The Austrian/Ukrainian-born photographer, more traditionally known as Arthur Fellig, was nicknamed Weegee, after the teenage-girl sleep-over classic, the Ouija board - thanks to his almost ghostly ability to arrive uninvited, at a crime or murder scene.

He spent years doing odd jobs, assisting in dark rooms and even attempting his own weekend business as a portrait photographer, but his big break came in the form of The New York Times and their photo syndicate Wide World Photos, where he worked for two years as a helper in the dark rooms. This aided him to gain the role of darkroom technician and printer at Acme Newspictures, before entering the harsh and ruthless world of freelance.

This was about the time he started hovering around the Manhattan police headquarters, angling for his next photojournalist expose and was printed extensively in a number of national and global publications, proving that dedication does pay off.

Between 1935 and 1947 is thought to be stage one in the period of significance for Weegee as a world-renowned photographer. The police had given him the benefit of the doubt and allowed him access to their radio, and he even developed them in the back of his car. He continued with his awe-inspiring work and was exhibited widely in the Photo League in New York with, “Weegee: Murder is My Business”, in 1941 and The Museum of Modern Art and in 1945, shortly before the publication of his first book, Naked City.

Shortly after publishing his second book, Weegee’s People, he succumbed to the glitzy beckoning of the star-studded US dollar and sold the rights of Naked City to Hollywood feature film maker Mark Hellinger.

During the next couple of years, he moved to Hollywood and put his handheld 16mm movie camera experimentation into bloody good use, by completing his first 20 minute film, Weegee’s New York in 1948.

Over the next two decades, his compelling and ever-adapting talents were highlighted in a number of new projects. He continued with various publications and exhibitions in Europe and (what was) USSR and began producing ‘distorted’ portraits of celebrities. In 1958, he worked alongside the Prince of dark cinema, Stanley Kubrick on his film, Dr Strangelove. And in 1961, seven years before his death, he published his autobiography, Weegee by Weegee.

His significant pictures, both still and moving carry a combination of both the stark reality of modern times, and the dark surrealism of his macabre and poignant gift for capturing them. And the groundbreaking work by this fascinating and unmistakably talented, photojournalist will be shown at The Side Gallery on Newcastle’s Quayside throughout October and November.

If you’re as wrapped up in the political shenanigans occurring over 3,000 miles away, you’re in good company because so is Newcastle’s Tyneside Cinema.

On Tuesday 4th November from 9pm, the Tyneside Bar opens to broadcast the results as they’re announced. Last entry is at 11.30pm and the bar stops serving at 1am, but there’s free tea and coffee to keep you going through into the early hours.

There’s limited access to this event so you’ll need a free ticket in advance from the Tyneside Box Office, or by calling 0845 217 9909.

The trailer looks pant-wettingly good, Daniel Craig has proved himself to be a shockingly good Bond - who knew? - so all the signs are that Quantum of Solace will be a worthy edition to the Bond legacy.

If you’re also of the mind that Bond 22 will be something special, then you’re best off watching it in a cinema that oozes as much class and style.

Since its re-launch, the Tyneside Cinema hasn’t shied away from the occasional blockbuster, so long as the movie somehow captures the spirit of the venue.

So where better to witness Bond than the Tyneside’s Classic Circle and stalls - their original 1930s art deco cinema, with sixty handmade leather armchairs and sofas and a private bar. You already know what to order.

As we’ve said in the past, we don’t bang on about the Tyneside for money, we do so for love - and since it doesn’t cost a whole lot more than your local multiplex, what better way to spend an evening with Bond?

For tickets and times, see the Tyneside Cinema’s website where you can now order online.

Security will be stepped up during the exhibition, after one of Royo’s paintings – Floral Blouse - was stolen from the gallery this summer and has yet to be recovered.

- New Modernism meets melamine and sausages in a new work by Consett-born Eric Bainbridge for his first solo exhibition at Workplace Gallery until 8th November.

Postwurstendung is described as a “beautiful yet darkly comic and surreal sculpture”, made and exhibited for the first time in the gallery’s new space at The Old Post Office in Gateshead town centre.

- Ben Frost once faked his own death to publicise an exhibition. Just knowing that gives you a flavour of what to expect in his work. A new exhibition by the Sydney-born artist is now on show at the Opus gallery in Gosforth.

Frost is best known for creating mash-ups of popular culture, subverting mainstream icons from advertising, entertainment and politics to create alluring, very disturbing snapshots of modern life.

Thankfully in 2006, a team of unrelenting volunteers resurrected the old derelict building facing The Tanners off New Bridge Street in Newcastle, and set out to realise their dream; to provide a unique space for intelligent, independent and meaningful cinema which offers more than action-heavy thrills and paper-thin plot lines.

So The Star and Shadow Cinema was born, changing the cultural and cinematic reputation of Newcastle.

Film Noir, Cinéma Vérité call it what you will, either way there’s not a Nicolas Cage car chase in sight and it all can been found in the quaint and lovingly restored venue at the top of Stepney Bank.

The whole point of The Star and Shadow is to back away hastily from the cash indulgent, blueprint of Hollywood Cinema and to honour thought-provoking works of visual art; so it comes as no surprise that the cinema is a non-profit organisation which is ran entirely by volunteer members.

With this is mind, the whole place has become some sort of cultural and artistic hot-bed for the alternative minds of Newcastle to share their ideas, setting the precedent for the reputation of The Star and Shadow as a nursery for independent creativity and thinking.

Say what you want about un-matching chairs and tables, this place is built with love rather than box office profit margins and standard issue multiplex fixed furnishings. The cosy little bar area also lends itself as a musical venue which can be hired out for gigs or private parties, as well as the delightful Star and Shadow Market which is held bi-monthly on Sundays (next one 7th November).

As far as films are concerned, there’s a great selection coming up and tickets cost a mere £4 (£3 concessions) after the initial joining fee which will set you back a whopping £1 per annum.

The Star and Shadow could change your view of cinema et al, so check out www.starandshadow.org.uk for up and coming listings and information on venue hire.

This is something different though; after all, we live in an age increasingly removed from the excess of supermodels and wrapping dead foxes round our necks.

Daisy Green magazine is embracing the green revolution and will be devoted to ethical fashion, beauty, and an eco-lifestyle.

Perfect for any budding eco-fashionista; it’s chic, environmental and champions a green goddess-like lifestyle, bringing hot new fashion and style, tips on ethical living, advice for home and work and plenty more besides.

Daisy Green was founded by Nicola Alexander: “I first started thinking about making more ‘eco’ choices when buying clothes some time ago. I was already recycling and buying and growing organic food, and I thought – why shouldn’t this impact on the clothes I wear too?

“It was after I went to my first clothes swapping party that I was hooked. I realised that charity shops, vintage attire and clothes made from hemp were not just for hip young festival goers.

“There are plenty of brands out there who offer another way in clothes buying – a way which means you can be kinder to the environment without compromising your commitment to looking good.”

Daisy Green magazine launches on Thursday - read more at the Daisy Green blog.

Photo by tigerlillyshop on Flickr. Some rights reserved.