Britney, 2011 Number 1??

Throughout all the maddness, and yes that means the head shaving, golf clubs and federline fiasco, miss spears has always produced top notch pop music. Her worldwide success at a early age gave spears access to world domination by the time her album "Britney" hit the shops, and with Mr fine Timberlake on her arm, all the girls respectively envied her. So after the debacle of k.fed, why is it that B.Spears produced one of the best albums she's ever made? 

They do say pain produces the best music. Was it the pain of heartache, childbirth or just her absence from the mic what magically forced her to push herself.  Although Spears was far from recovered, Blackout was a phenomenon we all never believed she could pull off in a million years. In her honest Pharell Williams track Why should I be sad? Miss Spears, spills her feelings of restriction as she asks K.Fed "who'd I do all that for?Who?"

Her metamorphosis from bad to OK suggested a new Britney,as she bids him farewell, and claims a Toy Soldier to look after her is the remedy. Britney is on absolute fire in this record, and we cannot fault her. So is this album the reason we anticipated Hold It Against Me to be hot too?? I'd say so. 

This mediocre attempt at stealing back her crown after such a long hiatus forced britney to advertise the track on twitter, and asks us to "please forgive me if I'm comin on too strong". The club type track seems to have been a let down after the success of Blackout and the anticipation we all had of Britney, especially after her debut and tribute to the fallen star on Glee, relinquished and reminding fans why they loved her so much to begin with. 
So, do you think Britney has a chance at a number one hit again? Or has she had   all the success she will already. Tell it like it is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJSm_QMO6zA  Hold It Against Me

Travelling to Paris?? Hot Spots

Bonjour! Hey guys, so i've always luhuvedd Paris and french culture, and I've had a request to point out hotspots in France. So here goes...:

Ok, so if you are travelling from London, I would recommend travelling with eurostar simply because it's cheaper and quicker because you will pass through the channel tunnel. This is quick and painless, and you will arrive in Paris within 2 hours and 45 minutes tops. Departing from Kings Cross St Pancreas, you will arrive in Gare Du Nord station in Paris, where you will not be checked for security because you will have been checked leaving London.  Once you reach Gare Du Nord, there are many hotels which you can stay in and  restaurants which you can go to.

Hotspots

Definetley visit Avenue Champs-Élysées, the most famous avenue in the world. With designer stores either side, it is to die for when your looking to do a full days worth of shopping. At the end of the avenue, near Charles de Gaulle-Etoile station is the Arc De Triomphe, which if you decide to climb is 16 floors. 

Champs-Élysées

Arc De Triomphe

Now girls, if you love make up, perfume, just overall cosmetics, you have to go to Sephora, which unfortunately is not available in the U.K. It's perfect for everything from MAC Cosmetics, designer perfumes,

and make-up. I cannot explain the benefits of this store when you are on holiday so take advantage when you can. 

Eiffel Tower

Add caption

Of course you have to visit the Eiffel Tower, when in Paris. The gorgeous view is breathtaking but you can take the stairs or elevator if you wish. The only caution is be careful of pushy scalpers at the bottom of the tower who will probably attempt to sell you souvenirs.

While you are at the Eiffel Tower go on the Bateaux Parisiens cruise on the river seine, where you will see Notre Dame and many other famous landmarks along the way.

Disneyland Paris Hotel

Jump on the train to Marnee La Ville station and experience the experience which is Disneyland Paris. Kids or grown, you will love it. Every disney character you have known will appear, whether it's during the parade or at the live shows, you are sure to have a blast. Rides you have to go on: The Aerosmith roller-coaster,Space Mountain, Phantom Manor,Crush Coaster . This is guaranteed to be a excellent trip, even if you go with friends or family. 

So jump on the metro again, and hit up Saint Lazare, a excellent social and shopping spot, with fabulous hotels and excellent restaurants.  and for the best fish burger you have ever tasted, go to Quick restaurant, the french healthy alternative to mcdonalds, and I'll leave the I told you so, until you get back. 

St Lazare High Street

Musee De Louvre

If you are an art lover, another hotspot is Musee De Louvre/ The Louvre Museum, which you may all have seen in The Da Vinci Code. Well nothing takes your breath away like the real thing, Mona Lisa and all. Be sure to get there early because the lines are long. 

Musée d'Orsay is a beautiful art gallery by the sea, with many aged artefacts. 

So people, apart from visiting Versailles to visit family, this is my itinerary whenever I visit Paris. There is much more to do, but these are just the hotspots you shouldn't miss out on. 

C'est dans la boite|- That's a wrap folks :)

Royal Wedding: National holiday+/ or Royal pain -?

Asserting her apprehension to join the most intimidating family by far, Kate Middleton, (Prince Williams's bride to be) claimed it was 'daunting' to say the least. The couples back and forth public relationship has been one with an entertainment factor, but now that they will be wed, many Britons have revealed their doubts about the biggest event in years. Taxpayers attempted to be saved financially by anti-monarchy groups who fought for private funding to pay for parts of the wedding. However, even though these are cost-effective times, the wedding will be keeping with this theme. Apparently "the couple are both very mindful of the economic situation the country is in." Also, Prince William is technically not the heir to the throne yet , and his wedding will be a state formal occasion but not to the grandeur level his father's was. Both times. 

Prince Charles and Diana's Wedding(1981)- Diana walks down the aisle with a 25ft long train

Comparisons to Princess Diana and Prince Charles' wedding  are in full bloom. The extravagant event in1981 attracted crowds of 600,000 people who flooded the streets of London to focus a keen eye, on Diana's train. Also, Middleton's age is being compared to that of Lady Diana who was 20 when she married Charles. Kate is 28, and by the time she weds William, she will be 29 year of age. The Telegraph acknowledged: 

''At the age of 29, as she will be by the time she marries, Kate Middleton will be the oldest spinster ever to marry a future king.'' Kate is six months older than William , and eight years older than Diana when she married Prince Charles, revealing a staggering difference between them. 

St Paul's Cathedral is top choice for Kate and Williams wedding, however Guards Chapel is also being considered. The government were considered for the choice of date, due to the upheavel of questions from eager Britons, ready and willing to have time off from work to indulge in the celebration. This has been granted and there will have a bank holiday, due to Buckingham Palace claiming sensitivity to the public was vital when making Royal plans. The wedding will be toned down, compared to the sumptuous ceremony the Prince's parents had, nevertheless it shall be ''appropriate to the times." Police and security costs will be payed by taxplayers and many have urged that William and Kate should meet all cost themselves. So, should we be happy about this new made up bank holiday? Or should we be distraught with anger, that even though we condone the couple who fell in love to getting married, taxpayers should not foot the bill? Those who agree, say I...

Lauren Conrad

Lauren Conrad. Don't you just love her? From Laguna to L.A, this woman has worked her style from day 1. I own her new book Style, and it is amazing. If you need tips on sewing, blazers, what jeans to buy, what to pack, name it, it's in here. Her simple and chic tips, can make a big difference to what you buy, how much you spend and key pieces needed to have 'Style'.  With gorgeous pictures, and clothes to die for, The Hills star, expresses her fashion sense with a classic approach.

Though Lauren rocks Louboutins, Chanel and Marc Jacobs, which may not be affordable for most readers, there are places you can go to find similar non-cheap looking items like H&M which Lauren does mention. She gives tutorials on make up and hair, as well as work and school outfits, alongside what to wear to events and parties and still look classy. Key pieces like essential jeans, little black dress and boots are poignant to Laurens look, as well as hole repair and re-washing your jeans. 

With her own fashion line, and fall collection, Lauren has expressed herself throughout her reality TV parts in The Hills and Laguna Beach, but also through her designs, which reflect her personality. So, i'd buy the book girls, even if you do know how to style yourself, because it is a wonderful light and helpful book, full of suggestions, which you can indulge in, over a cup of tea. I have to give it to her, the girl can dress. You'll find it stacked at your nearest Waterstones <3 

The Rebound

Catherine Zeta Jones admits defeat in The Rebound(2009), as she wholeheartedly claims she is old. With two kids, a husband, home and oversized car, Jones plays Sandy a sporty brunette obsessed with the NBA. As she swaps sports stuff on-line, Sandy comes across a video on her home computer revealing her husband as a cheater. In the change of a scene, she is divorced and off  to Manhattan, kids and all, and meets a young man Aaron, who babysits her rugrats while she dates unsuccessfully. With a hate for men, Sandy attends self defence class to attack men like her husband, until as per usual and to indeed follow rom-com formula, she ends up in the arms of Aaron, lying to her friends. Justin Bartha who plays Aaron, popular from The Hangover(2009), is a timid coffee shop worker, still living with his parents and reading Harry Potter. Bartha's shyness is needed here juxtaposed with Sandy's fiery personality and the horrible middle aged fatigued dates she used to prefer. His quiet humour calms her, as they quarrel over their age difference throughout. 

However, this film lacks substance in the sense that, eye candy is in short supply, Zeta Jones seems to be trying to hard and Bartha somewhat belongs in a different film. As interesting as the storyline may seem, it is bleak at times, lacking the charisma most rom-coms have these days. So I'd recommend it but only when there is nothing else to watch, and you need to fill a space in time. Then, it will seem great.


*Rating- 5/10 


The Rebound is available on YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1_cPnshVjk

Wise Girls(2002)

Starring Mariah Carey as Raychel,a badass waitress from Long Island, Wise Girls(2002) takes the diva back to her roots with a accent you will never forget. Alongside Carey is Mira Sorvino, best known for playing Romy in Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion, a Sunday afternoon classic.

Sorvino switched up the gears as she plays Meg, an ex med student/waitress who moves to Long Island to be closer to her ill grandmother. After working in an Italian/American restaurant with Raychel and a close friend  Kate, Long Island seems comforting to a disturbed Meg. But after serving mobsters for months and receiving wads of cash for tips, Meg realises, this is not a normal Italian restaurant. Subsequent to getting her ass grabbed, and sweet talked in Italian by Frankie Santalino, the mobsters son, Meg's confidence grows as she is well liked by the locals, favoured even. However, after a drunken party with too much Grapa, Meg witnesses a murder she will never forget. After learning more than she should, Meg's life is at risk as she attempts to forget her troubles  and discovers secrets about her friends which could land them all in trouble.

A mildly depressing start, but Wise Girls does have a mobish drama element which will have you on the edge of your seat, especially with Meg as the main character who is practically vibrating throughout due to fear. The film contains the action and tension of a mob movie, with the attachment of female friendship, as the girls celebrate symbolic birthdays together, spending their tips on sparklers and birthday cake. It weirdly appeals to men and women, revealing the chauvinistic animalistic Italian culture to be just that but with honourable 'I scratch your back, you scratch my back' elements. With many surprises, and a heart beat like background theme, it spits on 'Glitter' as Carey redeems herself as being a viable Long Island ghetto queen. I'd highly recommend it if you are a Mariah Carey fan, but if you are not, a 6/10 is not bad. Kapeesh!

French R'n'B- Love it! /What's that?

So, around 2005/2006, I discovered a new genre of music which changed my life. French R'n'B has more flavour and depth than any other genre I've ever heard. Front runners in this genre are (to name a few) Amel Bent, Matt Pokora, Sheryfa Luna, Lea Castel, Marc Antoine, Diams and Zaho. Now not to fear, I'm not perfect at french either, but I'd give these guys a listen, just because they can sing and rap, on another level entirely. 

Amel Bent

Matt Pokora

Sheryfa Luna

Lea Castel

Marc Antoine

Zaho

Diams- (Rapper)

Top ALBUMS:

Amel Bent- A 20 Ans

Amel Bent- óu Je Vais

Zaho- Dima

Matt Pokora- Player

So here are some of my all time favourite tracks, take these in, and you never know, you may be converted.


Tracks


-Mokobe ft Mohamed Lamine- African Tonik




-Fanny ft Mokobe - Ancrée á ton part


-La Fouine ft Zaho- Basta


-Mokobe ft Patson- C'est dan la jolie


-Tunisiano ft Zaho- Citoyen Du Monde


-Marc Antoine- Comme Il Se Doit


-Sheryfa Luna Ft Mathieu Edward- Comme Avant


-Amel Bent ft Mohamed Reda- Crois En Tes Reves


-Diams- Enfant Du Desert


-Dry feat Diams - Vice Versa 




-Rohff ft Amel Bent- Hysteric Love




-Singuila ft Marc Antoine- J'suis KO






-La Fouine ft Amel Bent- Tomber Pour Elle




-La Fouine- Du Ferme




-Kayliah- Quand Une Fille Est Love




-Kayliah- Bellydance




-113 ft Amel bent- On Pense A Vous 




-Sheryfa Luna ft Lea Castel- Il avait les mot




* All these and more are on YouTube- Enjoy 

EastEnders Baby Storyline- Morally wrong?

In case we all forgot, or just love having a go at the EastEnders writers, Desperate Housewives have a similar story line about baby swapping which has been running for a few weeks now in Season 7 on Channel 4. Gabrielle Solis' daughter Juanita was swapped accidentally in the hospital shortly after birth , with her real daughter Grace. 

Even though they are not identical, the baby swapping storyline in EastEnders is much more raw and unrefined, therefore people may find it offensive because it deals with new born babies. But hasn't EastEnders needed this kind of storyline for a while? There have been many a dry spell on the show, and this definitely caught our attention. 
Personally, I agree with the fact that what Ronnie is doing is wrong, point blank. But screening it on a mainstream television channel like BBC 1, reinstates the topics importance and awareness, because it does happens. Cot death is common with new born babies and  relatable topics are key to soaps like EastEnders. There have been more than 5,800 complaints to the BBC on this topic and the EastEnders Chief released this statement: 
"On a wider sense, we were careful to select Ronnie, who we felt was the only character capable of acting in this way in a believable manner, following all the difficulties she's experienced in her life and the emotional toll this has put on her."
Dannielle Jones' death was the only other story line which started a nation wide heated argument, like this one. So, I ask you this. Is it wrong ? . Should story-lines like this be sheltered from the public forever? Or is it informative as well as educational to young mothers and mothers to be? 

''It’s getting coyote ugly up in here, no Tyra: It’s only up from here, no downward spiral''- Rihanna/LOUD Review

With her Ray-Bans on she's feeling hella cool tonight, but she forgot her name, repeatedly, and even though our girl RiRi, love's the way you lie, she realises that was all wrong, and gives an ultimatum. Only girl in the world or nada!  Her name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty and until now, red heads have never been so exquisite. 
Executivley produced by Antonio 'LA' Reid and the Bayesian queen herself, Loud is the fifth studio album from Rihanna which comes firing with hits and lives up to it's name, brightening up the place with some gorgeous red locks. After the darkness that was 'Rated R', this album was long awaited, even after the success of tracks such as FireBomb  where she bellows for the lovers to clear the road so she can see his face, as she smashes the cars front window. Or Hard where she turns on bloggers, wanting to know, where we at! Rudeboy and Rockstar 101 all proved to be smashes, but no-one was ready for the unforgettable 'Oh Na Na' on your radio everyday. 

You all killed that replay button, as did I, when Drizzy and RiRi came together. But Loud brings a new Rihanna to shore as she embraces her Bayesian side with 'Man Down', becoming her own little drummer, as she Rum Papa Pum's a story to her momma about a regrettable murder. Cheer's(Drink To That) echo's Avril Lavigne's voice in the background while RiRi forget's her trouble's, for the weekend. However, Fading reveals a softer side to Fenty as she stands her ground about leaving a unchangeable relationship, while Raining Men ft Nicki Minaj presents an optimistic RiRi who sings :

''Ladies don't worry cause they got plenty more 

They be falling like the rain so we aint running out 

Oh its raining men girl what you worry 'bout ''

With softer tracks like Complicated and Skin, Rihanna definitely changed the gears with this album. Fans may find S&M different and somewhat uncomfortable, especially when compared to what RiRi has churned out before, but with the help of J.Cole, anything is possible. So lets find out what the square root of 69 is cos Drake's been tryna work it out. 
*Rating : 6/10

Film, Easy A-2010 ( Review)

So, we've had Mean Girls with it's Regina Georgeified evil schemes, and it's Lohan narrated follow through, and what made us love it? Exactly that. It's simplicity in contrast with the fun high school events and holiday songs. But what put Mean Girls on the map, was it's brilliance in exposing the high school cliques which were obviously stereotyped,  and doubly stereotyping Lindsay Lohan's character as the unpopular smart new kid from Africa! Let's take a moment to remember how great this film was and the fast paced story line was just what the doctor recommended  in bleak 2004, where video's and video players still existed.

Now 2010, presented Easy A, a sharp, parody of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter,  which commercializes Penn Badgley in the trailer, but debuts Emma Stone, who some of you may recognize from House Bunny(2008) as the head of the abysmal sorority with a scary fondness for sci-fi.  Badgely's appearance in Easy A is minimal, and most of us expected more from the Gossip Girl Gorgeous Geek, but it doesn't matter, because he is upstaged by Olive Penderghast (Stone) who has an unbelievably 'girl you wanna be friends with' kinda personality. She's funny as well as pleasingly sarcastic, and smart, which for a teen movie, is short lived.

Jamming to Natasha Bedingfield's 'Pocketful Of Sunshine' in her room, Olive attempts to avoid a weird weekend camping trip with a friend and her parents. So she lies about a weekend date, and her lie to cover up the lie, was even more terribly put across than her first lie, as she spits out that she has a secret lover. Her lies get bigger and better, until she is overheard in the girls bathroom. Marrianne (Amanda Bynes) the leader of the schools Christian group spreads obscene, exaggerated rumours about Olive through the corridors. 'You've made your bed... I just hope for your sake, you've cleaned the sheets.'
This is not the only annoying comment Olive receives, as her reputation is trashed and her blazé attitude about the fake rumors begins to affect her social life as this becomes a full blown scandal. 

Contrary to popular belief, Olive claims that she continues the lies due to the fact that she does it to help other's reputation, like her gay friends, whilst trashing her own. Nonetheless, this is an contemporary teen movie, not to be missed. With a red head front runner, and Penn Badgley alongside Amanda Byne's funny fakeness, this is up on the top shelf with Mean Girls and Clueless. No rollin with the homies, but a fresh and successful take on running your high school solely on reputation. So you'd have to watch this to understand why A is for Awesome, not Adulteress. 

** Easy A is posted on YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDNgBYj-YQc- Enjoy **