July 2008 "MISCARRIAGE" CLAIM AS SYRIAN JAILED FOR TERROR PLOT31-07-2008The Small Heath man sentenced to seven years jail for preparing terrorist attacks could be the victim of a “Birmingham Six” - style injustice according to observers who followed the trial at the city’s Crown Court. more"INSPIRING" BROWN GETS PASSIONATE ABOUT DEBT31-07-2008Gordon Brown's leadership is coming under intense pressure, but he has at least one fan in Jubilee Debt campaigner Audrey Miller who's been shaken and stirred by a speech the PM gave recently about third world poverty. Here's her appreciation of his fine words - and a chance to see the speech itself. moreLaurence Inman’s BlogBARRACK OBAMA, PATRICK HAMILTON AND STUFF31-07-2008Laurence Inman barracks Barrack, discovers Patrick Hamilton, and gets lost on the Rea Valley Cycle Route. moreStay in More..........................Book ReviewGIRL IN A BLUE DRESS (Gaynor Arnold)31-07-2008Congratulations to 63-year old Birmingham social worker Gaynor Arnold, who’s been long listed for the Booker Prize with her debut novel Girl In A Blue Dress. Sibyl Ruth reviews yet another hit in the making for local publisher Tindal Street Press. morePATIENTS DIE IN NHS MEALS SCANDAL30-07-2008Dozens of patients in the West Midlands are being underfed in NHS hospitals according to new figures released today. Whistle-blowing doctors and nurses reported that nationally there were almost 30,000 cases of poor nutrition last year – and 42 deaths. moreEDGBASTON SELLS OUT THE FANS30-07-2008West Midlands cricket fans have been sold out by over the top ticket prices for the Test Match starting today at Edgbaston – and as a result there are still seats available for all five days. moreBite Sized ReviewTHE COCK (Wishaw)30-07-2008Looking for a good place to enjoy a family meal out? Andy Goff crows about The Cock. moreDOWN THE PLAN30-07-2008When major planning decisions are made, whose interests are really served wonders Barbara Panvel? moreAFTER HASTILOW, HALESOWEN TORIES TRY AGAIN30-07-2008Last time Halesowen and Rowley Regis Conservatives chose a candidate it caused a national furore, with Nigel Hastilow being forced to stand down for making positive comments about Enoch Powell. So who’s in the hot seat now? moreGet Out More.................................Gig NewsFAMILY BOLLYWOOD WEEKEND (The Public)30-07-2008After a frankly underwhelming opening programme, West Brom’s new arts centre perks up with a free family weekend of Bollywood music and movies. We recommend the Rangoli session with Ranbir – great fun for arty kids. moreBRUM COUNCIL SPY SOFTWARE "BREAKS THE LAW"29-07-2008Senior officers at Birmingham City Council are knowingly breaking the law by introducing spy software on workers’ computers. The Stirrer has seen a leaked email in which the local authority’s website manager admits the way it operates is “clearly discriminatory”. morePIER PRESSURE COULD SAVE WESTON29-07-2008Weston-Super-Mare is traditionally known as Brum-By-The-Sea – so in the wake of the West Country resort losing it’s pier in a massive fire, it’s time for the people of Birmingham and the Black Country to pull together and show our support. Maybe we should have a whip round. moreDIVIDED BRUM "GOES BACK TO VICTORIAN TIMES"29-07-2008Birmingham is named as one of the most socially divided cities in the UK in a report by Conservative Work and Pensions spokesman Chris Grayling. In a speech today he’ll suggest the gulf is as wide as it has been since Victorian times. moreStay In More...................................Book ReviewBLOOD TENDER (Rachel Ingrams)29-07-2008Need a good read for the beach or garden this summer? Sibyl Ruth checks out the latest release by Birmingham’s Tindal Street Press. moreCHINA’S “OLYMPIC BETRAYAL”29-07-2008The Chinese authorities have broken their promise to improve the country's human rights situation and betrayed the core values of the Olympics, said Amnesty International in a new report published today, marking the 10-day countdown to the Games. moreTV’S NANCY BECOMES REP’S SALLY29-07-2008Samantha Barks, a finalist on the hit BBC series ‘I’d Do Anything’, has landed the leading role of Sally Bowles in Birmingham Rep’s forthcoming production of Cabaret. moreA Stirrer InvestigationCOUNCIL "VOW OF SILENCE" OVER LANGUAGE SCHOOL28-07-2008What is Walsall’s Trading Standards doing to tackle a rogue language school which left dozens of people without the exam certificates they’ve paid for? We’d love to tell you, but they seem to have taken a vow of silence. Meantime, another victim has come forward. moreGet Out More.........................Film ReviewTHE DARK KNIGHT (12A)28-07-2008It's the latest Batbuster, and for once a film lives up to the hype reports Martin Mullaney. moreFLAPPER FIRKS OFF28-07-2008What do you think Birmingham needs - a rare live music venue or another apartment block? Gemma Holz puts the case for the Flapper and Firkin which is threatened by the bulldozer. moreGet Out More.........................Theatre NewsLIKE A FOUNTAIN TROUBLED (Old Joint Stock)28-07-2008Brummie playwright Victoria Grainger – often heard updating travel reports on stations as diverse as Talksport and BBC WM – has her playwriting debut showcased at the Old Joint Stock tonight. morePoet's CornerTHIS IS NOT THE NEWS28-07-2008A few days ago, residents from the Chestnuts Estate in Sheldon gathered to watch a video collaboration between Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg and our poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne. Needless to say, this celebration of working class community life attracted zero media coverage. moreA PAIN IN THE BACKSIDE26-07-2008Hopes were raised that a new drug might be on the way to cure prostate cancer. It could be just in time for Stirrer webmaster Andy Goff. moreBRUM SHOULD "GO IT ALONE" ON POSTAL VOTING26-07-2008Birmingham councillor Salma Yaqoob has called on the government to allow local authorities to “go it alone” and opt out of the current postal voting arrangements – which, she argues, encourage fraud and make it difficult for ethnic minority women to support their favoured candidates. morePaul Smith’s BlogSEX AND DRUGS AND….CRICKET????26-07-2008Former Warwickshire star Paul Smith whose career was blighted by pills n’ booze applauds new moves to help cricketers fall into the trap of an addictive lifestyle. moreGet Out More..................................Film NewsELECTRIC CINEMA LISTINGS26-07-2008The Electric is the only cinema in the West Midlands showing the amazing doco Man On A Wire, and hosts a wonderful summer ball on August 15 with a western theme and showing a Fistful Of Dollars. Here are the latest listings. moreBarbara's BlogFOOD FOR THOUGHT26-07-2008"Every country should be self sufficient in food, all else is a luxury." This message from Sharon Ebanks on the Stirrer’s message board in May is coming from food producers in many countries – including those attending the Family Farmers' Association meeting in Westminster Hall on July 9th. moreVOYAGER - GRAIN PRODUCTION RISES FOR 17TH YEAR IN A ROW25-07-2008Birmingham Council’s controversial Business Transformation programme has saved £9 million in the last year and helped the local authority pay 94% of invoices on time – it’s best performance since 2005. That’s the verdict of an upbeat assessment being put to the city’s cabinet next week. moreMartin Mullaney PodcastEX DURAN STAR - “HOW I BLEW A MILLION”25-07-2008It’s one of the great mythic stories of Birmingham rock history – ex Duran Duran member Andy Wickett’s decision to swap the songwriting royalties for two of their biggest hits for a cheap synthesiser. In Martin Mullaney’s latest podcast he admits it’s all true. moreKNIVES OUT FOR BROWN AFTER GLASGOW BLOW25-07-2008Who now will lead the Labour party and the country? The knives are out for Gordon Brown following last night's disastrous by-election defeat to the SNP in Glasgow East. moreStay In More........................CD ReviewLAURA MARLING - ALAS, I CANNOT SWIM25-07-2008Among this week’s nominations for the Mercury Music Prize, the relatively unknown songwriter Laura Marling takes her place alongside the likes of Radiohead and Robert Plant. And it’s no less than she deserves reckons Steve Beauchampe. moreGet Out More........................Gig NewsCOLOUR LIVE MUSIC (Lock Works, Wolverhampton)25-07-2008Wolverhampton’s live music scene gets a welcome shot of diversity with the second Colour live music night at the Lock Works Café bar at the Light House next week. There are home-made cakes and free admission. moreYAQOOB WINS BACKING FOR POSTAL VOTE BAN24-07-2008Birmingham councillor Salma Yaqoob is claiming the support of all three main parties in the city in her bid to have postal voting scrapped. She’ll be arguing the case with Justice Minister Jack Straw today. moreANOTHER BBC REPEAT AS DRAMA VILLAGE D-DAY DELAYED24-07-2008Birmingham and Black Country residents are being urged by telly union Equity to fight for the BBC’s threatened drama village in Selly Oak. A final decision on its future – promised for June – has been delayed again, and will now be made in September. moreGREEN BEER SPOTTED IN BRUM24-07-2008Birmingham pub of the year, The Anchor in Digbeth, is hosting it’s ninth organic beer festival. And it starts today. moreLaurence Inman’s BlogTHE FUTURE NOW24-07-2008Writers are always predicting the way the world will look in the years to come – and always getting it wrong. Laurence Inman looks back to the future. more"FINGERPRINT" SCHOOL PROMISES PUPIL OPT OUT23-07-2008The Stirrer can reveal the identity of the Birmingham school planning to introduce biometric testing for pupils wanting school meals – and has learned that at least one other educational establishment in the city has already introduced a similar scheme. moreVILLA FANS LAY ON THE BOOS FOR BARRY23-07-2008Want away Villa star Gareth Barry was given a hostile reception by his own supporters during last night’s friendly at Walsall. The England international was taunted with cries of “Judas” by the visiting fans. moreBite Sized ReviewsKOH-I-NOOR, SAFFRON, IMRANS23-07-2008Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg manages a hat-trick of curries in less than a week proving that there’s nothing he won’t do in the line of duty. moreGet Out More......................................Gig NewsRICH BATSFORD (Hare and Hounds, July 29)Stirrer message board regular and globetrotting musician Rich Batsford is strumming some of his new tunes next week in Kings Heath, and he's extending a personal invite to readers of this website. Here's what he's got to say. moreExclusiveBRUM SCHOOLS FINGERPRINTS KIDS FOR LUNCH22-07-2008An anxious Birmingham mum has contacted The Stirrer after learning that her daughter is to have her fingerprints taken at a Birmingham school – just to have lunch. moreSITUATION CRITICAL22-07-2008Can you trust the critics? Not if two recent hit movies currently playing in the West Midlands – Mamma Mia and Wall-E - are any guide. Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg ponders the gap between paying punters and those who get their kicks for free. moreSTIRCHLEY TAKES ON TESCO22-07-2008Stirrer reader and Stirchley resident John Lish has joined the battle to oppose the arrival of Tesco in his suburb – and now he’s written to Local Government Minister Hazel Blears demanding a public enquiry. moreDoc Dave's BlogTHE GUANTANAMO DOCTOR – PART TWO22-07-2008As the first military tribunal is set to start in Guantanamo Bay, dubbed by many a kangaroo court, over 100 doctors from 10 different countries have joined Dr David Nicholl to call for the release or a fair trial for Guantanamo’s doctor, Dr Ayman Batarfi. moreTILSLEY FIGHTS BACK OVER VOYAGER, NEW STREET21-07-2008Birmingham’s stand-in leader Paul Tilsley has come out fighting in the face of critical reports about two of the City Council’s pet projects – the Voyager IT scheme and the redevelopment of New Street station. moreSATS BOSS TOP OF THE CLASS FOR PERKS21-07-2008The Chief of the quango at the heart of the recent SATs fiasco is one of Britain’s highest-paid civil servants. Brendan King crunches the numbers. moreGet Out More.............................Comedy NewsDANNY BHOY/SPASTIC FANTASTIC (July 29, The Station)21-07-2008Here’s advance notice of a terrific bargain show at Kings Heath’s Cheeky Monkey Comedy Club on Tuesday week – a double bill of top performers who’ll each be performing in their own right at the Edinburgh Fringe. moreBirmingham Pride Community Trust BlogPINK POWER21-07-2008The Birmingham Post's recently published Power 50 includes two members of the city's gay and lesbian community - a breakthrough celebrated by David Viney. moreMick Temple's Blog"SIDEBURN" STRIKES DOOMED TO FAILURE19-07-2008This week's two-day strike by Council workers evoked memories of the long sideburns of the '70s for Mick Temple. But, he argues, that was then and this is now... moreBrum Central Library 1IN DEFENCE OF THE LIBRARY19-07-2008Earlier this week, Birmingham Council leader Mike Whitby outlined the case against the listing of the city’s Central Library. In fact, he wants to demolished. Campaigner Alan Clawley mounts (another) vigorous defence of John Madin’s controversial Brutalist classic. moreBrum Central Library 2CIVIC SOCIETY SLAMS “UNIQUELY UGLY” LIBRARY19-07-2008As the row rages over the future of Birmingham Central Library, the city’s Civic Society is throwing its weight behind the Council – and against listing. Here’s the letter their chairman Freddie Gick sent to Culture Minister Margaret Hodge who’ll make the final decision. moreCRICKET’S FIRST CLASS MESS19-07-2008With 20/20 cricket generating multi-million pound deals in India and attracting interest even from investors in the States, the ECB has outlined plans for a massively extended domestic programme starting the year after next. The news has former Warwickshire star Paul Smith fearing for the future of four day games - the First Class bedrock of the sport. moreLOTTERY LUCK IS IN AS DRAW LAW CHANGES19-07-2008One of The Stirrer's favourite charities, the TLC lottery, has successfully lobbied for a change in the law that prevented it from linking with other charity lotteries to create a national Super Draw. moreGet Out More...............................Music/Comedy NewsGLEE CLUB AUGUST LISTINGS19-07-2008Among the usual excellent fare from this top venue, there are a couple of gigs we’d particularly recommend – Henry Rollins and Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks. moreGlyn's ViralTHE BANANA TEST19-07-2008Wanna work out how clever you are? Check out this mind-bending viral sent by Glyn Berrington from Brierley Hill. moreSMALL HEATH MAN ACCUSED OF TERROR PLOT18-07-2008The case against a Small Heath man accused of preparing bombs in preparation for a terror attack was outlined yesterday at Birmingham Crown Court. It’s alleged that Hassan Tabbakh was attempting to concoct explosives in three bottles found at his flat in Camelot Way. moreWOLVES RED ROUTE SCRAPPED18-07-2008Wolverhampton’s Cabinet has decided to scrap the city’s controversial Red Route in September – but a final decision must wait until next week after being called in by the Scrutiny Board. moreGet Out More.............................Gig NewsLEONARD COHEN (NEC, NOV 22)18-07-2008Now here is a gig you simply must not miss…the Canadian bedsit balladeer was the star of Glastonbury and at the age of 73 is in the form of his life. moreDUDLEY MOSQUE GETS GO AHEAD18-07-2008Dudley’s controversial mosque and community centre has finally been given the go-ahead after a government planning overturned the Council’s decision to reject the plan. Stirrer blogger Brendan King posted this update on our Forum. moreWOLVO NE LONGLIST REVEALED18-07-2008The Stirrer can reveal confidential details of the “long list” for the selection of Labour’s candidate in Wolverhampton North East following Ken Purchase’s decision to retire. moreNEW CLAIM IN POLICE HOMOPHOBIA CLAIM18-07-2008West Midlands Police have been accused of failing to carry out a proper investigation of complaints by a Birmingham man alleged to have been subject to a homophobic attack by officers. more"NO CLAMPING BAN IN SIGHT" - HOME OFFICE17-07-2008The Stirrer’s campaign against car clamping has received a blow with news that a government review doesn't include the option of scrapping it altogether. But at least we’ve learned that theft in England is different to stealing in Scotland. moreMAMMA MIA, WHAT A NIGHT!17-07-2008The new Abba movie has got Lynn Hawthorne rethinking her attitude to the iconic '70s Swedes. Not to mention stomping her feet and waving her arms in the air. moreLaurence Inman’s BlogON KITCHEN CUTTING TOOLS DEVIANCY17-07-2008Laurence Inman offers a few observations on sharp implement related infractions. And stuff. moreGet Out More...........................Theatre ReviewMARY POPPINS (Birmingham Hippodrome)17-07-2008The West End musical of the hit Disney movie arrives in the West Midlands. And not a minute too soon, reckons Terry Wills. moreGet Out More...............................Gig NewsTHE PUBLIC (West Bromwich)17-07-2008Yup, that’s right, The Public …the much maligned arts centre in West Brom is finally open for business, and here’s it’s opening gig programme. And for some reason, it’s heavily jazz influenced. morePaul Smith's Bears TalkHALFWAY TO PARADISE17-07-2008Former Warwickshire all-rounder Paul Smith assesses The Bears performance at the halfway stage of the season. moreBarbara's BlogOVERCOMING GREEN FATIGUE (3)17-07-2008Rianne Ten Veen lives in a small flat in Small Heath, but as Barbara Panvel reports, that hasn't stopped her adopting a greener lifestyle. more"STRIKE FATIGUE" HITS BRUM COUNCIL WORKERS16-07-2008"Strike fatigue" has hit Birmingham Council workers at the start of a national two-day pay strike today. Just 18 schools in the city are turning pupils away today, compared to 80 in February during protests against the Single Status deal. moreGet Out More............................................Gig NewsMARY POPPINS (Birmingham Hippodrome)16-07-2008The hit musical arrives for a long run in Birmingham. Pete Millington decides it's supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. moreREVENUE BOSS PAID PRICE OF FAILURE16-07-2008The civil servant who quit over the loss of computer discs containing the personal details of 25million taxpayers was given a pay-off of £137,000 according to the Taxpayers Alliance. And despite his resignation, he’s still receiving £7,000 per month. moreBRUM BUSINESS CALLS FOR FUEL DUTY FREEZE16-07-2008Business leaders in Birmingham have called on the government to impose an immediate freeze on fuel duty - due to rise 2p per litre in October - following yesterday's inflation figures. The official rate is now 3.8% - although some estimates claim it's as high as 18% for essential goods. moreBIRMINGHAM’S BEST KEPT SECRETS16-07-2008Black Country lass Lynn Hawthorne wonders the Second City is so shy about promoting itself… moreGet Out More..............................Theatre ReviewHENRY VI, PART III (The Door, Birmingham Rep)16-07-2008Fancy a bit of violence and mayhem? Then Shakey’s yer man, down at The Rep. Paula Elenor revels in the gore. moreGlyn's ViralsREAD ALL ABOUT IT16-07-2008Glyn Berrington from Brierley Hill simply has too much time on his hands. He's got nothing better to do than trawl his inbox to bring us the best virals doing the rounds - including this US tribute to the press. And it's a corker. Cheers, Glyn. moreTHIRD TIME LUCKY IN WOLVES FOR KHAN?15-07-2008The fevered competition to become Labour candidate in Wolverhampton North East has apparently attracted a new entrant – Birmingham councillor Ansar Ali Khan, who’ll be hoping it’s a case of “third time lucky”. moreWHITBY PLEDGES "BEST LIBRARY IN THE WORLD"15-07-2008Birmingham Council leader Mike Whitby has committed the city to replacing the Central Library with “the best library in the world”. The pledge comes in a passionate letter to Culture Secretary Margaret Hodge who will make the final decision on whether the existing building should be listed. moreBIRMINGHAM FORWARD LIBRARY POLL "SABOTAGED"15-07-2008One of Birmingham’s most influential lobbying groups claims an online poll showing members supported the preservation of the city’s Central Library was sabotaged – and that the real result is in favour of demolition. moreGet Out More........................................Gig NewsTOWN HALL/SYMPHONY HALL NEW SHOWS15-07-2008Birmingham's Town Hall/Symphony Hall combo have tickets on sale for an interesting smattering of new shows including Villa supporting violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy, Van Morrison, John Martyn, and Paul Carrack, a man responsible for at least two moments of pop greatness. moreTHOUSANDS MISS OUT ON CANCER SCREENING15-07-2008Thousands of women in the West Midlands are putting themselves at risk by missing out on screening for cervical cancer. The grim statistics emerge from the Chief Medical Officer’s report published today. moreDoc dave's BlogSHIP SHAPE AND MILITARY FASHION15-07-2008Last week it was announced that Birmingham's new QE hospital would have a dedicated military ward for injured troops - following complaints about their treatment at Selly Oak Hospital. Yet Birmingham doctor David Nicholl finds the system is working much better than reports might suggest. moreGet Out More............................Comedy NewsPRE-EDINBURGH SHOWS AT THE OLD JOINT STOCK15-07-2008Birmingham's Old Joint Stock off Colmore Row - a pub well worth visiting at any time - has a trio of excellent comedy shows this week, starting tonight (Tuesday) featuring comics warming up for the Edinburgh Festival. moreVAZ ROLE QUESTIONED IN LADYWOOD PROBE14-07-2008Leicester East MP Keith Vaz’s role in investigating Labour’s selection of Shabana Mahmood for the Ladywood seat has attracted criticism – with suggestions that Vaz has close links to one of the city’s leading Muslim councillors. moreSANDWELL’S £40 MILLION SINGLE STATUS BILL14-07-2008Council taxpayers in Sandwell will have to fork out an estimated £40 million to meet the government’s Single Status laws aimed at ending pay discrimination. The local authority is now trying to “buy off” more than 4,000 staff who’ve historically been underpaid. moreWALSALL-WOLVES TRAIN HITS THE BUFFERS14-07-2008The Walsall to Wolverhampton rail route has long been under the threat – and now a decision has been made to axe it at the end of the year. Kevin Chapman urges Stirrer readers to make their protests known before it’s too late. moreBite Sized ReviewsBELL & CROSS, CAFÉ IKON, JYOTI14-07-2008A quick romp through a few top West Midlands eateries, as sampled by Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg and his family. Where’s best to eat when you’ve got the kids in tow? moreDave’s Villa BlogSIDWELL IN, BARRY OUT14-07-2008Dave Woodhall gets over those close season (claret and) blues by reflecting on the latest comings and goings at Villa Park. moreBLIND DAVE GOES INDEPENDENT14-07-2008Black Country running hero Dave Heeley’s achievements have been marked in a beautifully shot online film supplement for the Independent newspaper. morePoet's CornerCARNIVAL ADVERSITY14-07-2008Wednesbury Carnival yesterday had to ditch its traditional float procession at the weekend, when "ElfN Safety" ruled out the use of cars and lorries. The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne muses on the loss of a great tradition. moreExclusiveLADYWOOD ENQUIRY CONFIRMED12-07-2008The Stirrer can confirm that Labour’s National Executive has ordered a high level enquiry into the controversial selection of Shabana Mahmood as the party’s candidate in Ladywood. Leicester East MP Keith Vaz will head the probe. moreBIG DANCE KIDS ARE ACE12-07-2008Hundreds of Birmingham school children took centre stage in Centenary Square on Friday – working out at the Big Dance event compered by Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg. moreWOLVES FINALLY GETS PLASTIC AND CARDBOARD RECYCLING12-07-2008Wolverhampton residents will finally have the chance to move into the 21st Century this autumn - with the introduction of a kerbside collection for plastic and cardboard recycling. moreSOWETO'S HOMIES GET IN FREE12-07-2008Youngsters from the inner city neighbourhood celebrated by award-winning jazz-hop saxophonist Soweto Kinch will get the chance to see his forthcoming show at Birmingham Town Hall for free. moreGet Out More.................................Film ReviewMAMMA MIA (General Release)12-07-2008Hit stage musical arrives on the silver screen, with Meryl Streep in the starring role, along with local lass Julie Walters. Terry Wills sings along. moreVOYAGER CHAOS CLAIMS REJECTED11-07-2008Birmingham Council has rejected claims that the new Voyager accounting system is still in chaos and paralysing budget forecasts. moreNO WOLVES REBATE YET ADMITS QUEEN WENDY11-07-2008Council taxpayers in Wolverhampton should look away now. As exclusively forecast on this website, the city’s new Conservative/Lib Dem alliance has admitted it won’t be able to fulfil an election pledge to give a rebate – not yet, anyway. moreSTIRCHLEY DREAMS OF SOMETHING BETTER11-07-2008Like many suburbs in the West Midlands, Stirchley faces the prospect of major supermarket development – in this instance Tesco. There’s a public consultation tomorrow where local resident John Lish will be arguing for a different kind of future. moreWIN…WIN…WIN…WIN…WIN..TASTE OF BIRMINGHAM TICKETS11-07-2008The foodie event of the summer is underway at Canon Hill Park, and The Stirrer is giving you the chance to win a pair of tickets. We’ve also got details of yesterday’s winner. moreDEAD SOLDIER’S MUM HITS OUT OVER IRAQI COMPO11-07-2008The mother of a Birmingham soldier killed in Iraq has hit out at the multi-million pound compensation paid to ten Iraqis tortured by British troops in Basra. moreExclusiveLADYWOOD SELECTION INQUIRY RIDDLE11-07-2008Word reaches The Stirrer that Labour is setting up an enquiry into the controversial selection of Shabana Mahmood as it’s candidate for Ladywood – although we can’t confirm the details. moreMick Temple’s BlogOH BONDAGE – UP YOURS11-07-2008The Max Mosley court case has Mick Temple condemning tabloid intrusion in the bedroom – even if your preference is for spanking and bondage. moreFOOD FOR THOUGHT11-07-2008Ready for a blow out this weekend - maybe at the Taste of Birmingham? Before you get ready for a tuck in, check this. moreVOYAGER CHAOS CONTINUES10-07-2008Birmingham Council’s Voyager accounting system is still in chaos nine months after it was introduced. One worker warns that staff have been on the verge of walking out because of the continuing problems. moreSTOP AND SEARCH REVEALS "INSTITUTIONAL RACISM"10-07-2008Black people are still victims of "institutional racism" according to community activist Maxie Hayles. He was responding to figures showing they are seven times more likely to be stopped and searched by police than their white counterparts. moreMUM’S HEALTH SACKING “A DISGRACE”10-07-2008The Birmingham mother thrown off a community health body after the rules were changed has won the support of her local councillor – who says the decision was a “disgrace”. He accuses those responsible of supporting a “jobs for the boys” culture. moreWIN……..WIN………WIN………WIN..
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