Basement Jaxx Headline RBMA Notting Hill Carnival Party

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Basement Jaxx headline RBMA Notting Hill Carnival party – 25 August 2014

As the Out-of-Offices start tumbling in, and the sounds of summer swell with the chorus of late night hedonism, the August bank holiday rolls ever nearer, and with it the promise of carnival. Red Bull Music Academy Sound System, a stalwart on the carnival circuit, returns with its vibe-infused miscellany of stomach-crunching bass, cocktails, and jerk delights.

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Storming the headline slot with a special DJ set – the frenetic, rabble-rousing antics of UK party house revolutionaries Basement Jaxx, dropping their hotly anticipated new album the very same day. Normally found topping the bill at the likes of the best festivals and best and biggest arenas around the world, catching a DJ set in more intimate confines is a chance not to be missed. With two BRIT Awards under their belts and shows that have become near-mythologised for their heady rambunctiousness, this will be a carnival show-down to remember.

They’re joined by a host of acts who’ll be blessing the carnival crowd with their UK debut: Jamaican reggae/dub cohorts Protoje & Yaardcore, Tropkillaz, blending trap and tropical bass with the pelvic rhythms of their native Brazil, and RBMA alumnus Kalbata & Mixmonster, who’s newly released album Congo Beat The Drum – recorded between their studio in Israel and Kingston, Jamaica – sliced through the blogosphere to high critical kudos. They’ll also welcome first-generation dancehall MC Clapper Priest as part of their set. Soca-fuelled riddim fanatics Jus Now, fresh from repping their hometown at the RBMA x St Paul’s Carnival Sound System, are back and bass-laden for the Notting Hill edition, whilst Mixpak Records, home to the sun-summoning likes of Dre Skull, Popcaan, Vybz, and Jubilee, bring their sonic powerhouse Mixpak Soundsystem to the fray. Finally, feverous bashment crew The Heatwave complete this year’s line-up, bringing the spirit of the Caribbean to the concrete jungle.

Tickets will be free and available via ballot system, with hopeful entrants able to apply from Monday 11th August until Friday 15th August via redbull.co.uk/rbmacarnival

In anticipation of the annual Notting Hill Carnival, a diverse cast of Londoners attempt to master a selection of must-have carnival dance moves including the Big N Nasty, Tempa Wine, Bruk It Down and Willie Bounce in this Carnival Dance Guide set to GotSome x Jus Now’s ‘Run Di Dance’. Check it out below:

Elizabeth Arden Presents Flawless Future…

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Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide The Collection

“According to a recent survey, the majority of women would rather gain ten pounds then look ten years older” explains Charity Finnigan, Elizabeth Arden’s Brand Manager. This can’t surely be true i’m thinking, but as I look around this room of women all I see and hear are nodding heads and approving sighs. I guess ageing is something I haven’t really thought about having just turned 26, but more and more women I speak to from experience are saying the same thing, that they wished they took more preventative measures in anti-ageing and that it’s not too late for my generation to start. Unless I get some hard scientific facts i’m a sceptic, and that is exactly what Elizabeth Arden delivered in their flawless presentation about their newest range of Ceramide products; Flawless Future.

Charity Finnigan's presentation

Charity Finnigan’s presentation

It’s hard to come to terms with something when you’ve never had to experience it yourself but it’s inevitable that one time or another the signs of ageing will be apparent on our face. Unlike those who would resort to drastic measures I would prefer to grow old gracefully and with some help it’s becoming easier and easier for women to do that. Here comes the science: 25 years ago, Elizabeth Arden patented ceramide technology. Ceramides are the molecules that keep the skin healthy and support the collagen produced. Over the years, these ceramides begin to deplete causing the skin to age and a huge factor is stress. During a recent study, the most stressed out age group are 20-30 year olds and it has shown that the biggest loss in ceramides happen in your 30’s. Aiming an anti-ageing product for this age group then makes total sense and Elizabeth Arden have the right idea.

The Flawless Future Collection is comprised of;

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Flawless Future powered by Ceramide ™ Caplet Serum

This serum which soothes and brightens skin is powered by Micro-Caplets which provides an even application and effective penetration. Over 80% of women who tried this reported that their skin was smoother, brighter and looked stress-free. This product is pure luxury for the skin.

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Flawless Future powered by Ceramide ™ Moisture Cream SPF 30

A daily moisturiser that hydrates and brightens, diminish discolourations and softens lines and wrinkles. This cream is enriched with rice kefiran which is proven to improve hydration, glycerin and shea butter. Pearlescent pigments and mica in the ingredients also enhance complexion. Over 90% of women felt their skin looked smooth, supple and hydrated. SPF also provides skin with sun protection. After a week of using this I saw an immediate difference in my skin brightness and hydration and the amazing scent makes me look forward to applying this.

Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Eye Gel

Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide ™ Eye Gel

This brightening gel fights the appearance of stress and fatigue around the eyes for a radiant, brighter look. The formula is boosted with vitamin E and hydrating sodium hyaluronate and a unique algae extract complex that targets puffiness and dark circles. The design of the dispenser means that it controls the appropriate amount of product to the eye, really handy! Over 70% of women reported a visible difference to fine lines, stress and fatigue were relieved and brightness was improved. Another bonus is that this eye gel is safe for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers.

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As all Elizabeth Arden products are, they are all presented nicely and look great in my bathroom cabinet. The great thing about the launch was that as well as learning about the new products it was full of other inspirational beauty writers and bloggers sharing tips with each other and enjoying themselves with the incredible Elizabeth Arden team. They put on a really special evening and went above and beyond expectations to make sure we were welcomed, informed and having a great time. It really makes a difference when huge brands go that extra mile and I really look forward to seeing what else Elizabeth Arden have in store.

Flawless Future is available exclusively at Debenhams from now until 10th August and launches nationwide 15th August.

follow @ardenUK for more information. www.elizabetharden.co.uk

keshini misha.

Rival Empire “Self-Titled” | Music News

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Band/Artist: Rival Empire
Location: Chicago, IL
Styles: Alternative Pop/Rock, Synth-Pop, Electronic Dance-Rock, New Wave
Similar to/RIYL: Duran Duran, Cut Copy, The Killers, Friendly Fires
CD: (Self-Titled): Rival Empire
Members/Instruments: Steve Rivera – (Riv): All Electronic Instruments: Drums, Bass, Guitar,
Piano, Synths, MIDI, and Vocals.
Matt Koliopoulos – (MFK): Lead Vocals.
Tim Franz – (Frantana): Rhythm & Lead Guitar.

Production: Steve Rivera: Producer, Recording & Mixing Engineer
Primary Recording & Mixing took place in: Home Studio, as well as, “The
Bunker” on Paulina / 35th Street Studios in Chicago, IL.
Final Stem Mix/Mastering Completed By: Crazy Daisy Productions in
Beaverton, Oregon.

Bio: The Rival Empire is an idea, born out of randomness and captured in the moment. The Album came from the most simple of beginnings. Two old college buddies, lets call them Matt & Steve, were hanging out one summer night when Matt said, “Hey, let write some songs.” Steve’s response, “For sure.” A few months down the road our two old friends met a new gentlemen along the way, lets call him Tim, and said “Hey Tim, we’re writing some tunes”. Tim’s response, “I’m in.” And so there were three, and so they wrote…

After writing their first three songs they realized that each of the songs were very different from one another, radically different in fact. They had started off by writing a dance song, a reggae song, and electronic rock song. At this point they probably should have questioned what in the hell it was that they were trying to accomplish. But that question never arose, and an idea did instead. That idea was the Rival Empire.

The Rival Empire was from then on not meant to be about writing a single genre album with a common style. However, the album was not necessarily meant to be about genre chaos either. They simply wanted it to be free from the more familiar structures of the “mainstream” album. Once you give the album a good listen you will clearly see that they still wanted to capture the essence of several popular genres, with the “Theme” serving as the main commonality and unifying factor. The principal theme here is an introspective and often satirical look into oneself, society, and pop/mainstream culture. Interestingly enough, throughout the writing
process, sometimes the best way to convey that theme was through the combination of genres within a single song, ie. Casino. Also, taking it a step further they also found that integrating key portions of popular songs into there own work added the artistic and satirical punctuation necessary to deliver their intended message, i.e. Reagan’s Rancho Del Cielo, Cameo Crush, Casino.

(Rival Empire would like to take a moment here in advance to respectfully thank: Phil Collins, Fleetwood Mac, Michael Jackson, Ronald Reagan, Christie Brinkley and their corresponding Publishers/Rights Owners, for their understanding of Rival Empire’s artistic use of repurposed lyrics and minor compositional melodies from: One More Night, Little Lies, Billie Jean, Ronald Reagan’s excerpts, and Ms. Brinkley’s namesake, respectively. All of the above uses were designed carefully to
fall under the fair use protection of section 107 of the Copyright Act. The uses of these works are clearly transformative and parodic, intended to serve as comment and social criticism. The key factor here being social criticism and commentary, as there is no intention of malice toward the above-mentioned persons.)

Beyond taking the above-mentioned artistic liberties, our friends at the Rival Empire, simply wanted to write songs that they enjoyed and that hopefully provide some meaning to you as the listener. This is a crucial element, because the Rival Empire isn’t only about the creation of what might seem to be at times, outlandish music. It’s also about we as people and viewing ourselves from a different perspective. Creative expression, social criticism, plain old fun, and free thinking is part of the essence of who we are as people. So if we all for a moment can step out of our collective structures and into the randomness, we can rise as a Rival Empire.

4 in 10 admit they go online to seek health and wellbeing advice

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Where Do You Go For Reliable Health Advice?

New research has revealed the growing trend of people taking important health and well-being advice from unreliable sources.

health advice online. Almost 4 in 10 people would choose to go online to seek advice on their own health and wellbeing and around 1 in 20 Brits have admitted they would turn to social media sites like Facebook or Twitter for advice on health issues.

While there are many reliable sites offering health and nutritional information, it can be easy to take the wrong advice.

The research, commissioned by Viridian Nutrition, also revealed that more than 1 in 3 people surveyed said they would go to their doctor for medical advice, only 1 in 4 claimed they would take advice from their local specialist health food store.

Jeff Martin is Managing Director of As Nature Intended, and he said health food stores are good sources of reliable health information, ‘People coming into health food stores and asking for health advice is a cornerstone of what we’re about. If people came in and saw me earlier they would have got a resolution to whatever problem they had a lot quicker’.

A further survey from the Health Food Manufacturer’s Association also revealed that, of the 10,000 adults questioned, 40% said they don’t think they have access to enough information on vitamin supplements.

The research also revealed that around 55% of the UKs population now take food supplements (a 9% rise over the past two years) and that almost 1 in 4 people get the majority of their information about vitamin supplements from the box or packaging they come in.

We also spoke to Nutritionist and Lecturer Ben Brown, ‘In terms of the reliability of health information there are a number of different potential consequences. One of the more obvious ones is misdiagnosis – you may have something that seems like a garden variety headache but it could be more serious and the same is true for diet and nutrition information.

‘You could be following something that’s potentially misguided and unhealthy in the long term. If you’re looking for general diet and lifestyle advice and in particular advice on natural products, it’s much better to get off the internet and get into your local independent health food store and speak to someone there’.

Recipe For Giovanni Rana’s Mozzarella, Tomatoes And Olives Ravioli

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Packing every bite with the finest ingredients, Giovanni Rana has been recognised as a symbol of good taste and quality products, creating fresh pasta for people to enjoy at home for more than 50 years.
pesto
Join Giovanni Rana in the Italian kingdom of pleasure, the kitchen, to discover the perfect pairing between prince of the condiments, the olive oil, and queen of the kitchen, the pasta. With such unique simplicity, the fundamental balance between the two will enhance your whole dining experience.

GiovanniRana

If you have the luxury of time, why not try Mr Giovanni Rana’s unique recipe for these traditional Italian treasures: Mozeralla, tomato and olive ravioli with pesto Genovese, using his short film and the recipe below.

Preparation

Pasta preparation: 30 mins

Cooking: 4 minutes

Serves: 2-3


What you will need:

For the Pasta Dough

140g All purpose flour

2 eggs

For the Mozzarella, Tomatoes & Olives Filling

55g Ricotta

30gr mozzarella, chopped

4 cherry tomatoes, chopped

10 olives, chopped

15g Parmigiano cheese

Pinch of oregano

Pinch of salt and pepper

For the sauce – Pesto Genovese

50g basil

25g Parmigiano cheese

5 soup spoons of extra virgin olive oil

1 ½ cloves of garlic

50g pine nuts

Pinch of salt

Method

1. Put the flour with the salt in a large bowl.

2. Make a well in the middle then crack the eggs into the well, one at a time. Using your fingertips, mix well and begin to knead the fresh mixture into fresh dough.

3. Put the dough on a table and knead well with both hands until the dough is smooth and elastic, rolling it out using a rolling pin if needed.

4. Now for your filling; mix the ricotta, mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, olives and Parmesan, adding a pinch of oregano, salt and pepper.

5. For the sauce: inside a mixer put the ingredients in the following order: basil, extra virgin oil, Parmigiano, salt and garlic. Mix all until the ingredients turn into a creamy and minced sauce.

6. Toast the pine nuts for about 5 – 10

7. Roll the pasta to as thin as possible and using a pasta cutter or a knife, gently cut into squares.

8. Spoon out a teaspoon of the filling into the centre of each pasta square.

9. Now for the ravioli; carefully fold each pasta square diagonally and pinch the edges until closed. Then bring the corners together with your fingers and squeeze together.

10. Cook the ravioli in a large saucepan of lightly salted boiling water and simmer gently for 4 minutes, avoiding overcooking.

11. Drain the ravioli thoroughly and finish by serving with the pesto sauce on top. Finally add the toasted pine nuts.

Cook’s tip: If you don’t have all of the fresh ingredients available, why not try Giovanni Rana’s Simply Italian fresh filled pasta range, available in six delicious varieties including chicken & mozzarella, spinach & ricotta and Italian cheeses. Based on homemade Italian family recipes, they are simple and quick to prepare in less than 5 minutes. RRP £1.99.

Callum Fox And The Mousehole Ghost By AC Hatter Book Review

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AC Hatter bookI do have to confess to a love for young adult fiction. When done well there are few things better in life than getting lost in a book which is written with a young imagination in mind.

I am pleased to say that Callum Fox And The Mousehole Ghost By AC Hatter is one such book. A gripping page turner that is the holy grail of young adult fiction: a book that is enjoyable to the young and old alike. Well-written, intelligent and well thought-out. The characters are highly likeable and well rounded. The historical parts, as we flip from the past and present of the Mousehole ghost named in the title, Jim A World War II evacuee, are very well written and researched. I was really drawn into the story and read the entire book in one day. We already included Callum Fox And The Mousehole Ghost in our Perfect Holiday Reading article.

This book is also funny with great observations from the characters. I really felt like I knew the characters and I found them loveable and amusing. Although the book is also about ghosts as well as real people I didn’t have to suspend my disbelief.

Callum is a great character. A very modern boy indeed, loving Facebook and listening to his iPod. He goes through a very interesting journey in this book, making Callum Fox And The Mousehole Ghost a truly wonderful coming-of-age book. Brilliant stuff and I cannot wait to see what AC Hatter does next.

Callum Fox’s summer holiday in Cornwall isn’t working out quite as he’d expected. His Grandad’s turned out to be a miserable old git and Sophie, the girl he met on the train to Penzance, seems to view him as more of a liability than anything else. However, his time in Mousehole starts to get a whole lot more interesting when he meets Jim, the ghost of a World War II evacuee. Seventy years separate Callum and Jim, but as their stories unfold Callum realises they have more in common than anyone could have imagined, and that some secrets last a lifetime… Callum is a fabulous, funny and feisty character who takes us on a roller-coaster of a ride around Cornwall.

Callum Fox and the Mousehole Ghost by AC Hatter is available here.

 

 

Angelina Jolie On Meeting Louis Zamperini & Unbroken Trailer

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One of the films we are most excited about is Angelina Jolie’s second directorial film, Unbroken. The film is about the life of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who was taken prisoner by Japanese forces during World War II. Angelina told Australia’s TV Week Magazine about meeting Zamperini just before he died.

“I brought him the film on my laptop in the hospital and it was amazing seeing someone at the end of their life watching their life unfold again, at the same time their body was shutting down,

He wanted me to make the movie to show something hopeful about the strength of the human spirit that can pull us through. He reminded me to have my surgery in the year that I did and he reminded me to appreciate every day of my life.”

Watch the trailer and let us know what you think.

unbroken__2014_ Angelina Jolie