~/Culture/::Page:: en-gb BABE v1 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 23:25:36 GMT 20 ~//Culture/the-onslaught-of-the-twilight-reincarnations.html With the release of Breaking Dawn: Part 2, I thought Twilight was at last over. How naïve of me. After all, where the big bucks are guaranteed, why attempt originality? The resurrection begins in February, with the release of Beautiful Creatures. Charlotte Rowland Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:22:38 GMT Culture 4595 ~//Culture/music-of-the-month-january.html There isn’t always a great deal of cheer to be had in the cold wintery weeks that follow the high of the Christmas and New Year buzz. What we can enjoy is the promise of what the music industry has in store for the coming year, and if January is anything to go by, 2013 promises to be a pretty good year! Stephanie Jones Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:30:43 GMT Culture 4593 ~//Culture/girls-series-2-does-it-live-up-to-the-hype.html As you may have noticed from the "OMG GIRLS" tweets the last few days, series two of Girls is back, and airing only one day behind the States. (Which is basically amazing.) Cate Sevilla Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:53:44 GMT Culture 4590 ~//Culture/film-review-the-muddle-of-les-misrables.html Do you hear the people sing? Everywhere, they're singing the praises of the new Les Misérables film; of it's Hollywood leads, director Tom Hooper, the 'masterstroke' of recording the soundtrack live on set, it's 9 BAFTA nominations. Witnessing this cacophony, I feel a little like Eponine – confused and alone. Am I the only cinema-goer this weekend that left with mixed emotions? Not as a musical non-believer. I know every lyric and note b... Charlotte Rowland Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:15:58 GMT Culture 4585 ~//Culture/tvs-coolest-lady-politcian.html UK viewers bid a fond farewell to the wonderful Sarah Lund as the final series of The Killing drew to a close just before Christmas. But everybody’s other favourite Danish TV character, Birgitte Nyborg Christensen (Sidse Babett Knudsen), is back! That’s right, political thriller Borgen returned to BBC Four last week and it looks like it’s going to be every bit as gripping as ... Jenn Taylor Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:30:38 GMT Culture 4581 ~//Culture/cinematic-reading-list-for-2013.html I’m one of those people who just have to read the book before watching the movie. While, admittedly, this can sometimes ruin the experience of witnessing just how thoroughly Hollywood botched your beloved book, other times it can lead to a deeper and richer movie-going experience If you’re willing to risk it and read the inspiration before watching the adaptation, here are some of the book-to-film adaptations to look forward to in 2013. Carolyn Dineen Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:01:29 GMT Culture 4580 ~//Culture/new-book-releases-for-january-2013.html It seems these days that the majority of people tend to have resolutions focused around their health and body image. This year I’m making a reading resolution to read at least one book per week.   Now, I understand that this might seem unfeasible by some, but I commute to and from the city for work two hours each day.  I used to read on every train trip but of late I find myself reaching for my smart phone rather than a book more often than not. Luckily 2013 is l... Cailin Szczesiul Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:50:22 GMT Culture 4575 ~//Culture/what-your-response-to-the-mcfly-wedding-speech.html That bloke from McFly has got married. Not the one with the nice cheekbones or the crazy rock ‘n’ roll one who won I'm A Celebrity.... No, it’s the blonde one who writes the songs and has a distinctive chin. Y’know, Tom Foster? In the fine tradition of celebrity weddings being understated and deeply personal events, Tom has gone and posted a video of his speech on YouTube. During this subtle, understated and deeply personal 15 minute musical ... Jen Evans Wed, 09 Jan 2013 13:00:32 GMT Culture 4572 ~//Culture/culture-vulture-2013s-must-see-exhibitions.html UK culture vultures have exhibitions a-plenty to keep them amused over the next 12 months. 2013 is shaping up to be (culturally and visually) bigger, badder and better than the vintage year that we’ve just left behind. National galleries have stepped up their game as the art world moves away from London-centric events. Derry-Londonderry is the City of Culture – look out for Victoria Loomes Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:00:03 GMT Culture 4565 ~//Culture/female-fronted-acts-to-take-2013-by-storm.html It's clear that 2012 had some big music highlights; PSY's “Gangnam Style” spawned a thousand spoofs, Alt J stormed their way to Mercury Music Prize glory and my personal favourite song of the year - Nick Clegg's I'm Sorry took everyone a little by surprise. Alice Aylett Roberts Mon, 07 Jan 2013 10:00:50 GMT Culture 4566 ~//Culture/5-tv-shows-to-look-forward-to.html Resolutions aside,  2013, and for me that means it's time for midseason shows to begin! Last years Fall schedule was all over the place with most of the networks holding back their new shows for 2013 release. Here's my picks for the new year...   The Carrie Diaries The long awaited Sex and the City prequel is due to premiere on the CW in the US this January. Originally penned by Candace... Kim Townend Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:00:38 GMT Culture 4559 ~//Culture/great-european-destinations-for-winter-getaways.html During the months of cold, grey winter, it can be easy to fall into hibernation mode, complete with large, baggy sweaters and piles of comfort food. Some people might escape to balmier regions, like the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, but that would mean swapping your woolly sweater for a bikini after months of eating Christmas cookies and not shaving your legs. Carolyn Dineen Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:00:19 GMT Culture 4564 ~//Culture/the-pop-culture-of-2012.html So, 2012. Plenty happened, didn’t it? Now the year’s almost over, let’s wrap up all of the notable pop culture events of the year before we get stuck into that turkey: Movie Events This year saw the release of the final installment of the Twilight Saga, Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2. Twilight fans came out in force to see their favourite franchise off in style, taking $227.4 million in its first ten days in... Siobhan Harper Fri, 28 Dec 2012 15:00:12 GMT Culture 4538 ~//Culture/how-to-celebrate-on-new-years-eve.html New Year’s Eve is, without fail, the most consistently disappointing event of the whole year. There's so much optimism and enthusiasm  then it's over too quickly. Yet, each time it rolls around I manage to convince myself that perhaps this year will be different. We all do it. Alice Aylett Roberts Fri, 28 Dec 2012 12:00:39 GMT Culture 4561 ~//Culture/films-well-be-watching-in-2013.html 2013 looks like an exciting year for cinema. It's only right we give you a sneak peak, beginning with the return of two British institutions. About Time and The World's End Our cinemas have lacked romance in recent years. There's a glimmer of hope for 2013. Richard Curtis is back in May with About Time, a time-travelling romantic comedy starring Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson (Bill Weasley in Harry Potter). Unfortunately ther... Charlotte Rowland Thu, 27 Dec 2012 12:00:22 GMT Culture 4551 ~//Culture/the-top-tv-shows-of-2012.html So, that was it. 2012 is practically over, and with it some of the best television we've seen in years. Here's my pick of what you should've been watching in 2012. Homeland Given the hype that surrounded this show, and the fact that it's about the only watchable show on Channel 4 these days, I wouldn't have thought that there was anyone out there who'd missed this. But I still meet people who haven't gotten around to it. ... Kim Townend Wed, 26 Dec 2012 15:07:00 GMT Culture 4549 ~//Culture/the-films-of-2012-part-two.html In part two of our look back at 2012’s movie offerings, Charlotte Rowland celebrates the indie and world cinema triumphs that warmed hearts and outshone their big budget competition... In a year crowded with big names and big promises, the quality film-making was to be found elsewhere – in independents, foreign films and unknown actors. And (without big advertising or production budgets) they're still only just filtering through... Charlotte Rowland Mon, 24 Dec 2012 15:00:23 GMT Culture 4543 ~//Culture/the-books-of-2012.html Let’s face it, the weather this year has been seriously inclement. And – other than those few weeks during the summer when we were all inexplicably transfixed by sport – there has plenty of opportunity to get some reading done. Here’s a round up of the books that made waves in 2012. Jenn Taylor Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:30:27 GMT Culture 4544 ~//Culture/guide-to-christmas-tv.html Christmas - the perfect time to pop on your onesie and slip in front of the TV. And there's certainly plenty to feast your eyes on this year. Drama Ah the soaps at Christmas! How they fill us with festive cheer... Or at least make our families feel normal. Whatever your soap of choice, once you've revelled in the tragedy/ affair/ murder/ arrest/ disastrous wedding/ apocalypse, you'll find plenty of sentimental dramas in which t... Charlotte Rowland Fri, 21 Dec 2012 13:00:37 GMT Culture 4545 ~//Culture/2012-in-film-part-one.html In part one of out look back over 2012’s big screen highlights, Charlotte Rowland looks at superheroes, vampires, cinematic realism and fiery animated warriors... Despite the noise that heralded some of the year’s big-budget releases, the world of cinema has felt fairly quiet in 2012. Even now, cinema-goers have not yet unpacked the full potential of 2012's films. Charlotte Rowland Fri, 21 Dec 2012 10:00:13 GMT Culture 4541  ~/Culture/::Page:: en-gb BABE v1 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 23:25:37 GMT 20 ~//Culture/the-onslaught-of-the-twilight-reincarnations.html With the release of Breaking Dawn: Part 2, I thought Twilight was at last over. How naïve of me. After all, where the big bucks are guaranteed, why attempt originality? The resurrection begins in February, with the release of Beautiful Creatures. Charlotte Rowland Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:22:38 GMT Culture 4595 ~//Culture/music-of-the-month-january.html There isn’t always a great deal of cheer to be had in the cold wintery weeks that follow the high of the Christmas and New Year buzz. What we can enjoy is the promise of what the music industry has in store for the coming year, and if January is anything to go by, 2013 promises to be a pretty good year! Stephanie Jones Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:30:43 GMT Culture 4593 ~//Culture/girls-series-2-does-it-live-up-to-the-hype.html As you may have noticed from the "OMG GIRLS" tweets the last few days, series two of Girls is back, and airing only one day behind the States. (Which is basically amazing.) Cate Sevilla Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:53:44 GMT Culture 4590 ~//Culture/film-review-the-muddle-of-les-misrables.html Do you hear the people sing? Everywhere, they're singing the praises of the new Les Misérables film; of it's Hollywood leads, director Tom Hooper, the 'masterstroke' of recording the soundtrack live on set, it's 9 BAFTA nominations. Witnessing this cacophony, I feel a little like Eponine – confused and alone. Am I the only cinema-goer this weekend that left with mixed emotions? Not as a musical non-believer. I know every lyric and note b... Charlotte Rowland Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:15:58 GMT Culture 4585 ~//Culture/tvs-coolest-lady-politcian.html UK viewers bid a fond farewell to the wonderful Sarah Lund as the final series of The Killing drew to a close just before Christmas. But everybody’s other favourite Danish TV character, Birgitte Nyborg Christensen (Sidse Babett Knudsen), is back! That’s right, political thriller Borgen returned to BBC Four last week and it looks like it’s going to be every bit as gripping as ... Jenn Taylor Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:30:38 GMT Culture 4581 ~//Culture/cinematic-reading-list-for-2013.html I’m one of those people who just have to read the book before watching the movie. While, admittedly, this can sometimes ruin the experience of witnessing just how thoroughly Hollywood botched your beloved book, other times it can lead to a deeper and richer movie-going experience If you’re willing to risk it and read the inspiration before watching the adaptation, here are some of the book-to-film adaptations to look forward to in 2013. Carolyn Dineen Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:01:29 GMT Culture 4580 ~//Culture/new-book-releases-for-january-2013.html It seems these days that the majority of people tend to have resolutions focused around their health and body image. This year I’m making a reading resolution to read at least one book per week.   Now, I understand that this might seem unfeasible by some, but I commute to and from the city for work two hours each day.  I used to read on every train trip but of late I find myself reaching for my smart phone rather than a book more often than not. Luckily 2013 is l... Cailin Szczesiul Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:50:22 GMT Culture 4575 ~//Culture/what-your-response-to-the-mcfly-wedding-speech.html That bloke from McFly has got married. Not the one with the nice cheekbones or the crazy rock ‘n’ roll one who won I'm A Celebrity.... No, it’s the blonde one who writes the songs and has a distinctive chin. Y’know, Tom Foster? In the fine tradition of celebrity weddings being understated and deeply personal events, Tom has gone and posted a video of his speech on YouTube. During this subtle, understated and deeply personal 15 minute musical ... Jen Evans Wed, 09 Jan 2013 13:00:32 GMT Culture 4572 ~//Culture/culture-vulture-2013s-must-see-exhibitions.html UK culture vultures have exhibitions a-plenty to keep them amused over the next 12 months. 2013 is shaping up to be (culturally and visually) bigger, badder and better than the vintage year that we’ve just left behind. National galleries have stepped up their game as the art world moves away from London-centric events. Derry-Londonderry is the City of Culture – look out for Victoria Loomes Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:00:03 GMT Culture 4565 ~//Culture/female-fronted-acts-to-take-2013-by-storm.html It's clear that 2012 had some big music highlights; PSY's “Gangnam Style” spawned a thousand spoofs, Alt J stormed their way to Mercury Music Prize glory and my personal favourite song of the year - Nick Clegg's I'm Sorry took everyone a little by surprise. Alice Aylett Roberts Mon, 07 Jan 2013 10:00:50 GMT Culture 4566 ~//Culture/5-tv-shows-to-look-forward-to.html Resolutions aside,  2013, and for me that means it's time for midseason shows to begin! Last years Fall schedule was all over the place with most of the networks holding back their new shows for 2013 release. Here's my picks for the new year...   The Carrie Diaries The long awaited Sex and the City prequel is due to premiere on the CW in the US this January. Originally penned by Candace... Kim Townend Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:00:38 GMT Culture 4559 ~//Culture/great-european-destinations-for-winter-getaways.html During the months of cold, grey winter, it can be easy to fall into hibernation mode, complete with large, baggy sweaters and piles of comfort food. Some people might escape to balmier regions, like the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, but that would mean swapping your woolly sweater for a bikini after months of eating Christmas cookies and not shaving your legs. Carolyn Dineen Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:00:19 GMT Culture 4564 ~//Culture/the-pop-culture-of-2012.html So, 2012. Plenty happened, didn’t it? Now the year’s almost over, let’s wrap up all of the notable pop culture events of the year before we get stuck into that turkey: Movie Events This year saw the release of the final installment of the Twilight Saga, Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2. Twilight fans came out in force to see their favourite franchise off in style, taking $227.4 million in its first ten days in... Siobhan Harper Fri, 28 Dec 2012 15:00:12 GMT Culture 4538 ~//Culture/how-to-celebrate-on-new-years-eve.html New Year’s Eve is, without fail, the most consistently disappointing event of the whole year. There's so much optimism and enthusiasm  then it's over too quickly. Yet, each time it rolls around I manage to convince myself that perhaps this year will be different. We all do it. Alice Aylett Roberts Fri, 28 Dec 2012 12:00:39 GMT Culture 4561 ~//Culture/films-well-be-watching-in-2013.html 2013 looks like an exciting year for cinema. It's only right we give you a sneak peak, beginning with the return of two British institutions. About Time and The World's End Our cinemas have lacked romance in recent years. There's a glimmer of hope for 2013. Richard Curtis is back in May with About Time, a time-travelling romantic comedy starring Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson (Bill Weasley in Harry Potter). Unfortunately ther... Charlotte Rowland Thu, 27 Dec 2012 12:00:22 GMT Culture 4551 ~//Culture/the-top-tv-shows-of-2012.html So, that was it. 2012 is practically over, and with it some of the best television we've seen in years. Here's my pick of what you should've been watching in 2012. Homeland Given the hype that surrounded this show, and the fact that it's about the only watchable show on Channel 4 these days, I wouldn't have thought that there was anyone out there who'd missed this. But I still meet people who haven't gotten around to it. ... Kim Townend Wed, 26 Dec 2012 15:07:00 GMT Culture 4549 ~//Culture/the-films-of-2012-part-two.html In part two of our look back at 2012’s movie offerings, Charlotte Rowland celebrates the indie and world cinema triumphs that warmed hearts and outshone their big budget competition... In a year crowded with big names and big promises, the quality film-making was to be found elsewhere – in independents, foreign films and unknown actors. And (without big advertising or production budgets) they're still only just filtering through... Charlotte Rowland Mon, 24 Dec 2012 15:00:23 GMT Culture 4543 ~//Culture/the-books-of-2012.html Let’s face it, the weather this year has been seriously inclement. And – other than those few weeks during the summer when we were all inexplicably transfixed by sport – there has plenty of opportunity to get some reading done. Here’s a round up of the books that made waves in 2012. Jenn Taylor Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:30:27 GMT Culture 4544 ~//Culture/guide-to-christmas-tv.html Christmas - the perfect time to pop on your onesie and slip in front of the TV. And there's certainly plenty to feast your eyes on this year. Drama Ah the soaps at Christmas! How they fill us with festive cheer... Or at least make our families feel normal. Whatever your soap of choice, once you've revelled in the tragedy/ affair/ murder/ arrest/ disastrous wedding/ apocalypse, you'll find plenty of sentimental dramas in which t... Charlotte Rowland Fri, 21 Dec 2012 13:00:37 GMT Culture 4545 ~//Culture/2012-in-film-part-one.html In part one of out look back over 2012’s big screen highlights, Charlotte Rowland looks at superheroes, vampires, cinematic realism and fiery animated warriors... Despite the noise that heralded some of the year’s big-budget releases, the world of cinema has felt fairly quiet in 2012. Even now, cinema-goers have not yet unpacked the full potential of 2012's films. Charlotte Rowland Fri, 21 Dec 2012 10:00:13 GMT Culture 4541