Category Archives: Life & Style

Evans the Death, Tyrannosaurus Dead, Gum, The Hundredth Anniversary | Music News

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Evans the Death, Tyrannosaurus Dead, Gum and The Hundredth Anniversary are all on the release of

GUTS on – a split tape via Reeks Of Effort that will feature Tyrannosaurus Dead, GUM

and The Hundredth Anniversary. The release will also be marked by gigs in Brighton and

Cardiff.

 

The release is now streaming and available for pre-order at:http://reeksofeffort.bandcamp.com/album/guts-2

Evans the Death are special guest headliners for the gig. They released their self-titled

debut album in April this year to widespread critical acclaim.

 

Evans the Death make frenetic and infectious punk pop which exudes the kind of unbridled

charisma, intelligence, and runaway energy that promises a singularly exciting future for the

band. Comprising Dan Moss (guitar, vocals), Lan McArdle (bass), Katherine Whitaker (vocals,

keys), Rob Mitson (drums), and Olly Moss (guitar), and named after the undertaker in Dylan

Thomas’s Under Milk Wood, Evans the Death are poised to fulfill their potential as one of the

most refreshing and exhilarating new groups around.

 

Brighton-based Tyrannosaurus Dead formed late in 2010, and immediately set to work honing

their melodically driven, fuzzed-out sound. Inspired by bands including The Delgados and

“Trailer” era Ash – Billy Lowe (vocals & guitar), Eleanor Rudge (vocals), Martin Edwards

(guitar), Tom Northam (bass) and Rupert Willows (drums) make warm, distortion drizzled pop.

A successful live act, they have played support to the likes of The Primitives, Shrag and Wave

Pictures.

 

Gum have been making woozy, reverb-drenched shoegaze since September 2011. Formed in

London by Grant J. Healey (vocals & guitar), Jessica Jordan-Wrench (vocals & bass), Dayoung

Styxx Yun (drums) and Chris Leader (vocals & guitars) they have quickly gained notoriety with

a string of favourable reviews and a split 7” out this month via Art Is Hard (hear track from split

here). Noisy-pop that joins the dots between MBV, The Jesus & Mary Chain and Yuck.

The newest of the newcomers, The Hundredth Anniversary are a four piece band based in

Brighton who formed earlier this year. Eleanor Rudge (vocals & guitar), Chris Lowe (vocals &

bass), Andy Taylor (guitar) and Dem Mather (drums) make gloriously soaring lo-fi indie. As if

The Walkmen were fronted by Cat Power and filtered through a soft-haze of radio static.

Reeks Of Effort is a renowned Cardiff/Manchester/Brighton/London based blog, who are now

branching out into gigs and records. Exciting right?

 

Facebook Event – https://www.facebook.com/events/307139976045946/

 

KEVIN MCKIDD & CELEB FRIENDS RELEASE CHARITY FOLK ALBUM

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Scots Grey’s Anatomy actor, Kevin McKidd is to release ‘The Speyside Sessions’, a charity album of folk music this Friday (15th June) with help from friends Bryan Tolland (Del Amitri) and producer/composers, Nick Lloyd-Webber and James D Reid.

The album, which consists of 14 traditional folk songs, also features performances from Paul Anderson, one of the finest Scots fiddlers of his generation, as well as Bryan Tolland and a wealth of Scottish vocal and musical talent. The album was recorded during an intense week at Hogmanay in a house in Moray, on the banks of the River Spey. Kevin recruited an army of local musicians, as well as friend Angus Robertson MP and Scots guitarist, John McCallum. Iain Robertson, McKidd’s Small Faces co-star has also acted as photographer and promoter in between rehearsals for his one man show ‘Angels’ at the Traverse theatre during the Edinburgh Fringe.

The proceeds of the album will go to charity Save the Children, which Kevin regularly fundraises for. Last year he took part in a sponsored fast-a-thon, as well as completing the Tough Mudder challenge – a royal marine styled obstacle course.

Actor Ewan McGregor voiced a short teaser video for the album – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMr0geZZlJQ&feature=plcp

He has lent his support for the venture saying: “I’ve heard it and it’s really special. A great talented bunch of musicians playing Scottish tunes. Kevin has pulled off something great”.

Kevin, who originally hails from Elgin, has recorded the album to pay tribute to his grandfather, who often sang traditional Scots songs to him as child but says “the most important thing is that it’s all for Save the Children”. He added “What’s great about Scottish folk music is that it’s a niche market, but hopefully I’ll be able to get people listening to this that wouldn’t normally”.

The Speyside Sessions are described as ‘a love letter to Scotland’ and is a mixture of traditional ballads, reels and more rousing crowd pleasers. Fans of Grey’s Anatomy heard Kevin’s vocal talents last year, including Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars, on a special musical episode of the series.

Kevin did guitar and vocals on most of the tracks on the album and when asked about his favourite tracks, said: I love them all but I feel most proud of ‘These are my Mountains’ and ‘The Muckin’ o’ Geordie’s Byre. On ‘Muckin.. I feel proud because just to get through the song without bursting out laughing is an achievement. It is a very funny song to perform.”

Douglas Hamilton, Save the Children’s Head of Scotland said:

“The album sounds totally unique and we’re honoured that Kevin has chosen to do this for Save the Children. What’s fantastic is that it was entirely Kevin’s own idea and we know that it hasn’t been easy to organise. It’s not just the album but everything else he’s done over the past few years for the charity, raising huge amounts of money, as well as our profile – and it’s brilliant to have him here in Scotland”.

The Speyside Sessions will be touring this summer, for more information, please see – http://thespeysidesessions.com
Amazon MP3 Store –

iTunes Store – : http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/id527614034?uo=4

Alan Titchmarsh shares his top tips to growing a sunflower:

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B&Q celebrity ambassador Alan Titchmarsh shares his top tips to growing a sunflower:

“This is a fun way to get children inspired to garden and what better way than to start with everyone’s favourite flower, the sunflower:

1. Make sure you plant the sunflower in a spot where it’s sunny all day long, these plants love the sun

2. Ensure that the plant has enough space, roughly 30 inches apart from other plants.

3. Water the plant as soon as you’ve planted it and remember to water infrequently to encourage the roots to grow deep.

4. When it gets to roughly 30cm high, support the plant with a bamboo stick. Doing this will encourage the plant to grow as tall as it can with the support of the stick.

5. To protect the plant from animals, buy some netting to drape over the plant. That way the plant will produce lots of seeds which are a tasty snack for birds

To see how to grow your own sunflower just log onto www.youtube.com/bandq.

Paul McKenna and Mentor Richard Bandler invite you To Get The Life You Want

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Internationally recognised self-help guru and specialist in personal development, Paul McKenna will be joining his mentor Dr Richard Bandler on stage in London this autumn.The two-day event entitled Get The Life You Want takes place on 13th and 14th October and follows on from the success of Bandler and McKenna’s hugely popular 2011 seminar.

This year, Get The Life You Want will focus on their latest success strategies that will help you master your emotions, discover what you want in life, gain more confidence and feel really good about yourself.

Richard Bandler and Paul McKenna are masters of personal change who have written dozens of books and taught hundreds of thousands of people how to change their lives.

Commenting on the special chemistry that between himself and Paul McKenna, Richard Bandler says:

“When the two of us get together, the people in our audience change. If you want to be one of them or you’re looking for a new direction, a chance to really get started, really get motivated this is the perfect seminar for you.”

At Get The Life You Want, you will also learn how to make better decisions, become more motivated, learn the secrets to quick and lasting life change, discover the latest success strategies and begin to direct your life where you want it to go.

Every attendee will also receive free CDs by Bandler and McKenna to the value of £140.
“It’s fantastic value, and it’s going to be a magical two days,” says promoter Bernardo Moya, CEO of NLP Life Training.

For further information or to book now, go to: Get The Life You Want: http://www.nlplifetraining.com/events/richard-bandler-paul-mckenna/get-the-life-you-want or call 0845 260 7930.

Olympic Torch Relay Pictures

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We were lucky enough to have the Olympic torch come past us today in Ealing. Here are some of the pictures below

Crowds Mass in Expectation

Runner carrying the Union Jack

The Editor of Frost!

The coca-cola truck (which was handing out free coke!)

Front view of the Olympic torch bearer (I got shouted at for running out and taking this picture!)

The Olympic torch bearer waving

Exhausted security runners catching a breather

The changeover

A spectator reaches to try and grab the torch from the Olympic torch bearer

Fertility expert, Dr Marilyn Glenville, gives conception hope to thousands of couples

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Nutritionist and fertility expert, Dr Marilyn Glenville, gives conception hope to thousands of couples across the UK

Study reveals Fertility Support Programme can improve fertility of couples

Leading nutritionist and fertility expert, Dr Marilyn Glenville, launches the Fertility Support Programme – a personalised 12-week nutritional and lifestyle fertility plan that can dramatically increase chances of conception, giving hope to thousands of couples across the UK experiencing problems with infertility.

1 in 6 couples in the UK experience difficulty getting pregnant. IVF has a 25% success rate, which means 75% of the cycles are failing – leaving thousands of couples with emotional heartache and financial strain. Dr Marilyn Glenville has guided hundreds of couples through their fertility journey; and her 3-month programme provides a range of dietary, supplement and lifestyle changes, which have helped so many to conceive naturally.

“Couples with fertility problems can often experience stress, frustration and feelings of isolation,” says Dr Marilyn Glenville. “ Many people are unaware that just simple changes to your lifestyle and diet could help you achieve a healthy pregnancy. The support programme is a unique plan which encompasses an integrated approach through a combination of conventional and nutritional medicine.”

A ground-breaking study conducted by the University of Surrey revealed that after following the same nutritional and lifestyle advice outlined by Dr Glenville, 86% of couples with a previous history of infertility became pregnant.[1] “We took the vitamins, followed the advice, and three months later my wife became pregnant. It was almost like a switch, one year or so of nothing but trying, then three months of the plan – and pregnancy!” says Ian R, who followed the Fertility Support Programme.

Fertility is a major issue for many couples. Around 70% of patients visiting the Dr Marilyn Glenville clinic reveal that they receive a lack of support and insufficient advice from their doctor regarding fertility problems.

Dr Glenville is keen to highlight that while you can’t change the number of eggs you have, you can change their quality. “By improving the quality of your eggs, you are increasing your chances of conceiving naturally, and also preventing miscarriage. Men produce sperm all their lives so it is always possible to not only improve the quality, but also the quantity, with lifestyle and nutritional changes.”

Nutrients such as antioxidants have been shown to significantly boost male fertility and also help women improve their chances during IVF. Correcting the deficiencies of certain nutrients like vitamin D can have an enormous benefit for fertility for both men and women.

The Fertility Support Programme is available exclusively at the Dr Marilyn Glenville fertility clinic – www.marilynglenvilleeducation.com/article

Warwick Castle

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Warwick Castle will be offering a thrilling new long boating experience on the River Avon this summer from July 2012 in association with Warwick Boats.

The new boating experience is exciting, adrenalin pumping, and great fun for all the family! Paddle to power the boat, row to the beat of a drum, enjoy Britain’s ultimate fun. Suitable for complete beginners and children with experienced instructors and a Director of Imagination for entertainment and historical updates on board all boats.

Exhilarating river rides offer fun, excitement and adventure as the ultimate memorable family experience this summer. All this, set against the historic backdrop of Warwick Castle creates a fun addition to your action-packed day out.

Boating originated at Warwick Castle in 1898, when the current Boat House was built. The Countess of Warwick had the very latest of boats, an ‘Electric Launch’ with carpets, blinds and awnings!

Warwick Boats will offer a Long Boat ride on a thirty minute timed ticket experience priced at £5pp. Boats will seat between 10-20 people. Tickets can be bought on site from the Boating Ticket Hut. Paddles and buoyancy aids will be provided. The minimum age to take part with an accompanying adult is 4 years old. The minimum age to take part without an accompanying adult is 8 years of age.

The boat ride will pass the River Island, offering viewpoints of the mighty Trebuchet and the Jousting knights during the summer.

Commenting on the exciting new opening, General Manager Tim Harrison Jones says: “We are very proud to be working with Warwick Boats on this new experience. We want to offer something with a bit of edge to enthral and inspire this summer.”

This initiative is part of a new local strategy plan by Warwick Castle to support local businesses.

For a full day ticket, book online at www.warwick-castle.com up to seven days in advance to save at least 40 per cent off admission.

Raindance and Staffordshire University Announce an Autumn 2012 Intake

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– Postgraduate Training Programme with Distance Learning Option –
Raindance – a leading UK film industry network and training organisation – is pleased to announce that
applications for its September/October 2012 intake are now open.

The Postgraduate Film Degree Masters Programme, available in both MA and MSc versions, was launched
in 2011 and designed to meet the needs of emerging filmmakers. It is based on a proven formula that
includes Raindance courses, industry networking (including one-on-one tutorials) and self-directed study.

From October 2012, both MA and MSc are available as a distance learning option, making the course
available to anyone with internet access wherever they are based in the world.

Raindance’s groundbreaking postgraduate degree enables students to set their own individual career and
project objectives. This is made possible by an unrivalled collaboration between Raindance, the
Independent Film Trust as a charity established to advance the cause of independent filmmaking, and
innovative academics at Staffordshire University who introduced the UK’s first single honours degree in
Film, Television and Radio Studies in 1990. Graduates of the Raindance programme are awarded an M.A.
or M.Sc. degree that is academically validated by Staffordshire University.

Students manage their own schedule and modules which are developed in regular discussions with their
tutors in one-on-one tutorials. Depending on the student’s needs and interests, the investigations could lead to an M.A. in Directing Independent Films, an M.Sc. in Digital Cinematography, or highly specialised issues like Producing Films with Crowd Funding or Writing Fantasy Screenplays, that traditional institutions would not be able to offer.

Raindance founder, Elliot Grove, said: “I am delighted to be working with one of Britain’s most forward-looking universities to deliver a programme designed to respond to the changing filmmaking climate, and the constantly changing influences of digital filmmaking and distribution techniques.”

Veteran producer Carl Schoenfeld who has overseen Raindance’s educational strategy said: “Students are
empowered by skills that enable them to take responsibility for their own learning throughout the course and beyond. This is a great opportunity for filmmakers anywhere in the world keen on developing
themselves in an inspirational higher education environment. This course allows them to explore their own individual voice and trajectory into the film industry and culture around them.”

James Fair of Staffordshire University says: “We have always pursued a combination of relevance and
excellence at Staffordshire. We feel that the partnership with Raindance demonstrates our ability to provide flexible learning opportunities that correspond to the demands of the workplace. This will be where theory and practice meet, mirroring the complex realities of filmmaking.”

Since 1992 Raindance has developed and delivered pioneering industry-relevant filmmaking courses which
combine practical and theoretical training. Raindance trained filmmakers include such legends as Edgar
Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), Oscar® winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park,
Downton Abbey), Guy Ritchie (Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels; Sherlock Holmes), Matthew Vaughn
(Layer Cake, Kick-ass), and Christopher Nolan (Memento, The Dark Knight, Inception).

Applicants starting the programme on 9 September (London) and 15 October (Distance Learning)