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Film Review: The Twilight Saga - New Moon ***

A YEAR after Twilight launched Hollywood’s lucrative journey through Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling books, along comes the eagerly-anticipated sequel. Read

Robert Pattinson on new film The Twilight Saga: New Moon

“There’s a high nipple count in this movie,” laughs Robert Pattinson. Read

Struggling to cope with my mum's emotional blackmail

I AM finding it very hard to deal with my mother as she is getting older and increasingly dependant on the family. Read

Should I permit my birth family to get in touch?

I'm 28 and I've always known I am adopted. This has never been a problem. I love the parents who adopted me. It's not always been perfect but I consider myself lucky. Read

Alice Cooper to play Wolverhampton Civic Hall

VINCENT Damon Furnier, better known as veteran rock legend Alice Cooper, is heading for Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Tuesday as part of his Theatre of Death tour. Read

Nativity! (U) *****

NATIVITY! (U) Read

POLAR EXPRESS – THE IMAX EXPERIENCE (U)

Verdict: HHHHH Read

D'Silva's thriller has everything

Bollywood Read

Folk: Singer Paul O’Brien performs in Birmingham this weekend

WHEN folk singer Paul O’Brien quit music – and Birmingham – six years ago he vowed he would never pick up a guitar again. Read

Paloma Faith confident about O2 Academy date in Birmingham

IT has been a great year for singer and actress Paloma Faith whose debut album Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful charted at number nine and has now gone gold in the UK. Read

Law Abiding Citizen (18)

LAW ABIDING CITIZEN (18) Read

Simple Minds' idea to help Birmingham gig stick in the memory

THEY promised you a miracle - and through the miracle of new technology fans of Simple Minds will be offered an extra special souvenir of the band’s show at Birmingham’s LG Arena next Wednesday. Read

The Posters Came From The Walls (12A)

THE POSTERS CAME FROM THE WALLS (12A) Read

Johnson approves hacker extradition

The Home Secretary has rejected a last-ditch appeal for him to block the extradition of Gary McKinnon to the US on computer hacking charges. Read

Berlusconi's wife wants £43m payoff

The estranged wife of Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi wants £43 million a year as a divorce settlement. Read

Scandal hospital bosses 'must quit'

Managers at a scandal-hit hospital should resign after a report found a catalogue of failings and an unusually high death rate, the head of a patient group has said. Read

Victory for Murray

Andy Murray claimed his second round-robin victory at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals with an epic 6-4 6-7 (4/7) 7-6 (7/3) win over Fernando Verdasco but must wait to find out whether he goes through to the semi-finals at London's O2 Arena. Read

Merseyside faces World Cup woe

The possibility of hosting a World Cup in England without a match in Liverpool came into sharp focus as 15 cities put forward their cases to stage games if the 2018 bid succeeds. Read

Borders chain enters administration

Book chain Borders has gone into administration, insolvency and restructuring firm MCR has confirmed. Read

Olympics star in £50m cocaine gang

An Olympic judo star has been convicted of being part of a £50 million drug gang. Read

Irish church covered up child abuse

The Catholic hierarchy in Ireland was granted immunity to cover up child sex abuse among paedophile priests in Dublin, a damning report has revealed. Read

Benitez: No added pressure

Rafael Benitez insists he does not feel under added pressure following Liverpool's Champions League exit and claims his side are "better than their results". Read

We need 'awful' Jedward, says Lydon

Former Sex Pistols star John Lydon has praised Jedward - for being so bad they made other acts "shine". Read

War memorial offender spared prison

A student who pleaded guilty to outraging public decency after he was photographed urinating over a war memorial has avoided a jail sentence. Read

Banks told to disclose £1m earners

Banks will face new scrutiny over the million-pound big-hitters on the payroll under an overhaul of pay and governance. Read

Anglo-saxon haul is valued at £3.2m

The Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon treasure ever found, has been valued at £3.28 million, the British Museum has said. Read

Bush 'tightened' Blair view on Iraq

Tony Blair and George Bush may have agreed the need for regime change in Iraq in private discussions at the US president's ranch, the Iraq Inquiry has heard. Read

Tottenham star pledges to make a big difference at Spurs

Tottenham full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto is relishing the prospect of the World Cup and has thanked Harry Redknapp for his help after previous managers branded him moody. Read

Johnson insists axe is not the answer

Martin Johnson insisted that sacking his under-fire coaches to appease "hysterical" critics would have been the cowardly way out of a disappointing autumn campaign and bad for England's future. Read

Hundreds evacuated after flats fire

More than 300 people were evacuated from their homes as a fire ripped through a building site and spread to nearby flats. Read

Future of Borders stores in balance

The future of book store chain Borders is hanging in the balance after it emerged the group had applied to appoint administrators. Read

Church had 'immunity' to hide abuse

The Catholic hierarchy in Ireland was granted immunity to cover up child sex abuse among paedophile priests in Dublin, a damning report has revealed. Read

Birmingham City exclusive: Big Eck talks to Colin Tattum after two years in charge

Two years on Saturday - has it gone as you expected, hoped? Read

O'Driscoll fears Springbok backlash

Brian O'Driscoll has scoffed at suggestions South Africa are a team in decline as Ireland target the prized scalp of the world champions at Croke Park on Saturday. Read

Shearer defends 2018 bid

Alan Shearer has defended the health of England's 2018 World Cup Bid on the day 15 cities submitted their applications to become host venues of the event. Read

Aston Villa: Boss calls on team to find a winning mentality

Martin O'Neill has challenged Aston Villa to discover the "winning mentality" which has become second nature to Chelsea in recent seasons. Read

Wolves v Birmingham City: Alex McLeish calls for more goals

Alex McLeish believes Birmingham can survive in the Barclays Premier League even though they lack a consistent goalscorer. Read

Wolves v Birmingham City: Mick McCarthy knows next games are crucial

Mick McCarthy admits Wolves will be judged on how they perform in a trio of crunch games in the next month. Read

Liverpool FC: Rafa Benitez gets some good news at last

Rafa Benitez's hand has been severely weakened by injuries to star duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard as well as a number of other first XI regulars. Read

Liverpool FC: Why Rafa Benitez isn't feeling any more pressure

Rafael Benitez insists he does not feel under added pressure following Liverpool's Champions League exit and claims his side are "better than their results". Read

Double signing boost for Fulham FC

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has agreed a deal to stay at Craven Cottage - and Brede Hangeland is also set to commit his future to the club. Read

Stoke City agree two loan deals

Stoke have agreed to let Nathaniel Wedderburn and Tom Soares go out on loan. Read

Bolton boss admits his mistakes

Bolton manager Gary Megson admits he was wrong to go public on stating there was dressing-room unrest at the club. Read

Why Hull City now feel much more confident

Midfielder Stephen Hunt feels Hull can now head into a tough month of fixtures with confidence after finding their scoring touch. Read

Church 'had immunity to hide abuse'

The Catholic hierarchy in Ireland was granted immunity to cover up child sex abuse among paedophile priests in Dublin, a damning report has revealed. Read

National Express to lose rail route

Struggling transport group National Express is to be stripped of its East Anglia rail franchise three years early, the Government has said. Read

BAE Systems will axe up to 640 jobs

Defence giant BAE Systems is planning to axe up to 640 jobs following a review of its workload. Read

Urinating student spared jail term

A student who pleaded guilty to outraging public decency after he was photographed urinating over a war memorial has avoided a jail sentence. Read

Hodgson agrees Fulham contract

Roy Hodgson is on the verge of signing a contract extension with Fulham after agreeing terms. Read

Broad ready for Newlands clash

England will be reinforced by Stuart Broad's pace for Friday's third one-day international at Newlands - but must wait to see whether off-spinner Graeme Swann is fit to face South Africa. Read

It’s one crossing too many for UB40 boys

ONE of their biggest hits is Many Rivers to Cross, but the boys from UB40 will want to forget their most recent ferry crossing. Read

Pushkar, 245 broad street, birmingham. 0121 643 7978.

THERE is style and there is substance, but the two rarely meet. Read

How do I get a perfect duck?

Q I want to roast a duck so the skin is crisp and the flesh succulent. What do I do? Read

Goose makes top alternative

Before being usurped by turkey, goose was the preferred choice for the Christmas lunch table in England and more recently there are signs of it making a bit of a comeback. Read

The Dog Inn, Whittington, near Lichfield

CHRISTMAS seems to come ever earlier these days, and even rural villages are not exempt from its hasty arrival. Read

Staffordshire gold hoard valued at £3.28m

The Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon treasure ever found, has been valued at £3.28 million, the British Museum said. Read

Coctail of the week: Winter Punch

Here’s a seasonal recipe from the Tanqueray gin people, to sip by the warmth of a raging fire as the rain pours down outside. Read

How a good wine can favour curry

KINGFISHER and Cobra do the job pretty well, but it’s National Curry Week, and a good excuse to find some more inventive drinks to help the korma go down and the jalfrezi to shine. Read

Everton consider ground-share option

Everton chief executive Robert Elstone has admitted the club would consider a ground-sharing arrangement with Liverpool after plans for a move to Kirkby were rejected by the Government. Read

Grant to take Portsmouth job

Avram Grant is to be appointed as the new manager of Portsmouth, the club have confirmed. Read

Portland Chippy, Portland Road, Edgbaston

THIS clean chippy at the corner of Selsey Road has one of the best ‘open’ sites in the city. Read

Strictly having fun!

I’m normally up for a boogie on a night out, but I couldn’t help but blush at the raunchy picture on the homepage of Bardello’s website. Read

Taking a new look at Welsh cooking

WELSH food isn’t the best known or most highly regarded cuisine in the world. Read

Shazma dishes up the Italian treats

DUSK is falling and scores of people are already heading home from their office jobs at Brindleyplace on a chilly midweek evening. Read

Website launched

THE University of Wolverhampton has introduced an exciting new-look website. Read

Firm is building university ties

BIRMINGHAM City University and the UK’s leading builders’ merchant, Jewson, has launched the first ever Foundation Degree in Builders’ Merchanting. Read

Jobs to put students in the money

YOU may well dream of a job where you make money, but what about a job where you manage money? Read

Bournville’s aid first

THE Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has introduced new changes to the First Aid Training regime for businesses and organisations. Read

Uni’s faculty is No.1 for health

The Faculty of Health at Birmingham City University invites you to tour its state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities, have a one-on-one consultation with course tutors, meet current students, take part in interactive sessions and find out about its range of subjects, facilities and teaching methods. Read

Technology the answer... not more officials

ANOTHER week and yet another outrageous decision in a football match. Read

Time to stop the colour blindness

THE police have been castigated by a government watchdog for making arrests with the sole purpose of garnering DNA – with young black men, in particular, liable to having their collars felt and samples taken. Read

Urinating student avoids jail term

A student who pleaded guilty to outraging public decency after he was photographed urinating over a war memorial has avoided a jail sentence. Read

Staffordshire Hoard valued at £3.3m

The Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon treasure ever found, has been valued at £3.28 million, the British Museum has said. Read

Blair-Bush Iraq talks 'at US ranch'

Tony Blair and George Bush may have agreed the need for regime change in Iraq in private discussions at the US president's ranch, the Iraq Inquiry has heard. Read

Mistletoe's out inspite of swine flu fears

“It’s okay, you’re safe with me, i’ve had the anti-swine flu jab...!” Read

Kidderminster poker star faces extradition to US

A poker champion from Kidderminster who is facing extradition to the US for allegedly killing his wife then dumping her body in a national park has appeared in court. Read

Davis could miss rest of season

Bolton midfielder Sean Davis could be struggling to play again this season, manager Gary Megson has admitted. Read

Ireland overtake Argentina in World Cup

Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell combined to blaze a brilliant 14-under-par 58 in the opening round fourballs at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup as Ireland opened up a commanding three shot lead over Argentina. Read

BAE Systems to axe up to 640 jobs

Defence giant BAE Systems is planning to axe up to 640 jobs following a review of its workload. Read

Iraq inquiry hears Meyer evidence

A former top diplomat with extensive knowledge about the relationship between Tony Blair and George Bush is giving evidence to the Iraq inquiry. Read

Banks 'should disclose £1m earners'

Banks will face new scrutiny over the million-pound big-hitters on the payroll under an overhaul of pay and governance. Read

Stiliyan Petrov is delighted to see Stewart Downing back for Aston Villa

Aston Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov has revealed his delight at the return to fitness of new team-mate Stewart Downing - the player whose foot he broke in May Read

Mick McCarthy says Premier League survival means more than beating Birmingham City

MICK McCarthy says Premier League survival means far more than beating Blues. Read

Lea Village man jailed after bank robbery five doors from his home

BUNGLING robber Christopher Walker was today starting a jail sentence after robbing a security guard of £25,000 and fleeing to his own home, just five doors from the bank where he pounced. Read

Saido Berahino gives taste of his potential as West brom reserves held by Walsall counterparts

SAIDO Berahino demonstrated his rich potential in a 36-minute second-half spell which indicated Albion have a potential star in their ranks. Read

West Brom: Costly British talent forces Di Matteo to look overseas

ROBERTO Di Matteo concedes that British players are being priced out of Albion’s range. Read

Aston Villa Reserves in victory over Arsenal

STEWART Downing gave manager Martin O’Neill more food for thought as he set Villa on their way to a victory over the Gunners that opened up a five-point lead at the top of Reserve League South. Read

Walsall FC: Hutchings praises Saddlers' talented young guns

CHRIS Hutchings has praised the young defenders whose impressive form has helped Walsall up to ninth in League One. Read

Everton stadium plans rejected

Everton's plans for a new stadium at Kirkby have been rejected by Communities and Local Government Secretary John Denham. Read

Bowyer: Experience counts in top flight for teams like Blues

LEE Bowyer says that in the Premier League you have to have as many good old ‘uns as good young ‘uns. Read

Threat of Birmingham City missing out on Jovanovic

BLUES were today told they could be missing out on a star in Milan Jovanovic, the Standard Liege striker. Read

Men hunted over Bloxwich store robbery

Police are hunting two men who held up a Bloxwich shop and stole hundreds of pounds. Read

Setback for alcohol pricing plans

Controversial plans to bring in minimum pricing for alcohol appeared doomed after Labour politicians in Scotland said they would oppose the move. Read

Aston Villa: Stephen Warnock concentrating on keeping left-back role

Aston Villa left-back Stephen Warnock admits he can only concentrate on his own fine form rather than worry about the contrasting fortunes of Nicky Shorey. Read

Di Matteo in warning of testing time for West Brom

THE next fortnight will potentially be Albion’s biggest test of the season, according to Roberto Di Matteo. Read

Sullivan U-turn a surprise to Birmingham City board

CARSON Yeung’s camp were pleasantly surprised by David Sullivan’s remarkable U-turn. Read

Evans expecting gladiatorial battle

Thom Evans felt like he had been propelled back in time to ancient Rome when he made his Scotland debut in Argentina. Read

Broad unfazed by hostility

Stuart Broad is well aware he is going to be targeted by South Africa on his return from injury - and he is relishing the prospect. Read