Category Archives: Culture

Star Trek – Live In Concert

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startrek21ST CENTURY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS, conducted by LUDWIG WICKI

Following the recent debut of Star Trek into Darkness at No.1 in both the American and UK box office, where it has already made $260 million worldwide within 2 weeks of release, buzz for the franchise is at fever pitch. Now London’s Royal Albert Hall will be hosting the UK premiere of director J.J Abrams predecessor, 2009’s $385million blockbuster smash Star Trek, live in concert on May 29 2014, celebrating the extraordinary collaboration between Michael Giacchino’s score and J.J Abrams’ visionary original motion picture.

With Star Trek fever at an all-time high with Abrams’ rebooted film franchise, this live concert will feature Michael Giacchino’s score brought to life on stage by the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, while the Academy Award winning film is shown simultaneously in high definition on the big screen, in the majestic surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall. This concert explores the collaborative relationship between music and storytelling and is a must for lovers of film and Trekkies alike.

Loved by audiences, the impact of Star Trek has been huge. The original series, which first aired in 1967, and is considered the most influential sci-fi series in TV history, has since spawned five successor series, twelve movies (this film being the 11th in the series), novels, comics, games, a plethora of merchandise, and a multi-billion dollar industry collectively known as the Star Trek franchise. This concert is further proof of the popularity and legacy of this cultural phenomenon, not just through the films and TV shows but also the music and score that have played a huge part in its success.

“To hear Michael Giacchino’s music, the secret weapon of the Star Trek series, performed live in Royal Albert Hall, will be, I promise, a thrill” says J.J Abrams “The full orchestra scoring sessions for the films have been among my favourite life experiences. To give the public a chance to hear this incredible music performed live is a wonderful thing.  I cannot wait to go and celebrate Michael’s truly remarkable achievements!”

Michael Giacchino adds, “In 2003, before I wrote my first film score, I saw John Williams conduct ET live to picture at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. I will never forget that event. A little over ten years later, I will have the honour of experiencing my music for Star Trek performed by the incredible 21st Century Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under the baton of the talented conductor, Ludwig Wicki. That in itself is exciting, but the fact that we will be in the Royal Albert Hall in London, is truly amazing. After working with J.J. for 13 years, it will be so rewarding to have his wonderful film brought to life in a whole new way. I look forward to sharing this event with J.J. and the Star Trek fans, new and old”

This event is part of the Royal Albert Hall’s series in celebrating classic films with live orchestra. 100,000 people have now enjoyed sold out performances at the Hall of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Matrix, the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story, Disney’s Fantasia, Singin’ in the Rain and the upcoming world premiere of Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton on October 7th and UK premiere of Pixar in Concert on February 22nd 2014. The Hall looks to provide memorable visitor experiences for all and, as a charity, these own-promoted events form a part of its extensive public benefit remit.

 

Star Trek- Live in Concert

Thursday 29 May 2014 at 7.30pm– Star Trek (2009)

Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP

Tickets £15 – £55 (booking fees apply)
Box Office 020 7589 8212
www.royalalberthall.com 

Tickets on sale Friday May 31st at 9am from the Royal Albert Hall Box Office

 

Debbie Harry Talks To Fabulous About Sex, Drugs, Dating & Cosmetic Surgery

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One of Frost’s Favourite music icons, Debbie Harry, has given a candid interview revealing her thoughts on sex, drugs and cosmetic surgery. 

In an interview and photoshoot for Fabulous magazine’s Age issue, published on Sunday June 2, Blondie front woman and living legend Debbie Harry opens up about sex over 60, the dating scene and cosmetic surgery.

Debbie, who sold 40 million records worldwide as part of the ’70s rock band and paved the way for the likes of Gwen Stefani and Lady Gaga, says she still has strong sexual desires and feels just as sexy at 67 as she did in her 20s: “Whether it’s just pure sex or having that physical contact, sex is very important. Most people need it.”

Debbie Harry

Miami-born Debbie also opens up about her past experiences with cosmetic surgery, calling it, “a part of showbiz, really. A few needles in the face? It’s not a major thing. What offends me and horrifies me more is bad surgery. When I see somebody that’s permanently changed everything about their face, it’s like: ‘Oh my God, were you so miserable about yourself before?’”

The blonde bombshell – who once battled drug addiction – reveals that she doesn’t regret her wilder days and admits she’s glad she had that time: “I certainly would encourage any young people who want to freak out to go right ahead.” Drug addiction can be battled and overcome with the help of rehabs so looking for drug rehabs near you is a good idea in such cases.

Debbie, who along with her band mates is set to go back on the road, also admits to having a bit of a soft spot for the 1D boys who recently covered her classic hit One Way or Another: “I thought it was fun! It was also fitting for the charity and achieving things ‘one way or another’, so it was all very positive.”

Fabulous magazine is available free in The Sun every Sunday.

The Importance of Happiness by Andrew Stead

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Angelina Jolie has breasts removed. Our well-being is the most important thing in life but most of us neglect it – we can all do more to live well and make our lives happier. But the overload of knowledge and choice means that keeping up with ourselves, never mind the Joneses, has got a lot harder than it used to be. One step forward, two steps back. And we end up reacting to the world around us rather than designing a life that really matters. But the great news is that the latest scientific evidence is here to help.

 

And Your Daily Bread is a new organisation established to translate this new knowledge into tools and practical experience to help people maximise their life experience and happiness. They design healthy, positive and fulfilling lives, through practical, regular, bite-size chunks, or ‘Slices’.

 

These days most of us are well versed in the tools of our trade, but not in the tools of life. We are well educated at school and university and start our professional lives learning the skills and practices we need for our job. But we educate and develop ourselves in the techniques of our trade, at the expense of the techniques of life.

 

And the consequences of this disparity, this dislocation, this dis-ease, between our technical skills and our life skills are real and serious and heavily supported by scientific evidence.

 

We might start to feel isolated, lose our focus and concentration.  We suffer the irony of information overload while lacking certain knowledge that is truly valuable.  Physically we might feel tired, low-energy or just out of shape. Emotionally we get anxious, upset or even angry. Our relationships start to suffer – we have no time for our family or friends, no time for ourselves. And professionally, we’re working way too hard getting worn out, stressed out or even burned out. And we end up feeling disconnected, disheartened or desperate. Lacking any purpose or meaning, left wandering: “What’s it all about?” Our great hopes for the future, our legacy, our vision beyond our grave are broken dreams.

 

So Your Daily Bread provides people with new knowledge and techniques to get them re-energised, re-ignited, re-balanced. They’re on a mission to improve people’s daily life.

 

They run workshops, events and courses that demonstrate the science, tools and practical help they need to transform their life from imbalance to balance.

 

And people find the workshops and programmes are pretty impactful, talking of being more positive and productive, more energised and healthy, achieving greater balance and serenity, becoming a better communicator and being able to maximise those key life relationships; and of course, improving career prospects and earnings.

 

 

For more information of the June 16th ‘What Price Your Happiness’ event, showcasing 5 Global Experts sharing their best knowledge and techniques, visit www.your-daily-bread.co.uk/S4L

 

Cannes 2013 Pictures. How Did The Stars Get Great Hair?

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Cannes 2013 has been and gone and A-Listers from across the globe have taken to the red carpet looking finished and flawless, sequins sparkling and luscious locks swishing in the sunshine. Their secret? Sleep-In Rollers. A fabulous take on a classic hairstyling staple. normal

Who do you think looks the best? Have you used sleep in rollers?

Boris Johnson and Shane Warne play cricket

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Boris Johnson and cricket legend Shane Warne launch volunteering drive.

Boris Johnson and Shane Warne

30.05.13 Boris w SW 05 cJamesojenkins

© James O Jenkins www.jamesojenkins.co.uk 

The Mayor and Shane enjoyed a game of cricket with local school children this week at The Oval to launch the Mayor’s latest recruitment drive for his volunteering programme Team London.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “Our volunteers have had the chance to bowl with the ‘king of spin’ today”.

Shane Warne said: “It’s a true delight to be supporting the Mayor of London’s volunteering drive. Grassroots sports can’t survive without the support and dedication of good people of all ages and backgrounds.”

Jaywalking, loonies, bringing a plate and spondoolies – knowing the local lingo before immigrating is key

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sceneryIf you can’t tell your Australian pink lady from your Canadian loonie then you may need some assistance if you are planning on emigrating.

 

With The Organisation for Economic Co–operation and Development (OECD) revealing that Australia has topped the index of national wellbeing for the happiest countries in the world and the best places to live and work, followed closely by Sweden and Canada, and the latest Global Visas report highlighting Canada (27 per cent) and Australia (22 per cent) as the top two destinations people wish to move to, the demand for cultural information is on the increase.

 

When immigrating to a new country, it is helpful to become clued up on the local lingo, laws and cultural aspects of the country to which you are destined to feel at home more quickly.  For example, a very common mistake made by foreigners to Australia is being invited over for dinner and being asked to ‘bring a plate’ which doesn’t mean digging out your best Royal Doulton dinnerware but bringing a dish of food to share with your host and other guests. Or in Canada you could be fined $400 for simply crossing the road, as jaywalking, (crossing the road without using a pedestrian crossing) is tightly regulated and leads to on-the-spot fines.

 

Out of a total of 257,398 requests for immigration solutions (excluding tourist visas) in Q1 of 2013, Global Visas, a UK business that provides people worldwide with international visa, relocation and immigration services, found that a growing number of people were asking for country-specific information.  As a result, it is launching a series of ‘Global Visas Destination Guides’, launching with Canada, on everything clients need to know about moving to the country including visas and permits, working, budgeting, housing, studying, healthcare and laws.                                                                 …/

Gary Smith, global sales and marketing director at Global Visas, says, “There is a lot you need to know and be prepared for before emigrating to another country, and familiarising yourself with common phrases will certainly steer you away from embarrassing conversations or offending locals. However, first priorities will include setting up home and settling into a new job in your unfamiliar surroundings. Our new handy destination guides help prepare clients for the change in lifestyle, allocating your budget, understanding work arrangements and getting to know the country a little more. It is very important to be clued up on the laws and culture of your new home to ensure you know exactly what to expect.”

 

Victoria Blackman, a New Zealander who immigrated to the UK, comments: “When I first arrived I found it difficult as an English speaking foreigner to understand the British language. I couldn’t get my head around why people kept asking me if I was alright (‘you alright?’) I didn’t know how to reply. Was this a question? Did they think I looked sick? To my surprise they were saying ‘hello, how are you?’. I also found myself in embarrassing and awkward situations when I commented on people’s pants which are not underwear where I come from! I’m still learning daily and recently was informed that an ‘ice lolly’ is what I refer to as an ‘ice block’ or an ‘ice cream’ on a stick.”

HotelTonight, the app for last-minute hotel stays, launches new destinations

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hotelHotelTonight, the app for last-minute or spontaneous hotel stays,

launches new destinations in France, Italy, Spain and Mexico

 

HotelTonight, the first ever last-minute hotel booking app, has recently added more than fifteen new destinations to its roster of vibrant cities worldwide. This brings the total reach of the app to 12 countries and 100 destinations worldwide.

 

To tie in with the peak travel season in Europe, HotelTonight is adding popular European destinations, including Lille, Lyon, and Marseille in France; Barcelona, Madrid, and Malaga/Costa del Sol in Spain and Florence, Rome and Milan in Italy. The last minute hotel booking app is also offering its over five million global users new destinations in Ireland, Mexico and for those who prefer holidaying closer to home, HotelTonight has added Brighton to its list of best UK hotel deals.

 

This recent international expansion is part of its pledge to be ubiquitous and accessible to all last minute travellers and follows last week’s global announcement of new features including “Snap Your Stay” which allows customers to photograph and share images of their hotel with friends and other HotelTonight users, and the “HT Price Guarantee,” which guarantees its rates against competitors’ offerings.

 

HotelTonight is now partnering with almost 2500 hotels across the globe in the  ‘hip’, ‘luxe’, ‘charming’ and ‘solid’ categories. Hotels include the stunning 5 Star The First Luxury Hotel in Rome, and the charming Palazzo Vecchietti in Florence, the Kempinski Hotel Bahia Estepona on the Costa del Sol and the hip Music Hotel in Marseille. These hotels and others across Europe are perfect for an impromptu weekend break. There are also many more hotels more on the mid to basic level which are perfectly suited to business travellers’ needs.

 

At the same time as adding these new destinations, the company has also expanded its European operations, relocating to a new, larger office in London’s Covent Garden and building out the team with new Country Managers for Italy and Spain.

 

The Hotel Tonight app offers unbeatable deals on hand-picked hotels, with bookings opening at midday and closing at 2AM. Last minute travellers can book a hotel in less than ten seconds with three taps and a swipe, starting that day for one night or more.

Visit www.hoteltonight.com for more information and to download the free app.

 

For staycations, in the UK, cities include Birmingham, Brighton, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London and Manchester.

Famous People Who Didn’t Go To University

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Zac GoldsmithI have a confession to make. I find the whole snobbish going to university thing stupid. If you want to actually study something or be a doctor, then obviously go and reach your potential, but one of the things I find most stupid about social pressure is that everyone should go to university. At least if they want to be middle class.

Tuition fees are now appallingly expensive, and the most annoying thing I found about the recent BBC class calculator is that they still put going to university and owning a home as an indicator of class. Even though people buying homes they could not afford was one of the factors in the recession, and a recent study said that most students would never be able to pay of the debts they had incurred.

I recently saw an interesting meme on Facebook. It said, “Modern education: creating people who are smart enough to accurately repeat what they are told and follow orders.”

You don’t have to agree with me. I know it is a controversial thing to think. However, have a look at just a few of the famous people who did not go to university.

Apple founder Steve Jobs dropped out of Reed College.

TV host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres dropped out of the University of New Orleans after one semester.

The creator of Tumblr David Karp never even graduated from high school.

Walt Disney left school at 16 to join the Army. He couldn’t get in because of his age so he joined the Red Cross and left for Europe.

Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard but later got an honorary degree.

Paul Thomas Anderson dropped out of NYU film school.

Zac Goldsmith MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston did not go to university, instead deciding to travel the world. He told the Financial Times: “I think university is hugely overrated for most people,” he says, insisting that a wide range of good apprenticeships is more useful than three years of light work and heavy drinking. “I would not encourage my children to go to university.”

Mark Zuckerberg dropped out of Harvard to work full time on Facebook.

Yoko Ono dropped out of Sarah Lawrence College

Woody Allen was thrown out of New York University after one semester and later dropped out of the City College of New York.

James Cameron studied physics at Fullerton College. He dropped out to become a truck driver.

Thomas Edison left school to work on the railroad at the age of 12.

F. Scott Fitzgerald dropped out of Princeton.

Coco Chanel dropped out of school to become a cabaret singer when she was 18.

Whole Foods founder John Mackey dropped out of the University of Texas.

Pablo Picasso dropped out of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.

The founder of WordPress Matt Mullenweg dropped out of the University of Houston in 2004.

What do you think? Is going to university important?