Street Cred Magazine February 2013

THE COSMOPOLITAN CUTTING EDGE ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE

www.streetcredmagazine.com VALENTINE’S EDITION

FEBRUARY 2013

EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS IN BLOOMS

Give a flower that says more than words can

DRESS TO IMPRESS! Check out our outfit ideas for him& her!

15

TOP ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS Treat that special someone to a trip of a lifetime

ALICIA

THIS GIRL IS UNSTOPPABLE!

KEYS

FASHION / TRAVEL / BIG SCREEN / GADGETS / INDEPENDENT ARTS / HEALTH & FITNESS / CARS

EVERY SATURDAY!!

THE COSMOPOLITAN CUTTING EDGE ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE

www.streetcredmagazine.com VALENTINE’S EDITION

FEBRUARY 2013

Editor’s Letter

Dear readers,

EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS IN BLOOMS

This edition is full of various surprises, specially chosen for you all. We’ve got all the juiciest gossips for you, from Beyoncé’s unforgettable perIMPRESS! formance at the super bowl Check out our outfit ideas for him& TOP ROMANTIC to Chris brown’s brawl with her!

DESTINATIONS Frank Ocean!

Treat that special Check out what’s hot in someone to a our Fashion section with credtrip of a ible gems. For you people out lifetime there who still haven’t figured out what you’ll be wearing on that special valentine’s date: THIS GIRL IS fret no more! Our fashion team have come up with four UNSTOPPABLE! date outfit ideas for you guys to get inspiration from.

FASHION / TRAVEL / BIG SCREEN / GADGETS / INDEPENDENT ARTS / HEALTH & FITNESS / CARS Our Big Screen sections, this month brings you our top four picks from the Oscar nominations. Don’t miss our gig-guide, which is packed with all the must-go events of this Tom Liam month! I can’t say excited I am Cotter O’leary Tofunmi that Alicia keys is gracing our Babalola cover this month, this girl is

Give a flower that says more than words can

DRESS TO

15

ALICIA

KEYS

EDITOR Mark Dwayne

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Cotter

SUB EDITOR Gordy Munro PR & FEATURES Evette Fleece

SPOTLIGHT EDITOR Liam O’leary liam.oleary@streetcredmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTORS Amanda Bowen South&City College Harewood Collge

Mark Dwayne

CATCH STREET CRED ON: www.streetcredmagazine.com twitter.com/@streetcred facebook.com/streetcredmag

tom.cotter@streetcredmagazine.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR Tofunmi Babalola

truly unstoppable! Check out her article in page 46.

We have various other surprises for you in our fitness section, motor and gadgets sections. If I should go on, we’d probably be here all day. I’ll give you guys the chance to dig these treasures out yourselves.

Hope you all have a fantastic valentine’s day this month whether you are in a relationship or not. There is always something to celebrate, check out why in our “still single on valentine’s day” article on pg 23.

We have various special valentine’s related articles throughout the publication, so watch out for them! Sit back, relax and enjoy this fantastic edition that has be conceived with all the love in our hearts for you our readers! Have a fantastic Val’s day ya’ll

The views expressed in Street Cred magazine are not necessarily the editors opinion so do not try to kill him if you read anything you feel offended by.

The magazine is a positive and fun read and is not with the intent to threaten anyone.

All images are copyright of their respective rights holders.

STREET CRED MAGAZINE (UK) LIMITED, BIRMINGHAM SCIENCE PARK, BIRMINGHAM. WEST MIDLANDS UNITED KINGDOM TELEPHONE: 0121 250 3534

5

CONTENTS PAGE GRIMEY (7-15)

GIG GUIDE ( 40 -44)

7 Credible or dismissable?

8-9 The R&B Comeback!

10-11 Katy moving in with new man Cheryl puts a lid on rumours Kim warned to take it easy!

Chris VS Frank Zayn & Perrie back together!

12-13 JT’s comeback!

The strokes annouce tour!

Washington in Washington?

Champion’s league Malik MD7&Black the ripper annouce tour 14-15 Super Bowl special

40 Birmingham 42 Manchester/Liverpool 43 London/Glasgow 44 Stoke-on-trent/Sheffield

GADGETS (72-75) 73 New Canon camera annouced 74 Sky Go Extra Released 75 Snapseed

CAREER & EDUCATION (76-79) COVER STORY (46-50) HEALTH AND FITNESS (52-55) 52-53 Whizz through winter 54 Laura Trott on tract to beat asthma 55 Dental Health 55 Olympic touch hero created Funkalate

77 Internships on the rise 78 Setting up your own business 79 Coventry Students gain bars of wisdom from industry expert

SPECIAL FEATURE (80-81) REGGAE OR NOT? (82) Matisyahu

FASHION & STYLE (16-34) 18-19 Credible Gems 20-22 Dress to impress yout date!

23 London men collection LFW 26-27 & 30-31 Staple Style 32-33 Street style 34 Spotted!

BIG SCREEN (34-39) Best of oscars 36 Les Miserables 37 Django 38 Zero Dark Thirty 39 Silver Linning Playbook

MR & MISS SC (58-60) SURPRISE: Find out inside!

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT (61) SURPRISE :Find out inside!

SC PARTIES (62-65) MOTOR (66-71) 68-69 Autosport International 70-71 Alfa Gulietta vs Ferarri F12 Bernetta

LIVE EVENTS (83-89) 83 Free Radio live to return!

84Music Potential storms Wembly 85 Jackson Five show/ alicia Keys to set NIA alight 86 Rod Stewart annouces extra date at LG Arena 87 Ronan Keating Fires Tour/Meatloaf’s show at the LG Arena 88 Limitless by Diversity 89 Serenity & Visions on Atlantis 89 Rihanna to shine bright at the LG Arena

TRAVEL (90-98) Top 15 Romantic Destinations

6

GRIMEY

CREDIBLE? OR not?

Who got it right and who didn’t at the Golden Globes?

CREDIBLE!

Not!:

Not!

CREDIBLE!

CREDIBLE!

7

Grimey

Usher

Destiny’s Child

T

he demand for R&B music is huge right now although you don’t hear much of it on commercial radio stations but where you can feel it is in most clubs all over the country.

Sisqo

8

Mariah Carey

The sound of urban is still dominating the dance floors all over the UK. Artists like Joe, Beyoncé, Usher and R Kelly, believe it or not, still release soulful music.

It is just that their dance tunes are getting the promotion. It has been said by many artists such as Ginuwine, Marques Houston, Faith Evans, Brandy Mary and J Blige that they realize their fans are missing the emotions and plan to bring back the true sounds of R&B to the masses in 2013.

We can’t wait!!!!!!

Mista Smoove

Grimey

Faith Evans

Mary J Blige

THE

TLC

COMPETITION! WIN A RIHANNA T. SHIRT

R&B

COMEBACK! For the chance to win a Rihanna T-Shirt,all you have to do is answer this simple question: What is the name of the No1 single featuring Drake?

(a)What’s my name? (b) Girl on fire (c) Retire To enter this competition,simply email your answer along with your fullname,address and telephone number to Competitions@streetcredmagazine.com.

Competition closes at 23:59 on the 27th of February 2013. The first name drawn will win a Rihanna Tshirt. There is no cash alternative. The winner will be contacted in the week commencing:4th March 2013

Jodeci

9

Grimey

th i w n i g n i Katy mov new boy BRAND

ll ith Russe dly arriage w when she suppose m s u o vi pre n ove, w o m d e ke ris Brand bro le down it is a surp ayer are M istory h n h g o n r J tt ti e e a d ant to s ayer’s d in togeth boyfrien w g d M ’t n n t n a vi a id o y th d m rr g e e g on mitm nt. iderin aty P d be plannin cially cons h of long term com finally the ting on an e to a p d d s n e re e u e o b rum ow muc Perry is s. Having parently doesn’t sh ws though, maybe to seeing month re both ap o to. Here’s n in the com ust last year they a relationship by k ve o lo h is W h ll a g ir u e e iv off since A the next step in th r him to g woman fo future holds. ke e ir ready to ta e together. e of th ing what th ous ering both Mayer his buying a h se consid f ri o rp e u s s a c a e This is s and in th a woman whose lationship or previous re ty dating history. F ri b le e c entire

K

C

COLE PUTS A LID ON IT!”

heryl has stressed on Twitter that she’s not marrying Trey after all but at least she has a bed partner in Kimberley Walsh.

Cole proposed to Walsh on Twitter which caused twitter to break down with responses offering their own

10

hands to Cheryl if Walsh turned her down.

This came about after the gay marriage proposal was put through by the government and something which was picked up on by the Girls Aloud.

of d e n r a w Kim ns r e c n o c y bab

Grimey

fact d to last, in ge te c e xp e ly rria ous een an the ma hian has b r longer th fa im Kardas h lt at the hea and itself. warned th prove to wait m o c e b ld We will ha u e o m c o y c b n a a b n uatio two c of her the contin e e if these e th s to r e u ve d o t d n e mis eme aration to an agre ir marriage essful sep . e of her str s th e f ri o e h g p in end Hum g Kim’s with Chris e NBA star considerin lly ia c e p s t e ship with Due to th annulmen g relation n in a o r -g the fo n o ye West, holding firm divorce the rstar Kan e ardy. p p u a o s n je a in th e baby rather g on a th in f g o g r e ra d th fa t is settlemen n it was previtha r e g n lo t lo

K

Chris Brown firing the threats yet again!

F

rank Ocean has claimed that Chris Brown threatened to shoot him in the face over a parking space.

The latest incident of Chris Brown flying off the handle again happened outside a west Hollywood recording studio over the trivial matter of who had the car parking space.

This altercation included Brown punching Ocean before claiming that his entourage could ‘Bust’ him leading Brown in further trouble having not completed his community service for battery.

Seems like he’ll be adding battery and assault to his previous convictions… of battery.

I

Zayn and Perrie back together with a Teddy

t would appear in the world of One Direction a teddy is a perfectly acceptable apology for cheating on your girlfriend.

I wonder how many fans of the group will take up this action themselves after seeing Zayn Malik reconcile with his girlfriend Perrie with an I Love You teddy after the allegations of cheating on her with an Australian waitress came out.

Although never admitting

the allegations of the affair, when photos came out of the young singer asleep it was hard to deny it was him considering the tattoos he has over his body.

Regardless of this Zayn and Perrie are back looking head over heels in love once again now so let’s just hope Zayn has learnt from his past mistakes and will avoid Australians and other women whilst his girlfriend is on tour.

11

JT Has smooth 20/20 with Latest album

Grimey

I

t’s been 11 years since Justin Timberlake’s debut album ‘Justified’ was released in the UK and worldwide.

Having taken an extended hiatus from music to pursue his acting career as well as bringing classic social networking site MySpace back into the limelight, Justin is finally coming back into his roots as a singer.

I think I speak for everyone when I say we’re missing the

A

Strokes on the trigger with new album announcement

merican Indie Rock heavyweights The Strokes will release their new album in March entitled ‘Comedown Machine’ and will be the follow up to ‘Angles’ from 2011.

The first single from this album will be released on February 19th and entitled ‘All The Time’ with a first time airing coming on the 12th February on Zane Lowe’s radio show.

One track has already been leaked from the album called ‘One Way Trigger’ and shows a continuation of style that they developed in the last album with midi samples

12

and keyboards being more prominent than their earlier guitar based albums like ‘First Impressions of Earth’, ‘ Room on Fire’ and their breakthrough debut ‘Is This It’.

Obviously we can’t speculate on what this album will hold until its release but as a long time Strokes fan I eagerly await the release of this new album.

Washington to rule in Washington?

n some ways I’m liberal, says Denzel. In other ways I’m conservative. We get so locked in on ‘you have to be this or that.’

It’s ridiculous.”

Denzel Washington in Washington. Is America ready for another debonair, liberal, free-speaking US President?

Would the ‘Flight’ star be prepared to change the rare-

I

flare Justin Timberlake gave to the music industry, so worry no more as he’s finally back and with a new album too! After a long wait of anticipating and debating if he would return and make a drastic return to music, he’s back with a new style and tone with a maturity edge.

The latest album is due to hit in March 19th 2013 Called ‘The 20/20 Experience’ one definitely not to miss!

fied air of Hollywood to gold fish bowl that is Pennsylvania Avenue?

“I like my life too much,” he says. On playing President Obama in a biopic, he insisted that he’s “too old” for the role.

Too many fans think quite the contrary. Anyway, there’s always ‘President Obama;’ the movie

Grimey

Champion’s League Schedule listings Last 16.

Celtic V Juventus Valencia V PSG Real Madrid V Manchester United Shakhtar Do V Dortmund Porto V Malaga Arsenal V Bayern Milian V Barcelona Galatasaray V Schalke

I

t’s going to be a huge champion’s league last 16 this season, especially after the current champions Chelsea were knocked out in the group stages by Shakhtar.

Manchester united fans will see the return of the beloved Christiano Ronaldo when Real Madrid visit them within the last 16. Although there have been rumours flying around that Ronaldo wants to make a drastic return to English football.

The shock of Celtic beating Barcelona in the group

stages helped them pass towards the knockout stages, leaving forward another difficult obstacle Juventus.

Considering the BIG shock of the transfer season was David Beckham moving to PSG it is likely we will be seeing him playing Champions league football where he could play against Valencia.

I think I speak for everyone when I say I absolutely can’t wait to see Beckham play how the French play.

Up and coming artist Malik MD7 & Black The Ripper announces tour

B

irmingham rap artist Malik MD7 and Black The Ripper will be beginning a national UK tour this February where they will be visiting major cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool and Nottingham as well as heading overseas to perform in Holland at a festival in Rotterdam.

Having started his musical journey as a member of the established hip hop group Moo rish Delta 7, Malik MD7 has managed to establish hims elf as a successful artist in his own right with his singles ‘I’m Ready’ featuring Margs & K-Koke and also featurin g on the Baby J remix of Valerie by Amy Winehouse.

This led to many more opportunities including a tour with Mark Ronson and his band, allow ing him to share a stage with artists like Daniel Mer riweather, Corrine Bailey Rae and Rhymefest which then led further to Malik joining the Mark Ronson and Jay-Z tour where he was able to support artists such as Kan ye West. With recent collaborations having happened with the likes of Profes-

sor Green, Wretch 32 and Sway, 2013 is lining up to be a very exciting year for the rapper with his new mixtape available in February and his EP entitled ‘Malik’s Marvellous Medicine’ out in May. Black The Ripper, the highly respected hip-hop and grim e artist from North London made a name for himself in the infamous AxeFM Clashes where he consistently beat off opponents with his consistent lyrics and star qual ity. Well known producer Baby J will be the DJ for this national tour and since being discovered in 1995 by Wu-Tang Records has produced for Plan B, Wretch 32, Skin nyman and many more well established artists.

Grimey

Underdogs rule at the Super Bowl

E

ach year the super bowl is the biggest talking point in America and in the rest of the world. This year was an ultimate game between the underdogs Baltimore ravens and the five time super bowl champions the San Francisco 49ers.

Jacoby Jones scored two of the most spectacular touchdowns in Super Bowl history as the Ravens edged the 49ers 34-31 in one of the most thrilling and unexpected games. First Jones, playing in his hometown of New

14

Orleans, caught a long Joe Flacco pass before running into the end zone.

Regardless if you love the sport or not you have got to be impressed by the skill and performance by both teams on the field. Saying that however you would have at least expected New Orleans to have paid their electric bill if they’re hosting a Super Bowl.

Grimey

B

Beyonce shuts out the stadium with half time performance

eyonce shorts out the stadium with super bowl half time performance.

Having admitted to miming at President Obama’s inauguration last month Beyonce silenced her critics and doubters by actually singing during the Super Bowl half time show and reminded everyone in the world that when she wants to, she’s actually pretty fantastic at it.

As well as performing a selection of her own hits it also featured a return to her origins with a performance

by Destiny’s Child.

This begged the question as to whether this would see the girl troupe reform for a third time since their breakthrough beginnings back in 1999.

The show has already been announced as one of the best ever half time shows as Knowles owned the stage and proved what a performer she is and made a point that you’d be a brave man to bet against her in this sort of scenario that she relishes performing within so much.

With an estimated 100 million people watching Beyonce gathered every bit of energy there was and used all the power in the stadium to light her set up.

Quite literally considering the 35 minute power outage that followed her set and delayed the starting of the second half.

15

StreetCred’s FASHION & STYLE This Month: Dress to impress your date!

London fashion week:Men’s Collection Credible gems!

Street Style Spotted! - Celebrities in high-street fashion!

16

Fashion and Style

17

Fashion and Style

CREDIBLE GEMS!

Hotlist

Discover what’s hot this season for him and her

KURT GEIGER Cinnamon £199.00

George Asda Printed shirt. £12.00

RIVER ISLAND Dark Gem Embellish watch £28.00

F&F Coral clutch bag. £8.00

18

OFFICE Uplifted £78.00

Louis Vuitton Alma BB £800

For her

NEXT Floral Print Jacket £55

F&F Tulip dress. £30.00

BOOTS Mark Jacobs’s Daisy 100ml £56.00

PAUL’S BOUTIQUE Victoria Bag £61.00

OFFICE Ooh La La £65.00

M&S Purple peplum Dress. £85.00

Hotlist

Fashion and Style

For him

DUNE Austrey. £135.00

AUSTIN REED Blazer. £155.00

JACAMO Denim Jeans £30.00

DEBENHAMS Red Herring Shirt. £30.00

ROTARY Ted Baker Bag £269.00

HOUSE OF FRASER Ted Baker Bag. £95.00

M&S Blue Harbour Cricket Jumper £39.50

CREW CLOTHING & CO Highland Jacket £275.00

OFFICE Frankie Brogue. £74.99

NEXT Canvas Holdall £38.00

G-STAR RAW Yard Pyro Camo £90.00

REPUBLIC Crafted Denim Shirt £35.00

19

Fashion and Style

What to wear?

Dress to

impress your date!

Street Cred’s fashion team has chosen four outfit ideas, you can rock on that special date this valentine’s day.

Check them out!

Phase Eight

Tilly Printed Jacket £125.00 Jewels Print Twist Dress £110.00

Fashion and Style

Day

Night

For her

2 1 1 2

4 5 3

4 3

5 6 1. SIMPLYBE : Asymmetric Lace Trim Vest Top white £20.00 2. RIVER ISLAND: Lily Lemon Jacket £70.00 3. M&S: Green shoulder bag £29.50 4. M&CO: Paisley jeans £32.00 5. OFFICE: Oxygen heels £65.00 6. INTERNACIONALES: Necklace £5.99

1. M&CO : Bold floral shift dress £39.00 2. BOTICCA : Deco Earrings £45 by Dorus Mhor 3. M&S: Red T Bar Platform Shoe £25.00 4. THE VESTRY: Embellished Studded Clutch £35.00 5. WHAT’S ABOUT TOWN: Coloured Bangles £13.95

21

Fashion and Style

Day

Night

For him

3

3 5

1 6

1

4

5 2

1: LA REDOUTE: Boyfriend Jeans with roll-up hems £39.00 2: OFFICE: Sinbad Boat Shoe £64.99 3: URBANLY: Cosmos Camouflage Tshirt £24.99 4: ROTARY: Watch £259.00 5:FATFACE: Charlie Utility Jacket £78.00

22

4

1. M&S: Sartorial Blazer £129.00 2. DUNE: Americano £85 3. JACAMO: Hamnett Long Sleeved Shirt £45 4. RIVER ISLAND: Blue Contrast turn up chinos £50 5: ROTARY: Aquaspeed ‘V’ Link £159.00 6. M&S: Limited Collection Tie £9.50

2

e’s in nt l le cia Va Spe

STILL SINGLE on VALENTINE’S DAY?

1

The thought of being single on Valentines sounds daunting and in some cases depressing as you wouldn’t have a loved one to spend it with on this romantic occasion although it doesn’t have to be a bad thing as there may be a positive side to reflect on.

Easy on money: It’s obvious that straight away you would save a lot of money not just because you aren’t in a relationship but a during the valentine era, shops and restaurants persuade you that you are getting deals when really they’re the same prices all year round. Everyone spends ridiculous amounts of money .

Grab some perspective: Even though Valentine’s Day is normally known for relationships to express their love for each other, whispering sweet nothing in each other’s ears, and how they surprise one and other with romantic candlelit dinners and holiday trips. However why not use Valentine’s Day as a reminder to spend the rest of the year letting people know how much they mean to you. I.e. friends.

3

2

ffed teddy holding a rself smitten by a doe-eyed stu you find you if lf: rse You il Spo soppy yet romantic cards, would send you one of those heart while wishing someone ut the thought of being ead of beating yourself up abo consider treating yourself inst e like for example a hav to like something you’d really ing buy by lf rse you il Spo le. sing yourself. ave who says you can’t buy it bottle of perfume or aftersh

Let Love Find you not you find it: Find ways to work on taking your mind off being single, Take up yoga/join a gym begin to feel comfortable with your body. Create art or even music if you’re creative in that aspect, keeps your mind active not thinking on being single.

4 23

J. W. ANDERSON

MATTHEW MILLER

QASIMI

KATIE EARY

E. TAUTZ

WERTH NUTTERS OF SAVILE ROW & PETER

Responding to the successes of their womenswear collections, new establishment designers Christopher Kane and Jonathan Saunders showed off their acclaimed menswear collection and they are sure to receive international attention from buyers as their shows became highlights of the weekend. Burberry, Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton and GQ & Calvin Klein Collections also produced shows and presentations among over 50 others. The Hospital Club became the central hub for these London collections with three floors of showrooms as well as curated installations from ready to wear and accessory designers.

London Collections: Men was crucial to holding a platform to show London’s emerging menswear talent. Anticipated regulars of the event included Christopher Shannon, Christopher Raeburn, Topman Design and the fashion forward recipient James Long.

SHAUN SAMSON

XANDER ZHOU

he menswear calendar began in London during January at the Hospital Club with a biannual showcase of the best in British brands. Each event in the schedule was there to show off the range of fashion talent in Britain from the most innovative emerging talent, global brands and Savile Row tailors.

First collections on show brought together the brightest menswear stars as well as British heritage brands and numerous international names to show across the three day event.

Brands such as Dunhill, Hackett, Margaret Howell and Pringle of Scotland showed off in presentations alongside heritage brands and tailors from the highly regarded Savile Row in London. Further presentations will occur on Savile Row in June whilst Paul Smith is to host an event at BAFTA as well as a Burberry Timepiece presentation at Harrods.

CHRISTOPHER RAEBURN

T

HARDY AMIES

Fashion and Style

e’s in nt l le cia Va Spe

Short on cash this valentine’s?

1 2 3

Unfortunately Valentine’s Day is famously known as that time of year where it is common for everyone to feel the financial strain when all everyone is trying to do is make their loved ones happy and to fill their lives with romance. Realising you have no money around Valentine’s Day is not a great feeling especially when you are in a relationship. However, there are some useful alternatives and Here are a few simple gestures that say more than any gift money can buy...

Take your partner for a picnic It will be an easier way to have a romantic meal in a fantastic location; this will also make your partner feel that you have put huge effort with it.

Offer to give your partner a massage It is always the little things that everyone forgets about, but everyone prefers these little things. If they have just finished work from a long shift, ask them how was it, have them rest their feet, then offer a massage.

Cook your partner a candle lit meal I know people might feel this is such a cliché as everyone seems to do this in the movies, but if your partner always watches those kinds of movies with a romantic edge wouldn’t it be a great idea as your partner would appreciate it.

4 5

Have a movie night This one is pretty straight forward and it is simple as anyone and everyone can do it, even for those who struggle with being romantic. Get a collection of your partner’s favourite movies & snacks

Write a letter to your partner Express your feelings within a letter to your partner, expressing the emotions you feel for them. If you are one of those individuals who tends to struggle to tell your partner how much they mean to you, then just include private jokes that only you and your partner will understand.

Put down memories that only you and your partner would remember and they will be surprised with the outcome as they’ll most likely think you have forgotten.

Liam O’leary

25

Fashion and Style

RIVER ISLAND

Translucent seafarer frames £14 1984 metallic panel bomber £TBC Black Flynn skinny jeans £25 Black dress shoes £45 Classic chrome band £6 Multi-chain bracelet £8

ALL THAT GLITTERS! Shine bright!

26

Fashion and Style

SAFARI PULL Be exotic!

F&F

Black and White Tunic £14 Scarf £8

27

T

he classic rose is the poster boy of valentines flowers and a symbol of the whole event itself. Countless numbers of these will be sent out and given to wives, girlfriends and prospective love interests and many would argue that they are the unbeatable symbol of love. With this said they are a very good, although arguably safe, choice for giving on Valentines Day. Its symbol of love is ancient in its history and its name derives from the words red and pink in numerous languages. A red rose means passionate love and if you want to tell somebody this

The Tulip

W

hether yellow, pink or red Tulips will convey perfect love. A Turkish legend explains the meaning behind a red tulip in which a prince is overcome with love for a maiden who is killed.

In his grief he kills himself by riding his horse off of a cliff with red tulips growing from every drop of blood and signifying ‘perfect love’.

A tulips black centre is often described as a lovers heart darkened by the passion they are feeling for their lover and with this

The Lily

S

imilarly to that of the rose the different colours of the Lily represent different meanings of emotion and love. This choice of flower is a stylish romantic flower to definitely be considered and has been classed as the best flowers to represent love.

It stands for tenderness, union and represents long lasting relationships as well as also representing mothers and particularly new ones with their elements of fertility and nurturing.

then you would be hard pushed to find a better flower to say it with. Try and avoid sending a pink rose though as this is usually regarded as a flower for friendship. White roses are acceptable as they signify purity and mixing them together with red roses is for unity. If you want to show someone your commitment to the relationship you are in then white roses are perfectly suitable and probably a welcomed change from the red roses so commonly seen. Even if you feel they are a little bit clichéd you really can’t go wrong with a bouquet of roses, or even just a single rose, to signify your love.

explanations of love it is easy to class them as a rival for the red rose.

With the variety of colours available you can produce a reaction of countless emotions from the receiver and in the language of flowers a bouquet of tulips represents elegance and grace.

You could say that in the same way they seek out the sunshine tulips seek out the happiness in the faces of those who they are given and with their ability to return every year from their bulbs it represents a love with determination that will never die.

If your valentine is a new mother or mother to be then the Lily is a perfect flower to give in this situation. Red lilies signify love and affection toward your loved one and are another perfect alternative to the red rose.

Orange lilies also represent love but with a warmer sentiment and brighter appearance, perhaps perfectly suited for young love.

Either way Lilies are a great flower to give to show your love on Valentines day if you’re trying to avoid the cliché of the red rose bouquet.

ROSES ARE RED...

The Rose

VIOLETS ARE BLUE...

Maybe even tulips too!

Street Cred has selected our top 5 flowers for that special person

e’s in nt l le cia Va Spe

The Orchid

very similar way to that of love. Love grows easy and can happen in all environments, even those where you would not normally expect it to.

A white Orchid stands for beauty and elegance and this is the perfect choice for your valentine although there are other colours with their own meanings as well.

A blue orchid is considered rare and very special so could also be given to a loved one so symbolise how special they are to you and how important they are as well as being one of a kind. Try to avoid giving yellow orchids though as similarly to a pink rose this is more designed for friendship rather than love.

The Carnation

tioned different colours denote different emotive connotations. Light red will express admiration and dark red versions will convey much deeper love for the receiver.

They remain a solid favourite choice for many different occasions and are loved by many due to being instantly recognisable to the point that in some parts of the world they surpass roses in their popularity.

With classic beauty and long lasting properties you could do a lot worse than buy a beautiful bunch of carnations this valentine’s day.

T

he delicate nature of the Orchid flower is another perfect alternative for showing your love. It is an incredibly popular flower designed to represent the magic of the romance you are experiencing and the endless love between the giver and the receiver.

The beauty of the orchid can also be used to represent the beauty of the person you are giving them to, an illustration of her with an exotic appeal of refinement and love, and in Victorian England the flowers were likened to beautiful women.

Orchids grow very easily and bloom in almost all conditions in a

I

f longevity is something you want to be celebrated this valentine’s day Carnations are perfect due to their long lasting nature allowing them to survive for almost three weeks.

Perhaps you have been with your loved one for many years or want to give a symbol to show what you want the future to hold and how serious you are about the relationship.

Carnations are known as the flowers of love and their meanings include fascination.

Like with other flowers men-

29

Fashion and Style

F&F

Jacket £25, Pink Shirt £9 Trousers £23

SUAVE PERSONIFIED Turn Heads!

30

Fashion and Style

JUMPSUIT POW!-ER! Stand out!

PHASE EIGHT

Roxanne Wrap Jumpsuit £99.00

31

32

RR

m

Ju

I

LY S M J tu A p ac de ge I Le er – ket nt/ – 2 NC gg T - L Em 1 E R B Ba o ing op im pl o o s e s g ts – h op - £ yed – – Ch e eB - 30 ar Ba ay £2 ity y - - £ 5Sh £2 15 £3 0 op 0 -£ 2

EM

Ju Em Y m A Sk pe plo ge FO Tig irt r – ye – d 1 S Bo hts – N Ne /W 8 TE ot – N ew w L or R s e Lo oo kin – Hy w L ok k - g o £ pn o ot k - £20 20 ic £ - £ 10 15

KE

M AR C Ju J Co A EL m ea lle ge TH Ca pe ns ge – O 1 M p r Va – – R – H Stu 6 AS ns Fo ive &M de – ot A r I - nt Am s sla £3 az ylum nd 0 on - - £ - £ £3 40 50 0

Fashion and Style

RM

Ja E ck Ag N e B J T et Hu ea op – J Stu – 1 RO n – a d Ba nte s – To ck ent 6 W N g r W Ri ps W – v h i De elli er op lls be es Isla - £ £1 nh – e nd 18 80 am B - £ s ay - 40 -£ £ 10 50 0

CA

E A ES J ar Le um ring S ge – ILA gg pe s tu 1 So ing r – – T den 7 o t S c s Ba hoe ks – N Vint psh ck s – – T ew ag op pa T op L e – - £ ck op sh oo £ 8 – sh op k - 22 Du op - £ ffe - £ £8 10 r- 2 £2 0 0

D

J Ag HA S ac Sh car ket W e – IR o f – o A Tr es – S To rkin 25 ou – el pm g se Ku frid a rs rt ge n – Gie s - £ 8 Re g £ 0 iss er 18 - £ - £8 0 60 0

AJ

ES

TH Ca W r A E Sc diga orki ge R C ar n ng – H J / – f To ea – E 21 AN p n H Ne m Bo – R s – ong w L plo ot iv AS K oo yed s er O on k – Te Isla S - £ g - £ £2 sc nd 1 1 0 0 o - £ - £2 10 0

A R Ho Sc C od arf oa Em ge – OB y– – t– p 2 S lo 6 O C N Sh Je Am olb H&M yed oe an eri er s s ca Jo - £ – – n hn 90 Ra Le Ap ? lph vi pa - £ La - £5 rel 20 ur 0 - £ en 50 -£ 50

AL EX

Y

HA

LE an Ag Y s– e C Ja Sho Urb Stu – 1 OL L d Ba cke es – an O en 9 IN S g t – Z ut t – P ar fit To rim a te ps a - £ rs ho rk 40 - £ p -£ 2 2 -£ 1 35 5 Je

Fashion and Style

We know its cold out there, but its refreshing to see that some people are not letting the weather deter them from looking fabulous. The Street Cred team went out in search of these people and we were not disappointed!

ENJOY!

STREET STYLE

Fashion and Style Grimey

Fashion and Style

Pippa Middleton Spotted!!

Thought you might like to see this: Pippa Middleton is seen leaving the hospital wearing a Superdry Classic Mac, priced at ÂŁ124.99 Macs are one of the staple items for this S/S season and they are bang on trend!

Available on www.superdry.com and in all uk stores.

GRAB YOURS NOW!!!

KIMBERLEY WYATT SPOTTED!!

Kimberley Wyatt was spotted wearing the Ruby Ray embellished dress at the Tommy Hilfiger and Esquire Party Available at www.rubyray.com

34

Page 16

BIG SCREEN - WHAT’S IN THE BOX

BIGScreen

Edited by Ian McLaughlin

By Tom Cotter

This Month:

We have chosen our top four favourite Oscar nominated movies. They are all a must watch this season.

Les Miserables Django Zero Dark Thirty Silver Linings playbook

35

Page 16

BIG SCREEN - WHAT’S IN THE BOX

BIGScreen Edited by Ian McLaughlin

1

The Phoenix–January 2013

BIGSCREEN LES MISERABLES

The most famous stage show musical in the world once again ends up on the big screen this year and it promises not to disappoint.

I’ll admit to being a tad sceptical when I heard of its production and it did take me a while to stand up and watch it but I’m very glad I did. It instantly became clear to me why it had won so many Golden Globes and why it warrants the many Oscar Nominations it has also received.

Hugh Jackman is fantastic as Jean Valjean the stories protagonist and Anne Hathaway is also brilliant with her performance as Fantine which actually commands very small screen time.

It is true to say she steals the show with her haunting performance of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’. If like me you knew very little of what Les Miserables is actually about bar it being a musical based in the times of the French revolution then I urge you to go and watch what a fantastic and emotionally moving film it is.

The ending in particular is sublime and will strike a chord of emotion with almost everyone. Don’t let its musical tagging put you off.

BigScreen

THE BEST OF THE OSCARS

DJANGO UNCHAINED

Q

GADGETS uentin Tarantino’s latest offering is everything you expect from a Tarantino film, and then some. It is perfectly directed, intelligently written with witty and engaging dialogue exchanges, inexplicably violent and possesses an incredible soundtrack.

Performances all around are excellent. In a vast majority of films there is quite often one actor or actress in particular who steals the scene and whose performance stands out over the rest of the cast.

However in Django Unchained there are several cast members who deserve special recognition. Christoph Waltz in particular is phenomenal with his performance as the bounty hunter who becomes Django’s friend, teacher and confidant.

On this performance he must be odds on favourite for all supporting actor awards

Page 16

BIG SCREEN - WHAT’S IN THE BOX being awarded this year.

Leonardo DiCaprio is also BIGScreen nominated for the supporting actor statue and is also fantastic showing his villainous side as plantation owner Calvin Candie.

As you would expect the DiCaprio charm still remains throughout and he would probably be favourite to win if it weren’t for Waltz. The acting continues to impress as Samuel L Jackson is welcomed on screen as the downright hysterical Stephen, Candie’s disgruntled head servant. Django Unchained is a fun, quirky, gruesomely violent and hilariously funny film.

Look out for one scene in particular involving a large vigilante group wearing burlap sacks over their heads. I honestly cannot praise this film enough.

The Phoenix–January 2013

Edited by Ian McLaughlin

2

37 37

BigScreen

GADGETS

Page 16

BIG SCREEN - WHAT’S IN THE BOX

BIGScreen Edited by Ian McLaughlin

3

ZERO DARK THIRTY

K

atherine Bigalow’s latest film offering was always going to cause a stir once it hit the screens due to the subject topic being the man hunt for the most wanted man alive in the form of Osama Bin Laden.

It opens with a black screen whilst audio samples taken from 9/11 play out, setting a tone for the audience to hook on straight from the off before detailing the ten year effort of finding the perpetrator behind the attacks.

The plot is focused around Maya, a CIA officer leading the intelligence hunt for Bin Laden, portrayed by the forever stressed appearing yet wonderful Jessica Chastain and having won the best

actress Golden Globe award she has to be in the running for the Oscar gong.

Execution of the infamous mission is portrayed through the eyes of the seal team with a mixture of very dark shots and the use of night vision. This does make it slightly difficult to watch and see what is happening but I guess Bigalow was going for realism.

It is understood that this film was produced on hours of background at the CIA and information from the Seal Team 6 themselves so as an audience you do take this as the closest and most accurate visual representation of the death of Bin Laden. In that view, it has to be worth a watch.

BigScreen

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK For the first time since 1981 Silver Linings Playbook has managed to receive acting Oscar Nominations in all four categories and it is definitely justified by the performances involved.

The plot is based around Bradley Cooper’s character of Pat, a bipolar teacher who has recently been discharged from a stay in a mental facility after the breakdown of his marriage and has returned to living with his parents in the hope of repairing his broken marriage.

Along the way he meets Tiffany, a recovering sex addict and widow who has also lost her job. Together they develop a very strange relationship which beautifully develops throughout the film. It is the best performance

from Cooper I have seen and I never thought it was possible to find him convincing in a serious character suffering so much with life around him.

His father is played by the fantastic Robert De Niro who has finally re-found his acting genius and delivering a fantastic performance worthy of the nominations he has received. The clear stand out performance though has to go to the stunning Jennifer Lawrence as the troubled Tiffany and her best actress nomination makes her a serious GADGETS

contender.

In its basic elements this film is a truthful representation of life with mental disability and the building of new relationships to build a new life once entering the recovery process. It shows that your past will always haunt you but it’s what you do with the present that affects the future you have.

Page 16

BIG SCREEN - WHAT’S IN THE BOX

BIGScreen Edited by Ian McLaughlin

4

39

Birmingham Artist: Plan B Venue: LG Arena Date: 8th Feb Artist: Modestep Venue: 02 Academy Date:8th Feb Artist: Rita Ora Venue: 02 Academy Date:9th Feb Artist: X Factor Live Venue: LG Arena Date: 9th- 10th Feb

Gig

uide

THE

What’s on?

Artist: X Factor Live Venue: LG Arena Date: 9th- 10th Feb Artist: General Fiasco Venue: HMV Institute Date: 11th Feb Artist: Jaguar Skills Venue: HMV Institute Date: 13th Feb

Artist: The Kerrang Tour Venue: 02 Academy Date:14th Feb

Artist: The Lumineers Venue: HMV Institute Date:26th Feb

Artist: Tall Ships Venue: Sunflower Lounge Date:2nd March

Artist: Lianne La Havas Venue: HMV Institute Date:8th March

Artist: NME Award Tour Venue: 02 Academy Date:16th Feb

Artist: Of Monsters And Men Venue: HMV Institute Date:26th Feb

Artist: Coasts Venue: The Yardbird Date:6th March

Artist:Bastille Venue: HMV Institute Date:9th March

Artist: Jake Bugg Venue: HMV Institute Date:19th Feb

Artist: Example Venue: LG Arena Date:28th Feb

Artist: Foals Venue: HMV Institute Date:8th March

Artist: Bullet For My Valentine Venue: 02 Academy Date:12th March

Artist: Wolf Alice Venue: The Sunflower Lounge Date:23rd Feb

Artist: Justin Bieber Venue: NIA Date:27th-28th Feb

Artist: Twisted Wheel Venue: The Rainbow Date:8th March

40

Could you...

ADOPT with Birmingham?

Birmingham's Black and Mixed Heritage children are waiting longer than other children to find adoptive homes. Find out more by popping in for an informal chat between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th December to the Afro Caribbean Millenium Centre, 339 Dudley Road (New Style Radio Station)

Text ADOPT 31 to 63333 or

% 0121 303 7575 www.birmingham.gov.uk/adoptionandfostering

39

Gig guide

Manchester Artist: NME Award Tour Venue: Manchester Academy Date8th Feb

Artist: Everything Everything Venue: Manchester Academy 2 Date:22nd Feb

Artist: Example Venue: Manchester Arena Date:1st March

Artist: Jake Bugg Venue: Manchester Academy Date:14th Feb

Artist: Jimmy Carr Venue: 02 Apollo Manchester Date:22nd Feb

Artist: The Darkness Venue: 02 Apollo Manchester Date:2nd March

Artist: Kaiser Chiefs Venue: 02 Apollo Manchester Date:15th Feb

Artist: Lawson Venue: Manchester Academy Date:21th - 22th Feb

Artist: Foals Venue: Manchester Academy Date:3rd March

Artist: The Killers Venue: Manchester Arena Date:17th-18th Feb

Artist: Milton Jones Venue: 02 Apollo Manchester Date:23rd Feb

Artist: Sigur Ros Venue: 02 Apollo Manchester Date:3rd-4th March

Artist: Justin Bieber Venue: Manchester Arena Date:21th - 22th Feb

Artist: Of Monsters and Men Venue: Manchester Academy Date:24th Feb

Artist: Ne-Yo Venue: Manchester Arena Date:9th March

Liverpool Artist: Example Venue: Liverpool Echo Date:13th Feb

Artist: Jake Bugg Venue: O2 Academy Liverpool Date:12th Feb

Artist:Foals Venue: O2 Academy Liverpool Date:4th March

Artist: Justin Bieber Venue: Liverpool Echo Date:24th Feb

Artist: NME Award Tour Venue: O2 Academy Liverpool Date:13th Feb

Artist:Lianne La Havas Venue: O2 Academy Liverpool Date:1st March

Artist: Ne-Yo Venue: Liverpool Echo Date:8th March

Artist: Everything Everything Venue: O2 Academy Liverpool Date:17th Feb

Artist: The Script Venue: Liverpool Echo Date:9th March

Artist: The Lumineers Venue: O2 Academy Liverpool Date:17th Feb

Artist:Harry Hill’s Sausage Time Tour Venue: The Empire Theatre Liverpool Date:10th Feb

Artist: The Kerrang Tour Venue: O2 Academy Liverpool Date:9th March

Artist: Bastille Venue: O2 Academy Liverpool Date:28th Feb

Artist:Frightened Rabbit Venue: O2 Academy Liverpool Date:23rd Feb Artist:The Enemy Venue: O2 Academy Liverpool Date:9th March

Gig guide

London

Artist: Two Door Cinema Club Venue:02 Academy Brixton Date: 8th Feb Artist: Plan B Venue: 02 Arena Date: 9th Feb Artist: Murat Dalkilic Venue:London Forum Date: 9th Feb Artist: Modestep Venue:Koko Date: 14th Feb Artist: Kerrang Tour 2013 Venue:02 Academy Brixton Date: 15th Feb

Artist: One Direction Venue: 02 Arena Date: 23rd- 24th Feb

Artist: M Venue: Koko Date:5th March

Artist: Yellowcard Venue:Koko Date: 26th Feb

Artist: Justin Bieber Venue: 02 Arena Date: 4th-5th,7th-8th March

Artist: Netsky Venue:London Forum Date: 1st March

Artist: Sigur Ros Venue:02 Academy Brixton Date: 7th-9th March

Artist: Girls Aloud Venue: 02 Arena Date: 1st-3rd March

Artist: Ocean Colour Scene Venue:Electric Ballroom Camden Date:25th-27th March

Artist: Kaiser Chiefs Venue:02 Academy Brixton Date: 1st March

Glasgow Artist: Jake Bugg Venue: Glasgow 02 ABC Date: 8th Feb

Artist:The Lumineers Venue: 02 Academy Glasgow Date: 18th Feb

Artist: Lawson Venue: Glasgow 02 ABC Date: 25th Feb

Artist: Desaparecidos Venue:The Arches Glasgow Date: 9th Feb

Artist: Rae Morris Venue:The Arches Glasgow Date: 20 the Feb

Artist: The Courteeners Venue: 02 Academy Glasgow Date: 1st March

Artist: Kerrang Tour 2013 Venue: 02 Academy Glasgow Date: 10th Feb

Artist: Rae Morris Venue:The Arches Glasgow Date: 20 the Feb

Artist: Lianne La Havas Venue: Glasgow 02 ABC Date: 4th March

Artist: Ocean Colour Scene Venue: Glasgow 02 ABC Date: 21st-22nd Feb

Artist:Foals Venue: Glasgow 02 ABC Date: 4th March

Artist: Of Monsters and Men Venue: 02 Academy Glasgow Date: 22nd Feb

Artist:Jessie Ware Venue: Glasgow 02 ABC Date: 8th March

Artist: NME Award Tour Venue: 02 Academy Glasgow Date: 11th Feb Artist: Train Venue: 02 Academy Glasgow Date: 15th Feb

43 41

Gig guide

Stoke-on-trent Artist: Chasing Traits Venue: The Sugarmill Date:8th Feb

Artist: Funeral For A Friend Venue: The Sugarmill Date:17th Feb

Artist: Attention Thieves Venue: Victoria Hall Date:2nd March

Artist: Wired Venue: The Sugarmill Date:9th Feb

Artist: Frightened Rabbit Venue: The Sugarmill Date:18th Feb

Artist: Dog Is Dead Venue: The Sugarmill Date:8th March

Artist: Your Demise Venue: The Sugarmill Date:15th Feb

Artist:Fools Paradise Venue: The Underground Date:23rd Feb

Artist: Yashin Venue: The Underground Date:9th March

Artist: Hypothesis Venue: The Underground Date:15th Feb

Artist: Wet Nuns Venue: The Sugarmill Date:1st March

Artist: Roy Orbison Venue: Victoria Hall Date:16th March

Artist: Delphic Venue: The Sugarmill Date:16th Feb

Artist: Tussk Venue: The Sugarmill Date:2nd March

Sheffield Artist:The Rollin Clones Venue: 02 Academy Sheffield Date:10th Feb

Artist:Girls Aloud Venue: Motorpoint Arena Date:25th Feb

Artist: Paloma Faith Venue: Sheffield 02 Academy Date:11th Feb

Artist:X Factor Live Venue: Motorpoint Arena Date:12th Feb

Artist: Chris Addison Venue: Sheffield City Hall Date:27th Feb

Artist: Kerrang Tour 2013 Venue: Sheffield 02 Academy Date:13th Feb

Artist:Example Venue: Motorpoint Arena Date:15th Feb

Artist: Lawson Venue: Sheffield 02 Academy Date:27th Feb

Artist:Space Venue: Sheffield 02 Academy Date:2nd March

Artist: Milton Jones Venue: Sheffield City Hall Date:20th Feb

Artist: Olly Murs Venue: Motorpoint Arena Date:1st March

Artist:The Alarm Venue: Sheffield 02 Academy Date:3rd March

Artist: Exit Calm Venue: 02 Academy Sheffield Date:22nd Feb

Artist: The Darkness Venue: Sheffield City Hall Date:1st March

Artist:Strictly Come Dancing LIVE Venue: Motorpoint Arena Date:9th-10th March

44

Cover Story

46

Cover Story

A BRAND NEW KEYS! The blazing hot,unstoppable and without saying fired-up

W

Alicia Keys!

hen Alicia Keys first performance on The Oprah Winfrey Show eleven years ago the tough girl with the golden voice and fantastic piano skills finally arrived on the music scene. On this day she performed her soon to be smash hit ‘Fallin’ from her debut album ‘Songs In A Minor’ which started the 10 year journey featuring fantastic feats such as sold out concerts, world tours, 14 Grammy awards, movie deals, bestselling books as well as philanthropic missions.

During this time she has claimed adoring fans who sing along to hit after hit, the likes of ‘No One’, ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ and ‘Empire State of Mind’ amongst many others.

Similarly to many artists life has caused her heartbreak and great happiness. She has dealt with the loss of her inspiration in the form of grandmother as well as the parting of ways with her long time manager Jeff Robinson.

She found a new balanced life though when she married artist and produced Swizz Beatz and had a beautiful

47

Cover Story

48

baby boy with him called anything that didn’t belong. It Eqypt. gave me courage and more Late last year in Novemspace to try new things. ber she released ‘Girl On “That feeling opened up my Fire’ which is her fifth studio process, my song writing, release. In this album she and me in a big way” states has emerged as a stronger Keys. and wiser woman and has One of her biggest taken the reins of her career. singles off this latest album It is an album about has been ‘Girl on Fire’ which breaking free and is designed was a phrase coined by an to move you emotionally as interviewer when explaining well as physically with energy her balance of stardom and and soul. “The album is about motherhood. It was a phrase new beginnings, new perthat sat with Alicia and gave spectives and fresh starts” her the fire to create this says Keys. “There is somesong that would become the thing really empowering title track of the album. about finding your own inner “The three of us were sitting strength – stripping away in the room and working on all the energy that no longer some other ideas, when I works for you and taking full mentioned I wanted to write control of how you want to a song called ‘Girl on Fire.’ live”.

We started "The album is about playing with Key’s new beginnings, new that idea— all previously would lock perspectives and fresh of a sudden herself the melodies starts" away in and lyrics just the studio flowed, and and made it a very closed then there was this crazy experience with only a select beat. few chosen to assist. That all Eventually the chorus changed with this new album came out of it”. The song though as collaborators all came together and she flooded in as she travelled shouts “That’s what a girl outside of New York to on fire sounds like!” and with places including London and this she found the direction Jamaica to record. of the album and the title all Grammy Winning artat once. It was all beginning ists Bruno Mars and John to shape up perfectly.

Legend collaborated as well Alicia Keys latest as acclaimed guitarist Gary single ‘brand new me’ was Clarke Jr. Electronic artist produced and co-written Jamie xx Smith also collaboalongside Emeli Sande and rated as well as working with

by Keys herself. The song is UK smash hit writer Emeli auto biographical and about Sande. “There comes a time someone finding a new you in our life where we have and letting go of anyone that to choose how we want to doesn’t seem to know you live. I got to a point in my life anymore. where I was able to remove

Cover Story

“There is something really empowering about finding your own inner strength – stripping away all the energy that no longer works for you and taking full control of how you want to live”

49

Cover Story

TOUR DATES

Saturday 18th May, Liverpool, Echo Arena Sunday 19th May, Newcastle, Metro Radio Arena Friday 24th May, Manchester, Manchester Arena Saturday 25th May, Birmingham, NIA Arena Tuesday 28th May, Nottingham, Nottingham Capital FM Arena Thursday 30th May, London, The O2 arena *** SOLD OUT *** Friday 31st May, London, The O2 arena Tickets for this tour are already on sale via aeglive.co.uk

‘Brand New me’ has already been added to radio 1’s playlist and was premiered live on the Jonathan Ross show on 26th January when Alicia performed it accompanied by her piano.

She also performed the song at Obama’s inauguration in January. The incredible feeling Alicia keys makes you feel whilst listening to her music is amazing especially within ‘Brand New Me’ as it’s about a conversation between you and another person where you say within yourself ‘You might not have seen me in a while, you might not recognize this brand new me’.

Alicia Keys has an unbelievable talent and has said “the crazy thing about the single is how it catches people off guard”. She’s respected for being a singer/songwriter and producer; a fourteen-time Grammy

50

award winning artist. ‘Brand New Me’ will be released by RCA Records on the 17th February 2013. Could it be possible for her to win her 15th Grammy award? Although this Grammy announcement comes hot off the heels of Alicia receiving a Brit Award nomination for ‘international female artist Solo Artist’. She isn’t new to winning awards with over one hundred awards wins from Eleven Billboard music awards to three MTV Europe awards.

Alicia Keys fourth, Multi-platinum studio album, ‘Element of freedom’, sold one million copies in the UK alone and was one of Britain’s top 10 bestselling albums of 2010. From this latest fifth album the single ‘Girl on fire’ Topped the ITunes charts in over 20 countries worldwide when it was released in November last year.

Alicia scored her highest week one of single sales ever in the United Kingdom and has continued to remain in the top 10 airplay chart ever since for over 8 consecutive weeks’. ‘Brand new me” will be released on the 17th February.

The ‘Girl On Fire – Tour’ will be coming to the UK this May - “I’m so excited to be touring again and coming back in the UK!!! I’m looking forward to performing and feeling the energy of the crowd – there’s nothing like it. I plan to bring you something emotional and exciting! I’m a brand new me!”.

With her career long accomplishments including 30 million albums and 30 million singles sold worldwide you can be sure this tour will be spectacular and full of hits for audience members to sing along to.

Health & Fitness

WHIZZ

THROUGH WINTER!

Start your winter work out!

S

tay fit & healthy this winter with plenty of exercise to burn off those extra calories. Don’t let the winter weather stop you from being fit and healthy. Wrap up warm, beat the cold and have a look at how you can avoid gaining or start shedding the winter weight you don’t need.

In the winter, you may use the miserable weather as an excuse to be inactive and stay indoors, where the cold can prompt you to want to eat more.

Exercise is as important in winter as at any other

52

time. Over the Christmas season many people tend to put on weight having perhaps over – indulged but strict diets after Christmas may not be necessary for people of your age.

If you keep motivated, eat a sensible balanced diet and take regular exercise at least three times a week you will stay in good shape.

Here are some quick and simple exercises you can try at home without equipment and are easy for you to fit in with your busy schedule at college, university or work.

Health & Fitness

W

hy not try some exercises at home with celebrity fitness DVDs from the celebrities that inspire you?, help your Mom out with the house work and get in her good books! Or why not have a little dance to your favourite music?

In order to have a fit & healthy lifestyle you have to be motivated and there’s a wide variety of activities you can try close to home, if not in the home.

Maybe a brisk walk or short ride to your closest gym is an option. Try to engage a friend as your training partner and set yourself small goals. Here are my top 3 gym equipment choices to give your body a good work out...

Treadmill The treadmill has plenty of advantages such as their being less strain on your joints, changing the speed or incline

You could go swimming, play table tennis or even try a touch of Yoga. Take advantage of winter by being active; playing in the snow with your family, sledging or even shovelling snow off elderly people’s pathways. That way you will be doing your bit for your community as well as working on those arm muscles!

We all know cutting down on your food is hard during the winter but there are ways to avoid gaining weight such as stocking up your cupboard with savouries such as with noodles, tomato soup or vegetable soup, in preference to sugary and fat – loaded foods.

Also getting plenty of vitamins is beneficial and for those of you who like a nice cup of hot chocolate before you go to bed there are plenty of low- calorie alternatives on the

and also it tells you how many calories you’re burning, which is really useful for those who want to lose weight.

Rowing machine An amazing advantage of a rowing machine is that it provides a decent work-out to your lower body and upper body. A rowing machine is an effective way to raise your heart rate and increase your oxygen uptake. The adjustable resistance on most rowers lets you easily work up to your target heart rate as well as slow back down to your resting rate.

Exercise bike This type of exercise is perfect for toning legs and increasing overall fitness, losing over 600 calories an hour.

Exercise bikes are also a great way for beginners to get in to training as it doesn’t require much skill.

market.

Healthy eating is not about being deprived of your favourite foods or living in the gym but working out a sensible regime to stay active and healthy, there are many ways you can stay active like getting involved in social clubs in your area or even going to a zumba fitness class which is becoming a popular activity or playing on the Wii or Kinect with a number of games.

Exercise not only helps you to maintain a healthy weight and body but can actually help to banish those winter blues by increasing levels of ‘happy’ chemicals in the brain.

We know you want to feel good in the inside and look good on the outside. It doesn’t matter about being a size 0.

What matters is feeling good about yourself, so don’t beat around the bush. Hibernation is for hedgehogs so don’t let winter make you lose control of your welfare!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH 53

Health & Fitness

Laura Trott’s On Track to Help Young People with Asthma

T

he charity Asthma UK has a new famous face in the form of Laura Trott. Double Olympic gold medal track cyclist Trott hopes to help 16 to 25 year olds who live with the condition.

Having recently been awarded an OBE Laura beat the odds to become a cycling champion after she was born with a collapsed lung and developed severe asthma. Now the 20 year old wants to inspire others with asthma with her support for the charities Big Up Your Chest Facebook page. “When I was a child I developed severe asthma.

As a result my doctors advised me to start swimming to help me to regulate my breathing and I later took up cycling with my mum” Laura states. She adds, “I was overjoyed when I won two gold medals for track cycling at the London 2012 Olympics – I couldn’t believe how far I’d come and I was so proud to fly the flag for Britain! I was able to achieve these amazing victories because I manage my asthma by taking

54

my medicines and making sure I’m looking after my condition sensibly. It still impacts me physically as I tend to get a dry cough after I’ve been training so I have to be aware of my limits.

I hope that I can inspire other people my age with asthma through my own accomplishments and show that with the right treatment, management and attitude to asthma, it doesn’t have to hold you back”.

The Big Up Your Chest Facebook page is there for young people to understand their asthma more and to reduce risks of attacks and has been supported by a number of celebrities including The Wanted’s Nathan Sykes, Stephen Dry and Camilla Dellerup on Twitter.

Head of Health Promotion at Asthma UK, David Hiles, has said “we are thrilled to have Laura on board. Her fantastic achievements make her a huge inspiration to young people with asthma”.

Health & Fitness

Filter Cigarettes Out Altogether, Charity Urges

S

mokers are being reminded that filtered cigarettes will not lower the damaged caused by smoking and new studies show that they will not reduce the risk of oral cancer and other tobacco related illnesses.

This study has been carried out by the British Dental Health Foundation who are using the study to strengthen the message that smokers should give up entirely rather than seeking alternative ways to reduce their intake of tobacco.

This comes into effect to coincide with the Department of Health’s new campaign to try to encourage smokers to quit with No Smoking Day coming up soon. The study has been published in the journal Oral Diseases3 and results have shown that the number of cases of mouth cancer remained exactly the same regardless of whether the subjects smoked normal cigarettes or filtered cigarettes.

With tobacco considered the main cause

of mouth cancer around the globe, the world health organisation believes that tobacco related diseases with kill half of the world’s current smokers. It is hoped that this research will give those who do smoke the drive needed to quit altogether.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation says ““It is quite un-nerving, yet unfortunately predictable that some people believe filter cigarettes will reduce the harmful effects of smoking.

This piece of research shows they do anything but, and the chance of developing mouth cancer remains.

“Mouth cancer kills one person every five hours in the UK”. “As well as tobacco use, drinking alcohol to excess, poor diet and exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is often transmitted via oral sex are other risk factors associated with the disease. Our advice is loud and clear – if in doubt, get checked out and quit the habit.”

He’s created ‘Funkalate,’ a unique programme based on a combination of rollerblading, jazz, ballet, free running, Tai Chi and Capoeira martial arts.Based at the Chessgrove Day Spa, in Hanbury, near Brommsgrove, Worcestercshire, classes are set to uplifting dance tracks, which is put together by Henry, a member of the British Songwriters Guild who boasts strong musical roots - his uncle Barlo is a Kingston-based record producer.

Olympic torch hero creates ‘Funky’ London 2012 legacy

T

he London 2012 Olympics legacy is already bearing fruit as Birmingham based fitness coach, Leroy Henry, is testament to its effect.

Fitness coach, Leroy, was one of the Olympic torch bearers last year and he is committed to making fitness more all, regardless of age and fitness levels.

“We are delighted to have someone of Leroy’s caliber and enthusiasm joining the fitness team at Chessgrove,” says spa manager, Richard Macklin. “His classes bring something new to the area and are great fun. It’s the perfect way for people of all fitness levels to establish an exciting wellbeing routine for 2013.”

Funkalates classes are free for spa members, offers numerous benefits including increased flexibility, a better toned physique and a heightened sense of self confidence.

Non members are also welcome by simply pay per session.

55

YOUR FAVOURITE MAGAZINE is also available online THE COSMOPOLITAN CUTTING EDGE ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2013

www.streetcredmagazine.com VALENTINE’S EDITION

EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS IN BLOOMS

Give a flower that says more than words can

DRESS TO IMPRESS!

15

Check out our outfit ideas for him& her!

TOP ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS Treat that special someone to a trip of a lifetime

ALICIA

THIS GIRL IS UNSTOPPABLE!

Access STREET CRED on your Tablet, PC and Mac

KEYS

FASHION / TRAVEL / BIG SCREEN / GADGETS / INDEPENDENT ARTS / HEALTH & FITNESS / CARS

TO ADVERTISE WITH US CONTACT: Newsdesk@streetcredmagazine.com Editor@streetcredmagazine.com Advertising@streetcredmagazine.com

www.streetcredmagazine.com 56

Sport Aston

The Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre

Open to the Community

All these facilities are open to the public. Memberships are available for the Sport Aston Gym or pay per booking for everything else.

► ► ► ►

100+ station Gym Pool Sauna & Steam Fitness Classes

Tel: 0121 204 4623 Email: sportsenquiries@aston.ac.uk Web: www.aston.ac.uk/sport

► ► ► ►

3G Football Pitches Badminton Yoga Classes Squash

Mr & Miss You could be the next Mr or Miss Street Cred!

Every month Street Cred will be spotlighting two special young people who are doing extraordinary things in their community, be it academically, artistically or in an entrepreneurial way as a way to encourage them and other young talents to keep up the good work and inspire others For a chance to be either Mr or Miss Street Cred or nominate someone, send in a good quality photograph of yourself along with a brief statement as to what makes you Street Credible to info@streetcredmagazine.com This month we have chosen two people that we admire .They are outstanding in their field of practice and are a source of role model to various young people.

58

Mr & Miss SC

T

MrStreet Cred Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards

here may be times in life where we feel we might not succeed, and that we should give up trying, when we should be looking at things from Eddie the Eagles point of view. He spent years trying to prove to the public that he did have talent, through years of discomfort, failure and misery as he continued to fight for success in the sport he loved.

Even though he has always been famous for his failed Ski Jumping attempts, the nation began to love him for his sheer determination and courage that he showed time and time again. You’re never too old to continue pursuing your dreams and who says that you can’t achieve what you desire just because someone says so.

He was told he would never win anything, and would forever be the comedy act in British Olympic history. This

proved to be wrong, finally in 2013. By winning the ITV hit show ‘Splash’, presented by Olympic Diver Tom Daley, he finally won something and gained public recognition.

It goes to show that you’re never too old, young, small or tall to achieve what you want, regardless of what you’re told. Because Eddie showed the courage and dedication he had, he was able to win the nation over yet again.

As well as his achievements on Splash, he has also won the crown as Mr Street Cred for February. He can help others who do not believe in themselves and proved that anything can happen with a never give up attitude, regardless of what stands in your way. When you’re afraid of failure, or not being the best that you can be, take a note of out Eddie’s book. Believe in yourself. Eddie deserves to be Mr Street Cred. Take a bow!

59

Mr & Miss SC

Miss Street Cred Paloma Faith

S

ince her beginnings as a solo artist in 2009 Paloma Faith has proven herself as far more than just a standard pop artist. She is the complete artist and entertainer as well as being a fashion chameleon and with her chart hit ‘New York’ she managed to earn herself a Best British Female nomination at the 2011 Brit Awards as well as closing the ceremony with Cee-Lo Green.

It is her musical talent as well as her outspoken and unafraid nature that has led her to be selected as February’s Miss Street Cred. With the release of her second album ‘Fall To Grace’ she worked with new producers and songwriters to make her work more emotionally triggered and opening herself out as an artist far more so than previously.

Faith herself states how “at the beginning I wanted to do something that was more of a performance and I still have that element because it’s a part of me” but regarding the new album “I feel like it belongs to me and I belong to it”. With this second album she also moved away from

60

everything that characterised her first album with similarities to the likes of Billie Holliday and Etta James being left behind and work with new songwriters helping to achieve the emotive element felt so strongly.

Her strong soul and jazz element remains though and this is blended beautifully with a pop vibe to create the beautifully crafted ‘Fall To Grace’. This has helped her to become even more popular as she has proven herself to be far more than a one trick pony by expanding herself into new realms of genre and performance.

Faith’s style and appearance only adds to her uniqueness with her never being afraid to step out with her own quirky appearance and this is also something she has become known for.

Paloma Faith’s new single ‘Black & Blue’ is released on the 11th March 2013 and you can catch her on her currently on-going tour at numerous venues and places around the country.

Talent Spotlight

Introducing......BNG!

Sing Your Way Through...

B

enjamin Bell formally known by his stage name ‘BNG’ is a unique style of artist; he doesn’t categorize himself into a specific genre of music. He’s always had a passion within the music industry from a young age having major influences to look up to within the music industry as his father, Dennis Bell, was a professional singer which inspired him to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Compared to other artists at the moment who don’t express emotion and feeling in music quite as well, Benjamin is different because he tries to focus on the female audience. Not because he wants female attention but because he feels they would relate to the lyrics he writes and sings about more so than males.

He has had many achievements within his career already having been able to perform with a live band for live shows in venues such as the 02 academy to Oceana Birmingham. Regarding advice he would

give to others in his position right now attempting to break into the music industry he said “I would say if you’re a song writer and you’re afraid of what people may think of it then show it to someone that’ll give you critical feedback honestly”.

Many people inspire him to succeed within the music industry. “Newton Faulkner genuinely inspires me for the exact reason he’s a genuine guy, he came from nothing into something in his own way”. This is vital because they inspire you musically and you can blend these to create your own unique style.

‘Sleepless Nights’ is a single that I would recommend listening to. Not many artists can captivate emotions like Benjamin does.

He has a unique aspect about him and exudes talent. He’s got talent and is most definitely ready to break the music industry. www.soundcloud.com/bngtalented Twitter - @Bng_Offical

61

SC Parties

W

Swish @ Hairy Lemon Priory Squ are Birmingham. Every Saturday

elcome on board to Swish Clu bbin it is with great excitement that we announce our return @ The Hairy Lemon Birmingham. Afte r a very successful run in Stoke On Trent we are now to unleash the ultimate party vibe to a newly refurbis hed City Centre venue, we’re glad to be bringing the Swish Clubbin experience to The Lemon, Priory Square.

Our incredibly talented residen ts & performers play the very best in House, Rn b, Dan ce, Bashment , club classics , sexy lady floor fillers uplifting vibes and known tracks in

62

Street Cred

Parties

every genre. Take a look at the pics of our awesome Swish Clubbers “I can’t wait for the week-end to begin” Doors open 9pm £5 entry B4 11:30 £3 Guestlist by messaging your full names to Swishukg fanpage on Facebook.

SC Parties

63

SC Parties

64

SC Parties

Swish @ Hairy Lemon Priory Square Birmingham.

Every Saturday

65

Motors

This Month: Autosport show 2013 Car Comparison Alfa Gulietta Sport vs Ferrari F12: Berlinetta

Motors

S R O T O M Image from wallpaperswide.com 67

Motors

F

or three days from the 10th January, AutoSport International brought their famous vehicle show to NEC Birmingham. The Event had all sorts of different vehicles there from karting up to formula one.

The show uniquely catered to industry professionals and motorsport fans alike, incorporated two (trade only) days 10th & 11th yet to allow visitors and exhibitors to meet in a business to business environment and two busy and more relaxed public days on the 12th & 13th dedicated to motorsport enthusiasts.

There were a large number of European supercars and formula one classics. Leading the line-up was the red bull racing’s RB which secured Sebastian Vettel the 2012 world championship and the team constructors’ Championship. Not far behind will be the flame red Ferrari F2012, Driven

by Fernando Alonso to second place this season, and Autosport international 2013 guest Paul Di Resta’s Sahara Force India VJM05.

There were familiar faces from

68

the world of motor sport doing autographic signings where you had the opportunity to take a photo with them and of course have their autograph. The lineup included, BTCC Champion Gordon Shedden, Three-time BTCC champion Matt Neal, Dual series champion Jason Plato 2012 and Independent Drivers’ Champion Andrew Jordan. Not forgetting you could have had the chance to meet BBC Presenter Jake Humphrey.

The supercars gained the most attention around the NEC, even if wouldn’t knew a lot of about vehicles, because they would have been so helpful you would of learnt something without even realizing. Everyone was fascinated at the cars that had previously won the formula one championship. Alongside the displays; there were manufacturers of everything you can think of when talking about cars.

Tracking systems stain removers, accessories and car care products were amongst the many items available from the stalls.

The costing for this amazing NEC event wasn’t exactly the cheapest event there has been at Birmingham NEC yet although saying that you are meeting loads of motor sports greats, current celebrities and seeing all-time favourite cars.

An adult advanced ticket would have cost you £31 with the on the door price of £34. Costing seems a tad steep although motor sports fans would have been already aware of that it wouldn’t be a cheap event. Considering if you wanted to go to see the British formula one grand prix in 2013 at the Silverstone circuit it would cost you

Motors Motors

£430 so therefore if they are a fan and always go to watch the sport live it’ll be an experience to see the performers of the sport.

Autosport has an encouraging fan base and it’s massively increasing each time they hold an event just like they did here. It’s a prime example why motor sports will never fade as a sport as there are so many beloved fans of the sport, regardless if others haven’t much knowledge of the sport may find it interesting.

Others may want to take up motor sport thanks to the AutoSport event as it encourages others to take the sport seriously.

69 69

Motors

Alfa Gulietta Sport

I

have read a lot of reviews regarding the Alfa vehicles and I must say they are mainly positive, as it’s another stylish hatchback from Alfa Romeo.

People that have test driven this vehicle or even purchased this exact car have quoted the following ‘the best Alfa for 25 years’.

However, despite it’s obvious merits and plus points, there are a few areas where it’s not quite up to there with the best. The price range within this vehicle is the following that tends to arrange from £17,570 - £26,605, within the British market vehicles concern it isn’t the most expensive car I’ve recently read.

On the other hand it’s also quote

70

cheap to run, and very low tax for the diesel models make them good fleet cars. Although saying that however even though others may feel that this might be too expensive for their first car or not. Yet you are paying for the unique qualities about this vehicle.

When compared with its premium rivals, it also comes with a good amount of equipment, All Models of vehicles get climate control, An electronic differential and apart from the cloverleaf model, stop/start as standard. Even though however, the giuletta isn’t expect to hold its value that well, there are worries as to how fast the giuletta will downgrade compared to more mainstream rivals.

V

COMPA If someone asks what’s the difference between a Ferrari and an Alfa it’ll be the speed, detail within the paintwork, control in the drive, the pricing. Yet there is one thing the only thing why we decided to put these two vehicles together as they’re both famously known by Italian manufactures. On road they are completely different vehicles, one’s a family hatchback although on the other hand the Ferrari is famously known for its speed and its incredible horsepower engine.

I’ll start with the Ferrari model advantages are its speed, without a shadow of doubt although that could gradually become a disadvantage as more people would be affected within car accidents because having such a powerful horsepower engine and amazing acceleration, could be a disaster on the roads. After countless looking through reviews about this vehicle it’s only dislike is the pricing other than that it’s the

Motors

S

RISON best Ferrari ever.

Alfa vehicles are effectively simple to be perfectly honest the advantage is that it is a family hatchback, smooth driven.

Compared to the Ferrari, It doesn’t have the speed and the horsepower engine quite as the Ferrari vehicles yet it’s a family hatchback. The Alfa range doesn’t intend to make their vehicles with high speed, they make them with quality control on the road.

To be perfectly honest whether you want speed it’s the Ferrari F12 yet if you want control and smooth drive it’s the Alfa. I would choose the Alfa vehicle only because it’s the affordable. The Ferrari if you can afford the car definitely purchase yet I wouldn’t spend ridiculous amount even if it’s an incredible car. Its accident prone for the roads. I personally would go for the Alfa only because it’s a family hatchback which means smooth control I love smooth driven vehicles.

Ferrari F12: Berlinetta

T

he Ferrari F12 berlinetta has been considered as the fastest yet most powerful product ever offered by the worlds most fabled supercar constructor for use of the public and the public roads.

Ferrari has always been famous for their speed and beauty within the motoring industry. Even if you aren’t a fan of cars everyone understands the jaw-dropping vehicle that is Ferrari, It’s been quoted as the ‘Fastest-ever car, Powered by a 545KWV12 that only a few people will ever get the chance to ever experience.

Even though not many people may not be able to be able to afford this particular model yet the Ferrari has an 18 month waiting list for the successor to the critically acclaimed 599 GTB. The Ferrari’s are famous for their ridiculous pricing yet everyone who is a major fan of the Ferrari vehicles would be already expecting that. As they understand what they are genuinely

paying for, although saying that however the current price is around £239,736 UK pricing. I personally feel it’s substantial for its pricing as it’s famously known for its impressively decoy, smooth drive and impressive horse power engine. In conclusion however, such concerns do seem a mite discourteous regarding the pricing, yet with every Ferrari model the pricing has always been massively, but because of the sheer delight in drive and celebrities that purchase and drive the certain vehicle increases the status and makes people want the car even more regarding if it’s out of their price range or not. I personally believe the Ferrari vehicles are incredible and if you have that sort of money to spend on an impressive car like the F12 I say go for it. Whilst reading constant reviews and them all saying it’s the most impressive Ferrari to date. Personally I say I would recommend this car without a shadow of doubt.

71

Gadget : h t n o M s i Th

CANON RELEASES POWERSHOT N CAMERA CHECK OUT THE NEW SKYGO EXTRA CAPTURE THE MOMENT WITH SNAPSPEED

72

Gadgets

NEW CANON CAMERAS RELEASED & ANNOUNCED

C

amera megabrand Canon has launched many top quality products in their history and they don’t intend on stopping any time soon. Launched in 2012 the EOS M is Canon’s first mirrorless interchangeable lens or compact system camera on the market to directly compete with Nikon’s incredibly popular V and J camera ranges with new models also newly released. The unique selling point of this style of camera is simply SLR quality in a compact body and it is true that the pure quality you can get in such small devices now is staggering.

Basically Canon have stripped down a 650D entry level SLR and crammed it into a small, relatively portable body that doesn’t have the same stigma attached to it that comes when you use a fully-fledged SLR variant. It conceals its power inside something most people probably wouldn’t look twice at, especially when in use with the specially designed EF-M mount lenses for the camera. I say this because with use of an adapter you can use all Canon lenses through the entire EF range making the camera even more flexible than its competitors. General specifications include having 18 megapixels to play with as well as full HD video functionality with continuous auto-focusing in movie mode. If you’re after a high quality camera at a decent price in a smaller package then this EOS-M is definitely worth taking a look at.

On the other end of the scale is the newly announced Canon Powershot N which is due for release in April. It is one of the most unconventional cameras released by the Japanese manufacturer with a narrow square design which looks specifically designed for the younger smartphone using generation. From reading early details about the camera it appears it will have a very unusual shutter release

button and zoom function with them being positioned above and all around the lens. How well this will work we will have to wait and see but it appears to be created in this way so that it can function any way up at any angle you want.

This is aided also by the flip up touch screen allowing you to view what you are taking even from above your head or from a lower angle. It prepares itself to fully take on the smartphone image market with its “creative shot” function which sounds to be like having your own personal instagram app in a compact camera and with one touch wifi capability when in a wifi zone you can upload your images directly to anywhere on the web. I can’t wait to get my hands on this little camera and just experiment with the possibilities available from it come its release in April.

73

Gadgets

S

SKY GO EXTRA RELEASED

ky’s latest offering in the handheld and portable market is the follow up to their fantastic service Sky Go. Sky Go Extra will run in conjunction with the original version with the addition that you will now be able to download programmes from their on demand service to be watched at any time even in places without a connection to the internet. The latest additional features should make journeys to work much less boring with the ability to watch anything you want (so long as you have downloaded it prior whilst connected) unlike previously when you had to be tethered to the internet or other hotspot. Improving the service in this manner shows how Sky has taken note of this style of service which has been operated by the likes of BBC

iPlayer already. Unfortunately the new features don’t come for free to Sky subscribers like the previous version and a further £5 a month needs to be added to your bill to unlock it for use. For those of us who travel around a lot and enjoy the joys of sky movies and other TV programmes and channels it is probably worth the extra payment, but in case you aren’t sure Sky are offering a two month free trial period to try and entice their customers into a service they are confident would become an integral part of daily life. It is also unknown if it will branch out onto further app stores and platforms with only IOS, Android and Desktop guaranteed at this time.

S

SNAPSPEED Available on IOS App Store and Android

martphones in recently years have become fantastic cameras for capturing a moment and tools to take snapshots of your life. Due to this photography apps have become some of the biggest sellers on the various app stores and photos created in them are shared on social media sites in their millions each day. As a photographer myself these are the sort of apps I use most of all and use them to utilise my phone as another tool to use in my profession. The app I use most of all is Snapseed by one of my favourite software companies NIK Software. Snapseed will change your mobile photo taking attitude for life as its contents can allow you to edit your photos into everything you want them to be and more. From minor brightness, contrast and saturation tweaks you can straighten and crop before adding drama in a high dynamic range fashion (that’s one for the photographers out there) and also having the ever popular ‘vintage’ tool at your disposal which completely out performs anything instagram can do. One of my favourite tools which arrived in a recent update is the ‘retrolux’ tool which adds film processing type light leakage, scratches and such which actually

Gadgets

looks a hell of a lot better than I have just made it sound.

I urge you to get this app if you enjoy photo taking on your smartphone. It only gets better as well as since Google took over the company the app is now completely free.

75 75

& Education onth: This mga in bars of

• Music students dustry wisdom from record in leaders! e!

• Internships on the ris own • Looking to star t your business?-It is possible!

76

Career & Education

INTERNSHIPS ON A RISE!

Work experience placements and internships are a growing stepping-stone to employment for young people and graduates who are taking their first steps towards their dream career. Of course, with the lack of jobs for young people and youth unemployment on the rise: should young people decide between an unpaid internship or earning much needed cash ?

I

t is the norm for internships in the arts and media sectors to be unpaid because of the demands of the jobs. When debating the decision, there are a number of points that should be considered: Ensuring the placement is valuable and can build viable experience.

It is important that the placement is going to give a valuable insight into the industry, as many companies now offer the exciting opportunity of experiencing first hand “ on the job� training, which gives young people the foundations to build a strong wealth of experience into their desired sector.

Highlighting to the employer the skills learnt within a placement could contribute to future paid work .

Additionally, apprenticeships in hair and beauty, plumbing and electricians are also experiential courses offering this type of training as a means to build up practical skills and confidence performing

within the chosen sector. After building up a network base, the connections within that field tends to mean individuals are likely to score future opportunities because they have proved yourself to some degree.

University fees can be daunting and compared with free internships, many young people today are choosing to spend time gaining these worthwhile experiences.

With the future of higher education foggy, we may be seeing a greater number of young people enrol in internships and apprenticeships as they appear to be the safer option.

Ciaran Brady

77 77

Career & Education

SETTING UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS

W

ith university fee’s at their highest for years, young people are deciding to shape their own future by building their own business.

Hoping to be the next Lord Sugar (or) Karren Brady, the Prince’s Trust is turning dreams into profitable business ventures. Launched in 1976, the Trust began with 21 pilot projects. In particular, a grant was given to a 19 year-old woman to run a social centre for Haggerston Housing Estate in East London.

With cutting edge ideas, the youth of today are still benefiting from this exciting opportunity, turning creativity into cash. One of last year’s winners Lee Fortnam, was presented with the Enterprise award for creating a sustainable business as a young person at Aston Villa FC. Although he had the skills to set up his own enterprise, he sought the help of the Trust to make it a reality.

Supporting the trust allows access to education, training and the vital mentoring to Individuals who are aiming to succeed against the odds during the startup of a young person’s business. The results achieved by the trust are accredited to the 7,000 volunteers, alongside the 800 strategic operations and celebrity ambassadors like Cheryl Cole and David Beckham.

Considering the current economic climate, supporting young people is more important than ever as essentially we are promoting our business leaders of the future.

In my mind, the benefits of setting up a business when younger can be lucrative and the allure of raking in the pounds can be an exciting concept for many. The business world needs an eclectic mix of fresh individuals, who will hopefully turn the current economy into a thriving British culture.

Ciaran Brady

78

Career & Education

MUSIC STUDENTS GAIN BARS OF WISDOM FROM RECORD INDUSTRY LEADERS

S

tudents from Coventry University’s music technology programme have benefited from a fantastic insight into working within the music and recording sector.

The industry panel compiled of some of the industries heavyweights as part of a funded research project at Coventry University. This was designed to explore the potential impact of utilising employers in student’ portfolios.

Students were delighted to utilise and benefit from the extensive experience which was apparent from the panel.

Which consisted of record producer George Shilling, who has notably worked with artists including James Brown and Marco Migliari.

Further distinguished guests consisted of the Music Producers Guild (MPG) Mandy Powell, alongside Mike Whitcroft who designed some of the stunning studios in the BBC’s MediaCity facility based in Salford.

Mark Thorley, Head of the Music Technology at Coventry University has encompassed the opportunity:

“It is rare for students to get access to the calibre individually, let alone all together. The experience was one which students will benefit from for a long time”.

Here is a comment from student Tom Bickley regarding the music event: “The panel was a great way to gain a lot of industry knowledge, through speaking to and taking on board the vast experience of the professionals on the panel. I personally came away from the afternoon with a better understanding of working within the music industry and the commitment that is needed to become successful in my chosen field of work. I found listening to and talking to the panel very motivational, in the sense that it made me think about things a little deeper and really push to start my own freelance occupation.”

Ciaran Brady

79

Special Feature

WAITING ON A DREAM Liam O’leary Spotlight Editor Street Cred Magazine

R

ecent college graduate and entertainment journalist Liam O’Leary talks about what the future holds for him and how he intends on making it happen for himself.

Since studying media at college Liam O’Leary has always known that he wanted to work within the media be it in journalism, film making, production or music. This is something which he has wanted for a long time, since school in fact, and knowing for so long how he wants his career to turn out has helped him to progress towards this goal sooner than many his age.

“When I write music its more experiences that I’ve felt and I like people to relate to that” Although nothing major has occurred within the past year to influence Liam’s direction he has begun to push forward and work in the music industry. He says though how “within the music industry it’s a waiting progress” and nothing can be rushed to achieve the final goal, “You have to wait for your time”.

Liam just hopes to be successful with his career and what he plans on doing, “Whether that is being a songwriter with a successful hit or doing something amazing” he goes on to add. His dream for ten years’ time is to own his own record label producing and recording.

I go on to ask Liam about how he feels he influences those around him. “I like to say with the music that I write.

When I write music its more experiences that I’ve felt and I like people to relate to that”. He’d ideally like work to be more directed in the music aspect of magazines and journalism although he does state that he is enjoying where he is at currently. It is good to hear that even when his job doesn’t allow him to express his music fully he

80

continues to do this outside of the workplace.

My final questions throw him off a little more than the previous ones, especially when I ask him which object he would bring to work if he could. This is answered simply after some thought with “My Piano”. His song writing tool and instrument of expression is something others may not understand. This is how he interprets his music and gets down the experiences that he wants others to appreciate. My final question is which song would he say describes him best. His response is “Twista Featuring Faith Evans – Hope”.

I’m sure Liam has his own reasoning behind this choice but perhaps it is that he has the hope and belief that he will achieve his dreams and career goals and end up where he wants to be in his life.

Special Feature

Tom Cotter

Official Photographer Street Cred Magazine

‘SHOOT’ YOUR WAY THROUGH...

M

any talented individuals always tend to struggle within the media industry, as it is famously know a tough industry to become apart of, yet you will have to prove you have something different and special in order to break the industry.

Tom is a university graduate in visual communications and knowing he has a major passion in photography, he has always loved the more creative side to photography, which he developed at an early age when he first discovered a passion for the art.

He realises that it is a difficult industry to be a part of, yet hopes that within ten years he’ll become an established photographer and whilst becoming more popular within the industry, he will become a freelance photographer for all entertainment needs.

Unfortunately, it tends to become more difficult than others seem to realise. Majority of people seem to think that just by having a camera instantly makes an individual a photographer not baring in mind that it takes a lot more skill required for photographer’s job role.

Being a successful photographer, means that one needs to have a flair of seeing things differently than other photographers. Tom takes pride in his ability to make people feel comfortable, thereby capturing a better picture. Tom is distinct within his own talents and has had his work showcased at a live event which was embraced by the public and appearances from Kerrang radio staff.

“I strive to make every image have an impact from stunning landscapes Tom advices photographers like to the eyes in portraits. himself to capture the moment like no They need to have life and emotion“ one else can.

You need to be unique if you want to be successful within the media industry especially in photography. Not many photographers can captivate their inspiration within a picture quite as well as Tom seems to do.

Tom has the credentials to be a memorable photographer as he contains the characteristics of a professional photographer just waiting to officially break into the industry.

81

REGGAE OR NOT?

MATISYAHU

Birthname: Matthew Paul Miller Nationality: American Born: Jun 30 1979 (33 years old)

M

atthew Paul Miller, known by his Hebrew stage name Matisyahu which means ‘the gift of god’ is a unique artist that blends Reggae, Reggae Fusion, Alternative rock, and alternative hip hop within all of his music. Matisyahu was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania and brought up a reconstructionist Jew, attending a Hebrew school at Bem am shalom, a synagogue in White Plains.

Formally known for blending traditional Jewish themes with reggae, rock and hip hop beat boxing sounds, in April of 2005 a fresh voice announced his arrival on the international stage with a stunningly inventive document titled Live at Stubb’s.

Six years later, Matisyahu returns to the renowned Austin venue that helped to launch his career with Live at Stubb’s Vol. II, a new CD-DVD package that demonstrates the continued originality and increasing depth of this long time New Yorker’s craft.

You always get different reactions when people hear his music and they tend to be shocked when they realise he is a Jewish man creating and performing reggae music. A Jewish reggae artist sounds absurd and never to be heard of within the music industry. Sparks seeker is his latest album which charted at number 1 in the united stated reggae charts.

It’s an incredible album anyone that is already a fan of his work would already understand the passion he holds within his music. The essential tracks to looks out for on the album “Crossroads” & “I Believe in love” Matisyahu has been nominated for 3 awards over the space of time, two being a music video award from the MTV awards and he also got nominated for a Grammy award.

It’s a huge achievement considering he’s a artist who no one would have considered to be a reggae artist yet getting nominated for awards for his music that’s created.

Live Events

Leona Lewis

Mcfly

Lawson

FREE RADIO LIVE TO RETURN IN 2013!

T

he ultimate pop party will return to the LG Arena on the 30th November 2013 with the line-up for the event due to be announced sometime later this year.

Tickets are already on sale to give fans the chance to see the top pop artists around come the date. Last year’s show saw acts such as JLS, McFly, Labrinth and Little Mix take to the stage.

Labrinth was welcomed to the show having reached Number 1 in the UK with ‘Beneath Your Beautiful’ along with JLS who wowed fans for the second year in a row.

McFly performed their final show of the year which included a selection of their greatest hits as well as their latest track ‘Love Is Easy’.

British boyband Lawson performed all their top ten hits including ‘When She Was Mine’, ‘Taking Over Me’, and ‘Standing In The Dark’.

Finally Scouting For Girls performed a great live show to top everything off. The boys weren’t the

only ones showing what they can do though as the LG saw an abundance of girl power with 2006 X Factor winner Leona Lewis performing.

The three time Grammy nominee continued her UK chart success with the release of ‘Trouble’ which reached number 7. She was joined on the bill with fellow X Factor winners Little Mix who still managed a fantastic energetic performance regardless of missing one member.

To finish off the X Factor domination, Amelia Lily gave the best performance of her life to finish off her 2012 as did three piece Stooshe who performed their hit singles ‘Love Me’ and ‘Black Heart’.

Free Radio’s partnership with the LG Arena has seen a very successful third year performance and has now led for the show to come back for a fourth this year.

Check out www. lgarena.co.uk for all further information with tickets now on sale at £35.

Little Mix

JLS

83

Live Events

T

MUSIC POTENTIAL STORMS THE WEMBLEY ARENA!

he 31st of January witnessed another one of Music potential’s ground breaking events, on this time it was at the Wembley Arena!

Over the past six months, the community investment programme which is Choice FM’s leading social action with funding from Barclaycard has impacted many young people’s life.

Music potential has been engaging with young people aged 16-25 who are not in employment, education or training across London and Birmingham in work placements, taster sessions and intensive training to provide valuable insight and most importantly, experience into the music industry By the end of 2012, the program had engaged with over 1200 into the scheme.

Working In partnership with Dv8, Industry In The Street & Punch Records, the Wembley show on the 31st of January showcased the hottest emerging talents with the support of some of the best artist in the industry such as Angel, who is also the Music potential ambassador, Wretch 32, Devlin and Roxxxan to name a few.

The event also encompassed

workshops, seminars and master classes throughout the day.

“For us, it is a case of real & tangible outcomes” Ammo Talwal, CEO Punch Record. Many young people involved in the music potential programme have since found opportunities such as internships and real jobs through the programme.

Music potential is one of the only programmes of its kind to retain its relationship with the young people involved, not only within work placements and unique one-to-one mentoring opportunities, but also offering positions in the collective (a group of young people who were recruited from the pilot programme in 2011 who will help run each stage of the music potential programme.

The organisers hope to continue music potential this year, especially targeting school and school leavers. In addition Music potential has a scheme called ‘Match my Potential’ where a select few young people are placed with mentor working in the field that they would like experience in. For more information, go to www.punch-records. co.uk/music-potential-programme.

Live events Live Events

IT’S AS EASY AS 123 TO SEE THE JACKSONS LIVE AT THE NIA

F

or the first time in over three decades, The Jacksons will be back on stage together for the hotly anticipated Unity Tour and will be hitting the NIA on February 26.

Adored by millions the world over, the Jacksons forever changed the landscape of popular music and when siblings Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Tito Jackson rose to fame with their late brother Michael in the 1970s, they instantly became an unstoppable global sensation.

Idols unlike any other in music history, the Jacksons redefined, reinvented, and

reinvigorated popular music as we know it. Classic, iconic hits such as “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” “I’ll Be There” “Heartbreak Hotel” catapulted them to superstardom. They certainly left their mark on the charts.

The brothers’ signature sundrenched harmonies, energetic stage presence, and roster of smash hits have left an indelible mark on popular music: the name ‘They remain the biggestselling family in music of all time.

Celebrate their extraordinary career and witness music history first hand this summer when the Jacksons reunite for the Unity Tour 2012.

ALICIA KEYS TO SET THE NIA ALIGHT! Saturday 25 May 2013 Following her sizzling performance on the X Factor, multiple Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, and producer Alicia Keys will hit Birmingham for ‘Girl on Fire – The Tour’.

“This album has been a labour of love and full of new beginnings, new perspectives and fresh starts,” said Keys.

“I’m so excited to be touring again and it’s great to be back in the UK. I’m looking forward to performing and feeling the energy of the crowd—there’s nothing like it.”

Since 2001, Keys has built an unparalleled repertoire of hits and accomplishments with more than 30 million albums and 30 million singles sold worldwide, and over one hundred award wins, which also includes eleven Billboard Music Awards and three MTV Europe Awards.

Her most recently released, multi-platinum fourth studio album, Element of Freedom, sold one million copies in the UK alone and was one of Britain’s top 10 best selling albums of 2010.

85

Live Events

ROD STEWART ANNOUNCES EXTRA DATE AT LG ARENA

Rod Stewart Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 June 2013 LG Arena od Stewart will be hitting the stage three years after his sell out 2010 tour, at the LG Arena next June, for his eagerlyanticipated ‘Live The Life’ tour. The announcement of the tour caps an extraordinary year for Rod Stewart incredible career, with sheer confidence and brilliance within each of his performances.

The Multi-award winning, two time rock and roll hall of fame inductee, not forgetting the world’s best selling musical artists, will be the stage at one of the biggest arena’s in Birmingham.

Rod’s stated that “I cannot wait to get back on the road again especially in the UK where the fans always make it a very special occasion for me. The June tour is going to be fantastic.” Rod will also be Performing all his famously known for hits and most

R

D

DON BROCO TO PERFORM AT THE SLADE ROOM

on Broco will be performing at the slade rooms, Wolverhampton on Sunday 14th April 2013, Don Droco was formed after the boys graduated from university. After years playing together yet all in various other bands, the band consitst of vocalist Rob Damiani, guitarist Simon Delaney , drummer Matt Donnelly and Tom Doyle on bass.

The quartet’s debut album is one of the most adrenaline-veined, hook-heavy rock debuts of the year. With their album scheduled for an august release, Don Broco are set to cause a electric year within British rock and beyond. “We want to be known as a group that creates great music, we don’t want to get pigeon-holed”

86

recognisable tracks including ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy’, ‘Maggie May’, ‘Baby Jane’ and ‘The First Cut is the Deepest’, Rod Stewart has always be famous for his contribution towards the music industry, his popular female fan base, bizzarely hair styles and remarkable stage presence.

Rod stewarts live shows are to make everyone excited. As a career like his, selling over 100 million records worldwide, with six consecutive number one albums.

62 hit singles, 31 top 10s, and six number 1’s, regardless everyone love’s the music he creates without fail everyone gets excited knowing rod steward is performing.

Stewart has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on two occasions, once as a solo artist and once as a member of Faces. Musically he’s such an influential man which is reasons why he’s beloved worldwide and sold so many copies of his music.

RONAN KEATING

Live Events

FIRES 2013 TOUR

S

ince his last studio album, Ronan keating has not had the chance to rest on his laurels. He has shown finally put all rumours and speculations that everyone was wondering if he was going to do another tour by announcing a fourteen days UK tour where he will kick off the tour in Bristol.

He has had major successes throughout his career with the band boyzone reunited and another great album yet to be released, Ronan’s ninth studio album will once again see him bring a string of great current music to his fans with collaborations with multi- talented producers who have helped him compose this incredible album.

The Fire’s album which will be released in the autumn will be set to impress the fans.

Do not miss the fire tour live at any of these venues

across the UK within this year.

TOUR DATES

Wednesday 16th January Bristol Colston Hall Saturday 19th January Cardiff Motorpoint Arena Sunday 20th January Brighton Centre Tuesday 22nd January Nottingham Royal Centre Friday 25th January Birmingham LG arena Saturday 26th January London The 02 Sunday 27th January Bournemouth Int. Centre Tuesday 29th January Sheffield City Hall Wednesday 30th January Blackpool Opera House Friday 1st Febuary Liverpool Echo Two Saturday 2nd febuary Manchester 02 Apollo Tuesday 5th Newcastle City Hall Friday 8th Glasgow Ckyde Auditorium Sunday 10th Aberdeen ECC

‘LAST AT BAT’ MEAT LOAF TO PLAY FINAL TOUR AT THE LG ARENA Meat Loaf - ‘Last At Bat’ Farewell Tour Friday 12 April 2013 at the LG Arena

M

eat Loaf, one of the most successful recording artists and world’s best performers, has announced today he will be returning to the UK next April with his “Last At Bat” tour, to bid a final goodbye to his fans, including a date at Birmingham’s LG Arena.

The singer will perform a two-act show; The first act will include some of Meat Loaf’s greatest hits such as ‘Dead Ringer For Love’ and ‘I’d Lie For You (And That’s the Truth)’.

The second act will be the classic debut album ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ – with all 7

songs performed in their original order.

Since it’s release in 1977, the seminal album is still 3rd in the biggest selling charts, having sold more than 45 million copies and continues to sell around 200,000 copies each year. In fact, the album has never left the charts the UK! In Meat’s own words, he is excited to get back to Europe and see everyone for one Last Bat. “I know the fans will enjoy the show as much as I enjoyed putting it together.”

87

Live Events

DIVERSITY’S BRAND NEW ARENA SHOW STORMS ITS WAY TO THE NIA

Diversity - Limitless Sunday 8 December 2013 NIA, Birmingham

S

ince winning Britain’s Got Talent back in 2009, Diversity have won numerous awards, been the first act to perform outside No. 10 Downing Street in front of the Prime Minister and have sold out their UK & Ireland tours - “Diversity’s: Bringing A Toy Story To Life” and ‘Digitized – Trapped In The Game’.

Ashley Banjo the chorographer and performer of the group inspires them to “Dream, Believe, Achieve”, Diversity are unexplainably a remarkable example of what can be accomplished with sheer hard work, determination, dedication and belief.

After performing at the royal Variety performance

diversity have announced a brand new arena show ‘Limitless’ which will be coming to the NIA, Birmingham and set to feature some very special guests.

Diversity a famous for mixing humour into their dance’s incorporating several genres of music from classical to hip hop, their diverse routines are catchy and so incredible to whiteness which is why it captivates the British publics heart’s when they won the show back in 2009.

2013 looks promising to be bright future for Diversity with a brand new arena tour will be everything you already love about Diversity on a much bigger scale, with loads of surprises it’s something you wouldn’t want to miss.

Live Liveevents Events

SERENITY & VISIONS ON ATLANTIS

ANNOUNCE UK DATE ON MARCH 2013 TOUR SERENITY & VISIONS OF ATLANTIS have announced the one-off UK date on their March 2013 tour.

They will play Boston Arms Music Room, Tufnell Park, London on March 25th. Souldrinker will support.

Tickets are on sale now

SERENITY +VISIONS OF ATLANTIS 22.03.13 AT – Wörgl, Komma 23.03.13 DE – Köln, Underground 24.03.13 NL – TBA 25.03.13 UK – London, Boston Arms Music Room 27.03.13 DE – Aschaffenburg, Colos Saal 28.03.13 FR – Paris, GlazArt 29.03.13 FR – Lyon, MJCo Totem 30.03.13 CH – Pratteln, Z7 Gallery

RIHANNA

TO SHINE BRIGHT AT THE LG ARENA

W

orldwide superstar Rihanna - the “#1 Person on Facebook” with over 61.7 million Likes – is bringing her DIAMONDS WORLD TOUR to Birmingham’s LG Arena on Monday 17 June 2013.

Rihanna is currently dominating global charts with “Diamonds,” the fastestrising single of her career to date, and the first single from UNAPOLOGETIC, her upcoming 7th studio album

for Island Def Jam in just seven years - arriving in stores worldwide on Monday 19 November.

“Diamonds” has rocketed to #5 on the Hot 100, Rihanna’s 23rd Top 10 hit on the chart. “Diamonds” debuted four weeks ago with #1 postings at iTunes in 27 countries, and Top 5 iTunes in 55 countries.She also has 18 #1 singles on the Billboard Dance Club Song Charts.

89

Travel Logbook This month:

Treat that special one-one to a trip of a lifetime this valentine day. The street Cred travel team have selected 15 top “Must-go“ destinations for your pleasure.

Travel

ROMANTIC GETAWAYS

1

2 Rome

Paris

I

nternationally known as the city of love why wouldn’t Paris be on the top of the romantic destinations in Europe? This claim is justified too with beautiful architecture as well as a love of food and drink.

With the second largest amount of Michelin star restaurants in the world you won’t be short of places to relax and eat, and if fancy restaurants aren’t your thing you will find endless restaurants with beautiful food on offer off of the main streets.

Being one of the international capitols of fashion there will be plenty of opportunities to shop too whilst in Paris.

The Eiffel Tower needs no introduction and can be appreciated by far or from up close. Why not use it to appreciate Paris at its finest by climbing the tower at night and appreciating all the surrounding area. If this isn’t enough for your romantic break you can even take a boat tour down the Seine. Relax and take in all the sights of the city as you follow the length of the river on a cruise you won’t forget.

Need a place to stay? Check out - Relais Christine Hotel Romance Meter – 9/10

I

f you prefer romantic getaways a bit more stylish and a little more historical then why not head to the eternal city of Rome.

The Italian capital is obviously most famous for the Roman Empire and it is for this reason the centre of the city is a world heritage site, being home to the collesium, the pantheon as well as many millennia old churches that are each stunning and beautiful in their own right.

This historical heritage is mixed with a cosmopolitan atmosphere as people from all over the globe travel to visit what has become a very modern city. Similarly to Paris,

it is also a fashion capital with many fashion brands situating themselves within the city so you won’t be short of places to shop if you so desire.

By taking a short trip to the outskirts of the city you can find Vatican City and arguably the most impressive church in the world in the form of St Peters Basilica. Regardless of your religious beliefs this is worth a see purely for its awe inspiring size and appearance.

Need a place to stay? Check out - iQ Hotel Roma Romance rating – 7/10

3 Niagra Falls T

he self-proclaimed “Honeymoon Capital of the World” is the city of Niagara Falls. Not many realise that it is in-fact categorised as a city and it is not merely a waterfall. Of course it is the three famous water features that make up the falls that attract the most visitors each year and many of these visitors consider it to be one of the most romantic places in the world.

Being a city there are all your usual attractions that a city brings from shopping to restaurants and bars.

The city has become more centred around the tourism the falls bring though so expect everything to be linked to the famous waterfalls.

One of the most famous activities to do is the Maid

92

in the Mist boat tour which takes you directly into the spray of the horseshoe section of the falls to appreciate the power of the falls. You can also partake in helicopter tours and rapid rides as well as casinos and other attractions.

As stated at the start, Niagara is the Honeymoon Capital, so if you are on your honeymoon you can get an Official City of Niagara Falls Honeymoon Certificate from the Niagara Falls Tourism Office.

Need a place to stay? Check out - Sheraton on the Falls Niagara Falls Romantic rating - 8/10

4

Travel

Bora Bora

S

et in the idyllic south pacific the island of Bora Bora is simply majestic. It is a pricey place to visit with things starting at ‘expensive’ and only going up from that. It isn’t impossible though to enjoy the island on a budget.

The image in most people’s minds when it comes to Bora Bora are over the water bungalows and beautiful blue ocean within a lagoon and it is true to say that most activities that are available here are water centric.

Sea temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees which makes swimming particularly enjoyable and even more so when you take into consideration that this can be enjoyed for free.

Other activities include snorkelling which is possible in many locations

T

he big apple truly is the city that never sleeps and definitely the city of love when it comes to the Americas. You will lose count of the amount of Rom-Com films which have been set in the city and just whilst walking round it will feel like you’re on a film set.

Due to being set out like a grid Manhatten is fairly easy to walk around although the length of it will make taxi journeys and the subway system far more appealing to some.

You don’t have to walk very far from anywhere in the city though to find something that you will recognise from the Empire State Building, to Central Park to Times Square.

During the winter months the Rockefeller Center has its annual ice rink which is often featured

in both film and on TV. Often adorned with couples skating together it is definitely worth a visit even if you decide not to step on the ice as the Rockefeller Centre itself is full of shops and things to see.

You can talk all day about things to do in this amazing city from horse drawn carriage rides through central park, to broadway shows, trips to liberty island and the lights of Times Square but in truth you will appreciate and admire all this whilst you are there. New York City definitely is the city that holds everything and you will not once find yourself bored or at a loose end.

around the shore and even in shallow waters you may find yourself surrounded by multi-coloured tropical fish within seconds.

There are also many species of sharks and rays around the island and local divers run shark feeding dives and other dives to see rays and sea life. This time of year is classed as the rainy season but it is also quieter due to less tourists visiting. It is still hot and the scenery will still be sublime.

It’s the perfect couple’s holiday. Sun, sea and relaxation.

Need a place to stay? Check out Le Meridien Bora Bora Romantic rating – 9/10

5 New York-Manhattan

Need somewhere to stay?

Check out -The Roosevelt Hotel Romance rating - 9/10

93

Travel

6

London

T

ruly multicultural and huge in size and scale, London truly has everything on offer. It may seem like an obvious place to visit and you may even be living within London whilst reading this but many people will not have appreciated the city to its full potential.

The city is absolutely full of classic and modern landmarks and many of the most famous sites in the entire world, from the royal palaces to the houses of parliament to Piccadilly Circus and beyond. Romantic trips may involve a visit to the west end to see a show or perhaps a VIP trip on the London eye with complimentary champagne?

One of the most modern options available is a trip

to the observation deck of the newly completed Shard skyscraper where you can see the entire city stretch around you in all directions.

As the day heads into the evening and you don’t fancy seeing a show head on down to the Camden market for some fantastic food and night life.

Here you will find bars and pubs with live music and entertainment to be appreciated into the early hours.

All this and you will have only scratched the surface of everything London has to offer.

Need a place to stay?

Check out - Apex London Wall Hotel Romantic rating – 7/10

7 Venice A

nother place in Europe highly regarded as a Romantic location is another Italian city. Venice. This floating city in the Venetian lagoon is practically the exact same as it was six hundred years ago which just adds to its renowned character.

Unlike Rome which has its centre listed as a world heritage site, the entire city and lagoon of Venice is listed as one, and as it is sinking, surely it’s worth a visit? Venice is an entirely pedestrian city and you will notice the lack of cars and how pleasant it is that there aren’t any! Due to this it is easily walkable and the Rialtine Islands (the main part of the city) are easy to cross within an hour so long as you don’t get lost.

With many little back streets the possibility of getting lost is likely but you’ll be surprised by the gems you will find. There are always water taxis and water busses for when the walking starts to take its toll.

94

The classic romantic vision of Venice usually includes a gondola ride and although expensive the sites which you will take in whilst relaxing along the canals will remain in your memory forever. Sites by foot that are a must are St Mark’s Square and the impressive basilica as well as the bell tower. Also head to the Rialto Bridge for fantastic views along the canals.

If you’re in need of a Valentines gift for your loved one then there are plenty of shops selling jewellery and the world famous Murano Glass made in Venice which is sure to make them happy.

Also it is said in a local legend that lovers who kiss on a gondola at sunset whilst under the bridge of sighs will be granted eternal love and bliss. What more could you want from a romantic trip away?

Need a place to stay? Check out - Hotel a La Commedia Venice Romance Rating - 9/10

Travel

8 Hawaii - Oahu & Honolulu O

ahu, the most populated, cultural and most touristy island in Hawaii really is the best of both worlds. Home to both the state capital of Honolulu as well as the sublime and transcendent beeches hidden away from the metropolitan buzz, if you’re willing to travel you can have it all with this Hawaiian island.

Similarly to New York you are walking on a movie set with Oahu but one you may not immediately recognise. Hit TV series Lost was filmed entirely on the island the revamped version of Hawaii 5.0 is also shot entirely on site.

Honolulu is everything a modern city should be with great nightlife and restaurants, cultural events and a huge variety of shopping options.

S

pain’s second city is brimming with history and city culture with world leading classic architecture and Spanish atmosphere at its best. To experience this straight away take a wander down the tree lined Las Ramblas filled with tourists through the day and until late at night.

Filled with restaurants, shops, kiosks and street performers you are sure to find something to entertain yourself with. World famous architect Antoni Gaudi did much of his work within the city and the buildings he created are definitely worth a visit.

These range from his Parc Guell which is his personal park which can be walked around and appreciated including stunning views of the entire city from

its highest point. His two housing buildings Casa Mila and Casa Batllo are also definitely worth viewing if only from the outside.

Finally his masterpiece and number one thing to see in Barcelona is his still incomplete Sagrada Familia.

If you have never seen or heard of this building I urge you to look it up online to understand its incredible appearance.

Of course being a city you will plenty of shopping opportunities and in the back streets you will find cafés and restaurants aplenty.

You will most definitely not be disappointed by what this stunning city has to offer.

Need a place to stay?

Check out - Hotel 1898 Barcelona Romantic rating – 8/10

Here you will also find their own beaches parks and mountains which can be appreciated from the city.

Honolulu isn’t the image many have for Hawaii when they think of it though. The idyllic relaxation you expect is found away from the bustle of city life if you look in the right places.

Many resorts are situated around the island outside of Waikiki where you will find white sand beaches and perfect sea beaches and shorelines. Take your time on your visit to Oahu and make sure you see everything on offer. There really is so much to see.

Need a place to stay?

Check out - Hotel Renew Romantic rating - 8/10

9 Barcelona

95

Travel

10:

11 Cornwall

Lake District

T

he Lake District is the largest national park in whole of the United Kingdom and is home to some of the largest peaks and lakes in England.

It is considered one of our country’s most scenic and beautiful regions. It is a place for the romantics who enjoy the fresh open air and those who enjoy walking to find some hidden gems and locations.

Due to this most visitors spend their time walking by the lakes and hills that are dotted around the area and it is a particularly perfect location for any photographers out there with a passion for landscapes.

Slightly more relaxing options to walking can be found with

the many boat trips that travel across the lakes. As with all English country settings food and drink establishments are common place and to a high standard too.

The area houses many traditional English pubs which themselves have many opportunities to drink traditional English ale and other alcoholic beverages.

The Lakes are a beautiful place to visit. Tranquillity and relaxing atmospheres make this a perfect romantic getaway.

Need a place to stay? Check out - Macdonald Leeming House Cumbria Romance rating – 7/10

C

ornwall is one of the more isolated parts of the United Kingdom and is very popular with holiday makers and other travellers due to its relatively warmer climate than the rest of the country.

With miles of coastline and beautiful scenery it is a common favourite for those searching for the beauty of the English seaside.

World famous activities include the space age styled Eden Project which houses plant life from all over the globe as well as the wind battering view out to the Atlantic at Lands End point.

Also why not cross the causeway to St Michaels Mount at low tide and explore the castle. Obviously beaches are common place

in Cornwall and there are some beautiful examples of them on offer. Obviously beaches are common place in Cornwall and there are some beautiful examples of them on offer.

Porthcurno is a stunning example of Cornish beach that sits nestled between cliffs in an idyllic surrounding. Above the beach sits the open air Minack theatre which has theatre performances during the summer months though is also available to visit all year round. It is definitely worth a trip.

Need a place to stay?

Check out - The Scarlet Hotel Cornwall Romance rating – 8/10

12 Switerland F

or those of you less interested in taking in a city break then why not go skiing and appreciate the winter months in style with real snow and chill factor.

Switzerland is one of the places in Europe for skiing as it is home to part of the legendary Alpine Mountain range. Although having many beautiful and stunning places within its border I choose today to make you aware of the leading mountain resort of Engelberg.

With an unusually long winter skiing season stretching from October through to May it is the perfect place for all year skiing. Although renowned for

96

being more for professional skiers there are areas of slopes which are perfectly suitable for all beginner and amateur skiers out there.

Engelberg is a place to relax and enjoy skiing and a winter holiday. It’s nearest cities are Lucerne and Zurich which are both beautiful cities you may want to add into your holiday stay, to experience more of what Switzerland has to offer.

Need a place to stay?

Check out - Ski Lodge Engelberg Romance rating – 6/10

Travel

13 Bath T

he city of Bath in Somerset is one of the most unique cities in the whole of the United Kingdom. A Roman and Georgian spa city its entirety is a World Heritage site and receives millions of visitors each year.

Built 2000 years ago the Roman baths are the main attraction in the city and are fuelled by England’s only hot springs using over a million litres of hot water each day.

Voted the most romantic building in Britain visit the baths so to experience just what the romans did all those years ago. With numerous spa opportunities including the Thermae

Bath Spa which combines the best of historic spas with modern contemporary design with an open air rooftop pool with magnificent views over the city.

As well as the actual Baths themselves the city is home to some of the finest architecture in the UK including the Georgian Royal Crescent. A street of houses in an arch shape including beautiful grass land in its forefront. A perfect place to sit and relax.

Need a place to stay? Check out Royal Crescent Hotel Romantic rating – 7/10

14

T

he Cotswolds is commonly known with the gentle and peaceful style of vocational scenery and consists of hills and beautiful views.

The Cotswolds is based near Stratfordupon-Avon, Bath and Oxford. Commonly known as ‘Somerset’ it’s quintessential England, with pretty villages of honey-coloured stone, manor houses, charming churches, dry-stone walls and country pubs.

Unfortunately,the Cotswold doesn’t hold attractions of themed parks, or other attractions that tend to attract high populations. It is a wealthy area that nevertheless retains some-

The Cotswolds Rolling Hills

thing of the appeal of a working environment.

For visitors, the area is particularly well known for historic gardens, pubs and inns, farm and outdoor attractions and retail - book and antique shops especially.

It is an ideal romantic destination as it is peaceful and far away from the noisy suburbs.

Impressive landmarks aplenty with remarkable architecture for the perfect UK get away.

Need a place to stay? Check out - The Old Post Office Cottage – Chedworth Romantic rating: 7/10

97 97

Travel

15 D

Dubai

ubai is a very new and very modern tourist destination and the most fast progressing of all the United Arab Emirates.

It is merely a city in the desert but it is the fastest, tallest and highest of all modern cities and being just five hours away from Europe it is a perfect short break destination.

Its tourist industry here is growing at a huge rate as it becomes a big player for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining, sporting and everything else.

Being a desert the climate is hot all year round ranging from pleasant

winters at 25 degrees to summer where they average 42 degrees in almost unbearable heat. Well-known for its beaches and resorts Dubai is in fact a perfect destination for a romantic break away with your partner.

Just be sure to read up on the Islamic laws in Dubai with regards to couples who are not married when out in busy public places. It is unlikely to be a problem but something to be made aware of.

Need a place to stay?

Check out - Jebel Ali Golf Resort Romantic rating – 8/10

Send online today at

moneygram.co.uk

*

Share the Passion

Send money for a chance to win Brussels Airlines flights to Africa

**

Freephone: 0800 026 0535 moneygram.eurosport.com

CS6500

facebook.com/moneygram *For full Terms and Conditions please visit moneygrameurosport.com. Sends to Nigeria not available online. **No purchase necessary, terms and conditions apply, please visit www. facebook.com/moneygram for further details on how to enter. Post Office and Thomas Cook are agents of MoneyGram International Limited in the provision of money transfer services. Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trade marks of Post Office Ltd. MoneyGram International Limited is an authorized payment institution regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial service Authority. MoneyGram and the Globe are trademarks of MoneyGram. All other marks are property of their respective owners. Š 2012 MoneyGram.

All right reserved.

Send at:

And anywhere you see the MoneyGram sign