After the backlash he received from people and the apology he sent to the 19 year old Autism man, Andrew Farrell, who he mocked on Instagram, 50 Cent has donated $100,000 to Autism Speaks.
According to TMZ 50 Cent referred to the video he posted of Farrell, saying..
"I want to turn this misunderstanding into an understanding. There are people that are ignored, mistreated and neglected with disabilities that need our support."
"I am calling on my fellow musicians, actors, entertainers and all others who may not have fully considered this cause to join together to help in any way they can."
Farrell's family had asked 50 Cent to publicly apologize to their son and donate $10k to the autism advocacy group, after they saw the humiliating video of their son which 50 Cent posted online, mocking his face and calling him a drug user.
50 apologized to Farrell privately and publicly through Page Six and has now donated to the group.
It is said that a bad workman blames his tools but how about one who blames cartoon characters?
The head of Egypt's Information Service, Ambassador Salah Abdel Sadek has placed the blame for the rise of ISIS squarely at the paws of a well-known cat and mouse.
Speaking at Cairo University, he said that the characters encourage extremism and teach children that you can blow people up.
He opined that the cartoon as well as video games and 'violent' movies helped to spark violence and extremism across the Arab world.
Speaking to the academic audience, he said that Tom and Jerry contributed to the notion that violence was a 'natural' part of life.
According to local media, he said: '[The cartoon] portrays the violence in a funny manner and sends the message that, yes, I can hit him…and I can blow him up with explosives. It becomes set in [the viewers’] mind that this is natural.'
He added that it has become common place for young men to spend hours playing violent video games and that the gamer will be 'happy and content'.
Egyptian fans of the cartoon need not fear though, despite the ambassador's remarks, government has not yet taken steps to censor Tom and Jerry or video games but these are worrying signs.
They may well enjoy the carnage while it lasts.
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I thought I'd post up this video I made a few weeks back over on my Youtube channel on here as it's a pretty cool video (not to toot my own horn) and I always get questions about my hair and how I actually style it to "look like that". Im actually getting my hair cut and coloured today so it's likle ynot going to look like this for much longer though! So if you want to get Haim (not ham, which I type like 100 times when trying to write this post) inspired waves with a sort of boho/indie edge then this video is for you! Hope you like it!
So we thought we'd turn things a bit around for the latest segment of "Are we relevant yet?" and take a question or two from you guys. I mean it isn't so fun preaching all the time. Sometimes it's better to know that you're actually answering a question you might genuinely have, right? Queue the agony aunts of blogging. Mademoiselle Robot and I both took on the following questions and answered them in completely different ways.
1. How do your organize your time?
The simple answer is an iPhone. Ok, that's more the technical answer. But it's really the only way in which I organize my time. I organize meetings, put them in the calendar and that's as organized as I get. Some people plan intensively - I just throw meetings in until I don't have any meeting times left. Sleep is for the weak. Kidding, kidding. Seriously, sleep is important. It's just that I don't get too much of it because I'm so disorganized with my time. That didn't help anyone did it? Or maybe it helps you feel better about being disorganized with your time as well and knowing it's all ok? There you go...
2. How do you deal with gifts/product to be reviewed?
Well, here's a good question, and one that I seem to be asked a lot. Being honest, more than anything I get asked about how much free stuff I get, rather than how I deal with the reviews. The simple truth is that I firmly believe you are only as good a blogger as the items you recommend to your readers. If I tell you guys to buy something and you hate it, there goes your trust for me. I'd say about 1 in 12 items that are "suggested" to me are actually featured on the blog. And for those of you wondering - I still buy most of my clothes. My ass isn't easy to dress from a sample closet. So the American Express still gets a good workout. I'd actually go as far to say that about 85% of the clothes you see on FFG are purchased, not gifted at all. I'm not sure if that makes me seem cooler or more like a loser for having that percentage, knowing what I do for a living, but there you go - the truth will set you free.
3. Do you have an editorial calendar? Do you plan content in advance or is it more a spur of the moment thing?
Never have had a content calendar, never will. Are you starting to see a pattern here? I HATE planning. I find that the fun things in life happen to other people while you're sitting around planning. That also probably means I'll be living in a gutter when I retire because I have no forward thinking. But, I believe in the power of now. Preaching finished.
The real reason I don't have a content calendar is because of the fact that my life itself doesn't lend itself to a content calendar. Things pop up all the time - trips, launches, day to day life experiences - and they shift any cement calendar all out of whack. I'm a list person instead - a priority list person. I keep a word document open on my computer at all times and I add and subtract to it as posts go live. I definitely always need a reminder of what I need to write about - but I'm totally flexible with dates. You never know what might happen next!
4. How do you manage to keep your blog active while traveling?
I bring my laptop. No lie here, folks. I actually work better when I am not in London. You'd be amazed at what you can achieve when you are stuck on a plane with nothing better to do for 14 hours. Thousands of emails get cleared, blog posts for weeks in advance get considered and new creative concepts are born. I also love being able to write from wherever I am in the world. I ALWAYS create my posts the night before they go live. There isn't really any exception to that. And I find my pieces are all the more interesting if they are written from a place with an amazing view.
5. How do you balance the blog as a creative outlet vs the blog as a business?
My business is creativity. Plan and simple, right? Well, not so much. The blog as a business of course has a role to play in my creativity, and vice versa. Since this is my full time job, the way I pay the rent, I have to make sure that business stays good and good business comes from great creativity. And we all know that nothing feeds creativity like pressure, right? Ok, nothing could be further from the truth. Pressure absolutely kills creativity. But, I do have a solution and it goes a little something like this... try to stick with me as I think this may come out as a bit longwinded.
There are times that blogging is VERY difficult, especially when it comes to finances. I made no money for the first couple of years- none. Then, as times started to change, I became a full time blogger who knew nothing about the idea of working freelance and leaving the comforts of an annual and dependable salary behind. But, I wholeheartedly believe that you are never ever thrown something you can't handle and that the risks we take in striking out to pursue something we love can only ever reap rewards - whether they be financially or emotionally fulfilling, or both. Never ever give up on this as a career if it's what you love, if it fulfills you and if it makes you feel like you are doing something in the world everyday that brings joy to yourself and others at the same time. That's a pretty special gift to be given - to be able to play that role in life - and it's one that I absolutely cherish for each day that I'm allowed to see it play out. I never take any of it for granted. And that's how I balance the blog as a creative outlet vs the blog as a business. I never let the business side rule. It's always, always, about the creative first and foremost. When times are tough and the jobs are few and far between, my creativity craves attention more than ever, and from that the business comes.
6. How do you blog if you have a full time job?
I feel like a real expert on this topic as I did it for four years. I worked 12 hour days and spent six hours a night writing on the blog - no lie - but, I've already told you that. The thing I haven't told you, perhaps, is that none of it felt like work at all. I came home every night and I put on a new hat. I continued to do my day job with pride and then I came home and got to have fun. And hey, that fun decided it wanted to take over my whole life.
If you are working full time and then coming home and sitting in front of your computer and feeling as if you are sitting down to a second job, you haven't found your life's passion just yet. Maybe blogging isn't your thing, or maybe the topic you're trying to cover isn't the right fit. Truly, I believe that if you are working a full time job and blogging on the side, the blogging should be as fun to you as a night out with friends. Seriously. This is no joke. I felt alive the first few years of blogging. I wasn't ever sleeping but I felt like I had more energy in life than I'd ever had before. You know it's right - just like you know when you've found the man you're going to marry or the place you are meant to live forever.
Feel like you just received a sermon? Ha! Sorry about that. In closing, I'll just leave you with a little video of quotes from a pretty amazing commencement speech that has always been a reminder for me of how important chasing your dreams really is... Don't let fear rule. Go after what you love with every ounce of who you are. What do you have to lose?
When you live in London, weekend escapes become an essential part of life. You take them whenever and wherever you can get them (funds depending). Whether you're catching a bus to a Cotswolds weekend of coziness or hopping a plane to the continent for some sun before the two week London summer, weekends are all about escaping the city. Over the years I've tried to bring you as many quick and easy retreats as possible and my search continues with the discovery of an oasis of sorts in Marbella, Spain. Allow me to formerly introduce you to Puente Romano.
Earlier this week I showcased a video of some of the highlights of my trip. Let's just say there are certain places you visit where still imagery only tells a third of the story. Moving images were required. Needless to say, I was floored by the magnificence of this resort.
Now, before we move forward, a little history. Puente Romano gets its name from the existing Roman Bridge that guests pass over to reach their accommodation. While the bridge dates back to the first century, the hotel itself was started in 1979. Puente Romano today sits as one of the most prestigious resorts in Marbella. It has a seaside village feel, and for good reason as it has some prime beach front real estate. Only this seaside village is a step up from what you'd expect, complete with several pools, a kicking night club (that's just opened), more restaurants than you have time to visit and service with a very large smile.
The accommodation at Puente Romano is not only spacious (seriously, I could fit my whole London flat in a standard room), it's also chicly designed and given to you for usage with no luxury left to chance. The bathrooms come complete with a shower big enough for six people (don't get any ideas) and a bathroom complete with electric blinds that roll up to reveal a view of the room. Then there's the balcony. I knew the moment I walked in that this was a balcony designed for breakfasts in the room. As I sat, digging into my mountain of strawberries and cream, I took in the delightful smells and sounds of Marbella, Spain. Birds chirping, palm trees blowing in the wind and two swans gracefully swimming in front of my room made me think I had entered a whole different dimension entirely.
And speaking of new dimensions... the food at Puente Romano will set your tongues wagging. No really. You'll want to tell the entire world about your culinary adventures at this hotel in Marbella, Spain. Whether you opt for the two Michelin star restaurant by Chef Dani Garcia, or keep things more casual with a visit to Rachel's, the food here is just unbelievable. They even have a gluten free bakery, people. How thoughtful of the hotel to keep people with gluten allergies in mind! Right?
Alright, it must be said that there's more to do here than just eat - although I could have done that all weekend and I have more to say about that, so leaving for another time. One can also play golf at the local golf club, go horseback riding, visit the beach, take a bike ride into the town centre or just totally zone out at the spa. Guess which activity I took on board? Oh come on, I'm a total spa nut. That was obvious. But this spa was like nothing I had seen before. Again, I think the video is best in displaying this. I'll just say this - Waterfall glass window walls!
Now you've heard all I have to say, or all my fingers can type at this point, about this great weekend getaway from London (but watch out for a vlog on the food). So, how exactly do you get there? Well, the good news is that flights are super simple and very reasonable. I flew on Monarch from London Gatwick and the flight was not only at a decent hour, it was a great price and a VERY comfortable airline. Would definitely use them again. It's an easy win for a getaway to jump straight from the office on a Friday and jet back on a Sunday night. You'll reenter the London workforce with renewed vigour and a killer tan. Won't the other office employees be jealous! Go forth and get thee to Spain on the jiffy!
There are a few neighbourhoods in London that hold a very special place in my heart and each come with their own set of memories. For me, St James's is perhaps one of the most special. It is an area of London, just south of Piccadilly, that is the most historic, the most prestigious and the most refined - and that's not just because it's where the Royals seem to do most of their shopping. St James's is quite honestly a feast for all the senses. I've lived in London for 14 years now and each time I return, I discover a new sense heightened by the experience. So, I thought it high time to share a proper exploration of the area. With the help of the St James's London, I put together a mini tour of the area. I played a full fledged tourist for the day in the hopes of encouraging more to do the same. One could spend a whole week just in this area and not see it all, but here are a few of the highlights for a 24 hour adventure. Be sure to pop on over to the St James London website to check out the video for more info on all the places listed below:
1. Check out the Cherry Blossoms right now!
It's that time of year and all the trees are in bloom in St James's. Start your tour with a drop by the St James's church and market (picture above) to take in the sites and shop the local fare. If you're a true tourist in London you'll find loads here to take home as small gifts for family and loved ones. If you're still in need of more of a Cherry Blossom moment, head over to Sake No Hana, one of my favourite sushi restaurants in London, not just the area. They have the most stunning Cherry Blossom display and menu to compliment the season (I wrote about this a few years ago - check out the pictures).
2. Ice Cream at Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason is truly a Royal experience in St James's that engages all the senses. This is a place where tourists and locals alike gravitate towards for any number of reasons. While I'd like to say I'm usually in residence to pick up a beautiful item for the home, or a bundle of beautiful tea bags, I'm actually almost always to be found in the The Parlour at Fortnum & Mason's. This is a local favorite, to the great detriment of my waistline. Whether just popping through for an ice cream sundae, or the Knickerbocker Glory (invented at Fortnum's in 1955), this is an experience in pastels and sugar highs.
3. The scent of Royals with Floris
Floris, the royal perfumers, date their start back to 1730, where the original store (pictured above) still stands on Jermyn Street. It doesn't get much more historical when it comes to brands. They've been scenting the Royal Family since the beginning, and have two Royal Warrants today (which means they still provide services to the Royal Family). While the shop itself is the most incredible experience and truly feels like a step back in time, it's the sensual experience with their fragrances that will transport you to another place. In the video you'll see we take a step back with the company and look at their ledgers, which showcase fragrance orders for every King, Queen, Princess and so forth and so on... I couldn't believe the treasure trove of information they were sharing!
4. Christy's Hats
Well, Christy's hats is a little newer than Floris. But we're only talking less than 50 years here, folks. The esteemed creator of society's most celebrated hats was founded in 1773. In the 1850s, Prince Albert began wearing Christy's top hats, and since that day, the Royals have continued to use Christy's as a master creator of hats. You may have also seen The Godfather wearing the now famous Christy's Homburg Hat. And, the friendly Metropolitan Police also sport a Christy's hat as they make their way around London on a daily basis. Things you learn, eh? And yes, the lead picture above is me having a go at a classic Christy's piece. Think I need to go back and get my hands on one or two for my wardrobe. An absolute classic!
5. The luxury library (complete with cocktails) at Assouline
Here's my top secret St James's hangout: Assouline. This is truly a hidden treasure and unless you know to look for it, you could walk right past it - which would be a crying shame! Assouline is of course the famed book publisher responsible for some of the world's most beautiful creations. To get lost in this beauty would be a truly terrific thing. Whether popping in for coffee with friends or cocktails at the bar, I would advise you to enjoy a bit of a break from shopping and then select a beautiful book from the library and settle in for a rummage and a purchase - as I've never been able to leave a book behind once cracked here in the soft leather chairs at Assouline.
6. Cheese, cheese and more cheese at Paxton & Whitfield
If you don't like cheese... wait, you don't like cheese? You are reading the wrong blog. Leave NOW! Ok, kidding, kidding, I know cheese isn't everyone's thing, but I have a serious passion for it. Call me crazy but I'll take a room full of stinky cheese any day. Enter Paxton & Whitfield - the stinkiest cheese shop I've ever encountered in my life and the next best thing to heaven. This is another shop steeped in history (see a trend forming here?) and again, another shop that is frequented by the Royal Family. In fact, Paxton & Whitfield have been Britain's leading cheesemongers for over 200 years and have two Royal Warrants today for continued services to the Royal Family. With over 150 varieties of cheese in store, this is a sensory experience not to be missed. There's even a cheese wedding cake. Need I say more?
This may be my first feature on St James's on FFG, but it is most certainly not the last. I have been inspired and I feel there is much more to uncover in this area of the world. Of course, we're only scratching the surface here. There's much more to discover over with the video we created! Take a look!
