Deadly Cocktails, Whats in our drinks?

18 year old Gaby Scanlon was celebrating her 18th birthday like any other regular teenager, when she found herself in the horrific position of becoming breathless while on her night out.

Gaby had drunk a cocktail containing an amount of Liquid Nitrogen leading to a hospital admission where doctors had to perform surgery to remove part of her stomach. Doctors have said that she would have died if the surgery was not performed, the bar has now stopped serving the lethal cocktail.

The substance is often used in the preparation of drinks in order to freeze the glasses made increasingly popular by the television chef Heston Blumenthal. However the substance is fine to prepare glasses and the making of ice creams but should never be ingested as it can cause severe frostbite or burns when it comes into contact with tissue. 

Like any other 19 year old student myself and friends go out and drink a little too much, what shocked me and attracted me to this story is why do we not question what we drink on nights out? Should we make sure we are more careful? 

Drinks should be made safely and we should be more aware of what's being put in them. We already have to be wary of drinks being spiked which from previous experience is not a nice one therefore we shouldn't have to worry what the bartenders are putting in them as well.

The Food Standards Agency says that bars and clubs have a legal obligation to ensure that anything served to the public is to be fit for human consumption but surely after this story more has to be done.

50 Shades of Grey...

The fifty shades trilogy written by British author E.L. James has caught England and many other countries by storm with many claiming the novels to be 'Mummy Porn'.


The erotic novels are seen to move many away from the negative views of erotic literature and have set the record for the fastest selling paperback of all time beating J.K Rowling's popular 'Harry Potter' series. 

Hearing all of this and seeing basically the whole of the British female population picking up the novel I decided that I just had to see what all the fuss was about. Although my passion for literature lies with the greats such as Austin, Wilde and Atwood, I do enjoy sinking my teeth into popular teen books such as Twilight and other teen novels. 


Fifty Shades of Grey reminded me of Twilight in a way that it was catchy, thrilling and you couldn't put it down however you knew that the literature itself was badly written and you probably shouldn't be enjoying it as much as you were. The erotica itself made you feel quite shameful and especially when reading it in public you feel certainly out of place and wonder whether you should be reading it.

Nevertheless I enjoyed the book so much so that I have ordered the rest of the series 'Fifty Shades Darker' and 'Fifty Shades Freed' therefore I recommend that you divulge even if after you feel disappointed with the phenomenon itself. 

Several studios including Warner Brothers and Sony have expressed their desire for the film rights to the trilogy with Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder favourite to comprise the mysterious role of Mr Grey.

TV REVIEW - 'True Love'

'True Love' is a five part BBC television series written and directed by Dominic Savage, which made its début on Sunday bringing in 3.1 million viewers.


The first of the quintet of 30 minute episodes features David Tennant whose character 'Nick' has to decide whether to leave behind his present life with his wife played by Joanne Froggatt and two children or run away with his first 'love' played by Vicky McClure. The episode which was shot in Margate showed outstanding talent from both Tennant, Froggatt and McClure who all used a certain amount of improvisation in the episodes as with all the actors in the series. 


Although the episode showed an excellent and distinctive tale of a modern day situation which has given hope to English drama series again the episodes were only 30 minutes long and the story line was consequently rushed into a rather short period of time. 


This was made more disappointing to the rather bizarre scheduling times the BBC has put the series in, The quintet has been given out over the past 4 days finishing tonight with the final two episodes, the first at 22:45 on BBC1 finishing with the final episode straight after.

However the episodes are a really decent look into the quaint and dark side of British television which gives it an eery feel which are definitely worth watching even if you aren't into the romantic and heartbreaking side of television.

Catch up on BBC Iplayer if you have missed the series NOW - http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01k692v/True_Love_Nick/

News Story - The Olympic Torch makes its way through Cornwall

The Olympic torch started its 8,000 mile journey in Lands’ End and was relayed throughout Cornwall last weekend.

The torch ceremony was a great success for Cornwall and drew in large crowds at places such as Truro, Falmouth and St Austell, it gave Cornwall a great opportunity and brought a sense of community spirit to its small towns.

Sarah Harrington, 19, local resident of Falmouth said: “I went and saw the Olympic torch in Falmouth on Saturday and it was really amazing to see such an iconic part of the Olympics’ in our hometown. It went past really quick but there was so many people and activities going on surrounding the torch it made up for it.”

It is estimated around 40,000 people flooded the streets of Falmouth to view the Olympic Torch. The torch arrived 20 minutes behind schedule but the crowds were kept occupied by many events and performances such as Falmouth’s very own marine band that played on the Moor for the thousands who turned up.

Anissa Alane, 19, student, saw the torch in St Austell: “It was such a lovely experience, it saw the whole of St Austell and Cornwall coming together as a community. It’s something which could be enjoyed with family and friends and it’s a once in a lifetime experience”

The torch relay will last 70 days with around 8,000 selected and gifted people carrying the torch across a total distance of about 8,000 miles. The official Olympic torch lighting ceremony took place on the 10^th of May 2012 at the Ancient home of the Olympic games in Olympia, Greece.

The torch is due to reach the Olympic Stadium in London on the 27^th of July to start the Olympic Celebrations and Games.  

Elementary 2012 - Fall Preview

American broadcaster CBS released a sneak peak trailer earlier this month for the latest adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes franchise staring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu.

'Elementary' is a new modern day drama which shows much likeness to the popular BBC drama 'Sherlock' which is set in Modern day Britain but featuring Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. However 'Elementary' is set in a modern day New York and stars popular movie actress Lucy Liu who is perhaps most famous for her role in the Charlie's Angels films. Lui is cast as a female version of John Watson, Sherlock's ever present 'Side-Kick' in the popular novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Liu's character is aptly named Dr. Joan Watson and is supporting popular British actor Jonny Lee Miller as the lead character 'Sherlock Holmes'.

Miller has worked with Benedict Cumberbatch, star of the British BBC drama 'Sherlock' previously in the National Theatre stage production of Mary Shelly's 'Frankenstein'. In which they swapped roles each night, they both were awarded and 'Oliver' award this year for their roles in the production.

The trailer presents a darker and more American take on the popular franchise however what was perhaps significant was that they ensured that Miller's English accent was still present in the series. The trailer shows how the series is similar to that of American detective shows such as NCIS and CSI which makes me believe that this series will become a hit in America where it is due to show in the fall and in England and surrounding countries.

The trailer shows a behind the scenes take on the show and features interviews with directors and the leading actors and actresses giving an insight into the show. Compared to the popular BBC series the costume's Sherlock is adorned in doesnt seem to live up to those worn by Cumberbatch, however I might be just biased in my views.

'Elementary' is sure to be a hit in both England and America so make sure you check out the trailer now and tell me what you think!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrDVSxNycKc

Film Review - American Reunion

13 years have past since we were first introduced to the comical, awkward, sexual experiences which involve Jim and his high school friends and American Reunion is still exactly the same.

Written and Directed by John Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg it is the forth instalment with the original cast and the eighth in the American Pie Series.

American Pie has always been funny, awkward and at times controversial and if you have loved the past four then you are pretty much guaranteed to enjoy this film. The acting of these individuals is similar if not the same as the previous three, they know how to make you laugh and are good at it even if they wont win any awards doing it.

The film is funny and its clever in the fact that it introduces new characters however still focusing on the old favourites such as Stifler and Jim etc. However I don't think it can live up to the previous films partly due to the sheer age of all the actors and the fact that it still feels very set in high school themes.

Nevertheless if you enjoy the American Pie films then this film is a must on your list of films for the summer!

Watch the trailer here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1akixU65dDY

Guest Speaker - Sandra Laville

Sandra Laville visited University College Falmouth this week to give University students advice following her recent appearance in the Leveson Inquiry.

Laville has been the Crime Correspondent for the guardian for seven years where she is the senior journalist and has covered many major cases such as the Harold Shipman murder investigation and the fatal stabbing of the 10 year old Damilola Taylor.

Laville advised students: “When people employ you they want to hear about your integrity and ethics, you are young and employers want to hear about how youre not tainted by any of these bad practices. It is an ethical profession it is a positive and good thing in society.”

She started off her journalistic career in local news starting on the Northampton Chronicle and Echo also the Cornish weekly newspaper the Western Morning News before moving to London. 

Laville told students to: “Take every opportunity that comes to you, don’t be afraid to start small, don’t be afraid to start on a niche magazine”.

Journalists have been highly criticised for their involvement within the phone hacking scandal particularly under the rein of Murdoch’s empire. However Laville argues that as a Journalist it is her job: “to be the people’s eyes and ears, To hold the authorities to account, To give people voices who don’t have voices normally. I need to shed light on injustice”

She understands that due to the huge scandals within the press and the weakened relationship between journalists and the public it is becoming increasingly harder  for young journalists to make an impression in their chosen field of profession. She adds: “Your jobs might be harder in the future but you just need to be tenacious and dig around for stories.”

Film Review - 'The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists'

Released in the UK under the title 'The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists' and in the US and Australia as 'The Pirates! Band of Misfits' Hugh Grant shows off his famous and iconic accent to a new younger audience.

The Aardman Animation film released on the 28th of march 2012 in the UK and on the 27th of April 2012 has made its way for being one of the more amusing family films of this year and is highly recommended by many including Empire magazine who give the film four out of five stars.

The director Peter Lord who previously directed the rather iconic film of the 2000's 'Chicken Run' did not fail to live up to the high bar he had set for himself. The film had funny elements throughout and although it is aimed at children and going to watch it on a Saturday afternoon did mean I was surrounded by young children this film will amuse people of all ages.

The cast were superb although perhaps surprising with Hugh Grant being cast as the large and superior 'Pirate Captain' he managed to take on the role well, his voice was nearly unrecognisable throughout the film. Martin Freeman who supported by playing the role of the pirate with a scarf showed his softer side which worked with Grant's larger and more demanding voice.

Peter Lord has mentioned in his personal twitter account that he is working on a possible sequel idea, however if you don't want to wait that long then on the DVD and Blu-ray for the film a short film will be included which includes the pirate captain hosting his own show.


Star Rating - 4/5
Rating - (U) For very mild Language, Violence, Threat and Innuendo
Strongly recommended for all ages!


Watch the Trailer here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWOFLtsDvbw

Oliver Awards 2012 - The Winners

Many famous English Actors and Actresses adorned the Red Carpet last night at the Royal Opera House for the 2012 Oliver Awards.

Many famous faces including Celia Imrie, Barbara Windsor, Jonny Lee Miller and James McAvoy attended the awards last night. However they were somewhat overshadowed by four young girls who stole the show by winning Seven Awards for their roles in 'Matilda the Musical'.

Best Actor was won by Jonny Lee Miller and Benedict Cumberbatch for their roles in the National Theatre Production 'Frankenstein' which is to be shown in selected Vue and Picture House cinemas later this year due to popular demand. Unfortunately Cumberbatch could not be there to claim his award with Miller as he is currently in LA filming the latest edition of Star Trek.

Best Actress was won by Ruth Wilson for Anna Christie at the Donmar Warehouse. This is the second consecutive win for Wilson who won the award for her performance in A Streetcar Named Desire at the Donmar Warehouse in 2010. 

For more information on the winners and losers of the award show visit the website - http://www.olivierawards.com

Guest Speaker - Oliver Poole War Correspondent

Oliver Poole told Falmouth University College students what it’s like to be a war correspondent and the basic things which individuals need to do to survive in harmful situations out in Iraq and other war scenarios.

Poole is a successful war correspondent who currently works for the Independent/ The evening standard papers, a very successful newspaper company who distribute newspapers daily across the United Kingdom.

However despite the success of both papers within the company Poole told university College Falmouth students that: “I prefer to write for the Evening standard rather than the independent purely because the standard is read by everyone in London.”

Poole told students : “I was in Gaza two months ago which is a particularly difficult place to get into”

As a war correspondent, Poole can relate to news stories involving journalists out on the front line getting information and feeding it into our public domain. Quite recently news broke out that the journalist Marie Colvin and photographer Remi Ochlik were killed in a rocket attack in the district of Homs, Syria.

However Paul Conway, a photographer for the Sunday times injured in the same attack which killed two journalists and 24 Syrian civilians was released from capture and sent home to the UK.

Poole explains:  “13 activists helping Conway got killed in the process of getting him out of Syria, which is a lot of people killed to save one photographer”.

Carrying on from the topic he asks the question: “Why does that person matter compared to the 13 who got killed?” in relation to the controversial topic.

Album of the week - Pink Friday Roman Reloaded

Nicki Minaj released her second studio album just four days ago(2nd of April) and it is already a huge part of my life!

My favourite songs include Masquerade, Automatic, Pound the alarm and I think my favourite is Marilyn Monroe.

If its the only thing you do on your day off today its BUY THIS ALBUM.

Here is the link to the track Marilyn Monroe - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35VuiUwsFLE

Tell me what you think! :)

Ron Burgundy is BACK

Will Ferrell took to Conan OBrien's american talk show last night as the famous Anchorman Ron Burgundy.

He teased the audience by playing his famous Jazz Flute before talking to Conan OBrien and mocking his hair and broadcasting abilities.

Shortly after this Ron Burgundy announced:  "It is official there will be a sequel to anchorman"

If you have never seen the film 'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy' then you are missing out, The 2004 comedic film directed by Adam Mckay stars Will Ferrell as a Famous Anchorman for Channel 4's Evening News.

The film is hugely popular amongst teens and adults, It grossed over 90 million Dollars in the Box Office. However previously when asked about a possible reprisal of the popular film Ferrell had doubts and has always said getting the cast together would be too difficult.

So this news will bring Joy to many Anchorman fans this morning, watch the youtube clip of Conan's show below and tell me what you think!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrNA7RjU91I

Stephen Merchant visits Fowey (Cornwall, England)

Stephen Merchant visited the small coastal town of Fowey this weekend with a few friends.

Merchant chose the perfect weekend to get away as it was one of the hottest we have had on record in March. Merchant left Fowey today and ate a Chicken Sandwich and a Latte, why is that important? Well its because I yes ME made it for him!


Merchant is probably best known for his roles in Extras, The Ricky Gervais Show and of course An Idiot Abroad. He's also Ricky Gervais' close friend and Writer. The comedian isn't well known within certain circles but I can assure you he is a lovely polite (Very Tall) man!

Merchant said that: "this isn't my first time visiting fowey" so hopefully he will come back and visit the little shop I work in again! That is unless I haven't scared him off!

'The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists 3D' UK Premiere

The Premiere for the new Aardman Animations film directed by Peter Lord took place in London last night and had A-listers to D-listers grace the red carpet.

The new film out march 28th in the UK, and on the 27th of April in the US has had great reviews and is sure to be the family film of the year.

With Hugh Grant as Pirate Captain many are happy to see him in a high profile(ish) role again as his last film 'Did you hear about the Morgans?' was released in 2009 alongside his 'Extreme Measures' co-star Sarah Jessica Parker.

Mr Grant took his godson and Liz Hurley's son Damian to the UK premiere last night, while his former flame Elizabeth Hurley is in New York filming scenes for the popular CW series Gossip Girl.

As well as Grant other celebrities such as David Tennant who plays a young Charles Darwin in the film graced the red carpet. Popular Singer Pixie Lott and Made in Chelsea star Caggie Dunlop also arrived at the Premiere last night.

Martin Freeman and Salma Hayek are also in the 3D film just a few more reasons to watch this extremely funny film!

Check out the Trailer, I hope you will agree that it looks very funny and certainly one to watch for all ages.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWOFLtsDvbw

Guest Speaker - Suzie Smith

Media Consultant Suzie Smith told Falmouth University College students that versatility is hugely important within a media and journalism career.

Suzie Smith runs her own media consultancy business and is currently editor in chief of a new magazine which is being launched later this year called ‘Cornwall Living’.

Smith stressed to students that they need to be a versatile as possible within their media careers in order to succeed within this fast and demanding media world.

Smith said that: “Being as versatile as possible is hugely important mainly because its exceptionally hard to get any jobs within journalism or media these days and for that reason, I have reinvented myself within my job, where I live etc.”

Suzie runs her own media consulting business which offers a brand of everything she has ever done. As well as this she also has changing day to day activities, “so for example one day I will be teaching, and even as a freelance broadcast journalist because I work in radio, next day I might be working in PR.”

Smith argues that: “The idea is to keep changing and be as versatile as you can.”

However she started her career similar to many journalism students, after studying a Journalism degree at city college she took her first journalism job at a weekly free newspaper then moved on to an evening newspaper.

She then moved to Cornwall whereby she became the editor of Pirate FM a popular local radio station. After her short time at Pirate FM she then became the editor of the western morning news an extremely popular weekly newspaper within Devon and Cornwall.

After her years at the newspaper she was awarded the rather prestigious role as ‘head of content’ at the West Briton she was then offered an editorial job within the company but refused this and instead got a PGCE in teaching.

Due to working in so many forms of media Smith got to know a lot of journalists who she needed to speak to and formed many contacts and therefore moved into PR. whereby consequently she won an award this year for the best freelancer in the south west by the chartered institute of public relations.

Suzie Smith told students: “Im a big fan of social networking, It was my linked in website which was the main reason behind my position at ‘Cornwall Living’”.

Smith is currently Editor in chief of a new magazine launching in cornwall this year named “Cornwall Living”, she explains that their demographic is ABC1 which equates to High-end very affluent individuals and their primary target is women aged 35-45.

An Idiot Abroad 3 - Karl Pilkington

Ricky Gervais confirmed that there will be a two part special 'Idiot Abroad 3' on his twitter account, adding that the star of the show Karl Pilkington will not do anymore after this.

The two part 'Christmas' special which started filming early February 2012 will also feature Warwick Davis traveling with Karl, who currently stars in Gervais' latest sitcom "Life's too short".

According to reports Karl and Warwick Davis were told they were going to be filming in England travelling on a motorbike, but ever the joker Gervais has planned that Karl goes abroad on his travels filming on a motorbike. Gervais has said that "Karl is starting to regret it already."

Breaking Dawn - Part 2 teaser trailer released

After the official UK release of Breaking Dawn Part 1 on DVD in the UK today, Fans for the popular Film's were given an exclusive look into Part 2 which is due to be released in UK Cinemas on the 16th of November 2012.

The video features a 1-2 minute sneak peak from part 2 of the film and also features some interviews from the main characters including Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. Which is guaranteed to provoke a reaction within the Twilight Saga fan club.


Although the videos are taken with low quality video cameras from a TV set in the US chain "Target" the videos still show the striking images of Bella as a vampire. Check it out it looks amazing, Goosebumps all over!


Be sure to buy Breaking Dawn part 1 NOW.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99KDU9XlzY8

Reading Festival 2012 - LINE UP ANNOUNCED

The line up for the 2012 reading festival was announced just hours ago, Tickets are on sale now.

The top featured acts for this years festival include Paramore, Foo Fighters, The Cure, All time Low, Kaiser Chiefs and LOADS more. The festival is run over 3 days starting on Friday the 24th of August and ending on Sunday 26th August.

This will be an amazing gig, Don't miss out on it!

Buy your tickets here www.readingfestival.com

The Pretty Reckless BRAND NEW 'EP'

The Pretty Reckless released 'Hit me like a Man' in the US today, This is the band's 2nd EP and features three new songs and two live songs from their previous album 'Light me Up' which was released early last year.

Fan's of 'The Pretty Reckless' will know that the band's main inspiration come from grunge, punk backgrounds with the lead singer Taylor Momsen resembling the early Courtney Love when she performed in her band 'Hole'. 

Momsen who announced last year after the success of her debut album with the band that she was to quit acting, some of you might remember her from the popular CW show 'Gossip Girl' in which she played 'Jenny Humphry'.

The three new songs on the EP which was released in the US today are perhaps the most dark and grungy set we have seen today seeing a edgier and more talented side to the band. Particularly the song 'Under the Water' in which in parts reminds me strongly of the Legendary Guns 'N' Roses(You have a right to disagree). 'Cold Blooded' is a chilling track which is really good however I think is the weak track compared to the first two which appear on the EP however the guitar solo's in this really make for an interesting listen.

The band have recently released their music video to the song 'You' which appeared on their debut album 'Light me Up' which was my absolute favourite song, The acoustic mix was perfect and showed off her voice beautifully. 

The EP is currently not released in the UK however watch this space as it won't be long, I STRONGLY recommend you buy it. 

Check out the new video 'You' - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUMwFaXTM3s&ob=av2n

Sherlock remake to be set in New York

American Broadcaster 'CBS' announced they plan to remake the popular BBC series 'Sherlock' which is based around Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel's and short stories on the detective Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. John Watson.

The CBS remake 'Elementary' is to be set in New York, Jonny Lee Miller is set to play the infamous Sherlock Holmes and the American Network have controversially announced that they have signed actress Lucy Liu to play the role of 'Joan Watson'.

CBS were criticised by their choice of the casting involving both lead parts in their new production.

Jonny Lee Miller was cast alongside Benedict Cumberbatch in the National Theatre stage production of Mary Shelly's novel 'Frankenstein'. Sue Vertue producer of the BBC 'Sherlock' added her thoughts to the casting of Miller telling the independent: "Let's hope their pilot script has stayed further away from our Sherlock than their casting choice."

Charlie's Angels star Lucy Liu was cast just last week as 'Joan Watson' who is a Former Surgeon who has lost her license and CBS were consequently criticised for changing John Watson's sex. One fan wrote "Dear Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I am So very Sorry, and honestly, sir ashamed at the things we do in the name of profit." However Lucy Liu is not the first female Watson, CBS cast a female Watson in their 1987 pilot 'The Return of Sherlock Holmes'.

What made fan's perhaps most angry was the fact CBS wanted to remake 'Sherlock' in the first place, This is NOT the first time American production companies have remade UK television programmes.

The popular BBC television show 'The Office' which was written by Ricky Gervais and Steven Merchant in 2001-2003 was remade by NBC into 'The Office' which featured actors such as Steve Carell and is currently in it's eighth season proving very popular with American audiences.

MTV also adapted the popular teenage E4 television programme 'Skins' last year however it was later cancelled due to poor ratings and criticism over its sexual content featured in the programme and was argued to contain 'Child Pornography' as many of the actors were under the age of 18.