Category Archives: News

Partypoker Announce Mike Sexton as New Chairman

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After fifteen years as the voice of World Poker Tour, Mike Sexton is to take on the role of chairman of the organization that he helped to found in 2001.  He will be replaced by Tony Dundst, who had previously stood in for Sexton at the mic.

Sexton speaks with genuine affection of his time at World Poker Tour.  “It has been an honour and a privilege to work with the WPT since 2002…When WPT was launched it was a dream come true and to be there from the beginning and see how the WPT changed the poker world forever by essentially turning poker into a televised sport has been amazing.”  He said that to work for both companies would be “unfair” and that his new role is “an opportunity and challenge I simply don’t want to pass up”.

Known worldwide, WPT screens in sixty-six countries, for his catch phrase: “May all your cards be live and all your pots be monsters”, Sexton was also a serious poker player with twenty-five years-experience behind him before he sat in front of a mic.  He has a World Series of Poker bracelet, a WPT title and was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.

The sixty-nine-year-old ex-paratrooper seems undaunted by the challenges of his new role. “As Chairman I look forward to achieving our mission statement, working with partypoker staff, working with partypoker Live president John Duthie and most importantly working with the players.”  On their blog, partypoker have outlined the new chairman’s responsibilities:

  • Invest in software development to deliver an industry leading player experience
  • Improve customer services and strive to resolve player issues in the same day
  • Reward the loyalty of players who start games and keep the action going
  • Look after smaller bankroll players with value added promotions
  • Fight against the use of third party software that gives an unfair advantage
  • Invest marketing budgets within the poker community
  • Develop partypoker Live to become the largest live poker tour in the world
  • Support partners and have their backs
  • Only appoint management who get poker, who are trusted, and who actually care
  • Hold hands up to the poker community when mistakes are made

At a time of life when most people are looking forward to a gentle retirement, Sexton may be about to take on his most demanding role yet. “My dad told me a long time ago, ‘Don’t ever retire if you are healthy and you enjoy what you are doing’.”  Clearly Sexton’s enthusiasm for the game and the huge challenges ahead of him remains undiminished. “I love playing against the best.  It’s not a gruelling, painful experience like it is for some people, because I really enjoy the challenge of it.  I am really looking forward to working with people that love the game like I do. We are not aiming for second place.”

 

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watch on as Land Rover BAR Rule The Waves In Portsmouth

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dukeandduchessofcambridge
Land Rover BAR Rule the Waves in Portsmouth

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watch on as Sir Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup team take the series overall lead on previous leaders Emirates Team New Zealand and current Defenders Oracle Team USA

Britain’s chances of winning the America’s Cup for the first time were given a significant boost at the weekend after Sir Ben Ainslie’s team sealed an emphatic victory on their home water of Portsmouth.

Land Rover BAR started the weekend tied in second place with current America’s Cup defenders Oracle Team USA. Two days of action packed racing on the Solent saw Land Rover BAR do the Portsmouth double and emerge as overall winners for a second time following their victory in July 2015. The result leaves their American rivals in third and take the lead on current leaders Emirates Team New Zealand to 367 points with two races to go.

Among the hundreds of thousands of supporters that turned out to cheer the British team on were The Duchess of Cambridge – Royal Patron to the team’s official charity, the 1851 Trust, accompanied by The Duke of Cambridge. Their Royal Highnesses watched the action from the water as Land Rover BAR thrilled the home crowds on the final day of racing.

The British summer finally arrived creating a perfect setting for both the Land Rover BAR sailors and spectators as the team raced their way into 1st place in an action packed weekend of sailing.

Ben Ainslie, Skipper and Team Principal: “It’s brilliant for us as the home team to win again in front of our home crowd, all our supporters. It means a huge amount to us, we’re delighted and I think that for a new team to be leading the World Series now is a good indication of how far we’ve come, but there’s still a long way to go, a lot of hard work between now and the America’s Cup.

“It was a real team work day, these boats are really hard to handle on such a short course. The guys did an incredible job with the boat handling and that’s what really got us out of some of those tough situations.

“Full credit to the team and everyone back at the Camber at the base, we’ve got a hundred odd people there, designing and building boats and components for the Cup next year, and I think it’s a big moment for them as well to know that we can go out and win these events.”

Two days earlier Admiral of the Royal Yacht Squadron HRH The Duke of Edinburgh also visited the base to spend time with members of Land Rover BAR’s technical and engineering teams.

Portsmouth America’s Cup World Series weekend results:

Land Rover BAR – 82
Oracle Team USA – 81
Softbank Team Japan – 69
Emirates Team New Zealand – 62
Groupama Team France – 58
Artemis Racing – 53
Overall leader board results:
Land Rover BAR – 367
Oracle Team USA – 366
Emirates Team New Zealand 357
Softbank Team Japan – 328
Artemis Racing – 315
Groupama Team France – 292

How School Bosses Spend Your Millions

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Exeter_High_School_(New_Hampshire)An investigation by Channel 4 Dispatches can reveal that some bosses of academy schools are spending taxpayers’ money on luxury hotels, top-end restaurants, first class travel and executive cars.

The Academies programme may have started under Labour, but it was pushed through a rapid expansion by David Cameron. In just five years the numbers have grown from 600 to more than 5000, they are now controlled by trusts and run like businesses. Over 3,000 of these schools are part of chains known as multi-academy Trusts, which are in control of millions of pounds of taxpayer’s money.

Expenses:
More than £14 billion of public money now flows directly to Academy Trusts. For the first time, the expenses of some of those running thousands of Britain’s academy schools can now be disclosed following a raft of Freedom of Information requests.

Dispatches looked at the expenses of more than 100 Academy Trusts, they reveal:
• The chief executive of another Trust spent almost £1000 on hotel bills, including a £245 stay at a luxury golf resort in Cheshire
• The executive principal of a Trust spent more than £1400 on two hotel bills including £909 at the Park Plaza in London
• One Trust pays a monthly Broadband bill for executive principal’s home in France
Research by Dispatches shows that largest 40 Academy Trusts have spent more than £1m of public money on executive expenses since 2012.

One of the most notable uses of taxpayer’s money is by Ian Cleland of the Academy Transformation Trust in Birmingham, which runs 22 schools. Mr Cleland is paid £180,000 per year. The Academy’s expenses reveal that he spent 3,000 on first-class travel and over £1,000 on restaurant bills. The Trust also pays for the use of his XJ Premium Luxury V6 Jaguar car including around £3000 on items like new tyres, a vehicle health check and insurance for himself and his wife. His expenses include a meal at Marco Pierre White totalling £471 and Bank totalling £703.45.

The Academies Transformation Trust said they are “committed to being… transparent” and to “achieve value for money”. They confirmed the credit card is only used for business purchases, including work-related expenses for other members of staff. The most efficient rail fare is booked wherever possible, his role “requires significant, regular travel… hence the car maintenance costs…” which are paid for by the Trust. He is “reimbursed for his business mileage only”.

Margaret Hodge, former chairman of the Public Accounts Committee said: “This money is supposed to be there for the education of our children… the governance system is inadequate, there ought to be proper oversight so these things don’t happen.”

The Department for Education said academies are “subject to stricter oversight and accountability than council-run schools” and that it “proactively oversees academy governance and… spending.”

Salaries:
Dispatches has found that more than half of largest 50 chains pay their chief executives more than the Prime Minister (£143,000).

Last year the chief executive of the Aspirations Academies Trust which runs 12 schools trust pays its chief executive and Founder Stewart Kenning a total package of £225,000 and his wife Paula Kenning £175,000 as executive principal and Founder.

The Co-Founder and President of the Aspirations Academy Trust, Dr Russell Quaglia is based in the USA. In the past three years the US organisation that he founded was paid more than £200,000 by the Trust. Dr Qualiga’s standard rates show that an average visit to the UK costs $8,300 for travel, hotels and meals, consultancy rates start at $8,000 per day and rise to $15,000. When added together it equals $190,000, approximately £114,000. He says that he gives the Trust a substantial discount, only charging around £90,000 per annum.

The Aspirations Academy Trust said, “Dr Quaglia is a highly respected figure in International Education.” The figures quoted “represent value for money” and ignore the free support that is not costed. “The amounts charged are significantly below cost” and “in line with the Department of Education rules.”

On Mr and Mrs Kenning, the Trust said, “The Kenning’s pay is not “out of line” with their previous earnings as “principles of outstanding schools” and “reflects the responsibility” in running a £33m organisation “with over 500 staff”.

Related Party Transactions:
Dispatches have discovered that Academy chains have spent millions of pounds of public money with business deals which are in some way connected to the Trust.

Out of 100 Trusts Dispatches surveyed, around half had paid money to directors, trustees or their relatives through business deals or even direct employment. In one year these related party transactions added up to more than £9 million of taxpayer’s money. These deals are permitted as long as they take place at cost, and the parties involved do not make a profit.

Examples uncovered by Dispatches include:
• One Trust awarded a £123,000 two year contract to the chairman’s daughter for clerking services.
• Another Trust spent more than £100k over two years to a recruitment firm owned by the Trust’s managing director.
• One trust spent £695,000 in one year on IT services from a firm majority owned by one of its members.
Margaret Hodge told Dispatches: “The Department for Education should be much tougher on them, should not allow them to take place… I just think it’s wrong.”

The Department of Education said these transactions “can save money” and “must be disclosed” in academies’ published, audited accounts. “In the vast majority of academies’ transitions” no concerns had been raised, but where they are they “will investigate” and “take swift action”.

HOW SCHOOL BOSSES SPEND YOUR MILLIONS: CHANNEL 4 DISPATCHES – Monday 25th July, Channel 4, 8pm

EU Referendum – If You Really Believe in Democracy There is Only One Way You Can Vote on Thursday

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eu referendum A couple of months ago I began this EU campaign genuinely undecided about how I would vote. I knew we sent the EU quite a lot of money and that it was bureaucratic. But I also believed fully in the idea that we were stronger together and that free trade is usually a good thing.

After much thought and research I have decided to vote to leave the EU. The final factor was the Paxman documentary which I would encourage everyone to watch.

Much as I love Europe. I cannot vote in favour of a system which is undemocratic and unaccountable. We must all fight to defend our democracy. So many have already sacrificed so much in the past to do so.

How is the EU undemocratic? Firstly, perhaps most importantly it lacks transparency. This system is unnecessarily and seemingly deliberately complex. Understanding how laws are actually made is difficult. There are three main bodies.

The European Council – Decides priorities and directions of the EU

The European Commission – Proposes legislation, policies and programmes of action and is responsible for implementing the decisions of the European Parliament and the Council.

The European Parliament – Amends and approves legislation

There are also a myriad of other bodies involved, of which there are far too many to list. When a system is this complex it becomes impossible for ordinary people to have any input or influence on the decision making process. Power becomes held in a smaller and smaller elite.

New laws are not proposed by elected members of the EU parliament. In almost all cases they are proposed by unelected commissioners. This is crucial. What is the point of having elected representatives if they are powerless to change anything? When I vote for my MP to go to Westminster he or she stands on a manifesto of policies he or she wishes to undertake on my behalf. My MEP stands for nothing. It’s little wonder that almost no one actually knows who their MEP is. The elected European Parliament, in those policy areas in which it is allowed a say, votes on directives in vast batches with very little opportunity for debate. Detailed scrutiny is given in committees, but only a tiny proportion of MEPs are able to participate. The ability to modify directives is itself subject to many rules. There is no accountability. Any laws which are created trump our own parliament. Whatever people may say, it is not democracy.

I do not pretend that leaving the EU would not be difficult and there would not be a great deal of upheaval. I have also been very disappointed with most of the arguments and figures from both sides. It saddens me that the debate has been dominated by immigration and the economy when to me the true issue is our relationship with the EU and our democracy.

But we cannot allow this undemocratic system to continue. The EU has shown itself to be completely unwilling to reform. David Cameron had a golden opportunity to work for proper democratic reform during his re-negotiation. He didn’t even bother because he, and most other politicians, have no interest in changing a system which favours them. It is time for us all to stand up and be counted and take back control of our democracy. We may not get another chance.

 

This Is The Average 40-Year-Old

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average40somethingAfter our article about millennials earlier in the week, we now bring the stats about 40-somethings. And they are having it tough too. Pay inequality is an issue. The average 40 something is not earning a lot. In fact, men are earning an average of £28,460, but women are earning an average of £21,629. A huge gap. Worries include savings, health, looks, and caring for relatives. Read on for stats on the average 40-something.

The average 40-something enjoys retro-classics Star Wars and Grease, earns around £25,000 a year and wishes they’d saved, travelled and exercised more, a new study has found. A survey of 2,000 adults aged 40 to 49 found that the milestone is characterised by two distinct groups – those living a traditional family lifestyle and the ‘young at heart’ singletons.The Nationwide Savings poll looks at a number of different aspects, ranging from wealth, health and life decisions to missed opportunities and favourite pastimes, films and music.

 

Research reveals the average 40-year-old prefers to spend a night in front of the telly than down the pub, likes to escape on holiday once a year and enjoys two family outings a month.But despite a modest social life, three in ten worry about how they look.Just over half of 40 somethings are married or in a civil partnership and have been with their partner for 12 years on average.

 

However, one in seven is single and/or lives alone. Some 70 per cent of those in their fourth decade have teenage kids, while 64 per cent have pets.When it comes to regrets, more than a third wished they’d travelled more, while four in ten wish they’d put away more money and over a quarter wished they had kept themselves in better shape.The findings also show that 16 per cent wish they had better qualifications and more than one in ten thought they’d own their own home by now. And it seems people in their forties have plenty to worry about too, particularly when it comes to their finances.

 

According to the poll, they earn an average of £24,638 a year (men getting £28,460 on average, compared to £21,629 for women).Although 43 per cent fear their pension won’t be enough when they retire, nearly a third worry about being able to support their children. And one in five are concerned about looking after parents or grandparents. Andrew Baddeley-Chappell, Nationwide’s Head of Savings Policy, said: “Given our 40s are when we statistically reach middle age it is perhaps unsurprising that this transition from youth to maturity finds many with a foot firmly in both camps.

 

“At a time when we could be considered in our prime, our research suggests that some Brits are finding their 40s quite tough. “Their message to the younger generations would be to spend more time looking after your finances and your fitness – avoid that squeezed middle in both senses!” When it comes to relaxing, drama is the TV genre of choice for a frequent night in front of the telly, but retro comedy wins out, with Only Fools and Horses deemed the most popular show, followed by Blackadder and Fawlty Towers. Additionally, 40 something music tastes also have a retro feel, with Queen and Abba topping the charts, followed by Adele, David Bowie and Guns N’ Roses.On the film front, 1980s big franchises and musicals reign supreme, with Star Wars, Grease and Back to the Future taking the top slots, followed by Indiana Jones and Terminator.

 

After decades of work, the average 40 something earns just under £25,000 (£24,638) a year, has squirrelled away £8,665 in savings, owes £1,626 on their credit card and almost £700 (£681) to ‘the Bank of Mum and Dad’.

 

The survey shows that men earn an average of £28,460, compared to £21,629 for women. And when all the monthly outgoings have been tallied, the average 40 something reckons they have £291 left in disposable income, with most of their money going on bills, groceries and mortgage or rent payments, rather than a buzzing social life.

 

Money pressures may have dictated some important life choices, too. Fifteen per cent put off pursuing further training or education, while 18 per cent put off moving home and eight per cent put off getting married solely as a result of financial pressures. One in three feels pressure to stay in a job they don’t like for the financial stability, while a fifth thought they would be in a better paid job by now. One in ten decided not to have children due to the expense involved, while a quarter delayed their plans to go travelling.Despite money worries, 13 per cent of 40 somethings have completely paid off their mortgage, while one in seven believe that they are currently living in their ‘forever home’, where they intend to stay for the rest of their lives.

 

More than one in ten thought they would own their own property by the time they were in their 40s. And while just over half are paying a mortgage, in excess of a quarter still rent. Health also becomes a greater concern as we reach middle age, according to the poll.In a list of ailments, more than half have experienced back pain, 52 per cent have suffered headaches and migraines and nearly half have endured stress or anxiety. A further 41 per cent have suffered from sleep-related issues and 15 per cent have felt an effect on their mental health. When it comes to getting into shape, more than a quarter of 40 somethings regret not doing enough exercise, with 53 per cent admitting they don’t do any exercise in a typical month. Despite this, 30 per cent of those aged between 40 and 49 are conscious of their body image and how they look, with a clear gender split of concern between men and women.

 

TOP 10 FILMS FOR 40 SOMETHINGS

Star Wars series

Grease

Back to the Future series

Indiana Jones series

Top Gun

Terminator

Shrek

Pulp Fiction

Toy Story

The Lord of the Rings

 

TOP 10 MUSIC ARTISTS FOR 40 SOMETHINGS

Queen

Abba

Adele

David Bowie

Guns N’ Roses

Duran Duran

The Beatles

Robbie Williams

Ed Sheeran

Madonna

 

TOP 10 TELEVISION SHOWS FOR 40 SOMETHINGS

Only Fools and Horses

Blackadder

Fawlty Towers

Britain’s Got Talent

Coronation Street

Sherlock

Game of Thrones

The Big Bang Theory

Strictly Come Dancing

The Apprentice

 

Cara Delevingne Fronts I’m Not A Trophy Inaugural Campaign

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Cara Delevingne Fronts I'm Not A Trophy Inaugural CampaignEvery 20 minutes the world adds another 3,500 human lives but loses at least one endangered wildlife species at the same rate. Celebrated supermodel and actress, Cara Delevingne is taking her compassion for animals to new heights and looking to end the unnecessary destruction of endangered species once and for all by becoming the inaugural brand ambassador for the first-ever I’m Not A Trophy campaign. Founded by renowned French artist and photographer, Arno Elias, I’m Not A Trophy is a global initiative that aims to bring awareness to endangered animals, and to the illegal and tragic acts of trophy hunting.

The campaign features original photographs of Cara shot by Arno with artfully imposed wildlife covering her body. The international movement is the first of its kind and is an ongoing initiative to amass a greater education and understanding for malicious acts of trophy hunting and poaching of lions, elephants, rhinos and more. Supporters of the campaign can contribute to a variety of foundations listed on www.imnotatrophy.org, and for those looking to take a little piece of Cara home with them, limited edition prints of the model are available for purchase on the site. Even better, all proceeds from Cara’s prints will benefit wildlife conservation efforts.

Cara’s comment on Arno Elias’ I’m Not A Trophy initiative not only supporting endangered species, but also aiming to empower women as well.
I want to highlight women as powerful figures within our society. Much like the species that are trophy hunted and displayed as prizes, women are often seen as possessions. It’s time for our society to end the treatment of humans and animals as trophies.

Cara speaks to the overwhelmingly increasing issue of poaching and trophy hunting

I knew that illegal poaching and trophy hunting was becoming an epidemic, but after meeting and working with Arno, he really enlightened me on how tragic and serious of an issue this truly is. I am extremely passionate about animals and am so honored to be representing an organization and cause that is fighting for the rights of these innocent lives.
Cara discusses how she met French photographer and artist, Arno Elias, who created the campaign and shot Cara for it.
I was introduced to Arno’s work after falling in love with the images he did for my friend and fellow model, Suki Waterhouse. Suki put us in touch and before we knew it we were in Paris shooting together.

Cara talks about her  involved with the campaign’s initiatives

I plan on being very hands-on with the organization and will do whatever I can to help create awareness for the tragic poaching and trophy hunting that is occurring in Africa. I’m extremely proud to act as inaugural ambassador for the first-ever, international I’m Not a Trophy campaign, a cause that not only benefits endangered species, but empowers women as well.
 

Is Meghain Trainer a Hypocrite When It Comes To Body Shaming & Loving Yourself?

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Meghain Trainer, skinny women, body shaming, Meghain Trainer all about that bass song is body shaming skinny women, mean, rude,I am going to start this piece with a confession: I hate that ‘All About The Bass’ song. Okay it’s catchy and it has a good beat, but I hate the lyrics. And I am not the only one. Plenty of ‘stick-figure…Barbie doll’s‘ as Meghain puts it in her song also hate the lyrics. I have always found it ironic that she became famous for no photo-shopping and loving your body due to that song. She says it is wrong to body shame someone because of their size, but that entire song is rude to slim women. Yes, love yourself Meghain but don’t do it by dragging other women down and attacking their size. ‘Stick figure’ is offensive and so is implying that men need a little something to hold onto. Slim women have something for their men to hold onto. They are not made of air.

 

The real #metoo video is finally up! Missed that bass. Thank you everyone for the support 💙

A photo posted by Meghan Trainor (@meghan_trainor) on

Now Meghain is complaining that she was photo-shopped in her new music video. She then demanded that the un-edited version was released instead. Well good for her. Some say the entire thing is a publicity stunt. It may be, but I am a huge fan of more diversity when it comes to body shape. We do need more body shapes in the media. Not everyone is tall and skinny. But that doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with woman that are. Maybe Meghain should take note. In All About The Bass she wanted to ‘Go ahead and tell them skinny bitches’ and then said she was joking, but we all know that people sometimes pretend they are joking to soften what they are really saying. Let’s be more inclusive to every woman Meghain, not just the ones that look like you.

 

 

The Queens Award for Enterprise 2016 has been awarded to the fabulous charity Forces Support

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Logo for The Queen's Awards for Enterprise: International Trade 2010

A charity much admired by Frost is Forces Support which supports families who have lost a loved one in Afghanistan. The brilliant news is that to coincide with The Queen’s Birthday, they have been awarded with the prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise 2016 in the Innovation Category, for their innovative approach to supporting bereaved military families.

The Queens Award for Enterprise 2016 has been awarded to the fabulous charity Forces Support

Founded by father and son, Bill and Billy McCance, the charity has a national support team helping about 80 families a year, and is supported by 22 shops throughout Britain. It is such a simple idea, isn’t it, to provide families with Remembrance areas, children’s play areas, and playrooms, garden and household maintenance when they are reeling with grief. It is simple yes, but inspired.  Just imagine hearing the news that your husband or father has been killed and you need to move from a quarter into a new house when you are bereft and feeling helpless. Or if it is your son… Where can you go for solace?

The Queens Award for Enterprise 2016 has been awarded to the fabulous charity Forces Support 3
Forces Support helps to ease the way along the rocky path of grief and adjustment. It creates a peaceful area, or decorates  a house so that is fit to live in.

The charity funds the support they give through the profits from their furniture shops, making the charity self-sufficient and sustainable, and support also comes from donations.

This award is utterly deserved, and Bill and Billy, and all the builders, maintenance personnel and apprentices who help the families of service personnel should feel enormously proud of their efforts. Wonderful thought the Award is, work, of course, will continue unabated, as they have a waiting list of 8 months and more will be added to this, with each passing day.

There is no rest for Forces Support, because the need continues.

The Queens Award for Enterprise 2016 has been awarded to the fabulous charity Forces Support 4

www.forcessupport.org.uk