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October 2008
Doc Dave's Blog - Ross/Brand 1
A COMPLAINT TO THE BBC
31-10-2008
Dr David Nicholl's letter won't be the first complaint the BBC has received about the Russell Brand/Jonathan Ross affair. In fact they've had 36,000 so far. Not many of them are like this, we'll wager. more
Dave Price’s Rant - Ross/Brand 2
HANG THE DJ
31-10-2008
In another blog on this site today, David Nicholl argues that the Jonathan Ross/Russell Brand controversy has become over-heated. Not from where Dave Price is sitting. more
Get Out More...................Gig News
TOWN HALL/SYMPHONY HALL LATEST
31-10-2008
Birmingham's Town Hall and Symphony Hall have ten new shows on sale, and it's the usual eclectic array, with artists as various as Russell Watson - recently released from hospital after suffering a brain tumour - Chris De Burgh, Elaine Paige, Jimmy Carr, Teddy Thompson and Ray Lamontagne. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
THE LOAN ARRANGER
31-10-2008
There’ve been problems at both ends of the field for Wolves in recent times, but as Brendan King observes Mick McCarthy’s bold management has helped plug the gaps. more
Get Out More.............................Event News
MOSELEY RD BATHS (Sat, November 1)
31-10-2008
A Memories and Memorabilia day marks the end of a year-long series of events celebrating the centenary of Birmingham’s Moseley Road Baths - one of Britain’s most historic and architecturally significant swimming baths. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
TROUBLE AHEAD
31-10-2008
Three straight defeats, none goals conceded, and only one scored. That’s relegation form warns Baggies blogger Terry Wills. more
Exclusive
MYSTERIOUS EARLY RETIREMENT COSTS 375K
30-10-2008
The Stirrer can reveal that the unexplained early retirement of a senior Black Country council official will cost hard-pressed taxpayers more than £375,000. more
Last Night’s Footy
VILLA BREAK INTO TOP FOUR
30-10-2008
Villa moved into the Premiership’s top four with a gritty 3-2 win against Blackburn. It wasn’t exactly vintage stuff from Martin O’Neill’s side, but as usual, their spirit took them through. more
SIBILA’S RESTAURANT R.I.P.
30-10-2008
While the closure of Birmingham’s Don Salvo restaurant attracted plenty of headlines earlier this week, The Stirrer reflects on the far sadder demise of Sibila’s – the city’s only upmarket vegetarian eaterie. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
LIAR, LIAR?
30-10-2008
Conspiracy theories abound about events as diverse as the Holocaust and 9/11. Laurence Inman weighs the evidence. For himself. more
LEICESTER CALLING
30-10-2008
Why is it that wherever you are in the West Midlands, traffic reports from Radio Leicester seem to butt in on the radio? Dave Price suspects an attempt at global domination. more
Barbara's Blog
AND YOUR SOLUTION IS....?
30-10-2008
What is the common link between once-reliable building societies becoming banks, large numbers of deaths from C-difficile and MRSA, congested roads, unreliable and expensive rail services, uneducated young people not fit for employment, and the angering and humiliation of another person at taxpayers’ expense? more
Glyn's Virals
OLD FOLK
30-10-2008
Always on the lookout for the best gags dropping into the nation's inboxes, Brierley Hill's Glyn Berrington offers something to warm you up on a chilly Thursday. more
Exclusive
ATHEIST BUS ADS DUE IN BRUM
29-10-2008
Birmingham is next in line for atheist bus ads after an online fund-raising campaign focussed on London transport raised thousands of pounds more than expected. more
BAGGIES SLUMP AS WOLVES GO TOP
29-10-2008
Now that Gordon Brown has finally admitted that we're on the brink of a recession, maybe it's time for Baggies fans to utter the other dreaded "R" word - relegation. Losing 2-1 to Newcastle was their third defeat in a row. In the Championship, Wolves replaced Birmingham at the top of the table. more
A BIT OF SLAP AND TICKLE
29-10-2008
We're all used to seeing pub walls adorned with hunting pictures or paintings of dogs playing snooker, but now The Stirrer can reveal a new trend - erotic prints down your local. more
CAREFUL WITH YOUR CASH MARVERINE
29-10-2008
Birmingham-based Sky news presenter Marverine Cole has unveiled her latest project – a money-saving website ideally suited to these recessionary times. more
Exclusive
WEST MIDLANDS TRIALS NEW SPEED BUMP
29-10-2008
The Stirrer can reveal that traffic bosses across the West Midlands are set to trial revolutionary new speed bumps, amid fears that the current designs don't force motorists to slow down sufficiently. more
Exclusive
NICE WORK … IF YOU CAN GET IT
28-10-2008
One of Sandwell Council’s most senior officials is being offered early retirement – just weeks after mysteriously being suspended from his job. The local authority claims the details of his departure are protected from Freedom Of Information requests. more
Richard Lutz's Blog
THE CHUMP TEST
28-10-2008
Richard Lutz lives in the West Midlands but has a vote in the US election. Before he decides who to vote for, he has to pass the Chump Test. more
GREENHOUSE GAS CUTS "ECONOMICALLY DISASTROUS"
28-10-2008
Government plans to slash greenhouse gas emissions would be “economically disastrous” according to cost conscious pressure group the Taxpayers Alliance. They warn it wouldn’t do much to help the global problem either. more
Get Out More.........................Gig News
ROSE ROYCE/BOOTLEG ABBA (8/11/08)
28-10-2008
Blimey…this is a good ‘un. Classic soul act with unrivalled pedigree featuring their star vocalist, supported by one of the best singalong acts on the circuit. You’d be mad to miss it. more
BIRMINGHAM FOUR CHARGED WITH TERROR OFFENCES
28-10-2008
Four Birmingham men will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court today, charged with terrorism offences. more
GOODBYE DIGITAL?
27-10-2008
And so another festival comes to a close in Birmingham. This one was the Hello Digital Event. What do you mean you missed it? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. more
LIBRARY ARGUMENT CRUMBLES?
27-10-2008
Is Birmingham Central Library structurally unsound? The man who runs it seems to think so. So why is the report that allegedly proves his point so elusive? more
Get Out More................................Theatre Review
BLOOD BROTHERS (Birmimgham Hippodrome, until Nov 1)
27-10-2008
It's a modern classic of musical theatre. So how well is it standing up? Terry Wills joins the matinee throng. more
Glyn's Virals
A JOKE FOR MONDAY
27-10-2008
Stirrer reader Glyn Berrington trawls the highways and the byeways of the interweb - so you don't have to. Here's a joke for Monday. more
DOES AIRPORT MEASURE UP?
27-10-2008
Birmingham Airport has just published it’s latest accounts, but in amongst the facts and figures, there’s a curious insight to the habits of the modern travellers. more
Get Out More......................Gig Review
SONGWRITER'S CAFE
27-10-2008
In the autumn of 1996, a musical Bournville-based family named the Murphys launched a regular live music session in Birmingham City Centre which was known as the Songwriter's Cafe. The aim of the Cafe was to encourage the art of songwriting by establishing a regular dedicated high profile performance platform for local songwriters. more
THE PINT'S LAMENT
27-10-2008
News that the pint glass could be replaced in British pubs by a smaller "schooner" has The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne crying into his beer. more
KINGY'S WEEKEND FOOTY ROUNDUP
26-10-2008
Aston Villa perform ‘smash and grab’ daylight robbery at Wigan; West Brom thumped by Hull at the Hawthorns; Birmingham City record a home win against Sheffield Wednesday; Wolves fight a fortunate away win at Watford; and Walsall are well beaten at Leeds. Brendan King summarises.... more
BRITAIN - UNDERAGE PREGNANCY CAPITAL
25-10-2008
Britain has a scandalously high unwanted pregnancy percentage of very young mums. This high teenage pregnancy rate cannot be acceptable in a modern, educated, society such as Britain. The solution is specialist, quality, education in the view of Brendan King. more
DON'T MESS WITH MANDY
25-10-2008
Brendan King expresses no surprise that the British political return of Peter (Mandy) Mandleson has become linked to outrageous excess and charges of Political Party sleaze. Don’t mess with Mandy – or go on the same boat – seems to be the warning to those with high political ambition. more
SWINDON SCRAPS SPEED SPIES
25-10-2008
Councillors in Swindon, Wiltshire, have recently announced that they are to scrap funding of speed-trap cameras and instead fund direct, effective and visible road safety measures. Brendan King congratulates Swindon. more
IMMIGRATION MINISTER GAGGED?
25-10-2008
Brendan King’s, last weekend’s, criticism of Minister for Immigration, Phil Woolas, for cutting across New Labour official policy on not having a cap on immigration, or the population of Britain as a whole, appears vindicated. more
Exclusive
WM SNAPS UP MALIN
24-10-2008
BBC WM have signed Central Tonight presenter Joanne Malin to present a new daily show. None of the station’s current presenters is being axed – but consumer king Ed Doolan will lose an hour of his output. more
WOLVES TORIES HOLD WEDNESFIELD
24-10-2008
Wolverhampton’s Conservative party held onto seats in Wednesfield North and South despite massively reduced majorities in yesterday’s by-election. The result consolidates their leadership of the city’s ruling coalition. more
Last Night's Footy
GABBY STRETCHERED OFF AS VILLA GO DUTCH
24-10-2008
Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor was stretchered off in the dying minutes of Villa’s 2-1 victory against Dutch giants Ajax in the UEFA Cup – casting a long shadow over an otherwise satisfactory night. more
Get Out More..........................Event News
TIM WITHERSPOON
24-10-2008
Former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Tim Witherspoon will officially open a community open day on Saturday (October 25) at the Afro Caribbean Millennium Centre on Dudley Road. more
Mick Temple’s Blog
SO WHAT DID CAMERON KNOW ABOUT YACHTGATE?
24-10-2008
It’s Mandy versus Osborne in the row over who said what on a Russian millionaires yacht. But as Mick Temple observes, there may be others involved as well. more
SEX IN THE CLASSROOM
24-10-2008
Government plans to teach youngsters about sex from the age of 5 have attracted the usual "shock, horror" tabloid headlines, but Penny Barber - chief executive of Brook in Birmingham - reckons the change is long overdue. more
BIG BUSINESS, SMALL TAX
24-10-2008
As the economy faces recession, the piggy-bank at H.M. Treasury needs every penny it can get. Yet a shocking report published this week shows that the taxman is struggling to collect Corporation Tax, a levy on the profits on businesses - with major firms among the biggest culprits. Kevin Chapman reports. more
Barbara's Blog
HOUSING NEED GOES THROUGH THE ROOF
24-10-2008
Does the country need the three million new homes we are told must be built by 2020? Barbara Panvel remains unconvinced. more
"TANKS AT THE TOWN HALL" WARNING OVER ALI CENTRE
23-10-2008
Birmingham’s African Caribbean community will “point its tanks at the Town Hall” if the Muhammed Ali Centre in Hockley is bulldozed and sold off for development warns Maxie Hayles. He said that a judicial review would be demanded before any demolition goes ahead. more
BNP NIGHTMAYOR FOR STOKE
23-10-2008
In a vote that will be of keen interest to supporters of an elected Mayor in Birmingham, the residents of Stoke-on-Trent vote today in a referendum that could see a return to a traditional style of leader, elected by fellow councillors. The local rag reports that this could allow the BNP to rule. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
DOOM AND GLOOM
23-10-2008
Do you think Laurence Inman’s spirits have been raised by having a thread dedicated to him on The Stirrer Forum? As if… more
WEDNESFIELD BY-ELECTIONS; FIRST NEW ON THE STIRRER
23-10-2008
For first news on today's local council by-elections in Wednesfield North and Wednesfield South, check out The Stirrer Forum from midnight. We'll have the result as soon as it's announced. more
BORN TO LOOS
23-10-2008
Birmingham Council has rejected claims that the city is lacking in public conveniences – despite being “named and shamed” by an influential committee of MPs. more
Barbara’s Blog
ANOTHER BUST GROWING
23-10-2008
It’s not only the financial sector where boom has followed bust. As Barbara Panvel reports, there are problems down on the farm too. more
TINDAL STREET INDY NEWS AGAIN
23-10-2008
Birmingham’s Tindal Street Press has been awarded another couple of accolades. The Digbeth based company is Amazon’s Independent Publisher of the month, while Rachel Ingrams’ debut novel has been long-listed for a major award. more
Get Out More.........................Concert Review
BEHIND THE BARRICADE (Alexandra Theatre)
23-10-2008
Simple concept. Some of the greatest songs from the world's best musical. Terry Wills enjoys. more
BRUM TOILETS GOING DOWN THE PAN
22-10-2008
Birmingham’s public toilet provision is among the worst in the country according to a group of MPs. They say the city’s bog standard is “poor”. more
TURNER DEATH IS DOUBLE BLOW FOR WOLVES LABOUR
22-10-2008
The death of Heath Town councillor Les Turner hasn’t only saddened Wolverhampton’s political community – it’s also dealt a blow to Labour’s hopes of resuming control of the city. more
BLUES LEAPFROG “AWFUL” WOLVES TO GO TOP
22-10-2008
Blues reclaimed top spot in the Championship courtesy of Gary O’Connor’s overtime winner – enabling Alex McLeish’s battlers to leapfrog Wolves who shipped five at Norwich. more
ABORTION "MISSED OPPORTUNITY" WARNS BRUM EXPERT
22-10-2008
Plans to liberalise the abortion law have been scuppered by the government’s determination to keep the Northern Ireland peace process on track. And it’s “a missed opportunity” according to a leading sexual health expert. more
PAKISTAN, YAQOOB - AND THE WAR ON ERROR
22-10-2008
Birmingham Respect councillor Salma Yaqoob has moved to distance herself from claims that her party was playing on ethnic and religious divisions during a recent meeting at the city's Central Mosque. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (Part 11)
22-10-2008
Gripped by her mid-life crisis, Brummie Mummy considers the email in her inbox, and wonders whether to answer… more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
FROM HELL TO HULL
22-10-2008
After a drubbing at Old Trafford, Albion prepare for Saturday's encounter against the Premier League's surprise package Hull City, currently lying third in the table. more
"LET DIGNITAS COME TO BRITAIN" CALL
21-10-2008
A Birmingham man who wants to end his own life at the same Swiss clinic that helped a 23-year old Midland rugby player commit suicide has told The Stirrer he wants similar facilities in England. more
LADYWOOD SHOWDOWN POSTPONED
21-10-2008
Labour won’t be announcing the result of an enquiry into the selection of Shabana Mahmood as their parliamentary candidate in Ladywood for the foreseeable future. Sources within the party had previously suggested the outcome would be published today. more
Doc Dave’s Blog
ARE THE TORIES OBSESSED WITH SWEDEN?
21-10-2008
Tory leader David Cameron has been eulogizing Sweden again – not least its health system. Dr David Nicholl examines whether a Scandinavian-style tax regime would lead to a healthier society. more
ARGENT IN PARADISE
21-10-2008
The Stirrer revealed at the weekend that developers Argent have been hired by Birmingham City Council to take charge of the revamp of Paradise Circus – subject, of course, to the government agreeing to the demolition of Birmingham Central Library. Campaigner Alan Clawley remains unimpressed. more
Get Out More.............................Gig News
QUEEN AND PAUL RODGERS (Birmingham, NIA)
21-10-2008
Can it ever be Queen without Freddie Mercury? Richard Nevin. more
CHOCS AWAY FOR CADBURY OLYMPIC DEAL
21-10-2008
Birmingham chocolate maker Cadbury is stumping up £20million to sponsor the Olympics – despite announcing 250 job losses last week. In return they’ll have a monopoly on confectionary and ice cream sales in the main stadium. more
CLAMPERS TURN UP THE HEAT AT CURRY'S
20-10-2008
Shoppers flocking to the new Curry’s store in Wednesbury – the cause of traffic gridlock in the West Midlands last week – got more than they bargained for yesterday. Clampers were out in force, punishing parkers for the lack of space in the car park. more
GALLOWAY’S BRUM PAKISTAN CALL
20-10-2008
Respect Party figurehead George Galloway was in Birmingham at the weekend and delivered an uncompromising message at the city's Central Mosque in Highgate. He called on voters to turn their backs on MPs who ignored the recent spate of bombings in Pakistan. more
Get Out More...........................Arts news
ALISON STEADMAN, GRACE JONES IN TOWN
20-10-2008
Top comedy actress Alison Steadman – last seen on telly’s Gavin and Stacey – and 80’s pop icon Grace Jones are both heading towards Birmingham in “must see” performances. more
VILLA FACE FA PROBE AFTER LINO FELLED
20-10-2008
Aston Villa are facing an FA enquiry after an Assistant Referee was struck on the head by a coin during Saturday’s game against Portsmouth. The missile was thrown from the Trinity Road stand where fans had been abusing the visiting manager Harry Redknapp. more
Get Out More................................Musical Review
CHASING FATE (Birmingham Hippodrome)
20-10-2008
Teenagers from four local authorities – Dudley, Sandwell, Telford and Wrekin and Walsall – proved that they had what it takes at the Hip on Friday night. Gene Kelly, eat your heart out, says Paula Elenor. more
Poet's Corner
THE DOCKING OF BLUE PETER
20-10-2008
Blue Peter has just celebrated it's 50th birthday - with presenters past and present being invited to Buck House for tea with the Queen. The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne gets all misty eyed. more
SATURDAY FOOTY ROUNDUP
19-10-2008
The sun shone on our area this Saturday, but wins were hard to come by, with our two Premiership teams struggling and only Wolves registering a win. more
NEW LABOUR PLAYING THE RACE CARD?
18-10-2008
Newly appointed Minister for Borders and Immigration, Phil Woolas has announced that the forthcoming economic recession means curbs on immigration need to be ‘tougher’ and that Britain’s population will never be allowed to rise above 70 million. Weekend editor Brendan King reckons New Labour are playing the old dog-eared race card. more
JUST DYING TO GET IT RIGHT
18-10-2008
The parents of a paralysed Worcester rugby player who traveled to a Swiss euthanasia clinic for assisted suicide have said they supported his decision to take his own life. But was he, and were they, precipitate? more
Get Out More....................................Brum Band News
THE TOY HEARTS
18-10-2008
I was out Friday last week, to be entertained by a great modernistic bluegrass and bluesy / jazzy band – The Toy Hearts. At The PUBLIC Arts and Entertainment Centre West Bromwich. A regular free Friday night series of live gigs. more
THE END OF PARADISE?
18-10-2008
The fate of Birmingham Central Library remains undecided, but the City Council has rather presumptiously announed it's moving ahead with a plans to redesign Paradise Circus, in conjunction with Brindleyplace developer Argent - news that will come as no surprise to regular Stirrer readers. more
LADYWOOD SHOWDOWN LOOMS
17-10-2008
Word reaches The Stirrer that the Labour party enquiry into Shabana Mahmood’s controversial selection as parliamentary candidate for Ladywood will be unveiled next Tuesday – although one leading city councillor has been telling all and sundry the result already. more
MORE HASSALL FOR SWIMMING CLUBS
17-10-2008
Birmingham’s swimming clubs will be denied access to a £400,00 government windfall aimed at improving access to the city’s pools, according to the Cabinet member for Leisure Ray Hassall. That’s despite The Stirrer’s revelation that the cash could be used to help subsidise their charges. Instead, it will help break down cultural barriers to sport, through the introduction of single sex sessions. more
FOE MAKES FRIENDS OVER 80% EMISSIONS TARGET
17-10-2008
West Midlands Friends of the Earth has welcomed the government’s decision to increase its target for cutting UK emissions to 80 per cent - but is calling for tougher pollution laws on planes and ships, which they say are getting "special treatment". more
READING BETWEEN THE LINES
17-10-2008
The mysterious housing pressure group Justice Not Crisis have renewed their challenge to Birmingham’s Cabinet Member For Housing John Lines – asking him to face them in a public meeting. JNC are campaigning for more council property to be built for rent – and claim the local authority’s policies are restricting the amount available. more
Mick Temple’s Blog
TELLY’S POLITICS SWITCH OFF
17-10-2008
British media commentators love to sneer at dumbass American telly, but as Mick Temple observes in this biting commentary, they actually cover politics far better than we do. more
Get Out More................................Gig News
SEASICK STEVE (Wolves Civic, 29/1/09)
17-10-2008
He’s in his sixties, and yet won this year's Mojo Best Breakthrough Act - and now this Jool's Holland favourite is on his way to Wolverhampton. more
Kingy’s Wolves Blog
FREDDIE STEADY GO
17-10-2008
Former Wolves striker Freddie Eastwood returns to Molineux this weekend for the visit of Coventry – guaranteed to score reckons Brendan King. But how well will the man who replaced him up front, Chris Iwelumo, fare after his classic muff for Scotland. more
Exclusive
CAMPAIGN LEADS TO HAPPY ENDING FOR DRAMA VILLAGE
16-10-2008
The campaign to keep alive the BBC’s Drama Village in Selly Oak has yielded dramatic results. Our sources have confirmed that daytime soap “Doctors” will continue to be made in Birmingham, keeping the centre alive – and the city has also attracted two significant new commissions. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
SINGING THE BOOZE
16-10-2008
As the government threatens to restrict cheap alcohol offers, Laurence finds that he can go without altogether. more
Last Night’s Footy
ROONEY DOUBLES UP FOR ENGLAND
16-10-2008
Wayne Rooney’s international renaissance continued with a two-goal burst for England to sink Belarus. Fabio Capello’s side now look odds-on to qualify for the 2012 World Cup in South Africa. more
IS ALI BACK OFF THE ROPES?
16-10-2008
After The Stirrer revealed plans for the demolition of Birmingham’s derelict Muhammed Ali Centre, comes belated news of a public meeting to discuss its future. more
Get Out More.......................Politics Event
MINORITY REPORT
16-10-2008
Black and Asian women are under-represented in our political life - but now at last the government is trying to do something about it. Tomorrow (Friday) Gordon Brown's parliamentary stand-in Harriet Harman will be hosting a meeting aimed at encouraging more involvement. more
JOIN THE STIRRER FOR SOME HORSING AROUND
16-10-2008
Come and join Stirrer editor Adrian for this year’s Thomas Vale Pantomime Horse Grand National in Birmingham next month. It’s all in a good cause – and a good laugh is guaranteed. more
"UGLY" BULLRING IS NATION'S WORST
15-10-2008
Birmingham has “scooped” three places in a survey of Britain’s ugliest buildings – with the Bullring being ranked the worst in the country. more
"SCARY PENSIONERS" FRIGHTEN OFF WOOLIES SHOPPERS
15-10-2008
Heard about the latest fright mask on sale for Halloween? Woolworths have just unveiled their “scary pensioner” mask. Charming. more
BLOWING UP THE NUCLEAR ARGUMENT
15-10-2008
In an office on the top floor of the Warehouse in Allison Street a group of committed West Midlands CND members work – voluntarily - for nuclear disarmament. One of them, Elizabeth Way, poses two questions about replacing the Trident nuclear weapon. more
Get Out More............................Gig News
PINK, AC/DC
15-10-2008
Sadly they aren’t on the same bill – what a gig that would be – but Pink and AC/DC are welcome visitors to the West Midlands in 2009 more
COUNCIL STRIKE BALLOT OVER MONTHLY PAY
14-10-2008
Birmingham Council workers are being balloted on strike action over the imposition of monthly pay. 17,000 lower paid staff – the majority of them women – have traditionally been paid on a weekly basis. more
RUNNING OUT OF PUFF
14-10-2008
When the government’s decided to regrade cannabis as a Class B instead of Class C, it was accommodated by the usual promises of a crackdown. Oh yeah? When you see the detail it makes you wonder what drugs they were on. more
Get Out More.............................Film News
ELECTRIC CINEMA (Station Street, Birmingham)
14-10-2008
As chance would have it, Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg has seen the three main films currently showing at Birmingham’s Electric Cinema – Jar City, How To Lose Friends And Alienate People, and I’ve Loved You So Long. And all three, in their different ways, come highly recommended. more
Birmingham Central Library 1
BBC "LISTED" - TO ONE SIDE
14-10-2008
Birmingham Central Library campaigner Alan Clawley reflects on support for his campaign from Lucinda Lambton on a recent Radio 4 programme. more
Birmingham Central Library 2
BRUM GAMBLES ON LIBRARY FUTURE
14-10-2008
Broadcaster Lucinda Lambton has been reporting on struggle to preserve Birmingham Central Library. Brendan King hears her accuse the man in charge of the building - who wants it demolished - of “talking rubbish”. more
MANCHESTER CHARGES AHEAD
14-10-2008
Later this year, Manchester will have the chance to vote on congestion charging - an option denied to the citizens of the West Midlands which has turned its back firmly on the idea. Birmingham councillor Martin Mullaney argues that the people should have a say. more
CREDIT CRUNCH JUNK
14-10-2008
With the nationalisation of some of Britain's biggest banks now in full flow, Kevin Chapman assesses one of the upsides of the credit crunch. And a few of the downsides, too. more
HAVE THEY MET THE CHALLENGE?
14-10-2008
Can the Met Office be trusted to predict the British weather? And if not, how reliable are their forecasts about climate change? Here, The Stirrer publishes without comment, a provocative press release issued by the Association of British Drivers. more
Exclusive
SANDWELL TORIES SEE OFF STANDARDS CHALLENGE
13-10-2008
Twelve Tory councillors in Sandwell have been exonerated by the Local Government Standards board for the second time after daring to suggest that spending should be capped on The Public Arts centre in West Bromwich. more
Doc Dave’s Blog
AYE, AYE PFI
13-10-2008
The knock-on effects of the current banking crisis could be profound. Pensions and job prospects are bound to be affected, and as Dr David Nicholl observes, the cornerstone of the government’s hospital building programme could be affected. more
SLEEPWALKING TO TYRANNY
13-10-2008
As the House of Lords prepares to discuss 42 day detention without trial, civil rights organisation Amnesty has released a new film opposing the campaign with a voiceover by Chrsistopher Eccleston and music by The Orb. The Stirrer can offer a special sneak preview. more
FASHION FOR THE FALL
13-10-2008
The queens of the catwalk show off the latest haute couture. And, given the time of the year, the fashion is for the fall... more (3mb wmv file)
Poet's Corner
ON THE ROCKS
13-10-2008
On the day that two of Britain's biggest banks - HBOS and Royal Bank of Scotland - are being effectively nationalised, The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne reflects on the carnage in Threadneedle Street. more
BLAIR AS GREAT AS CHURCHILL?........ NAH!
12-10-2008
Recently Cherie Blair reckoned Tony Blair will be regarded as great as Winston Churchill once his history is written. That’s nonsense of course. But undoubtedly David Lloyd George was the greatest Prime Minister we ever had. more
ENGLAND THRASH THE KAZAKHS 5-1
12-10-2008
Goalless first 50 mins, not worth dealing with – Brendan King dozed off during the 1st half, after a previous late night out. But this is his take on Saturday’s performance by the Lions of England. more
Get out more..................Birmingham Book Festival Event
POEMS OF A SURVIVOR
11-10-2008
Sybil Ruth, Brum’s former Poet Laureate, will be reading and discussing, her great aunt Rose Scooler’s poems, composed during her holocaust experience – Tuesday Oct 14, 8.15 pm, Birmingham Conservatoire. more
SID SAYS ‘CARRY ON’ BANKING
11-10-2008
Remember the incorrigible Sid James in the ‘Carry On’ films? Sid would have loved a film role as a city slicker, get rich quick, sub-prime speculator. Remember, also, the ‘Sid’ who advised us to buy shares in the privatised British Gas? Where’s ‘Sid’ with that ‘Carry On’ optimism now? more
JOANNE MALIN "TIPPING OFF"
11-10-2008
Joanne Malin, the leggy Central TV anchor newsreader and presenter, who famously apologised after dropping an expletive during a live broadcast in 2006, is leaving her post after it was announced 60 jobs were due to go at ITV with the merging of West and East Midlands local news coverage. more
TORY TRAVESTY CONTINUES IN SANDWELL
10-10-2008
Efforts by Labour councillors to turn Sandwell into a national laughing stock continue today when they pursue a Standards Board appeal against 12 of their Conservative rivals. more
Mick Temple’s Blog
LET THE BANKERS CRASH AND BURN
10-10-2008
Gordon Brown just had to save Britain’s indebted banks with his £500bn bailout. Didn’t he? Not according to politics professor Mick Temple. more
Get Out More................................Event Review
OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD (Stan’s Café)
10-10-2008
If you missed it, it’s too late now. This remarkable performance cum installation at a disused factory building in the Jewellery Quarter has now completed its run. more
MYSTERY DEEPENS OVER SWIM POOL CASH
10-10-2008
Claims that Birmingham Council isn’t allowed to spend a potential £400,000 windfall to subsidise junior club swimmers appear to run directly counter to information provided by the government department releasing the cash. more
LIAM’S RUBBISH TELLY PROGRAMME
10-10-2008
Birmingham MP Liam Byrne has generated acres of footage with his youtube film about rubbish in his Hodge Hill constituency. But according to his Yardley counterpart John Hemming, Byrne owes the City Council an apology. more
WHO'S LAUGHING NOW?
10-10-2008
Musician, Stirrer contributor and all-round good egg Rich Batsford has launched a new website covering the cream of comedy in Greater Birmingham - www.whoslaughingnow.org more
CLIMATE POLICY FLIES OUT OF THE WINDOW
10-10-2008
Has the government got a climate change policy? You wouldn't think so, judging by their decision to allow a 40% expansion in passenger numbers at Stansted Airport in a move certain to generate additional road traffic from West Midlands as bargain hunting holidaymakers snap up cheap flights. more
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THE KILLERS (LG Arena, Birmingham 26/2/09)
10-10-2008
Tickets go on sale this morning for the American post-punk revivalists who touch base with sources as various as Springsteen and Joy Division. What’s not to like? more
BIRMINGHAM BURDENED WITH FIGURES PROBE
09-10-2008
Birmingham MP Richard Burden is probing the mysteries of the city’s devolved budgets after discovering unexplained loopholes amounting to thousands of pounds in the figures at his own Northfield constituency. more
TALENTED SWIMMERS SNUBBED DESPITE BRUM WINDFALL
09-10-2008
Members of Birmingham swimming clubs will continue to be denied access to the city’s Kids Swim For Free scheme – despite a Council bid for £400,000 to encourage youngsters into the pool. more
Geek's Corner
THE BEST TRAIN VIDEOS EVER
09-10-2008
Yes, your read it right. The best train videos ever. As compiled by transport uber geek Martin Mullaney. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS
09-10-2008
The usual profound ruminations on the nature of existence. Prompted on this occasion by a trip to see Radio 4's Any Questions being recorded. more
Barbara’s Blog
THE BRUMMIE BOND
09-10-2008
Even in the midst of the current credit crisis, there are ways of raising cash that aren’t reliant on the banks. Barbara Panvel campaigns for Brummie bonds. more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (Part 10)
09-10-2008
Is Brummie Mummy being tempted away from the path of virtue now her eldest two have left home? Read on… more
LINES SLAMS “NEW LOW” IN HOUSING ROW
08-10-2008
The row over Birminghgam City’s Council’s new policy for housing allocation has intensified with Cabinet Member John Lines accusing Labour of sinking to a “new low” by claiming that paedophiles freed from jail have priority over troops returning from active duty overseas. more
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THE BUZZCOCKS (Wolves Civic 22/1/09)
08-10-2008
Not just another Buzzcocks gigs - though that would be no bad thing. This time the Mancunian punk pop pioneers will be playing their two classic late '70s albums in their entirety. more
SEEING RED TAPE
08-10-2008
"Spurious" red tape has Andy Goff seeing, well, red. Don't get him started. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
JAZZ SOUNDS: NEW YORK (Part 631)
08-10-2008
Kamikaze Ground Crew, Chico Hamilton (not the ex-Villa player), and James Chance And The Contortions are among the jazz purveyors sampled on Longley's never ending tour of the Big Apple. more
LINES BLASTS "DECEITFUL" HOUSING CLAIMS
07-10-2008
Claims that Birmingham Council would put a roof over the head of released prison inmates – including paedophiles – ahead of returning soldiers have been rubbished by the city’s Cabinet Member for Housing John Lines. But bizarrely, he won’t tell us why. more
BUSINESS PLEADS FOR RATE CUT
07-10-2008
After a day of record falls on the Stock Exchange and with business leaders claiming that Britain is already in a recession, Birmingham’s Chamber of Commerce is demanding a sharp cut in interest rates. more
RONALD McDONALD WRITES...ON HEALTH
07-10-2008
Stirrer blogger Dr David Nicholl yesterday questioned the role of the Ronald McDonald Foundation in providing beds and equipment for the NHS. That prompted a swift response from the charity. more
"END ENERGY RIP-OFF" HAMILTON DEMANDS
07-10-2008
Millions of hard-up customers are being ripped off by gas and electric companies who insist they pay by meter – part of the “unfair” market which leads to 15 million customers paying over the odds according to the regulator Ofgem. Birmingham Liberal Democrat councillor Karen Hamilton says it’s time for a level playing field. more
BEEB BOSS LYONS HOSTS CLIMATE CONFLAB
07-10-2008
Former Birmingham Council chief executive Sir Michael “Mick” Lyons – now Chair of the BBC Trust - will be hosting a heavyweight summit on Climate Change next week under the banner of the Lunar Society. more
Terry's Baggies Blog
IN ALBION'S DEFENCE
07-10-2008
Now here's a thing. West Bromwich Albion, renowned under Tony Mowbray for their cavalier football have suddenly got a defence. Terry Wills (cautiously) celebrates. more
Poet's Corner
IF ONLY
07-10-2008
As we approach harvest time, The Stirrer's poet laureate Brendan Hawthorne reflects on global poverty. more
"PLOTTER" AUSTIN REWARDED WITH WEST MIDS ROLE
06-10-2008
Dudley North MP Ian Austin – one of the so-called “curry house” plotters against Tony Blair – has been rewarded for his loyalty to Gordon Brown with the job of Minister for the West Midlands. more
Doc Dave’s Blog
SUPERSIZE MY NHS
06-10-2008
David Cameron has been reluctant to criticise Ronald McDonald's role in providing accommodation for the NHS - despite our national obesity epidemic. Now why would that be, wonders David Nicholl. more
LOCAL RADIO SELL OUT?
06-10-2008
Veteran local radio jock Robin Valk reflects on the future of commercial radio in the West Midlands, now that BRMB and Beacon are being sold off by owners Global Media in order to head off an enquiry by the Office Of Fair Trading. more
Weekend Footy Round-up
VILLA STUMBLE AS BLUES GO TOP
06-10-2008
Villa were given a reality check by Premier League table toppers Chelsea, as The Baggies moved up to 8th. In the Championship, Blues and Wolves swapped places in the top two. more
IS THE BBC INSTITUTIONALLY RACIST?
06-10-2008
A blundering interview by BBC WM presenter Les Ross with broadcaster Hardeep Singh Kohli – cut short in under four minutes - has Brendan King wondering, is the BBC institutionally racist? And does Les represent this culture? more
Glyn's Virals
SWEEP DOES "STARS IN THEIR EYES"
06-10-2008
Here's something to give you a chuckle on a Monday. Regular contributor Glyn Berrington offers this rather wonderful extract from The Sooty Show link here
CENTRAL TONIGHT VS MIDLANDS TODAY (Final Score)
06-10-2008
We followed the regional news on Central and the BBC for as week. And now we’re done having watched the weekend output. Howard Elston has his sums up and the final score. more
DIGBY OUT, BYRNE UP IN CABINET RESHUFFLE
04-10-2008
Birmingham peer Digby Jones has stood down from his globe-trotting role as Trade Minister in Gordon Brown’s Cabinet re-shuffle – but there’s promotion for Hodge Hill MP Liam Byrne. The most eye-catching appointment is Peter Mandelson’s return to government. more
BRUM CAR SHARE PLAN "DOOMED TO FAIL" SAY GREENS
04-10-2008
As the one-year trial for Birmingham's only car share lane comes to a close, the Green Party claims that it was doomed to fail ever since it was set up.more
Mick Temple’s Blog
THE CAMERON BOUNCE
04-10-2008
This week’s Tory party conference in Birmingham gave David Cameron the chance to make his case to be the next Prime Minister. Mick temple assesses his performance. more
OLD STAGER MAKES A COMEBACK
04-10-2008
Birmingham’s Old Rep Theatre is celebrating its centenary, which has just re-opened after a £500,000 refit. But was the investment worth it? Sibyl Ruth copes an eyeful. more
Martin Longley's Music Blog
BLUES SOUNDS: NEW YORK (Part 56)
04-10-2008
Our musical Phileas Fogg enjoys a rare appearance by the great Bobby Bland and samples the bluesy side of the Big Apple. more
CENTRAL TONIGHT VS MIDLANDS TODAY (Part 5)
04-10-2008
End of the week and things perk up a bit in regional news. Howard Elston continues the head to head between Central Tonight and Midlands Today more
Callum’s Blues Blog
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
04-10-2008
Ahead of Blues early kick-off against QPR, Callum O’ Connell weighs up the early season progress at St Andrews and declares himself satisfied. more
UNIONS MAKE A MILLION FROM BRUM TAXPAYERS
03-10-2008
Birmingham taxpayers are forking out more than £1million every year for the wages of union officials employed by the City Council. It prompts the question – shouldn’t their salaries be paid from union funds? more
DYING FOR A CHANGE IN THE LAW
03-10-2008
MS sufferer Debbie Purdy wants to undergo assisted suicide at the Swiss clinic Dignitas – but is now seeking legal guidance from the British courts to find out if her husband would be prosecuted if he went with her. Another British member of Dignitas has contacted The Stirrer with their story. more
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JUDAS PRIEST (LG Arena, 14/2/09)
03-10-2008
Birmingham and Black Country heavy metal heroes Judas Priest head home for a show at the LG Arena on Valentine’s Day next year, boasting one of the most colourful CV’s in rock history. Onstage motorbike accidents, trials over subliminal messages and even a gay sub-plot…they’ve had it all. more
"PAEDOPHILES PRIORITY FOR BRUM HOUSING" SAY LABOUR
03-10-2008
Paedophiles released from Winson Green Prison will get housing priority in Birmingham ahead of troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq according to the city’s Labour Group. They describe the idea as “criminal”. more
Last Night's Footy
VILLA HARE THROUGH
03-10-2008
Forgotten striker Marlon Harewood made a rare start for Villa and scored a superb goal as they progressed to the group stages of the UEFA Cup for the first time. They drew 1-1 on the night, progressing 4-2 on aggregate against Bulgarian side Litex Lovech. more
Get Out More......................Gig Review
SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY (The Robin, Bilston)
03-10-2008
The Robin in Bilston played host to a working legend. Richard Lutz was in the crowd. more
Barbara's Blog
SHOPPING FOR THE FUTURE
03-10-2008
The latest Fair Deal award for shops offering a fair price to British producers has just been handed out in Worcestershire. Barbara Panvel reports on how consumers can get quality food - and at the same time protect local jobs. more
CENTRAL TONIGHT VS MIDLANDS TODAY (Part Four)
03-10-2008
The Stirrer continues to monitor the daily newsroom battle between Central Tonight and Midlands Today. Howard Elston is our commentator. He’s not a happy man. more
SWIMMERS CHANCE TO WIN THE POOLS
02-10-2008
The Stirrer’s campaign to ensure junior club swimmers in Birmingham enjoy free access to the city’s pools has moved a step closer with a government announcement that £400,000 extra funding is being made available. more
A PRESCRIPTION FOR UNFAIRNESS
02-10-2008
NHS patients in Northern Ireland will soon enjoy free prescriptions – as they already do in Scotland and Wales. Kevin Chapman reflects on how the Health Service has become infected with unfairness. more
CRICKET ON A BROOMSTICK
02-10-2008
Former Warwickshire star Paul Smith has unearthed a rare picture of World War One soliders turned cricketers - and wants your help in identifying the participants, at least one of whom has a Birmingham connection. more
Get Out More..........................Theatre Review
WUTHERING HEIGHTS (Birmingham Rep)
02-10-2008
Susannah York is the star name in this adaptation of Emily Bronte’s gothic novel. Paula Elenor joins the throng on press night. more
Terry’s Baggies Blog
DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE
02-10-2008
Albion will be hosting Fulham at The Hawthrons on Saturday, fresh from an historic win at Middlesbrough witness by Terry Wills. more
Laurence Inman’s Blog
SOMEONE SPOKE
02-10-2008
This week Laurence offers us a narrative poem, with footnotes and asides, about a dream in which he got on a bus and by sheer coincidence it contained all my old mates from school. Someone once asked me, was it a real dream? The 11 bus route in Birmingham is the Outer Circle and is 25 miles long. more
Get Out More.........................Gig News
SIMPLY RED (Birmimgham LG Arena 28/3/09)
02-10-2008
After his recent small hall tour promoting his Bobby Bland tribute album, old ginger nuts is back in the stadiums with a global trek marking the arrival of a new Greatest Hits package – including a date at the LG Arena (aka the NEC). more
CONFESSIONS OF A BRUMMIE MUMMY (Part 9)
02-10-2008
It’s job application time for the Brummie Mummy. If only she could get on with it… more
CENTRAL TONIGHT VS MIDLANDS TODAY (Part Three)
02-10-2008
Howard Elston asssessing the West Midlands rival news programmes – ITV’s Central Tonight and the BBC’s Midlands Today. more
STRIKE THREAT OVER CENTRAL JOB LOSSES
01-10-2008
Broadcasting union BECTU has warned that strike action could be on the cards following ITV’s decision to axe more than 400 jobs – including 60 in Birmingham – as part of its merger of regional newsrooms. Central Tonight will disappear in its current form. more
SONS OF REST REPRIEVE
01-10-2008
Sandwell’s historic Sons Of Rest community centres have been reprieved following an amazing last minute Council u-turn. The news will delight hundreds of pensioners who use the centres for daytime socialising. more
NEW LABOUR'S WORKFARE UNFAIR
01-10-2008
Stirrer blogger, dropoutguy, reminded our weekend editor Brendan King that it was not just the Tories who favour a form of US workfare – but New Labour as well. Rising to the challenge and for the sake of balance he’s made this response more
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KAISER CHIEFS (NIA, 24 Feb 09)
01-10-2008
Top pop punksters head back to the Midlands for their latest tour which coincides with the release of their latest single Never Miss A Beat. Here’s how Paul Samuels summed ‘em up last July – it still holds up today. more
Last Night’s Footy
WOLVES SHOCKERS AS BLUES STUMBLE
01-10-2008
Table-topping Wolves slipped to their first league defeat of the season – a stunning 3-0 reverse at home to Reading. Blues conceded late on to draw at Derby but remain second. more
PARTY UNITY CALL BY WOLVES LABOUR LEADER
01-10-2008
The leader of Wolverhampton’s Labour group has used The Stirrer Forum to call for party unity following the controversial selection of Emma Reynolds as the party’s parliamentary candidate to succeed Ken Purchase. more
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SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY AND THE ASBURY JUKES (The Robin, tonight)
01-10-2008
Wonderful Black Country venue hosts top veteran rockers. No surprise there, then. Dave Woodhall sets the scene for New Jersey’s (second) finest. more
CENTRAL TONIGHT VS MIDLANDS TODAY PART TWO
01-10-2008
We continue our look at how our two regional news broadcaster, Central and the BBC, face up to each other in our Battle of The Newsrooms. Howard Elston is our man with the remote control.more
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