30 Seconds In The Mind Of...

Floss

Floss: A Man Of Many Words

Floss, 21, is perhaps the hardest working young man in Islington. Floss is an actor, events manager, mentor, rapper, poet and whatever else you need him to be. He has been an active member in the borough of Islington since his early teens and one of his proudest moments was when he performed for legendary Hip Hop mogul, Russell Simmons. Floss is currently doing his rounds promoting his Halloween rave called 'Haunted'.

Click Here For More Info On HAUNTED

What couldn't you live without?

I couldn't live without ambition.

What would you say is your worst habit?

My worst habit is spending silly amounts of money.

What do you find really annoying in other people?

People who think they're sick but they're not. I can't stand people who can't dress - never wear fakes or wear Louis Vuitton and Gucci together or wear sunglasses indoors - annoying.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I still watch cartoons, it's a bit embarrassing.


What is your dream job?
Whatever pays the most.


Floss' Favourites
Song
Freestyle by Joe Black

Video

Website
Google - I just like the fact you can google and find anything

You can follow Floss on TWITTER

Put That Song On Replay

So I'm back for the third time to tell you about the songs I've been banging out on my iPod and as time is far spent I might as well get going with the first tuneage...

Miguel - All I Want Is You ft. J. Cole
If you don't fall in love with this song then I seriously need to question your hearing. This is perhaps the most chilled out song I've heard all year and there is something about it that just makes me feel like I'm listening to some good old school R&B and Miguel was right to choose J. Cole as the featuring artist because his lyrics just sync so well with everything Miguel is singing about.

Loick Essien - Love Drunk
Loick Essien has finally arrived. If you're like me you'll remember he featured on the vocals of Chipmunk's single 'Beast' (which by the way is banger too) and now he is here releasing his own material. I'm expecting big things from Loick as his first single 'Love Drunk' is absolutely fantastic.


 
Usher - DJ Got Us Falling In Love ft. Pitbull
I'm not gonna lie when I first heard this I was like, "Huh? Is this really what Usher is doing now?" but after a few listens I figured it weren't too bad but the selling point for this single was the video. In this video I just feel as though Usher has gone back to what he is made for and that my friends is making us dance. Honestly since 'Confessions' I believe that this is the first video Usher has released where he seems to be really enjoying himself - hence making us (the viewers) enjoy ourselves too. 

Jazmine Sullivan - Holding You Down (Goin' In Circles)
Right, the bottom line is Jazmine Sullivan can sing. This lady has one of those voices that just makes you wanna sing along as if to say the song is directly speaking about your life. Similar to Miguel's 'All I Want Is You' this song just has that old school vibe to it.

Big Boi - Follow Us ft. Vonnegutt
'Shutterbug' was of course a banger and proved that musical genius Big Boi still has it in him to get us all bubbling. With the track 'Follow Us' he has once again proved that no-one knows how get featuring artists to bring a song alive like he does and I would have to say that this song is definitely a riding track.

30 Seconds In The Mind Of...

Lindster Benz



Benji Kiks Is Maximum Trendsetter

Lindster Benz, 20, is perhaps one of London's most fashionable beings, from the bowler hats to the seasons' must have heels Lindster is way ahead of the game. Lindster is a lady with a lot to say so don't be fooled into thinking she's just about the fashion because she's about so much more. Within less than a year Lindster will be let loose on the working world following the completion of her Journalism & Media and Culture Studies degree, so be sure to look out for her.

What couldn't you live without?
My earrings - it doesn't even matter what type they are, they just always seem to complete the look but then again I have so much s**t I wouldn't know.


What would you say is your worst habit?
Eating gari (cassava flour).


What do you find annoying in other people?
Some who has a bad attitude. I can't stand people who are fake or people who apologise for something that they did intentionally.


What is your guilty pleasure?
Purchasing stuff on ebay - that's limited now (laughs).


Most treasured possession?
It had to be my Escada blazer, it's not the most wearable item i have in my wardrobe but it's definitely my most treasured.


Lindster's Favourites
Song
Swagger by Ruff 'n' Smooth


Video

Website
Lookbook


You can follow Lindster on her BLOG

Shortcuts: Granny Trends

This Is How It All Begins...

Grand-Daddy Cool?

Hair loss, dentures, wrinkles, lack of mobility and gravity taking an overwhelming toll on your physical appearance are all the things that make me happy to be 20. 

However it’s a well-known fact that life starts at 40 but that isn’t true - life really begins at 65 - as life doesn’t really get fun until you’re a certified granny. 

People 65 and over are living the life and they are the real trendsetters.

All the hottest looks and trends all over the world have been inspired by none other than the OAPs and if your like me and have about four decades before your granted your granny status here are a few trends that are accessible to us…

Granny’s Secret
Alexander Wang and Stella McCartney have both launched underwear lines celebrating oversized pants. Truth be told granny pants are amazing. 

They hold in all those bits that you don’t want to be visible when you’re wearing that ultra tight dress or skirt. 

But let’s not get confused granny pants are only cool for girls it’s a no-no for the guys.

Off Your Trolley
Fed up of holding your shopping in your hands, is it proving too strenuous on your soft palms? 

Then look no further, Rolser are here to help. 

Known as the “Rolls Royce of shopping trolleys”, Rolser’s have been stocking the most fashionable trolleys in the UK and Ireland for the last 15 years, so you’ll never have to hold another carrier bag for the rest of your days.

A Puff Here, A Puff There
Holding a cigarette in your hand is so 2009.

Ladies why not get your Aubrey Hepburn on and purchase an oh-so elegant cigarette holder and for the lads, it’s time to prove just how much of a man's man you really are and learn how to smoke a pipe.

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...

Filled With Ink

The Tools

As the pages of notebook have more ink poured over them, I begin to feel lighter.


My head empties but everyday something new is added, one thought leaves and another takes its place.


When the ink runs dry, my headaches return - my mind isn't at rest.


The thoughts and ideas eventually expire.


Wasted without a chance to showcase their full potential.

Put That Song On Replay

For the second edition of 'Put That Song On Replay' I've decided to honour the shining stars of Afrobeats and so in no particular order...

                  

P Square - Danger
P Square have duo-handily put Afrobeats on the map - they have proved that hard work and perfecting your craft pays off. Paul and Peter Okoye (P Square) are up there with Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade as one of Nigeria's hottest exports. 

Dewaves - Owo (Money)
This has a very, very, very catchy hook which is always a good thing. Like most songs we hear, 'Owo' (Money) is about getting paid, getting girls and popping champagne.

Wande Coal - You Bad ft. D'Banj
Wande Coal has arrived and he has brought a couple bangers with him. With tracks such as 'Bumper 2 Bumper', 'Who Born The Maga' and 'Taboo' his album Mushin2Mohits is set to be a chart topper. If not I'm sure his nude pictures on Twitter have done enough to keep him relevant until he drops his new album.
NOTE: The link above is to the story about the nude photos not the nude photos.

Jaywon - Gbon Gbon Gbon ft. Terry G
This song has been on my iPod for less than a week and so far I've listened to it 76 times - yes, 76 times (and counting). What can I say this song is a delight to listen to and it's even better to dance to.

Olu Maintain - Yahooze
If you haven't heard this song by now, I really need to ask you, "Where have you been?" This song (although it's based around the notion of fraud) is a certified banger. 'Yahooze' is so popular that even Colin Powell couldn't help but throw up his hands and join Olu Maintain on stage at the Royal Albert Hall in 2008.

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

DesignTwoThreeSeven

2...3...7...Vogue

The Bernie Grant Arts Centre is host to some of London's hottest businesses - Creative Engagement, Martine Rose and of course there's Catch 22.

Fehintola Betiku talks to Ahmed Akashar, founder of Design 237 to find out more about the man of Unit 18.

“When you're a creative your inclination is to be in control of your own destiny,” says 33 year old Ahmed Akasha, the creative director behind the graphic design company Design 237.

From a young age Ahmed had his sights on doing something big, his initial plan for life was to become an architect but after studying Architecture at uni for two years he realised it wasn't for him and found his calling in Multimedia.

Once he had his hands firmly in graphic design he figured it was time to expand and start his own business and in 2003 Design 237 was born.

Ahmed describes his job as being a combination of two things, “As a graphic designer you're somewhere in between art and science - it's a challenge trying to find the balance between beauty and form.”

Design 237 is located in the neighbouring office to Catch 22 and similar to the founder of Catch 22, Tokunbo Ajasa-Olluwa, Ahmed knows of the struggles that young people face when starting up their own businesses.

His advice to young business men and women is, “Have goals set in place, manage your expectations and research”.

Continue to follow Ahmed and check out his MySpace