Latest 7 magazine

Victoria Nangle kicks off the comedy competition season with some heats close to home

Deciding what is funny has been an age old argument not made any clearer by the introduction of competitions to declare who is funniest. But if aspiring comics are putting themselves forward in a bid to say that the winner should be them they’ve generally had a good shot at getting their material the sharpest and most original they can, as well as gigging it around the new-act circuit for a while to work on their audience rapport and gag delivery. In short, comedy competitions may not be good for clearing up ancient arguments but they’re generally quite good for any audience who happens along. With 15 acts a night putting on their best game for what they hope will be a career-making mile stone, variety in styles, attitudes and humour are a guarantee as everyone jostles to stand out above the rest. Plus, this is one of the best competitions in the country and the first to start its heats. Read the rest of this article »

Si Beales takes a look at a successful Brighton & Hove business, HAVIT Fitness, & finds that a personal approach to fitness can really pay dividends

Like many people at this time of year I’ve been thinking about my personal fitness lately. For a number of years I have wanted to lose weight and feel fitter and more energetic. I’ve tried jogging and joined numerous gyms but always found that my discipline waned pretty quickly. Rather than getting fitter, I ended up sitting around, feeling guilty and reaching for just one more slice of cake to make me feel better.
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Jeff Hemmings talks to folky maverick Ani DiFranco

Since Ani bucked the major label system back in the early ‘90s, opting to release her music on her own terms, the self-styled Little Folksinger has been the subject of all kinds of hyperbole. As the cracks in the music industry get larger and more big name artists follow this ultimate DIY artist (Radiohead, Madonna, Nine Inch Nails etc), she continues to plough her own maverick course. Read the rest of this article »

Zara Baker looks at ways cosmetic dentistry can transform lives & smiles

A great smile is strived for and a lot easier to achieve thanks to advances in cosmetic dentistry. One of our first attractions to someone is a feature like their smile and while Hollywood films stereotype the British as having bad teeth – Austin Powers anyone? – the Hollywood 100KW brilliant white smile has crossed the pond and it seems there’s no excuse for a bad smile (except money, perhaps?). We may not have the funds of Simon Cowell or the nation’s favourite sweetheart Cheryl Cole, but with dentists offering finance options and interest-free packages, it’s worth looking into if you seek the perfect smile.

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