Tag Archives: Catherine Balavage

This Month's Magazines; September: Adele Takes Vogue Cover, Angelina Jolie Takes Vanity Fair.

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This Month’s Magazines; September: Adele Takes Vogue Cover, Angelina Jolie Takes Vanity fair.

This month’s magazines are a bloody good read. It has taken me hours to get through them, here is my monthly round-up.

[Note: Magazines are published a month in advance, so September’s magazines are actually October.]

On the cover of British Vogue is the beautiful and gifted Adele is breaking boundaries and stereotypes. Glamour magazine previously had her on the cover. There is a good interview with Adele inside where she states that: “I’ve seen people who want to be thinner or have bigger boobs, how it wears them down- I don’t want that in my life”.

There is an article on legendary designer Azzedine Alaia and Silvia Fendi. Christa D’Souza writes about crying and Alexandra Tolstoy writes about finding the right couture for the Royal Wedding,

Good articles on David Hockney and Ceclia Birtwell’s collaboration and a good Lara Stone editorial.

There is a now infamous interview with Wendi Murdoch, where she revealed that Tony Blair is godfather to one of her and Rupert’s daughters. The interview gives a good snapshot of a women who rarely gives interviews, and clears up some of the rumours about her.

Vogue has a special on the English women and her style. Of course, Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge features, so does Diana Athill, the England Cricket Team, Amy Childs, Jane Birkin, Tacita Dean, Felicity Jones, Julia Sarr-Jamois, Florence BB (Brudenell-Bruce, Prince Harry’s ex).

Also: how to get ride of freckles and lots of Autumn clothing.

Vanity Fair has one of my favourite actresses on the cover, Angelina Jolie. Jolie interviews well and talks about her directorial debut, In The Land of Milk and Honey. She also wrote the screenplay. Jolie says: ‘I have never felt so exposed. My whole career, I’ve hidden behind other people’s words.”. She also says that she is ‘not pregnant, I’m not adopting…[there’s] no secret wedding.” and says that she doesn’t really watch films and falls asleep watching them; “There is some of my own I have never seen.”

There is a interview with Scott Schuman and Garance Dore of the Sartorialist show Vanity Fair their cool stuff, Elizabeth Olsen and Jane Lynch are interviewed in the Vanities section, There is articles on Comic-Con, the News Corp/Murdoch Hacking Scandal, Vivi Nevo, The 2011 New Establishment is a brilliant annual list and is very interesting reading this year; lots of change.

Conrad Black talks about his experience of being in prison, the amazing Joan Didion has written another book, this one on the death of her daughter, there is a very good article on publishing, China and Ernest Hemingway.

Tatler have Zara Phillips on the cover and a post-wedding interview. She denies that the Duke of Cambridge sang Bon Jovi records at her wedding reception and talks of her love of horses.

Angela Missoni gives her mood board (design influences), Morth models watches (yes, really), The Serpentine Summer Party is covered – with lots of pictures, there is an article on the ‘thinking girl’s crumpet; Nouriel Roubini and Alain De Botton feature on it, Balthazar Fabricius talks about launching bookies Fitzdares and being in debt to Zac Goldsmith to the tune of £50,000.

Film producer Stephen Evans is interviewed, and riders are photographed with their favourite horses. Elon Musk and Talulah Riley talk of their love, One Direction are interviewed (weird choice for Tatler) How the Rich stay safe bodyguards and mercenaries apparently) and how to clear up bad skin. Tatler also comes with their annual Schools Guide.

Glamour has Britney Spears on the cover and a comeback interview inside.

Lara Stone is interviewed, there is article on the horrendous London riots, how to tweet proof your career, how Cameron Diaz gets her body, the Truth about Fashion Week, a message to the Norway victims from a Columbine survivor, there is a big section on dating and finding love, Rob Brydon interview, the Downtown Abbey girl’s are interviewed; as are the Made in Chelsea and The Only way is Essex girl’s and Sofia Vergara.

Orlando Bloom, James Cordon, Matthew Macfayden, Luke Evans, Taylor Lautner are also interviewed in the TV special.

The new style bloggers are interviewed, stars give their beauty secrets, Eddie Campbell and a good article on when it is the right time to have a baby.

PART TWO IS HERE

 

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Can “Friends With Benefits” really be the start of something beautiful?

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Can “Friends With Benefits” really be the start of something beautiful?

In the eponymous Hollywood film, Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake are FWB, ‘friends with benefits’ – they like each other, they definitely fancy each other, but they’re just not ready for a romantic relationship. But off screen, can two people really have a non-committed relationship without one person getting hurt?

According to relationship scientists from eHarmony.co.uk, studies show that people who choose to become ‘friends with benefits’ are not ready for a committed long-term relationship and find that sticking with this type of casual set-up works better for them than moving it on.

This is particularly true of men. A new study (2011)[1] found that men were more likely to desire casual sex without the need for a monogamous relationship whilst women were more likely to crave a deeper emotional connection, hoping for it to develop into a full blown relationship. So, if casual fling evolves into committed relationship, how likely is it to be a happy one?

A study by Paik (2010)[2] investigated how different sexual encounters could predict relationship satisfaction. By surveying married or cohabiting couples, Paik found that relationships that began as sexual encounters, such as casual dating or non-romantic (friends with benefits), were significantly less satisfied with their relationship than couples whose first sexual encounter was in a serious committed relationship.

So relationship science says “be warned”. Whilst an intimate encounter with an old buddy may seem like a good idea at the time – and makes a great Hollywood script – in reality there could be tears later on.

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.