Psychotic assholes

"Money and principle," Orlando Congressman Alan Grayson told me this morning, "are battling for U.S. foreign policy supremacy. Money is winning." He was referring particularly to trade policy, especially the TransPacific Partnership on which he is probably the top congressional expert. Congress appears to be slowing the TPP down a little, but, alas, not killing it off. Maybe a Hollywood boycott, though, can help.

Ever hear of Brunei? It's a small (population 408,000, same as Omaha), extremely rich (5th wealthiest nation in the world, entirely based on oil and gas), fascist dictatorship on the island of Borneo that somehow escaped being incorporated into Indonesia or Malaysia. The dictator is an hereditary sultan and this one is a homophobic psychotic who has just mandated the death penalty (by stoning) for gays . He's one our our esteemed partners in the TPP. And here's where the boycott comes in . Even if you had never heard of Brunei, you well may have heard of the Dorchester Collection luxury hotel chain (which includes the Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air in L.A., the Hotel Eden in Rome, London's Dorchester and 45 Park Lane, Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, Hotel Principe di Savoia, and several others). They are all being boycotted starting this week. Virgin's Richard Branson is one of the organizers of the boycott. So are the Oscars

Brunei's all-powerful Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah announced last Wednesday that he would push ahead with the syariah law that will eventually include tough penalties such as death by stoning.

Branson said on the weekend that Virgin employees would not stay at the Dorchester Collection luxury hotel chain, which includes The Dorchester in London and the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles.

"No @Virgin employee, nor our family, will stay at Dorchester Hotels until the Sultan abides by basic human rights," the British billionaire posted on Twitter.

Others who have called for a boycott include comedian Stephen Fry, TV host Sharon Osbourne and comedian Ellen DeGeneres

The US group Feminist Majority Foundation said it had also pulled its annual Global Women's Rights Awards, co-chaired by Jay and Mavis Leno, from the Beverly Hills Hotel in protest.

Our old friend Curtis Ellis, the Executive Director of the American Jobs Alliance, wants to make sure people upset about the floggings, dismemberments and stoning-to-death are also aware that just as Brunei was phasing in the barbaric practices, "Obama’s chief trade negotiator Michael Froman was on Capitol Hill selling the TransPacific Partnership agreement, which would bind the U.S. to Brunei and give the Islamic Sultanate special economic privileges." It would also allow Brunei to bypass U.S. courts and go before an international tribunal to sue for lost profits from the boycott being pushed by the city of Beverly Hills and human rights advocates.

“The fact that President Obama seeks the TransPacific Partnership to reward Brunei, which has institutionalized the torture to death and violent punishment of gay men, lesbians and women in general, represents a new low in the administration’s abandonment of America’s traditional role in upholding human rights,” says feminist author and activist Naomi Wolf.

“The TransPacific Partnership is a terrifying development for Americans because it forces us to live under decisions that we have no say about whatsoever, and takes legislation and legal rulings out of the hands of Americans and puts them in the hands of international courts beyond the reach of the will of the people,” says Wolf.

While human rights groups, religious freedom advocates, LGBT and women’s rights groups protest a regime that supports the public flogging of women who have abortions, the jailing of women who become pregnant outside of marriage, the stoning to death of gay men and lesbians and the outlawing of Bibles and Christian missionaries, the Obama administration is seeking deeper ties with the Islamic Sultanate of Brunei.

The TransPacific Partnership (TPP) is a sweeping pact with twelve nations that would tie the U.S. more closely to Brunei and give the Brunei government special investment privileges in the United States.

“The barbarism in Brunei shows us everything that’s wrong with the TransPacific Partnership. We should not give special privileges to countries that spit on basic American values. The Obama administration should be standing up for American values and human rights, not the Sultan of Brunei,” says American Jobs Alliance executive director Curtis Ellis.

Mark Pocan, who has ProgressivePunch's #1 progressive crucial vote score of any Member of Congress, was not happy. "The Trans-Pacific Partnership," he told us, "must not provide special trade privileges to countries that continue to violate human rights and restrict equality. American trade agreements should be the economic reward for developing countries that promote human rights, not reinforcing bad actions by nations like Brunei." Shenna Bellows, the progressive Democrat running for the Maine Senate seat occupied by TPP supporter Susan Collins, felt the same way as Rep. Pocan. "The situation in Brunei demonstrates the need to halt the Trans Pacific Partnership and to take a different approach to ensure the human rights, labor and environmental standards are key parts any international trade agreements."

Ted Lieu is the state senator for Beverly Hills and if he wins the primary next month and the election in November, he'll be the congressman that covers the Beverly Hills Hotel as well. I don't think he had politics in mind this evening when he told us how horrified he was by the whole Brunei mess. "I join with others in calling for a boycott of the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Hotel Bel-Air until a new owner is found. The current owner, the government of Brunei, has passed a series of shockingly repressive and brutal laws against women and homosexuals. For example, stoning homosexuals to death was wrong in the 16th century and is wrong today. It is the equivalent of the government murdering people based on their sexual orientation. There are many other hotels in Beverly Hills for people to stay. I also note that it would be ridiculous for the U.S. to reward Brunei with the TPP."


SPG Moments: Review of an evening at the O2 with Muse

24 April 2016 By Anika

When Rob asked me if I wanted to review the SPG Suite at the O2 and I saw that one of the options was Muse, I didn’t think twice. Muse are one of the best live bands I have ever seen (and I’ve been to many concerts). They are so amazing that my Mum decided to come and visit me around the time of the concert so I could take her with me!

The SPG suite is located on the 3rd level of the O2. It is directly facing the stage and is therefore a bit far from the stage when the band is playing on the other end of the arena as Rob mentioned in his review last year. However we were lucky as Muse were playing in the round which meant that pretty much everyone in the O2 had a decent view.

Here is a picture of the stage before the show:

And here is the stage during the show:

The lounge has got three different sitting areas – a sofa and armchairs area (see below), tables with barstools and ‘proper’ seats in front of the suite where everyone was sitting during the show.

The food was great with a buffet catering for everyone from meat eater (beef) to fish lover (salmon) to vegetarian (grilled butternut squash). You won’t go hungry if you come to an SPG event here.

The drink choices at the staffed bar included wine, beer and soft drinks, all complimentary. They were served in glasses but had to be transferred to plastic cups when sitting on the seats in front of the suite.

The toilets were about 20 seconds away and not very busy – which means you are not missing too much of the show.

The sound was fantastic thanks to the O2’s outstanding sound system.

Whether the SPG Suite works for you depends on what you expect from a concert. If you want to be close to the band, or simply stand in the crowd to sing along to the songs, the SPG Suite is probably not the best option.

If you want to enjoy the music and have drinks without having to queue forever, it’s perfect. We also got lucky with Muse because they played in the round. My Mum, who is not a big concert go-er anymore, really enjoyed it. I think she never quite recovered from an AFI concert six years ago where people were going crazy and throwing beer through the air …..

If you find it hard to earn Starwood Preferred Guest points via hotel stays, which can be tricky in the UK given their limited scale outside London, there are other options. SPG is an Amex Membership Rewards partner (at 2:1) and you can also get 10,000 Starwood points (11,000 if referred) by signing up for the SPG American Express credit card. This in itself gets you pretty close to the 15,000 points needed for most of the O2 concerts – some lower profile events go for as little as 10,000 points. You can see the current concerts available on the SPG Moments site here.

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Totally OT but I have just upgraded from gold to platinum,spent over 1K, got the 20,000 points and all within a week. My account doesn’t show the £450 fee yet so do I need to wait till it appears to pay and cancel or can I request it? Re the muse concert, I am going to New York in June BA first with a 2for1, staying at Intercontinental Times Sq for 6 nights, paying for 1 (plus Ambassador fee) and going to see Peter Gabriel at Maddison Sq Gardens so a big thanks to Rob and this site for all the invaluable info.


LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 25: Actresses Debbie Reynolds (L), recipient of the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, and Carrie Fisher pose in the press room at the 21st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 25, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

Actress Debbie Reynolds, mother of the late Carrie Fisher, was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday, TMZ reports. She later died.

Reynolds suffered a medical emergency — possibly a stroke — according to TMZ.

Reynolds was at her son’s home in Beverly Hills, discussing funeral plans for Fisher, and someone called 911 from the house just after 1 p.m. Family sources tell TMZ they called 911 to report a possible stroke.

RELATED: Debbie Reynolds dies at 84, one day after daughter Carrie Fisher passes

Reynolds, 84, has reportedly been distraught since her daughter suffered a cardiac emergency on a United flight from London to Los Angeles on Friday.

The ambulance just took Reynolds to a nearby emergency room.

On Tuesday, Reynolds posted on Facebook:

“Thank you to everyone who has embraced the gifts and talents of my beloved and amazing daughter. I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers that are now guiding her to her next stop. Love Carries Mother”

WASHINGTON - MAY 12: Actresses Debbie Reynolds (L) and Carrie Fisher (R) arrive at the premiere of "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith," at the Loews Cineplex Uptown Theatre May 12, 2005 in Washington, DC. Star Wars premiers are taking place across the country tonight. (Photo by Shaun Heasley/Getty Images)

HENDERSON, NV - FEBRUARY 27: Actress Carrie Fisher (L) and her mother, actress Debbie Reynolds, arrive for Dame Elizabeth Taylor's 75th birthday party at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas on February 27, 2007 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

(Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)

HOLLYWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 07: Actresses Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher arrive at the premiere of the HBO documentary "Wishful Drinking" at Linwood Dunn Theater at the Pickford Center for Motion Study on December 7, 2010 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

poses in the press room at the 21st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 25, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.

390723 07: Actress Debbie Reynolds, left, poses with her children Carrie Fisher, center, and Todd Fisher June 19, 2001 in Hollywood at the unveiling of the site of the new Hollywood Motion Picture Museum. The museum, set to open in February 2002, will house Reynolds'' $30 million motion picture costume collection, which includes over 3,000 costumes, as well as props and sets from hundreds of Hollywood''s biggest films. (Photo by Getty Images)

390723 08: Actress Debbie Reynolds, right, poses with her children Carrie Fisher, left, and Todd Fisher June 19, 2001 in Hollywood at the unveiling of the site of the new Hollywood Motion Picture Museum. The museum, set to open in February 2002, will house Reynolds'' $30 million motion picture costume collection, which includes over 3,000 costumes, as well as props and sets from hundreds of Hollywood''s biggest films. (Photo by Getty Images)

WASHINGTON - MAY 12: Actresses Debbie Reynolds (L) and Carrie Fisher (R) arrive at the premiere of "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith," at the Loews Cineplex Uptown Theatre May 12, 2005 in Washington, DC. Star Wars premiers are taking place across the country tonight. (Photo by Shaun Heasley/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Debbie Reynolds poses during a photocall to promote her UK tour 'Alive and Fabulous' on her 78th birthday at The Sofitel Hotel, St James on April 1, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - AUGUST 16: Actress Debbie Reynolds poses alongside one of the original costumes she wore in the "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" on display at The Paley Center For Media's Reception For "Debbie Reynolds: The Exhibit" on August 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JUNE 16: Actress Debbie Reynolds attends the 100th anniversary celebration of the Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows supporting the Motion Picture & Television Fund and the American Comedy Fund hosted by Brett Ratner and Warren Beatty at Beverly Hills Hotel on June 16, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for BHH)

12th February 1972: American actress Debbie Reynolds with her daughter Carrie Fisher. (Photo by Dove/Evening Standard/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 2: This undated file photo shows US actor Gene Kelly, who died 02 February at the age of 83 at his home in Beverly Hills, California, with actress Debbie Reynolds from the movie "Singin' in the Rain." Kelly was best known for his roles in the movies "Singin' in the Rain" and "An American in Paris" AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read FILE/AFP/Getty Images)

circa 1961: American actress and singer, Debbie Reynolds, panning for gold in one of her films. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

American actress, Debbie Reynolds modelling a swimsuit in the garden. Original Publication: People Disc - HK0134 (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Here is a look at the life of actress Debbie Reynolds.

Personal: Birth date: April 1, 1932

Birth place: El Paso, Texas

Birth name: Mary Frances Reynolds

Father: Raymond Francis Reynolds, a railroad carpenter

Mother: Maxene Reynolds

Marriages: Eddie Fisher (September 26, 1955-May 1959, divorced); Harry Karl (November 25, 1960-1973, divorced); Richard Hamlett (May 25, 1984-May 1996, divorced)

Children: with Eddie Fisher: Todd, February 24, 1958; Carrie, October 21, 1956-December 27, 2016

Other Facts: Warner Bros. talent executive William Orr was responsible for changing her first name from Frannie to Debbie.

Has been known to say, “Yes, I’m Princess Leia’s mother” when referring to her daughter, actress and author Carrie Fisher, who played the character in the Star Wars movie universe.

Since the 1950s, she has been involved with The Thalians, a group of entertainment professionals who support mental healthcare issues. She serves as president emeritus.

She is a proud former Girl Scout and has always supported scouting.

Has been nominated for an Academy Award, two Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award.

Timeline: 1948 – At the age of 16, she is crowned Miss Burbank, California. Talent scouts are in the audience, and this exposure leads to a film contract with Warner Bros. Her first movie role is uncredited, in “June Bride.”

1950 – Is let go from Warner Bros and placed under long-term contract by MGM.

1952 – Stars in “Singin’ in the Rain” as a singer and a dancer. When the movie started production, Reynolds didn’t know how to dance; she was taught by choreographer and lead Gene Kelly.

1957 – Reynolds and husband Eddie Fisher are bridesmaid and best man at the wedding of their good friends, Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd. After Todd’s death in 1958, Fisher and Taylor begin an affair which leads the breakup of his marriage to Reynolds and a subsequent marriage to Taylor in 1959.

1965 – Is nominated for a Academy Award for Best Actress for the 1964 film, “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.”

1969-1970 – “The Debbie Reynolds Show” airs on NBC.

1970 – Buys much of MGM’s memorabilia at auction and in 1972, forms the Hollywood Motion Picture and Television Museum, a non-profit corporation that collects props and costumes as other studios sold them off.

1974 – Is nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for the play, “Irene.”

1993 – Opens the Debbie Reynolds Hotel & Casino with her real estate developer husband Richard Hamlett, to showcase some of her memorabilia.

1995 – Opens the Hollywood Motion Picture Museum in Las Vegas.

July 7, 1997 – Files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after a deal to sell the hotel falls through.

2000 – Is nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress In a Comedy Series for “Will & Grace,” and a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Special for “A Gift of Love: The Daniel Huffman Story.”

June 12, 2009 – Her motion picture and television museum files for bankruptcy after funding collapses.

June 18, 2011 – The first of three planned auctions for the museum’s movie memorabilia collection is held.

December 2, 2011 – “Debbie Reynolds-The Auction Part II” is held.

January 22, 2012 – Reynolds tells the Los Angeles Times she doesn’t want to have any more auctions.

May 17-18, 2014 – Reynolds holds the final auction for her collection of Hollywood memorabilia. “Debbie Reynolds-The Auction Finale” includes famed pieces like Vivien Leigh’s “Scarlett O’Hara” black chiffon hat and three outfits worn by Joanne Woodward in “The Three Faces of Eve.”

April 2013 – Reynolds’ memoir “Unsinkable” is released.

2015 – Receives the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award.

2016 – Is awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.


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We should like to thank you once again for the excellent work you did to restore our Edwardian settee to pristine condition, after the damage it sustained. We were delighted that you were able to complete the job so quickly and efficiently in order that we could have the piece back in our home for Christmas. The restoration has been so brilliantly executed to the extent that we cannot distinguish the new leg from the original!
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‘Charles has restored the beautiful mahogany handrail in our early-Victorian house in Widcombe. His work is meticulous and the results exceeded all our expectations.’


The Oberoi Dubai - Where Style and Grace Greet You at Every Turn

Well located at Business Bay, just minutes away from the iconic Burj Khalifa and a short drive from Dubai Mall, stands the majestic Oberoi Dubai Hotel.

Large king-sized bed at the oberoi hotel Dubai

We checked in very early, on a warm Thursday morning, as our Etihad flight from London landed at Abu Dhabi at 1.30 am. Our drive from Abu Dhabi to Dubai was along a brightly lit highway and we entered the hotel lobby at a little before 3 am. We were welcomed by a smiling receptionist, Katrina, who said that she would complete the check-in at our suite. Our suite, one of 252 tastefully done up rooms at this magnificent hotel, was located on the 11th floor. Despite the early hour, the lights from the surrounding glass buildings made for awe-inspiring views through the floor to ceiling windows, a unique feature present in every room at the hotel. After an introductory walk around the spacious living room, with its vast views of Dubai, Katrina showed us to our bedroom which was equally grand in its decor and had an attached verandah with comfortable cane seating. From the tall windows in our marble bathroom, we had a splendid view of the Burj Khalifa, which we were told could be reached by taxi in less than 10 minutes.

Dubai Mall

When Katrina left, Laveena and I showered and almost immediately retired to the comfort of our large king-sized bed. We were tired from our flight from London and couldn’t wait to catch up on our sleep. I didn’t have my morning coffee until 11 am. I walked out to our grand living room, started up the Nespresso machine and selected a Ristretto espresso capsule, a full bodied intense South American coffee known for its strong roasted and bitter notes. One shot was enough. I was wide awake and called our butler Anastasia, requesting her to organise breakfast for us in our room, after which I said we would be stepping out to visit the Dubai Mall. Ramadan is an excellent time to visit Dubai. Although the restaurants at the malls are shut during the day, if you are a shopper, you do have a choice to eat at the food court where there is an endless array of cuisines on offer, including Indian, Lebanese, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Thai.

Fitness Centre at the Oberoi Hotel Dubai

At a little past noon, we walked through the hotel lobby which had a fresh and polished feel to it. The doorman pointed us to our taxi which drove us to the mall which was indeed only a short drive away. When we returned later that evening, we dashed to the fitness centre, hoping to shed off some of the calories we had packed on during our visit to Ireland and London. Here too we were greeted by the ubiquitous floor to ceiling windows which offered us views of the nearby glass clad high rises and the canal. We complimented our work out at the 24-hour gym with a swim in the fabulous 25-meter outdoor pool. We used the pool twice during our stay and on both occasions were the only ones cooling off in the temperature controlled pool, given the low tourist season in Dubai and the relatively low occupancy at the hotel during the holy month.

Sajjid Mitha & Laveena Mitha with Chef Rajeev Gopal Krishnan at The Oberoi Hotel Dubai.

The Oberoi Dubai has an impressive collection of restaurants on site although we didn’t get a chance to eat at any of them except for Nine7one which was the venue for our daily breakfast buffet. And it is at breakfast that we met the ever friendly Chef Rajeev Gopal Krishnan. With a wide amiable smile, he walked up to our table and introduced himself. Chef Rajeev handed his business card to me. It said head pastry Chef. I very politely said that I was trying to knock off some of the weight I had gained while on holiday and he smiled and said that he wasn’t only a pastry chef but had a wide knowledge of cooking and was armed with culinary skills which he was confident would surprise us. While making known his love for South Indian cooking, with a host of recipes he had picked up from his loving grandma’s kitchen, Rajeev asked if we would like to try his special idlis, dosas and poha. Temptation got the better of us and we relented. A short while later, Rex and Saad who were waiting on us, served us the best South Indian idlis, dosas and chutney we had ever tasted. We feasted like royals and sadly had to give the rich breakfast buffet spread a pass.

During the inauguration of The Oberoi Dubai, Chairman of the group, Mr. P. R. S. Oberoi had said that the hotels was The Oberoi Group’s first property in the UAE and it heralded a new era of luxury in the UAE.

Our experience at hotel confirmed what Mr. Oberoi had said with the property clearly delivering on the Chairman’s promise. With an exceptional team under the watchful eye of the GM Mr. Karim Bizid, the hotel definitely stands out as a preferred choice in a city which is now over-crowded with renowned hotel brands. We look forward to returning to The Oberoi soon.

The Oberoi Hotel Dubai

Our Rating

Location: 8/10

Food and Cuisine: 8/10

Design: 9/10

Rooms: 9/10

Service: 9/10

Overall experience: 8/10

Articles you May Love To Read

• Location: Google Maps • Address: The Oberoi Centre - Al A'amal St - Dubai - United Arab Emirates • Hotel website: The Oberoi Hotel Dubai Follow me on Facebook Instagram and Twitter for some amazing travel posts


> The IETF doesn't seem to have this kind of problem. I've never heard of
> patents on parts of an RFC. A pity it's not feasible to start a Web Area
> of the IETF and shift the open and essential work needed to lead the web
> to its full potential over there, where it would be safe.
Actually, IETF does permit RAND mode standards, but various other
factors are quite a bit different.
A major difference is that discussion and meetings in IETF are *very*
public, and many non-corporate individuals show up to the IETF
meetings without having to even be members. (I went to the last IETF
in London, and I did not pay for anything but the hotel, and attended
all the meetings of interest to me). Membership is not required, and
members-only discussions do not happen. Anyone can go to the
meetings; anyone can discuss on any and all mailing lists.
W3C does not appear to operate in exactly this way.
Since many non-corporate individuals are involved in IETF, attempts by
vendors to include a patent into any protocol which operating systems
might wish to support, very quickly results in arguments that quickly
move away from RAND.
In London, some AT&T researcher proposed a BCP regarding some uses of
random numbers, but when asked about the patent status, he replied
that he did not know. That was not acceptable. If there had been
rotten vegetables in the room.....
An example of a IETF patent with patents on it is VRRP. And free
operating systems cannot include VRRP, because Cisco claims to own a
patent in that space, and is currently embroiled in a very expensive
lawsuit with Alcatel that includes this patent. We are strongly
entertaining the thought of writing a OVRRP protocol (which we would
design to be maximally conflicting, of course)
There are those of us who are forever playing out little battles in
IETF to block patents. But I think there is some safety because of
this dissent in IETF.
My guess is that W3C is different enough from IETF, that there would
be no such safety, especially evident by how W3C staff still appear to
be attempting to steamroller this through when the YES:NO ratio on
this mailing list is approximately 1000:1.
I believe that W3C is already prepared to simply rubber stamp certain
future works with the RAND stamp.
When they say that IETF does this, this hides a lie.


Entertainment
Celebrities

Lindsay Lohan shares steamy photo on Instagram

Lindsay Lohan may be getting older, but she’s not letting a few wrinkles ruin her party.

She took a steamy pic and posted it to Instagram to celebrate her “wrinkles” and “gravity,” that she says are just a part of aging. In the photo, Lohan poses without her top on, with her hair strategically covering her up; her skin looks flawless.

She captioned the snap: “It’s about that time to recognize gravity is taking over my upper half (or so to speak). When you get home. Sit down. Analyse your future & see the wrinkles!”

Lohan hasn’t been shy to reveal how she takes care of her skin. The 30-year-old told The Gloss that she’s using expensive creams and oils to keep those fine lines and age spots at bay.

“I moisturize with La Mer, or I’ll go lighter and use Avéne Hydrance Optimale Light Hydrating Cream,” said Lohan. “If I don’t use La Mer, then I use Carol Joy Forevermore Serum. It’s pricey, but it’s really good. They use this golden millet oil in their products and I’m really big on that—it just feels so nice on the skin. La Prairie does one that uses actual gold and one that’s platinum. They’re so pretty and feel so nice, but, again, super expensive.”

Keeping costs down is somewhat important to The Mean Girls star. The U.K. Sun says she’s had to move into a 5-star London hotel after a “bailiff’s dispute” over unpaid rent at her Knightsbridge home.


Andrew McCulloch (footballer)

Andrew McCulloch is an English former professional footballer who played for Q.P.R., Cardiff City, Oxford United, Brentford, Sheffield Wednesday, Crystal Palace and Aldershot. He played a total of 475 games in all competitions for his seven league clubs, scoring 153 goals in a career which lasted from 1970 until 1985. McCulloch was a centre forward in the "target man" mould, being 6 ft 2in (1.88 m) tall, he was good in the air, using his strong physique to hold off defenders and lay the ball off to teammates. He made one appearance for the Scotland national under 23 team.

McCulloch was born in Northampton on 3 January 1950. He was the son of Adam McCulloch who played over 200 league games for Northampton Town, Shrewsbury Town and Aldershot. Andy was brought up in Hampshire, the family moving there when his father signed for Aldershot in 1953. On leaving school he attended university and obtained a Civil engineering degree before playing full-time football.

Playing career
Andy McCulloch first made a name for himself as a teenager playing for Fleet Town in the Hampshire League and was subsequently invited for a trial at Tottenham Hotspur. However nothing came of the Tottenham connection and he signed for non-league Walton & Hersham being part of the team which won the Athenian League title in the 1968–69 season. McCulloch was spotted by Queens Park Rangers manager Les Allen and he signed for Rangers in October 1970.

Queens Park Rangers
The 20-year-old McCulloch made his Rangers debut immediately, replacing Frank Saul in the team, playing in a 5–2 home win over Birmingham City on 17 October 1970 and scoring the fifth goal. He did not actually get paid for that debut match as he was still registered as an amateur, his professional registration coming through a few days later. McCulloch was never a regular member of the Rangers team over the next two years, making 30 starts in League matches. His days at Rangers were numbered when they bolstered their forward line by signing Stan Bowles and Don Givens for the start of the 1972–73 season and he was sold to Cardiff City for a fee of £45,000 in October 1972.

Cardiff City and Oxford United
In his two years with Cardiff City, the team had a fairly mediocre time finishing near the bottom of Division Two in both seasons. McCulloch however, had good form, top scoring in both seasons, notching 30 goals in 68 matches in all competitions. It was at this time that he was called up for his only cap for the Scotland under-23 team, his Scottish parentage making him eligible even though he was born in England. Cardiff won the Welsh Cup in both seasons that McCulloch played there, qualifying them for the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and in September 1973 McCulloch played against Sporting Clube de Portugal in the two-legged first round tie of the cup which Cardiff lost 2–1 on aggregate to give him the only experience of European football in his career. In July 1974, he moved to another Second Division side, Oxford United in a £70,000 deal, he had a fairly disappointing time at Oxford with the team relegated in his second season (1975–76) and McCulloch making only 12 League appearances. A botched recovery process from a cartilage operation saw McCulloch nearly lose a leg.

Brentford
With his career stalling McCulloch was forced to drop down to Division Four in his next move when he joined Brentford in March 1976 for a then club record fee of £25000. His move to The Bees rejuvenated his career although it was not until his second full season (1977–78) that things really started to happen when Brentford achieved promotion with McCulloch scoring 22 goals in 45 League appearances and forming a fine striking partnership with Steve Phillips, who contributed an excellent 32 goals. In the summer of 1978 McCulloch was loaned out to Oakland Stompers of the North American Soccer League where he made 18 appearances, scoring three goals with one assist. Back at Brentford for the 1978–79 campaign, the team consolidated their position in Division Three with McCulloch contributing 13 goals.

Sheffield Wednesday
McCulloch's time as a Brentford player came to an end in May 1979 when he was persuaded to join Third Division Sheffield Wednesday. Wednesday manager Jack Charlton was looking for a target man to partner Terry Curran in The Owls forward line and saw McCulloch as the ideal man. Charlton was working as a pundit for ITV on the 1979 FA Cup Final and met McCulloch on the Wembley gantry and agreed a deal which went through officially the following month. Jack Charlton, who had a tendency to get mixed up over his player's names often referred to McCulloch as "Ian", confusing him with Notts County's Scottish winger Iain McCulloch. The McCulloch-Curran partnership contributed 34 goals in the following 1979–80 season as Wednesday were promoted.

1980–81 saw McCulloch as Wednesday's top scorer in their return to Division Two. In his final two years at Hillsborough he acted as a foil for Gary Bannister in the Wednesday attack, with Bannister scoring most of the goals and taking much of the glory, however McCulloch contributed seven goals in both campaigns. McCulloch played in the 1983 FA Cup semi final at Highbury when Wednesday were defeated by Brighton. In August 1983, McCulloch was sold to Crystal Palace for a fee of £20,000 as new manager Howard Wilkinson brought in Imre Varadi to partner Bannister.

Latter career and retirement
At the end of his contract at Sheffield Wednesday McCulloch returned to the south of England to play for Crystal Palace for one season. In April 1984 he returned to Hillsborough to play for Crystal Palace in a League match and received a standing ovation from the home supporters, with McCulloch saying this is one of the fondest memories of his playing days. He played the 1984–85 season with Aldershot but picked up a bad knee injury and this forced him to end his playing career at the age of 35. On retiring he worked for a company that cleaned household upholstery and hotel rooms and in 1989, opened his own cleaning business, Cardinal Cleaning in Molesey, Surrey doing the same line of work. The firm is still flourishing today having contracts to clean many big London hotels as well as individual customers. McCulloch still involved himself in football being the manager of part-time Esher United of the Kingston District League, which ended in 2017 but the team still trains together.

Personal life
McCulloch is married and has a daughter. McCulloch was born to Scottish parents.

Honours

As a player
Brentford
 Football League Fourth Division fourth-place promotion: 1977–78

As an individual
 Brentford Supporters' Player of the Year: 1977–78
 Brentford Players' Player of the Year: 1977–78

References

Category:Walton & Hersham F.C. players
Category:Queens Park Rangers F.C. players
Category:Cardiff City F.C. players
Category:Oxford United F.C. players
Category:Brentford F.C. players
Category:Sheffield Wednesday F.C. players
Category:Crystal Palace F.C. players
Category:Aldershot F.C. players
Category:Oakland Stompers players
Category:North American Soccer League (1968–1984) players
Category:1950 births
Category:Sportspeople from Northampton
Category:English footballers
Category:Association football forwards
Category:Living people
Category:Scotland under-23 international footballers
Category:Fleet Town F.C. players
Category:English people of Scottish descent
Category:Expatriate soccer players in the United States
Category:Scottish expatriate sportspeople in the United States
Category:Scottish expatriate footballers
Category:English expatriate sportspeople in the United States
Category:English expatriate footballers


The Sultan of Brunei (pictured) has been stripped of an honorary degree awarded by the University of Aberdeen in 1995

The University of Aberdeen has stripped the Sultan of Brunei of an honorary degree to protest his introduction of the death penalty for people who engage in gay sex.

It comes amid an international outcry over the nation's new Islamic criminal laws punishing gay sex and adultery by stoning offenders to death.

University of Aberdeen principal George Boyne said the Sultan's introduction of the new penal code is contrary to the institution's 'strong commitment to the value of diversity and inclusion'.

The university announced on Wednesday that it has revoked the Sultan's honorary degree - awarded in 1995 - in an unprecedented move following a vote by the senate, its academic body.

Professor Boyne said: 'The sultan was awarded an honorary degree by our university in 1995.

'It was given at a time when the university had operated a successful exchange programme with its counterpart in Brunei, and when the sultan had encouraged links between Brunei and Aberdeen due to his interest in our geology and petroleum engineering research.

There have been protests outside The Dorchester hotel in London, which is owned by the Sultan of Brunei

'In light of recent developments, the university undertook a review of how this award now fits with our values.

'Today I can inform you that the honorary degree has been revoked following a vote by senate, our academic body, which approved a recommendation from our honorary degrees committee.'

Professor Boyne said the university's process includes an opportunity for the sultan to respond to the recommendation, and that his response was considered by the senate and the honorary degrees committee.

He added: 'While it is deeply regrettable to be in this position, which is unprecedented for the University of Aberdeen, I fully support the decision.

'The University of Aberdeen is proud of our foundational purpose of being open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others.

'The introduction by the sultan of the new penal code is contrary to our strong commitment to the value of diversity and inclusion.'


Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. Travel Guide

The capital city that John F. Kennedy once panned for its "Southern efficiency and Northern charm" continues to rebuild itself into the world-class cultural and culinary capital it was always meant to be. Always revered for its astonishing collection of museums and historical troves, D.C. has lately become a burgeoning music hub and-more surprisingly-a foodie's playground, with hotter-than-thou restaurants opening seemingly every week. Of course, amidst all the upheaval, the nation's capital is still enthralled and defined by power-only now, with a new, younger guard ensconced, Washington's political establishment all the more accurately reflects the city's remarkably vibrant and diverse population.

You’ll find one of the country’s best cultural scenes in Washington, D.C. In recent years, the our nation’s capital has also undergone a serious restaurant and nightlife renaissance. To craft your perfect itinerary in our up-and-coming capital, turn to this Washington D.C. travel guide.

Things Not to Miss in Washington, D.C.

Travel to Washington, D.C. is a unique experience. Its most notable neighborhoods include Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Downtown, and DuPont Circle. Here’s what to do there and beyond:

When to Visit Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. travel in the spring is the best time to go—the weather is beautiful and the cherry trees are in bloom. During the hot summer months, many of the nation’s leaders head out of town, while travelers from all over the world flock to the city’s monuments. That means the city is lively, but July and August can be crowded and buggy. The holiday season is a lively time to visit Washington, D.C. For many, the White House Christmas tree is a sight to behold, historic theaters stage classic Christmas performances, and carolers make their way down the avenues.

DON'T MISS

Hearing history (or just trouble) being made, on the floors of the Senate and House.

Strolling the Mall and taking in the monumental vistas—a walk best done in spring, with the bloom of the cherry blossoms.

A meal in one of K Street’s culinary hot spots, followed by live music in the trendy U Street area.

RECOMMENDED LINKS

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Junior Suite, 1 Double Bed

Suite Details

Glamorous decor surrounds you in this studio-style suite designed for luxurious relaxation.

1 Bedroom

1.0 Bathroom

1 Bed

Bedroom: 1 King

2 Guests

Suite Amenities

Access via exterior corridors

Air conditioning

Bathrobes

Blackout drapes/curtains

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Connecting/adjoining rooms available

Daily housekeeping

Designer Toiletries

Digital TV service

Down comforter

Egyptian-cotton sheets

Free newspaper

Free wired internet

Hairdryer

HDTV

Hypo-allergenic bedding available

Individually furnished

In-room climate control (air conditioning)

In-room massage available

Iron/ironing board (on request)

Microwave (on request)

Pay movies

Phone

Plasma TV

Refrigerator

Room service (24 hours)

Shower/tub combination

Slippers

Smoking and non-smoking

Turndown service

See More

The ultra-chic Junior Suite at the Karma Sanctum Soho offers a modern take on Art Deco design with a sophisticated black, white, and silver color palette and dark hardwood floors. Columns covered in mirrored mosaic tiles and plush silver velvet chairs add a touch of glamour to the studio-style space, which stretches 344 square feet. Tucked into one corner, you'll find a large freestanding bathtub set atop an avant-garde bed of glowing pebbles. A stylish tufted leather headboard rises above the luxurious King-size bed, where you can stretch out to enjoy a movie or unwind with a great playlist on the Onkyo sound system.

Karma Sanctum Soho - London

The Karma Sanctum Soho hotel offers an upscale London stay with a rock n' roll vibe. This unique hotel is known for its lively rooftop terrace with a 24-hour bar and open-air hot tub. Guests can enjoy the on-site cinema, which hosts movie screenings and events, or unleash their inner rockstar with electric guitar and Harley Davidson rentals. Just a three-minute walk to Carnaby Street and a 20-minute walk to Buckingham Palace, the hotel is located near several popular London attractions. The on-site restaurant, Wild at Heart, serves exceptional British cuisine. This is a fantastic option for guests who want a high-end hotel with an edge.


Entrapment (film)

Entrapment is a 1999 American caper film directed by Jon Amiel and written by Ronald Bass. It stars Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones and includes Will Patton, Ving Rhames and Maury Chaykin. The film focuses on the relationship between investigator Virginia "Gin" Baker and notorious crook Robert "Mac" MacDougal as they attempt a heist at the turn of the New Millennium. The film was released theatrically in the United States on 30 April 1999 and in the United Kingdom on 2 July 1999.

Plot
Virginia "Gin" Baker (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is an investigator for "Waverly Insurance". Robert "Mac" MacDougal (Sean Connery) is a professional thief who specializes in international art. A priceless Rembrandt painting is stolen from an office building in New York one night, and Gin is sent undercover to investigate Mac as the chief suspect. She tries to entrap him with a proposition, claiming that she is a professional thief herself, and promises that she will help him steal a priceless Chinese mask from the well-guarded Bedford Palace. Before agreeing, Mac tells Gin his 'Rule Number One': "Never carry a gun: You carry a gun, you may be tempted to use it." They travel to Scotland and plan the very complicated theft at Mac's hideout, an isolated castle. Aaron Thibadeaux (Ving Rhames), apparently the only ally that Mac trusts, arrives with supplies for the heist. While Mac is busy making final preparations, Gin contacts her boss, Hector Cruz (Will Patton), from a payphone, and informs him of Mac's whereabouts. Little does she know that the whole island is bugged, allowing Mac to eavesdrop on their conversation.  Mac also makes sure to keep Gin's romantic advances at bay, unsure if she is a true partner in crime or an ambitious career woman on a mission.

After they have stolen the mask, Mac accuses Gin of planning to sell the mask to a buyer in Kuala Lumpur and then turn him in. Gin convinces him that her insurance agency job is the real cover and that she has planned an even bigger heist in Kuala Lumpur: $8 billion from the "International Clearance Bank" in the North Tower of the Petronas Towers. During their set-up, Cruz and his team (with the guidance of the stealthy Thibadeaux) track down Gin and confirm that she is still on mission to bring Mac in.
Despite the presence of Cruz and other security watching the building, the theft takes place in the final seconds of the new 2000 millennium countdown. Gin pulls the plug on her laptop prematurely and sets off alarms. They narrowly escape the computer vault and are forced to cross the lights hung from the bottom of the bridge linking the two towers. Following a death-defying escape when the cable breaks, Gin and Mac make their way to a ventilation shaft, where Mac explains "Plan B." Using mini-parachutes, they were going to escape down the shaft. Gin has lost her parachute earlier in the escape, so Mac gives her his. He tells her to meet him the next morning at the Pudu train station.

Gin arrives at the station waiting for Mac. He shows up late with Aaron Thibadeaux, who reveals himself with fellow FBI agents. He explains that Cruz is here and that the FBI has been looking for her for some time. Two years ago when Agent Thibadeaux caught and arrested him, Mac made a deal to help the FBI arrest Gin, as she was the primary target all along. However, the aging thief has another plan: to help her escape. Mac slips Gin a gun and quietly explains that he returned only seven of the eight billion dollars they had stolen electronically in the heist. Gin then pretends to hold Mac hostage at gunpoint, threatening to shoot him if the agents follow her. She boards a train and the FBI heads to the next station. Gin jumps trains mid-station and arrives back at Pudu. She tells Mac that she needs him for another job and they both board a train.

Cast
 Sean Connery as Robert "Mac" MacDougal
 Catherine Zeta-Jones as Virginia "Gin" Baker
 Will Patton as Hector Cruz
 Ving Rhames as Aaron Thibadeaux
 Maury Chaykin as Conrad Greene
 Kevin McNally as Haas
 Terry O'Neill as Quinn
 Madhav Sharma as Security Chief
 David Yip as Chief of Police
 Tim Potter as Millennium Man
 Rolf Saxon as Director

Filming locations

Filming locations for the film include Blenheim Palace, Savoy Hotel London, Lloyd's of London, Borough Market, London, Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull in Scotland, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur (with other filming completed at Pinewood Studios), and the Bukit Jalil LRT station. However, the signage at this station that was used for the movie was Pudu LRT station instead of Bukit Jalil.

Reception
The film was a box office success, grossing over $87 million in the US and $212 million worldwide.

According to the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 38% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 81 reviews, with an average rating of 5.2/10. The site's critics consensus reads, "A poorly developed plot weighs down any potential chemistry between the movie's leads." At Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 54 out of 100 based on 24 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".

Critics such as The New York Times, New York Magazine, the Chicago Sun-Times, Variety, and Desson Howe/Thomson of The Washington Post praised the film.

Roger Ebert gave the film three of four stars. "It works because it is made stylishly. The plot is put together like a Swiss watch that keeps changing time zones: It is accurate and misleading at once. The film consists of one elaborate caper sequence after another, and it rivals the Bond films in its climactic action sequence. The stunt and f/x work here does a good job... Most of the movie's action is just that--action--and not extreme violence." Ebert noted about Zeta-Jones, "I can only reflect, as I did while watching her in "The Mask Of Zorro," that while beautiful women are a dime a dozen in the movies, those with fire, flash and humor are a good deal more scarce."

"There's a tummy-churning tradition of pensionable movie blokes getting paired up with beautiful babes…" complained OK! in its review. "We barely believed Sean and Michelle Pfeiffer in The Russia House; a decade later, Sean and Catherine Zeta-Jones? You gotta be kidding. The film's alright-ish."

References

External links

Category:1999 films
Category:1990s crime thriller films
Category:1990s heist films
Category:American films
Category:American crime drama films
Category:American heist films
Category:Burglary in film
Category:German films
Category:British films
Category:British heist films
Category:English-language films
Category:Malay-language films
Category:Films directed by Jon Amiel
Category:Films set in 1999
Category:Films set in 2000
Category:Films set in London
Category:Films set in Malaysia
Category:Films set in Kuala Lumpur
Category:Films set in Scotland
Category:Films shot in London
Category:Films shot in Kuala Lumpur
Category:Films shot in Malaysia
Category:Films shot in Highland (council area)
Category:Regency Enterprises films
Category:20th Century Fox films
Category:Films shot at Pinewood Studios
Category:Films with screenplays by Ronald Bass
Category:Films scored by Christopher Young
Category:Films shot in Oxfordshire
Category:Films shot in Argyll and Bute
Category:Films shot in Buckinghamshire
Category:Films shot in Malacca
Category:Films shot in New York City
Category:New Year films
Category:British drama films


Red Lion Hotel, Cromer

The Red Lion Hotel  is a AA 4 star hotel located in the English seaside town of Cromer in the county of Norfolk, United Kingdom.

Location
The Red Lion Hotel sits on the junction of Tucker street and Brook street in the centre of Cromer. The hotel sits on the cliff top above the fisherman’s beach and has commanding views across the sea and the towns Victorian Pier. The hotel is   from the railway station. The nearest airport is in Norwich and is  south of Cromer.

Description
The hotel has 14 en-suite rooms in total, most of which have a sea view. The reception area is on the ground floor of the hotel. There is a large bar with a spacious lounge which is open to guests and non-residence. the bar as a good range of beers including several locally brewed real ales. the hotel is a member of CAMRA and is listed in the AA Good Pub Guide.

History
The Red Lion is one of the oldest inns in the town of Cromer. The first recorded inn keeper was named as Sherman Cutler in the year of 1766. The current hotel was rebuilt on the site of much older hostelry in 1887 by a Mr John Smith of London. The building has evolved over the years to the building seen today. During this re-build the site was extended with the acquisition and demolition of several fishermen's cottages at the rear of the inn. These were replaced by assembly rooms which still form part of the hotel today. There is some documentation which suggest that the 1887 works were carried out by a local builder by the name of George Riches.

Gallery

References

Category:Cromer
Category:Hotels in Cromer
Category:Hotels in North Norfolk
Category:Hotels in Norfolk


Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Nigel Farage said mothers could "perhaps sit in a corner" when breastfeeding

UKIP leader Nigel Farage insists he has no problem with women breastfeeding "wherever they want" amid a row over comments he made about the issue.

He was criticised after saying it was up to venues to decide their rules and that some people were uncomfortable with "ostentatious" breastfeeding.

Businesses may ask mothers to "perhaps sit in a corner", he suggested.

In a later statement, he accused the media of misinterpreting him and said it was a question of "good manners".

Mr Farage was asked about his views on the issue during his regular LBC phone-in, in light of a recent incident at Claridge's hotel in London where a mother was asked to cover up with a napkin while feeding her baby daughter.

Louise Burns has said she will not return to Claridge's, a luxury hotel in Mayfair, after being asked to cover her baby with what she described as a "shroud" while feeding her.

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Louise Burns: "I think it is quite sad we are even having this conversation in this day and age"

'Awkward'

The UKIP leader, who has four children, said it should be for businesses to decide their own rules but it should be recognised that "some people feel very embarrassed" by breastfeeding in public.

"I know a lot of people do feel very uncomfortable," he said. "It isn't too difficult to breastfeed a baby in a way that's not openly ostentatious."

Asked if Claridge's had been wrong, Mr Farage said: "That's up to Claridge's. I think it should be. If you're running an establishment you should have rules."

In light of this, he suggested it was acceptable for a venue to ask a woman to "perhaps sit in a corner, or whatever it might be".

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Emily Slough, who was called "a tramp" for breastfeeding in public, said Mr Farage's comments were absurd

"This is just a matter of common sense, isn't it," he added. "I know particularly people of the older generation feel awkward and embarrassed by it."

The 2010 Equality Act makes it unlawful for a business to discriminate against a breastfeeding woman.

Mr Farage later sought to clarify his position in the face of what he said was "extraordinary media fabrication" of his comments.

In a statement, he said he had never suggested women should be compelled to breastfeed in a certain way or place.

"Let me get this clear, as I said on the radio and as I repeat now, I personally have no problem with mothers breastfeeding wherever they want," he said. "If the establishment in question, in this case Claridge's, wants to maintain rules about this stuff, then that is up to them, as it should be.

'Two-way street'

"I remarked that perhaps they might ask women to sit in a corner. Did I say I believe they should have to? No. Did I say I personally endorse this concept? No."

Businesses had a responsibility to all their customers, he added, suggesting such situations were a "two-way street".

"Breastfeeding women should never be embarrassed by staff asking them to stop, and most mums will recognise the need to be discreet in certain, limited, circumstances. It's just a question of good manners."

Mr Farage later returned to LBC to say he was "particularly angry" that his comments on breastfeeding had been "wildly taken out of context".

A Downing Street spokeswoman said David Cameron "shares the view of the NHS, which is that breastfeeding is completely natural and it's totally unacceptable for any women to be made to feel uncomfortable when breastfeeding in public".

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper tweeted: "After that interview Nigel Farage should sit in a corner!"

Justine Roberts, chief executive of the Mumsnet website said: "It's bemusing that some people have a problem seeing mums breastfeeding.

"It is of course a natural, essential human process and those with an issue simply need to get over themselves - babies need to be fed when they're hungry and there's nothing ostentatious about a mother responding to that need."

Claridge's has insisted that it "embraces" breastfeeding but has urged mothers to be "discreet" towards other guests.


If you’re a person who might be interested in a career in the construction industry, there’s a chance for a behind-the-scenes views of building sites across the country.

Open Doors is the (almost) annual event that lets the public go past the wooden hoardings and onto building sites — imagine it as London Open House Weekend, but with more hi-vis.

It’s a chance to discover how the buildings and structures are constructed and find out about the diverse range of skills and professions needed on site.

Although aimed at young people, it’s not exclusive to them, and anyone with an interest in the construction industry, such as a career changer, can attend. Some of the sites have some age restrictions, and some require an adult to accompany any minors visiting.

Bookings for visits open on Monday (8th January 2018), and the events themselves take place over the week of Mon 19th – Sat 24th March.

There’s a map of venues on the Open Doors website.

There’s 28 sites within the London area already, mostly residential and office developments. No sign of infrastructure sites yet, but more sites will be added over the next couple of months, so keep an eye on their website for updates.

Bushey Signature

New build, four storey, 95 bedroomed luxury care home with specialist dementia suite and associated facilities in Hertfordshire

Electric Quarter

The former Middlesex University site and High Street Frontage in Ponders End scheme will transform the area with new homes alongside new commercial and retail space and the replacement of the library off the High Street and Queensway.

Southall Waterside

Creating West London’s new vibrant village is no easy task, as a former gas works the remediation is a job in itself. We have an onsite Soil Hospital saving up to 1.3 million miles (5 trips to the moon) in movements offsite! We also make all our concrete onsite at our Batching Plant.

Abbey Road, Camden

Main contract works involve the design and construction of 141 residential units 1 to 4 bed mixed social rent and private sale, circa 740m² of Commercial B1 / B2, Retail space, a basement incorporating energy centre 6 interlinked blocks.

Greenwood Resource centre

The Greenwood Resource Centre Project entails the redevelopment of 25 and 37 Greenwood Place to provide new resource and community services centre for adult social care.

E03 Canada Gardens

The Canada Gardens scheme will consist of 745 apartments in 7 reinforced concrete towers up to 26 storeys in height.

Wembley Park

Located in the heart of Wembley Park, NW07 is a contemporary residential development which sits between Page Place and Elvin Square.

McLaren Wembley

The development comprises of 340 residential units all of Private Rental Sector (PRS) tenure over 15 floors, ranging from studios to 3 bed units.

Anthology Hoxton Press

2 towers of 198 private sale apartments. Tower 1: 20 Levels and Tower 2: 16 Levels. Unusual shape of a hexagon amd part of a wider regeneration of the area.

Principal Place Residential

Principal Place Residential Project is the construction of a 50 storey luxury residential tower on the edge of the City of London providing 301 apartments for private sale

22 Bishopsgate

The finished building will stand at 278 meters tall and will comprise of 62 Floors with a public viewing gallery at the top. Once complete the building will house 11,000 people.

48 Carey Street

Multiplex is building a new residential development in Holborn, London, will contain 202 luxury apartments.

Ilona Rose House

Erection of hoardings and encapsulation scaffold, disconnection of utility services, protection of live UKPN sub-station, asbestos survey and removal of identified materials from existing buildings.

Marble Arch Place

The development consists of an 18 storey residential tower with 54 apartments and a seven storey commercial building that will provide over 95,000 sq ft of office space.

Nottingdale Village

A new build construction of two separate buildings and their associated infrastructure and external works.

Hammersmith Police Station

The front section of the older will be retained with a New 3 storey block constructed adjacent across the front of the site.

Kensington Row – Royal Warwick Square

Works to the site started in earnest in the Autumn of 2017 and is planned to complete in late 2022. The planned 6 apartment buildings will be sited over a 2 storey basement.

Audley Square House

Refurbishment works on an existing residential block of flats.

One Palace Street

This development will deliver 72 ultra high end apartments over 7 stories with a further 4 levels below ground and will comprise of parking, swimming pool, gym, sauna and cinema room.

Southbank Place

The development will consist of residential apartments, office space, new retail and leisure facilities across a total of seven new buildings, with the landmark Shell Centre Tower remaining at the front centre of the site.

Wedge House Main works

The design, construction, erection and completion of the high quality mixed use hotel and office development, Wedge House.

Aykon London One

This residential project comprises of a 51 storey North Tower and a 24 storey South Tower, situated at Nine Elms on the South Bank.

Anthology Deptford Foundry

The Anthology Deptford Foundry project which contains 316 residential units ranging from 1-3 bedroom apartments, both private and affordable.

The Charter School

The School development will comprise the erection of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings to provide teaching, administration, dining indoor sports facilities and outdoor facilities.

Kidbrooke Village

Phase 3 will be the Village Centre once complete will be opening its doors providing opportunity to see residential and commercial development of the former Ferrier Estate.

Royal Arsenal Riverside

A riverside residential development in Woolwich.

Trinity Walk Woolwich

As part of a wider regeneration plan the Trinity Walk site will comprise of 684 new homes including 239 affordable properties. The development will offer one, two and three bedroom apartments and three and four bedroom houses.

Royal Albert Dock

Construction of five plots including all associated public realm, roads and infrastructure, along with the refurbishment of two listed buildings.

Recently added

Battersea Power Station

Following a safety briefing, visitors will enter the Power Station to see the works underway and hear about the development plans. There will be an opportunity for Q&A and visitors will meet some of the key figures working on the project’s delivery.

Meridian Water Station

After a safety briefing and induction you will head out for a tour of part of the site* to see the early stages of the works and progress to date.


Clayoquot Wilderness Resorts and Spa

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The Plaza Athenée

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Scottsdale Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch

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Little Palm Island Resort and Spa

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Amanjiwo

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Hotel Savoy

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The London NYC

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Hotel Astoria

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The Blantyre

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Vancouver Island, British ColumbiaNature loversThis spot is all about luxury in the wild woods. Helicopter into the pristine Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve; enjoy hiking, kayaking and horseback riding or spot whales and bears with a naturalist guide; then relax in front of a towering stone fireplace or in one of the white canvas guest tents appointed with antique dressers, queen-sized beds and down duvets.ParisFoodies, shoppersThis is classic Paris at its most glitzy. Venture here and see and be seen on Avenue Montaigne, the last word in luxury shopping with Chanel, Christian Dior and Gucci among the many boutiques. When you get tired of high fashion and spotting the celebrities who frequent the area (Katie Holmes was recently spied at Armani and Sex in the City filmed at the hotel) stroll hand-in-hand across the Seine. Starred chef Alain Ducasse oversees the hotel’s five restaurants.The Sonoran Desert (near Scottsdale, Ariz.)Golfers, tennis players, stargazersPrivate lakeside casitas overlooking the Sonora mountains have rooftop decks for prime stargazing. The spa is offering a couples’ Valentine’s special that includes two-and-a-half hours of foot and body massages and facials. The more active can enjoy top-notch golf and tennis facilities.The Florida KeysSun and sea worshippers; privacy-seekersIt’s a private island. Suites have outdoor showers and king-size beds. The turndown service that comes with the Romance Package includes candles throughout the suite, Taittinger champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and a hot bath with rose petals and body oils.Central Java, IndonesiaAdventurous culture and history buffsThe resort overlooks Borobudur, the ninth-century Buddhist sanctuary. Rice paddies and distant volcanoes complete the landscape. Couples looking for something special should book the Dalem Jiwo suite, which has a private 15-meter infinity pool and a personal butler on call around the clock.Florence, ItalyArt lovers, café loungersStay here and you’ll step out your door into the heart of Renaissance Italy. The concierges recommend a horse and carriage ride around the old city; many an alleyway turns up fantastic Tuscan cuisine. A Valentine’s day special includes a four-course dinner in the hotel’s L’Incontro restaurant overlooking the Piazza della Repubblica, and a champagne breakfast in your room.New York Citytheater-goers; urbanitesYou’ll find bright lights, big city and cutting-edge interior design here. Walk to Broadway, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park. A Valentine’s Day package includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé; dinner is by Scottish-born Michelin chef Gordon Ramsay. Concierge service from Quintessentially satisfies whimsical requests for last-minute theater tickets, elusive restaurant reservations and charter jets.St. Petersburg, RussiaArt and literature fansSnow falling on history. Take a troika ride through the parks of the czar’s palaces, stroll to the Hermitage Museum or walk in the footsteps of Pushkin and Dostoevsky. A three-night Valentine’s package includes breakfast, entrance to the Hermitage, a city tour and a massage. Vodka additional.Lenox, MassachusettsTraditionalistsIt’s a castle, replete with turrets and gargoyles, set on a sprawling estate in the Berkshires. Rooms are unique--try the Maplehurst, located in the estate’s old carriage house and featuring a bathtub and four-poster king-sized bed. Gentlemen, jackets and ties are required for dinner, which will be superb French cuisine.By Elisabeth Eaves


Aspinal of London

Aspinal of London is a London designer, manufacturer and retailer of luxury leather goods and accessories for men and women.

Company
Aspinal of London was founded in 2001 by current Chairman Iain Burton. The Creative Director of Aspinal is Mariya Dykalo, who graduated from the Lviv Academy of Art and Design. Giles Deacon the Haute Couture designer was appointed as Design Director in August 2018. Aspinal began by designing and manufacturing handmade small leather goods and hand bound leather books using small workshops and artisans in England and Italy.  After five years as a pure play online retailer, Aspinal opened its first retail store in Selfridges, London, and by 2016 Aspinal has opened ten stand-alone stores in London and stores in Selfridges and Harrods, opening its first international store in Kuwait in January 2013.

Aspinal launched its first handbag 'The Paris Bag' in 2008. Ladies handbags now account for a substantial part of the brands offering.  It also designs bags for men as well as a wide range of men's and ladies' wallets, accessories, travel bags and travel accessories, office and business accessories such as briefcases and other travel accessories. </ref> .

The Aspinal of London flagship store opened in Lower Regent St, St James in November 2017. The store is on two levels and 350 sq meters and has been included as one of the top 40 most instagrammable stores in the world.

In January 2020, it was reported that Aspinal of London was reviewing funding options amid talks about a sale of the company. Throughout 2019, the company struggled with a surge in costs, with loses doubling over that time period.

Marketing
In 2013 Aspinal of London created the 'Elizabeth Hurley Bag' in collaboration with the English actress Elizabeth Hurley to support the charity "Breast Cancer Awareness".
In 2017, Aspinal collaborated with Michelle Dockery, the actress of Downton Abbey fame to launch the Dockery bag  which became known in China as the Lady Mary bag and in 2018 Aspinal collaborated with David Gandy the  super model to launch the "Aerodrome Collection" by David Gandy, a collection of leather bags, back packs and goods inspired by the iconic British World War 11  fighter plane the Supermarine Spitfire. In 2014 after supplying the Royal Household with leather goods, HRH Prince Andrew made an official visit to the Aspinal head office and design studio.

Aspinal of London has been part of London Fashion Week's published schedule showing its new collections twice a year often at Claridges Hotel Ballroom and more recently at its London flagship store. Giles Deacon is an English Couture fashion designer and designed Pippa Middleton's wedding dress was appointed Design Director in 2018.

On 9 April 2016 Aspinal launched a collaboration with Chinese actress Yang Mi.    The Yang Mi bag  raises funds for One Foundation, a Chinese charity founded by Jet Li to   provide clean water for Chinese children.

Aspinal is the sponsor of the Midhurst Town Cup polo competition, which is a local Polo match played at Cowdray Polo Club, the home of British Polo. Prior to her wedding, a Kate Middleton "Princess Catherine Engagement Doll" was sold, which came with a toy Aspinal bag as an accessory.

References

External links
 Aspinal of London

Category:2000 establishments in England
Category:Clothing brands of the United Kingdom
Category:Companies based in West Sussex
Category:English brands
Category:Fashion accessory brands
Category:High fashion brands
Category:Leather manufacturers
Category:Retail companies established in 2000


A New Jersey yoga instructor came forward Thursday to accuse Donald Trump of inappropriately touching her 18 years ago.

Karena Virginia, 45, said she ran into Trump at the US Open tennis tournament in Flushing in 1998 when he allegedly made the lewd move.

Virginia, appearing alongside celebrity attorney Gloria Allred at the London Hotel in New York, told reporters that Trump came out to her as she waited for a car to pick her up.

He remarked to a group of men around him, “Hey, look at this one” and “We haven’t seen her before, look at those legs,” according to Virginia.

That’s when he allegedly grabbed her right arm and touched her breast.

“I was in shock. I flinched. ‘Don’t you know who I am, don’t you know who I am.’ That’s what he said to me,” Virginia recounted. “I felt intimidated and I felt powerless.”

Virginia said her clothing of that day added to her embarrassment.

“I felt ashamed that I was wearing a short dress and high heels,” she said. “That feeling of shame stayed with me for a while and it made me disinclined to wear short dresses or high heels.”

Virginia is the 10th woman to accuse Trump of inappropriate sexual contact since the second presidential debate — when the GOP nominee insisted he had never groped or touched a woman against her will.

“Mr. Trump, perhaps you do not remember me, or what you did to me so many years ago. But I can assure you that I remember you and what you did to me as though it was yesterday,” Virginia said as she choked back tears.

“Your random moment of sexual pleasure came at my expense and it affected me greatly.”

Allred, a Hillary Clinton supporter and delegate to this past summer’s Democratic National Convention, insisted she had no contact with the former first lady’s campaign regarding this client.

The Trump campaign dismissed Virginia’s allegations as a political stunt.

“Discredited political operative Gloria Allred, in another coordinated, publicity-seeking attack with the Clinton campaign, will stop at nothing to smear Mr. Trump,” said Jessica Ditto, deputy communications director of Trump’s campaign.

“Give me a break. Voters are tired of these circus-like antics and reject these fictional stories and the clear efforts to benefit Hillary Clinton.”

Virginia identifies herself as a yoga instructor, married with kids and living in the suburbs of New York, according to her personal website.

She had mentioned Trump — and an alleged shady encounter with him — earlier this month on her Facebook page.

“I have spent time with Donald Trump. I have also spent moments with his wife,” she wrote on Oct. 8.

“I have also been hit on by Donald Trump in a way that I do not want to write about on social media.”


It’s fair to say that Depeche Mode are not in the same place they were when they got together, tapping at their Moogs in Basildon in 1980.

A lot has changed since we heard the sparkling, synth pop brightness of their 1981 debut album, Speak & Spell. Original band member Vince Clarke went on to form Yazoo and Erasure; Clarke’s replacement Alan Wilder quit in 1995, causing unfounded speculation of the band’s demise; and then there were the other well-documented dark periods which we have all heard about in the media, which would be too tedious and unnecessary to touch upon again.

My point is that Depeche Mode have been through a lot since their beginnings as teens (and one twenty-year-old), experimenting with electro pop when other kids in music weren’t doing it. Like a lot of bands, they have evolved, learnt from previous experiences (both at work and in private), and progressed to a different place that might, in many ways, seem light years from where they started.

Despite the feel-good, pure pop aesthetics of their roots, the darkness has always been evident. A few minutes into their debut long-player, after succumbing to the twinkling melodies of ‘New Life’, we were thrust into ‘I Sometimes Wish I Was Dead’, a tune which, ironically, sounded brightly optimistic. With its misleading title we were only lightly touching the somber depths this pop band would visit in later years.

I need not mention the brooding Black Celebration album which, cliche aside, was a firm favourite with my goth mates at art school; or the disconcerting ‘Barrel Of A Gun’ from 1997’s Ultra album.

This twisted, tortured mess/ This bed of sinfulness / Who’s longing for some rest / And feeling numb This twisted, tortured mess/ This bed of sinfulness / Who’s longing for some rest / And feeling numb

But perhaps the most striking of all is how quickly the band advanced from the life-affirming joy of ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ to Some Great Reward’s powerfully tragic ‘Blasphemous Rumours’ within the space of just a few years.

When I met Depeche Mode’s frontman Dave Gahan at his London hotel recently for a fifteen-minute interview, I was all too aware of his band’s extensive history. I became a fan back in 1981, at the tender age of eleven, and I have remained a follower ever since. When I met Depeche Mode’s frontman Dave Gahan at his London hotel recently for a fifteen-minute interview, I was all too aware of his band’s extensive history. I became a fan back in 1981, at the tender age of eleven, and I have remained a follower ever since. Much like another favourite band of mine, The Cure, I have embraced the light and dark shades of Depeche Mode’s work in equal measures. But fifteen minutes? This was going to be a tight squeeze. So many questions. The band’s latest album, Spirit, was recorded with a new producer, James Ford (Simian Mobile Disco), who clearly understands the band’s vision. Collectively they have produced one of their most sonically astute and atmospheric albums to date. It’s a record that forcefully sums up the mood of the moment, too. “Spirit is an album about humanity and about our place in it, and we’re not doing very well!” Dave laughs, through gritted teeth. “That’s why we led with ‘Going Backwards’, as much as we do feel like we are going forwards and new doors are being opened. “I’ve lived in America for almost twenty seven years. Things have changed there since I moved, and things are changing again, but not for the good it seems. We’ve got to see how this evolves in the next few years. Hopefully people will come out and shout about things they’re not happy with. The one good thing about America is that you can do that without being thrown in prison! In some countries where there are other dictators, if you are outspoken, or you’re the wrong colour, or you’re gay – you disappear. “The way I feel about life is everybody should lead the life that they want to lead. They shouldn’t be told otherwise. Politicians always unnerve me. They’re all full of shit on one level or another. What I’ve been witnessing in American over the last couple of years has been quite shocking.

“A lot of Spirit was made during the time of the campaigning. The songs were written mostly just before, and during, the campaign. Some people have listened to the album and have related it directly to Donald Trump or Brexit. But it’s all of those things and more.”

My favourite track on Spirit is the 5-minute epic, ‘Cover Me’, which Gahan co-wrote with long-time Depeche Mode collaborators Peter Gordeno (who was also the musical leader on George Michael’s ‘Miss Sarajevo’) and Christian Eigner (who co-wrote and co-produced Gahan’s 2007 solo album, Hourglass).

The song acts as the album’s midway point where Gahan sings of being up with the Northern Lights – Gahan’s choice of metaphor for his own personal retelling. It has a hypnotic, woozy, surreal quality which builds to such an exhilerating climax, it actually sounds like a human heart is pounding.

You know we’re sinking / We could fade away / I’m not going down / Not today / The air is so cold here / Too cold to see / We have to take cover / Cover me

“I wanted it to be very cinematic with this idea of us finally destroying this beautiful planet that we live on. There are so many things that we take for granted.”

For a band that clearly prefers to be forward-looking, I wonder how Gahan feels when looking back, particularly at a time when BBC4 have been re-running the Top Of The Pops shows from 1982 and 1983, which Depeche Mode have featured strongly in. It’s a memory that he finds difficult, but maintains a sense of humour with when remembering certain details, especially the image.

“Oh dear!” he laughs.

“I find it a little awkward. When I first got with the band I was eighteen years old. A lot of time has passed since then. So when I watch these old clips, the first thing that goes through my mind is, ‘What was I wearing?’

“Phil, my brother, often sends me photographs that he finds on the internet. ‘Remember this?’

“It’s all part of growing up, and living part of your life in public, and you’ve got to pay the price.

• An uncut version of Marriott Meets : Dave Gahan is available to download on The Phil Marriott Podcast on iTunes.


Welcome back to Midweek Madness, in which we are thirsty for "news" and guzzle gossip from In Touch, Us, Ok!, Life & Style, and Star. This week, Lamar Odom was spotted standing next to ladies who are not his wife; Rihanna plans on killing Chris Brown if he breaks up with her; Katy Perry caught John Mayer sexting someone else; someone discloses Lindsay Lohan's mental health issues; and Kris Jenner is on the verge of divorce. Pull up a seat, set your glass down on the table, let's spill.

Ok!
"Shocking Baby News!"Teen Mom updates: Leah Messer Calvert is pregnant again; Maci Bookout is "set on getting pregnant again"; Jenelle is "desperate to get Jace back. Yawn. In hilarious news, there's a box called "Marrying Up: Kris Vs. Kanye" which details how much more cash Ms. Kardashian could make if she marries Mr. West. (Fig. 1) Of course, she has to get divorced first. So. Finally, in an article called "Kate's Crazy Pregnancy Plan," we learn that the Duchess might do hypnobirthing, which doesn't sound crazy at all; and the kid will most likely be named Victoria, George, Elizabeth, Phillip or Louis.Grade: F (mop bucket water)

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Life & Style
"The Hardest Decision Of My Life"
In an "exclusive" story, Guiliana Rancic tells the mag that "it's really hard to leave the baby" and go to work after maternity leave. In other groundbreaking news she states: "I require a lot of coffee these days." Also inside: Lamar Odom left a the back exit of a club in Oklahoma City and was spotted standing next to a cab with "two thin and attractive brunettes in dresses." An eyewitness says it looked like he was leaving with the ladies, but there are no quotes from anyone who saw Lamar and the women all get into the car and seriously, the guy stands next to women in public and the headline is "Caught With Other Women"? WTF? Unsolicited Uterus Update: Beyoncé "isn't on birth control," says an insider slash amateur medical professional, "so she can get pregnant at any time." Apparently "all the signs" are there that she is already knocked up: Loose clothes, focusing on more than career, and "morning sickness?" in which the question mark is the key part of the statement. (Fig. 2) Royal baby alert: William and Kate's kid will be christened wearing a gown that is over 150 years old and was commissioned by Queen Victoria, that has also been worn by more than 60 royal babies. Traditions like that are great! Of course, some of us have ancestors who were enslaved 150 years ago but whatevs! Finally: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were spotted having a romantic time alone without the army of kids at Dower House, a private cottage at the Coworth Park hotel, just outside of London. At dinner in the restaurant, "It was just the two of them," a source spills. "They ordered red wine and were dressed up a bit, like they wanted to look good for each other." This stalkery source adds: "I saw them again the next morning… They looked like they'd just rolled out of bed! It was so cute."Grade: D (dishwater)

In Touch
"Betrayed By Her Husband"
Again: Lamar Odom was seen behind a nightclub with two women, standing next to a cab. It is possible that he got in the cab and said, "Sorry, girls, I'm married," and drove away into the night, but that is not part of the story. Instead the eyewitness says: "When I saw them, I immediately wondered, 'Why is Lamar in an alley in the middle of the night with two gorgeous girls?'" Maybe he was on his way home and leaving some hangers-on behind? Anyway! Let's move on. Also inside: Anne Hathaway's fashion icon is a flying squirrel. (Fig. 3) Taylor Swift is using Harry Styles, because his popularity brings her the attention she craves. A "source" swears: "She's a nice girl, but she's very calculated when it comes to dating the right men." Nine months out of rehab, Demi Moore was seen making a spectacle of herself in Miami, but when it comes right down to it, no one saw her drinking anything other than Red Bull, and dancing is not a crime, so, what is the what? Next, did you know that Backstreet Boy AJ McLean had a Goth-themed wedding and now has a newborn daughter? True story. (Fig. 4) In Katy Perry news, she has been texting her ex-husband, Russell Brand, and hiding it from boyfriend John Mayer, who would "freak out" if he knew. Finally, in a pleasant twist, the mag says something nice and declares that some women look better with less makeup (Fig. 5). Must be the holidays, making them sentimental.Grade: C (bathwater)

Us
"Raising a Royal Baby"
There are quite a few details and anecdotes in here about what kind of mother Princess Diana was — sometimes strict, but loving, hands-on, and insistent on keeping the kids grounded. Apparently even though royal families have, historically, enlisted full-time teams to assist with newborns, Kate and William want to do a lot of it themselves and will just have a part-time nanny. In terms of how the child will be raised, a "friend" says that Kate and William are "very outdoorsy," so their kid will play outside a lot, and that Kate "will be firm but fair." Meanwhile, security has been upped — Kate will get an extra "bump" guard, giving her a total of three security officers, and that person will become full-time protection for the child. Next! In 25 Things You Didn't Know About Me, CeeLo informs us he thinks Jamie Lee Curtis is a hottie and sequins dominate his closet. (Fig. 6) Bethenny Frankel and Jason Hoppy are "fighting a lot" and she is "unhappy" in the marriage. Under the section header "MAD MOM," Brandi Glanville grants an interview and explains that she does not trust her sons with "bonus mom" LeAnn Rimes. "She loves them, but she is endangering them," Brandi says, adding that LeAnn has a "severe eating disorder," is an "unstable person" and bringing up the fact that her kid once mistook one of LeAnn's laxatives for a Skittle and ate it. Yeah. Taylor Swift and Harry Styles are "moving too fast," and TSwizzle is "One Direction's biggest groupie" and recently they were seen at the Crosby Street hotel in New York, making out for two hours. Since this hotel is quite close to the Gawker offices we are very sad to have missed this snog sesh. Finally: Having learned that the world is cruel there are ridiculous standards of beauty for women, the ladies (and gent) of Jersey Shore have had a few tweaks. (Fig. 7)Grade: B- (lukewarm tap water)

Star
"Divorce!"
According to this story, while some of the crap on TV is "kontrived," there is, in fact, tension between Kris and Bruce Jenner, and a split is "imminent." Plus: "Kylie and Kendall broke down crying to Bruce, admitting that they feel like they don't have a mother and they believe her only concern is figuring out new ways to make money off of them." Seems entirely likely! Anyway, Kris was seen having "an intimate dinner" with an Australian photographer, and fawning all over him and acting "like a teenager with a crush." The dude in question, Russell James, while handsome, is wearing FLIP FLOPS in the photo featured, so like, really? Let's move on. Kate Middleton's parents have moved into Kensington palace, to be near her as she fights to get her health back through her pregnancy. Lindsay Lohan has been diagnosed with "full-on, severe Narcissistic Personality Disorder," says a "friend" who obviously does not care for patient/doctor confidentiality. LL used to take Lexapro, Wellbutrin and Xanax, but she gained weight and quit the drugs, and as someone who also gained weight from anti-depressants, I HEAR YOU, GIRL. Anyway, now her drugs of choice are booze, coke and Oxy, according to this source. Next: "Paula Abdul is a Syrian Jew and would love to give a home to a child orphaned by the civil war." Mila Kunis and Demi Moore both get their mani-pedis at Jessica Nail Clinic on the Sunset Strip, but Mila has had to rearrange her schedule so she doesn't run into Demi. The mag failed to insert claw-sharpening jokes with this news, but did add the word "meow" next to a picture of spilled nail polish. Katy Perry caught John Mayer sexting someone else, a friend claims, and Katy "flipped out." John shrugged it off. As he said in a 2010 interview: "I write a lot of dirty text messages to girls." In other doomed couples news, Rihanna has told Chris Brown that she will kill him if he leaves her. Healthy! "She says she's been through so much pain to get Chris back that his life won't be worth living if he breaks her heart again," a "well-placed source" claims. The insider also says that Chris Brown is turned on by this kind of talk, and is telling RiRi he loves her and wants to be with her forever. And: Justin Timberlake is "not happy" in his new marriage to Jessica Biel because she's redecorating his house — "he likes modern and minimalist; she likes antiques and clutter." The piece called "Hollywood's Dirty Dozen" is a list of the meanest celebs, from Jennifer Lopez to Shia LaBeouf to Julia Roberts ("she's left countless people in tears"), Christina Aguilera (Don't touch me!"), Dr. Phil and Alec Baldwin. Finally — and this is actually pretty genius — the editors latched onto the news story suggesting we're attracted to people who look like us and paired up some twinny couples. J'Anthrax and Robsten are especially close, but Nicole Scherzinger also gets kudos for finding a pseudo-doppelgänger. (Fig. 8)Grade: B+ (sparkling water)


Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross‘ Nine Inch Nails are back with their long-promised third and final EP, Bad Witch, which releases on June 22. Consisting of six tracks, Bad Witch is now available for pre-order in all formats and limited exclusive merch bundles from https://nin.lnk.to/Music. The track listing is as follows:

1. Shit Mirror

2. Ahead of Ourselves

3. Play the Goddamned Part

4. God Break Down the Door

5. I’m Not From This World

6. Over and out

The album completes the trilogy that began with 2016’s Not The Actual Events and 2017’s ADD VIOLENCE.

Nine Inch Nails will launch COLD AND BLACK AND INFINITE NORTH AMERICA 2018 on September 13 with support The Jesus and Mary Chain. The band will bring their “musical, visual, emotional sensory onslaught,” as hailed by The New York Times, to some of the most iconic venues in the USA – including two-night stands at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre (September 18 and 19), New York City’s Radio City Music Hall (October 13 and 14) and the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago (October 25 and 26). It will culminate with four shows at the Palladium in Los Angeles (December 7, 8, 11 and 12). See below for itinerary.

In an attempt to get tickets directly into the hands of fans instead of resellers, the band will be selling all seats to COLD AND BLACK AND INFINTE NORTH AMERCA 2018 in person at The Physical World presale events, taking place May 19th at each venue’s box office, with the exception of Red Rocks for which the presale will take place on May 20th at the Denver Coliseum Box Office.

All seats (including the best seats) will be available for purchase in person only, first come, first served. Fans can purchase up to four tickets per show. Visit nin.com/tickets2018 for a complete list of box office locations and further information. Limited quantities of tickets may be released via additional ticketing channels, subject to availability, at a later date to be announced. Ticket inventory available via phone and online channels will include ADA tickets.

COLD AND BLACK AND INFINITE NORTH AMERICA 2018

WITH THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN

09/13 Phoenix, AZ Comerica Theatre

09/14 Phoenix, AZ Comerica Theatre

09/18 Morrison, CO Red Rocks

09/19 Morrison, CO Red Rocks

09/24 Memphis, TN Orpheum Theater

09/26 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre

09/27 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre

09/29 Nashville, TN Ascend Amphitheater

10/09 Washington, DC The Anthem

10/13 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall

10/14 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall

10/19 Boston, MA Boch Center

10/20 Boston, MA Boch Center

10/22 Detroit, MI Fox Theater

10/23 Detroit, MI Fox Theater

10/25 Chicago, IL Aragon Ballroom

10/26 Chicago, IL Aragon Ballroom

11/23 New Orleans, LA Saenger Theatre

11/24 New Orleans, LA Saenger Theatre

11/27 Irving, TX The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

11/28 Irving, TX The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

12/03 San Francisco, CA Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

12/07 Los Angeles, CA Palladium

12/08 Los Angeles, CA Palladium

12/11 Los Angeles, CA Palladium

12/12 Los Angeles, CA Palladium

Nine Inch Nails – SUMMER 2018 TOUR DATES

* headline shows

06/13 Las Vegas, NV The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino *SOLD OUT

06/15 Las Vegas, NV The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino *SOLD OUT

06/16 Las Vegas, NV The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino *SOLD OUT

06/22 London Meltdown Festival *SOLD OUT

06/24 London Royal Albert Hall *SOLD OUT

06/25 Paris Olympia *SOLD OUT

06/27 Amsterdam AFAS *SOLD OUT

06/29 St Gallen Open Air Fest

06/30 Prague Aerodrome Festival

07/02 Berlin Zitadelle *SOLD OUT

07/04 Roskilde DK Roskilde Festival

07/06 Belfort Eurokennes Festival

07/08 Werchter Rock Werchter Festival

07/09 Montreux Montreux Jazz Festival

07/12 Lisbon NOS Alive Festival

07/14 Madrid Mad Cool Festival

08/14 Bangkok Moonstar Studio

08/17 Tokyo Sonic Mania Festival

08/19 Osaka Summer Sonic Festival

09/22 San Antonio, TX River City Rockfest