Blog of the Week: Besotted with Books

So summer is nearly upon us, which means putting your feet up (if you're a student like me) for a few months and hopefully flying off to somewhere hot and exotic for a bit of sightseeing and travelling. Or if you'd rather, sun, sex and Sambuca if you're into that.

But if you're more cultured, like myself, then you'll waste no time checking out the local tourist spots and rich heritage on your holiday, as well as cramming any spare time with a good read.

Which is why this weeks Blog of the Week is fantastic. You see, I'm one of those people that just grabs any old book on offer from Waterstones (usually when they're on 3 for 2) which looks interesting. A quick read of the blurb, a scan of the front cover and I'm done. Well, so long as it fits nicely into the action/ adventure/ crime category.

Besotted by Books however has helped me expand my own personal library. Featuring a mix of reviews, news and opinion on all things books, the blog has a refreshing yet comprehensive line up of books.

Appealing to the Adult/ YA age groups, the blog is run by Natalie Frampton, a fond friend of mine and former colleague, who juggles her busy family life and work on top of running the blog.

Natalie is often my number one source for all things books, and I am forever bumping into her in Waterstones (I would put money on the fact that she is the Alton branch's number one customer!) Her knowledge in her field is evident, just ask some of her 240 odd followers on her blog!

What I like most about her blog is that she combines different online elements to form a really unique, professional blog. Her YouTube videos are fantastic, and she really interacts well with her followers. She is an avid user of Twitter too, so has all the bases covered.

A recent review of hers led me to buying 'A Night to Remember', the book based on the tales of passengers on the Titanic. Struggling to choose which Titanic novel to pick, I read the review and asked Natalie herself for her advise. Eventually, after three nights of little sleep, I had finished the book and was over-the-moon with a new addition to add to my book shelf. The book was fantastic, and no doubt I, like many others who follow her blog, owe Natalie a big thank you.

You can find her blog here: Besotted with Books
You can also follow Natalie on Twitter: @NatFrampton

Picture Courtesy of Besotted with Books

Previous 'Blog of the Week' posts:

- Midomi

- Tasha on TV

- This is Alton

- Mode de la Mode
- Catastrophic Findings

The New Zealand Diaries: No.11 - Who needs Victoria Falls?

If you ever get the chance to experience New Zealand, you'll realise just how breathtaking the landscape is. At times, it felt like I was holidaying in the Amazon rainforest, with the vivid colours, cool climate and dense bush.

And experiencing Purakaunui Falls was like the icing on the cake. A stunning, natural waterfall hidden in the middle of the rainforest.

Like an oasis, the waterfall was magical. Blue, fresh spring water splashing down on to smooth, mountain rock, creating a haze that could match the spray from Niagra or Victoria.

The falls are located a small way down a forest track, making it easy for visitors to find. Yet the walk was fun, offering visitors the chance to look up into the trees for various birds, and watching underfoot for any insects or small mammals. Most of it was untouched, and the whole experience seemed very natural, as if I was the first person to explore this wilderness.

With any falls, the sound is the first thing you notice when approaching. Imagine the relaxing sound of water trickling down onto your window pane, only this time louder and more aggressive. Kind of relaxing really.

Then there's the smell. Hard to explain, it was a mixture of wet wood and the freshest air possible (if that is a smell!?) It was great just to stop and breath the atmosphere in, soak it in if you pardon the pun!

Then you see it. A small footbridge takes you right to the heart of the small stream, as you witness the water cascading down from quite some way up. The waterfall is tiered in several places, making it even more magical.

The chance to see such a creation was rather humbling, and definitely worth the twenty minute walk to. If you get the chance, make sure you bring your camera!

(First photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Read more from The New Zealand Diaries:

No.10 - There he blows!

No.9 - Baaaaaaarmy!

No.8 - If you go down to Owaka today...you're sure of a big surprise!

No.7 - Golden Nuggets!

No.6 - Christmas down under

No.5 - The steepest street in the world

No.4 - Food, glorious food
No.3 - Brighton Beach, but not as you know it!
No.2 - The Good Life
No.1 - Don't Fly Qantas

Review of the Week: Q Magazine

Men's magazine. It's either boobs or more boobs.

Ok, so maybe that's a bit harsh. There are genuinely some decent titles out there. Forget Zoo and Nuts, FHM is a favourite of mine. The magazine has gone through a rapid makeover in recent months, with better interviews, photos and a fantastic Men's fashion section. Then you have Esquire and GQ, all very nice but all for the rich and upper class man. I just end up drooling over the Austin Read suits and pictures of Kiera Knightley, knowing that there's little chance of me getting either (I live in hope!)

So facing a dilemma over what glossy magazine to choose from, I decided to try my luck at Q Magazine. All I knew about Q was that it was a music magazine. I presumed it targeted men, and I gathered it would probably cover more indie artists, judging from the cover.

But alas, I was pleasantly surprised. You see, Q is more of a music bible. It covers every genre possible, from Nicki Minaj in R&B to Icelandic classic/ rock legends Sigur RA.

From just one magazine, I've opened up my mind, and ears, to a whole new wrath of music from people I had never even heard of, yet listened too. Suddenly, my iPod has hits from Santigold, Alabama Shakes, Saint Etienne and many many more.

The best thing about Q is their fantastic music reviews. Not only are they up-to-date, they offer a comprehensive library of artists, again across all genres. Each review gives you information about the artists, as well as selected songs that you should listen too. For me, this was vital, because it meant I could listen to the artists immediately just by searching for their music.

But Q is not all about reviews either. It also features articles on topical news items, such as illegal ticket sites and several interviews with artists and many other personalities. The magazine is also packed with all the latest pictures and gossip from within the music industry.

Altogether, it makes for a really interesting read, and has definitely changed how I view the music industry. So for any man out there struggling to find a decent glossy magazine to read whilst your girlfriend catches up with OK!, try Q. It will rock your world!

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

Friend for Friday: Nigel Farage

This weeks Friend for Friday is UKIP leader Nigel Farage. Forever in the limelight, usually for the wrong reasons, Farage causes controversy and occasionally has some good points to make.
I joined him in late 2010, where we discussed the EU, politics and students (interesting to note that he made me conduct the interview outside, because he wanted to smoke!)

Recently elected UKIP leader, his second time at the job, as well as the South-East MEP for England since 1999, Nigel has been in and out of the media regularly. Whether it is his party's failure in the general election, appearances on Have I got News for You? on the other hand, his near-death in his recent plane crash, we have all the information on his political career.

Have you any advice for students who wish for a career in politics?
Well the main thing is to enjoy it, and that is what I do. I enjoy being a politician. If you enjoy it, you believe in what you do and the rest will follow! That is my best advice anyway.

You suffered severe injuries in a plane crash on May 6th 2010. Has this changed your view on life at all?
Well I had a miraculous escape, I was very lucky indeed. I mean my political agenda has not changed, however I have adopted the ‘live life to the full’ approach. You only live once, and I realise that now!

You are the MEP for our local area; the South East of England. What would you say your most important role has been as MEP, which you were elected as in 1999?
When I went into the EU, most of the people of this country had no idea what the EU was. My job, my philosophy has been to unravel the secrecy which is tied around Brussels, and give information back to the people of this country. I honestly believe I have shaped public opinion since my appointment.

You were once fined by the European Parliament for describing the President as having ‘the charisma of a damp rag and the appearance of a low paid bank clerk’. This links to many other public blasts you have made in the past (Prince Charles was a famous one.) This has led some commentators to dub you ‘anti - Europe’ - is this true?
It is certainly not true. I believe in what I believe in, and reflect my party’s views and ideology. If the public do not like my opinion and those of UKIP then they would not vote for us, however our recent success shows that we did do well (they came second behind the Conservative party at the most recent EU Elections.)

What about the party's failure in the 2010 General Election (the party secured no MPs). Would this suggest people are changing their views on your party?
No, I do not think so. At different elections, people vote differently. It is that simple. Yes, it was not what we hoped for, however I hope my appointment as UKIP leader will change this view. My aim is to not sit there and argue about changing our country for the better, it is doing something about it, which I feel strongly for!

Finally, you are no beginner to the media world. Whether it's public speaking, criticism in national papers and a memory that sticks with me personally is you being a guest on Have I got News for you - would you say you are a fan of being in the limelight?
(Laughs) You take the rough with the smooth. I love being part of these shows, and I enjoy the criticism! It is as simple as that.

Interviewed by Kieran Watkins

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

Darcey Bussell joins Strictly Come Dancing

The BBC announced today that Darcey Bussell would be joining the judging panel for their hit dance show Strictly Come Dancing.

Replacing the gap left by singer-songwriter Alesha Dixon, who was poached by ITV and Simon Cowell to appear on Britain's Got Talent, rumours were rife with who was going to replace the former Strictly champ.

Hot favourite Karen Hardy, a favourite with viewers, was supposedly leading the race to fill the shoes left by Alesha. Karren, who has previously been a professional on the show and had recently been covering the show's red button coverage, certainly has the skills and dance knowledge that Ms Dixon lacked.

Other contenders included 2010 winner Kara Tointon, choreographer Karen Bruce and former professional Camilla Dallerup.

Even Arlene Phillips was suggested as a possible contender, despite the fiasco surrounding her exit from the show in 2007. The star, who was a judge on the recently axed So you think you can dance? was again, a firm favourite with fans, but was unlikely to be reconsidered by the Beeb, who were heavily criticised for sacking her in the first place.

But eventually, the role went to Darcey Bussell. The ballet star, a former principal dancer at the Royal Ballet, was hotly tipped for the role after impressing producers back in 2007, when she was a guest judge.

The 42 year-old star, world-renown for her ballet and performances, has the experience, the knowledge and the expertise on dance. A favourite with the judges, Craig Revel Horwood recently revealed that if he could pick anyone to join him on the judging panel, he would pick Darcey.

Yet, I was surprised with the reaction from some fans. It seems that despite her expertise, the fans feel she won't fit on the panel.

This seems slightly hypocritical. When Alesha Dixon replaced Arlene Phillips, fans were in uproar about the judging changes. Not only did they criticise the new judges expertise - lets be frank, she didn't have any - but they called for her to be replaced even before Alesha was given screen time.

During Alesha's three year stint, the show has seen a ratings boost, thanks to an improved set, new professional dancers and a much high calibre of celebrities. Some viewers even started to like Alesha, who it has to be said did improve each series, if only by a fraction.

So why the anger over the new signing? The fans wanted expertise and knowledge over looks and age, and they got it. The BBC delivered, but it seems some people just aren't happy.

So what if she's a ballet star? Watch some of her clips online, especially Viva la Diva - I think you'll realise how much dance knowledge she has. And for those that criticise her tv manner - give her some time will you. Yes, I admit she was boring when she did the guest stint, but that was three years ago! The Beeb obviously know what they're doing, because she went through a vigorous screen test along with Hardy and Bruce.

So please, you hypocritical bunch of old bats, stop moaning about the same old thing. I personally think she'll be FAB-U-LOUS!

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

IVF: is the treatment selfish, irresponsible and damaging?

I was alarmed at recent statistics released by the government this week that showed a huge rise in the number of single women and lesbian couples receiving fertility treatment, more commonly known as IVF.

According to the new figures by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, in 2010 1,571 women received the treatment, a quadruple rise in the number of mothers when compared to only 350 single women in 2007.

The number of lesbian women also seeking treatment has also doubled, from 178 to 417, compared to a rise of just 18% for heterosexual couples.

Without a doubt, IVF has made a huge difference to the many women who have tried and failed to conceive, with IVF giving women a lifeline in their quest for motherhood. It's expensive, but obviously the benefits are priceless when you're handed your new son or daughter some 9 months later.

But my problem isn't with the treatment, it's with the reasons behind it. With these figures in mind, it suggests that women are deliberately choosing the right to care for their child without any help from a 'father figure.'

For me, this is a completely selfish, damaging and irresponsible thing to even consider, let alone do. We've seen the documentaries on 'Broken Britain', we all know the facts that if a child is raised fatherless, they're likely to suffer in later life.

How would you feel, as a mother who was the sole parent of a child, if your 'baby' ended up a drug addict, with no job prospects, no qualifications and his own family to care for? Well, we've all seen it on Jeremy Kyle haven't we.

So what reasons could you have for wanting to bring up a child without a father? I sympathise with Lesbian couples, at least you're getting two role models for your child, but single mothers making the choice to bring up their child on their own, how can you justify your actions?

The fault, it seems, can be traced to the government. When the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act in 2008 removed the requirement for clinics to take into account the child's need for a father-like figure, it gave women a clear path to have babies on their own without the need for a father figure to be present in the household.

Single mothers now have as much right to a child as couples, and although this may seem fairer, undercover documentaries featured on Panorama have also shown that single couples are benefited by bigger benefit handouts by councils, for example.

Is the government creating a climate which promotes single parenting and condones the traditional family? It's fair to say we are a growing community of independent and ambitious individuals, but risking tradition in favour for a minute number of women to start their own single family seems damaging for all parties involved, particularly the child, who is more than likely to suffer.

With religious groups angry with the recent findings, maybe the government should think again at the disturbing trends in Britain towards a 'fatherless society'.

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

Brand British: why are we not supporting it further?

The fashion world was left reeling last week at the shock announcement that British brand Aquascutum has collapsed into administration. Led by owner Harold Tillman, his buyout of the chain in 2009 had high hopes pinned on the luxury retailer success, but merely four years later, the brand has fallen foul to the the credit crunch.

 Of course, a British retailer closing down - the brand has shops and concessions dotted all over the country - is indeed a worry for the already gloomy economy. But my main concern here was echoed in a recent Mail on Sunday article, which suggested that the fashion industry had lost a big champion of the popular 'Brand British'.

To be clear what Brand British actually refers to, i'll explain. Brand British is the rising popularity of British clothing chains. Jaeger, Topshop/Man and brands like Burberry and Mulberg are all flying the flag for Britain, with each label and many others noticing an increasingly prosperous market in places like the Far East. Emerging economies like China just can't get enough of our fashion, and this has become apparent with the rising success of British clothing companies in these countries.

This has been helped too by the popularity of British Fashion Week, personalities like Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Kate and Pippa Middleton, as well as forthcoming events such as the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee.

Which is why the announcement that Aquascutum had called in the administrators was rather alarming. The brand has been at the forefront to the regeneration of the British industry, producing its garments in its own factory in Corby, Northamptonshire.

So why would it call in the administrators, despite the recent success of the British Brand? Well, that remains to be seen. Tillman was a high profile figure in the fashion industry, a friend of the 'retail ratpack' which includes Sir Philip Green and Sir Stuart Rose. He has the knowledge, and his success as chairman of the British Fashion Council highlights this, but only last week he sold Jaeger to a private equity firm.

My thoughts? I think the problem lies much deeper, and can be stemmed back to the government. Because in times of increasing publicity for events such as the Olympics and Jubilee, surely the concern should be on the British Brand.

Look at the Olympic sponsors, for example. Adidas were recently criticised for making the Olympic uniforms and kits in the Far East, allegedly in sweat shops. If you study the main sponsors for the games, you'll realise that very few are actually British companies. Next were awarded the official sponsorship for clothing, but you don't see them advertising 'Brand British'. Sainsburys, who are an official partner for the Paralympics, have made little contribution to the British Brand either.

Like most of these things, it's down to money. If you're going to produce anything anywhere these days, it's not going to be in the UK. Philip Green may claim he wants to move production to the UK, but realistically there are only 50,000 people working in the British clothing manufacturing industry, compared to the 1.2million workers in 1976.

As companies like Arcadia, Marks & Spencer and even Tesco aim to pick up on the success of more established brands like Alexander McQueen, Mulberry and Burberry who have made their successes in foreign countries, its ultimately a question of protecting your investment by cutting costs. Ultimately, this means production is only going to decrease in the UK, and closures of factories such as the Aquascutum one are a consequence.

It's a really big shame, and it's one people like Jeff Banks and Mary Portas, who recently announced her plan to regenerate the British High Street, are keen to point out. On a recent trip to New Zealand, I was amazed at the success of their 'Buy NZ' brand, which was used in supermarkets and chains across the country. It was refreshing to see the 'Made in New Zealand' logo on goods. When was the last time you saw that written on an item of clothing in the UK?

Of course, we're still going to keep on buying our Bangladeshi made clothes from Primark, but as the world looks to Britain for cutting edge fashion, maybe now is the time to ditch the cheap for the quality?

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

Friend for Friday: Jason Passingham

This weeks Friend for Friday is Alton Assembly Rooms manager, Jason Passingham, a local resident with plenty to say and reveal on one of Alton's cherished buildings:

What Part do the Assembly Rooms play in a town like Alton?
The Assembly Rooms in Alton is a great focal point for the town, being situated right in the centre of Alton amongst the high street names, local traders and tourist interests. We offer to local Altonians and others from across Hampshire a number of Halls and Rooms for events and activities for all ages – varying from Drama and Dance, to Arts and Crafts. The Assembly Rooms allow young and old, disabled and well bodied people to try something new and get involved with their local community.

How have the rooms changed over time, seeing as they were founded in 1880!?
Yes, with our 130^th Anniversary two years ago, it does show what a reliable and accessible focal point the Assembly Rooms have created. The rooms have been occupied by Dance Halls, Cinema, Council Offices and even a hospital! Elaborating on this – we have been well known in the Dance Community – with classes ranging from Folk to Street Dance, however we have strong mediums in our Drama, Art and Horticultural sessions too.

You mentioned you have a range of activities and interests for young people – so what do you actually offer for students like us?

Most of our activities may have certain target audiences; however we have many Groups that offer student participation. For example, our Art Groups have been running competitions recently for young aspiring artists, and the Alton Operatic Drama Society (AODS) continually present Alton with a mix of young and old performers and actors. I do admit though, that our demographic has been aimed more to an older generation, considering that many people in the area are of an older age – however we are working to create a more integrated society by mixing the young and old together. That’s one of our main aims at the moment: to encourage the whole community to come together, instead of being pigeonholed into different categories.

How will you get more young people inspired in the Assembly Rooms?

Well, we have many rooms holding many different organisations and events, which are mostly free or cost a limited amount of money. Our dance and drama programmes already accommodate young people, and this is increasing with out horticultural and art groups. The recent production of Dracula, although expensive, successfully targeted and reached a young audience – and we hope to offer more of these productions and events in the near future.

Elaborating on the future – what events/ plans have you got in the pipeline?

One of the main things we have had through response and surveys is the inclusion of a professional pantomime, which many Altonians would like to see in the Assembly Rooms.
We are looking into many new ventures, as well as keeping up our ties with local establishments like Holybourne Theatre and the Community Centre. We are also trying to create more of a presence through advertising. We have plans, like talks on dinosaurs or special art days, but we need to get this known to people. The recent creation of a Facebook page and our continued communication through the local press are helping spread the message. I understand and relish the fact that the youth are the way forward and that we need to incorporate more students and young adults into the Assembly Rooms!

So all in all, how would you sum up the Assembly Rooms?

Alton Assembly Rooms has and will always try to integrate the community of Alton through the various mix and diversity of productions, events and activities available for them; by working on our ties with Alton College and the students of Alton, we hope to embody a mixture of ages into the rooms.

Interviewed by Kieran Watkins and Clare Vigers

You can find out more from Jason Passingham and the Alton Assembly Rooms on their website.

100 year anniversary of the sinking of Titanic: my dedication

100 years ago last weekend, a moment in history was chronicled for the death of over 1,500 people. RMS Titanic, the White Star Line ship hailed as 'Unsinkable' sunk to the murky depths of the Atlantic on the 15th April 1912 after hitting an iceberg in the early hours of the morning. It left a legacy for the shipping industry, and touching the hearts of mankind across the globe.

It's a story which, 100 years on, is not forgotten. All the various, glamorous TV and film productions, the sparkling new museums and galleries and the hundreds of tales of those on board the ship have collectively helped to inform the world of the tragedy and the disaster.

Yet it amazes me that people are so sick and tired of the Titanic. To a degree I suppose, the story has been used time and time again for the benefit of TV and movie productions. The much-hyped Titanic series on ITV was a case of this, which despite using the tales of love portrayed so fantastically in the 1997 James Cameron film, failed to deliver anything remotely significant or compelling to the public, suggesting fans of the Titanic do tire of the publicity and narrativization of the tragedy.

But let's not forget what really happened. It's not about a love story, it's about a legacy. A ship carrying people of all classes and all races, an epitome of the past that shocked onlookers at the time. Even today, with tragedies such as the recent Costa Concordia, the shock and pain of disasters at sea still strikes a chord with audiences across the globe.

So despite the numerous marketing and advertising opportunities, let us not forget the real story of the Titanic. I hope, that in another 100 years, it will still lie on the bed of the Atlantic, and will still retain the shock and devastation that it has carried over the last 100 years.

If you watch anything, this fantastic clip from National Geographic uses CGI to re-imagine how the Titanic sank. Pretty impressive.

This post is a dedication to the tragedy of what happened on the 15th April 1912. A dedication to the lives lost, the families who suffered and to the legacy of RMS Titanic.

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia

Men's Fashion: the Polka Dots are in town!

I was really touched by some of the comments regarding my first Fashion piece on Men's Summer Styles, so have decided to write more posts on the latest trends for you fashion-conscious guys out there.

This week, I am looking into shirts, and what designs you guys should be wearing. Last year, it was all about the denim and chequered shirts, but this year, designs are changing. For formal wear, polka dots are back in town and looking smarter than ever before.

Usually only acceptable to wear if you are receiving a pension, the polka dot is now acceptable for all ages, and is bang on trend this summer. Long and short sleeve varieties are perfect, depending on the type of occasion. Try going for ones with triangle or square dots too. Check out these styles:

(Topman)                                                    (River Island)

Last week, I mentioned that floral/ Hawaiian style shirts were very much in season, giving your outfits some much-needed colour ahead of the forthcoming summer months. Another interesting design includes the two-toned shirt, featuring two colours. For guys who love denim styles or want to stick out in the crowd, this is the style for you:

       (New Look)


(All Saints)


And the best of the rest; my favourite shirts this week have to go to Zara, for these quirky and eye-catching designs:

Follow me on Twitter: @kieranwatkins