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Why So Serious?



I recently caught up with Chipmunk at the Mercy Prize Awards, and he's revealed that he will be changing his to Chip.

The Champion rapper who is currently taking a break from recording music has said he has decided to shorten his stage name, and knock off the ‘munk’.

When asked what he planned to change his name to, he said, ‘It would only be Chip. If I do it will just be Chip.’

This is a tried and tested method in hip-hop with several rappers choosing to change their names to represent growth, or to purely stay relevant.

The likes of pint size rapper Lil Bow Wow, got rid of the ‘Lil’ in 2003. Southern rapper T.I. seems to have trouble deciding whether to remain as T.I. or to be TIP. Biggie Smalls ended up becoming The Notorious BIG.

But no-one has been more back and forth in the name changing game than mogul Sean Combs. He went from Puff Daddy to Puffy, then it was P. Diddy, and now it’s just Diddy.

Perhaps one day Chip, formerly known as Chipmunk will just be known as C.


Chipmunk - Hustle Hard

My Moments For Life

As you may have realised I haven't been uploading posts as regularly as I used to, and it's mainly because I've been busy. I've been really busy - mostly celebrating uni being over; no I'm joking, I've been interning at more! magazine. So far it's been great but this week it become amazing...


Yeah...I Didn't Quite Make It To The Front Cover

 So you're probably thinking, "if you're not on the front cover where are you?" Of course you're not thinking that, because that would be mean. I got a by-line, and not once but twice *happy dance* If you turn to page 99, you'll see my beauty reiew on some of the hottest products available in our high street stores. Then move back a couple more pages, to page 56 and you should be viewing a feature entitled 'Where are the WORLD'S HOTTEST MEN?' I was lucky enough to interview 26 year old model, Fabrice Essomba from France, who unknown to him granted me a by-line.

Then tonight (as if I had gotten over the excitement of my by-line in more!) I got word that a feature I wrote whilst interning at Catch 22 had been published. 'The Invisibles' is to date the most challenging feature I have written and I almost cried when I saw it on the page. Please take your time to flick through the magzine which I have embedded below, as it has a host of great young writers within it's content.

Also something I should've blogged about ages ago, was a gig my wonderful mentor DeeDee Doke got me. Last month I was invited to the Recriter Awards and asked to tweet about the event. This night was one of my first industry events and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Tweeting about the ceremony also handed me a by-line, which appeared in the magazine and ONLINE. 

The Glamourous Life...

Issue 120: March 2011

Personal Opinion: Very Pretty & Very Annoying in GLEE

I know it's a bit late but I shouldn't have to tell you what I'm about to do because you already know, so let's get it going...

The top three 'Hey, it's OK...' from this month are:

1. "...if you're the one who writes her name on her stapler at work. Well, if people will insist on taking what's not theirs"
2. "...to send the odd tipsy text to a man. Drunken, tearful 3am phone calls, though, not OK"
3. "...to be over the age of 12 and still wear mittens. They're very trendy, actually"

This month's cover-star is Lea Michele from Glee. I have to admit she started off as one of  the funnier characters in Glee, then she became very annoying but in the more recent episodes of the second series she's started to grow on me again and gives me the occasional laugh out loud moment in some of her scenes. (But none of the cast of Glee are funnier than Brittany - b****!).

But back to GLAMOUR, now from reading my previous posts of 'The Glamourous Life...' I've realised that I hardly talk about the fashion content within the magazine, so it's time to switch it up.

Now I'm not big on following fashion trends because personally I don't get the hype around some trends, especially as some don't even last long and let's be real I don't have the monetary status to keep up with every trend. But a trend that I am definitely feeling is the bright block colours. In this issue GLAMOUR created a wicked ten page spread with the help of photographer, Coliena Rentmeester, called 'POP YOUR COLOUR' which for me sold the trend.

For those of you who know me (which is all of my 20 followers) you know that nothing makes me happier than, (1) eating good food, (2) watching a good film, and (3) experimenting with make-up; and if there's one thing that GLAMOUR caters to is us make-up fiends. 'Beauty With POW!' by Charlotte-Anne Fidler, highlights the hottest hair and make-up trends for this summer and I am loving it. As a young black girl, I'm fed up of playing it safe with my colour palette so with a little help from Sleek I will be rocking so many different shades of colour when the sun comes out.

I don't want to say too much more because you need to go get yourself your own copy but until next month - stay glamourous.

30 Seconds In The Mind Of...

Sandra Townsend

She All So Natural

Sandra Townsend, 22, is a Brighton University Graduate who has fallen in love with journalism and has interned at the Catch 22 Academy. Her proudest moment came in 2009 when she graduated with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. Since graduating she been globe trotting but has finally settled her interests and time in pursuing a career as a journalist.

What couldn't you live without?

I probably couldn't live without Coco Butter. I couldn't survive without it.

What would you say is your worst habit?

I have quite a few habits - I would say leaving plates in the sink.

What do you find really annoying in other people?

Just fakeness - when people lie and pretend to be nice. It's just irritating, they think that it makes them a better person but it doesn't.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I still watch Spongebob.

Most treasured possession?

All my old birthday cards.

Sandra's Favourites

Song

Over by Drake

Video

                 

Website

Apricot Tea

You can follow Sandra on TWITTER or check out her BLOG

Bradshaw & The Books...

I Write Because Of Bradshaw

Last night I went to a journalism conference at the BBC which was hosted by Shine Media called 'So You Want A Career In Journalism?' and on arrival I bumped into the beautiful Alison (Fab Black Woman) who said the loveliest thing I think anyone has ever said to me - this will definitely go down as the best compliment in my lifetime. 


She said, "You remind me of Carrie Bradshaw." 


I swear I tear came to my eye and that compliment prompted me to publish this post as it's been a while. 


So it's been almost two months since I've been back at uni and Lord behold I'm in my third year - YES! THIRD YEAR! If I'm honest third year (so far) hasn't been half as stressful as I thought it would be and I don't know whether that's because I'm too relaxed or I'm so on point it's unbelievable.


As it stands I've already handed in a 5,000 word piece about my experience at the Catch 22 and I'm due to give a presentation about my internship in the coming weeks - so I'm more or less done with that module which is great - but I'm not done yet; that's one module down, I've got another four modules to put to sleep before I'm in my cap and gown.


At the moment I'm in the process of reading for a journalism essay that is due on December 15th, as well as that I also have a group presentation and a group essay to submit on the 15th too (gosh!) but I'm not stressing because it has to be done and it will get done - FACT.


To conclude, I will be reading everyday for the rest of the week...well, I'll try.

30 Seconds In The Mind Of...

Nicolle Bampire




Britain's Next Top Model...

 Nicolle Bampire, 21, is a full time journalism student and a part time model. Nicolle is the perfect combination of brains and beauty and plans to take over the world once she gets her degree in Journalism & Media and Culture Studies. 

What couldn't you live without?

My aviator leather jacket. I'm just in love with it - we're inseparable. I think my love for it is unconditional.

What would you say is your worst habit?

I can never say 'no' to myself, especially when I go shopping.

What do you find really annoying in other people?

(Laughs) There are a couple of things; (1) I hate stingy people because I'm giving but it's worse when you have stingy friends (2) I hate people who think they have a self importance (3) Bad hygiene - it's like why?

What is your guilty pleasure?

That's a hard one - I'm like a vampire, I don't like the light so when I'm home alone I like to eat a bowl of porridge in my room in peace and quite (and darkness).

What is your dream job?

To be a news anchor or a MTV presenter because I think I would enjoy their lifestyle.

Nicolle's Favourites

Song

Perfect Stranger by Magnetic Man ft. Katy B

Video

Website

The Guardian - I just can't get bored 

You can follow Nicolle on her BLOG

The Glamourous Life...

Issue 115: October 2010 

Personal Opinion: Not The Best Outfit For Her Body

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a GLAMOUR girl and if you really know me well you'd know that I have copies of the magazine coming out of my ears, as I am NEVER without a copy. 

I'm a fan of GLAMOUR magazine for several reasons and here are my top three:

1. I love flicking through the glossy pages and reading the captions under all the pictures
2. I love that the magazine is broken down into sections
3. I love 'Hey, it's OK...' (first page I search for)

In this issue of GLAMOUR I really enjoyed reading 'Inside A Sleep Expert's Bedroom' by Humphrey Klinkenberg, although this wasn't the longest feature I found it very informative and it was just filled with useful tips that will help rule out the mistakes that many of us make when we're trying to get some kip.

'Your Most Embarrassing Sex Moments (And How To Survive Them!)' gave me a laugh out loud moment whilst I made my way home from work on the tube. If the last disaster doesn't make you laugh then I'm sorry to say but there must be something wrong with you.

Finally as one of the promotions in the magazine this month, GLAMOUR created two fold out pages dedicated to Max Colour Effect by Max Factor called 'The New Colour Rules'. The advertioral features tips from make-up artist Caroline Barnes. 

 

Watch out for my review on 'The Glamourous Life' next month...

30 Seconds In The Mind Of...

Alison Awoyera

A Fab Black Women Only Drinks The Best

Alison Awoyera, 22, born and raised in London is a passionate young journalist. She graduated in 2009 from Kingston University with a degree in Media & Television Studies. Since graduating Alison has been on a mission to conquer the world, she has interned with several big names in publishing and she is now about to wrap up her intern at the Catch 22 Academy.

What couldn't you live without?

This is gonna sound really cliche but I couldn't live without God.

What would you say is your worst habit?

Being abrupt, it's in between being abrupt and talking too much. I've got a lot - I haven't quite figured out a balance.

What do you find really annoying in other people?

Clinginess - excessive clinginess. There are times when I just like my own space.

What is your guilty pleasure?

(Laughs) That sounds really naughty. Pretending I'm in music video - it's quite fun.

Most Treasured Possession?

My heart.


Alison's Favourites
Song
At the moment - Come To The River by Parachute Band


Video
                


Website
Hotmail - not very exciting but I like to check my e-mails on the go

You can follow Alison on TWITTER or check out her BLOG

How I Got My Media Break...

Jean Hannah Edelstein

Thinking Of A Master Plan

Jean Hannah Edelstein, 29, is the news and feature editor of Glamourmagazine.co.uk, she was born in America, brought up in Canada and now works in London as a freelance journalist. To my surprise Jean agreed to talk to me and tell me how she got her break in the media...

I have always been very interested in writing and journalism, when I was 16 I was an editor on the weekly paper at my school. I also worked on my university newspaper and did a master’s degree in media and communications. As a teenager I wanted to work in television but that changed because online media didn’t exist to the extent that it does now.

I got my media break when I starting writing for a magazine that some friends of mine started, called Bad Idea – they didn’t pay anything. However it was a chance for me to get my work published, after that I did work experience at The Sunday Times and the Observer and I also started writing for the Guardian online.

I find my job as an editor both fulfilling and stressful! we have to write, edit and publish many new articles every day - working online means working very quickly. Even though the pressure is constantly on it is lots of fun and I really enjoy it.

My number one piece of advice to aspiring journalists is to gain as much online experience as possible because that is where most jobs are going to be in the future. Also, be prepared to do quite a lot of work for no or very little pay when you’re starting out. I encourage aspiring journalists to be flexible – because jobs are limited and the industry is always changing, if your idea of where you want to work and what you want to do is too fixed then you may well be disappointed and find that it is difficult to progress.

Finally, the quote I live by is... 

"I don't care to belong to any club that will have me as a member"

– Groucho Marx


You can follow Jean at Twitter or check out her blog

Today We Join These Partners In Money Matrimony...

One Ring Too Short?

When my intern ends in five weeks I'll have the opportunity to begin a work placement at one of Catch 22 media partners. Their partners are amongst the UK's biggest publishing houses, such as Redwood Groups, Haymarket, John Brown Groups and Trinity Media.

Below I have chosen my top three partners that I would be honoured to work with...

Conde Nast 

"We create buzz. Build brands. Break boundaries." 

At current Conde Nast own 15 publications and their circulation is 1,539,661 (per issue). Vogue is Conde Nast flagship magazine, the magazine is sold worldwide and is renowned for its innovative fashion shoots.

If I were to work for Conde Nast, I would like to write for GLAMOUR because it is a women's fashion and lifestyle magazine, but unlike Vogue the fashion presented in GLAMOUR is more high street than straight off the catwalk.


Recent News
The managing director of Conde Nast UK, Nicholas Coleridge, has predicted that more publishers will be creating Apps for Apple's iPad.
Read More...

Bauer Media Group

"Bauer Media is a division of the Bauer Media Group, Europe’s largest privately owned publishing Group."

Bauer Media Group is a UK based company which operates on two platforms - Magazines & Radio. The company has a circulation of 2,814,745 (per issue). Grazia is Bauer's most recent publication that has been adopted by the UK with arms wide open.

If I were to work for Bauer Media Group, I would like to write for Grazia as it attracts a similar audience to Conde Nast magazine GLAMOUR, because it is a women's glossy.


Recent News
Bauer Media launching Grazia TV online.
Read More...

National Magazine Company (NatMag)

"NatMag publish some of the most admired and well-established magazines in the UK"

NatMag has a circulation of 3,050,689 and produces consumer magazines.

If I were to work for NatMag, I would like to write for their men's magazine Esquire. Although Esquire is very different from Grazia and GLAMOUR I think it contains similar content but obviously for the opposite sex.


Recent News
Jeremy Langmead, the editor of Esquire magazine after three and half years.
Read More...

Nonetheless I would be more than happy writing for any of Catch 22's partners, so hopefully there's no hard feelings. 

30 Seconds In The Mind Of...

Savrina Joseph

It's Savrina Not Sabrina

Savrina Joseph, 25, was born in Leyton but raised in Essex and she's the oldest of three children. She graduated in 2007 from Thames Valley University with a degree in Journalism. Since graduating she has interned at various organisations and been an administrator on a youth project. Savrina is currently embarking on one of her most challenging interns at the Catch 22 Academy in North London.

What couldn't you live without?

My phone.

What would you say is your worst habit?

When I talk I use my hands - I'm doing it right now.

What do you find really annoying in other people?

Rudeness. I can't stand rude people.

What is your guilty pleasure?

It's quite lame - I'm a Saturdays fan. It's not something I go around telling people.

What is your dream job?

To become a fashion journalist for Elle magazine.

Savrina's Favourites

Song

Bang, Bang, Bang by Mark Ronson ft. Q-Tip & MNDR

Video

Website

ASOS

You can follow Savrina on TWITTER or check out her BLOG

Goodbye August, Hello September...

This Post Is Dedicated To My Beautiful Sister - Happy Birthday!

The Struggle To Get Out Of Bed Is One That I Face Regularly

Waking up this morning my first thought was "Oh my gosh, tomorrow's the first of September!" It's official summer's over and it's back to school season but before that season blooms I have a feature to write for Catch 22 Magazine.

Interning for Catch 22 is by far turning out to be one of the most challenging experiences of my 20 year life and as I attempt to write a feature about illegal immigrants living in the UK I'm wondering whether I might have bitten off more than I can chew (again).

As an intern at Catch 22 I'm being taught all the skills I need to make it in the world of journalism; so far I've written a profile, deconstructed a magazine, been sent out to find a news story, signed up to Twitter and as my latest assignment I've create this very blog that you are now reading. 

This intern has really made me question my skills as a young journalists because as a journalism student I really thought I'd be in my element but boy oh boy was I wrong - five weeks into the intern and I'm struggling to spin a news story on its head.

At Catch 22 writer's block is a no no as tasks are set frequently and there is no time whatsoever to slumber. With seven weeks still to go I'm hoping that my inner critic will die and life will be restored to the journalist I know I am.

The mission to write my first feature has began...