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A Magazine for Sheffield

Issue 33 December 2010

Once again, the goose is getting fat and the sensory overload that is the Christmas advert season steps up a gear. It offends me. Big businesses know this is the time of year when you are most likely to make ill-advised, impulse purchases of things you know you don’t need, or cave in to the pestering of an excitable child dreaming of something pricey. Like most advertising strategies, it is cynical and transparent but undeniably effective.

You might call me the Grinch, but I’m a little more constructive than that hairy green present thief, because I have some practical advice for you. I said the same thing last year, but it bears repeating: try and buy your presents, decorations and food from Sheffield traders. Rent a Christmas tree from Heeley City Farm. Buy your meat from Roneys. Stock up on festive spirit at the Dram Shop. Pick up presents from the Old Sweet Shop, Rare and Racy or Record Collector. Granted, it will take more work on your part, but the rewards for you and those around you are obvious – higher quality products from real people. Not Myleene fucking Klass. Live within your budget and don’t let your Christmas be an M&S wet dream.

Peace on earth and all that jazz.

33

This month's articles

Localcheck Don't Play The Game

So here it is, merry Christmas! Have you started buying presents, having fun, watching the high street sales rising and getting into debt?…

Council Axe Pear Shaped

Hello, I'm pleased that Now Then has asked me, as Chancellor, to state why the Comprehensive Spending Review will create a hopeful,…

27b/6 The Magic 8 Ball

I sent an email to a friend recently, asking several different questions, and he replied with the single answer "Yes, probably." It was…

Sound WHITE MEN CAN'T CRUNK.

I recently had the rare, once-in-a-lifetime pleasure of overhearing a middle-aged man conversing with his companion in a pub about R&B.…

Filmreel Get your docs out for the lads.

Amongst the testosterone-fuelled anarchy of the likes of Werner Herzog and William S. Burroughs, a small proportion of Doc/Fest's programme…

Our pick of the best.

This month it will be one year since a couple of chaps saw their big idea become a fledgling reality and we reckon they're on to a…

Yann Tiersen: A Trip Down Dust Lane

Yann Tiersen is not the most French name in the world, but since the release of Amélie in 2001 it has been a household name across the…

Bad Taste: DIY well done

This month, we take some time out to chat to local label and promotions team Bad Taste Records about their adventures in Sheffield. How…

What's on: December Listings

December can be a bit dry for gigs, but fear not, because we have a succinct list of the best for you. FroZac Sheffield Live Fundraiser. @…

Shaun Bloodworth:

Shaun Bloodworth's recent client list reads like a who's who of underground electronic music, as well a choice selection of Sheffield…

Tom Jackson:

This month's cover feature comes from Tom Jackson, another omnipresent image merchant. From a fresh take on academic inspiration for the…

Andy Brown:

Andy has been documenting Sheffield for as long as I've been looking at pictures here, part of the Go 'alumni' responsible for a…