Top 3 Lenses under £300

To follow on from my short guide to buying a DSLR and rebel T2i review here are my top 5 lenses under £300.


1. Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM £269 - this is an amazing prime lense at a bargin price. The 1.4 give you a great focal length for portrait photography. For this bargain price, the 50mm would have to be the my no.1. Just look at the quality!


































2.Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Telephoto.£150 long-focal-lens. This is a telephoto lens, great for magnification without the hassle of a long body.

3.Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX DG Macro £368
A macro lens will give you an insanely sharp image very close up. The best time to use a macro lens is in my opinion for outdoors or photography directed towards specific high detailed objects/subjects. This is my rebel.. it's a little above budget but just look at the quality.

https://secure.ffordes.com/index.htm - a great website to buy used or new lenses!

Creativity: Shakespeare Vs. Sekou

Poetry has evolved vastly over the years. Its form is no longer just plays or music. It can be in the form of lyrics or spoken word.
Poetry no longer has to rhyme, or be written in riddles to engage the reader, in thinking that their intellect will never suffice to understand the concept therefore just the process of reading, is engaging in poetry itself.
I see poetry being about communication.
Not just studying of social context or historical periods, but an expression of who we are and what we feel and experience in our lives. 
Its a colourful way of communicating things we cant always say.
Its storytelling at its best!


Some of my favourite poets are lyricists.
Music is important to me and its because of the words involved. I want to share with you some of my favourite modern poets.


The guys are talented, they have a way with words that express emotion and opinion so intelligently yet allow the new generation to comprehend. 


Sekou
a.k.a Sekou excellent is a great political spoken word poet. I was introduced to him a few months ago and was engaged instantly by his performance and delivery or the words he puts together.
Checkout the video below from Def Poetry!










Jill Scott
One of my favourite artists. She is a singer/songwriter with the ability to perform with crazy energy. Her words are full of love and struggle as well as beauty and happiness. The video below is an example of her poetic ability live on Def Poetry!





Checkout her poetry book- 'The Moments,the Minutes, the Hours'


Maya Angelou
One of my all time favourite writers. Her book ' I know why the caged bird sings'  is an emotive tale of civil rights struggle and a woman's pain.
The book below is a collection of her poetry, its a beautiful book with short poems to lift your spirit, inspire or educate. I always find it comforting to read now and again.














































Ntozake Shange
Her play 'For Coloured Girls who have considered suicide when the Rainbow is enuf' is a beautiful yet painful story about black women's struggle with relationships and self love.
Most recently it has been made into film and will premier in the uk this friday! 
Checkout the trailer below!

Be inspired to inspire!Word!

Food: Food For Eating, Drinking and Thinking

Situated in the heart of Central London, this tiny wholesome cottage like restaurant, certainly gives its customers a taste of life in the countryside. Which is terrible, if you came to the city to run away from all that. In that case, stop complaining and leave, no-ones forcing you to stay.

Walking into the place, or standing in the place rather, as there is no room to maneuver yourself either upstairs or downstairs; you find yourself looking for a decent menu. There is not one clear print of what is available to eat downstairs as there are many different ones hanging from different walls. This is definitely not a professional place. However, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

After waiting ten to fifteen minutes in line to order, if you're lucky enough to get a table, the pressure is on to say the items as quickly as possible in case the person behind starts huffing and puffing. After ordering you have to wait for your meal to be slopped in front of you like a school or prison canteen, the difference is, there's no hair.

If you are one of the unlucky few that didn't miss the dinner rush, don't sweat not having a table to yourselves, you can always cuddle up to your neighbor, or that's at least what they tell you, they meaning the people who work throwing your food into your plate. What's weird about it, in the heart of London, they take their advice and they sit next to strangers and they have a good time. 

Upon going there, I ordered the Malaysian curry (after panicking on the spot and being forced to choose between that or the spinach quiche) It came with a side of noodles, and an oriental styled salad. To be completely honest, it was bland and needed more salt, there was none in reach, because the only objects on the table were a water jug that they fill up and keep there, I'm guessing to stop them from being bothered as the station they work in looks hard to get out of. The curry itself wasn't spicy but it did fill me up and allowed me to feel better about myself, it tasted healthy and home-cooked.

The real treat in this place is the dessert. Of course, the waiting period has gone up by then as everybody has the same idea in mind. Unlike my sister, who had the quiche (good choice) and ordered her strawberry surprise straight away. After queuing for a while, I ordered four Strawberry and Banana treats, so did the man behind me, except... I finished the only remaining servings and that, in turn, acquired a simultaneous sigh that was heard throughout the queue. 

"Are you joking? That's the only reason I come here!"

After feeling bad for about five minutes, I realized that the dessert was actually adequate, however, I expected more from the taste as the people groaning heightened my expectations. Sadly, this place did not satisfy every itch I was feeling in the taste department, they are afraid of salt and sugar and that, for a restaurant is a dangerous combination. 

Oh, I should mention, this place is fully vegetarian, not a dead cow or chicken in sight or site. 

The feel of the place however, is certainly something else, it's home and home cooking smells all in one, and it makes you feel safe, like the people around you don't have criminal records, or social discrepancies.

If you feel like checking it out, everyone should:

Food For Thought

http://foodforthought-london.co.uk/

VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT, TAKE-AWAY & CATERING SERVICE

31 NEAL STREET, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON WC2H 9PR

Books: Top 5 Lesley Pearse Novels

YES, chick-lit can be considered literature, and for me, the UK best seller I enjoy reading the most is Lesley Pearse, who first became a published author at age 49. She subtly and effectively seduces you to not only keep reading, but also become deeply involved with the story, and very attached to the characters. You will gasp, cry and giggle at the situations they find themselves in. I enjoy them mostly because I can relate to the female protagonists and heroines in each novel. Lesley Pearse is also a woman to be admired herself, her rough childhood and varied worldly experiences are what provide the beautifully rich text for her novels. One thing that really impresses me about Pearse is that, despite her age and maturity, she can depict the sentiments of children and teenagers with such delicate perception. I must admit that since discovering her 6 years ago, I have read every novel she has ever published, so I really am a connoisseur on the subject. These are what I think her best works are:

Georgia

Ellie

Camellia

Never Look Back

Remember Me

These novels are mostly her earlier work, which I believe to be of a higher quality of writing. While her stories remain captivating, imaginative, and entertaining, I find they that certain aspects are becoming redundant, especially when you become familiar with her narrating style. Despite this, I believe I will continue to read this prolific author’s thick and ultimately feel-good books. 

Food: Top Five Yummies

1- Strada, Italian

This restaurant serves THE best Bruschetta, caramalised peppers and goats cheese, makes your mouth water even when you're eating it.

http://www.strada.co.uk/

2- Food For Thought

The most healthiest, scrumptious, home cooking tasted in London. Limited seating, but why not snuggle up on a strangers table, we're all family here!

(Get there early because the strawberry, banana crumble finishes fast!)

http://foodforthought-london.co.uk/

3- Belgo

Mussels, if you go, you order the mussels and the beer. They serve the best of both. Underground, hip, and a chance to beat the clock to pay less. Anything missing? No? Then go.

http://www.belgo-restaurants.co.uk/

4- Nobu

Yes, very expensive, but also, extremely tasty.

http://www.noburestaurants.com/london/menus/lunch/special-appetisers/

5- Dans Le Noir

Eating in pitch black, blind waiters, taste is heightened, truly an experience.

http://www.danslenoir.com/london/

Check them out, treat your buds to something not greasy and made out of plastic.

Food: Tabakh Libnani (Lebanese Food)

Walking towards it you're looking for a traditional Arabesque styled restaurant, after all, you've heard they serve the best Fattoush in London.

You pass a place that might be it, but it's the Moroccan place.

Maybe this one, with Arabic on the glass, Shisha outside? Iranian. 

Where is this Lebanese place that I've heard so much about?

Then, after passing the road where all the beautiful restaurants lived. It emerged. Diwan.

Purple and Yellow. 

Glass exterior.

And from the outside I could count maximum, 20 chairs. 

Not what I expected at all, however, looks can be deceiving. And they were.

Step inside it seems like a normal take away place, men lounging and socialising as if it were their living room. Tea included.

The manager asks you to take a seat, hands you the menu, you order.

Will it be like other Lebanese I tried?

Is the food good quality?

Before you have time to ask a third, the food arrives. 

Steaming in front of you, beautifully presented and incredible aroma. There's too much on the table, I don't know what to eat next, after a while you find yourself using one side of your mouth for Kibbe, the other for grilled halloumi. 

The flavours took me home, took me back to my balcony with my Grandfather, eating Kafta sandwiches and making fun of the people down below. Took me back to eating on a rooftop overlooking the lights of Beirut, took me back to sitting on the concrete slab of road right next to the sea, breathing in the fresh air and nibbling on a corn snack. 

Opening my eyes, I was disappointed to find myself back in London. 

Not so disappointed to find my favorite Lebanese dessert, rice and cream milk, without the pistachios in front of me and a spoon. Each mouthful of that delectable, smooth, rose flavored sweet, sent me on a bliss high. How did they make it so well. 

The waiters and cooks laugh among themselves and occasionally hit each other, don't be alarmed, it's all love in the Lebanese home of cooking.

And just in case you were wondering what foods I mentioned, here, have a translation:

Kebbe: Bulgur and chopped meat, served warm

Fattoush: Salad with fried Arabic bread, cucumber, lettuce, pomegranate, an amazing sauce (Sumac), radish and many more healthy vegetables

Kafta: Type of meat

Halloumi: Type of Cheese with a high melting point so it tastes amazing grilled.

Diwan is a hidden gem in Central London, and my advice? Go there on an empty stomach, an empty mind, and a few friends, it's surely nothing fancy, but it will extract a smile from you one way or another.

Website:

http://www.diwanrestaurant.co.uk/main.htm

(Wasn't kidding about the purple and yellow was I?)

Address:

31 Thayer Street, Marylebone High Street, London WIU 2QR

Youtube Cover of the Week!

Everyweek Im going to be bringing you the best youtube cover.
And when I say best im going to use that term lightly.
It might be the most talented vocalist on the web or just the most entertaining.
Either way you will surely be entertained.


So in tune of my music post earlier this week, Im bringing you Orlando Dixon.
Orlando is a talented vocalists and pianist, I found wondering through youtube.
He covers most popular songs and rearranges them to compliement his voice.
His tone, is both seductive and raw and honestlyIve been listening to them on repeat.


Orlando covers Rihanna's 'What's my name' and Marsha Ambrosius 'Hope she cheats'

Please check out his channel for more soulful covers
http://www.youtube.com/user/museman18

Film: Top 5 Foreign Films you probably have never heard of

1. Låt den rätte komma in (2008)

Directed by: Tomas Alfredson

Running Time : 115 minutes

2. Abel (2010) 

Directed by : Diego Luna

Running Time: 110 minutes

 3. SIN NOMBRE (2009)

Directed by : Cary  Fukanaga

Running time : 96 minutes

 4.Cosas Insignificantes (2008)

Directed by: Andrea Martinez

 Running time: 98 min

5.Innocence (2004)

Directed by: Lucile Hadzihalilovic

Running Time: 122 minutes

Film: Machete (2010) Review

        Directed by : Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis

           Running Time: 104 minutes

            IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0985694/

‘Machete’ is Robert Rodriguez’s feature that arose from the fake trailer that accompanied his and Tarantino’s bad ass double feature, Grindhouse. The fake Machete trailer received such an overwhelming response that Rodriguez decided to turn it into a feature.

Machete is a former Federale agent who is hired as a hitman to kill the anti-immigrant US senator (played by De Niro) but when things don’t exactly go according to plan, Machete embarks on a mission for revenge. Machete seeks the help of a beautiful Mexican activist and the unlikely help of a beautiful immigration agent.  

Machete has everything any guy could ever hope for: overblown action sequences, gratuitous violence, trailer worthy dialogue and amazingly hot women. Rodriguez appropriately takes a dig at Arizona’s outrageous immigration law and as Machete  said ‘ You fucked with the wrong Mexican’.

The music in the film perfectly fits the outrageous and over the top tone Machete carries. The effects are good, as are always from Rodriguez especially his title sequences, which never disappoint. The action is great throughout the film, although the last encounter Machete has with Torrez ( played by Steven Seagal) is a bit underwhelming in my opinion, although it is good my expectations for a Rodriguez film were a bit higher.  

The casting choices are excellent, everyone gives an amazing performance, especially Trejo, De Niro and Michelle Rodriguez. Lindsay Lohan gives a believable performance as April, despite the controversy surrounding her now a days.

  Machete is an extremely enjoyable film and is everything it lends itself to be. Rodriguez, as always successfully manages to give his fans exactly what they want.

Let the revenge BEGIN !

Creativity: 'Im a rebel like my T2i'

Choosing a DSLR for the frist time is the most exciting and nerve racking decision.
As an amateur photogrpaher there were many things i had to think about and ive put this review together to give you an overall feel of the camera as well as a short guide to buying your first DSLR.

5 Things To Think About
1. Budget
2. Make (Canon/ Nikon/ Olympus)
3. Model
4. Lenses (macro / telelphoto/ zoom /focal length/ appature)
5. casing and SD cards

My first tip is to research!!!

Speak to as many DSLR users as possible. Especially photographers who shoot a similar style to you. Their advice is gold! They can assist you on long-term purchases. Theyve been through the process of buying the body and lenes (a collection that will burn a hole in your pocket overtime) which are a very specfic and personal choice.

Read as many reviews as possible. Some great review websites are:
http://www.dpreview.com/
http://www.cameralabs.com/
http://www.digitalreview.ca/

Blogs are also very useful - because they will be written most likely by people who have used the product. They will upload their own pictures which i find really helpful to judge quality.

Google! Google reviews or comparisions of cameras you are choosing between. They will layout the good and bad points for you, and you can decide whether that affects you or not.

After your so sick of looking at images of the camera you are so desperate to hold, look for a bargin!

Top Tips For Buying
The cheapest deals are online.
HOWEVER make sure the seller is reliable (especially if your buying off eBay)

Its not always best to get a lense kit, it may seem like a cheap deal at the time but saving that money to get a good prime lense in the future can be better off.

Make sure that this is the camera you want. If you are buying online go to a local store and hold the camera. Its important to get a feel of the camera, it can also be a good way to decide between models, instinctively.


'Im a rebel like my T2i'



I picked up my canon 550D T2i + 18-55mm lense kit on pixmania for £605 incl. delivery.
I saved at least up to £50 from other sellers.
The lense isnt great and I could have spent £200 more for a 18-135mm lense kit HOWEVER for my use, im interested in buying some macro lenses rather than zoom.

Apart from having to charge it- anticipation almost killed me!
I literally began shooting anything in my radius.
Every image amazed me. I havent taken it through any tests yet but Im planning a shoot in decemeber which will proove excactly how good the camera is.

Features I was looking for:
1. Frames per second. (at least 4)
2. Auto-focus modes
3. Video capapbilites (To support my interest in filmaking)
4. Portability
5. Amatuer use

For now, I must say im impressed. The feel of the body is comfortable, its light weight and easy to manage. Its not hard on the eyes and shoots instantly in atuo mode. The lense will do for now but I am already searching for a 50mm macro lense and telephoto lense.

Final word: I would recommend the T2i to first time DSLR users, you can pick it up for a price that wont hurt your pocket too much for what you are getting. Keep posted for my first T2i pics!

Film: Top 5 low budget Films

1. El Mariachi
Directed by: Robert Rodriguez
Budget: $7000

2. Requiem for a Dream
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky

Budget: $4,500,000

3.Paranormal Activity
Directed by: Oren Peli
Budget: $15,000

4. The Blair Witch Project
Directed by: Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez
Budget :$22,000

5. EraserHead
Directed by: David Lynch
Budget: $100,000

Inspiration: Dirty Money

As we move towards Christmas, I thought it would be apt to begin by reviewing something with the theme of partying associated with it. The term party can be defined in a relatively simple manner, but different age groups associate with it different cultural products and it’s usually the youth who make a mess of it all in the end, quite literally. It’s true; the party itself may be as glamorous as can be, but there isn’t much shine or sparkle left at the end of it all. Today, the culture of partying amongst the youth around the world is such that the mess that is made at the end of the whole party determines whether it was just a ‘good’ party or in fact a ‘great’ one.

It’s quite a paradox as to how this mess is considered to be invaluable in delivering the final verdict on the rating of a party and yet be one of the most frustrating and irritating aspects of the day because it needs to be cleaned up.

Enter the ‘Hangover Helpers’. I happened to stumble upon this link on Facebook (special thanks to Anshuk Megharikh for posting it), and was drawn in by the simplicity of this idea. What began in the form of cleaning up party houses (to earn extra cash) for Marc Simons during University, actually inspired him to start up this relatively simple business, targeting a specific niche market. Hangover Helpers take care of cleaning up the mess made at a party and also supply energy drinks and mouth watering Mexican food. Amazing isn’t it; you get fed and energized for letting them clean up your mess.

Once Marc had realized the full potential of what he was actually doing, he teamed up with Alex Verre-Nicol and formed Hangover Helpers. It’s quite a simple theory – The products available in the market today cater to almost everything we need. Hence, what people want most is interaction and a personalized touch, some form of service. And this is exactly what these two friends have done; they are providing invaluable service (what the people want) at a time when people need it the most. Marc claims that he had found a relatively profitable niche in spite of the bad economy. I don’t know whether you sense it or not, but it definitely tells me something – If you cater to people’s wants at a time when they need it the most, in the form of a service, no material, tangible product can be as valuable as the service provided.

Lights, music, cups and alcohol may cater to the temporary desires of entertainment and enjoyment, but at the end of the day it takes a human touch to make you truly happy. So, I say we seek inspiration from the Hangover Helpers and begin to help one another more so that we all may mutually benefit from each other!

The next article I will be doing will be a follow up to this, but it branches off very interestingly into a theme of our social world, so watch out for that!

Here is the link to the short write up about Hangover Helpers: http://www.coloradodaily.com/ci_16719213#axzz16jZr45Er

Food: Pret A Porter, Pret A Laver, Pret A Manger

Those times when you're starving, but you've already had lunch, and it's only a couple of hours away from dinner, those times are the worst. Mc Donalds seems like a viable choice, even tempting, a cheap burger and fries to set you on your way. Oh but the guilt! The cheese, the unnatural ingredients, not to mention the never eroding fries that will keep your stomach gurgling for hours, imagine having to explain that to the person who has cooked you a delicious dinner, oh no. Mc Donalds won't do.

Walk a little further, down the street, turn either to your left or to your right, you're probably wondering where, well, anywhere! In central London that is.

Pret A Manger is on every corner, near every main station, and if you're those in Liverpool street and Victoria, well then you're spoiled for a choice of three Prets!

A chain this big is probably boasting, a rich boring company that does not care for its customers, just for the money. Well maybe, but it does sandwiches better than your mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles. Broad statement I know, but once you dig into one of their caramelised onions and brie sandwich, it would be very hard to disagree. The flavor of the mild brie compliments the poignant sweet onion, and it's all brought together with freshly baked french bread.

If you go specifically to have lunch or breakfast there, the sandwich is simply not enough. The food stations are cleverly sectioned out into drinks, snacks, salads and sandwiches and... dessert, much like shopping in a supermarket or Ikea, for spare parts to that desk you were meaning to build. And once you feel you have your selection of a healthy meal, your subjected to the cashiers treats, "Would you like anything else with that?" the healthy crisps, vegetable snacks, popcorn, and even... Chocolate. Damn my wallet! Why do you always stretch further when in the presence of Pret, I could probably find the same crisps cheaper, the chocolate more enjoyable, and the popcorn freshly made, it's the power of marketing my friends. Never underestimate it. 

There's no real art to making these sandwiches, just fresh ingredients and a taste for what goes well. Some are simple, such as the dolphin friendly tuna, mayo and cucumber. Some are more extravagant, like the hoisin duck wrap.

But one thing is for sure, they are all 'kiss the ground and beam me up' delicious.

If you're having trouble finding one (you shouldn't), but just in case:

http://www.pret.com/find_a_pret/findapret.cgi

Can you say 'Mmmm'?

Film: Io non ho paura (2003) Review

Directed by : Gabriele Salvatores

            Running Time: 108 minutes

            IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0326977/

Io non ho paura ( I’m not scared) is a beautifully crafted film set in Southern Italy (1978). It follows the discovery that nine year old  Michele has stumbled upon and how he deals with it.

While exploring an old abandoned house, Michele notices a trap door and looks inside. To his surprise he sees a very fragile/malnutritioned child squinting back at him and it gives a Michele a huge scare. It turns out, the child’s name is Filippo  and strangely he thinks he is dead.

Eventually Michele befriends Filippo and brings him food and water daily. Michele does not tell anybody of his discovery at first as he clearly does not understand what the reality of the situation is as he is only nine years old.

As the plot progresses, the film becomes an intense ride as Filippo’s story becomes evident and Michele gets caught up in a web of unfortunate circumstances. 

Salvatores takes his time to get to the climax. He depicts how Michele’s secret grows in his mind. That is to say that for Michele there were also other things to think about, as for when he longs for a toy blue truck that belongs to a friend, he strikes a bargain to get it. Essentially, the urgency of the situation only gradually grows in Filippos mind.

This film is a helpful reminder that in childhood days seemed to last forever. Parents were by far a law that was not to be questioned, as they had demonstrated that they knew best and that we were only children. ‘ Io non ha paura’ is a depiction of true childhood, of it’s fears and doubts, of the way a conversation can be overheard but not understood, of the innocence of a child.

This film works perfectly, the acting is impressive, the cinematography is beautiful and the director’s story telling through the eyes of Michele is captivating.

ENJOY!