♥ The Best Gifts Valentine's Gifts for Her ♥

Whatever your view Valentine's Day, if you're in a relationship it's likely you'll be doing something special come Friday 14th. But what's appropriate to buy your partner at different stages of the relationship? Here's my advice for perfect presents.

1. DIY

If you're good with your hands creatively speaking, take advantage! Save some pennies and make her something; think slushy poems, mixtapes and photo albums capturing memories you've shared. And surprises are always a plus.

 

 

2. Something Sparkly

Jewellery. This word can make many a female weak. The critical thing is to make her feel loved by knowing her taste, and it's best to save the pricey jewellery for when you're in a long term partnership because you're only going to put pressure on yourself to purchase pricey future presents.

 3. New Experiences

Why not take advantage of Valentine's Day and reveal your romantic side? Get tickets to a concert you'll both enjoy, book a getaway or go to spa together and chill out- think escapism.

4. Something Useful

Only consider this if you know your partner like the back of your hand. If you're in a long term relationship, it's likely to be acceptable to ask your loved one for gift ideas, perhaps utensils, pyjamas, office clothing etc.

 

 5. Clothing, Fragrance & Other Girly Stuff

 

If you've opted to buy her clothing, it must be something she'll look and feel fantastic in, and be certain you've got her size right! There's nothing worse than offending your partner by getting something that's too big.
 

Perfume is a decent option but tricky to get right, yet if you're successful it can be something you both enjoy. Bubble bath and pretty toilettries can be a lovely gift too.

 Make-up is another strong possibility, as long as it's decent quality and similar to what's already in her make-up bag; don't be too adventurous!

 

 

6. Underwear

For most of the male population, this should be avoided like the plague. Getting her size right is imperative, as is style. Lingerie shopping is tough to master but if done well, you'll purchase something girly, gorgeous and great for you both.

 

 

7. Dinner, Chocolates & Flowers

If you go out for dinner regularly, it's best this isn't the only present you get her. Cooking can also be greatly appreciated and could just be the way to her heart.
 

Although chocolates and flowers can be wonderful gestures let's face it, they'll either be dead or eaten in a few days so buy her something can treasure for years, or at least months, to come.


Whatever gift you chose on February 14th, they should be thoughtfully tailored to the individual; if you know and love them, you're sure to buy something she'll love too. ♥

Demo Review: King Cobra- (21/12/2013- Self-Released)

A bold four piece Rock 'n' Roll band based in Twickenham, London, King Cobra are, in their own words, a "straight up, no frills" diverse band delivering old school songs in a modern way. Formed late last year, King Cobra is made up of vocals courtesy of Daniel Marder, Alex Phillips on drums, Oli Holland is the bassist and the band's guitarist is George Sandle. Their influences include Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Airborne and Motorhead and they released their debut demo on 21 December 2013.

Produced by Thomas Hill, who has worked with Artemis and Glow in The Dark Shark and has been mixing for five years, the demo was completed on 1st December. The first track 'Snake Eater' blasts through your ears with a hurried, vigorous instrumental beginning;. It explodes with aggressive power making it obvious that King Cobra make their classic hard rock influences shine through their music but intend to make their own unique, lively flair shine through. The vocals really are dynamic, intense and energetic and but never outshine other instruments, which is a rare, positive aspect in music.
 

The track is surprisingly intrinsically produced and technically fantastic. The blend of old school and innovative styles allow King Cobra to prove their individuality, creativity and professionalism. Their songwriting abilities are well beyond what you expect to find from a band formed just a few short months ago; they clearly know who they want to be as a band and how they intend to showcase their tricky, ambitious musical abilities and passion for what they do.

With its progressive flavour and thundering, thumping rhythms, the demo continues to be slick as hell with as many impressive guitar solos intermingled with instrumental sections that its possible to throw into a demo. And with 'Trapped Inside' emphasising the 80's inspiration that King Cobra have, the fiery track is relentlessly upbeat with a dark edge and the vocals in particular are engaging and vibrant. But it's the final guitar solo that hits you right between the eyes and brings the song to a dramatic end.

With their mysterious, electrifying, old fashioned finesse, the band are able to illustrate their gloomy lyrics juxtaposed with exuberant and colorful style. It's exciting to discover what other skills and styles King Cobra will unravel in their future releases.
 

5/5

 

Check out King Cobra live at Kingston's Fighting Cocks on 23rd March 2013 https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/641834919186571/

Stephen Fry: Using Celebrity Status for Good

Celebrities using their status and intelligence to influence the public's views and opinions in a truly positive and forward thinking manner is something rarely seen in modern society. The majority of celebs use their time, effort and money to enhance or further their own career rather than put their name to something than can really do others the world of good.

 

Stephen Fry is one of the few celebrities who clearly want to make a difference to the world we live in. With a shaky start in life, including getting expelled from two schools for unruly behaviour, Fry has proven he is only human. He also spent three months in prison for credit card fraud. Not only is he open about the darker times in both his past and present but works hard to get his views illustrated effectively whether its through documentaries he produces or presents or statements to the Press.

One of these documentaries is 'HIV and Me', about the terrible hardships that both heterosexual and homosexual people have to deal with once diagnosed with the sexually transmitted disease. It smashes stereotypes and stigmas associated with the condition and informs the audience of the brutal realities.

 

Another was 'Out There' which was a hardhitting documentary exploring the difficulties encountered by those who come out as gay around the globe. Although it's a difficult watch at times, it's worth it to understand the prejudices and dangers that some people still face. For instance, it's shocking to discover that anyone who admits their homosexuality in Uganda is likely to be killed for their 'crime' and girls and women are often circumcised if not killed too. And even in the States, there are various 'therapies' available to homosexuals to rid them of the desire to have relationships with people of the same gender as themselves. By experiencing horrendous revelations such as this, it's no wonder Stephen Fry has severely struggled with mental health issues since a young age.

 

'The Diary of A Manic Depressive' was one of Fry's most successful films was it won an Emmy in 2007. The documentary highlights the effects of living with bipolar disorder, based on the experiences of Fry, other celebrities and members of the public with, or affected by, the disorder. It also happened to be his very first documentary.

 

It was also well publicized when Stephen Fry admitted to attempted suicide back in 2005 as well as 2012. He described his condition as being "...a victim of my own moods"and according to the BBC, Fry consumed a large number of pills and a large amount of vodka. I fact, he took so many pills than the convulsions his body experienced caused him to break four ribs. It was whilst filming 'Out There' that Fry became incredibly low and opted to try to put an end to his internal suffering. Since then, Steven has been taking prescribed medications for his bipolar disorder. It's thought that various confrontations with various anti homosexuality campaigners in Africa, Russia and the US tipped Fry over the edge.

 

 

Stephen Fry is clearly aware of the incredible influence he can have over audiences because of his fame and fortune. He is also aware of the effect it has on his public image and overall career. So whether Fry conducts huge human rights campaigns or documents important issues around the world for the good of the public or his career, at least he is utilizing the status he has in positive ways.

The History of Circus Fest at Camden’s Roundhouse

Since 2010 Circus Fest has given Camden’s Roundhouse a spectacular name as a top venue for quirky circus-inspired events. With the venue doing precisely what it says in the tin, it provides wide-eyed audiences with a truly 360 degree, surreal, theatrical spectacle.

Circus Fest 2014 is five jam-packed weeks of edgy, contemporary circus acts from all over the world- juxtaposing groups from different cultures. It’s an event that hits you right between the eyes and unites not only children and adults, but also those from various backgrounds.

Get rid all you think you know about circuses, acrobatics and performance. Gone are the days of travelling circus skills being passed down from one generation to the next- it’s a tough business out there, with performers now fighting tooth and nail for a place to train or showcase their talent.

Immersive, risky and explosively energetic, Circus Fest is truly original- a circus with a difference! Each act The Roundhouse will play host to world-class, with real attitude and individuality that summaries pop and global cultures. It’s sure to explode out-dated notions and pre-conceptions you have about modern performance and highlight the genius of new wave; placing the extraordinary, expressive and eclectic into the spotlight.

Each act’s incredible staging, scenery, lighting and choreography will make you feel the need for more than one pair of eyes- they all showcase their own concept ad stylistic edge, such as Circus Fest 2010 performers Circuolumbia, who are an urban and rap act with exuberant, physically demanding acrobatics, stunts and dance.

With original scores, storylines, sharp characters and stunningly elaborate costumes, there’s so much more to Circus Fest than clowns, jugglers and ringmasters. They are aesthetically pleasing productions with cool, international talent.

From 26 March- 27 April, The Roundhouse will be home to some of the world’s best current acrobatic circus acts. So if you’re after a fresh, weird and wonderful experience get your tickets now!

For more information and tickets check out: www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/productions/circusfest-2014

Kids In Glass Houses- Keeping You on Your Toes

 With noble Pontycymmer beginnings, four albums, and a reinvention and re-reinvention under their belts, Pop Rock quintet Kids In Glass Houses have had more style and sound changes over the years than your average Welsh lads. Since they first stormed onto the music scene back in 2007, the band have been steady as a tightrope walker on the highest wire, with no member changes and a studio album every couple of years.

The Pop-Punkers have released tor dates for this coming March, just to refresh fans' memories that they really put on a killer live show. It's also a chance for the band to gain a little more feedback and reactions from their devotees. Kids in Glass Houses will be playing shows from 15th-30th March 2014 in Cleethorpes, Liverpool and Newcastle- including Takedown Festival alongside the likes of Funeral For A Friend and Canterbury. They'll also be hitting Liverpool later this month. Visit their website to check out more details: http://kidsinglasshouses.com/live/.

It's safe to say the band are keeping details of any new material under wraps and taking it easy in terms of how many gigs they're putting themselves through over the coming months. But fans can be sure that Kids in Glass Houses will be playing shows all over the UK in the Summer. You can still nab their latest album 'Peace' that was released inSeptember,-or there's a deluxe version if that's what you want.. https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/peace-deluxe-version/id681193836.
 

 

There's also plenty of new merch from the band to keep you looking fly until the next Kids in Glass Houses concert you attend. From beanies, to varsity jackets, t-shirts, scarves and hoodies- whatever you're after, their store has what you want, http://kigh.bigcartel.com/.

Whether it's listening to their latest work, buying some new Kids in Glass Houses merchandise or going to one of their gigs, the band are sure to keep you on your toes in the coming year.

George Osborne Proposes Minimum Wage Rises

Chancellor George Osborne has stated he wants to see the National minimum wage rise above inflation levels. If approved, the rise, sources say may ease pain for businesses, most likely with more cuts in employers’ National Insurance incomes.

Osborne said, "We have worked hard to get to this point and we can start to enjoy the fruits of all that hard work" and he reported to the BBC that our "economy can now afford" to raise the rate.

 

 

The National minimum wage is currently £6.31 an hour for people over the age of 21, £5.03 for workers aged 18--20 and under 18s rake in just £3.72 per hour.
 

Mr. Osborne told the BBC's Political Editor Nick Robinson that he hopes that wages will increase by £7 per hour by 2015 for its value to return to where it was before the economic downturn struck. The rate is recommended by the Low Pay Commission, which is overseen by Liberal Democrat Business Secretary, Vince Cable. "Because we are fixing the economy; because we are working through our plan; I believe Britain can afford an above-inflation increase in the minimum wage so we restore its real value for people and we make sure we have a recovery for all and that work always pays." said Cable. 

 

Robinson said that this announcement was likely to trigger an argument within the coalition with the Liberal Democrats accusing the Conservatives of taking credit for their policy ideas.Conservative Osborne's proposal comes after Labour claimed that the current economic upturn has not yet been transferred to the public and into transforming general living standards. He also attacked the Labour Party by stating that it was actually Labour's own fault for their negative perception in the Media and from the British public.

  

He said the coalition, since coming to power in 2010, had "rescued the country from the brink of disaster and got us into a position where we can now see the minimum wage going up for people and, more broadly. I want living standards to go up for the whole country as we fix the economy." But Mike Cherry of the Federation of Small Businesses said: ‘This (increase) is going to cause...real problems...it’s going to cost jobs..." And Yet the Conservative Party cannot deny the fact that working people earn on average £1,600 a year worse off since they came to office.
  

 The Conservatives organically opposed the creation of the national minimum wage in 1999, to which Osborne said: "The Conservative Party in the 1990s was on the wrong side of the argument... The...Party has changed. It's (now) a modern...Party in touch with the country." He added that the government was planning another "big increase" in the amount of money people can earn before paying income tax and defended his plans to remove a further £12 billion from the country's welfare budget.

George Osborne is also prepared to offer more tax breaks for businesses to help compensate them for an inflation busting rise in the minimum wage, Government sources say. If the rise is approved by the Independent Low Pay Commission, Government sources say he is likely to ease the pain for businesses, most likely with more cuts in employers’ National Insurance contributions.
 

The Chancellor’s announcement of a possible minimum wage increase delighted most Tory MPs, who believe it will eradicate Labour claims that only the most wealthy British citizens are enjoying the benefits many of the slow and steady economic recovery.
 

Almost two thirds of UK voters think a hung parliament at the next election would be bad for the country , but half believe it will happen anyway. Revealing that Britain is turning against the entire concept of a coalition, a survey found that 60% now say the joining of two parties in power was bad for Britain, which is almost double the figure for those who believe it was positive.
 

It's interesting to note that this swoop is predicted to come into practice just 7 months before the next general election and it has arrived on the eve of a heavily anticipated major speech by Ed Miliband about the economy in which he is to call for limits on the size of high street banks.
 

Political voters must always retain how competitive Political parties are against one another, and proposal often take a vast amount of time to be approved, put into practice and eventually have an effect on Britons and our finances.

Single Review: Oli Spleen- Brother Let Me Live

As frontman of Pink Narcissus and previously The Flesh Happening and Machine, Brighton boy Oli Spleen likes to keep himselft busy. He's also a solo artist in his own right and will release his debut record 'Fag Machine' this coming Autumn. Previously branded as 'queer electro pop' and personally labelling his music as Faggoth / Pink Rock / Eclectro / Post Spunk, Oli is very quirky with his sense of style, sexualised persona and general sound as an artist. He makes no apologies for expressing himself or indirectly offending anyone.

His latest single 'Brother Let Me Live' was released on 5th January 2014 and it's certainly safe to say, Oli has started the New Year with a bang! Taking and blending influences from the music of the 1970’s and 80’s (from glam to punk, goth, electro, pop and disco) Spleen combined his influences to create a new sound that complimentes his ideas. He mainly aims to explore issues and themes he has abandoned in the past with Pink Narcissus, such as his sexuality and a sense of alienation.

With his bleak, monotone vocals, Spleen expresses his awkward emotions throughout 'Brother Let Me Live' by being seemingly emotionless on the outside. Even the music video for this track takes on a no-frills idea. Filmed at this year's Gay Pride (most likely in Brighton), Oli stands in front of the roaring, raging crowds, suggesting that he feels he even fails to merge with the gay scene at times.
The angsty, grunge melody is just subtle enough to allow Oli's vocals to come across as hazy and montonous yet mesmerising- almost as if he's aiming to tap into his listeners minds and emotions.

The concept and perspective of the song is dark yet expresses Spleen’s overriding urge to be uncompromisingly himself. His style is unapologetically British in the sense that is subtly expresses is negative sense of self-worth but encourages listeners to 'free their tortured soul...".

'Brother Let Me Live', with its musicality as repetive as Oli Spleen's overall message and concepts, is also underwhelming is the best sense- with an added bite. Its subtly is really what makes it and carries the message strongly.

3/5