Tag Archives: Catherine Balavage

TEACHER’S PESTS, PETS AND PREFECTS: What your child's name means.

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Children called Aaron, Callum, Abbie and Courtney strike fear into the nation’s teachers, it has been revealed. Researchers found kids bearing these monikers are thought to be the naughtiest in class by over 1,000 British tutors.

In fact, one in five teachers polled claim they think they can tell how a child will behave just by looking at the new class register in September. And if names such as Connor, Aimee, Brandon and Chloe are on the list, school teachers think they are in for a difficult year.

Lisa Penney, spokesmum for www.bounty.com who compiled the report said: “Rightly or wrongly, it’s only natural to make some assumptions about what children may be like from hearing their names – whether you mean to or not – and teachers aren’t any different.

Whether it’s from previous experience with pupils, or people they’ve known from their own past, certain names seem to strike a nerve with teachers – although I’m sure they are all more than happy to be proved wrong!”

Other boys who are likely to be troublesome in the classroom are called Adam, Aiden and Jack.

Lads with the names Joshua, Kyle and Reece also command more of their teacher’s attention, as they fail to abide by the rules.

While lasses called Abigail, Bethany and Amy have been identified as some of the hardest to manage by tutors. And Alice, Amber and Charlotte are amongst other names which teachers dread seeing on the class register.

But as the survey suggests, the class register isn’t the only way teachers judge how a child is likely to behave. A third of those polled admitted they often form an opinion on which children will be more difficult when meeting their parents.

And once the school year has started teachers go on to judge their pupils behaviour by how rude they are to both them and other children. More than half of those questioned can’t stand it if a child bullies their peers, while 36 per cent reprimand children who shout in class.

Teachers are also more likely to label a child as naughty if they refuse to do what they are asked, ignore requests to sit down quietly, and fail to listen.

And when asked why they think their more troublesome pupils play up in class, two out of three teachers said they’re looking for attention and three out of five believe it’s because they aren’t disciplined at home.

Making naughty children sit separately from others to think about what they’ve done was found to be the most effective method used to deal with naughty children.

But incredibly, more than a third of teachers say that it is often the naughty children who have the most friends at school. And two thirds say that while a child might appear naughty, they are just behaving that way to get attention from their peers.

Lisa Penney from Bounty continues: “We were really interested to find that some of the children who have been labelled as the naughtiest in the class have also been identified as the brightest in our poll – with Aaron, Adam, Abigail and Charlotte appearing on both lists.

These names also appear on the list of the most popular children in school, suggesting that whilst they’re disruptive in class the ‘naughtier’ children are actually better at learning with other members of the class looking up to them.”

Students named Jack, Ben, Emma and Emily are also highlighted as the children everyone wants to play with.

TOP 10 NAUGHTY BOYS

1. Aaron

2. Callum

3. Connor

4. Brandon

5. Adam

6. Aidan

7. Jack

8. Joshua

9. Kyle

10. Reece

TOP 10 NAUGHTY GIRLS

1. Abbie

2. Courtney

3. Aimee

4. Chloe

5. Abigail

6. Bethany

7. Amy

8. Alice

9. Amber

10. Charlotte

TOP 10 BRIGHTEST BOYS

1. Aaron

2. Adam

3. Alexander

4. William

5. Christopher

6. Thomas

7. Matthew

8. Ben

9. Alex

10. Edward

TOP 10 BRIGHTEST GIRLS

1. Abigail

2. Charlotte

3. Alice

4. Elizabeth

5. Abbie

6. Hannah

7. Amelia

8. Grace

9. Emily

10. Bethany

TOP 10 MOST POPULAR BOYS

1. Jack

2. Ben

3. Aaron

4. Adam

5. Alex

6. Callum

7. Daniel

8. Thomas

9. Alfie

10. Sam

TOP 10 MOST POPULAR GIRLS

1. Abbie

2. Charlotte

3. Alice

4. Aimee

5. Amy

6. Abigail

7. Chloe

8. Emily

9. Sophie

10. Emma

BECOME A CHANNEL 4 BATTLEFRONT PRESENTER!

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Channel 4’s Battlefront is on the hunt for a new presenter for it’s webshow on Battlefront.co.uk. As one of Battlefront’s two hosts, alongside last year’s winner, Mawaan, the winner will broadcast the latest news about Battlefront campaigns and events to thousands of online viewers, as well as interviewing celebs about world-changing issues and encouraging viewers to get involved.

So far this year, Battlefront web-vids have featured the likes of Rizzle Kicks, Jason Derulo and Gok Wan, alongside campaign highlights and behind-the-scenes events action. It’s a fantastic opportunity for aspiring presenters who want to make a difference.

To enter, prospective presenters need to make a video of themselves talking about one of this year’s Battlefront campaigns. The winner will be able to sum up the campaign clearly and explain about why they decided to talk about it.

Once the video has been uploaded it will be in the hands of the public who will vote for their favourite. The 10 videos with the most votes will then be presented to our panel of expert judges (from Channel 4, Raw TV and a special guest!) who will decide on a final shortlist of five entries. Entries will be judged on passion, delivery, talent, charisma and how inspirational you are likely to be to young people. The five contestants which best fulfil this criteria will make it to the final stage.

The finalists will be invited to attend a presenter workshop in London on WEDNESDAY 26TH OCTOBER where they will be put through their paces in a number of on-camera tests and challenges designed to show your skills as a potential face of Battlefront.

The competition is open until 12pm on MONDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2011. BUT the sooner contestants enter, the more time their entry will have to notch-up votes! Voting closes at 12pm on THURSDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2011. Visit www.battlefont.co.uk for more details on how to enter and upload your video.

America's No. 1 Girl Band : BLISS!, ‘The Lipstick Tour’

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After Hours Enterprises in conjunction with StreetCred Promotions is proud to present BLISS! “The Lipstick Tour” 14 -21 October 2011!

Bliss is an All Girl Group, residing in Atlanta, Georgia. and have quickly become America’s All Girl Group! They have performed with many celebrity artists in the United States and appeared on major television networks such as B.E.T and MTV. Bliss have now focused their attention on overseas markets! This movement further expanded their fan base and is preparing to introduce Bliss as international artists! Their presence has become phenomenal, both physically and virally.

Bliss consists of singer/songwriters, Alexis (Lex), Falicia (Cali) & Taryn (Shay), this enigmatic trio offers music that is rich and full, realistic and diverse, energetic and highly entertaining. They have created a style of music that is as unique as the group itself! B! liss has defined their sound as Euro/Pop R&B! This music combines the soulful sound of R&B, mixed with the pop era of the 80’s, with a European swag that creates relevancy in today’s music market. Bliss has mastered their sound, coupled with high energy dance routines. That work ethic has allowed them to concentrate on a universal sound that is appealing and enjoyable by all consumers.

In early 2011, Bliss reached out with their hearts to the UK and became international ambassadors for The Tree of Hope Children’s Charity. More and more artists are giving something back these days and for a group to associate themselves with a charity early on in their career is an admirable choice.

It is said that the name BLISS is an acronym for Beautiful, Luscious, Intelligent, Soul Sisters. It’s looking like that description is pretty much spot on.

Ke$ha Joins Campaign To Ban Animal-Tested Cosmetics In Europe

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‘Animal’ Singer Ke$ha Joins Campaign To Ban Animal-Tested Cosmetics In Europe

American singer Ke$ha has joined stars Leona Lewis, Ricky Gervais, Dame Judi Dench, Mary McCartney and Melanie C, in urging EU politicians to keep their promise to ban the sale of cosmetics that have been tested on animals such as rabbits and hamsters [1].

The stars, and more than 60,000 compassionate consumers, have signed the CrueltyFree2013 petition organised by animal charity Humane Society International [2] urging EU politicians to make Europe a cruelty-free cosmetics zone by 2013.

Animal testing for cosmetics is banned in the UK and EU, but it is still legal to sell animal-tested products and ingredients imported from countries such as Brazil, China, Canada and the United States.

A European Union-wide ban on the sale of animal-tested cosmetics is due to come into force in March 2013, and could be a major step toward a global end to cosmetics animal testing. However, as the 2013 deadline approaches, the European Commission has hinted the ban may be delayed, perhaps by many years [3]. The lives of thousands of rabbits, hamsters, mice and guinea-pigs hangs in the balance.

Ke$ha signed HSI’s CrueltyFree2013 petition as her first collaboration with animal charity Humane Society International following her appointment as the charity’s first ever Global Ambassador.

Ke$ha said:
“I am honored to be the first HSI Global Ambassador because my music is inspired by the freedom and primal beauty of animals and the natural world. I take this opportunity incredibly seriously because we are ALL animals. One of the main underlying sentiments of my music is to respect all living creatures just as they are. I believe that together, we can change laws that allow innocent animals to be unjustly mistreated and abused all over the world.”

Ke$ha’s goal is to help HSI promote respect, protection, and compassion for animals around the world. Her record of musical success is impressive – her hit “TiK ToK” was the biggest-selling digital track in the world in 2010 and her “Animal” album has already sold over 2 million units worldwide. She’s racked up a number of prestigious award nominations, and took home a 2010 MTV Europe Music Award for Best New Act.

Readers can join Ke$ha in signing the CrueltyFree2013 petition at www.hsi.org/crueltyfree2013

HSI is part of the international ‘Leaping Bunny’ cruelty-free standard. Approved brands are independently audited to guarantee no animal testing and include Urban Decay, Hard Candy, Montagne Jeunesse, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Superdrug. To shop cruelty-free download our Leaping Bunny Compassionate Shopping Guide at http://www.leapingbunny.org/images/globalguide.pdf

Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Film Review

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The Planet of the Apes is a franchise that has been going strong since I was a kid. Actually, the original was one of my favourite films.

With scientists admitting that they were doing tests on monkeys, and fresh Daily Mail worries about animal/human hybrid experiments, it makes it all the more real and scary.

The Rise of the Planet of the Apes has the amazingly talented Andy Serkis as Caesar, and what a performance.

In support, James Franco plays Will Rodman, whose father, played by John Lithgow, has Alzheimers. Rodman tries desperately to cure his father and the key lies in Caesar who receives an amazing amount of intelligence and self awareness due to the the drug ALZ 112 previously injected into his mother. But the drug doesn’t get funded after Caesar’s mother seemingly turns violent and is killed.

But it’s Serkis’ Caesar who steals the film. We see him unsure of his place in the world, missing his family, feeling different, like an outsider and wondering why his kind are treated differently. Andy Serkis should be allowed the Oscar.

This film has been a runway success so far, taking $54.8m in its opening weekend. Deservedly too. It is a good film, lots of action, well acted and you care for the characters. ‘Rise’ is timely and good entertainment. In short, I recommend it for a perfect fun night out while definitely giving you something to think about over your post-film pizza.

Stylists Talk Bags As Converse Launch New Range

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With Converse launching their first bag collection just in time for the new school year, a handful of the UK’s finest experts on style and self-expression representing fashion, music and culture reminisced about what defined their own unique style, getting nostalgic about what it means to be an individual once the new term begins. Provided simply with a canvas duffle bag from the Converse Bags & Accessories launch collection, a pencil case and notebook, they got creative to express their personal style in their very own special way…

Sam Voulters
About: Fashion Editor at Vice, Sam Voulters is 22, stylist, brand consultant and writer.
What was your favourite school bag? “I had a CAT backpack with tippex all over it.”

‘Synamatix’ – The Daily Street
About: ‘Synamatix’ is Editor in Chief & Mixtapes Director of the UK’s finest streetwear blog The Daily Street and specialises in sneakers and menswear as well as covering the UK underground dance music scene.
What was your favourite school bag or accessory? “I had a wicked rucksack in olive green, covered in band logos, skate logos etc. That was my greatest bag by a mile.”

Chantelle Fiddy
About: Chantelle Fiddy is a journalist and renowned commentator on London’s grime scene, whose music credentials include penning for Ctrl.Alt.Shift, RWD Magazine, Mixmag, Sunday Times Style and Dazed & Confused as well as presenting on Channel 4’s ‘Generation Next’ and making multiple appearance on BBC Radio 1’s Review Show. You’ll mostly find her online.
Describe your school style. “My school style flitted between record bags and (hideous) rave jackets (I hereby admit to rocking a Technics number) to holding my (entire mop of unbrushed) hair up with felt tip pens and wearing leg warmers alongside my yellow shirt and green blazer.”

Larry B – WORK IT
About: Ripe for reminiscing are some of the team behind London’s coolest 90s night, Work It. Work It have a reputation for drawing the biggest crowds with a cult following craving their unique blend of music, hosting nights and events for Selfridges, Lovebox 2010, Warner Music, London Fashion Week and Vogue Fashion Night Out.
Describe your style at school. “My style at school was your general London rudeboy schoolboy.”

About Converse Bags:
For AW ’11 Converse took the illustrious heritage and iconic style, that has seen their classic sneakers and Chuck Taylor All Star logo omnipresent since the 1900s, to create their first ever dedicated Bags & Accessories Collection. The debut collection reflects the simple and versatile styling synonymous with Converse complete with the iconic Chuck Taylor All Star logo, steel eyelet details and the ever versatile canvas.

The new line of Converse Bags & Accessories is available now at stockists including Schuh, JD Sports and www.blackleaf.com. Prices range from £19 – £54.95

BBC Children in Need Announce POP Goes The Musical

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BBC Children in Need has announced the launch of ‘BBC Children in Need POP Goes the Musical 2011’.

Working with the best of West End Theatre and a star-studded line up, this unique charity project is giving renowned celebrities from the music sphere the chance to perform a hit song from a top show, to take place in September to help raise vital funds for children and young people here in the UK.

The show-stopping celebrities involved in a series of unique curtain calls are the gorgeous Peter Andre performing GHOST the Musical’s spectacular number ‘Unchained Melody’, the loveable Stacey Solomon for WICKED to sing ‘For Good’, chart-toppers Sugababes will take on ‘Dancing Queen’ in MAMMA MIA! And the legendary Melanie C will sing the highly charged ‘We Are The Champions’ and ‘We Will Rock You’ in the Queen musical WE WILL ROCK YOU.

Don’t miss out on what’s set to be a week of nights to remember and your chance to experience a series of pop-tastic performances.

Bookings can be made immediately for the following dates at:

10th September 2011 – WICKED – ‘popping up’ is Stacey Solomon (Matinee Performance)

13th September 2011 – WE WILL ROCK YOU – ‘popping up’ is Melanie C

14th September 2011 – GHOST the Musical – ‘popping up’ is Peter Andre

15th September 2011 – MAMMA MIA! – ‘popping up’ is Sugababes

Tickets for ‘BBC Children in Need POP Goes the Musical 2011’ are available at http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/. Prices start from £25 with all proceeds going to BBC Children in Need.

“I’m so excited to be a part of the musical WICKED. I went to see the show and was completely blown away by the costumes and performances. It’s going to be scary to get up on a West End stage but I’m so happy to take on the challenge and get involved in BBC Children in Need POP Goes the Musical.” – Stacey Solomon

“I am so excited to be taking part in ‘Pop Goes The Musical’ for this year’s BBC Children In Need, especially as I will be performing with the cast of the incredible show, We Will Rock You. I have always been a huge Queen fan and standing on the stage of the Dominion Theatre to sing one of the band’s anthems is an absolute honour and a great way raise money for such a fantastic charity.” – Melanie C

“I was so impressed when I went to see GHOST the Musical. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. So when I was approached by BBC Children In Need to get involved, I jumped at the chance and just hope that I can do it justice! The cast are great so it’ll be so much fun working with them and raising money for an amazing cause all at the same time.” – Peter Andre

“We’re so excited to be part of BBC Children In Need this year. It’s such a great cause and helps so many people and to be able to join the cast of MAMMA MIA!, one of the West End’s most famous musicals, is a real honour for us.” – Sugababes

BBC Children in Need changes the lives of some of the most disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK. The charity supports children in the UK facing a range of disadvantages including poverty and deprivation, young people with disabilities and children who have been the victims of abuse or neglect.

Due to the incredible generosity of the public in 2010, BBC Children in Need has awarded £40 million to change young lives r and this year we need your help to beat this total!

For more information on the charity please visit www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/