St. Katharine Docks | London Gems

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One of the best things about the stunning metropolis that is London is variety. Everything really is here. Whether it is marina views or green scenery, if you want something different, just start walking in the other direction.

St Katharine Docks is beautiful. This small harbour next to Tower Bridge has plenty of places to eat and drink. The best thing about this marina is just to sit, have a drink or a meal and watch the world go by. There are also shops, two art galleries, festivals and events. Every Friday at St Katharine Docks, between 11:00 & 15:00 hours they hold their Award winning Good Food Market on Marble Quay.

There is also a Starbucks, a Cote Brasserie (which I think does very good food), a Cafe Rouge, and one of the most famous historic pubs in London, The Dickens Inn. St Katharine Docks are also taking part in the Thames Festival.

Perfect for: soaking up 1000 years of history, being near water, yacht/boat watching, eating, drinking, shopping, stunning views and meeting up with friends.

St. Katharine Docks
50 St. Katharines Way, London E1W 1LA, England

Have You Got What It Takes To Be a Top Model?

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– Have you ever dreamt of being plucked from obscurity and becoming a professional model?

 

(From C, clockwise) British model Lily DAre you ready to become a professional model? StarNow the UK’s number one casting website and the world’s leading site for online auditions and jobs – is working with three of the world’s top model agencies to find up-and-coming models, and you could be the face that they’ve been looking for. The StarNow Global Model Search begins on the 4th September 2013, offering the chance for every day girls and guys to step into the world of modelling and change their lives forever! Could this be your year? To find out more go to www.starnow.com/globalmodelsearch2013.

 

Now in its second year, the Global Model Search has already provided the perfect platform for one of last year’s winners, Rebeca Marcos, who recently fronted a campaign for Topshop, beating over 3000 other model entrants “Being part of StarNow’s Global Model Search has been a fantastic experience for me and a whirlwind journey. It’s one of those things that I never really thought I could win, but StarNow have created an amazing campaign that is also supported by Models1, LA Models and Vivien’s Model Management, who all have great global reputations. This model search really does provide the perfect opportunity for young models to take their first steps into the industry”  

 

Jasmine Taggart from StarNow “We have a very strong track record of helping and supporting talent across the globe and the Global Model Search is a great chance for us to work with our partners (Models 1, LA Models & Vivien’s Model Management) and discover aspiring models in different countries. Rebeca has been a great ambassador for us and shows that talent can be discovered anywhere and at anytime.

 

This year’s winner could end up working with a major fashion brand, as Rebeca has done, or even be the face of a cosmetics giant – the opportunities are endless”

 

The StarNow Global Model Search is free to enter and is open to anyone from around the world aged 14 to 21. The competition runs from 4th September 2013 to 2nd October 2013, just go to – www.starnow.com/globalmodelsearch2013 to register!

Errol Douglas MBE Wins Creative Talent At Creative Head Most Wanted Awards

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Errol Douglas MBE, one of the world’s most influential hairdressers, has secured the coveted Creative Talent 2013 honour, awarded to “a creative director or senior stylist with exceptional artistic skills”, at this year’s Creative Head Most Wanted Awards 2013. The A List Stylist, with over 3 decades in the industry, is also a nominee (his 17th consecutive nomination) for British Hairdresser Of The Year, the current President of the British Fellowship For Hairdressing and Hair Magazine’s 2013 “Hair Hero” winner. He recently launched a range of electrical tools in Boots Stores, including the first Keratin-capsule system heated styler on the high street

errol douglas, wins, award

Douglas is known for his spectacular photographic work, his highly respected mentor role within the industry and his established Belgravia salon with high profile clients spanning film, fashion, music and business. On his win, Douglas said: “I love this industry, I’ve loved it since I first began at 11 years old, and to be recognised in this way is an absolute honour. I’m obviously delighted”

Congratulations from us Errol.

More Than Honey | Film Review

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Acclaimed Swiss director Markus Imhoof’s new project More Than Honey has made a noticeable splash in the world of documentary filmmaking, picking up numerous awards including a Lola (German Film Award) for best documentary. It is a simple yet elegantly composed film confronting a frighteningly contemporary issue; the unexplained deterioration of the global bee population. The downward spiralling figures of colonies over the past fifteen years and across nations have left scientists and bee farmers dumbfounded. The long term effects of ‘colony collapse disorder’ (as the phenomenon has been named) could be devastating for both agriculture and economy worldwide. Imhoff travels across the world and meets various beekeepers, business owners and scientists as they explain the disaster confronting them and what they believe to be the causes behind it.

more-than-honey film review

 

In his approach to what admittedly sounds like fairly dry subject matter, More Than Honey fuses fact and humanity in an engaging and subtle manner that avoids any sense of preaching. The film has running narration from Imhoof referring to his childhood memories of beekeeping in his family and remembering its unique mix of family values and commerce. The English translation is provided by the great actor John Hurt,  whose warm tones still have an air of sombre fragility that match the tone of Imhoof’s recollections and findings. Rather than settle on traditional talking head interviews, the film takes its time with every subject, spending time observing them in their specific locale and professions. One of the most memorable subjects, beekeeper Fred Jaggi, is shown in particular methodical detail in his native German countryside, from tending to his hives to terminating rogue queens (ie. queens guilty of infidelity!). There are no hurried edits, no voiceovers layered over his own and no artificial sentiments. As a result there is far more genuine empathy than a lot of other documentaries would be able to muster even with potentially more attention grabbing subject matter. The sight of the old man’s calm yet forlorn face as a lost beehive is burned speaks volumes.

 

Then there is the astonishing footage of bees themselves, filmed in their natural habitat with micro cameras and in stunning high definition quality. Looming out of their honeycombs and swarming over one another and their queens, the footage captured is at once bizarre, otherworldly and yet oddly beautiful; the smallest aspects of nature blown up to epic scope cinema. Anyone uncomfortable around insects may obviously find this approach not entirely comfortable but it makes a refreshing change from the normal depiction of insects in cinema as a source of disgust or stupidly vengeful nature. Rather the film refreshingly focuses on the unwarranted wrath that we may have foisted upon them.

 

It is possible to argue that Imhoff doesn’t bring his intertwining threads to a thorough conclusion but since this is an ongoing environmental crisis, a pat ending for comforts sake would ring false. Though there is a sliver of hope provided, Imhoff wants to keep this mysterious epidemic fresh in the viewer’s perspective and get them thinking and talking about something that we take for granted being in genuine danger of disappearing completely. With a clear vision and unfussy style, he has constructed and powerful understated wake up call.

Most Common Laser Eye Surgery Questions – Answered

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If you rely on glasses or contact lenses day-in-day-out, then it’s likely that you’ll have considered the option of laser eye surgery at some point or another – after all, being able to see without your trusty specs would change the way you live your day-to-day life.

But, when you do decide to make the decision to opt for the op, although it’s likely that you’ll be feeling quite excited towards the prospect of being able to fully see on your own, it’s also likely that you’ll be feeling a little apprehensive towards it all, too.

It’s not uncommon for your head to be filled with a plethora of uncertain queries and questions about the surgery ahead, so it’s important that you’re fully briefed beforehand in order to fully put those uncertainties to rest.

In order to help you do just that, here are three of the most commonly asked questions, along with their answers, so you can go ahead with the surgery with full confidence, should you wish:

1. “What Is The Difference Between LASIK and LASEK eye surgery?”

So, you’ve turned to the Internet to help and give you a little more information on the general procedure, only to find two different acronyms – LASIK and LASEK – sprawled over every page – now you’re completely confused. Are they the same thing, or do they mean completely different things entirely?

Well, it’s the latter, as they are used to refer to two different procedures; Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is surgery that involves lasering beneath the front surface of the eye. This procedure involves cutting a very thin flap of skin on the cornea and lasering underneath it. As it doesn’t cause a wound to the eye, it is usually painless.

Laser Assisted Sub Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK) involves lasering the surface of the cornea under the epithelium. As this takes a little longer to heal than LASIK eye surgery, post procedure can sometimes cause some slight discomfort.

Although your optician will usually recommend which procedure will be right for you, your needs and your sight prescription, the end choice is entirely up to you. However, if you’re still unsure, then laser eye specialists such as Optimax can assist you with any worries, queries and questions that you may have, taking care of your needs from start to finish.

2. “Does Having Laser Eye Surgery Hurt?”

No, there is no pain during laser eye surgery due to the application of anesthetic eye drops at the start of the procedure. However, some people may experience a slight discomfort after the surgery depending on the type of surgery they have.

For example, if you have LASIK eye surgery, the recovery period is normally completely pain-free. Any discomfort that you may experience afterwards can be easily relieved with the help of over the counter painkillers.

LASEK surgery however may require a little more aftercare in order to minimise any discomfort during the healing process. Drops or tablets are often needed for the next couple of days after the surgical anesthetic has worn off.

3. Finally, “Is It Safe?”

Laser eye surgery is now a common choice for people all over the world – so much so that two million treatments are now carried out annually.

As with any surgery, there are small risks involved, but thanks to excellent research and the low occurrence of major side effects, the procedure is now performed all over the world.

The Best & Worst Date Movies

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Best & Worst Date MoviesOne third of the nation has admitted to having their first kiss with a new partner in front of a TV, during date night. Love Actually has been voted the nation’s favourite date night movie with 62 per cent agreeing that the classic British film is a winner to get partners in the romantic mood.

The lifestyle study of 2,000 daters, commissioned by TalkTalk TV, found that women wait until the 5th date to suggest a night in front of the TV with men being a little keener and offering it as a 3rd date activity. 1 in 6 people also admitted to feeling awkward and embarrassed if their partner suggests TV with lots of sex scenes or steamy romance.

Comedy was highlighted as being the winning genre with 2/3 of people agreeing a romantic comedy will lead to a successful date but unsurprisingly horror was voted the worst with 55% of people predicting The Exorcist would result in a disastrous date. Careful selection is critical with 1 in 10 people said that a lousy choice of film would be just cause to break up and over 20% of couples asked had argued over their partner’s TV choices.

The research also found that 15% of people have put on a specific film or genre to get a reaction from their partner e.g. rom coms are seen by 2/3 as a sure fire way to get partners feeling romantic.

 

Top 10 best films for a date Top 10 worst films for a date
1.    Love Actually 1. The Exorcist
2.    Notting Hill 2. Schindlers List
3.    Dirty Dancing 3. Texas Chainsaw Massacre
4.    Pretty Woman 4. Nightmare on Elm Street
5.    Bridget Jones’ Diary 5. Star Wars triology
6.    Titanic 6. The Terminator
7.    Forest Gump 7. Die Hard
8.    When Harry Met Sally 8. Spice World
9.    Groundhog Day 9. Basic Instinct
10.  There’s something about Mary 10. American Pie

 

Foreign language films and documentaries were also voted as least likely to incite passion on date night.

Mischa Barton Licks Meat, Heather Morris Bruises Up & Tamara Ecclestone’s £1m Naked Cash Roll

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Mischa Barton Licks Raw Meat

Tyler Shields, Mischa Barton, licking meat, picturew, photography

Glee Star Domestic Violence Poses

heather_morris.black eye

Tamara Ecclestone £1m Naked Cash Roll

tamara_ecclestone naked

Burning Birkins

Birkin burning

What do all of these pictures have in common? Answer: Tyler Shields.

“Young Hollywood’s Favourite Photographer” (Daily Mail) Tyler Shields is opening his vault to release a series of images that fan the fire of controversy surrounding his shoots which include Francesca Eastwood and the Burning Birkin, Mischa Barton licking her raw meat, Tamara Ecclestone rolling naked in a million pounds and Glee’s Heather Morris domestic violence poses.

Alongside new images from these shoots are even more controversial images of Zachary Quinto, Emma Roberts, Ashley Greene, Lydia Hearst, Alex Pettfer, Dianna Agron, Demi Lovato and many more glamorous Hollywood stars who get dirty like you’ve never seen them before.

The book is available for here: The Dirty Side of Glamour

Paloma Faith Discusses her Album Art

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PALOMA FAITH WILL CURATE AN EXHIBITION OF HER ICONIC IMAGERY IN NOVEMBER

Paloma Faith, along with Album Artists, is curating an art exhibition comprising a selection of her album artwork and iconic imagery since her debut album was released in 2009. The exhibition will display stunning, limited edition and critically acclaimed images by photographers David Standish and Finlay Mackay, and live photography by Saul.

Paloma Faith

Paloma, whose striking and unmistakeable image has quickly elevated her into a style icon, has been steering the creative direction of her promotional images from the start of her career. Couture, custom made clothing, dazzling hair and makeup, have all been captured in photo form for public display to become some of the most dramatic and celebrated album art images, now available to own.

Paloma Faith. ,Art work, music

The works, range from 50 cm to 1.6 meters in length, include posters, limited edition high quality prints (signed by Paloma and the photographer), and very limited, large beautifully printed and framed photographs, also signed by Paloma and the photographer.

Paloma Faith

Paloma said

‘I am thrilled to be able to exhibit these artworks. The photographers involved are all amazing and I am so proud to have worked with them. I am extremely hands-on with my visuals, and collaborate very closely with photographers to achieve the final image.

‘In an age where we are all downloading music, it’s wonderful to be able to appreciate fully the work that goes into creating the beautiful imagery surrounding an album.’

Do_You_Want_the_Truth_or_Something_Beautiful

In the video above Paloma Faith discusses her efforts to create spectacular album art in the digital age, and her experiences with the “poetic and sensitive” David Standish compared with the “dynamic and physical” Finlay MacKay and Saul who Paloma has known since she was 18 and who she can trust to get her “right angles, which are the bane of a woman’s life.”

New_York

dress.1What is your favourite?