UPDATES

Lots of updates to come on here! Sorry that I have been absent, however, work is hectic with the Christmas period coming up. However, I promise to devote full attention to this blog from now on and my love of everything newsy!

Coming up, expect London spectacular 'Rock of Ages' review, why you should choose Costa coffee over Starbucks and I'll also look at whether universities are doing enough to set students up for the work place after graduation.

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ABU QATADA WINS LEGAL BATTLE TO REMAIN IN THE UK.

ABU QATADA WINS LEGAL BATTLE TO REMAIN IN THE UK. 

Abu Qatada has won his legal battle against his extradition back to native Jordan.
The terror suspect is to stay in the UK after he won his appeal against being deported back to Jordan.
It was ruled by the court that Qatada wouldn't receive a fair trail in his native country.
The decision will come as a blow to the UK Government, costing almost nearly £1m in legal fees.
The Government said that it 'strongly disagreed' with the court's ruling on the terror suspect.
Qatada has been fighting deportation for seven years while being held in UK prisons.
Home Secretary Theresa May is expected to make a statement on the decision today. 

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Lavish London

Thinking of taking a trip to the big city? 

     By Lauren Vamplew 

THE hustle and bustle of London is strangely addictive. Never before have I felt so comfortable being in overcrowded shops and busy tourist areas. This is all because there’s something magical about the capital city. Flurries of tourists snap pictures of the Big Ben, as Tower Bridge sparkles in the dark and quaint boutiques keep customers flowing through the entrance until late. The great thing about this city is that there is no opportunity to get bored. Shopping, theatres, sight-seeing, bars and restaurants keep the vibrant city alive. Not to mention the newly regained British spirit echoing throughout the capital. The magic of the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee has brought over international tourists in aim of discovering what London has to offer.

London’s sight-seeing attractions make the city feel animated and energetic. Buckingham palace is the perfect attraction for those who love picturesque scenery and charming architecture. Likewise, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey both have intricate decorative detailing that keep onlookers admiring the surroundings. If you prefer relaxing with a drink at the end of your day, there are some bars sitting at the side of the Thames which are perfect in the sunshine. The London Eye glows in the night sky, as Tower Bridge shines and the city gives off a vibrant radiance. By day, St James’s Park is full of businessmen taking in some fresh air on their dinner break, as well as families and children taking pictures in front of the water. With plenty of space, it is ideal if you want to sit down and eat some dinner after a long afternoon of shopping. So if you are like me and get caught up in the heart of the city, you will find sight-seeing a wonderful experience.

 

If you have never been to watch a show in London, then make sure Wicked is the first you tick off your checklist. The show is comical, with hilarious characters that spin the story of the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz. You will feel a mixed bag of emotions - tears, joy and laughter - so make sure you take your tissues and prepare to sing along! If this hasn’t sold you, then Mamma Mia is a popular choice amongst theatre goers, as well as Shrek and Ghost. All you need is a few bags of sweets and it’s show time.

Being one of the leading fashion capitals of the world, London is great to satisfy those shopping urges. The stores are ten times bigger and there are many great outlets lining the streets. It hosts the usual favourites, however, the department stores are bigger and there are plenty designer boutiques if you are spoiling yourself. Forever 21 has recently been brought over by America, offering beautiful feminine clothing. If you head to Covent Garden, you will find located all the designer shops that make the area sparkle even more.

The great thing about Covent Garden is that by night it is a gorgeous place to round off your day. The downside is that it comes with a bit of a price tag. If you can overcome that then there are some great restaurants lining the pebbled streets, situated outdoors with waiters who keep filling up them cocktails. There are also many balcony bars that overlook the hustle and bustle, twinkling fairy lights and relaxing surroundings. Many entertainers perform in this area, so it’s nice to see the strange and crazy acts that London has to offer. Also, if you wander around properly, you may just be able to find the happy hour bars. Perfect.

News and Politics

Relaxation of Planning Laws to Boost Economy

David Cameron has unveiled new plans to relax planning laws and kick-start the UK economy. 

The year-long strategy will ease the pressure put on home-owners and self-employed builders struggling to get extensions on their properties. 

Nationwide encourages the movement claiming that it will raise property values by a quarter and boost the construction industry. 

The banking company found that increasing floor space by 10%, will add 5% to the value of a property, while adding further space equivalent to the size of a double bedroom can add an estimated 12% to its selling price. 

Robert Gardner, Nationwide's Chief Economist, said: "With housing market demand still very weak, increasing numbers of homeowners may opt to improve rather than move. Our research assesses the factors that affect the value of homes and the potential to add value."

With the housing market still struggling to pick up, the Government is hoping that the changes will give the economy a push in the right direction. 

It is thought that the plan will also encourage homeowners to make improvements and stay in their properties for longer. 

Karl Vamplew, a self -builder from Barnsley, thinks that it will help pick up his business, he said: "At the minute everything is slow, so this can only be a good thing for the construction trade.

"Hopefully it will help the many builders who are feeling the same strain as I currently am and so I am glad that the Government has took this step forward."

Sorry I have been absent for a while. Unfortunately, I haven't seen the light of day for a while while I've been applying for graduate jobs. It is a job in itself. However, I remain positive and don't give up because if I do, then who am I to tell possible employers that I am persistent and tenacious.

So for all you graduates who feel the same as I do, those who are struggling to break into your industry - don't give up. I certainly am not going to. It may be hard and tearful, but feeling sorry for myself isn't going to get me a job.

Nothing good ever came easy, right?

Laganas Review

Laganas (Zante) Review 

Zante is a fabulous little island situated in Greece. Perfect for all ages with it's vibrant night-life, turtle spotting and scorching hot weather. However, if your young and looking for somewhere with atmosphere, great food and lazy sun lounger days - then Laganas is the perfect holiday spot for you!

Beach

Now, depending what you want from the beach, it can be a mixed bag of experiences. If you wish for a chilled summer vibe with lots of tasty food then you are in luck. 'Cool Peppers' is the perfect beach bar - and the sun loungers are free. Or - if your like me - and you enjoy some cool house music (think Hed Kandi Beach House) then Cubanero's or Malibreeze is where you should head. Again, lovely food and great service! The beach in Laganas is nice - not the most brightest of seas - but still relaxing when your knocking back a cocktail. Just beware of the sea when you first approach, as it's slightly pebbly so you may require flip flops! Alcohol, sea and food - that should sort out that hangover from hell. 

Nightlife

Laganas night life is amazing. Probably one of the islands best assets. Now, I'm just going to reel off some fabulous places to have the time of your life! Pre-bars - Definitely start out at 'Central' and dance on the bar while getting a few free shots. It has a great mix of dance and chart music to help you stay on your toes all night long. 'Fishbowl' is a vibrant bar with great group drink deals for you and your friends - the name of the bar is pretty self-explanatory. It is a great place to chat and discuss last nights antics. 'Linekers' is a great day and evening bar alike - chill out with your mates in the front of the bar or dance away at the back. 'Rescue' is one of the main clubs on the resort. The UV party is extremely popular and pretty amazing! The only time in your life you will be happy about getting fluorescent green gunge chucked in your face. If you taking pictures then keep your camera safe from the slime at all costs and wear something you don't care about getting wrecked. 'Cocktails and Dreams,' 'Aussies,' and 'Cherry Bay,' are brilliant clubs to finish your night in. The latter has an outside area leading to the beach which is perfect to stroll onto at 5am and watch the sunrise. 

Eat

Laganas is full of scrummy restaurants competing to get you to fill their seats. There is a phenomenal amount of choice so explore. 'Bon Appetite' does beautiful food - get a starter, a main and two cocktails for 10 euro. Bargain! 'Bocca BBQ' is nice if you love meat dishes and 'Cool Peppers' situated on the scenic beach front has great food, sofas and service. 'Olympic Flame' does the best morning fry-ups for 2.60 euro and is a must! 

Sight-seeing

Now, if your one of them people who can fight off any hangover monster, then Zante is bursting with many scenic and beautiful locations. Turtle spotting is a must see as the island pride themselves on playing host to the creatures. Boat trips around the island are gorgeous. Lounge around, jump in the ocean and visit shipwreck island. The turquoise sea gleaming in the sunshine is enough to make you take a dive in. Finally, Zante town is perfect for those sight-seeing junkies, with gorgeous surroundings, layered in Greek history and art. Visit the docks, eat out or maybe catch a bit of shopping. 

Overall, Zante as a whole island is ideal for all ages - whether it be Laganas, Kalamaki, Tsvilli or Argassi. If you young, lively and fun the Laganas is home to vibrant holiday-goers looking to dance all night, meet new people, try lush food and get that killer bronzed tan. 

I Heart London by Lindsey Kelk Review

I Heart London by Lindsey Kelk

REVIEW 

If you have read the entire series of 'I Heart's' you would probably been an emotional wreck before even reading the first page. Yes, this is Kelk's final part of her fabulously sparkling story of a 30 something woman who runs off to New York after catching her cheating fiancée in the back seat of her car doing the dirty at her best friends wedding. Main character Angela Clarke's adventure has, so far, took her to the Big Apple, Hollywood, Paris, Vegas and finally back to London. 

After saving her career and glittering life in New York by starting up her own magazine, the last book saw her accepting Alex's marriage proposal. Now it's her high maintenance mothers birthday meaning that she has to return back to blighty for the first time in two years. Things quickly - and naturally - begin to spiral out of control as her mother suggests they get married that weekend in their tiny back garden, with her ex-finance 'Mark' in the crowd and stirring up trouble. 

With the arrival of her American best friend Jenny treating the wedding as a military operation and causing friction between herself and Angela's British best mate, 'Louisa' - the ceremony soon turns into a dreaded nightmare. 

Prepare to get through a full box of tear-filled tissues by the end of the book. The words 'THE END' was the most traumatic feeling, 'WHAT WILL I READ NOW!'

That being said, the final book is hilarious and witty. You can completely relate to the main character who has way too many drunken injuries and gets herself in several awkward situations. Think Bridget Jones with a slightly more glossy edge. Comparing this book to the first, all the characters have grown and developed as the author has matured along with the story. Throughout the series you have had the glamour, the tears, laughter and empathy. 

I sincerely hope Kelk never stops writing books as her humour carries the novel well - not to mention her valuable knowledge of designer shoes and MAC products. 

I tweeted Lindsey Kelk to tell her how much I loved the series, she said: "Aww, there will be other books! 

"And maybe more I Heart's one day."

Lets hope so!