Peace Memorial Day Taiwan

Some 2,000 protesters took to the streets in Taipei 28 years ago today. They marched past the U.S. consulate towards the Taiwan Tobacco and Wine Monopoly Bureau peacefully, demanding resignation of its director and punishment for his armed agent whose stray bullet had killed an innocent onlooker. As they continued their march, two Monopoly Bureau agents were found molesting a vendor of untaxed cigarettes in a side street. Both were beaten to death, while another crowd began sacking a branch office of the Monopoly Bureau. Chinese employees were driven out and, if caught, were beaten mercilessly. The crowd then moved towards the Office of the Administer-General of Taiwan to present a petition for reform. When the protestors reached a wide intersection adjacent to the government grounds, machine guns mounted on the government building opened fire without warning. At least four protestors were killed. The shooting, which dispersed the crowd, was the signal for a citywide outburst of anger against the mainlander Chinese, regardless of rank or occupation. Many mainlanders unsecured loans were killed, their cars burned and houses sacked. The February 28 Incident started.

Untold thousands of innocent people were killed in the incident, which spawned the feud between the natives of Taiwan and the Chinese from the mainland. The mutual enmity had been almost disarmed by the time February 28 was proclaimed a national holiday in 1998. It was renewed, with a vengeance, after 2000, however. To allay the hostility, President Chen Shui-bian had to promise James Soong, Chinese-born chairman of the People First Party, four days before Peace Memorial Day that “any form of language or behavior which constitutes discrimination or aggression toward any ethnic group shall be subject to punishment according to law.”

As a matter of fact, no law has to be enacted to help end the communal feud, which was for a very brief period of time all but forgotten. With the support of President Lee Teng-hui, Soong was easily elected governor of Taiwan in 1994. In 1998, Lee called Chinese-born Ma Ying-jeou a new Taiwanese, helping him unseat the incumbent mayor of Taipei, Shen Shui-bian. Both outpolled their native-born opponents, because the electorate was not split along the mainlander-Taiwanese line. All President Chen has to do now to restore communal harmony is to stop resorting to “any form of language or behavior which constitutes discrimination or aggression” against the immigrants from China after 1945 and their Taiwanese-born offspring and make sure his followers follow suit. bad credit loans

The question is how sincere President Chen was when he made that promise. It was made at the Government Guest House, where the president had presented a gift to the opposition party leader before their talks. The irony is that that gift is a calligraphic work by a centenarian master who wrote “sincerity,” which both Chen and Soong seem to lack.

George, you saint you!

The story of a knight, a maiden, and a dragon has all the makings of a fairy tale, but of course the most famous dragon-slaying tale is the legend of St. George.

The story was popular in the Middle East and it was picked up by the Crusaders when they went out to that part of the world. Ever since St. George has been associated with Knights and chivalry. He is patron saint of England where his popularity has revived recently, but he is shared with many other countries and cities around the world. In England, St. George’s day is April 23rd. In Eastern Europe he is usually celebrated on May 6th.

We’ve adapted our version from the Lives of the Saints - but we’ve made a slight change to the ending. In the original, St. George (a Roman soldier) forces the town’s people to convert to Christianity before he kills the dragon. We thought that wasn’t quite the right message for the modern age – but just so that you know. He later went on to become a Bishop and a martyr. Various versions of the story are outlined here. The famous historian Edward Gibbon debunked him as a rouge-trader to the Roman army.

Read by Natasha. Duration 9 minutes. unsecured loans

St. George stands for courage, and chivalry. Chivalry is the code of honour which knights in armor used to follow. They had to swear to be brave, fair, true to their word, and to protect the weak and the poor. Of course not all knights kept the code – but St. George did.

He is the patron saint of England, and the red cross of St. George is on the national flag. In England, his day is the 23rd of April. He is also the patron saint of several other countries, including, Canada, China, Greece, Russia, Portugal, Palestine, Ethiopia, Serbia, and Montenegro. And one country is even named after him – and that’s the Georgia which is situated between Russia and Turkey.

He is often painted as a knight in armour from the Middle Ages, but in fact born long before those times, when the Romans still ruled much of the world.

One thousand seven and hundred years ago, in the time of the Roman Empire, there was – just outside the City of Cyrene in North Africa – a large stagnant, smelly pond. In this pond there lived a dragon. And whenever the dragon breathed on a person or an animal, they died on the spot. At first the dragon breathed on all the sheep that lived in the fields around the city. Then he started to attack the people, and threatened to kill them one and all.

The people of Cyrene had no choice but to come to terms with the dragon. They agreed to give him one person every month, so long as he left the others alone and unharmed for the rest of the time. But how were they to decide which person to sacrifice?

The king decreed that the names of every citizen should be scratched onto pieces of pottery, and kept in a great urn. Each month, one of the names would be drawn out of the urn, and that person would be given to the dragon. In this way men and women, both rich and poor, were chosen to be fed to the evil beast.

Then one day the name of the princess was shaken out of the urn. According to the King’s own law, his daughter must be sacrificed. He called the people together and offered them gold and treasure if only they would agree to spare her from the dragon. The judges who oversaw the lottery said that it must be completely fair, or else the people would no longer accept it. And so, much saddened, the king said to the princess: “My dear, I shall never see your wedding day.”

A week went past, and the day arrived when she must meet her fate. The palace servants dressed her in her wedding gown and placed a crown of flowers on her head. They led her out of the city in a procession, and headed for the lake where they dragon lived.

As they were on their way, a Roman soldier came riding up to the city. His name was George and he was a Christian from Cappadocia in Turkey. George stopped and asked why such a beautiful young woman was looking so sad on her wedding day. A citizen replied:

“Because according to the law she must this day marry the dragon who lives in that lake, and her wedding gift shall be death.”

George immediately replied: “If that really be the case, then let me slay the dragon.”

The citizens warned him that nobody stood a fighting chance against such as ferocious, plague-breathing lizard, but George was determined to save he princess.

The people tied her to a tree by the lake, and left her to meet her fate. George saw the dragon emerge out of the swampy waters, and he charged up on his horse and flung his spear into its shoulder. The dragon let out a piercing shriek. It was wounded by not fatally. While it was writhing in pain, George managed to cut the princess free from her bonds. The dragon was enraged and rounded on his attacker. George retreated and called out to the princes to take off the belt from around her waste and to throw it at the dragon. This she did, and by a miracle, the belt wrapped itself round the dragons neck like a collar. Immediately the dragon became as peaceful as a lamb, and the princess was able to lead it by her belt back to the City.

When the people saw the princess and George leading the dragon back to their walls, they became angry and afraid, until St. George drew out his sword and slew the dragon, And then the people knew that from then on they could live safe and unharmed. bad credit loans

Lent. Top 10 things to throw out of the window

•  #1. Food

  People mentioned all sorts of food that they're giving up for Lent. Most popular was chocolate, followed by an array of candies, sweets, and suprisingly, biscuits. [ed. note: Jack has informed me that “biscuit” is limey for “cookie.”] At least one respondent claimed that they bad credit loans would be giving up food all together. May they rest in peace.

• #2. Lent

  Giving up Lent for Lent? At least 13% of the  unsecured loans top 100 results are just as clever as you.

• #3. Religion

  Another 13% of our sample said that they were giving up Christianity, Catholicism, Jesus, or Religion for Lent. Does it still count as irony if it was totally expected?

• #4. Your Favorite Website

  The top site to give up for Lent is Catholic Answers Forum, followed closely by Facebook and Youtube. This shouldn't be interpreted as though CAF is more addictive than either Facebook or Youtube; just that lent is more relevant to CAF. (yay Google!)

• #5. Alcohol

  Whether answering with “drinking,” “booze,” or “beer,” this is where the actual adherents to Lent seem to be. And that's fine. There'll be plenty of wine come Easter.

• #6. Swearing/Cursing

  But… but… What about all the parts of the book that deal with whores and damnation?

• #7. Porn, Sex, Masturbation

  People have so many colorful ways to talk about sex, whether it's with a partner or by themselves. Not included in this number were the three people who said they would be giving up abstinence or the other two giving up “consent.”

• #8. Charlie Sheen

  I think everything there is to say about Charlie Sheen has already been covered by now. Good call giving that up!

• #9. Numbers

  Either people don't like doing math, or they don't like looking at scales, or taxes, or being accountable for anything that can be counted. Sounds more like how to spend Mardi Gras.

• #10. Heroin

  You read that right. Not cocaine, not weed, not cigarettes, not even coffee ranked as high as heroin. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?

Shrove Tuesday aka Pancake Day

All church members are invited to attend our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper in the Great Hall on Tuesday evening, February 21. This is a come and go meal from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m. with a Mardi Gras theme.  The Fellowship Ministry will be flipping pancakes for a pancake bar – all the pancakes will be plain pancakes, and you will be able to decorate your pancake with all sorts of delicious toppings.  Coffee, juice, and bacon will also be provided. Cost: $4/person with a $15/maximum per family. unsecured loans

Here is a little history about Shrovetide, Shrove Tuesday and pancakes.

                The last three days before the beginning of Lent is known as Shrovetide. The old names for these days were:

1. Quinquagesima Sunday – Shrove Sunday. The fiftieth day before Easter
2. Collop Monday – Shrove Monday. Named after the traditional dish of the day: collops of bacon served with eggs. In addition to providing little meat, the collops were also the source of the fat for the following day’s pancakes.
3. Pancake Day – Shrove Tuesday. The day on which all fats and cream had to be used up.

Shrovetide was celebrated with games, sports, dancing and other revelries. There were feasts to use up the food that could not be eaten during the Lenten fast.

        Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) is the last day before the period which Christians call Lent. This day is one of the moveable feasts in the church calendar and is directly related to the date on which Easter falls.  Shrove Tuesday always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, so the date varies from year to year and falls between February 3 and March 9.

Where does the word Shrove come from?

The name Shrove comes from the old word “shrive” which means to confess. On Shrove Tuesday, in the Middle Ages, people used to confess their sins so that they were forgiven before the season of Lent began.

Shrove Tuesday is a day of celebration as well as penitence, bad credit loans because it’s the last day before Lent. Lent historically is a time of abstinence, of giving things up. So Shrove Tuesday is the last chance to indulge, and to use up the foods that aren’t allowed in Lent. Pancakes are eaten on this day because they contain fat, butter and eggs which were forbidden during Lent.

Valentine's Day Gifts for him

If you are shopping for your man, this handy list of the top 10 Valentine’s Day Gifts for men should help you out.

February – the month of hearts is here again captivating everyone around the world. It has always been a tradition to celebrate and give gifts to loved ones and friends who are dear to us in order to thank them in the simplest or grandest way possible and remind them that they are being cared and thought of more often that what they expect. However, no gift is either too small or too big as long as it is sincerely given unsecured loans.

As early as mid-January, every store has started to highlight this occasion by setting up red decors and each has always a gift to offer for men to give to their lovely ladies. But who says Valentine’s Day is just about women receiving lavish gifts and nicely arranged bouquets from men? Shouldn’t they be reciprocated as well?

Perhaps the sweetest things are those given by daughters, wives and girlfriends to the most important men in their lives. But finding the best gift for men can be hard at times especially if the giver is somewhat unfamiliar with the recipient’s preferences. Thus, here are some of the top 10 Valentine’s Day bad credit loans gifts for men:

1.    Sports car – Although this may sound expensive, those who can afford it like celebrities and well-known personalities should perhaps surprise their heroes by giving them their dream cars and have ride together for a romantic dinner date. Try to get a hint of their favorite car brands. But of course, if they don’t just have any preference in particular, among the best sport car brands are Ferrari, Subaru, Porsche and BMW.

2.    A Classy Watch – While women love diamond rings, men just love to flaunt their watches and brag about the specs. Like cars, this could be a perfect gift for them. Aside from that, men get to remember their loved ones every time they check the time. Rolex watches are great buys but for those who might find it heavy on the pocket, Fossil, Seiko and Guess are also good brands.

3.    Tickets for a Big Game – Basketball, football and baseball could be good options. Men are dying to watch their favorite NBA Championship Game live. Why not give them a special treat that would make them meet their favorite stars?

4.    Vacation Getaway – Nothing can be so romantic spending the Valentine’s Day week together on a beach or cottage away from hassles. So take your week off and savor the moment together. This is a perfect moment to bond with and get to know each other better.

5.    Latest Techno Gadgets – Just like cars and watches, gadgets boost men’s egos. Aside from such fact, these are basic necessities. For electronic savvy men, give them iPad or a new laptop to remind them of you wherever they go. What about a camera? A new DSLR camera on the other hand would surely fit for men whose interests are on photography or purchase a camera and enroll them as well in basic photography classes to develop this as a hobby.

6.    Sports Stuffs and Clothes – To help men tone down their muscles and live a healthful life free from complications brought about by obesity or excessive weight, give those exercising equipments and aids. Perhaps, a prepaid gym package would also be a good gift.

7.    Wellness Treatment – Spa treatments and massage would make them feel they are really pampered as well the way they pamper their ladies. This is indeed a great way to reciprocate them of the affection and love they have shown.

8.    Grooming Products Set – Now, men would no longer have excuses over their women’s complaints. Give them the best of these grooming sets to make sure they would be using them. Grooming products may include perfumes. Wearing their favorite scents would make them feel good as well.

9.    DVDs – Men who keep themselves updated with the latest movies should have DVD sets. Others who love particular TV shows should be given a series also for them to enjoy every episode while thinking that those were given by their loved ones to make them truly happy.

10.    Books and Magazines – The last but definitely not the least among these top 10 Valentine’s Day gifts for men. Buy those that feature their interests and read those also in order to set more common grounds when conversing.

The Countdown Begins For The Top 10 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men

These are the top 10 Valentine’s Day gifts for men. Just remember that adding creativity would give a twist, making it more romantic. Whatever ways people may share it, romance is definitely in the season. So ladies, just take the chance of making the men of your lives feel how much they are cared reminding both of you that all the worthwhile moments spent together.

So, what are you waiting for ladies? Make your list or pick from the suggestions and make them head over heels this Valentine’s Day with all these top 10 Valentine’s Day gifts for men.

Your Chinese Zodiac Animals

The Chinese Zodiac plays a part in Emperor. Players select their zodiac animals before playing and each game year is represented by a different zodiac animal. If you hold a New Year's Festival in your selected animal's year you will receive a choice of special bonuses or a gift.

The lunar calendar has a sixty year unsecured loans cycle. In the Chinese horoscope, the five basic elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth, which make up all matter, are combined with the twelve animal signs of Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig to form the sixty year cycle. One's Chinese horoscope is based on which lunar year in this sixty year cycle one was born To discover your zodiac animal and element find your birth date in the list below.

Rat

The Rat is hard working and thrifty, sometimes even stingy, but Rats also like to spend money on themselves. The opposite sex finds them attractive, and in love, the Rat is very generous. Rats are usually timid, but they can also become angry quickly. They are open and honest, but do like to gossip. Rats are opportunists who are quick to seize the advantage in a situation.

31 Jan 1900 to 18 Feb 1901 Metal,  18 Feb 1912 to 5 Feb 1913 Water,
5 Feb 1924 to 24 Jan 1925 Wood,   24 Jan 1936 to 10 Feb 1937 Fire,
10 Feb1948 to 28 Jan 1949 Earth,  28 Jan 1960 to 14 Feb 1961 Metal,
15 Feb1972 to 2 Feb 1973 Water,  2 Feb 1984 to 19 Feb 1985 Wood

Ox

The Ox likes an ordered and calm life, has strong organizational bad credit loans skills and is usually professionally successful. The Ox is normally gentle and outgoing and attractive to the opposite sex. The placid appearance of the Ox, however, often conceals a stubborn temper that is easily aroused and hard to calm. The Ox is always aware of the problems and sorrows of the world and always trying to find solutions.

19 Feb 1901 to 7 Feb 1902 Metal,  6 Feb 1913 to 25 Jan 1914 Water,
25 Jan 1925 to 12 Feb 1926 Wood,  11 Feb 1937 to 30 Jan 1938 Fire,
29 Jan 1949 to 16 Feb 1950 Earth,  15 Feb 1961 to 4 Feb 1962 Metal,
3 Feb 1973 to 22 Jan 1974 Water,  20 Feb 1985 to 8 Feb 1986 Wood

Tiger

Tigers are usually brave, powerful, strong and stubborn. They are born leaders, but do not make good followers and like to see every job they start through to the end. Tigers care deeply about the feelings of loved ones and friends, but often conceal their own feelings. They are usually respected, but not always understood.

8 Feb 1902 to 28 Jan 1903 Water,  26 Jan 1914 to 13 Feb 1915 Wood,
13 Feb 1926 to 1 Feb 1927 Fire,  31 Jan 1938 to 18 Feb 1939 Earth,
17 Feb 1950 to 5 Feb 1951 Metal,  5 Feb 1962 to 24 Jan 1963 Water,
23 Jan 1974 to 10 Feb 1975 Wood,  9 Feb 1986 to 28 Jan 1987 Fire

Rabbit

Rabbits are happy and optimistic and are full of youthful energy. They are peacemakers who like to create a friendly atmosphere wherever they are. Rabbits care about clothes, food, and their surroundings in general. Rabbits can be moody and even arrogant occasionally, but they are clever and fortunate and lead peaceful lives.

29 Jan 1903 to 15 Feb 1904 Water,  14 Feb 1915 to 2 Feb 1916 Wood,
2 Feb 1927 to 22 Jan 1928 Fire,  19 Feb 1939 to 7 Feb 1940 Earth,
9 Feb 1951 to 26 Jan 1952 Metal,  25 Jan 1963 to 12 Feb 1964 Water,
11 Feb 1975 to 30 Jan 1976 Wood,  29 Jan 1987 to 16 Feb 1988 Fire

Dragon

The Dragon is generally regarded as the most fortunate of the zodiac signs, and during a Dragon Year, the Chinese birth rate soars. The Dragon is strong, energetic and authoritative; they are also, however, unpredictable and often eccentric. Dragons can be stubborn and selfish, but also have a strong moral code. They are usually successful in anything they undertake and lucky in love.

16 Feb 1904 to 3 Feb 1905 Wood,  3 Feb 1916 to 22 Jan 1917 Fire,
23 Jan 1928 to 9 Feb 1929 Earth,  8 Feb 1940 to 26 Jan 1941 Metal,
27 Jan 1952 to 13 Feb 1953 Water,  13 Feb 1964 to 1 Feb 1965 Wood,
31 Jan 1976 to 17 Feb 1977 Fire,  17 Feb 1988 to 5 Feb 1989 Earth

Snake

Snakes are sensitive, but decisive, and good at long-term friendships though they may often prefer staying home to socialising. Snakes are normally wise, intelligent and kind. Once offended, however, the Snake will always seek revenge. Snakes are attractive to the opposite sex, but do not make the most faithful marriage partners. They prefer their own judgement to taking advice from others and can be proud and arrogant though always willing to help those in need.

4 Feb 1905 to 24 Jan 1906 Wood,  23 Jan 1917 to 10 Feb 1918 Fire,
10 Feb 1929 to 29 Jan 1930 Earth,  27 Jan 1941 to 14 Feb 1942 Metal,
14 Feb 1953 to 2 Feb 1954 Water,  2 Feb 1965 to 20 Jan 1966 Wood,
18 Feb 1977 to 6 Feb 1978 Fire,  6 Feb 1989 to 26 Jan 1990 Earth

Horse

Horses are independent, self-confident and popular. Horses can be a bit vain, but they know how to enjoy and make the most of life and its pleasures. They have strong leadership qualities and are often skilled orators. Impatience, temper, and ambition are their weak points.

25 Jan 1906 to 12 Feb 1907 Fire,  11 Feb 1918 to 31 Jan 1919 Earth,
30 Jan 1930 to 16 Feb 1931 Metal,  15 Feb 1942 to 4 Feb 1943 Water,
3 Feb 1954 to 23 Jan 1955 Wood,  21 Jan 1966 to 8 Feb 1967 Fire,
7 Feb 1978 to 27 Jan 1979 Earth,  27 Jan 1990 to 14 Feb 1991 Metal

Ram

Rams are the gentlest and most peaceful of the zodiac animals. They can be shy and uncertain and enjoy a simple life. They are interested in spiritual things and often are strong believers in religion. Rams are artistic, often are day-dreamers and may respond well to having someone to protect and guide them throughout life.

13 Feb 1907 to 1 Feb 1908 Fire,  1 Feb 1919 to 19 Feb 1920 Earth,
17 Feb 1931 to 5 Feb 1932 Metal,  5 Feb 1943 to 24 Jan 1944 Water,
24 Jan 1955 to 11 Feb 1956 Wood,  9 Feb 1967 to 28 Jan 1968 Fire,
28 Jan 1979 to 15 Feb 1980 Earth,  15 Feb 1991 to 3 Feb 1992 Metal

Monkey

Monkeys are the most active of the zodiac animals. They are intelligent, clever, and great problem-solvers. They are warm-hearted, but can be cunning and manipulative sometimes. Monkeys tend to be self-centered and often arrogant. Monkeys find it difficult to settle down with just one partner, but once a commitment is made, they are loyal.

2 Feb 1908 to 21 Jan 1909 Earth,  20 Feb 1920 to 7 Feb 1921 Metal,
6 Feb 1932 to 25 Jan 1933 Water,  25 Jan 1944 to 12 Feb 1945 Wood,
12 Feb 1956 to 30 Jan 1957 Fire,  29 Jan 1968 to 16 Feb 1969 Earth,
16 Feb 1980 to 4 Feb 1981 Metal,  4 Feb 1992 to 22 Jan 1993 Water

Rooster

The Rooster is intelligent, honest, and intuitive. They enjoy being the center of attention, are straightforward and rarely accept the advice of others. Roosters are good at financial management. In marriage, they are responsible and dedicated.

22 Jan 1909 to 9 Feb 1910 Earth,  8 Feb 1921 to 27 Jan 1922 Metal,
26 Jan 1933 to 13 Feb 1934 Water,  13 Feb 1945 to 1 Feb 1946 Wood,
31 Jan 1957 to 15 Feb 1958 Fire,  17 Feb 1969 to 6 Feb 1970 Earth,
5 Feb 1981 to 24 Jan 1982 Metal,  23 Jan 1993 to 9 Feb 1994 Water

Dog

Dogs are intelligent, responsible, and fair. They are totally loyal and trustworthy as friends. Dogs are emotional, but often have difficulty expressing their feelings and therefore often give the impression of being cold and aloof. They are suited for positions requiring a high degree of integrity as well as intelligence

10 Feb 1910 to 29 Jan 1911 Metal,  28 Jan 1922 to 15 Feb 1923 Water,
14 Feb 1934 to 3 Feb 1935 Wood,  2 Feb 1946 to 21 Jan 1947 Fire,
16 Feb 1958 to 7 Feb 1959 Earth,  7 Feb 1970 to 26 Jan 1971 Metal,
25 Jan 1982 to 12 Feb 1983 Water,  10 Feb 1994 to 30 Jan 1995 Wood

Pig

Pigs are affectionate, hard-working, brave, kind and innocent. They are always willing to help others and of all the animals, the Pig probably suffers most and may be treated badly. Pigs are talented and clever and love reading and learning. They make wonderful marriage partners.

30 Jan 1911 to 17 Feb 1912 Metal,  16 Feb 1923 to 4 Feb 1924 Water,
4 Feb 1935 to 23 Jan 1936 Wood,  22 Jan 1947 to 9 Feb 1948 Fire,
8 Feb 1959 to 27 Jan 1960 Earth,  27 Jan 1971 to 14 Feb 1972 Metal,
13 Feb 1983 to 1 Feb 1984 Water,  31 Jan 1995 to 18 Feb 1996 Wood

Best attire - Golden Globes

1. CLAIRE DANES 

For the second year running, Claire Danes was a picture of polished perfection. Last year it was Calvin Klein, this year it was a J. Mendel gown - a classic cut in basic black and unsecured loans white with detailing at the shoulders and waist.

2.KATE WINSLET

The always elegant Winslet did not disappoint in this Jenny Packham black and white gown.

3. ANGELINA JOLIE 

It's great to see Jolie forgo her favoured muted gowns and subtle cuts to embrace Old Hollywood glamour.

4. NATALIE PORTMAN

Bright pink always pops on the red carpet and the contrast fold at the bust of Portman's Lanvin gown adds interest.

5. HELEN MIRREN

Texture can be tricky but Mirren wears it well. The navy is an elegant touch.

6. TILDA SWINTON

Pale blue lacks punch but the edgy cut of her Haider Ackerman makes this outfit bad credit loans worthy of a nod. The quiff hair-do raises it up a notch or two as well.

7. EMMA STONE

Lovely in plum and fuschia Lanvin with an eagle belt to add a rock'n'roll edge.

8. SARAH HYLAND

Latte coloured lace gown teamed with a black lace belt, this look is all about understated elegance. Hyland manages to look poised even after splitting the back zip of her dress whilst on the red carpet. Luckily someone had a sewing kit on hand.

9. ROONEY MARA

Who'd have thought Lisbeth Salander could look so elegant? Strategic cut-outs add interest to this Nina Ricci gown, and the black turns it into a dark and mysterious style statement.

10. EVAN RACHEL WOOD

Feathers, sequins and a mermaid train - how can something so wrong look so right? But it does.