Amanda Harrington
GMM Goss Media Magazine
October - #7
GMM Winter/ Autumn Style
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What’s On This Month Celeb’s beware! DAN THE PAP is on the loose P
U ICK
P
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E FR
Kate Nash
The Town; Romantic thriller review inside Why do nice guys always end up finishing last?
Awards 2010
Who will be this years lucky winners?
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6 The Mobo Awards 2010 14 GMM style 16 Dan The Pap 18 Kate Nash 20 Restaurant Review 22 Autum Style with LK Bennett 24 What do women really want? 26 Amanda Harrington 34 Movie of the Month 36 Thrills & Spills
This Month
A look at one of the most exciting events to hit the Echo Arena this year
An interesting look at autumn and winter trends
Who has been caught on camera this month?
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An in-depth Q&A with the cockney pop princess
A sideways look at one of the city’s hottest places to dine
A fantastic range of Autumn wear from our very own Met Quarter
Do women actually crave the chivelrous ‘nice guy’ kind of man?
Amanda keeps us up to date with her favourite designer of the month
37.
What is the hottest film to hit the silver screen this month?
Lissa Sian explains why women are attracted to older men!
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Editor’s Letter Hi all and welcome to the latest edition of GMM. This month sees the MOBO’s come to Liverpool for the first time. The awards are usually held in London but for only the second time in its history, the show has ventured outside the capital.
06. 25.
It just goes to show how far Liverpool has come in the last few years and now we can look forward to the likes of Tinie Tempah, Nelly and JLS coming to our city, To celebrate the show being held herewe have a 6 page special inside, telling you who we think will be walking of with the prizes on the night itself. And that is not all - we also have an interview with the fabulous Kate Nash. Kate opened up to our reporter Adam Coffey to talk about her new material and why she isn’t the biggest fan of the X-Factor. Amanda Harrington is back and this month she is showing off the fabulous collection from Roja, which is something not to be missed. Not only that, Preserved Vintage store are offering all our readers up to 20 per cent off any item, so make sure you take them up on their offer before it’s too late! The usual suspects are back including Dan the Pap, Lissa Sian and movie reviewer James Thomas. So as always, sit back, relax and enjoy the best read of your life.
John Harkin
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GMM Music Editor: Adam Coffey
I
t is sure to be an exciting couple of months for the city’s music scene, with Liverpool Music Week just around the corner and our very own Echo Arena playing host to one of the biggest music award shows around, the MOBOs. With the success of the MTV Europe Music Awards a couple of years ago it was only a matter of time before this city of ours would house more music superstars – and when I say “superstars” I mean it! With music maestros such as Leona Lewis, Dizzee Rascal and Rihanna scheduled to appear this is a night not to be missed. Like with any award show it is difficult to keep up with who’s been nominated and for which category, so that’s why GMM has decided to give you a run-down of what to expect come October 20th. So don’t forget when you are sitting down in front of your television watching the show to have your copy of Goss Media Magazine in your hand so you can see just how right we were. Now entering its 15th year, the MOBO [Music Of Black Origin] Awards is one of the most popular and successful award shows of the year. With past winners and nominees being like Kanye West, 50 Cent, Amy Winehouse and Craig David it certainly is not an award to be sniffed at. The show had always taken place in London but last year organisers decided to put it on tour and held the ceremony in Glasgow, Scotland, a show which was said to be one of the best they have ever done. After that they knew it was only right that they had to come to the most musical city in the world, Liverpool. The city is sure to be buzzing come show time so keep a look out for all the stars taking a tour of Penny Lane and shopping at Liverpool ONE. If you are lucky we will tell you all about the after-parties! So enjoy our take on this year’s show.
Awards 2010 Follow our GMM fan page on Facebook
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Best Newcomer
And the winner is….
With absolutely no disrespect to the other nominees this must surely be a two-horse race between Professor Gree n and Tinie Tempah – they are certainly the biggest names in the list. Though it is surprising to learn that the “miniature emotional issues” has only just released his debut album! I swear I’ve heard him nonstop for what seems like the past year. Therefore I’m going to have to go with Professor Green – real name Stephen Paul Manderson – for this one. The 27-year old has come a long way from winning a MySpace Rap tournament in 2008 and enjoyed the success of his first album reaching Number 2 in the UK Top 40 in July – and with his second album scheduled for release next year that success is boun d to continue.
Nominees:
Tinie Tempah Professor Green Scorcher Labyrinth Delvin
Nominees:
Tinie Tempah Jay Sean Tinchy Stryder Taio Cruz Chipmunk N-Dubz Giggs JLS
Best UK Act And the winner is….
winners in this list – I would say There are some very, very worthy choose one. In my opinion Leona and that it is almost impossible to try after her phenomenal first album Lewis really did not reach expectations success it just seemed to come and – though the second was a financial up another Number One just a few go for me. Alexandra Burke notched credentials except for the lack of weeks back so she certainly has the Therefore I’m going to say that song-writing skills and ditto with JLS. to get this one. It’s impossible to go into Tinchy Stryder is goinghear ing that bloody “Number 1” song – any club around here and not though it is pretty catchy! 8
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Roll Deep M.I.A Dizzee Rascal Alexandra Burke Sade Plan B Leona Lewis
Nominees:
Sade Natalie Williams Corrine Bailey-Rae McLean Plan B
And the winner is….
As a personal taste this is a throw up between Natalie Williams and Plan B. For those who are maybe unaware of Williams then you should listen to “She Said”, it is a great song that really shows off her great soulful voice. However as great as she is, it is going to be Plan B who walks on stage to collect that award. The “Eminem-meets-Damien Rice” singer really took off this year. He managed to merge two great forms of music and deserves it.
Best UK RnB/Soul Nominees:
Best Song
Taio Cruz ft Ke$ha - ‘Dirty Picture’ Tinie Tempah - ‘Pass Out’ N-Dubz ft Mr Hudson - ‘Playing With Fire’ Professor Green ft Ed Drewett - ‘I Need You Tonight And the winner is…. First of all, where the hell is ‘Airplanes’ by B.o.B ft Hayley Williams? Without a doubt the best RnB song of the year by a country mile, not impressed at all with that not being there. And secondly, when did I become a Professor Green “Fan Boy”?! A ridiculously catchy song ‘I Need You Tonight’ wins it for me. Though I don’t dislike the NDubz song I don’t think I could ever forgive myself for wanting them to win something. Follow our GMM fan page on Facebook
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BestwinI nternational Act ner And the
is….
Once again there are some amazing acts here in this and I like an awful lot of them. I think a lot of eyes will be on the ‘Ridin’ Solo’ star Jason Derulo after the great year that he has had; however he will have to wait a little while longer to get that award in my opinion. For me there is one artist on this list who really brought his A-Game with him this year. After the lacklustre return album ‘Relapse’ I thought EMINEM’s best days were long gone – as probably did Marshall – but the follow up album ‘Recovery’ was certainly just that. He went back to doing what he does best, dropped the “comedy” songs and wrote great lyrics accompanied by great melodies. EMINEM deserves it and I think the public will agree.
Nominees:
Drake Alicia Keys Jay Z Rihanna Eminem Janelle Monae Black Eyed Peas Nicki Minaj
Ne-Yo Usher Beyonce Jason Derulo Lil Wayne Travis McCoy Trey Songz
Nominees:
Tinie Tempah ft Labrinth - Frisky’ Tinchy Stryer - ‘You’re Not Alone’ Alesha Dixon - ‘Drummer Boy’ Dizzee Rascal - ‘Dirtee Disco’ Mark Ronson & The Business INTL ft Q-Tip & MNDR ‘Bang, Bang, Bang’
Best Video
And the winner is….
After a hard couple of years Alesha Dixon has cemented herself as one of the Britain’s top female solo artist. “BBC’s Cheryl Cole” has a great video for the ’Drummer Boy’ – and it helps that she
isn’t bad to look at! I do however think that Dizzee Rascal is going to get this one – he is just unstoppable at the moment. 10
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Nominees:
Best Album
d Banks’
Plan B - ‘The Defamation of Stricklan JLS - ‘JLS’ N-Dubz - ‘Against All Odds’ Chipmunk - ‘I Am Chipmunk’ Dizzee Rascal - Tongue N’Cheek’
And the winner is…. JLS – I’ve This is going to be between three acts. ee RasDizz – lost some man points now I know singles the that it adm to cal and Plan B. You have strong very were m albu that from sed that JLS relea of rest the if songs with great choruses and I think then e thos with par on the album could have been there were just it would be the best of the year but h lets it down whic ght, thou I s, track filler y too man success after been has for me. People love Dizzee, it se is why cour of h whic year success for him this . m Albu Best for ing runn he is in the use maybe and take the title home with him beca here le peop few a k shoc to g goin is B n Pla think I But rent now going into 2011 the public want to see something diffe
Best African Act
O th e r Awards Best Jazz Act
K’Naan (Somalia) P-Square (Nig) Robert Glasper – ‘Double Booked’ Hip Hop Pantsula (SA) (Pictured) JJC (Nig) Brad Mehldau – ‘Highway Rider’ Banky W. (Nig) Empirical – ‘Out ‘n’ In’ Concha Buika (Equatorial Guinea) Phronesis – ‘Alive’ Mulatu Astatke (Ethiopia) John McLaughlin – ‘To the One’ Wanlov the Kubolor (Ghana) Angélique Kidjo (Benin) M3NSA (Ghana) Yuri Da Cunha (Angola) Tinny (Ghana) Waldemar Bastos (Zimbabwe) Staff Benda Bilili (Congo-Kinshasa) BLK JKS (South Africa)
Best Reggae Act
Damian Marley (Pictured) Mavado GYPTIAN Vybz Kartel GAPPY RANKS
Best Gospel Act Faith Child Guvna B Rachel Kerr Jake Isaac Beverley Trotman (Pictured)
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Road traffic accident - Accident at work - Accident on holiday
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2010 Follow our GMM fan page on Facebook
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Dan the Pap Hi all, With the run up to Christmas, celebs are slowly starting to shop around for a few early Christmas bargains –and I have been on hand to snap them as always. Unfortunately there was some bad news for Wayne and Coleen Rooney this month – with allegations of Wayne having an affair with a prostitute. As always, I was the first pap to snap Coleen after the revelations came out. Despite the turbulent month she had Col was a star as always and handled the situation superbly – if only more could be like her in difficult circumstances. I also managed to pap a few Hollyoaks celebs recently, the gorgeous Jenny Metcalfe and Sheree Murphy are just two of the beauties who are featured this month. Other stars such as BB’s Sophie Read and our very own Amanda Harrington grace the column as well. I hope you all enjoy, I’ll be back for GMM’s bumper Christmas issue! That’s all for me this month – in the meantime check out my website www.danthepap.co.uk
and Coyle e n i Nad Potts Dave
n Denise van oute t ke ic Cr of g out
comin 16
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Professo
r Green
Ne-Y
o
P Diddy in London
WAGs outside Skin on Bold Street
Sophie Reede at bijou manchester
This months spotted ...
Walk of hope Le ah Hac Claire C kit, ooper a nd Jen Metcalfe
Jud
ea nd Sie nn a
3 @ key10 Nadine r e t s manche
Coleen Rooney shopping at speke retail park
Amanda Harrington at san carlo
d Harry Sheree Murphy an Kewell
If you are looking for a photographer for your event or party email me at: danny@gossmedia.co.uk
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Nash
Kate
Busy preparing for her new UK tour in support of her latest album “My Best Friend Is You”, I caught up with controversial singer Kate Nash to chat about her new songs, “wanky” parties and the stresses of being a singing sensation in 2010.
Q
Your latest album seems to have taken your music in a slightly different direction, particularly with songs like “do-wah-doo” - was this a conscious direction change?
A
It just happened naturally. I don’t really like to do the same thing so it was just a natural progression as a musician. I don’t think recreating something is very interesting and I’ve been listening to a lot of ‘60s girl groups like The Supremes so there is a lot of mix between the ‘60s and the ‘90s on the album.
Q A
Which current artists influence you?
I love a few bands at the moment, like ‘Peggy Sue’ and a band called ‘Supercute’ from America. They are three teenage girls who are just so smart, funny and interesting – I love that. And obviously The Cribs I am a really big fan of. It’s really nice finding new artists.
Q
You currently have your new tour to support the latest album up and running – does it feel good to be back on the road again?
A
It feels really good to be back on the road again. I couldn’t wait to be back in the UK playing – I’ve really missed it. I feel really at home when I’m playing there because when I’m actually at home I’ve always got loads of things to do and organise so I have to fight to get the day off but if I’m on tour I can relax and enjoy myself.
Q A
What songs are you most looking forward to playing live?
I’m really excited to play ‘Mansion Song’ and ‘I Just Love You More’ – It’s great being able to play new songs live.
Q A
What has been the general reaction from fans when you play the newer songs?
They have been really good. I wasn’t sure what it would be like at first because the new stuff is a little bit different. But I’ve grown as an artist and it’s a really nice feeling to have the fans grow along with you. I played V Festival not long ago and I was really nervous because I’ve not played in the UK for ages, but it was so fun and they’ve been really supportive. 18
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Q
You had problems with stress in 2008 after intensive touring – are taking precautions from now on to make sure that they are as stress-free as possible?
A
I think it’s still easy to get caught up in the stresses of it all, especially because I’m on my own. I’m a bit of a control freak as well so I like to try and be on top of every single thing, even things like down to the paper that the album artwork is printed on. I really care about quality, especially in this day and age were everything can be so fast and easy, it makes me just care even more about it. But you definitely sometimes need to take a step back and let things go, or just not let everything personally and emotionally affect you. And also having time off really made me appreciate what I do and what I love. Touring can be a bit of a head fuck but it’s the best job in the world so you have to make sure you see the fun in it and playing live is a really good way of getting rid of your stress and angst.
Q A
I like that you want to be involved in everything, it shows you care about what you do.
I think if you care about it then you should be. I’ve always thought that its about more than just the songs: it’s about the artwork, it’s about the titles of the songs, it’s about the special editions. I consider everything – nothing should be taken for granted. I think it all matters because what you are leaving behind is your work, it’s your legacy . I look at the things I appreciate in other bands from when I was younger and I want to replicate that.
Q
You don’t seem to be one of these artists who are pictured falling out of night clubs, drunk every week. Do you try and stay out of the lime light if you can?
A
I’m not saying that I don’t fall out of pubs but I just don’t hang around where there are paparazzi because I just can’t be arsed. I hang out with my friends and socialise in my area but I just don’t happen to hang around in those type of clubs. I don’t consider myself a celebrity – I don’t have time and it’s not what I want to do. I want to have a good time with my actual friends. I can’t be arsed spending time to get ready to go out and get photographed at some wanky party. It’s so lazy I know but I just don’t like it. If I have to go to award ceremonies then that’s when I get nervous and I can feel really uncomfortable – that’s what I consider to be work. I find it quite stressful.
Q A
I suppose you would say that fame hasn’t changed you then?
Not in that way, no. It’s changed me in some ways: I have had to grow up quickly and things like that; I have to consider my privacy more and try and protect that. But as a person I haven’t turned into a dickhead because I can’t be bothered. I’d much rather hang around with people I like.
Q A
Can you tell me a little bit about the Featured Artist Coalition which you are one of the directors of?
It started a couple of years ago when I was off and had a lot of time to dedicate to it. I’m a lot busier at the moment so I haven’t been as involved as I would have liked but I still try and keep in touch with everybody. It’s just like a group of artists that set it up to represent other artists. You have label representation, management representation, publishing representation and all that but artist don’t really have anybody to fight their corner for these deals that are being made about their music. It’s a really nice way to try and get involved with the deals and laws. Even though it can be boring sometimes it’s all about caring about your art. Especially with the internet changing everything so quickly, you need to be on top of it.
Q A
It’s X Factor time of year again - what are your thoughts on the program?
It just seems like it is never ending sometimes! I didn’t even know that the last series finished, it comes around so quickly doesn’t it? I can understand why people watch it and I can appreciate why people like it but it just isn’t for me, I’ve not been watching it.
Q A
Did you hear about the autotune fiasco with the program? What did you make of that?
Yeah I heard about that on the news. I think it’s really weird: a program that isn’t about the writing or the art, but is just about the singing … where they don’t even sing? I’m not sure how people are going to be able to get into it this year. The good thing about the show was that it was like “look at this bloke from Croydon and his amazing voice”, but now it’s even more fake than ever. It’s like they probably know exactly who they want to win from the start and already they are prepping them for that to happen. The autotune was just so blatant as well, it’s like they didn’t even try to hide it!
Q A
On a lighter note then, you have been known for your style and dress sense – what do you like to wear?
I like wearing high-wasted jeans and leather jackets, and maybe with a French style top as well. A bit of a vintage look I suppose.
Q A
What are your beauty secrets then?
I would probably say lots of herbal teas and lots of sleep - I don’t get enough sleep though! Oh and lots of water and vegetables. I’m a vegetarian so I guess it helps that I don’t eat loads of shit chicken and stuff like that, although sometimes I do get a craving for it. Follow our GMM fan page on Facebook
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Restaurant Review Zeligs Little Italy
Choosing dishes from the mouth-watering A la Carte menu was an experience in itself, each menu printed as if an edition of a NYC newspaper “La Gazzetta Dello” informing diners of upcoming Live Entertainment nights and a 3 for 2 cocktail offer. Here at GMM we love Italian food. So when we heard about the gem that is Zeligs of Little Italy, tucked away in Liverpool One, we had to try it out. Greeted immediately by the impressive bar area it’s bold décor mixing light and dark wood, magnificent crystal chandeliers, large while several stuffed moose heads adorn the bar itself. There is an exclusive yet warm feeling about this restaurant, which sets it apart from similar eateries. After a glass of wine in the bar we were shown to our table. Up the steel steps to the dining area.
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To start me and my companion decided on the Vassoio Del Characuterie, a selection of fresh Italian meats including Prosciutto, Milano & Napoli salami, Bresaola served with olives, capers and warm bread – whilst pleasant, it would not be a dish I’d recommend before a meal. The upstairs is somewhat different than the bar. Everything upstairs is big. Big stage, big win glasses, big tables, big chairs – at times it feels like you are Jack and have just climbed up the beanstalk.
To the mains, I went for the Pollo Carbonara (£13.95) whilst my friend tried the Lasagna Della Casa (£9.95). Minced beef topped with a light Béchamel sauce and grated mozzarella. Served with garlic ciabatta, the dish was presented excellently and made me wonder whether I’d made the right choice. With that said, my dish wasn’t too shabby here. A chargrilled chicken breast, tossed with tagliatelle and served with a rich mushroom and pancetta sauce. It may sound like a heavy dish, but the dish was a delight.
Finally dessert. “Zeligs cheesecake was the order, with biscuits crumbled over the top., this sweet treat rounded off an exceptional dining experience. With the demand for tables at Liverpool One’s restaurant cluster, it might be an idea to skip the waiting and nip down to Zeligs for a fantastic evening, with great food, great staff and a great atmosphere.
ZELIGS 8 Thomas Steers Way Liverpool ONE. L1 8LW 0151 709 7097
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Autumn Style
by L.K Bennett
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Dress £195 Shoes £180
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Why nice guys will always finish last!
The last few months a number of my female friends have bemoaned about men. The male gender are all the same insensitive, scared of real commitment, immature and selfish. How many times have we heard a gal pals tell us: “All I want is a nice guy who wants to be in a mature relationship.” Finally, they meet the five star chap who they have craved for so long. He falls head over heels for her and it all ends happily ever after right? Wrong.
U
nfortunately, the saying “nice guys finish last” is one of the truest around. The fact of the matter is girls don’t want Prince Charming to sweep them off their feet. Bringing out your nice guy act will turn from dashing to dumped in a matter of weeks. Sure we hear female after female moaning about their treacherous boyfriends. Yes, those furiously frustrating blokes who watch too much football, drink too much alcohol, care about their friends more than their relationship, come in at 5am with a three-hourold kebab, a shoe missing and a Russian mail-order bride - you get the idea. And then there is the nice guy that women apparently crave. He opens doors for her, he never forgets to call her, he goes wherever she wants to go, he is the perfect gent. He is also a devil in disguise, he is the villain that all men should keep inside – he is the attraction killer. You see ladies and gents, I, like most men, have experienced the scorn of being “too nice”. In a short three month fling many years ago, I fell head over heels with a woman. She was smart, funny, beautiful and interested in me. I done everything I could to make her happy. I was sensitive, kind, caring and generally followed the rules that women expect men to follow. After a few weeks, smiles turned to frowns, calls were cut short and I was hung out to dry with the Oscar-winning line: “I’m just not looking for anything serious at the moment”. Translation, “I am just not looking for anything serious with YOU”. The dirty little secret is that women are just as clueless as men when it comes to knowing what they want. Never take advice from a woman on what to do with other women. So, the million dollar question, what do men and women want from a partner? The answer is quite simple, attraction. This is exactly why nice guys will sadly always finish last, they do not create attraction. And for any blokes or beauties that are suddenly becoming self-conscious about their looks, attraction is not just created on appearance. Attraction can be created with a witty line or a cheeky smile. Self-confidence is key. The majority of blokes make the fatal mistake of trying to please their partner too much by doing anything and everything they ask. 24
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Women react to a man who is strong and independent. One of the definitions of attraction is as follows: “The electric or magnetic force exerted by oppositely charged particles, tending to draw or hold particles together.” Shocker! Opposites attract? Now who would have thought that? And that is the problem, “nice guys” fall into the trap of agreeing with a girl, regardless of what they think. Yes, if you are the guy who just can’t understand why a girl has not returned your calls despite the fact you’ve been on two successful dates, spoken for hours every night on the phone, and she has no doubt about how you feel because you have told her straight, then listen up. When a girl calls you, don’t answer before the phone has had a chance to ring. When this hot chick you have met says she is free Thursday, tell her you are busy and re-arrange for the Friday. And after a few successful dates do not under any circumstances call or text a minute after you are home saying what a great time you had and how much you want to do it again. Nice guys fail because they think it is rude to do these things. Take note, these things create long lasting attraction. The chase at the start of every new relationship is one of the most vital parts of dating. So if your cards are on the table after a first date, chances are things will end badly, interest will fizzle out and you will be left crying into your cornflakes, wondering where it all went wrong. Girls want excitement, a challenge. They want someone who does not need their approval, who can survive on their own. Remember guys, tired old lines like: “If she can’t appreciate you for whom you are then you’re better off without her” are always said by either a family member or a female. If she can’t appreciate you for who you are, then change. And girls, when you are on your third date with the man you have been praying for, obeying to your every word, opening up about his feelings and crying in the restaurant because he can’t believe how lucky he is to have found someone like you – maybe you will remember just why nice guys always finish last.
by John Sutherland john@gossmedia.co.uk
“
I’m just not looking for anything serious at the moment”. Translation, “I am just not looking for anything serious with YOU. Follow our GMM fan page on Facebook
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“
Amanda Harrington
“
Hi everyone, this month my chosen designer was Roja Women’s Boutique. The girls at Roja are really nice and when I had the chance to model some of their unique designs I just couldn’t say no. Fabulous jewellery, delightful dresses and classy coats were just some of the things I had the pleasure of wearing. The shoot was done at the beautiful Hillbark hotel over in the Wirral. The grounds were perfect, it reminded me of a great wedding venue and made me want to get married there and then! Whatever you do this month be sure to check out Roja on Smithdown Road, it really is one of Liverpool’s gems.
“
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Credits
Roja womens boutique 479a smithdown road wavertree Liverpool 0151 733 3411 Photography- modelworx.co.uk
Makeup- Stefaniegroome@yahoo.co.uk Hair- rebeccaspenlove@btinternet.com Location- Hillbark hotel & spa Frankby, Wirral, 0151 625 2400
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Also this month I’ve been judging some competitions. One was the Face of the Echo at Liverpool One. We narrowed it down to 12 finalists out of all the thousands who entered and we definitely picked the perfect winner. Leanne Higgins is such a lovely girl who you will be seeing a lot more of her in the next year. The other one was for the charity Zoe’s Place. It was Dad and lad, Mum and toddler and glamorous Gran. It was a fun day for all the kids who took part and even my little Savannah was given a photo shoot for helping judge the competition – a mini Kate Moss in the making!
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The press night of Farmageddon creeped up on me this month to and it was probably the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced but I loved it! Freddie Krueger chased after me with a chain saw and a zombie dentist had me in a corner with a drill! It’s a must to go to especially coming up to Halloween. I’m looking forward to the rest of the month as it’s the MOBO’s and the Juice FM style awards! I’m nominated for an award so fingers crossed I will win!
“
Until next time, have a great month!
Amanda x Follow our GMM fan page on Facebook
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GMM Loves
Cakes... V
We all love them don’t we ladies? From sponge cakes to Jaffa cakes there is sometimes nothing better than to curl up in front of the telly with a slice and a nice cup of tea. A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to come across a delightful little cake stall called Villanova Patisserie, and as soon as I sampled the spongy delights I knew that I had to share them with the rest of Liverpool. What better way to show them off than to tell all you lovely GMM readers about it?
illanova Patisserie is a newly created business by local girl Debby Donnelly. But it’s more than just a run-of-the-mill dessert home bakery: it seems to have every type of cake that you could possibly dream of, literally. “I sell everything from sparkly, swirly iced cup cakes, to five-tier wedding cakes, but it’s not all about sponge cake with me“, says Debby. “My other top sellers include cinnamon chocolate chip cake, lemon drizzle loaf, and gingerbread houses (which can be made as a replica of the client’s actual home)! I’m also a confectioner, and make chocolates, truffles and sweets to order.” With such an amazing array of desserts it is not surprising that she has always had an interest in baking but it was only recently when she decided to really use her talents and make a real go for it. “I was into baking as a child and teenager, but this didn’t develop further until my early twenties when something else took over – GREED”. says the Baking Queen.
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“I’d been making cakes as a sideline for a few years prior to setting up the business, but as I was working 40-50 hours a week as a family law advocate I never really had time to develop it further – despite the encouragement from everybody around me to do so.” But after some personal family tragedies Deb decided to go out and do what she really wanted to do in life. Even though the business has only been officially open since September it has already gained quite a following. “The feedback from customers has been fantastic and the number of orders has increased three-fold due to word of mouth alone. I’ve been working the vintage fair circuit which is great for getting out there and plus I’ve been getting invitations to cater and provide cakes for events all over the UK.” As surprising as it may sound though she says that there are no “special recipes” that go into her cakes, just good home baking.
“The big difference between my cakes and many other bakeries is that mine include NO additives whatsoever: all ingredients are fair trade and organic, all butter is unsalted, and all eggs are free range. Any colouring used is natural and tastes are provided using extracts rather than artificial flavouring.” Even the jam that she uses is homemade! The one thing that I love most about this business – aside, of course, from the cakes themselves – is the passion that Debby shows.
“I have made cakes that contain no dairy whatsoever, cakes that don’t use flour, and cakes that are, quite simply, far lower in fat than normal cakes but still taste amazing”, she recalls. “I’m also proud of the authenticity of all of my cakes and the fact that as much produce as possible is sourced locally – a lot of love goes into every cake that goes out the door.” It has been a great start to the business and this is just the beginning for the budding entrepreneur as she has big plans for the future.
“These cakes have heart and soul. Cake will never be a health food, but if you’re after something that is free of additives, preservatives and other ‘nasties’, then you need to come see me. Nobody is ever left out, and if you think you can’t afford the wedding/occasion cake of your dreams then if you tell me what you’re after and what your budget is – I will do my best to try and find a way of doing it. Try one, and you’ll be back for more.” Deb also prides herself on being able to make cakes that people just don’t think that they will be able to get a hold of – and for a good price.
“In the new year I’ll be taking Villanova from a webbased business to an actual premises. While I can’t reveal all of the plans, I can certainly say this won’t be your average cake shop! In the meantime, I’m providing cakes for several large Christmas events at venues such as the Liner Hotel, Croxteth Hall, Reebok Stadium and Lowry Outlet Mall, as well as taking orders from individual customers and maintaining a presence at the vintage events around Liverpool.” And with a cookery book also in the pipeline 2011 is certainly going to be a busy year for Debby Donnelly and Villanova Patisserie.
So remember, if you want that personal dessert touch then look no further than Villanova Patisserie. Contact Debby via the website www.villanovajunction.com, by email at sale@villanovajunction.com, or by telephone on 07886 195 926.
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Cast – Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jeremy Renner, Chris Copper, Pete Postlethwaite Screenwriter - Aaron Stockhard Director – Ben Affleck Certificate – 15 Running Time – 124 mins Bounce. Pearl Harbour. Daredevil. And Gigli. Four long years, four dreadful films (and that’s being complimentary to Gigli), and one promising career dead and seemingly buried. Despite his early Oscar success, in 2003 the words “starring Ben Affleck” became bywords for “if you like good films, please stay away”. Then after a couple of years off, he bounced back (hopefully with a new agent) and shocked us all by reminding us that he could still act with a strong comeback performance in Hollywoodland. Then in 2007 he really shocked us by directing his first film, Gone Baby Gone, staring his younger brother, which became one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year. He’s now trying to repeat the trick by returning to his native Boston for a tough crime film, staring….himself. The town of the title is Charlestown, Boston. A place where criminals, robberies and violence are a way of life. Affleck plays Doug Macray, the leader of a small gang of low lives, who in a terrific opening scene, executes a near perfect heist of a bank. This heist (which is influenced as much by the opening scene in The Dark Knight as it is by the ultimate robbery opening in Heat) sets the tone for the rest of the film; tense, exciting, tough and authentic.
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Part of Macray’s gang is his best friend James Coughlin, played with volatile ferocity reminiscent of Joe Pesci, by Jeremy Renner. Renner has followed up the performance of his lifetime in The Hurt Locker with a scary, powerful and unpredictable turn here. He’s a ticking time box of a man, ready to explode at any moment. This makes the scene where Coughlin first sees Macray and Rebecca Hall’s character Clare Keesey so tense: we don’t know if he’s going to attack him, or her, or both. Speaking of Hall, this is the English actress’s best performance to date. She is both strong and vulnerable as Clare, who works at the bank robbed in the opening, and is kidnapped in the process. She begins a romance with Affleck’s Doug, unbeknownst to her that he was one the masked men who abducted her. It is one of the more strange on-screen courtships in recent years, but the actors make it work. Giving them both genuine reasons to fall for the other, we want things to work out for the two of them, though given the circumstances, it can’t go smoothly.
This is where the film does fall into some crime movie clichés though; the final job, the girl he wants to give it all up for, but unable to shake the loyalty he has to his friends and the old neighbourhood. Affleck is hardly re-writing the rulebook here, but he does bring freshness to the numerous outstanding action scenes. The car chase through the city is one of the best in recent times, and the final job, at “the cathedral of Boston” – Fenway Park, entirely shot on location in and around the home of the Boston Red Sox, is marvellously done. Affleck takes his time with this scene; patiently building up to what is a thrilling final shoot out. Ben really does direct with aplomb here, showing confidence and finesse of a man who was making his twentieth film, not his second. He obviously knows his way around his hometown; using both towering long wide shots of Charlestown, and closer, intimate portrayals of the places and people of the area. Here, as well as in Good Will Hunting (which he co wrote) and Gone Baby Gone, the city of Boston itself becomes a key character, not to dissimilar to how Scorsese shot New York. Affleck also hold his own onscreen as well.
He’s been clearly hitting the gym to look the part of a tough guy, and his relationships with Hall and Renner, which help define the film, are both played to perfection. It’s easily one his best roles, a great turn in a film full of them. Chris Cooper and Pete Postlethwaite both deserve a mention as their turns as FBI agent and local crime boss respectively. Well directed, beautifully shot, fantastically acted, The Town is both a romantic thriller and a crime pic, and does both very well. Its themes of loyalty, friendship, love, and duty shine through, and marks Ben Affleck (yes Ben Affleck), as one of America’s most exciting young directors. And who seven years ago would have ever thought they’d hear that.
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“ B
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Thrills & Spills
oys…have you ever lusted after a stunning looking woman only to find out she’s already taken? Not only that but the man on her arm is old enough to be her father? You’d probably ask why, with so much of their lives ahead of them do these twentysomething women chase men twice their age? The critics would argue, as well as the lads that can’t have them: ‘They’re gold-diggers’ and while that might be true in some cases, I cannot disagree more. he notion of an older man dating a younger woman is nothing new; look at Hugh Heffner with his plentiful playmates, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones and no-one bats an eye-lid when pretty young things are keeping the likes of George Clooney on their toes. You see in the fickle world of celebrity, these major age gaps are the accepted social norm but what about the man in the street? How would you react if your sister brought home a middleaged man-friend?
“Why can’t he get a woman his own age? And what does she see in him?”
I’ve been mulling this thought over for the past week because my best friend, Liz, 26 has just recently split from her 40-year-old boyfriend. When they first started dating, I’ll admit I found it uncomfortable, no one thought it would last longer than a few weeks and I’d find myself asking the question; Why can’t he get a woman his own age? And what does she see in him? But when I met her for a heart to heart and listened to the dynamics of their year-long relationship I could totally see why she would find the more mature male appealing, and it has nothing to do with being showered with money or material things.
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by Lissa
Sian
According to the urban dictionary these girls who pursue the attention of older men are called, ‘Bobcats’. They’re usually, young, free and gorgeous. Just like my friend Liz. She’s good-looking, sophisticated and financially stable. Far from looking for a free ride or a meal ticket, Liz is more than capable of writing her own tickets. She’s never short of male company or attention but she has always gravitated to the older gent. “The other explanation of course,
is that these girls have some kind of daddy fixation and are looking to fill a void in their life. This is just another feeble excuse used by younger guys to justify the girl’s behaviour.” It’s not because she can’t find a man her own age, she could have any man she wanted, it’s because she was fed up with immaturity and school-boy antics. She simply wanted to be respected and appreciated. After so many nights of wondering if a guy will text you, call you and spending hours stalking their Facebook accounts, it’s refreshing to deal with an adult who lets you know what he’s thinking…at least most of the time, because let’s face it all men can turn out to be stroppy adolescents regardless of age.
The Allure of GMM
The other explanation of course, is that these girls have some kind of daddy fixation and are looking to fill a void in their life. This is just another feeble excuse used by younger guys to justify the girl’s behaviour. Liz lost count of how many times guys would front up to her and say, “I bet your parents are divorced, right?” Wrong.
“You see, contrary to popular belief most young women are not in a rush to settle down, I certainly wasn’t, which is where the trouble started.” I can see how she quickly got used to the charms of someone who has lived a little – their spectacular stories, their worldly knowledge, their desire to enrich life, and yours, by participating in an adventure together. He almost sounds to good to be true, but like with everything there are always downsides. And I’ve had a little experience on this subject myself.
“...boys next time you see a young sex kitten on the arm of her greying prey don’t instantly assume that’s she’s some Anna-Nicole Smith after her mates millions. She might just simply want to be taken care of by someone she can rely on, to while away hours with an intellectually stimulating man...”
In return he would argue with me about my selfishness, partying and lack of commitment. But boys next time you see a young sex kitten on the arm of her greying prey don’t instantly assume that’s she’s some Anna-Nicole Smith after her mates millions. She might just simply want to be taken care of by someone she can rely on, to while away hours with an intellectually stimulating man, who won’t shy away from affection, appreciation or himself. So, don’t snigger at their sex life, you could probably learn a trick or two from these senior sirs.
While, I’ve never aspired to the role of ‘Bobcat’, I once went out with some one older too. He wasn’t some guy with low self-esteem who wanted a younger woman to idolise him. He was just one cool character and we still keep it touch today. I quickly forgot about the age difference. It hadn’t seemed to matter, until suddenly one day it did. You see, contrary to popular belief most young women are not in a rush to settle down, I certainly wasn’t, which is where the trouble started. I was happy to keep the big questions unanswered and live in the present but being at different stages of life can be tough in any relationship and this one was no different. Eventually we parted ways because I’d constantly be reprimanding him about his health, diet, penchant for cigarettes and casual drinking.
Older Men
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What’s On?
The MOBO’s come to Liverpool for the first time ever on the 20th of October. Frank Warren presents Championship boxing on the 23rd October. The 2nd and 3rd of November sees Doctor Who Live! A Question of Sport hits the city on the 5th November.
20th October sees a MOBO afterparty hosted by lick star Trevor Nelson. 23rd of Oct sees Tinie Tempah getting frisky at the Academy. 6th November sees the Killers tribute band The Fillers!
WWE Smackdown comes to the Echo Arena on November 6th.
The rest of October sees the fabulous Sound of Music delighting audiences at the Empire. Like Vampires? Steve Steinmen’s VAMPIRE’S ROCK hits the Empire on the 7th of November. For the first half of November why not try out the classic Blood Brothers? 10th Nov onwards.
Anthony and Cleopatra – Kim Cattrall stars in this classic – available until the 13th November. Sleeping Beauty 26th November to the 22nd Jan 2011.
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