to get to the top, pausing only to take in the scenery. Lush green hills spotted with snow patches, and on the other side, the glistening expanse of sea. The experience thus far was only spoilt by the 100 mph winds that increased in intensity as I climbed to the peak.

Finally, the last hill, and I had reached the top. I was met not with fear, but with pure pride. Looking across the sea, and turning round to take in the panoramic views across West Dorset, any small inkling of uneasiness was blown away by the wind. I managed to walk within two feet from the edge, with nothing between me and the bursting sea below.

Finally, I was cured of a fifteen year fear of heights, and oh, it felt so good!

SEEING IT CLEARLY
Written for idFX magazine

Almost two years on, it’s time for preparations to begin for the British Glass Biennale 2006. Glassmakers are finalizing their designs, and speakers are preparing their speeches, but what will this year’s exhibition have in store for visitors to the Ruskin Centre, Stourbridge?

Mention glass art and the usual suspects begin to fill the frame – Sweden, Bohemia, France, and Italy, but the Brits are making a stand against their European cousins. Following worldwide events, such as 2004’s International Festival of Glass, the Britons are becoming a serious contender in the glassmaking industry. The world is finally waking up and smelling the sweet smell of molten glass.

Curator of the British Glass Biennale Candice-Elena Evans says that last year’s event has made a start to converting the public to glass art, ‘people are accepting glass as art slowly in this country. The success really depends on the artist, and how their work is marketed. Although there are huge numbers of art galleries in this country, few specialize in glass. That is normally left to art shops.’

The UK has been neglected when it comes to Art Glass, especially when compared to the scene in the US. America has a history of creating art pieces from glass. With the Studio Glass movement in the 1960’s, Americans have been brought up on a culture of glass as art. There are far more art courses that specialize in glass as a medium, and artists are nurtured to produce innovative pieces. Although there are a select few university and college art courses that specialize in glass making, they are hugely over-subscribed. Universities are also beginning to invest money into glassmaking, with Sunderland University buying a new water jet machine that allows precision cutting of glass, but there is a long way to go before the UK will be as technically advanced as the US.

But, advances in technology and availability of new techniques mean that glass can be used in more ways than in the past. For example, ‘smart’ glass can change from transparent to opaque with the flick of a switch. Traditional sandblasting is being challenged by laser engraving to create internal imagery in glass, and strengthening techniques mean that the material can be used for much more than glasses and vases, while the introduction of dichroism has allowed glassmakers to utilise and manipulate a vast array of colours in a single piece. The cost of these methods is huge, and this is a problem in the UK, where little money is available for the development of such an industry.

Keith Cummings, a spokesman from the University of Wolverhampton says that nurturing the art of glass making is not an easy task, ‘Ideally, there could be more nurturing of glass as an art medium, but it is expensive and hard to justify in our increasingly pressurised education system. The only way to provide more art glass courses in the UK would be to set up private Art schools, but economically this is unlikely. Events like the British glass Biennale can only help the situation.’

In September, the second British Glass Biennale will take place, inviting artists from around the country to demonstrate the power of glass. After the success of 2004, 2006 promises to be a year brimming with innovation. Last year, we saw hanging glass figurines, flying saucers and beautiful glass swans. We can expect bigger and better projects this year.

‘Because we are having open submissions this year, we are hoping to attract a much wider audience,’ says Evans. ‘I think that we will see more architectural pieces, and a lot more multi-media items, especially with the introduction of the Net Infinity Prize.’

The Net Infinity Prize is part of the British Glass Biennale, and encourages artists from the north of the UK to collaborate with glass artists to create a piece that reflects arts of the West Midlands. The cluster groups are based on the West Midlands established traditional crafts of carpet and rug making, furniture making, glass, leather goods, jewellery, ceramics, clothing and textiles, and will be judged using the same terms and conditions of the British glass Biennale. This encouragement for other craftmakers to get involved in the glass industry can only be a positive thing.

‘We are on the verge of a turning point for glass,’ says glass artist, Desiree Hope. ‘It struggles to be classed as art and wants to break free from its label of craft. Artists are constantly looking for new materials to express themselves, but maybe in the future artists will look back to traditional materials such as glass. I think a work of art in glass is more likely to stand the test of time than say Tracey Emin’s unmade bed.’

No longer will the Brit art glass scene be left out of glass conversation. It will stand proudly alongside the likes of Tiffany and Steuben, Gallé, Kosta Boda and Murano glass. It is high time that British glass gains the appreciation it deserves.

International Festival of Glass
21 August 2006-28 August 2006,
Ruskin Glass Art Centre, Stourbridge.

GRAHAM COXON: FROM THE ARCHIVE

Music history without Blur is like a tramp without a cardboard box. It just wouldn’t happen. The thought is just unthinkable. Blur without the black spectacled Graham Coxon is like a cardboard box without cardboard. Simply ‘a box’. Boring.

Mention Blur to a pop lover, and the first image in their head will be Damon Albarn. Now, we can’t underestimate his talent – after all, he did manage to get a number one with a bunch of cartoon characters, but the answer to the question for a true music lover lies in the ex-guitarist, a certain Mr Graham Coxon.

The Blur eruption began in 1989 when Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Dave Rowntree and Alex James planted their seeds as four-piece band Seymour. The name didn’t last long, because let’s be honest, the name is pants, so the boys became known as Blur. Breaking into the music scene behind true legends such as The Stone Roses, Blur took their influences from more traditional outlets including The Kinks, The Who, The Madness and The Smiths.

“Blur are for me the pinnacle of the 90s - all the better for having been slightly forgotten by the mainstream hype machines,” says Max Good Books. “Their sense of irony

seems as cutting now as it was 14 years ago, and musically they still stand alongside Radiohead as the finest of their times. Coxon managed to play the guitar with his hands and his head rather than his ego - adding what was needed for each song and never overstepping the mark.”

Britpop was born following the crazy Madchester movement, allowing people finally to have a break from dodgy indie meets dance music, and giving those south of Manc-land something to be inspired by.

The Britpop battle of the decade created an uproar when Blur went head-to-head against Oasis for the number one spot. Blur won, with a 58,000 record advantage. Newspapers saw it as a “defeat of working class sincerity by arty-farty middle class pretension,” while Noel Gallagher’s disgust stooped as low as to wish Albarn would “die from AIDs.”

Blur’s Greatest Hits set was released in 2000, while Coxon dabbled in becoming a solo artist, and Albarn set up Gorillaz with cartoonist Jamie Hewlett. Tensions became apparent, and in August 2002, NME reported that Coxon had left Blur. A management representative told a tabloid newspaper: "There has been no bust-up. Graham isn't in the studio with Blur. He is putting the finishing touches to his own album which is out in October." This was obviously a bit fat lie, because Coxon left halfway through recording Think Tank, appearing only on the last track.

Coxon’s solo career had set off while in Blur. The release of three albums led to the launch of Coxon’s own Transcopic Record label. The Sky is Too High, released in 1998 was described by critics as “a ramshackle mixture of English folk music and 1960’s-style garage rock, under the influence of Billy Childish.” This was followed by The Golden D in 1999 and Crow Sit on Blood Tree in 2001.

After leaving Blur, Coxon vowed to spend more time with his child and partner, but began working straight away on a solo album. The autobiographical Kiss of the Morning dealt with issues surrounding a man battling alcoholism. The mournful lyrics, blatently spiteful in parts was a complete change from the Blur records, while the use of a tinkling piano moved the album towards a jazz and blues stance taking it off the Britpop Richter scale.

Ex-Blur producer Stephen Street was drafted in to twiddle the knobs on Coxon’s fifth solo album. Happiness in Magazines was a punk rock masterpiece, touched with witty optimism. The shit-hot guitar riffs and Sex-Pistol-esque anthems, met ex-Blur-esque nursery rhyme numbers to create a mish-mash album spawning hits such as Bittersweet Bundle of Misery, Spectacular and Freakin’ Out.

FIVE IRRITATING THINGS ABOUT THE UNDERGROUND
1. Holidaymakers using the underground at rush hour
Surely, even you cannot find it easy traveling with a suitcase the size of a small bus? If you struggle to carry/roll your suitcase, there's absolutely no way it's going to fit through the barriers. When trying to get through the underground barriers, go straight to the door and go through with the aid of an Underground worker. You'll only hold up the commuters otherwise. Or, an even BETTER suggestion would be to get a cab. Then the only person you have to irritate is the driver who has to lug the aforementioned suitcase into cab.

2. Commuters whose Oyster Cards/tickets won't let them through the barriers
OK, if your ticket doesn't let you through the barrier first time, it's pretty obvious it won't work a second, third or even fourth time. If you keep on trying, you'll probably make a lot of people late and angry.

3. Tourists on weekends
One of the reasons people move to London is because you can get around quickly without being held up by dawdling old ladies with their shopping trolleys. Londoners thrive on speed. Why do tourists have the inability to accept the speedy environment of the Capital? While sightseeing, it's fine to walk slowly and savour the sights and smells of London, but while traveling on the Underground, HURRY UP! There's nothing to look at except the grime and dirt (even the 'art' and mosaics no longer have a cultural feel).

4. People shouting at you to move down a busy train
If you're traveling during particularly busy times, there's nothing worse than being told to 'MOVE DOWN THE TRAIN', especially if it's a well-dressed, over-sized businesswoman with her nose in the air. Surely if there was room, we would move down the train? How does this suit you - 'GET ON THE NEXT TRAIN, THERE'S NO ROOM FOR YOU HERE?'

5.The lack of normally-priced supermarkets
Just because the majority of people who live in London are blessed with higher-than-average salaries, we already have to pay higher rent and higher council tax rates. Why should we have to spend more money on food shopping too? The average £18,000 earner's salary is probably the equivalent of someone earning £14,000 elsewhere in the country, so why don't we get an equally cheap Tesco, Lidl or Sainsburys rather than Tesco Express, Co-Op, Somerfield or Sainsburys Local? We should be given the right to eat?

IRAQ FREEDOM?
Tony Blair's surprise visit to Baghdad today demonstrated that he's determined to make sure he's at the forefront of publicity if the new government succeeds. After a laborious five months of negotiations, Iraq finally has a government. For those who aren't sure who's who, take a look at the guide below....
Nouri Maliki is the PM and acting Interior Minister.
Barham Salih is the Deputy PM and acting National Security minister.
Salam Zaubai is the Deputy PM and acting Defence Minister.
Hussain Al-Shahristani is the Oil Minister.
Hoshiyar Zebari is the Foreign Minister.
Hashim Al-Shebli is the Justice Minister.
For a full list of Who's who in the Iraq cabinet, have a look on the BBC website.

WASTING POLICE TIME
I have just found a press release from the Conservative website stating that 'merging' the police force is actually shorthand for 'cutting the police force'. According to the source, plans are to replace full-time police officers with cheaper community support officers. What must be understood is that PCSOs have few powers compared to fully trained police officers. They are there simply to show an authoritative presence to the public. Shadow Home Secretary, David Davis pointed out that the public has paid for additional police recruiting, through higher council tax bills while the Government have been happy to brag about increasing the number of officers on the beat. Unfortunately, PSCOs are useless to help in the fight against crime. Without fully trained police officers (sorry Tony, they're more expensive), there is no way crime will be cut.

POLICE PRESSURE

A Populus survey has shown that a staggering 58 per cent of the population disagree with the government's proposals to merge police forces in England and Wales. Yet the government is storming ahead with its proposals. Does this really show that the government listens to the peoples' voices? Although the key thinker in police merger, David Blunkett, fell (or was rather pushed) from his post, Blair is continuing his plans to merge police forces around the UK and Wales (excluding London and Manchester). A Government Green Paper published last year said smaller forces would be amalgamated and replaced with "strategic forces" capable of dealing with policing in the 21st century, including neighbourhood crime, public disorder and organised crime. Will this poll stop the government in its tracks? Will Blair's ministers realise that it's now time to listen to the people it is meant to be representing?

MORE TAXES? SURELY NOT...

Why does every single luxury in life have to be ripped from our clutches? The Lib Dems' newest endeavor to get money out of us, is through the item that has become a commodity. 73 per cent of households in the UK own at least one, and it's something most take for granted. Yes,that's right, the Lib Dems have decided to begin car tax increase campaigns. However, like council tax, income tax, and just about everything else tax, it's going to sting those that have a higher income than those in lower bands. Annual road tax could increase to £2,000 per year (10 times the current rate) to attempt to slow down global warming. This would only apply to 'high-end cars' such as BMW's, and 4x4's. Most of the 'high-end cars' on the road are company cars - so will this really affect the roads?

JAMIE'S SCHOOL DINNERS

OK, when I was at school there was none of this 'Turkey Twizzlers' lark. In fact, we had a pretty healthy menu - fresh ingredients, freshly made. Even at secondary school there was a healthy option (although not many 16-year-olds chose the heathy option). Where has this junk food generation appeared from? With education cuts it's not surprising schools are forced to resort to low-cost unhealthy foods, but surely this is what the government should be concentrating on, rather than concentrating on creating a class-based education system? Alan Johnson's nutrition guidelines are fair enough on paper, but will it work in practice? Only if schools get more funding - again, the education reforms mean that schools funded by rich parents will benefit, and children will get a more balanced menu, compared to the schools funded by the government.

EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION!

After working in a school recently taken over with special measures, it is easy to understand why children do not have the motivation to do well. It is not simply a discipline issue. Teachers seldom have the time to encourage lower achieving pupils to develop in the subjects they excel at or enjoy. This is not a problem on the teaching staff’s part. A shortage and high turnover in staff mean that many teachers are under strain. It is hard to comprehend how the Education White paper will improve the situation. Instead, leaving the schools in poorer areas to suffer with little funding, while richer parents subsidise education is better-off areas will intensify the situation.

Read Feature