Q:ID Magazine Issue 3 November December 2010 by Q:ID Magazine

ISSUE 3

Q:ID

CHRIS FITCHEW from the Wedding House Interviewed

CALLUM BICKNELL

BIRTH OF A OPERA STAR INTERVIEW Incredible Indulgence with NIGELLA LAWSON VERTU Phones Explored MEGA Extended Music Section Best Gifts you can get for all budgets

WIN AN

iPAD!

INTERVIEWS

8 Chris Fitchew The man behind C4â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Wedding House

12 Jason Tye This man knows everything about Tantric Massage

26 Callum Bicknell

The Opera sensation which is about to sweep the nation

64 Annette Curtain

She practically interviews herself.

FASHION / PLACES 16 Verta Hotel

An amazing hotel in London you must visit

20 Nigella Lawson Look at her amazing new book

32 VERTU

A look into the new smart phone around 34 NAO Robot We introduce the robot about to change our lives

36 Jason Cass - Time for his close up Our cover model shows off a Chanel J12.

82 CloneZone

All the best stuff from the stockist we all love

LIFE / ART / MUSIC / COMMUNITY 14 Lorna McArdle

She is on holiday so Roy Perestrelo hijacks her column

26 The tooth fairy is dead Find out what the tooth fairy doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want you to know

28 Alex Hopkins

His new column introduces us to the Diva complex in us

46 Mitch Grithiffs An amazing artist shown off

49 Dining with Kraig Chapter three in his ongoing food column

54 Music Focus Alexandra Burke is profiled and loads more

57 Michael Buble A look at his latest single and album

60 Book Review All the latest reads for you

64 Annette Curtain Introduces her new column on herself

68 Matthew Grundy Bowers Introduces his new study

80 Next Issue

What is coming up in the Jan 2010 issue

CHRIS FITCHEW

Cover Model: Jason Cass Photo: Walkers Icon

EDITOR’S LETTER

WINTER BRINGS US A FEW SURPRISES Its time to break out your winter gear, and really show off the art of fashionable layering this season and enjoy cosy nights in and hard partying too. With everything going on its cool to have a bit of fun too.

THE Q:ID CREW Roy Perestrelo Editor-in-Chief roy@QIDMagazine.com 08455 193 909 Paul Britt Publisher Q:ID Media EDITORIAL TEAM Peter da Silva - Travel Editor Kraig Harris - Creative Consultant Annette Curtain - Editor at Large Lorna McArdle - Community Editor Mark Lawrence - Popular Arts Editor Daniel Cooksley - Style Consultant FEATURES Scott-Austin Shaw - Features Karen Gould - Accessories Paul Britt - Gadgets & Film Ryan James - Products James Beaumont - Music/Clubs GENERAL INFO www.QIDMagazine.com Advertising ads@QIDMagazine.com Stories and PR editor@QIDMagazine.com Photos Photos@QIDMagazine.com Competitions comps@QIDMagazine.com For more info including competition rules and further details on how to be part of Q:ID visit our website and drop us a line.

This issue is no different as we have some amazing and fun interviews including the wedding house’s wedding planner CHRIS FITCHEW, the amazing young opera star CALLUM BICKNELL and a little delving with NIGELLA LAWSON and her new Christmas book. We also have a few new faces including the writing god that is ALEX HOPKINS and the mysterious wonder that is ANNETTE CURTAIN fresh from the streets of BoHo with her blistering new column. Packed into this issue is also a mega section of the latest sounds out there include the new MICHAEL BUBLE album and an insight into the amazing artist that is the one and only MITCH GRIFFITHS and the BEST GIFTS you can get this Christmas for all budgets, and some interesting ones we found that we have fallen in love with. Never forget 11th November, Remembrance day, we owe you all for being here. Also we must remember that December 1st is worlds Aids day where we introduce you to MATTHEW GRUNDY-BOWERS leading a study into unprotected sex, and all the support we can give goes a long way. So enjoy the read and can’t wait to hear from you.

Roy Perestrelo Editor-in-Chief

editor@QIDMagazine.com 100 New Bond Street, Mayfair, London W1S 1SP

QIDMagazine.com

EDITOR’S CHOICE Callum Bicknell He is only 16 but this powerful singer is so the next Buble. With a striking style, Bicknell offers the world of opera an amazing new approach to music but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer skill this young man has when it comes to singing. Check him out and also his interview on pages 22-25. He is the future of opera. Covent Garden style. CLICK - http://www.callumbicknell.com MIS FITS Season 2 They’re back! The lovable Mis Fits return with another action and comedy packed season 2 of this awkwardly brilliant TV series. Its a cross between Hero’s and Skins. Where completely useless powers go hand in hand with teen life. Season 2 is release on November 4th on E4. Not to be missed. CLICK - http://www.e4.com/misfits/

The Wright Stuff Right my day is not started off with a good breakfast, my day only starts off brilliantly if I get my daily dose of the Wright Stuff. Matthew, Kirsty and Eric totally make my day. I sit at my desk and stare at my TV from 9.15 every morning and find that its better than reading any newspaper, mainly because their show is just filled with everything I need to know. So with modern media we all can do it, so turn on Channel 5 on a weekday at 9.15 and tune into The Wright Stuff and you will quickly find that everything you ever wanted or needed to know will be answered. Watch it, its a must.

http://www3.five.tv/thewrightstuffonfive/

The Nao Robot Someone once said that robots will one day take over everything we do, well apart from the dreamy world of AI and iRobot - NAO has been the real first attempt at robotic life we have seen. OK a little expensive at £16,000 plus, but Once mobile phones were expensive now look at them. This could be the future guys! CLICK http://www.aldebaran-robotics.com/en Fascinating AIDA These girls are the funniest trio on the circuit at the moment. With they lyrical humorous songs and stunning performance they are certainly one not to be missed. They get an editors thumbs up and must stalk you girls more for an interview. CLCK http://www.fascinatingaida.co.uk/

COMPETITION WINNERS Congratulations on our lucky winners - you lucky, lucky things! IPAD - Peter Trench, Birmingham IPOD Nano Winners+Vouchers Maria Forbes, Cardiff Anna Colertikie, Washington DC Sonia Frasier, London Colin Da Costa, Lisbon Dominic Fallon, London Barry Forbes, Belfast Andrea Lanchlest, London Beverly Dane, Newcastle Pedro Alfonso, Brazilia Lady GaGa Prize Winners Andrew Fitch, LA Colin Alderaz, Barcelona Didi Parkes, London Alfie Devenzes, San Fransisco David DeVoltez, Paris Carrie Garcia, Auckland Stefan Fadrelin, London Anna Konsescu, Rome Tina Galva, Rome

Q:ID MAGAZINE

STAR LETTER

Dear Q:ID I loved the section on Chris Moore, its so good that you are not using established models but launching new talent to the market with people who are readers and giving them that chance to show themselves off. Me and a few friends enjoyed this feature and being digital means we can get a little closer than we used to be able to. He really knows how to work the camera which is always good. But we did wonder if he was an American jock or if he is British? Aiden Almerante, London- via email WINS AN IPOD NANO In reply: Chris is actually a Berkshire lad, so born and bred in the UK - and he had a whooping 17,204 downloads of his pages so well done to Chris.

YOURVIEW Without your comments, opinions and suggestions we could not have pulled it off. So if you have something to say drop us an email to letters@QIDMagazine.com

KEVIN LEEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MISSING PIG The fabulous chap that is Kevin Lee has sent his little piggy on a road trip, well we are happy to say that we have not only found the little pink piggy who was wandering the streets of Mayfair is safe with us for now, but he is planning a further trip possibly to LA where he will send some more of his photos. He sends his love and he has made it - HE IS FAMOUS! Also he asks Kevin could he ensure that his bed is nice and warm for his return in a few weeks. But he is enjoying the limelight Guess who Kevin! - via email + call

SHERRY IS SIMPLY AMAZING

Sherry is the total queen of the NYC Scene, I try and see her when I am in New York. She is fantastic and her videos are awesome. I so think that here in the US we have been so lucky to have her and we so think that she should rock her stuff in the UK. She is our best performer and we think you running a story on her is brilliant, we loved it. You guys have no idea what you are missing because her videos are amazing but LIVE she is so much better. Beverly, NewYork - US - via Email

BOYBANNED ARE LUSH

OMG - your interview with BOYBANNED was amazing to actually read an interview by them was so much fun, and the video of the interview was brilliant to watch to. I cant wait to see more of them, and to sneakily admit the photo section on the lads was Stunning. Love you BoyBanned.

Dave, Alex and Freddy, London - via email Stunning piece, cant wait to see and hear more from them they were totally cool. So cant wait to see a bigger piece on the band. Donavon, Soho, London - via Emai 6

HITCHENS ROCKS

It has been a while since I heard from Hitchens but now I see he has gone away and totally reinvented himself. I love his music, was not sure about the new video if I am totally honest but it grew on me after a while. Its really good to see what he is being really brave about his sexuality and mixing it in music. I hope it pays off for him. Craig, London - via Email

SO SO FUNNY

Wow - these two are just some of the funniest two people I have ever read about. They were just completely insane and I guess just not used to it out here. Its cool to read about acts like these as out here its mainly dry old boring acts. Really impressed, you need to bring more features like these into the magazine.

Brandon, Alaska - US - via Email

WATCH IT!

I was really impressed with the watch selection mainly because you uncovered some brands that I thought I was the only person who knew about them. Including the brand LIP which has become a massive cult brand in Japan. I also loved how I could click on them and go direct to their page, brilliant. Anna, San Fransisco - US - via Email

CHRIS IS SO HOT

You guys have a knack for choosing cover models. Chris is incredibly hot and also has really caught my eye with this issue 2. I seriously hope that you do a centrefold spread with him at some point as he was brilliant as a cover model. Also as he was a Gaz taken model we knew he would always look good too.

IN MEMORY Over the last few months there have been too many deaths of young people from suicide. These young people took their lives because they were the victims of homophobic bullying. To get to the point that they felt there were no longer able to have a life where they felt safe, comfortable and supported that the only route was a away from life. So this is a clear message that something needs to be done and there are organisations up and down the country who make it their primary focus to offer a support to those in need. So if you know someone who is being a victim of bullying of any sort, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let them suffer in silence and offer them support. Even if its something small, but sometimes people being bullied just need to know that someone is there if they need them. We live in a world that sometimes its incredibly hard to voice an opinion even if we all believe in freedom of speech. Some voices need an extra hand when it comes to making them heard. Bullying is wrong and therefore needs to stop. So we dedicate our thoughts to anyone being bullied and submit a video to: http://www.itgetsbetterproject.com/ Anything you can do to help will make someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life better.

David, Newcastle - UK - via Email 7

Q:ID MAGAZINE

Channel 4â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wedding Planner of the hit show, The Wedding House - we interview Chris Fitchew and discover a little more about this talented man, and what makes him tick.

Master

of The House

CHRIS FITCHEW, adorned our

screens as the wedding planner in the hit C4 series The Wedding House, where he planned a staggering 48 weddings for the show. We sit down with Chris and discover this is one talented man.

corporate Christmas party or an unusual themed wedding.

I started producing theatre shows that toured the UK and the Middle East. I then started to get drafted in to add sparkle to various celebs like Katie Prices wedding & Gail Porters divorce party! Then I saw the ad for Wedding House and sent my bumf in. I think because I had done so many Tell us how you got to where you are now. themed parties (that matched a lot of the Well I only feel like I am on the first rung themed weddings that were booked in) of a very different – exciting ladder. It’s a and that I had experience presenting and long ladder that goes through clouds...so I compering - I was the right guy for the job. am not exactly sure where it’s heading. To get to this ladder I have been meandering Was the journey daunting at any times? through an eclectic career that started at Running a business is a very daunting exDrama school (Arts Educational School of ercise...especially when you have a creaacting). tive brain rather than a numbers brain....I would stare at my accountant for hours When I left I did some theatre, but then whilst he tried explaining things... After moved quickly into comedy – sketch and 2 hours of talking garbage and mumbo stand up (4 Edinburgh festivals and a lot jumbo.... I would ask him to repeat EVEof UK Circuit). About 5 years ago I set up a RYTHING he just said.....but whilst doing night in a London cabaret theatre (Too2Jazz hands! much) that involved me programming and compering a regular Sunday night Variety The Wedding House is an amazing idea show that included Comedians (Russell what’s the inspiration behind it? Brand, Simon Amstell, Gina Yashere apThe main inspiration I think came from peared), West End Singers (Frances Rufchannel 4 wanting to do a Wedding show fell, Kerry Ellis) and many more crazy acts that was different to all the others. They of dance, circus and well anything. wanted to have a show that was about the couples’ Love, British eccentricity and This then grew into a show that was hired celebrating different slices of Life. for Civil Partnerships, Weddings, after dinner private shows...and then we were There are so many shows that set people asked to open the Indigo2 theatre at The up against each other, or make the groom O2. This was amazing...we literally peeled out to be a moron – this show allows couoff the plastic off the dressing room tables ples to express who they are in a very – imagining the future naughtiness that modern marriage. Gone are the days when would occur on there! weddings were about couples’ families meeting for the first time and everyone My business ( BEAU Production) then being tied up with the pomp and ceremogrew from strength to strength where I ny – it’s an era where weddings can have basically became known as the man to personality infused into the day. bring theatricality to an event – be it a 9

Behind the scenes did it ever get really stressful? It was really stressful. There was an enormous amount of pressure as – besides the fact we were filming a TV show – I was ACTUALLY planning these peoples wedding. It had to be great for them. I was very adamant that whatever happened – when it came to the ceremony – there were no interruptions – from the camera crew/directors etc – that it was all real time. I just wanted the couples – regardless of what shot was needed when – that they went away with an amazing memory of their day. The stress came from the fact that there were 2 weddings per day! You can imagine the issues here....especially when I decided for the circus wedding that I would plan the whole day on roller-skates! But of course every time I went over to the other wedding I had to arse about taking the skates off, then putting them on.....arrrgh! But time was our worst enemy. Just having 48 weddings to plan and make amazing in 4 weeks was madness...but brilliant! What was your favourite moment during the filming of the Wedding House? I loved doing Lisa and Mario’s (Big Brother) wedding. They wanted an “A LIST” wedding. I got them a dozen Hollywood lookalikes to be bridesmaids, best men and members of the congregation. It was hilarious to be running round the house trying to organise George Clooney to get dressed, sort out arguments over who 10

was going to be the bridesmaid out of Posh Spice and Britney, and trying to locate LL Cool J who was lost in the Kent countryside. Oh and then Joan Collins – mother of the Bride pissed up on the free plonk fell in a bush. So random! So what new projects have you coming up? Apart from popping up in Katie’s (Price) show here and there (I will be doing Alex’s cage fight entrance soon) I have lots of TV projects in development, and also waiting to hear if Wedding House’s will be revisited...or maybe Divorce House! Meanwhile my events company BEAU is extremely busy with all things Christmas. I’m also working on a few live shows in town (London) as well. Watch this space. Any tips for anyone out there wanting to break into TV? If at first you don’t succeed..... Who do you want to win X-Factor? I want a group to win for a change.....Is it wrong to say One Direction?? They’re ace.... oh and cute! Any final thoughts If Katie Perry and Russell Brand aren’t married by this articles release – I WANT TO PLAN IT FOR THEM!!!! It would be amazing to get my hands on it – they would go all out on the crazy ideas!

For more information and projects visit: http://www.beauproduction.com

C O O L

T V

Our favorite freaks are back this November with Season Two of Misfits, which we have all been waiting with baited breath. And with the discovery of Nathanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immortality as his super power is actually something to laugh at. Of all the characters to live forever, but we all are vcurious how he gets out. Or ends up narrating the whole season underground. But we are all interested in who was the masked hero who saved Nathan, and if the teasers are anything to go by, we see the return of the masked hero in season 2. So brace yourself for November 11th as the first episode is aired. We cant wait.... For more information visit: http://www.e4.com/misfits/

Q:ID MAGAZINE

ON JAS E TY

TIME TO GET TOTALLY TANTRIC Always ready to dive in to anything, Roy Perestrelo interviews Jason Tye from Tantra4Gay Men, the revolutionary tantric experience that delves into the finer details of the amazing experience that is the art of personal, spiritual and sexual growth of gay and bisexual men through Tantra

What First Inspired You To Start Tantra4GayMen? You know when someone talks about a calling? I remember the time when I was nearing the end of my Tantra training in Europe. I would come home from a 7 day course back to my home in Bristol and I could not see places where men could share love and intimacy and experience deep and profound connections with other men. Then one day a thought popped in my head “where I can not see these spaces, then I will create these spaces”. I found a group of 12 men in Bristol to do a 6 week Tantra Course with me. There the dream started! It has been an amazing journey since: Tantra4GayMen has grown and grown, more and more men came to experience the courses and gave me excellent feedback. I also had good friends who helped and guided me. And by now, the dream has developed into a full time job and into my personal vocation: It makes me infinitely happy to see how men develop on my courses, how they connect with each other in a deep, loving, sexual way. How do you get past peoples self consciousness about being naked in from of a room of people? It is very common for course particpants to feel self-conscious about being naked in front of a group of men. Often I get asked “Am I too old?”, “Am I too young?”, “Am I too big?”, “Am I too skinny?” and all other variations. My immediate response would be that tantra doesn’t care about what you look like, your background, your age or your size. There are very powerful techniques to work with all of those judgements that we have about ourselves and to create a space where everybody is accepted just as they are. For example, on a typical beginner’s workshop I will facilitate a simple exercise where you are invited to touch other members of the group in turn. I will then invite you to go deeply into your feelings, physical sensations and emotions during this experience. Typically, your mind will kick in, going into

overdrive, talking, chattering, and again I will teach you how to stop that voice and how to open up deeper to your experience. And then, our undressing ritual: It would be fair to say the group is nervous to begin with. However, when we have completed the ritual, there is a deep sense of ease, freedom, acceptance, love and permission to just be who you are. Sometimes I get asked “What happens if I get an erection?” My answer is “great!” For me I try to offer a permission and freedom that your body is allowed to respond however it wants to. What are some of the biggest mis-conceptions people seem to have about Tantra? Tantra for me is the integration and fusion of your spiritual and sexual energy together that can create states of profound ecstasy and of feeling completely orgasmic. It is a personal development path – a bit like yoga – that seeks to open you up to states of ecstasy and love. It incorporates many practices – massage, meditation, intimacy exercises, exciting rituals, and many more. However, especially within the gay massage world, “tantric massage” basically means a “rub down and a wank”. For me this narrow use totally misses the point: Tantra is about spirituality and the celebration of sexual energy. Another common view I get is: “Isn’t it an excuse to have a group orgy?” (laughing) I wish! HaHa! That question for me comes from a place that our sexual energy is wrong. We have been told that sex is shameful, so we often feel guilty and fearful about it. Churches and society have told us in so many ways that sex is wrong. This is where I want to make a difference: How would it feel to explore sex from

a place where my sexual energy is ok, to be celebrated, to be honoured, respected, loved and worshipped? Tantra believes that your sex energy is the most powerful energy that we as individuals have. As a Tantra Teacher, I know the techniques and practices to help you use your sexual energy to create the most beautiful states of consciousness and give you a deeper connection with your spirituality and with other people. I do teach a technique that can give you far more pleasure. How has Tantra influenced your day to day life? I am not an enlightened being and I don’t live on a white fluffy cloud. I have the same challenges and day to day issues that everyone else has. But, a big but! How I deal and handle them is far different than where I was before Tantra. Tantra is ultimately about celebrating life and to invite joy into every moment. One technique is to grow awareness: Of your body, your sexual energy, your emotions and your mind. In listening to yourself more deeply, you develop the opportunity to make different choices about the directions that you follow: More considered, more congruent, more honest with yourself. I feel so passionate about these ancient practices that they are part of my everyday life. I do what I love doing. I don’t do what I don’t love doing. I listen to myself more deeply. My days are filled with passion, energy, drive to achieve the personal desires that I have: To create spaces where men can share love, intimacy, deep and profound connections with other men through Tantra. Visit: http://www.tantra4gaymen.co.uk/welcome 13

Q:ID MAGAZINE

WHY WE ADORE

LORNA

A RETROSPECT

orna McArdle, our community editor, the chairperson of Reading Pride and businesswoman

IS ON HOLIDAY! So I have decided to hijack her column slot and tell you a bit more about this talented woman, and why recently she was surprised at the Pride of Reading awards in more ways than one. So I give you Lorna, stripped, undressed and as you never have seen her before. (She wont let me!) But also the woman behind one of the fastest growing charities in the UK. words: Lorna McArdle Roy Perestrelo for one issue only

picture courtesy Evening Post Lorna McArdle and Chris Tarrent at the Pride of Reading Awards

Now what can I say about Lorna McArdle that you don’t all already know, well actually there is a lot I could say but am sure the moment she reads it, I would be frog marched into the town centre and flogged. So I think I will need to keep it to the achievements that this glorious lady has accomplished and a few facts about Lorna that may surprise people. Lorna as you know has tirelessly been campaigning for the rights of LGBT individuals ever since she was given a loud hailer. Her role as Chairman of Reading Pride see’s her pushing forward an agenda which has consisted of raising awareness of LGBT issues across the Thames Valley area. 2010 saw her leap from her seat when her Reading Pride festival soared with 15,000 visitors placing her amongst the upper rankings of Pride Festival Chairs and also she became a voice and ambassador for LGBT and women’s rights up and down the country.

and the Thames Valley. If that was not enough she had a second surprise with the Pride of Reading awards and being awarded the Cultural Contribution Prize and a surprise video from Diane Abbott MP and patron of Reading Pride. Her work with the community is unbound. A lot of her behind the scenes work goes on throughout 12 months of the year with her only taking a short holiday in between. But Lorna is like one of these mythical pandora’s boxes, as there is so much more to this woman that we don’t realise. From being a social ambassador to an incredibly talented designer and writer. From her longstanding blog to her design background stretching the majority of her career. Lorna is someone who has a lot to give and sometimes we do not realise it.

We sometimes joke about it, but if I had a big sis, she would be my favourite as she is fantastic to know but also puts me in my So 2010 saw her festival become a real force place when I need to be, and sometimes both as a voice for LGBT rights but also that is a frequent occurrence. So well done personally she was awarded the Reading from us all at Q:ID and all your colleagues, Pride award for LGBT Lifetime Achievement you done good, we are proud of you Lorna. which was voted by the people of Reading

Q:ID MAGAZINE

Located on Bridges Wharf in Battersea, right next to the Vertical Gateway. We spend the best 24hours of our lives at this amazing new London Verta Hotel opened by the fabulous Pam Ann this September. What we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect was to walk into the best hotel we had ever visited.

VERTA: THE DEFINITION OF LUXURY

http://www.hotel-verta.co.uk photos: G Scott words: Roy Perestrelo 16

otel Verta is located on the Bridges Wharf complex along the river in Battersea, conveniently next to the Vertical Gateway, London’s Heliport. But this hotel is not any normal hotel, the newest addition to the VonEssen Collection of Hotels, Verta goes above and many miles beyond what we expected from this Luxurious 5 star. From the moment you walk in through the sliding doors you are greeted with a spectacularly designed entrance lobby, with a stunning front desk area with a sweeping glass stairwell leading to the upstairs bar. All heavily influenced from the lavish bygone days of grand hotel design but with modern trimmings, no stops have been left out. So from the moment you walk into this hotel you know that the rest of the stay is going to have to live up to an enormous expectation, and Verta certainly have that covered right down to the finest detail. What we found is that from a lot of 5 Star hotels we stay there is always a expectation of how staff act towards you as guests, but the Verta compliment of staff are some of the friendliest people we have met. More than happy to show us how their lavish rooms work and ensure that we had everything that we could possibly want out of one of the finest rooms we have stayed in. One of the things we enjoyed about the service that the staff gave us, was the sheer amount of being “non intimidating“.

All the staff gave us the 5 star treatment but with none of the attitude that you sometimes get from traditional 5 star service, they were all friendly and helpful and at our beck and call, but with none of the attitude, and this alone set a new bar for the modern 5 star traveller. The rest of the stay was perhaps the best we have ever had. The Room We stayed in was a Delux room, which had more than we could possibly imagine, from a LCD TV in the bathroom, sliding giant mirror door leading to a lavish bathroom with double sinks, a large bathtub and separate shower unit. The whole room was lavishly decorated and designed with the modern traveller in mind. From a state of the art lighting system where you can dim near enough every single light in the room. To a large LCD screen mounted on the wall. The king sized bed was a dream to sleep in with crisp white linen was deliciously comfortable, and with a separate chaiselonge and coffee table filled with a selection of fine magazines such as “The Player“ and “Concierge“ there was more than enough to keep me happy. The integrated media system offered a plethora of screen choices catering to a wide selection of tastes, which in itself was a pleasant surprise as many hotels fall over at this point offering limited selections. But if you want to bring your own media there was a lovely panel on the wall where you can connect your own equipment such as ipod’s and laptops, so you can view your 17

own media easily and without fuss.

seating and service beyond compare. We even were a little difficult and asked for a The smart mini bar and cappuccino machine cocktail which was an off-menu item and was a treat and with so much room this suite once again were more than happy to make it was more than I ever expected even for a for us and our “Cosmo’s“ were incredibly well 5 star. Nothing had been forgotten, a true balanced. So once again we found no fault at touch of spectacular luxury. The room art was all. also something I wont forget, bits of the A-Z folded up into little aeroplanes and mounted Verta is a complete package for the modern in mirrored frames, was a lovely touch to a day traveller to London. With heliport glorious room. facilities seconds from the hotel, incredible service, possibly the smartert and best Patrisey Restaurant presented and fitted rooms we have ever The restaurant is a long based designed with rested our weary heads on to one of the most a lovely touch of formal tabled seating and amazing dining experiences we have had. We the loveliest individual bar type seating for truly found it difficult to fault Verta at all. the lone traveller who may not want to sit on a large empty table alone. So for a hotel which only had its grand opening in September, we found that The restaurant overlooks the heliport and everything was run so smoothly and our stay occasionally you see the helicopters land was one when we left we left with a pure including the Silorsky helicopters and the sense of relaxation. beauty is that you don’t even hear the slightest hum of the helicopter which was a We encourage anyone staying in London to pleasant surprise, you can eat without being consider Verta as their hotel of choice, and disturbed by the sound of them landing. we have left something out that we need you to go there and experience. With everything The menu was filled with a wide selection of we reviewed there is something else, a meals, and obviously anything that you want Spa filled with the best and most relaxing that is off menu, they are more than happy to treatments you can think of, and we think go out of their way to make the best they can this is something that you must try and it for you. A large breakfast, lunch and dinner completes any stay at Verta. selection which when we had our meals we were left without anything to say but With an amazing view over the river, a short “compliments to the chef“. trip down to Chelsea and Battersea Village, Verta is a unique experience and one that you So with a stunningly designed and presented must try out. restaurant and with that tailored yet friendly staff once again we found that we were very Von Essen Hotels have done an amazing job at ease and never rushed through our dining with Verta, tying in the classic with the ultra experience. modern and this 5 star hotel has everything you can possibly want from a top end hotel. The Bar With the little extra’s that make it that extra The upstairs bar reminded me of an art decco bit special. influenced bar with decorations made of gold and black lighting shades, lovely sumptuous Visit http://www.hotel-verta.co.uk 18

PERFECTLY SCENTED

Jo Maloneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fragrances have had an iconic presence in the world but there is an ezquisite sensitivity to how each new fragrance and product is made and brought to us. All the Jo Malone collection of scents are individually unique and each has an aroma which fits every personality. From crisp white packaging and big black bows, Jo Malone is less of just a fragrance but more an entire statement. http://www.jomalone.co.uk/

Q:ID MAGAZINE

Nigella Lawson is most probably one of the sexiest celebrity chef’s to ever exist. No one makes the preperation of a chocolate cake so sensually as she does. So we decided to take a read and look at the lovely lady herself. And you cant go wrong with a celebrity chef that says “A little bit of egg shell never hurt anyone.“

THE YUMMY QUEEN OF THE KITCHEN 20

he mere thought of Nigella in a kitchen cooking anything from apple crumble to a gorgeous pasta dish sparks one thought into my mind and thats, no one has mad sexy cooking such a selling point as Nigella has.

of her kitchen and there are some creative uses of near enough every bit of a chicken in her cookbook.

Her latest cookbook to add to her hefty back catalogue of books already which range from comfortable cooking styles to more seasonal books have given her a little edge over her cookery rivals such as the prim and proper Delia Smith who has a penchant for everything being done to military

Her creative use of ingredients makes shopping for her food so very simple as it is all explained so well.

precision and only ever using the proper things to do it with. Nigella brings that special magic to the kitchen where it is ok to make a few mistakes and be a bit brave with recipes for your self and for your family. Its that laid back approach to cooking similar to the style used by Jamie Oliver where if things go a bit wrong or if you are using ingredients from the back of your cupboard then its cool as Nigella has a recipe for anything you may find hiding behind some old packets of rice, she can work her magic to turn it into an amazing dish. From her book entitled kitchen there are some lovely dishes which are so simple to do and would impress any friend or party of friends coming over. One brilliant recepie is called Bacon and egg salad which is so simple to do and yet gives a touch of healthy eating to the traditional stodgey big breakfast. Also her chicken dishes lie in the heart

Her Nigellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas book is also filled with so many seasonal dishes, which if you combine a load together you can so simply make the best christmas day spread ever with minimal of fuss.

We were thinking that if she were every to bring out her own brand of restaurnats it would be filled with large comfortable sofaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and massivly oversized cushions and little coffee tables and everything would be served on glorious little trays and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d eat on your lap. Her style is very much for the home. It makes you comfortable, at ease and the fact that near enough anyone can follow her step by step instructions, makes her the perfect chef. Also and we cant forget this, no one makes cooking food so sexy like she does, just watch her make a chocolate cake - DIVINE! Visit her website for more info: http://www.nigella.com/

Q:ID Awards: 5 Stars for just being so amazing at being herself.

Q:ID MAGAZINE

THE

PRINCE OF OPERA CALLUM BICKNELL dreams of one thing, and that is to perform at Covent Garden. For this talented 16 year old with the voice of an operatic grandee, and the earthy energy of youth on his side. We sit down and interview the next rising star on the opera circuit. 22

words: Ryan Lock

At just 16, Callum Bicknell has rocked the new sound of opera and is aiming high in his dream of making the golden lights of Covent Garden. Ryan Lock sits down with Callum and discovers the energy behind this talented performer. Callum, you first appeared on stage at the age of eleven, what first attracted you to be in the performing arts? I suppose my first real attractions towards performing stemmed from having a very vivid imagination. I loved being able to slip into characters and become someone totally different to myself in whatever way imaginable just for an evening. I’ve always loved the pure feeling of just entertaining someone is some way, be it singing or acting, and that raw attraction is probably what, in turn, sparked such a passion for what is now my life. Its indescribable because it needs to be experienced but from that very first moment at 11 when I walked on stage I felt instantly at home and comfortable. I had always loved singing and the idea that I could go on stage and sing for a career had me hooked. Do you ever get nervous before you perform, and if so, what are your tips for dealing with pre show nerves? Yes I get nerves, every performer does to some degree, if you don’t have that adrenaline coursing through your body, you won’t be giving that performance the best that you can give. I don’t mean you need to be terrified but you need the anxiety to keep yourself focused throughout.

In terms of dealing with pre-show nerves, its different for every person but I do recommend taking a minute or two just before the concert or performance starts just to focus yourself on what you’ve got to do, I always find it helps numb the feeling of nervousness. You’ve appeared in productions of Titanic, The Secret Garden, and the Little Shop of Horrors, which has been your favorite production so far? My favourite production so far has to have been doing Annie in Norwich’s playhouse theatre. In which I had to play Mr Warbucks, the main male role in the show, for anyone who knows the show well enough, Mr Warbucks requires going totally bald for the performance. It took a fair amount of persuading and I had insisted on using bald cap with makeup but no matter how much we tried using all the gear, we couldn’t get the finish quite right, so in the end I opted for getting my head shaved. It was oddly liberating getting my hair shaved down to grade 2, but it meant I looked the part. I loved doing the show, the cast was great, I got great reviews, it just went down so well and it was my last production in Norfolk too so it had a fair amount of meaning in it. What advice would you give to other young people wanting to get into the performing arts? Be as determined as its possible to be and persevere. Perseverance is crucial, everyone wants their big breaks and they will come if you stick at it. Everyone needs to start somewhere so don’t be afraid at starting small and working your way up. 23

Your studying for your A levels and honing your acting and singing skills, you must be exhausted! How do you find the time to make it all work? I’ve been lucky enough to have a place at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts so I start each day with A-level lessons in the morning and each afternoon is dedicated to singing, acting and dancing from 1:30 till 6:30 so thankfully I don’t have to try and make it all fit in some stressful and tiresome routine. I love where I am and am so grateful that I have the opportunity to board there. I’m so lucky to be taught by such incredible teachers who’ve got such valuable experience in the arts. Can you tell us a little more about how Poperatically speaking came about? Poperatically Speaking came about when my dad and I had a conversation one evening about putting on our own concert and then my dad had the idea of putting a show on in Edinburgh at the fringe festival. For some time nothing happened until we then had another conversation with my mum and dad together and then we started putting a plan into motion. I didn’t want to perform the show on my own because I was in another show up in Edinburgh and it would be too much pressure on my voice so I decided to perform it alongside a soprano I knew really well who frequently played opposite me in shows. Slowly we put together this hour long concert full of songs where it transitioned from operatic songs to modern day pop songs, all of which being sung in a classical manner. Aside from acting and singing what are some of your hobbies? Well I’ve played piano since the age of 7 and play it almost every day and sometimes I will play for an hour or too. I play violin and guitar to a good standard and constantly play the guitar. Music is my life so it’s my 24

main hobby. I love cricket and played it every summer for my school team. I’m also quite artsy so whenever I feel like drawing something, I will, I love doodling, it’s a bad habit in the back of books. What would be your dream role on stage? My dream role on stage would either be Javert in Les Miserables or Don Giovanni in the opera Don Giovanni. What would you say your biggest musical influences were? My musical influences have changed so much over the last couple years because I’ve grown to love different genres of music. When I was 10 my biggest musical influences were probably Freddie Mercury and Robbie Williams. By 13, 14 it was probably Metallica, Guns n’ Roses and Bon Jovi. Now my biggest influences are Italian Tenor Vittorio Grigolo, Luciano Pavarotti and baritone Bryn Terfel. They have really inspired me, my music, and driven my determination. At only 16 your career seems to be going from strength to strength, How do you feel about talent shows such as The X Factor and Britain’s got Talent, and why haven’t you put yourself forward for them? I don’t think I would go on X factor or Britain’s Got Talent because I’m quite a strong believer of working hard and starting from the bottom and working all the way to the top. Finally, where do you see yourself in 5 years time? In five years time I see myself either studying music at royal college or academy of music and hopefully performing or doing something more. It’s difficult to say because so much has changed for myself over the past year or so - but I want to do the best I can and make it big. - http://www.callumbicknell.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Callum has that igniting spark that I believe has been missing from classical performers. His energy and impressive voice is like oxygen and essential to the world of Operaâ&#x20AC;&#x153; Roy Perestrelo

Q:ID MAGAZINE

Who THE TOOTHFAIRY IS DEAD

Long gone are the times when we used to wait with eyes peeled for the mythical tooth fairy to arrive and leave us some hard earned dosh for our milk teeth. Nowadays we are trying to hold onto them for dear life and also we managed to work out that this tooth crazed fairy was actually the parentals sneaking in and swapping our bits of tooth for a few coppers. So here is a little piece on how to keep those pearly whites firmly in your mouth and not on the dentists slab.

picture/words: Paul Britt 26

year or two ago, there was a time when I was plagued by severe wisdom tooth pain and it seemed all my friends were too. In fact at one point, so many of my friends had toothaches at the same time I thought it was a new fashion and for once I just happened to be fashionable from the outset. I have to say that the pain from a toothache is like no other pain, and when you’re suffering you’ll re-enact even the most bizarre folklore tales if there is even a smidgen of hope that some relief will be had. I, like many of my friends had to have the tooth extracted. Tooth extraction is normally done under a local anaesthetic and when the anaesthetic kicks in, you relish the quick relief it brings. This is quickly followed (well in my case anyway) by the disturbing realisation that someone with primitive looking instruments is about start delving in your mouth with a drill, and you can still feel every crunch, even if there is no pain with it.

However the obsession moves on, to not just having a clean mouth, but having a mouth that looks clean. This is where tooth whitening comes in. Professional bleaching is the most common form of tooth whitening. The dentist will put a rubber shield or a gel on your gums and then apply the whitening agent to your teeth, using a tray which fits into your mouth. The active ingredient in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth colour is made lighter. The total treatment can usually be done within three to four weeks, and can be completed at home. There is also laser whitening or ‘power whitening’. During this procedure a rubber dam is put over your teeth to protect the gums, and a bleaching product is painted onto your teeth.

Then a light or laser is shone on the teeth I think it is worse when the dentist and the to activate the chemical. The light speeds nurse seem to forget you’re awake and you up the chemical reaction of the whitening hear the odd “oops” and “hmm” and “he has product and the colour change can be a very active tongue”, it doesn’t make the achieved more quickly using this procedure. procedure feel any better. I might add, that Laser whitening is said to make teeth up to not that many people have experienced my five or six shades lighter. “active tongue” first-hand, but I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. Anyway, after 10 And also there is one other treatment but minutes of the smell of burning teeth I was you didn’t hear it from us because it can’t then informed that the tooth would have to be good for you. But Bicarbonate of Soda come out in pieces. lightly dusted onto a damp toothbrush is a little secret used in the music industry Believe me, by the time they were finished, before a performance. But don’t do it too there was not much left for the tooth fairy. much but it gives an instant white look. But for those pearly white teeth and to So following on from the procedure if you’re keep that dreaded tooth fairy you just need anything like me, you’ll buy any mouthwash to keep on brushing and you’ll get there. going, and review every toothpaste in Remember Simon Cowells teeth are white detail, in a bid to ensure that no pain or because they are veneers, well the tooth ordeal like that, should ever be endured fairy thinks so, but she did loose her head. again. Even if they wouldn’t have made a difference anyway. 27

Q:ID MAGAZINE

DIVA WORSHIP

THE GAY

SURVIVAL GUIDE H

eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lean mean writing machine, and if size matters, well his blog is the biggest of them all. We here at Q:ID are honoured to introduce a literary god. ALEX HOPKINS puts us all to rights with his new column filled with the wisdom of ALL those years...

ays love divas. Is it an outdated stereotype or an eternal truth every bit as alive as Madonna’s penchant for young Latin lovers?

With the group Diva Fever causing waves on this year’s X Factor it seems it’s a good time to take another look at the important role that diva worship has played in gay culture. How has the model of the larger than life female star inspired us in the past and, more importantly, what place has she got in modern gay life? Over the coming months hoards of frisky young queens will be camping it up in gay bars across the country as they unashamedly lip-synch to this year’s fame hungry wannabes. With their floppy hair flying unashamedly in the strobes and their arms swaying as extravagantly as a GHB energised disco bunny hanging out his aussieBum briefs on the washing line, these men are indulging in a brand of escapism that has given sustenance to generations of gay men all over the world. Let’s take a brief look at the types of Divas who continue to inspire us:The tough broad With their cast iron ovaries and don’t fuck with me attitude the likes of Joan Crawford and Bette Davis showed a pre-gay liberation audience the power of sheer force of will. Tumultuous and unapologetic, these women are fearless. The obvious modern counterpart is Madonna, a seemingly indestructible creature of unwaveringly, merciless ambition. The girl next door In the past we had the likes of Debbie Reynolds. With her perfect hair and demure blue eyes she held herself with dignity when husband Eddie Fish ran off with mattress of the day Elizabeth Taylor. Like Kylie she knew how to win our sympathies. These are the women who can rustle up a potent cocktail of vulnerability and inexorable determination with the same aplomb that a sauna queen can snort the K. These divas are adept at PR. They shine brightly in the eyes of the self-publicising scene celebrity who despite being up all hours still have their septums and make-

up intact as they exude that innocent, yet sluttish charm. The car crash comeback queen Gay’s are drawn by drama. At the heart of every diva is a fragile mixture of vulnerability and tragedy. In all their alcohol ravaged glory Judy Garland and Edith Piaf showed gay men that nothing is insurmountable. Today we have Amy Winehouse. We delight in her shameful, drug fuelled shenanigans simply because somehow she survives. Asbestos liver and 20 Rothman’s a day fag habit will always get the gays clamouring for returns at the box office. These are women who help us to survive. We draw on their antics in everyday life. Fighting the evil machinations of a rapacious boss we recall Joan Crawford’s fury as she battled the board of Pepsi Cola. Struggling to cope with yet another breakup we think about Alesha Dixon when she discovered her man was playing slide the salami with some young floosy. Staggering through Soho after a night of rejection we hold our heads up high to Shirley Bassey’s defiant “The Show Must Go On.” Diva worship is a coping mechanism. It allows us to transgress our boundaries and tap into a type of behaviour that in exulting freedom of expression and a conscious rupture from society’s rules has strong political ramifications. It’s about vocalising our hard won dignity and clinging on to our self confidence as we continue to fight oppression and homophobia. More than this it is about appearances. It’s about the type of facade that the muscle bound Go-Go dancer projects in a club where he is adored. Summoning up the spectre of the Oscar winning star being adored by all those nameless people out there in the dark he can, just for a moment, forget that he has to go back alone to a dingy bed-sit. Diva worship allows us to believe that there is a tomorrow and that even on the worst coke come-down, glamour is infinite and life is worth living. 29

DAVE KOSTER COMPETITION

MacBook Air

This ultra light laptop has everything you need from a modern computer. From super fast internet access to its most amazing feature of being ultra slim and hardly weighing anything at all. A must have for all the worlds self conscious computer fans. 30

MACBOOK AIR 11â&#x20AC;? SPECS Enclosure Processor System bus Memory Storage2 Graphics Video Display

www.davekoster.com

Precision aluminium unibody 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo L2 cache 3MB shared 800MHz 2GB of 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM on board (4GB maximum) 64GB of flash storage 128GB of flash storage Slot-loading optical drive NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics proc essor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory3 FaceTime camera; Mini DisplayPort output port with support for DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI and HDMI (requires adapters, sold separately) 11.6-inch (diagonal) high-resolution LED-backlit glossy widescreen display, 1366x768 resolution

his Christmas we have an amazing prize to give away to ONE lucky reader. We have a fantastic Macbook Air to give away if you can answer this question. Q: Where is the US head office of Apple located? Please send your answers to our competition email address or on a postcard, and our details are on page 4. comp@qidmagazine.com The closing deadline for the competition is December 20th 2010.

Q:ID MAGAZINE

THE BRIGHTEST STAR IN THE SKY The Constellation Quest is the first generation of Smart phones from the luxury phone maker VERTU. We took a little trip to their Old Bond Street shop and put the new phone to the test.

Perfectly sculptured, the New Constellation Quest 32

The Vertu Bluetooth hands free headset is designed like a pen so fits easily in your pocket and looks amazing click: http://www.vertu.com

obile phones have become an integral part of our lives, with so many of us revolving around the more minimalist but functional aspects of a digital existence, where at an instant click we expect to have everything at our disposal, and to this end Vertu have come up with the ultimate smart phone.

in store when you buy your Vertu or later when you have time, you are taken through a customising of what your needs are. So if you are a frequent traveller they will customise a service based around your life-style.

This in itself is gold-dust, its very much like having your very own PA tucked away When you are considering investing in a in your pocket. So from the best places mobile phone, Vertu have made you the to be seen and to eat, to the wonderful ultimate product. Filled with the normal mysteries of a city’s secret spots that only functionality of a smart phone with celeb’s know, your Concierge service will app compatibility, there is that added not only tell you about them, but also if luxury that this phone feels more like an you want, book everything to get you investment, a jewel. But we found it to be there. So when you get a Vertu its more so much more than just a mobile phone, than just a phone its a lifestyle you are it was more like a pocket assistant. entering into, and not to mention, they are an impressive piece of kit too. Your Vertu Constellation Quest other than its incredible superior finish comes From a sapphire screen, laser cut buttons, with one unique feature. The Concierge solid and comfortable materials and not button, which is exactly that, its like to mention the clearest LCD screen you having your very own executive PA at a can get, the Vertu Constellation Quest touch of a button, and once you invest in is by far one of the best phones we a Vertu you have what is called a “fitting have had the pleasure of handling, and service” where they customise this wanting to take away with us as well. unique feature to your own needs. With this phone and the impressive This is a feature that is worth every penny hands free kit too, you no longer need you spend on one of their phones. The to pretend you are James Bond, because way it works is actually quite ingenious. actually - you are James Bond! So when After you have a fitting service either next considering a phone, consider Vertu. 33

Q:ID MAGAZINE

ARE YOU READY FOR THE NAO? A

lderbaran robotics, the creators of the Nao, started with an audacious goal: create an autonomous, affordable, and feature-rich consumer robot. How autonomous and affordable Nao will be are open questions, but the robot is definitely feature-rich. quoted Steven Wasick back in January and he was very right. Alderbaran have created 23 inches of what the future will hold for us.

The NAO Robot uses touch sight and sound to ensure that it can move around and interact with its surroundings, giving a true AI experience.

Well this rather cute piece of robotics is very much a taster of what is to come. It does so many things from listen to your commands, it can see, it can certainly move if you check out the youtube videos but above all it is adaptable and really connects with you. We will in a future issue bring you more of an indepth look into this marvel of technology and go in depth into how this little marvel will revolutionise our lives. We may not see it now, but this is the future of so many technological adaptations to come. Keep your eyes peeled for one tugging on your trouser leg. http://www.aldebaran-robotics.com 35

Q:ID MAGAZINE

TIME FOR HIS CLOSE UP JASON CASS modelling a Chanel J12 and a Lambretta Square Tie - Our cover model shows us what he is made of.

36 36

THIS FALLS TRENDS

Layering with greys and blacks has come back but also a hint of smart this winter is also firmly back in the black

S P A R K L E L I T T L E A A D D 42

ith Christmas on its way there is always a chance to get a gift that makes someone the happiest person alive. And nothing says that as well as a bit of bling. Here are some fancy rocks we found ranging from the reasonable to the credit card crunching. But there is something out there for everyone. Sometimes it just takes a bit of creative looking but never forget there are also amazing bargins to be found in some of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous markets such as Portobello and Camden.

These diamond and gold rings are classicly designed to offer that timeless look for any engagement ring or an every day diamond ring. Avaliable from Frost the Jewellerys on Bond Street. Prices start at ÂŁ900

This diamond embezzled ring from Harvey Nichols is the mother of all rings. Diamond clucstered and platinum mounted. This piece would cost you in the regeon of ÂŁ70,000 even before customisation.

This oversized Topaz and diamond square cut ring is a limited edition from the Tiago Collection by Connie Perez. Starting at ÂŁ3,000 from a number of finishes from white gold to platinum. It compliments a wide selection of looks and with oversized rings going into Vogue, its one to watch.

Theo Fennel has been a master jewller for years and with a cohort of celebrities wanting his rings these lovely rings start at ÂŁ5,000 and come in a variety of designs and stone configurations 43

The invigorating new fragrance by Marc Jacobs; infuses a fresh and new scent. Available from the majority of good stockists and a must have for this seasons gift lists. marcjacobs.com

Q:ID MAGAZINE

CONTEMPORARY

PERFECTION a master has arrived Mitch Grithiffs can only be described as a master of his craft. This oil painting stopped me in my tracks, and I discovered someone equal to Anthony Van Dyck words: Roy Perestrelo

itch Griffiths, born in Nuneaton in 1971 is a master of his craft. His painting opposite which is on show at the Halcyon on New Bond Street - not only stopped me in my tracks but after so many years I discovered a real master. I have to admit the recent flurry of modern artists as much as I appreciated the abstract concepts of their work, they had left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. Any artwork which I could conjure up in my shed on a weekend to me does not constitute a work of art, modern or not. So when I walked past the Halcyon Gallery on New Bond Street and looked in the window to see the painting opposite entitled “Inebriated State“ by Mitch Griffiths at nearly two meters high, and painted in the most exquisite manner, I fell in love it and with a new artist. When I was a young boy, not that long ago, well a good 20 years ago my mum used to take me nearly daily to the Wallace Collection in Manchester Square, London. She needed a place for me to wander around and absorb art and culture, also keep me away from trouble. So as I wandered the stately home I fell in love with a painting by Anthony Van-Dyck called “The Shepherd Paris“. If anyone has not seen it, its worth a visit just to see the exquisite painting on the first floor in the great hall. But I digress. VanDyck painted so incredibly well, his mixing of paints and how they were interpreted on the canvas, almost felt real to the touch, if

I was ever allowed to touch one that is, but he painted so well it felt like the real deal was centimetres away from you. So during my early teens and then on to my adult life I have always held a flame for this painting and all of that changed the moment I discovered Mitch Griffith’s work. Until then Van-Dyck had never been matched let alone exceeded. Griffiths work is sublime. He has taken that classic masterful style of oil and canvas traditional to the old masters but has given them a contemporary feel such as “Inebriated State” opposite and another of my favourites is “Pavement” which shows an amazingly painted opened shirt young man and party dressed young woman lying in the gutter obviously after a heavy nights partying. But the contemporary material he covers has instilled a new love of modern art which is not made up of a collection of plastic cups balancing on a wire. His work is simply beautiful and instantly immortalised anyone who is lucky enough to be painted by Griffiths, but at the same time shows that there is a wealth of talent in his modern pieces. This in my humble opinion, is the stuff legendary painters are made of. I had always thought that no modern artist would have the skill to match or beat an old master such as Van-Dyck but Griffiths has proved me wrong and I would strongly encourage if not physically drag people to see his stunning works. The moment you do, you will be as enchanted as I am. Here is a great painter, and I am in all honesty lost for words. CLICK: http://mitchgriffiths.com/ Image: Inebriated State - Halcyon Gallery

Q:ID MAGAZINE

The Tassimo T85 is avaliable from most leading stores or find out more from their website on http://www.tassimo.co.uk

THE PERFECT CUP

es thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right, Tassimo have returned with a new and improved Tassimo drinks machine for you this Christmas.

Now with a one touch system all you have to do is put the little plastic drinks module in the top section, ensure its filled with water, turn it on, and it sits there and with a miriad of colours within seconds it pours out a perfect cup of whatever drink you want. Now with more than just coffee, the Tassimo has a wide selection of hot drinks to choose from. If you are a tea lover, hot chocolate lover or a fine coffee lover, this little wonder has it all. With its own built in water filter for those of us living in hard water areas its perfect. So for an amazing gift this Christmas think of this little gem. 49

words: Kraig Harris

Kraig is back, with his third instalment of his Dining with Kraig column and this time he has pulled out all the stops once again. Sacrificing his very body for our enjoyment. So sit back and enjoy the man himself, oh and his food too.

// CHAPTER THREE

Romance, bloating, sauce across the face and a sudden bowel movement! Do you remember those days when you woke up from a heavy night, looked at your mobile phone and just cringed at the thought of what text messages you sent and also received? Well not only do I still have this relationship with my mobile but it is now a 3-some with my laptop... Logging into Facebook to find myself tagged in drunken photos and to be completely honest, when you have drunk so much to forget the night you don’t need the reminder the following morning when you have hangover paranoia! Not only do you just want to curl up and sink into the bed sheets but it makes it very easy to be tracked down by random others who were out, that you forgot 50

you were fraternising inappropriately with, and this is how I landed a date with Aiden. We had been chatting sometime on Facebook, flirting away as we commented on each other’s status, gently reminding me of my drunken conversations and wandering hand syndrome until he asked me out for a dinner date. So if it is true that you reveal the ‘true you’ after a drink then maybe we could be a good match? I had no idea where we could be going for dinner, all I was given was a time and a place. I have to admit I was very excited, and with the thought of being treated for a night out made

me feel very special, especially when I arrive at the meeting spot to see Aiden standing outside a Michelin Starred Restaurant with a rose in his hand. Could it be that I actually pulled someone with a bit of class? No! We crossed the road to an all you can eat Chinese buffet, well... That to me just screams out romance, bloating, rib meat and sea weed stuck between the teeth, sauce across the face, and depending on the quality of the food the possibility of a sudden bowel movement! So if you’re interested in a light and healthier Chinese dish I have a perfect recipe for sweet and sour chicken.

Ingredients 250g skinless, boneless chicken breast fillets diced 2 tablespoons sesame seed oil 1/2 green pepper, diced 1/2 red pepper, diced 1 carrot, sliced 1 small onion, diced 2 spring onions, sliced 2 tablespoons of cornflour

For the sauce 150ml of rice vinegar 6 tablespoons of honey 1 tablespoon of tomato puree 2 tablespoons cornflour mixed with 4 tsp of water 1 tablespoon of soy sauce 1 small tin pineapple pieces with the juice 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Preparation method 1. Cover the chicken with the cornflower and remove any excess, then brown the chicken in oil in a large wok over medium high heat. Add the green pepper, red pepper, carrot, onion, spring onions and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes. 2. Place the rice vinegar, honey, tomato puree and soy sauce into a small saucepan, mix together and bring to the boil. Add the cornstarch and water mixture and stir all of the ingredients together until the sauce

has thickened to the desired consistency. 3. Combine the sauce with the chicken and vegetables and enjoy with rice or noodles. I could not really complain about the date, I was actually having a really good time with Aiden, the night was cheap and cheerful, and the company was incredible not to mention the constant complements. It was just a shame when the evening was ruined by a screaming queen that I could only guess is an ex boyfriend, throwing himself into the restaurant, stampeding towards our table, throwing Aiden’s drink into his face and calling me a slag! What a delightful end to any evening, so at that point I politely excused myself from the table, thanked Aiden for a lovely evening, gave the screaming queen the ‘look’ and said I hope they could work thinks out.

Still in shock and the time being 9 o’clock I decided It might be worth going for a drink on my own, and that’s when I saw him, David, the guy I went on a blind date with, smashed a bottle of red wine soaking my trousers and spending the duration of the evening in my novelty underwear (I still surprised why he didn’t call me?!?!). Well it wouldn’t hurt to just say hello or maybe take the advice from the screaming queen and throw his drink into his face. Seen as he was on his own I sat next to him, he looked at me, I looked at him and then my all you could eat Chinese buffet decided to repeat on me! Oh my god!!! Why do I keep doing these things to myself? Anyway to cut the story short and also the embarrassment, it turns out David was having some ‘personal’ problems and would really like it if we could see each other again. 51

By Connie Perez

The New Players Theatre ,The Arches, Villiers Street London, WC2N 6NL CLICK - http://www.newplayerstheatre.com CLICK - http://www.legacyfalls.com Closing Night: November 20th 2010

Q:ID Magazine has recently joined the world of twitter and our numbers are going up but we need more of you to join us so we can get some amazing competitions to you which are only done on twitter. Here at Q:ID it does not end with the magazine - it spills onto twitter and with some amazing prizes and events that only get publicised on there, please join us. - and get talking

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MUSICFOCUS >>> Burke is simply unique Alexandra Burke Start Without You SONY/BMG Available: now. Music Type: Winner of X-Factor but with a difference, she has gone out and actually been a real breath of fresh air.

>>>>

Factor winners have always had a pre set style when they hit our Ipods, but Alexandra Burke seems to have broken through that glass ceiling by being completely unique and not following in the pop extreme footsteps of her predecessors.

Her unique style reminds us of the amazing style in the US. There is definitely a following on the Leona Lewis tracks with hits that will attract the ears of the American market which has traditionally been difficult to crack at the best of times.

But we are hoping that since She has brought us hit after hit, her Start Without You video and also with some stunning which caught our eyes thats videos, her creative flair has for sure, but we found that shone through especially since Alexandra worked that more her Broken Heels single, we sexual pose so much better saw a dramatic change in her than we thought she would and style and we have to say that we would very much encourage there is a massive future ahead her to continue with the high of Burke. octane style of performing

because she can certainly do it. But deep down we also miss those powerful ballads that she is more than capable of doing. So we sit back and admit that Burke has been one of the more unique winners of XFactor and we hope that she continues to perform as she has. So visit her website and download her hits because this is one artist that has gone beyond what we expected and we absolutely love her. CLICK>> http://www.alexandraburkeofficial.com/gb/

LOVE AFFAIR

REVIEW

Swedish House Mafia ONE

Cheryl Cole Messy Little Rain Drops

Take That The Flood

These boys have come up with hit after hit after hit that rock our night clubs and we take our hats off to them for creating such catchy tunes. Its near like they have taken that throne held by the Freemasons.

This X Factor Judge has not only stolen our hearts but she has also stolen our ears too with an amazing album which rocks us once again. She is going from strength to strength. We really enjoyed this album - brilliant stuff.

The boys are back together and like one big happy family, but most importantly they are producing some amazing hits.

With a rocking set of tunes under their belt this is a must for all house collectors CLICK> http://www.swedishhousemafia.com/

Visit her website CLICK> http://www.cherylcole.com/

Also with an amazing duet and the fastest selling concert we await to see what happens with the lads. CLICK> http://www.takethat.com/

JOE McELDERRY Ambitions We absolutely love it as we type this we are listening to his new single and have to admit he can carry the high notes really well. A year on and Joe has come back fighting with a little older look, a little more chiselled and performing right at the top of his game. We think that this young performer is going to have hit after hit after hit. He has that superstar package that makes an amazing pop singer. So X-Factor now seems to be coming of age producing singers with sheer substance like opposite. So we sit back and enjoy listening to Ambitions on loop. So should you. CLICK> http://www.joemcelderry.com/

Q:ID MAGAZINE

RETURN OF THE GREAT PERFORMER CRAZY LOVE the hollywood edition is Michael Bublé’s newest album. We take a look at this amazing performer’s latest musical installment.

fter the release of a third consecutive #1 hit MIKE BLISS album, Michael Bublé finally broke into the

pop top 40 in the US earlier this year with “Haven’t Met You Yet.” He is looking to repeat the success with another flashy tune. “Hollywood” certainly has a musical pop factor, but ultimately Michael Bublé’s charm sells the tune. But his latest hit “Hollywood“ to us struck a new chord, because this was his defining entry into the pop charts, but using his trade mark vocals, Bublé has mixed his distinctive style of singing to fit a more modern trend in music and has given him a platform to a wider market for the first time. We just wondered to ourselves that he out of all the artists didn’t actually need any help in being bigger than he was. But Hollywood has been a hit because he has mixed a contemporary video to accompany the song as well, with a particularly funny take on Justin Bieber at the beginning. The new single and album have struck a new chapter in this singer’s career because before this he was privvy to the older refined market of music but without loosing his charm and charismatic vocals he has adapted effortlessly into the younger market using a more upbeat style of singing and making his music appeal to even more fans. So well done Bublé. For more info CLICK http://www.michaelbuble.com/ 57

Q:ID MAGAZINE

THE STALLION IN THE MIST

Above: Bentley Continental Supersports http://www.bentleymotors.com/ 58

entley have truelly pulled out all the stops with the new Continental Supersports.

It comes in tow forms at the moment, a cabriolet and a coupe format both with a massive 6 litre engine tucked under the bonnet, and the most luxurious finish you can possibly wish for. With a top speed of 22mph and an amazing 0-60 in 3.7 seconds this is one car that not only has the beauty and elegance of a glistening white swan but it also packs a fierce punch with its awesome power.

designed to look amazing in white, which seems to have become the colour-du-jour at the moment. This white panther is the car of the year for us, with its sleek lines, impressive performance and sublime feel and look to it, nothing says vroom quite like it. What makes this car so special is that it has retained that luxurious character, one that remains unspoilt with the urge to over personify elements of a luxury car. Its timeless. But the sheer beauty of this car isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in the brand, or the luxury, we found it to be in under all that hefty workmanship, its classic, its a car that wont loose its grip in style for a long while.

The interior has also not like anything been left out. It is packed with stictched leather, carbon fibre trimmings, a pumping sound system and in the convertible model one of the smoothest roof systems available. Very worth a test drive. This car is one of the best we have seen and it seems to have been

Q:ID MAGAZINE

BOOK REVIEWS Cant stand up for sitting down Jo Brand The Stand-Up while Sitting Down Years...Jo Brand tells the story of how she crawled to fame and fortune, managed to persuade someone to marry her and had some children at an age when she should have been in a bath chair on the seafront. In this second volume of her memoirs, Jo recounts wild times on the comedy circuit, the attempts to tart her up for the TV screen, running the marathon, rally driving, her numerous, occasionally extremely inebriated, Edinburgh festival appearances, her â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;actingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; career, and much, much more. Jo Brand is one of our best-loved comedians, according to a quote she made up. This memoir is full of hard-won wisdom, hilarity and her views on life, laughs, friendships and all the good and bad things in the world. If she was Prime Minister, the country would be in even more of a mess than it is.

And Thereby Hangs a Tale - Jeffrey Archer Archer has returned with another collection of his bestselling short stories. His collection of these bite sized stories are some of the best from this master wordsmith. 60

The Girl who kicked the hornets nest - Stief Larsson This book needs no introduction. The mega-selling Larson casts us into the throngs of suspense and this book once again does not fail to impress. A stocking filler for sure.

Blood Vines Erica Splinder An incredibly structured thriller, Splinder can be ranked amongst the likes of Karin Slaughter in her style and incredibly readable and will keep you on the edge of your seat.

What you see is what you get Alan Sugar Alan Sugar was born in 1947 and brought up on a council estate in Clapton, in Hackney. As a kid he watched his dad struggle to support the family, never knowing from one week to the next if heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have a job. It had a huge impact on him, fuelling a drive to succeed that was to earn him a sizeable personal fortune. Now he describes his amazing journey, from schoolboy enterprises like making and selling his own ginger beer to setting up his own company at nineteen; from Amstradâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s groundbreaking ventures in hi-fi and computers, which made him the darling of the stock exchange, to the dark days when he nearly lost it all; from his pioneering deal with Rupert Murdoch to his boardroom battles at Tottenham Hotspur FC. He takes us into the world of The Apprentice, and describes his appointment as advisor to the government and elevation to the peerage. Like the man himself, this autobiography is forthright, funny and sometimes controversial.

My Story Dannii Minogue Dannii Minogue first appeared on television aged seven. She signed her first record deal at the age of seventeen and ever since she has been wowing audiences around the world with her charm and her charisma. The daughter of a dancer mother, Dannii found the spotlight early and discovered a passion for entertaining that has never faded. After early soap opera appearances, including Home and Away, a string of chart hits in the early 90s (Love And Kisses, Success, Jump To The Beat, Baby Love, This Is It ...) launched Dannii as an established pop singer before she then re-invented herself as one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular female dance acts. Most recently, she has found a new army of loving fans as a judge on The X Factor, where she has charmed audiences with her sincerity, compassion and warmth. Dannii Minogue: My Story is set to be the autobiography of the year.

Today weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for 1,000 missing pe, ople. And possibly you.

Right now, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for people who will support the charity's work by leaving a gift in their will. People who recognise that protecting some of the thousands of children who run away every year is vitally important.

Are If

Are you one of those people? For more information on how to leave Missing People a gift in your will, contact us

visit

Q:ID MAGAZINE

“SUDDENLY I WANTED TO TAKE OFF MY JIMMY CHOO’S AND WHACK YOU AROUND THE FACE!” ANETTE CURTAIN is no stranger to diva strops, but her with Essex upbringing and now her high flying PR career in chic New Yorks and lviing in the BoHo district she brings us the best there is from the big if not rather nibbled at apple. words: Annette Curtain

f you ever wake up in the morning and it turns out to look like a particularly beautiful day, then one of two things has happened.

Stupid Bitches on Heat Is actually our book reading circle we have and every Sunday because Sundays tend to be boring or we are recovering from a blistering hangover, we take the time to First is that you are still dreaming and have read a few books and give our feedback. no fucking idea that you are. Secondly, you Well each issue will be giving you our little have woken up in the bed next to the hunk views on books and what’s good and what you trawled after in the party you were in should be chucked into the fire or used as last night and god a good seeing to, but now tampons. realise that he wasn’t the bronzed god your drunken eyes had seen at the party. Best Clubs and Pubs Well we all have different tastes and to be So as I stumble of of his bed, quietly trying honest I get around so I will be giving you not to make a single noise, as quiet as a a lovely insiders guide to the best places to little rain drop. You quickly start to realise pull, shag, eat, drink and generally pretend that every step you take makes that huge to be Ke$ha on a bad day in and around squeaking sound, so looking like a complete NYC. prick and not to mention butt naked you grab what you can, hoping its yours and But boys and girls do you know that I also make a hasty exit out of his bedroom. travel a fair bit with my job so I will be Closing the door ever so quietly, like a little giving you a real view into the world of mouse. entertainment over the coming issues. No holds barred, because I have good tits and A girl of my age shouldn’t be sneaking out get away with it. of any bedroom’s at all but one must try and have some dignity, even if most of it Best Shows in Town has been left as a stain on his faux Egyptian Yes not only whats playing but who is cotton bedspread. playing who, I will be linking this back to my blog so will give you a good few pictures as So when I got a call from Q:ID to start a well, the editor told me to be nice, but then column telling all my dirty, dirty secrets again this girl has bills to pay so NO. Sorry from their editor, I had to accept. Come on Roy, I have a few eyes to scratch out, and a I float amidst the D list celebrities of New few laps to dance on and video. York desperately clinging to some sort of end credit, and with scraping the bottom of AOB - Any other bullshit the gin bottle, there comes tons of stories. The world is full of bullshit from youtube nutter’s to people who are just plain weird So I had a long think and thought would so I will be bringing you a huge amount start my first column with Q:ID with a little of the weird and wonderful to the most bit about me, which unfortunately is all successful to the ones that should just give mixed with a dirty drunken haze so bits of it up and go home. may be figments of my imagination, even the bit waking up in a cell lying under two So stay tunned and will be molesting the NYPD officers jerking off, I think that was a FB pages and twitter, lets get some blood dream, cant remember. pumping in this thing, and we all know how to do that really well. So I decided instead of telling you how I was brought up in a convent which is obviously a lie, I am going to let you discover me by Enjoy and see you soon. the means of what I write about and my opinions. I was told by the editor to start my own twitter account, but honestly I already Annette have one, but not under my writers name, so you will just have to guess a bit. 65

Q:ID MAGAZINE

A MAN WORTH FOLLOWING

ith World AIDS day approaching, I cannot help but reflect that after nearly 30 years of HIV, gay men are still disproportionately affected by the disease in the UK. Having worked in the field of HIV / sexual health for the past 16 and prior to that being a buddy with THT, like many gay men I remember HIV prior to anti retroviral therapy. Matthew Grundy-Bowers introduces us to his new study on unprotected sex, and encourages us all to take part in his study. words: Matthew Grundy-Bowers

NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellow at City University London.

While things are so much better in terms of HIV being a managed disease, it is important to remember at this time that in the UK people still die of HIV related conditions. HIV not only affects individuals, but also partners, families and communities and recently I have lost 2 friends to the disease. One of the most effective ways for HIV to be transmitted is through anal sex without condoms (ASWC) and since the mid 1990s the number of men engaging in ASWC has continued to rise, along with the rates of HIV and other STIs. As a community I think we need to re-evaluate what we know about ASWC, try to develop a better understand the phenomena. Now while the majority of MSM do not identify as barebackers, lots of us are having sex ASWC, studies estimating up to 80%. However, much of the research has focused on what society perceives as negatives such as drug use (including alcohol) or S & M sex and while I agree that these can contribute, drawing on my own experience both as a nurse and gay man there is a lot more going on when men chose not to use condoms. I have a keen interest in the sexual health of gay men, and have helped developed or worked in dedicated services across London. I am currently on a sabbatical from my job as consultant nurse as I have been lucky enough to get one of the country’s top research fellowships, which has enabled me to lead my research study full time exploring the experiences of men who have sex with men and their attitudes and approaches to ASWC. I am particularly interested in love, intimacy, attraction, lust and power. I am also interested in how a person’s sexual role (i.e. top, versatile or bottom)

contributes to them not using condoms. I acknowledge that ASWC doesn’t automatically mean that sex is ‘unsafe’ or ‘unprotected’ and that men may be using a range of strategies to make their sex, safer. There are three phases to my study; the first phase is an online questionnaire asking men what they think about ASWC, and why they think people do it. The other 2 phases are aimed at HIV negative / unknown status men at take the form of focus groups and in depth interviews. At the end of the study I will draw together interested parties from community groups, gay men and health workers to decide how best to make use of the findings in a practical way. Support for the study so far has been phenomenal. Everyone has an opinion on the topic, and most are willing to share it. It fires people up and these views have been so informative in helping me develop my ideas. With the research itself people have been amazing on an individual level people have given up their time and knowledge. Community and commercial organisations have also been incredibly supportive. It seems to be a topic that still can mobilise people, which is touching. So, now it is your turn. Take part by completing the questionnaire at www.u-sex.org.uk and tell all your friends, and let us together help generate a better understanding that will help inform HIV prevention, doctors, nurses and community organisations.

You can follow the progress of the research on twitter @u_sex_ study or on the Facebook The u-sex study http://www.u-sex.org.uk 69

Q:ID MAGAZINE

it of k t of t i us b adge s o e g h g gor ential er-tec d s i Th e ess ip ub . Rea to s is th hose h world azine t a g e t all nd th ite ma ype th AD P u t aro r favor t and . The I you the ne essay e surf minut . last s it all doe 70

I P A D c o m p e t i t i o n

You guys are so lucky not only do we have a MacBook Air to give away we also have an amazing IPAD to give away too this issue. Now all ytou have to do is answer the following question. Q: In Issue one of Q:ID who was the first ever feature done on? Was it: A: Peter DeGonzo B. Sherry Vine C. Jake Walmsley D. Ryan Lock Send your answer and contact details to our competition email: comp@qidmagazine.com or send a postcard to the address details on page 4 of this issue enclosing your contact details. Competition deadline is Dececmber 20th 2010

FOR THE BOYS This Christmas there are some brilliant goodies out there and here are just a few I found when I walked into a shop and all was to hand too. 1. The Gucci Sport collection is brilliant for any young lad in the house. 2. the Tommy Fragrance comes in a cute little box and brilliant to fill up a present. 3. The Gant socks are so bright and the new trend in socks in the UK. 4. The Penguin card holder is rather cute and quirky for any man. 5. The Kindle for the modern book lovers and 6. XBOX are for the big boys in our lives.

ANNETTE CURTAIN

With the XBOX becoming a big thing lately and homes are not complete without it. The Kindle is still up and coming but we hope for a colour one soon.

CLONE ZONE Soho - London

64 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4UQ Tel 020 7287 1619 Mon to Sat 11am - 9pm Sun 12 noon - 8pm

Earls Court - London

266 Old Brompton Road, Earls Court, London SW5 9HR Tel 020 7373 0598 Mon to Sat 10am - 8pm Sun 12 noon - 6pm

hey’re modern, sleek, filled with absolute goodies and not to forget they were one of the first stockists of the very first issue of Q:ID Magazine. CloneZone has become one of the most recognised retail brands on the gay high streets in the UK. Filled with all our favourite brands and packed from floor to ceiling with books, pants, magazines, cards, casual wear from the finest makers. Also not to forget for that behind the bedroom door action, CloneZone is just the place also to visit catering for all tastes great and small. We take a peak at some of their goodies and also we have to say but don’t tell them, they’re all some of the friendliest you are bound to find. So we recommend regardless of what you’re into, take a trip to CloneZone and if you cant find what you’re looking for, do what I did. Ask and blush later.

Birmingham

84 Hurst Street, Birmingham B5 4TD Tel 0121 666 6640 Mon to Sat 11am - 8pm Sun 11am - 6pm

Manchester

36-38 Sackville Street, Manchester M1 3WA Tel 0161 236 1398 Mon to Thur 11am - 8pm Fri to Sat 11am - 9pm Sun 11am - 7pm

Visit one of their stores or alternatively you can shop from the comfort of your own home by visiting: http://www.clonezonedirect.co.uk/

ES Wonder Boxer Yellow. £44.99 After the success of the Wonder Brief ES have now introduced the Wonder Boxer. These pants include a removable pack up system in the front to enhance your package and extra padding at the back to boost the look of that butt! CLICK: http://www.clonezonedirect.co.uk/product.aspx?id=1785

ES 69 Tank Top Mint £39.99 Another Stunning fashion must have from ES. And this item is a total must have for cruising the town. This exceptional quality athletic tank with contrast trim and printed with 69 will look great in the Gym, Club or just about anywhere. 95% cotton, 5% elastan CLICK: http://www.clonezonedirect.co.uk/product.aspx?id=1131

Addicted White Vest £19.99 From the creators of ES Underwear, so you know that your going to get the best in design, comfort and fit. Plus they use the finest quality soft cotton. This tank is meant to be worn tight, to show off all that hard work on the gym. The words “Are you ADDICTED?” are printed on the chest. Made from 100% cotton CLICK: http://www.clonezonedirect.co.uk/product.aspx?id=1446 Calendars 2011 are a plenty at CloneZone. Filled with tons of brands and a calendar for every taste you can possible dream of. The Piss & Vinegar range are some of the coolest new undies around and very worth filling your “drawers“ with some. SEARCH: Piss & Vinegar http://www.clonezonedirect.co.uk/

Visit the link below and get shopping before your favourite pin up is sold out.

Coming in the next issue out 5th January 2011

The new years edition will be like most of our editions be filled with interviews and features that you guys have all asked for. We have once again been asked to do more and more on music so will be going out there and finding more music interviews for you and getting you a very special prize too. Also the new years edition will see a few new writers coming on board to give you even more fun stuff to read. We will also be bringing you more from our friends at the Halcyon gallery and some of the latest artists on show. But above all we want to keep building this magazine and will be focusing more on videos in the future issues too and passing on what we get to our readers so as mentioned above our prizes are about to get even better. So from all of us here at Q:ID we wish you a fantastic Christmas or festive season, and a brilliant new year and we hope that you all really have a good time. Also if you know someone is lonely this Christmas, go on - go keep them company. Have a brilliant time, and see you all soon. Q:ID Magazine