Playing With Fire By Kerry Wilkinson Book Review

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Playing With Fire Kerry Wilkinson book reviewPlaying With Fire is the fifth book in the DC Jessica Daniel novels. The novels could not come at a better time, with TV shows like The Killing and Top of the Lake having female crime-busters, the story is definitely on trend.

DS Jessica Daniel is engaged and at the top of her field. She is a great character with many layers. Seven years ago Martin Chadwick set fire to a Manchester pub, not knowing a teenager was sleeping inside. Chadwick’s release from prison is imminent, with journalists gearing up for a good old-fashioned media lynching.

With the victim’s father telling the papers he is out for revenge, DS Jessica Daniel is left to keep an eye on Chadwick and his fiery eighteen-year-old son.

If that’s not enough to keep her occupied, a private investigator is doing a fine job sticking his oar in, it looks like there’s a schoolgirl suicide ring in operation, her car is working a little too well, and the endless rain continues to pound her northern home.

Jessica’s personal and professional life is in the balance – giving her barely enough time to focus on the person in her midst seemingly intent on burning everything to the ground.

Playing with Fire is an enjoyable crime drama book. Worth a read and, if you like it, there are plenty more books in the series to keep you entertained. Have a read if you like crime, drama or thrillers.

Cata9tales “Hello Maybe Everything” | Music

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Cata9tales, music profile, music

Band: Cata9tales
Location: Baltimore, MD
Styles: Alternative, Hip-Hop, Hypecore
Similar to: Beastie Boys, Mindless Self Indulgence, Eminem, Faith No More, Macklemore
CD: Hello Maybe Everything
Release date: October 1, 2013
Accolades: Warped Tour 2013, Ernie Ball/Reverbnation Battle of the Bands Winner 2013, Coast2Coast Mixtapes Hip-Hop Showcase Winner 2013, Springwood Productions Expose Yourself Competition First Runner-Up 2013, Lunar Independent Music Festival 2013, Mid-Atlantic Music Conference 2012
Members/Instruments: Berkley Priest (vox), Kreator (beats)
Production: Cata9tales
Tracklisting:
1. Welcome to the Jungle Book
2. Robin Hood Rich
3. Tiger in a Tropical Storm
4. Children of the Cloud
5. Heartbeats on Hold
6. Death of a Household Name
7. Stereoblivion
8. Bestella
9. When Doves Lie
10. Lock the Door, Swallow the Key
11. A Conspiracy of Ravens
12. Hello Maybe Everything

Bio:
Cata9tales are an innovative alternative hip-hop/hypecore duo from Baltimore and Virginia, who in only two years have managed to score number one slots in charts, contests and festivals throughout the country (including Vans Warped Tour), released two albums, gained an international and celebrity following, and put on shows coast to coast.

Formed in 2011 by vocalist Berkley Priest, the flamboyant, poetic “rocker who rhymes,” and his multi-instrumentalist prodigy bandmate, Kreator, the band released their cathartic independent debut, “Kick the Bad Love,” followed six months later by the enigmatic “A Chameleon’s Dream.” That e.p., which was downloaded over 10,000 times, caught the attention of independent label Monarchy Records, a division of the Spectra Music Group, who signed the band in the summer of 2012.

Cata9tales has been a top worldwide featured artist on Reverbnation, have been selected as finalists (and won) dozens of music and performance contests, crossed over to both the hip-hop and rock worlds, and have appeared in multiple publications and at music conferences throughout the country. In a short time, Cata9tales has proven themselves a force to be reckoned with – a unique, charismatic, totally innovative voice in a saturated scene. They have recently completed their newest – and best – album, “Hello Maybe Everything,” due to be released worldwide October 1, 2013. Look for Cata9tales to explode in the coming year, and to arrive swinging mics and turntables at a venue near you.

Do you like their music?

Top Tips For Joint Health

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1) Keep Moving

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), engaging in exercises or activities that improve your joint range of motion can help you reduce your joint stiffness, maintain or improve proper joint movement and flexibility and ward off the effects of osteoarthritis. Exercises that target your spinal segmental range of motion, such as Tai Chi, yoga and pilates, are particularly beneficial, as they help improve your posture and reduce unnecessary wear and tear on your joints. These exercises keep joints strong and muscles limber whilst erasing stress. Research shows that high impact exercises such as kickboxing and aerobics can be more damaging on joints. In contrast, low-impact activities like biking and walking that offer the same calorie-burning benefits without the painful pounding. Water based exercises, such as swimming and aqua aerobics, are also great as they allow you to exercise freely, while taking the weight load off your joints.

2) Maintain a healthy body weight

We all know that being overweight is bad for your health, however it is extremely bad for your joints, as they will be under the added strain of carry excess weight. Every extra pound you gain puts four times the stress on your knees. The flip side is that even a small amount of weight loss will give your knees relief. Research has shown that losing as little as 11 pounds may improve your joint health and cut your risk of osteoarthritis of the knee by 50 percent.

3) Stretch

Stretching before and after exercise is crucially important, and including a few gentle stretching exercises, as part of your day-to-day routine will make you to feel re-energized, and will help keep your muscles and ligaments flexible and strong and prevents muscle and joint stiffness. There are two types of joint stretching that are beneficial: firstly, static stretching, which holds the stretch of a joint usually for about 30 seconds; and secondly dynamic stretching, which involves moving your joints in their full range of motion repetitively in different directions. Perform dynamic stretching before your exercise to stimulate your nervous system and warm up your body, and perform static stretching after your workout to alleviate muscle fatigue.

4) Eat a good diet

Eat beneficial foods. Studies show the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can help not only reduce symptoms associated with joint pain but also change the levels of inflammation that may be causing some of the pain. Fish oil slows the production of inflammation-signaling cells. The best sources are fish such as salmon and tuna, or try taking an omega supplement such as VeEPA (£13.99 from www.nutricentre.com). Research also shows that vitamin D may help protect your joints, too, via an anti-inflammatory effect. Make sure you get 400 to 800 International Units (IUs) of vitamin D daily; one cup of milk contains 100 IUs, and three ounces of salmon has 300-650.

5) Use a warming joint spray to provide relief

When joint pain flares up, painkillers and anti-inflammatories can provide relief but they can also have contraindications with other medication and long-term use can cause other health issues. Phytodol® Joint Care spray is an effective, all-natural, topical treatment designed to help care for joints and muscles and maintain their health. Containing a unique combination of glucosamine, MSM, arnica, ginger, zedoary and cinnamon oils – all know for their beneficial effects on joints and muscles – it is rapidly absorbed, providing fast, effective relief. (Phytodol® Joint Care spray, £14.80 for 200ml. Available in selected Holland & Barrett stores)

 

Royal Crown Derby Entertains At The Waldorf Hilton, London

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At Frost there are few things we love more than a good cup of tea. So if you are looking for something quintessentially English to do then we might have something for you.

Royal Crown Derby Entertains has unveiled its fine bone china tableware for a traditional British afternoon tea offering at The Waldorf Hilton, London. The Westminster design Royal Crown Derby Entertains will be introduced at the hotel on 16 September 2013, through a special afternoon tea package.

Guests will be treated to a quintessentially English afternoon tea experience in the hotel’s deluxe Homage Grand Salon, with distinct blends of tea and exquisite finger sandwiches, pastries and cakes all served on the finest quality bone china from Royal Crown Derby Entertains. The afternoon tea occasion has been further refined to include a live harpist and champagne trolley including a vintage champagne option.

Manufactured in the heart of England at the company’s Derby based factory, Royal Crown Derby Entertains is a range of delicate tableware pieces embellished with iconic patterns from Royal Crown Derby’s distinguished history. Sourced from the company’s extensive pattern archive, Westminster was conceived by Royal Crown Derby Entertains to bring a sense of elegance to a hotel or restaurant table. The range features a distinctive sweeping motif, which has been set against the pure white finish of the bone china and Royal Crown Derby’s signature 22 carat gold border. The Royal Crown Derby Entertains collection comprises all of the fundamental ingredients for a formal afternoon tea. Each piece has been painstakingly designed to deliver the highest quality performance and preserve the subtle intricacies associated with the ceremony.

The Waldorf Hilton, London, has a rich London heritage spanning over a hundred years, with is interior bringing to life the glamour of the roaring twenties through an elegant art deco décor. Situated on the tree-lined thoroughfare of Aldwych, the hotel is a stone’s throw from Theatreland and some of the capital’s most iconic attractions.

Peter Beckwith, area general manager, London, Hilton Worldwide, said, “At The Waldorf Hilton we pride ourselves on our heritage and partnering with Royal Crown Derby was an excellent opportunity to expand and take delight in our rich hotel history. Through collaboration of our afternoon tea and the Westminster Collection, guests will be treated to a truly traditional British afternoon tea experience.”

waldorfhilton

The Royal Crown Derby Entertains collection includes six designs, Chelsea, Westminster, Covent Garden, Knightsbridge, St James and Piccadilly, with an array of shapes available for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner services. The ranges are complemented by a bespoke design service that enables special commissions to be fabricated in Royal Crown Derby’s factory.

Royal Crown Derby Entertains Sales Director John Mohin comments: “When developing the Royal Crown Derby Entertains collection we drew upon our wealth of history and experience in producing the finest tableware for an afternoon tea ceremony or formal dining occasion. Each of the ranges within our portfolio reflects Royal Crown Derby’s rich heritage of creative artistry and technical skill within its border pattern, with every design sourced from our archive and reinterpreted to meet the demands of the premium hospitality industry.”

What To Eat When You’re Pregnant And Vegetarian | Book Review

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pregnancy, health, diet, food, what to eat, vegetarian, The phrase, ‘You are what you eat’, is never truer than when pregnant. In fact, both you and your baby are what you eat. If you are vegetarian, or just want to cut down on meat, then this book calls itself the ‘complete guide to healthy eating’. We put it to the test.

This book is an excellent guide. It has a handy reference of vegetarian-safe food and drink, checklists for pregnancy and post-conception, guidelines on caffeine and alcohol, tips on handling morning sickness, how to achieve a healthy weight, and then lose it again, advice on getting enough nutrients, advice on allergy-proofing your baby, food that affects a babies development and what you should eat when breastfeeding. Phew. That is quite a lot of information.

With its menu plans and tips for planning meals, the wealth of information in this book is vast. It even has graphs of how much you should weigh and what food you should eat, it makes a complicated time easy, at least when it comes to nutrition. I also thought the chapter on getting enough iron and avoiding anaemia is great for any mother-to-be. The common complaints during pregnancy and how to deal with them is great too. It covers most health complaints that occur in pregnancy.

What to Eat When You’re Pregnant and Vegetarian: The Complete Guide to Healthy Eating is a great book. A must buy if you are planning to get pregnant or already are.

21st Raindance Film Festival Launch

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The Raindance Film Festival , Europe’s largest independent film festival, enters its 21st year supporting and promoting independent filmmakers not just in the UK  but around the world. Established by Elliot Grove in 1992 as a unique new voice in British filmmaking, Raindance has grown in reputation and stature  with establishments opening in New York, Paris, Berlin, Toronto and many more cities around the globe. The festival has become a staple of the international film community and has seen the UK premieres of the likes of Pulp Fiction, Memento, The Blair Witch Project, Ghost World and Down Terrace. As Grove puts it, ‘There are two kinds of filmmakers in the world. There are those who are allowed into the sacred halls of film funding institutions and allowed to make their movies and then there is everyone else.’ Raindance has served as a platform for this second group for the past two decades. Grove recently took the podium at the Vue Cinema in Piccadilly to announce the the festival’s launch and give the press a taste of what’s on offering this year. Vue Entertainment are the official partners for the festival and are serving as the host venue this year. This year’s festival promises a bulging line up not just in the amount of entrants, but also in the diverse range of cultural background and formats.

raindance film festival 21st

The full lineup is comprised of over 300 films submitted from over 50 countries which span a multitude of genres from black comedy, romantic drama, science fiction and documentary. The opening night gala film is the documentary feature How To Make Money Selling Drugs while the closing night  is the homegrown sci-fi thriller The Machine starring Toby Stephens. Rather than forcing the submitted films into a main competition against one another, the festival has broken screenings into specific international strands highlighting filmmaking from around the world. These strands include the likes of Reel Britannia, Way Out East, North American Indies and La Dolce Italia. One that has major focus in this years festival is the Mexican Revolution strand. Often overlooked as a country of rich cinematic culture, Mexico has seven feature films and a collection of shorts on offer for its second year at Raindance and is so far the only Mexican strand in a UK film festival. It includes the international premiere of Sugar Kisses by director Carlos Cuarón (brother of Alfonso) and the Cannes Award nominee Fable of A Blood Drained Girl by Alejandro Iglesias Mendizabal. There are also several short documentary films from Syria in competition that cover the ongoing conflict in the region. Grove revealed during the press launch that the director behind one of these films had only just recently escaped from captivity and was in hiding for fear of recapture. As well as a bountiful international selection, there will be a wide variety in the Documentary and Raindance Symphony Orchestra strands, with subject matter covering Youtube sensations, small town Basketball teams and 80’s rock band Skum Rocks.

 

As well as the main festival, Raindance will  be hosting the UK’s first ever Web Fest, a ‘micro-festival’ (running on the 28th and 29th of September)  that celebrates the emergence of user generated content online and will feature audience panels covering technical specifications, audience development and the future of web television and crowdfunding.  There will also be world premiere screenings of several new web series including Producing Juliet, the new project from Tina Cesa Ward whose previous project, Anyone But Me, got over 35 million views online. It marks a major development in the way that the film industry can approach distribution and audience interaction as well as a thorough indicator of how far technology and accessibility have come in a consumer market, giving more and more people the opportunity to make the projects they want to make. As Grove explains, ‘Filmmakers need to adapt to how everyone consumes media today…we wanted Web Fest to offer guidance as to how to generate and manage your content as well as showcase emerging talent.’

 

The penultimate day of the festival will see The Raindance Awards Ceremony, where a selected jury hand out awards for categories such as International, U.K. , short, documentary and animation. The jurors come from a varied background of cinema, criticism and interactive media. They include the film critic Robbie Collin, actor Jason Flemyng, author Robert Rankin, singer Beth Gibbons and the journalist and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. The later will have DVD’s of the films in competition delivered to him at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. As well as the major awards, one short film will be named

‘Film Of The Festival’ and will be awarded and shortlist position for Academy Award nominees.

 

During the festival attendants will be able to pick up The Raindance Popcorn Pass, which allows for unlimited access to Raindance screenings at Vue Piccadilly. It costs £100 and comes with £20 pre-loaded for use at the foyer (not on alcohol though!) and also allows for 20% off retail items in the foyer. It is available to purchase until the 25th of September via 08712240242.

 

The 21st Raindance Film Festival runs from the 25th of September to the 6th of October at the Vue cinema, Piccadilly. For more information visit www.raindancefestival.org or www.myvue.com/raindance

 

Lauren Smith – fashion gold

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After Graduate Fashion Week in June, Lauren Smith was the name on everybody’s lips as the young Scottish designer walked away with the coveted George Gold award. After recently graduating from Edinburgh College of Art with a BA in Fashion, Smith is now set to complete an MA in Textiles back in Edinburgh.

Yesterday, Frost caught up with Smith while showcasing her collection at the Graduate Showcase for Vauxhall’s Fashion Scout.

The 3 pieces you have on show today were taken from your graduate collection, what were your inspirations behind this?

My collection has been heavily inspired by the work of Dieter Roth. Two of his collections, “Diaries” and “Work Tables” are specifically important. I am intrigued by what we leave behind i.e. our thoughts, workings and secrets. As seen in his collection “work tables”, Roth discovered that what was left behind on our desks etc was actually sometimes more interesting than the final works. The sketches, scribbles and notes left aside aren’t planned or organised and it is this aspect I wanted to bring into the garments.

 

Roland Mouret described your collection as ’emotional’ – do you find that your personality comes into play a lot when you’re designing?

I always like to make my work personal, I feel like it’s the best way to introduce myself and work to the industry. I am so pleased Roland Mouret picked up on it with my graduate collection!

 

What materials did you use for your collection? Were these easy enough to come-by or did you struggle to source them?

I used a number of materials in the collection including leather, cotton canvas and cotton panama. The main focus of my collection was the manipulation and embellishments and so the materials weren’t particularly complex.

 

You won gold at this year’s Graduate Fashion Week – congratulations! – what are your plans now?

I have just started my MA in Textiles at ECA and am really looking forward to exploring a combination of textiles and fashion.

 

Where do you want to take your designs in the future?

I haven’t got a set plan for the future but I want to keep exploring and creating work that combines fashion textiles and illustration.

Fashion International

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Fashion International is an event that champions up and coming labels and gives a platform to young talent. It is held every fashion week along side the more established designers

 

This year the show was held at Charing Cross Hotel in Holborn. Press and buyers were seated in the suite around a circular catwalk in the Betjeman Suite. The designers showing this year for the SS14 show the designers were Wajahat Mirza, AGA, Yuvna Kim ,Dee Duce and Gianni Lilliu.

The designer who really stood out from the crowd was Yuvna Kim. Her esquiste evening gowns, which caused the audience to gasp, are beautifully made and are embroidered with crystals,beads and pearls. What was so special about this collection was not only the way it was made, but that the fabrics were sheer leaving the models half naked,revealing their bodies under neither or nude underwear. This could have gone horribly wrong, but Kim manages to make the dresses elegant, sophisticated and sexy all at the same time.

Dress by Yuvna Kim

Dress by Yuvna Kim

 

Dress by Yuvna Kim

Dress by Yuvna Kim

 

Dress by Yuvna Kim

Dress by Yuvna Kim

 

Dress by Yuvna Kim

Other favorite looks were from Gianni Lilliu collection , which celebrates the female for and draws from the sculpt David Begbie’s studies of steel and bronze mesh. In particular a  gold and black baby dolls dress stood out, as well as the silhouettes and clean lines he managed to create with some great fabrics and materials throughout the collection.

Dress by Gianni Lilliu

Dress by Gianni Lilliu

 

Playsuit by Gianni Lilliu

Playsuit by Gianni Lilliu

 

Dress by Gianni Lilliu

Dress by Gianni Lilliu

 

Dress by Gianni Lilliu

Dress by Gianni Lilliu

Wajahat Mirza’s collection which was based on exotic birds also had some beautiful colourful and wearable evening gowns.

Dress by Majahat a]
photo-9
Sadly the thing that let down the show was the some of the too skinny models, which not only is a bad image to promote in the first place but it ruined the effect of the clothes, and instead of falling of the body as evening wear should it hung of them and didn’t show the clothes to their highest potential.
It is always good to see an events that champions young designers and Fashion International does it very well, putting on exiting events where the audience has a chance to mingle, meet the desingers and see some of the looks up close after the show over a glass of champagne.
Find out more about Fashion International here:
http://www.fashioninternational.co.uk