FREUD SET TO DRAW IN DA VINCI LEVEL CROWDS

Posted on by

Art loving ‘Exhibitionists’ scramble to get tickets to the next big show in town. Lucian Freud star still burns bright despite his death.

Demand for Lucien Freud’s Portraits exhibition, which opened on 9th February, is set to rival that of Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan, according to viagogo, Europe’s largest ticket marketplace.

The company selling the tickets, viagogo, is currently experiencing one search per minute for sold out weekend tickets to see the iconic artist’s work. The site also saw a 236 per cent spike in demand for tickets during the Lucien Freud: Painted life BBC documentary on Saturday, which profiled the life of the artist who was still working on his Portraits exhibition until his death last summer.

viagogo has identified a new breed of ‘Exhibitionists’ so desperate to get their hands on tickets to the latest art shows that they are driving demand and prices on ticket marketplaces. The most wanted shows ‘Exhibitionists’ are searching for at the moment include Freud, Hockney and Picasso, with popularity for them rivalling searches for Coldplay, JLS and Ed Sheeran.

Ed Parkinson, Director of viagogo UK said: “da Vinci was a record breaking exhibition based on ticket demand, but the critic’s glowing reviews and the current demand for Freud tickets has arguably cemented the show as next hottest ticket in town for a new breed of art loving ‘Exhibitionists’.”

Watermelons Book Review: Is Climate Change a Conspiracy?

Posted on by

James Delingpole is known for being controversial. He is right wing and speaks his mind. You may know of him not only because of climategate, but also due to the furore he created when he debated in Tatler magazine whether people were sending their daughters or sons to private school.

One sometimes feels he is saying things for effect, but if there is one word I would use for his new book, Watermelons, it’s “interesting”.

It takes courage to be apart from the general conscious, especially on something like climate change. A subject most people in power have stopped debating over. The environment is at the forefront of political agenda, newspapers, televisions and people’s minds. You can’t go to a supermarket without being asked if you really want a plastic bag. I try to never use them (after seeing the effect they have on animals and the ocean thanks to Greener-upon-Thames) but when you have lots of shopping and someone asks if you need a bag you just feel like asking them if you should just juggle it all home.

I don’t judge people on their political beliefs, but I feel that will stop some people reading Delingpole’s book. Some of my liberal friends were not amused I was even reviewing Delingpole’s book, but, really, who cares.

I found this book interesting. Even if you get to the end and don’t agree with Delingpole it is a fascinating read. The name ”watermelons” is Delingpole’s description of people who are red on the inside and green on the outside. In this book he is debunking the myth of anthropogenic global warming (CAGW). Delingpole has a chapter on the evidence behind his theme of the book, which is; politicians and scientists are using the myth of man-made climate change to raise our tax and control us. Delingpole is not just a crack pot conspiracy theorists. Alain De Botton is mentioned in the book, Delingpole asked him what he wanted to read in the book and he said the science, the evidence, of Delingpole’s claim. Delingpole took his friends advice and included this.

The chapter on the climategate emails is hilarious. Really funny. The scientists involved to not come across well. I will still recycle and be environmentally aware but the book has some good points. It expose hypocrisy in droves, and takes people to task.

This book is for anyone interested in the debate on climate change. Whether environmentalist or sceptic. Delingpole is educated and outspoken. Most people follow other people’s opinion rather than make up their own minds . Which is why I do think you should read this book, it is entertaining and political and sparks debate Then make up your own mind.

Watermelons: How the Environmentalists are Killing the Planet, Destroying the Economy and Stealing Your Children’s Future

Keep Sport Relief in Your Pocket!

Posted on by

Keep Sport Relief in Your Pocket!

Download the Sport Relief app today

‘Sport Relief in Your Pocket’ is the brand new FREE app for Sport Relief 2012. It’s the best way for the public to keep up-to-date, wherever they are, with all the latest news and celebrity gossip in the lead up to The Sport Relief Weekend from 23-25th March. For the first time, the Sport Relief app is available on both iphone and Android phones.

The app is star-studded and jam-packed with videos, pictures and snippets of behind the scenes celebrity news and the latest updates from the Sport Relief celebrity challenges – the perfect tool for anyone seeking a distraction from the daily demands of life.

The fun (and slightly addictive) ‘Fling-a-Face’ game is a great way to have fun and de-stress. Players try their hand at catapulting a face – their own, their mates’ or even a famous celebrity – across seventeen iconic Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile venues. Along the way, they’ll encounter hazards, obstacles, collectable stars and other objects to help or hinder their quest to feature on the coveted Sport Relief leaderboard. Miranda Hart, Gary Lineker, Vernon Kay, Colin Jackson, Dermot O’Leary and Fearne Cotton are the famous faces putting themselves forward for flinging. Other celebrities can be spotted along the way too.

Gary Lineker says: ‘My all time top game has to be the ‘Fling-a-Face’ game on the ‘Sport Relief in Your Pocket’ app. Absolutely brilliant and I’m top scorer – you never lose it!’

Other key features include a brand new ‘Inspire Me’ section aimed at getting the public motivated for Sport Relief. Look out for heart warming examples of other peoples’ fundraising efforts and inspiring stories about some of the incredible people that will benefit from the money raised this Sport Relief. The app is the best way to get the whole family excited for the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile on 25th March, at the mere click of a button.

The app also links directly to all the latest @sportrelief tweets which contain updates about where the latest Sport Relief action is happening and which celebs are tweeting about Sport Relief.

The public can link through to the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile registration page from the app and choose to enter one of the 17 flagship Miles happening across the UK on Sunday 25th March. Over one million people are expected to take part in the Mile and whether families do 1, 3 or 6 miles there’s something for people of all ages and abilities.

‘Sport Relief in Your Pocket’ is absolutely FREE and available to download from The App Store and Android Market. Find out more at sportrelief.com/mobileapp

Four Paws Seeks Face for Laboratory Animal Campaign

Posted on by

CALLING ALL BEAGLES… FOUR PAWS SEEKS FACE FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL CAMPAIGN!

All animals are wonderful and worthy of celebration, and all animals deserve a life free from pain, fear and suffering, which is why FOUR PAWS continues to campaign on behalf of laboratory (and other abused) animals.

Beagles are no exception…not only are they beautiful (inside and out), they are also the most widely used-and-abused breed of laboratory dog, partly because of their size and short hair (this facilitates vein accessibility) but partly because of their gentle and affectionate nature and great intelligence. Sadly they are also easy and relatively inexpensive to obtain from breeders.

Thousands of beagles are used worldwide in horrific experiments to test drugs and chemicals ranging from green tea to glue; tests involve repeated force-feeding or inhalation for days, months and sometimes years to induce toxic effects such as vomiting, convulsions, seizures, organ failure, paralysis and death. These beautiful dogs have also been exploited for decades in alcohol and tobacco research around the world.

Beagles (and other dogs) neither develop diseases nor respond to drugs in the same way as humans. To overcome key species differences, the disease must therefore be artificially induced, either surgically or chemically, in an attempt to provide a ‘model’ for humans. The dogs suffer not only from the disease itself, but also from the trauma of surgery or the toxic effects of other methods.

FOUR PAWS needs your help to capture the essence of what is so unique and wonderful about the beleaguered beagle. We are looking for a very special image that will be used to spearhead our laboratory animal campaign – it will be reproduced on our website and leaflets and used as part of our international campaigning work, so your beagle will become a star!

Please send us good-quality photos (preferably as an email attachment) of your beloved beagles with a note stating their name, sex, age and a little information about both their background (maybe your beagle companion has been rehomed from a laboratory?) and interests, and of course why you love him/her so much! Please don’t forget to include a brief note giving FOUR PAWS permission to reproduce the image.

Deadline for entries is 1st March, 2012, so start snapping! We can’t wait to hear from you and see photographs of your beagle best friends!

Email: marie-claire.macintosh@four-paws.org.uk
Postal address: c/o Marie-Claire Macintosh, FOUR PAWS, 32-36 Loman street,
London. SE1 0EH.

PAUL COSTELLOE MENSWEAR Spring/Summer 2012

Posted on by

Paul Costelloe was once again proud to open London Fashion Week with his Spring/Summer 2012. This season Paul Costelloe Man embraces the summer season with an eclectic combination of influences.

The SS12 season sees structured tailoring softened with romantic treatment. In using
rich fabrics and subtle tailoring, the influences of Edwardian conservatism is expertly
mixed with New Romantic frivolity and a slight hark to the seventies.

Linen is key for the collection hinting at the romanticism of the garments, in its tactile
nature and drape. Used in black and white, in cross hatched mélanges, in Changeant
jewel like tones and in three dimensional knitted constructions, linen cloth
compliments the Edwardian structure in the tailoring and introduces the lightness of
summer and a subtler silhouette.

Throughout this season’s Paul Costelloe Man collection, the tailoring is perfectly constructed yet never rigid and is complemented with soft ruffled, pleated, voluminous gauze and linen shirts. Silhouettes embody these sentiments, with trousers in slim and clean lines, or in large, full and soft shapes.

Colours for Paul Costelloe Man SS12 continue the contrasting themes, running through soft neutrals and deepest indigo to crayon brights, with highlights and lowlights in black and white.

Prose AW12

Posted on by

Most of you will be familiar with the label Prose through the collection they sold at Topshop’s flagship store in 2009. Since then, they’ve gone on to showcase their collections in Amsterdam, Paris and now London. Prose’s AW12 collection definitely fits into the mould of most of the collections we’ve seen this season. The palettes are autumnal with browns, navy blue  being heavily featured with the token splash of Mustard thrown in. The pieces themselves are sophisticated and look comfortable. Matching trouser suits and tailored coats with velvet gathered trousers, woolen jumpers and denim jackets are also incorporated. There are some unusual and organic materials incorporated into the collection providing contrast but also innovation in the way that they are threaded into the more recognisable materials. Compared to the other collections I have seen this week, this is one of those I would have no qualms about wearing as the clothes look comfortable but still have that edge which makes them look unique.

 

Keshini x

  

On A Diet? Pancakes The Dukan Way.

Posted on by

Pancake Power

On a diet? There’s no need to miss out this Shrove Tuesday or lose your resolve. Try Dr. Dukan’s Guilt-Free Galette!

If you’re watching your waistline this Pancake Day there’s no need to miss out. Dr Dukan –the man behind the plan– has created a revolutionary pancake recipe that’s fuss-free, fat-free and fast. Say hello to the Oat Bran Galette: it’s the modern day pancake that’s actually good for you!

Savoury or sweet, the Dukan Galette is a treat and a savvy solution to Shrove Tuesday. Dr. Dukan has developed a healthy pancake that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner… and not just on Pancake Day. Now that’s flipping marvellous!

Celebrate this year, with Dr Dukan’s “eat as much as you want” policy and an extensive list of over 100 approved foods to choose from. It’s the perfect way to shift those unwanted pounds without going hungry.

Oat Bran Galette Recipe
‘The Classic’
Serves 1
Ingredients
1.5 / 2 tbsp oat bran
1 egg white
1 tbsp quark
1 tbsp fromage frais

Top Tip! If you want a savoury Galette, try adding 175g of flaked tuna or smoked salmon to the beaten egg whites. For a sweet Galette, why not try adding almond extract or orange flower water. A simple store-cupboard solution!

For more information on the diet or to create your free personal weight-loss plan please visit www.dukandiet.co.uk

The Perfect Pancake Toss.

Posted on by

WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN

Ocado discovers the formula behind the perfect pancake toss

ONLINE SUPERMARKET Ocado has cracked more than eggs ahead of Shrove Tuesday. Teaming up with one of the country’s top physicists, the innovative grocer has mastered the art of perfect pancake tossing.

With more batter expected to hit ceilings than the roofs of our mouths this Pancake Day, Ocado has created the ideal equation for a flippin’ good time. Working with Dr Mark Hadley, researcher at the University of Warwick’s Department of Physics, the formula behind the year’s trickiest culinary feat is above.

Where v is the launch velocity; g is the acceleration; h, the height of the toss; a is the length of the forearm; w, the spin; is the number of pancake half turns; and p, the pan diameter

Don’t be daunted by the science though. Ocado has simplified things, claiming that the recipe for a splat-free landing rests on one key element – ‘perfect pancake altitude’. When tossed at the right height, the pancake’s launch velocity and spin are perfectly matched – much like a topping of lemon and sugar – for optimum results.

For a typical toss, Ocado suggests you aim for a pancake height of 0.5 metres. Your upwards arm swing will naturally give the pancake a velocity of 3m/sec, imparting a spin of five radians per second, resulting in a successful travel time of just over half a second, before landing safely back in the pan.

Ocado has created three toss techniques with Dr Hadley to ensure there is a flip for everyone – from the pancake showboater to the harassed host cooking crepes for a cast of thousands.

· The Show Off This mammoth two-armed throw is suitable for those looking to wow a crowd, or cooks wielding a cast iron pan. With arms outstretched and swinging from the shoulder, one should aim for a height of 0.7 metres

· The Chef This quick, efficient toss is ideal for pancake connoisseurs. Whilst holding the pan near the rim, with just a flick of the wrist this toss will require a height of just over half a foot. 16cm to be precise.

· The Hungry Horde Many mouths to feed? Avoid over-exertion and a nasty case of ‘pancake elbow’ with this toss. The upper arm hardly moves as the forearm swings upwards from the elbow. The distance from the elbow to the centre of the pan is typically 60cm; to achieve the perfect toss time after time, one should aim for a height of 0.47 metres, to be exact.

But what’s the real secret? Dr Hadley flips pancake convention on its head and brings it down to size: “The trick is to break the air pressure. To achieve the perfect flip, one must restrict the size of the pancake. The traditional Ocado pancake recipe provides the ideal consistency to retain a suitable thickness which will combat the impact of air pressure, whilst also being light enough to toss.”

When it comes to cooking up a pancake storm, be sure to follow Ocado’s fundamental tips so the finished article is ready for a terrific toss:

· Lubrication Use one teaspoon of oil to ensure the pancake does not stick, yet isn’t too lubricated, resulting in ‘pancake slip’

· Cooking time Cook the pancake until it bubbles and blisters, to roughen the bottom surface. This allows the air to rapidly fill any void under the pancake and equalise the pressure

· Circumference Make it manageable – for bigger pancakes, the area increases much faster than the air can creep in. By increasing a pancake from 10cm to 30cm diameter, it becomes three times harder to toss

· The Strength Test Use a spatula to lift the edge of the pancake – if you can lift it 2cm away from the pan, then it is strong enough to toss

Jason Gissing, co-founder of Ocado comments: “Ocado strives to deliver more than a just broad range of groceries; we want to make people’s lives easier where their kitchens are concerned. As such, we’re proud to work with a diverse range of experts and suppliers to provide fun, new and exciting ways to celebrate the country’s tastiest occasions.”

For further information on Ocado pancake recipes and ingredients, visit www.ocado.com/webshop/recipes/