Monthly Archives: July 2010

Lizzie Mary Cullen Helps the Homeless with First Solo Show! All profits donated to The Big Issue.

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9 September 2009

Award winning international artist & designer Lizzie Mary Cullen is hosting her first solo exhibition in London UK, in aid of the homeless.

All proceeds from the exhibition will be donated to the Big Issue, the social enterprise, magazine and charity that helps homeless people in Britain earn a legitimate income and help themselves.

A former Production Assistant for Warner Bros, Lizzie worked on the Harry Potter films prior to venturing into the art world. She is securing support from a number of high-profile cast members from the blockbusters, and their celebrity friends pals to be present on the opening night.Mainstream press and key figures from the magazine and charity will also be present. The artist expects to raise at least £20,000 for the Big Issue at the exhibition

Having raised funds for various charities and supporting worthy causes, Emmanuel Ray says he is proud to be partnering with a successful and talented artist who, just like him, is using her growing popularity to help those in need. “It is not only a privilege but also great fun to be working with one of the most talented contemporary artists Britain has ever produced. Lizzie is a visionary artist and the intricate detail in her work, the magical symphony of colours and her ability to make even black and white drawings look enchanting and inviting, is highly impressive and a visual treat!” he added.

Last year saw Lizzie Mary Cullen sashaying into the design world with confidence and scooping up two prestigious awards; Association of Illustrators New Talent 2009 and New Designers One Year On 2009. At 24 Lizzie is enviably successful. Having graduated from Goldsmiths in 2008 she exhibited her work internationally. Her recent exhibitions have included A View of London at The London Transport Museum UK, and New Designers One Year On where she won her second award. Currently touring into 2010 is the Association of Illustrators Images 33 Tour, in which Lizzie’s award-winning iconic illustration Tower Bridge is being exhibited.

Lizzie’s big break came when popular Italian restaurant chain Zizzi commissioned her to design and hand-draw large scale wall murals in a number of their restaurants throughout the UK as part of their national re-brand, revamping 105 branches. Lizzie has also designed their national menus has already completed murals in various Zizzi restaurants in the UK; Covent Garden-Bow Street, Camberley, Tunbridge Wells, Marlow, Newcastle Metro Centre, Sevenoaks, Maidstone and Nottingham, to start with.

Lizzie has been featured in numerous publications including the acclaimed Beyond Architecture:
Imaginative Buildings and Fictional Cities, and Martin Dawber’s The Big Book of Contemporary Illustration. She had a cover feature in Design Week magazine as the next New Design Star. She was also featured in Icon Magazine and Blueprint Magazine. Computer Arts Magazine named her one of the design world’s up-and-coming talents. She also writes for Design Week and Illustration Magazine. Lizzie has just completed a spread for Illustration Magazine’s Summer 2010 issue and has given an exclusive interview for Digital Arts magazine.

She has also just finished editing her first illustrated children’s book about a family of modern fairies living in London. Lizzie exhibited at Grand Designs Show 2010 in Excel London, where she received a number of ad hoc commissions. She has also worked with MTV, Design Week and Tom Felton who plays Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movie series. Her illustrations will feature on his new website to promote his debut album with Six String Productions. Lizzie will also design the album artwork. Tom Felton and Daniel Radcliffe are expected to attend the exhibition and support the lady who worked in the film that made them international stars!

Lizzie Mary Cullen The First Solo Show opens on 9 September at the Artefact: The Framers Gallery in London’s West End and will run until 25th September.

Partying for a Purpose to Host Its Annual Lucky 7 Fundraiser at Playboy Mansion.

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Partying for a Purpose to Host Its Annual Lucky 7 Fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion

Hugh Hefner will be honored with the ‘Taking Care of Business Award’ for his generosity to the cause.

Partying for a Purpose is hosting its 7th annual fundraising event Lucky 7 at the Playboy Mansion on August 21 benefiting It’s All About The Kids Foundation, a cause dedicated to enhancing the lives of less fortunate children. Playboy Playmate 2004 Pilar Lastra and Playboy Cyber Girl Melissa Dawn Taylor will be the weekend hosts, which will include three parties from Friday August 20 through Sunday August 22.

During the Lucky 7 party festivities at the Playboy Mansion, Mr. Hugh Hefner will be honored with the “Taking Care of Business Award.” The award is in memory of Scott Brannon, who was murdered in 2006.

“We have had the privilege of having six successful annual events at the Playboy Mansion,” said Angela Brannon, Co-Founder and Executive Director of It’s All About The Kids. “Because of Mr. Hefner’s generosity, our high profile events have helped us build awareness with new audiences, and the funds raised will enable us to continue to assist under privileged children in San Diego and around the world. We are so excited to honor him! To date, we have served over 10,000 children. At this year’s party, are also supporting the Seeing Stars Foundation and Global H2O.”

Lucky 7 guests will be partying for a purpose at The Hyatt Century Plaza for three days, including a Friday Casino Night with a hosted VIP cocktail party, Saturday pool party and a “RECOVERY” pool party on Sunday. Casino Night guests will enjoy roulette, blackjack and a live auction for the chance to body paint models. Winning bidders will arrive at to the Mansion early on Saturday evening to help paint their beauties.

Only Four Hundred tickets are available for the weekend-long event, with 100% of the proceeds going to It’s All About The Kids. All donations are 50% tax deductible. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.PartyingForaPurposeMansionParty.com. For media inquiries, contact Richie Matthews of DIALOGO at richie@prdialogo.com

Jonathan Ross has fun at 50.

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What do Jeremy Clarkson, Gary Lineker, Jonathan Ross and the Play-Doh Fun Factory Playset all have in common? They’re all celebrating turning 50 this year… and as seen on one of Jonathan’s last shows, a series of fun Play-Doh modelling compound models have been created to mark the occasion.

The iconic Play-Doh brand commissioned Hollywood sculptor Stephen Hicklin to create a visual masterpiece, four 3D sculptures of iconic British celebrities that are also celebrating their 50th birthday this year, Bono, Jeremy Clarkson, Gary Lineker, and Jonathan Ross.

‘We wanted to celebrate with something fun and instantly recognisable, just like the 50th Birthday Play-Doh Fun Factory playset. The celebrity creations do just that!’ said Charlotte Higgins Play-Doh Brand Manager.

Having stood the test of time, today’s kids love playing with this classic toy, using some of its brand new elements, including an extended handle for extruding Play-Doh modelling compound and a spinning dial with eight great shapes, including a triangle, bat and flower – feed in the Play-Doh modelling compound and let imaginations take over!

The 50th Birthday Fun Factory Spin ‘n Store playset comes complete with plastic cutting tool, factory presser and two 2oz (85g) cans of Play-Doh compound, and is available nationwide priced at £7.99 RRP (suitable for children ages 3 plus).

Students winners – Sony World Photography Awards 2010

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Students from Escuela Argentina de Fotografía, in Argentina, win Student Competition at the Sony World Photography Awards 2010

Victoria Ines Dobaño and Rodrigo Terren Toro from Escuela Argentina de Fotografía, Argentina, are today, 27 July, announced as the winners of the Student Focus Competition for the Sony World Photography Awards 2010.

From the 120 institutions initially selected to compete, 12 students were shortlisted from six institutions across six continents to take part in the final stage of the competition. The students’ challenge was to produce a series of six photographs that explored the notion of ‘Power’. The 12 students were given two weeks to complete the exercise within their local community. The 12 winning students and the overall winning university received a combined prize of €45,000 worth of digital SLR photographic equipment, courtesy of Sony.

Victoria Ines Dobaño and Rodrigo Terren Toro’s winning images, entitled Villa Epecuen, depict the overwhelming power of water. Villa Epecuen in Argentina was a town which for many years drew tourists who believed that its saltwater lake had healing properties. It was a sacred place for the native people of Argentina.

In 1985 Villa Epecuen was completely flooded when the lake overflowed its embankments, covering over half the town. The aftermath of the disaster reveals the powerful and devastating effects of water.

The six winning images of Villa Epecuen by Victoria Ines Dobaño and Rodrigo Terren Toro are:

Student Focus 2010 judge, Sue Steward, commented:

“The choice of Power as the theme for this year’s Student Focus ignited an exceptional standard and variety of work. Maybe it’s the abstract quality of the word which prompted interestingly different responses from the six universities. The winning Argentine series followed-up the story of a tragic flood 25 years ago, a description of the power of nature. The photographers found beauty in the stark, abandoned and destroyed landscape, the chaos of fallen bricks and concrete, dark leafless trees, and partially demolished buildings – the crucial reminders of lives once lived there. The choice was difficult but ultimately this series possessed the greatest maturity and depth of them all.”

On winning this award the students tutor at Escuela Argentina de Fotografia, Ines Yujnovsky, commented:

“Teaching photography means transmitting the passion of this fascinating art and technique and we believe students should search their own vision. Student Focus encouraged students to think about their own approaches to themes like ‘War and Peace’, ‘Power’ and ‘Everyday life’ in a city like Cannes. Having the opportunity to go to the Festival was incredible. We enjoyed talks, exhibitions, portfolio reviews and met interesting people who are dedicated to photography. For us being the “University of the Year” and to win the prize will improve our possibilities to continue expanding the passion of photography to young students.”

The students’ images were judged by an esteemed panel of arts professionals: Adrian Evans – Director of Panos pictures agency, Adrian Boot – Music photographer and co-founder of www.urbanimage.tv, Jonathon Torgovnik – widely exhibited documentary photographer and co-founder of NGO, Foundation Rwanda, Idris Khan – artist and Sue Steward – photography critic, writer, radio broadcaster, photo-editor and journalist.

Ania Wadsworth, Student Focus Manager at the World Photography Awards, commented:

“We have been delighted with the quality of work submitted into the 2010 Student Focus competition. The students interpreted the brief with such intelligence and professionalism and the judges were impressed by the originality of thought and true breadth of imagery.

Student Focus continues to expand with events around the world, our partnership with the Young Tate Online and yet another internationally renowned jury; 2011 promises to be a vibrant year.”

Yoshiyuki Nogami, Vice President of Digital Imaging at Sony Europe, commented:

“We are honoured to be able to support these talented young individuals and have been impressed by the exceptionally high standard of images they have produced during this competition.”

The 2011 Student Focus competition has now been launched. The 2011 judges of the competition are: Eder Chiodetto, independent curator, photographer and photography critic and professor, based in São Paulo, Brazil; Simon Norfolk, prolific landscape photographer, UK; Deborah Willis, artist and photographer, based in New York, USA; Roger Tooth, head of photography for The Guardian newspaper, UK; and Shizuka Yokomizo, Japanese born, London based photographer who is best known for her portrait series Strangers.

More information about Student Focus 2011 can be found at http://www.worldphoto.org/student-focus/

William Curley – Japanese Week, 24th September – 3rd October.

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As a chocoholic I am very excited about this event.

William Curley, Britain’s Best Chocolatier, and his wife and business partner Suzue Curley, who is originally from Japan, are celebrating Suzue’s Japanese heritage with ten days packed full of Japanese inspired events, tastings and master-classes. William Curley’s Japanese week will be held at his Belgravia store from making master-classes are now happening on the 2nd and 3rd October as well as the 25th and 26th September, at the same times (2pm – 4pm)

Visitors to the store can also look forward to an exciting and exclusive limited edition range of Japanese inspired chocolates, patisserie, hot and chilled drinks – even the decoration and sound track of the store will undergo a total oriental transformation.

Japanese Week with William and Suzue Curley will consist of:

Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th September, 2pm – 4pm
· Japanese Chocolate Making Master-Class.
A tasting of all William Curley’s Japanese inspired chocolates, the opportunity to see, taste and understand the raw Japanese ingredients William uses in his chocolates and also understand more about the different combinations he uses in the couture collection, and why. Guests will then learn to make their own Toasted Sesame Couture Chocolate and Yamazaki Whiskey Truffles which once finished will be beautifully boxed and wrapped ready to take home and enjoy. £75 per person.

Wednesday 29th September, 7pm – 9.30pm
· Japanese Tea and Chocolate Pairing Evening.
Hosted by William Curley and John Kennedy from TeaSmith. Guests will be greeted on arrival with an Oolong Tea Champagne Cocktail, enjoy homemade Japanese inspired savoury canapés and sample 8 Japanese teas paired with 8 Japanese inspired chocolates and a delicious patisserie to end the evening. £55 per person.

Thursday 30th September, 7pm – 9.30pm
· Sake and Chocolate Tasting Evening.
A tasting of six different Japanese Sakes, paired by Sake expert Gilbert Winfield with William Curley’s superb chocolates. Because of its unique ‘umami enhancing’ properties and low acidity, Sake is one of the best drinks to pair with chocolate, and the distinctive, delicate flavours of our chosen Sakes beautifully complement the smooth richness of William’s confections. Guests will be greeted with a glass of champagne on arrival and enjoy delicious Japanese inspired canapés. To finish there will be another Japanese speciality, Shiraume Umeshu, a plum infused liqueur. £55 per person.
For bookings and availability please contact caroline@williamcurley.co.uk, 020 7730 5522.

About William Curley.

It was at just 27 that William Curley became the youngest Chef Pâtissier at The Savoy Hotel working with Anton Edelman and leading a team of 21 pastry chefs. Curley’s career spans many years of working with some of the finest chefs and pâtissiers in the business including Marc Meneau at L’Esperance in France, Pierre Koffman at La Tante Claire, Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons and Marco Pierre White at The Oak Restaurant. William has won a variety of awards, including ‘The Craft Guild Pastry Chef of the Year’, ‘The Academy of Culinary Arts Award of Excellence’ and ‘British Dessert of the Year’. William Curley is passionate about chocolate making and his chocolates, pâtisseries and desserts are renowned the world over. William Curley opened his first shop together with his wife Suzue in Richmond in 2004.

About Suzue Curley.

Suzue Curley is a highly respected pâtissier. Originally from Osaka, Japan, Suzue moved to London in 1996 where she trained at Le Cordon Bleu. She has worked at Claridge’s and The Savoy where she was in charge of their world famous Afternoon Teas. She has won many national competitions including Gold at Hotelympia in 2000. Both William and Suzue have represented Scotland at international culinary events, winning Gold medals in Chicago and Basle, and at the Culinary Olympics in Germany.

www.williamcurley.co.uk

About TeaSmith.

TeaSmith is a contemporary teahouse where you can explore the world of exceptional teas in a unique, tranquil, and accessible environment. Tea experts are on-hand to help select the perfect tea for your taste, musical preferences, state of mind or even the weather. Our teas are sourced from individual tea farmers and selected for their integrity, quality of aroma taste and aftertaste, and experience.

www.teasmith.co.uk

Thinner Lighter Cheaper Kindle {Electronics}

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The next generation Kindle is available to pre-order on Amazon.co.uk. Oooh look at it, it’s thinner, lighter, cheaper, less glaring and generally better than the last one. And it comes in one non-patronising colour…graphite. I love the photo’s they’ve taken of it, posing with a pencil, some fruit and a woman.

There’s two versions available, the £109 version with wi-fi connectivity or the £149 version. with free 3G wireless.

Here are the stats:

  • All-New, High-Contrast E-Ink Screen
  • Read in Bright Sunlight – No glare
  • New and Improved Fonts – New crisper, darker fonts
  • New Sleek Design – 21% smaller body while keeping the same 6″ size reading area
  • 17% Lighter – Only 241 grams, weighs less than a paperback
  • Battery Life of One Month – A single charge lasts up to one month with wireless off
  • Double the Storage – Up to 3,500 books
  • Built-In Wi-Fi – Connect at home or on the road
  • Books in 60 Seconds – Download books anytime, anywhere
  • 20% Faster Page Turns – Seamless reading
  • Enhanced PDF Reader – With dictionary lookup, notes, and highlights
  • New WebKit-Based Browser – Browse the web over Wi-Fi (experimental)

The 3G version also has:

  • Free 3G Wireless – No monthly payments, no annual contracts

The e-book readers are available for pre-order for release on the 27th August. Pre-order a wi-fi Kindle (£109) or 3G Kindle (£149) for my your early Christmas present.

A New Moon for Eastenders {TV}

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Eastenders have revealed that hot on the heels of the return of Alfie Moon this autumn, Walford is soon to welcome Alfie’s cousin, Michael Moon, played by Steve John Shepherd, well known for his portrayal of Jo in This Life.

Michael Moon is a regular lothario, a cheeky chap with a silver tongue, who loves a lot of female attention – much like his older cousin, Alfie. However, Michael has a slightly more manipulative streak and a competitive nature, which means he doesn’t think twice about screwing people over – even those he loves.

Michael loves to live life dangerously, taking risks, and can be as ruthless as he is charming.

Steve John Shepherd has previously been seen in This Life, Layer Cake, Waking The Dead and, more recently, the BBC Three sitcom Lunch Monkeys.

Regarding his arrival in Albert Square, Steve commented: “I can vividly remember watching the first ever episode of EastEnders and I’m very excited to be joining such a fantastic and iconic programme. Michael Moon will be an exciting character to play – on the surface he a loveable, cheeky chappy but, underneath, he has hidden depths which will be exciting to explore.”

Bryan Kirkwood, executive producer of EastEnders, explains: “I’ve been a fan of Steve John Shepherd’s work for years. He’s a fantastic signing for EastEnders, an exciting addition to the Moon family, and is set to cause a big splash in Albert Square from the moment he arrives.”

Dear Donovan {DONOVAN}

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Dear Donovan

Who was your first kiss and what was her name

Darren, Ipswich

Well, Darren Ipswich, if that is infact your real name, and not one of the editors taking pity on the fact no one askes me questions anymore and have written the most pathetic Miss Magazine style question aimed at the likes of Chico and the Eyebrow-With-Legs from Busted!

I will humor you, girls and answer it anyway

A girl called Jenny, I was 4 she was 6…We tongued each other in the school yard at my primary school. Ill be honest she was minging.

Looking back there were at least three others who were better looking playing hopscotch.

Happy??

Expected more of an answer?….Well tough.

I would like to bring to your attention the fact there were Siamese twins in my primary school!…should have really gone for one of ’em! Practically a threesome!

Fact- an upside to being a Siamese twin is that you never have to worry over who’s gonna be your partner on school trips.

That’s me done.

Off to watch the three amigos.

DONOVAN