Tag Archives: New

Diet Coke throws fashion party of the year for 30th Birthday

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– Sparkling celeb-studded bash celebrates iconic brand and new Diet Coke hunk –

Last night saw the fashion fabulous crowd of Diet Coke fans gather at London’s Sketch to celebrate the brand’s 30th birthday. Guests including Pixie and Peaches Geldof, Pearl Lowe and Danny Goffey, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Laura Whitmore, Zoe Hardman, Jamelia, Ben Grimes, Jade Parfitt and the Made In Chelsea cast enjoyed a sparkling night that looked back at the brand’s dazzling 30-year history and also saw the unveiling of a new Diet Coke hunk.

The biggest surprise of the night saw pulses race when Andrew Cooper, the new Diet Coke hunk entered the room to the famous Etta James “I Just Want To Make Love To You” soundtrack. Back, and sexier than ever, the new hunk ad is set to become one of the most talked about campaigns, and men of the year.

Event host, Hilary Alexander treated guests to a journey across Diet Coke’s 30 years, talking through the exciting campaigns and collaborations that have helped the brand become a cultural icon. She also officially opened a specially curated three decades themed exhibition, which allowed guests to view some of the most exciting moments from the brand including celeb-led campaigns ‘Just for the Elle of it’ (1987), Whitney Houston’s Diet Coke advertising campaign (1988), Paula Abdul’s ‘There’s just one’ (1992), the first hunk Lucky Vanous’ test shots (1994) and Heidi Klum’s Oscar dress from the Diet Coke Heart Truth campaign (2009).

Quirky designer and stylist Patricia Field was there and showcased her limited edition range of ‘Diet Coke City Collection’ bottles. These follow in the line of previous campaigns such as Moschino, Karl Largerfeld, Jean Paul Gaultier and Diane Von Furstenberg, firmly cementing the brand as the ultimate fashionista accessory.

Music for the night saw style superblogger Bip Ling hit the decks, combining the ultimate party track favourites from the past three decades in a mega mix specially created for Diet Coke. VIP’s including Lilah Parsons, Jack Derges, Phil Clifton and Wretch 32, also enjoyed three-decade themed cocktails entitled ‘80’s Just For The Taste Of It’, ‘90’s Diet Coke Break’ and ‘00’s Love It Light’ all made using Diet Coke as well as decadent canapés.

Re-examination Pays Dividends

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New Possibilities: Abstract Paintings from the Seventies at the Piper Gallery

This exhibition presents the work of artists whose work became less fashionable during the 1970s with the rise of conceptual and performance art.  While these artists are still working today, most of the work on display is from this period.  This is a very diverse exhibition: all of the artists have very individual styles.  However, a common feature is an attention to craft, precision and formal values in painting.

The range of approaches is very clear when you compare the work of Tess Jaray and Frank Bowling.  Tess’ Alhambra (1979) is deceptively simple at first glance, but closer examination draws the viewer in and reveals the surprising complexity hidden in what you believe to be predictable pattern.  What at first appears to be a repetitive motif, on closer observation shows itself to have complex variation in colour, form and scale.  Frank Bowling’s Rush Green (1977) seems to be more the sum of its parts.  His deployment of paint by pouring it directly onto the canvas and utilising flow may seem haphazard, but on inspection the result is more mysterious.  There appears to be an equivalence with art from the past – for example, Monet’s paintings of the garden at Giverney – sustained attention is rewarded.

William Henderson and Barrie Cook both use a particular vocabulary to produce very different results.  Henderson’s Funky, Black and Catch Me (1978) creates a feeling of depth and jaggedness, with a definite sense of illusionistic space, reminding one of the microscopic world when magnified.  Cook’s Blue, Red and Yellow Grid (1977) is an optical work which plays with the eyes.  It is reminiscent of cathode ray tubes warming up in a old-fashioned television.  There is a richness in the fact that the two paintings, both using repetitive linear forms, can produce such varied results.

Other highlights of the exhibition include Gary Wragg’s Carnival (1977-79), which is driven by the process of drawing; Patricia Poullain’s Untitled (1973), which has a lightness and openness whose accessibility reminds one of a childhood telescope; and finally, Trevor Sutton’s measured, well proportioned That Swing.4.K (1979) combines electric blue and black, demarcated by a delicate green line.  The piece is poised and balanced and seems to be very much of its time.

If you like your paintings to repay prolonged attention, then New Possibilities at the Piper Gallery is definitely worth a visit.

New Possibilities: Abstract Paintings from the Seventies is at The Piper Gallery, 18 Newman Street, W1T 1PE from 16 November to 21 December

Written with Ian MacNaughton

(Pictures courtesy of the artists and The Piper Gallery)

Louie Spence to take on ‘Saving The Nation’ in new Gocompare.com TV campaign.

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Louie Spence is the latest star to take on ‘Saving The Nation’ in the new Gocompare.com TV campaign. 

Following in the footsteps of Ray Mears, Stuart Pearce and Sue Barker, the Dancing on Ice judge is on a quest to Save The Nation from notorious tenor, Gio Compario. 

Launching on Monday, 12th November, the Christmas themed ad sees Gio adorned in Christmas tinsel and forced to dance along to a video of Louie flamboyantly prancing around. Viewers may also be surprised (and relieved!) that there’s something obviously missing from this ad.

Kevin Hughes, chief finance and marketing officer, Gocompare.com, commented, “We have had a great reaction to our Saving The Nation campaign so far and hope to see this continue with our latest ad starring the insatiable Louie Spence. This instalment is a lot of fun and Louie manages to silence our moustachioed tenor in a completely different way to previous celebrities. This is also the only instalment that will not feature the famous “Go Compare!” song – we know that some people find the song annoying so this is our gift to the nation at Christmas.”

Frankie and Benny’s Launch New Cocktail Range | Review

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Frost popped along to Frankie and Benny’s to check out their new cocktail range and have some food. I had a delicious crab  cake followed by a calamari caesar salad. For desert I had a chocolate milkshake. The calamari was fried and delicious and the crab cake came with a good sauce. The milkshake was also very good. The food is very filling and the portions are generous. We tried the cocktails below. Find out what your cocktail says about you.

My colleague also had crab cake for a started and had spaghetti carbonara, Which they said was very good. finishing off with a Vanilla milkshakes. The atmosphere was also good.

What does your cocktail say about you?

 

We all know how stressful being a mum can be, taking care of the whole family often leaves very little ‘me time’.   Between cooking family meals, getting kids ready for school and running the house, plus often working a full time job, it’s easy to see how many mums end up frazzled!  With that in mind, Frankie & Benny’s has launched its new cocktail menu to encourage mums to take time out and sip on a delicious cocktail.  So what does your cocktail of choice say about you?

 

Mojito

Ladies who can’t resist a bit of spice will love this cool Cuban cocktail.  Made with fresh lime, mint and sugar, plus a generous splash of Bacardi rum, a mojito drinker is sure to be the first on the dance floor, ready to spice up any night.

 

Appletini

This fun and flirty drink is perfect for ladies who just want to have fun.  Packed with Eristoff vodka, pressed apple juice and gingerbread syrup, this delightful drink is sure to get the party started. 

 

Cosmopolitan

A sexy and sassy Cosmopolitan is a great choice for those who like to keep it classic.  This zingy and zesty drink comprises vodka, triple sec and cranberry juice creating a cool and crisp taste.  Cosmo ladies love a bit of city glamour and always paint the town pink.

 

Classic Sour

For ladies who like to be adventurous, this quirky cocktail is available with Jack Daniels, Amaretto or Midori and finished with fresh lemon juice, egg whites for added smooth and is topped off with sugar.  It’s the ideal choice for someone who likes to stand out from the crowd.

 

Espresso Martini

This rich and sumptuous drink is ideal for ladies looking for a classic cocktail with a twist.  Fresh espresso teamed with vodka and a coffee liqueur offers an instant caffeine hit, a brilliant blend for any modern mum who is in need of a pick-me-up!

 

 

 

Gentle Breeze

A delicious non-alcoholic cocktail for those who like to behave rather than rave!  This drink combines a delicious blend of apple juice, cranberry and citrus juices and is served over ice, offering the designated driver something delightful to sip on.

 

Bramble

For ladies with a mysterious edge, this deliciously dark cocktail is a tasty mix of Bombay Sapphire gin and black raspberry liqueur.  An added kick of fresh lemon means this drink really packs a punch.

 

I AM IN LOVE Release New Single

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“Ethereal and beautiful”

Edith Bowman, BBC Radio 1

“A very talented band, really good”
Huw Stephens, BBC Radio 1

“A lot of love for this band”
Greg James, BBC Radio 1

NME: “the ’80s synthpop of Depeche Mode and the dark twang of The Cure”

Breaking More Waves: “With a dark, dirty urgency this is a gritty piece of ear sex’

Burning Ear: “Bust out your best songs of 2012 lists because it’s time to add another jam”

Palm is the third single from Leicester based shoe-gaze electro 4-piece I AM IN LOVE.

Having scored a spot on BBC Radio 1’s playlist with their debut single I Want You, Palm shows the band continuing their fine form, exploring further their unique brand of dark and emotive electro-indie.

Stunning vocals entwine with harmonious synths and spiky guitars, whilst pulsating beats and basses underpin the remarkable melodies. The chants of the chorus radiate an infectious energy.

In the live environment the band are formidable. This summer has seen the band embark upon a hectic run of summer dates across Europe, stopping off in Germany, Spain, France and culminating in a string of UK festivals. Their non-stop touring schedule continues across Europe this Autumn.

Release date: 22nd October 2012 on Velocity Sounds Records

http://www.facebook.com/iaminlovemusic

Unlock iPhone 4 and 4S cash value for the new iPhone 5

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Mazuma Mobile, the UK’s leading mobile phone recycler has released the current prices consumers can expect to get for their current iPhone handsets as Apple make iPhone 5 announcements. Mazuma expects to see high volumes of the iPhone 4 & 4s to be sent to them as soon as Apple announce the release of its latest handset mirroring the 2011 4S launch. Mazuma recycle over 20,000 handsets per week, with iPhone launches representing the biggest spikes in consumers wanting to unlock the cash value stored in their current handsets.

Charlo Carabott UK MD says: Generally speaking, we expect very high volumes of iPhone 4 and 4S to be recycled worldwide once the iPhone 5 is available. More so than any other iPhone release, simply for the reason that Apple sold more iPhone 4 and 4S than previous models and the iPhone 5 has been long awaited. For consumers wanting to maximise the return they get, we would recommend getting their handsets in early!”

Currently Consumers can get the following prices from Mazuma Mobile for their current iPhones:

·     iPhone 4 8GB- £145
·     iPhone 4 16GB- £150
·     iPhone 4 32GB- £155
·     iPhone 4s 16GB- £250
·     iPhone 4s 32GB- £275
·     iPhone 4s 64GB- £300

*Prices correct at going to press

 

 

Mazuma is committed to safely and efficiently recycling old mobile phones, mainly through reuse. Mazuma’s reconditioned mobile phones are sent for reuse to a number of developing countries where there is a demand for used phone handsets.

www.mazumamobile.com

Thanks For The Warm Up: The Paralympics on C4

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Wednesday August 29th – Sunday 9th September

After years of working and waiting, countless months of heady anticipation, weeks of building excitement, and a not-too-shabby test event, the Paralympics have finally arrived. For 12 days, viewers of Channel 4 will witness unfettered sporting brilliance, courage, talent, triumph and tragedy, as dreams are made and broken in the cauldron of top class competitive sport.

The London 2012 Paralympic Games will be the biggest event in Channel 4’s history. Close to 500 hours of live coverage will be broadcast during the twelve days of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, marking the most extensive Paralympic Games coverage ever broadcast in the UK.

Multiple channels and platforms will broadcast live sport on Channel 4, More4 and online at Channel4.com. Three further live streams will feature uninterrupted live coverage of events from across the Paralympic Games, on-air from early morning through to late evening.

The Channel 4 presenting team for the Paralympic Games will be a ground-breaking line-up featuring top sports broadcasters, former Paralympians and new disabled talent. Half of the presenters and reporters covering the Games for Channel 4 will be disabled. Eight of the on-air team have come through our nationwide talent search carried out in 2010 to find the best new disabled presenters.

Viewers will also find their enjoyment of the sports on offer enhanced by Lexi, a graphic system that will explain the classification system involved in Paralympic sport. Lexi is made up of graphics which broadly illustrate disability types within sporting classes.

The London 2012 Paralympic Games will be the biggest, and hopefully the best, in history. Thousands of remarkable athletes will perform in some amazing venues in front of passionate and knowledgeable crowds. Watch it all on Channel 4, and enjoy an extraordinary swansong to this once-in-a-lifetime summer of sport.

Paralympic Games Breakfast Show

A surprising, inspiring and eclectic mix of the best of Paralympic sport served up daily from 7 until 9.15am.

Hosted by Kelly Cates and Rick Edwards the show covers the very best of all the great moments of the Games. There are live injects from the main venues, analysis of the triumphs and heartbreak and close-up features of the lives of the superhumans we’re all watching. The Breakfast Roadshow is trekking across the country every morning shining a light on the home-town unsung heroes who’ve helped the athletes achieve their dreams.

In the studio we’re investigating cybernetics, prosthetics and all manner of Paralympic paraphernalia. The audience is invited to join in via tweets, texts and all forms of social media and there’s a wide range of studio guests.

Morning
Jonathan Edwards and Daraine Mulvihill introduce an action-packed morning of sport from the Olympic Park. Among the sports regularly featured are Athletics, Swimming, Equestrian and Table Tennis. From the pressure of the heats, to the drama and excitement of the finals, we’ll be on hand to bring you closer to the competitors as they bid for Paralympic glory.

Afternoon
Comprehensive coverage of the afternoon action from the London Paralympics where Cycling and Equestrian take centre stage, alongside team sports like Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby and 5-a-side and 7-a-side Football.

Arthur Williams and Georgie Bingham are your hosts for this inspiring sporting extravaganza, bringing you the personalities behind the athletes and getting under the skin of the Games.

Teatime
At 5.30pm every evening of the Paralympics make a date with the big finals at the Aquatics Centre. The world’s finest swimmers hold centre stage in this hour with as many as seven gold medals up for grabs before 6.30. Athletics kicks in soon afterwards as do the team sports such as Wheelchair Basketball and Sitting Volleyball. Clare Balding and Ade Adepitan present the best of the action.

7.30 Peak
The day’s action at the Paralympics reaches its climax through the evening with more gold medals on offer between now and 10.30 than at any other time of the day. The swimming finals continue in the Aquatics Centre; the track finals come thick and fast in the Olympic Stadium; and the team sports – Wheelchair Basketball and Rugby among them – are guaranteed to provide bone-crunching moments. The presenters are Clare Balding and Ade Adepitan.

THE LAST LEG with Adam Hills
Adam Hills presents an alternative review of each day at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, showing all the best gems of action and taking a sideways look at the intricacies of disability sport. Adam will be joined each night by his eagle-eyed sidekick Josh Widdicombe, as well as guests from the worlds of sport and entertainment, to pore over the golden moments, confront some of the widely held views associated with Paralympic sport, and answer the questions you were always afraid to ask.

Reporters, Commentators and Analysts
The presenting team will be joined by reporters discovered during Channel 4’s search for disabled talent in 2010; including former Paralympic swimmer Rachael Latham, sports reporter and wheelchair basketball player Jordan Jarret-Bryan, former carpenter Martin Dougan, researcher Liam Holt, sports journalist Alex Brooker, and para-equestrian rider Diana Man. The reporting team will also include renowned broadcasters such as Sonja McLaughlan, Ned Boulting and Adam Darke.

A hugely experienced commentary and analysis line-up will include John Rawling and Rob Walker as well as former Paralympic sprinter Danny Crates, former Paralympic wheelchair racer Jeff Adams and former British sprinter Katherine Merry on athletics; Bob Ballard and Paul Noble alongside former swimmers Giles Long and Karen Pickering at the aquatics centre; Phil Liggett and Jon Norfolk in cycling; Ronald McIntosh and Dan Johnson on basketball; Andrew Cotter and Justin Frishberg for wheelchair rugby; Don Parker on table tennis; Tony Jones for football; Simon Golding on volleyball, powerlifting and fencing; Neil Adams and Simon Jackson on judo; and Chris Dennis covering Tennis.

Live Streams:
Three further live streams, C4 Paralympics Extra 1, 2 and 3, will feature uninterrupted live coverage of events from across the Paralympic Games, on-air from early morning through to late evening. The three streams will be broadcast on Sky, Freesat and Virgin Media (numbers to follow)

Jon Snow’s Paralympic Show
In the run up to the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Jon Snow will present a nightly show, starting on Monday 20th August at 7:30pm.

Well-known celebrities and faces from the world of sport and entertainment join Jon Snow’s live nightly weekday countdown to the eagerly anticipated London 2012 Paralympic Games; the biggest event in Channel 4’s history. Jon invites viewers to join in the wave of enthusiasm and excitement, as over 4000 elite disabled athletes descend on London. During the week presenter Clare Balding, leaves the comfort of the TV studio to try her hand at equestrian dressage with the man who dominates the medals in this sport – Paralympic gold medallist Lee Pearson. Comedian Jimmy Carr visits Headley Court, the MOD’s rehabilitation centre, where rower Captain Nick Beighton and some of his Paralympics GB teammates spent time after returning with horrific injuries from Afghanistan. Martine Wiltshire, 7/7 London bombing victim, explains why the number seven has become a good omen as she gets ready to compete in the women’s sitting volleyball competition. Sue Kent, the only massage therapist in the UK qualified to ply her trade using only her feet, practises on Olympic champion and Channel 4 Paralympic sports presenter Jonathan Edwards, before heading into the Paralympic village to look after the athletes. And Ade Adepitan, checks out The Village, where over 4000 athletes are staying for the Paralympic Games. As a Paralympian himself, will he find the accommodation and surrounding areas accessible and up to scratch? Exec Prods: Michelle Fobler and Gareth Rees; Prod Co: Boomerang

Jon Snow’s Paralympic Show, week nights from Monday 20th – Tuesday 28th August at 7:30pm.

We love: Avril Lavigne's 'What The Hell'

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Avril Lavigne’s lastest nugget of angsty delight hit iTunes on Monday, and has already soared past Bruno Mars and Katy Perry to nab the No.2  spot behind Ms Spears’ ‘Hold It Against Me’. It’s the first single from her fourth studio album ‘Goodbye Lullaby’ (due March 8), and although we’re not quite hearing the promised evidence of a more mature Avril (it certainly doesn’t sound like the offering of a recent divorcée), it is undeniably, arrestingly catchy.

Despite her absence from the charts we’ve grown fonder of Avril over the last year or so. Mainly because we’re highly impressionable tweens at heart, and so when ‘Keep Holding On’ featured in Season One of Glee and then Cher Lloyd sang the crap out of ‘Girlfriend’ on X-Factor we were reminded of her in the most favourable light possible. And irritating though it can be when a woman in her mid twenties looks and sings like a 14-year-old (‘yeah’ & ‘woah’ are to Avril what ‘uh’ is to Britney), she does come up trumps when it comes to peppy, infectious girlypunk. You can try to resist, we say don’t bother.

Why we love What The Hell:

1. The lyrics. They’re just so darn sympathetic. Who among us hasn’t at times needed to “be a little crazy” and wanted nothing more than to “mess around”?

2. The barest, faintest, flicker of pain: “You can’t save me”, “You never call or listen to me anyway”. We’re imagining Avril in a Skins-type scenario, starved of affection from the one she truly loves, and therefore doing the natural thing, ie: put it recklessly about. “Yeah, I am messing with your head, When I’m messing with you in bed”- Effy anyone?

3. The tune. It’s VERY similar to Girlfriend. But we loved Girlfriend as well, so that’s fine.

4. The pure shamelessness of a 26 year old refusing to grow up . Obstinate, foolhardy party-pop, let it wash over you…

Fall in love: