Monthly Archives: March 2011

i's 100 Issue Anniversary {Social Diary}

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i’s 100 Issue Anniversary – Tues 15th March

Last night i held a glittering party at Century to celebrate its 100th issue. The newspaper sells over 170,000 copies a day and has been going for 6 months. At the party we chatted to national treasure Ian Hislop, talked to the gorgeous Ronni Ancona who told us to watch her and Olly Murs do a trek for Comic Relief on Thursday.

Nancy Dell’Ollio looked stunning, Emily Maitlis and Dom Joly chatted in the corner for most of the night, Amanda Donohoe was very friendly and Janet Street Porter was tall and charismatic. Dom Joly was telling everyone about breaking his leg on Celebrity Wipe Out.. When he arrived he was struggling up three flights of stairs before Nancy Dell’Ollio pointed out the lift and helped him into it.

We congratulated Editor Simon Kelner who gave a good speech. A ‘slightly tipsy’ journalist embarrassed Ronni Ancona with a story involving an illegal substance, a hotel room and Steve Coogan. Thankfully she was saved by Ian Hislop and made a swift exit. We also managed not to give the Evening Standard’s diary journalist too much gossip, even though he was a ridiculous amount of fun and had a good conversation with Bang Media’s Ricky Sky. All in all, an amazing night.

THE Rodnik Band

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London Fashion Week was in full force in February – a flurry of indelible catwalk designs and world wide fashion influence were in abundance. One show the Frost girls and I attended, that made a sustained mark on the mind – was the Rodnik Band Show. A collection of post moder pop art frenzy – a clever and refreshing illustration of art and fashion, with the essential ingredients to create a niche flavour for an otherwise more conformed ideology of fashion.

The face behind the charactered pieces is Scottish born Phillip Colbert – who’s uncanny approach to fashion, bares a strong reflection to his own persona. “I make clothing with a strong sense of fun”, Says Colbert “Conception and shape is important to me.”

Humouring the fine line between Art and Fashion, Colbert takes an expression, an art form – accordingly forming his interpretation visually – in fashion mode. Opting to relate to art as his muse, Colbert derives the idea and fascination of combining  bright, bold art with the enthusiasm of original fashion.

“I like the idea that my clothing is taken off the wall and worn, that each style expresses and artistic idea that is accessible and makes a thoughtful statement.”



Colbert‘s dynamic vision was evident at his A/W 2011 Show – encompassing a strong sense of conversation and expressive narrative within his collections. With a distinct belief in the notion of fashion fantasy and escapism, Colbert effortlessly executes a light hearted humour to his work.

The highlight of Colbert‘s shows, is the music he accompanies in presentation of each piece – in perfect harmony with the expressive path and nature to each one of his collections.

A joy to see, Colbert single handedly omits a strong sense of creativity in hand with fashion. “I am inspired to reinvent the way people look at fashion and clothes – if you change the way you look at something, the thing you look at changes!”

eBay offering 50 free listings per month to sellers

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Frost has learned after this article went to press that Ebay is only offering American’s 50 free listings a month. The UK has been left out. Very disappointing.

eBay have announced new pricing introductions which will see all eBay sellers being offered 50 free item listings per month. The online auction site hopes to tempt back sellers following competitor site Amazon’s introduction of their marketplace area.

Summary of changes to eBay seller fees:

  • 50 free listing’s per month
  • Free ‘Buy it now’ option to auction listings
  • Reducing Final Value Fee rates (for stores and fixed price listings only)
  • The Final Value Fee will be increased to include postage and packaging charges also

The updated Final Value Fee structure takes effect for non-store sellers on April 19, 2011, and for Store and Fixed Price sellers on July 6, 2011.

“We think these changes will really improve the marketplace for both buyers and sellers. We’re listening to our customers. We’re trying to understand their needs.” – Vice President Todd Lutwak

eBay’s changes to the feedback system have supposedly contributed heavily to the dwindling number of users on the site. Allowing buyers to leave anonymous feedback has left the system open to abuse and sellers are finding it hard to sell with some claiming to have been victims of sabotage by competitors. The loss of choice is increasing prices of items on the bidding site and buyers are looking elsewhere.

The changes seem to give with one hand and take with the other but will hopefully go some way to apease both sides of customers and buyers.

Star Studded Event Honouring our Heroes

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The Inaugural Soldiering On Awards and Unique Charity Auction in Honour of BLESMA (British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association) on Sunday 20 March 2011

In the presence of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and showbiz stars such as Hayley Mills, Tom Keane, Rick Wakeman and many other stars attending the first ever “Soldiering On Awards” organised by Members of the Armed Forces, BLESMA and friends from the world of Media and Entertainment.The awards will recognise the courage and determination of those servicemen and women severely injured in the line of duty and aim to reward those behind the scenes, who help them on their long and challenging road to recovery.

Hosted by Gloria Hunniford and Paul Martin at the prestigious The Savoy, London, the star-studded event will bring together celebrities, industry professionals, BLESMA supporters and members to show their support for our troops, and the life changing work BLESMA do to better the future for many amputees in the UK.

The awards categories will include: Fundraising Endeavour, Supportive Family, Volunteer of the Year, Sporting Endeavour of the Year, The Bowman Award, Making a Difference, Against All Odds, BLESMA Lifetime Commitment.

In each category, the awards recognise the bravery and professionalism of the men and women working in today’s Armed Forces around the world and honour incredible individuals such as Royal Marine Commado Mark Ormrod, who has fought back despite losing both his legs and right arm. They also celebrate members of the public who in various ways work diligently to support our servicemen and women.

The evening will commence with a champagne reception, presentations by BLESMA and music by the Swinging Blue Jeans band. Guests will also enjoy music from the Brass Quintet of the 1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards Band and a special performance from virtuoso rock violinist, Analiza Ching. There will be an auction including 12 magnificent “Money Can’t Buy” prizes, with the aim of raising much needed funds for BLESMA. The money will continue to help BLESMA provide support to rebuild the lives, confidence and self-belief of our injured servicemen and women, by giving them the opportunity to participate in support networks and rehabilitation programmes.

Jerome Church, BLESMA General Secretary added, “I cannot tell you how moved we have been by the offers of help from all of the armed forces and volunteers from the Soldiering On Awards committee. These awards celebrate our servicemen and women and members of the community who work together to help rebuild their lives. We hope the incredible and unique auction prizes will raise money to improve the lives of people who deserve all the help and support we can offer them”.

Food and Wine To Make Mother's Day Special

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All mums deserve a treat, like relaxing with a glass of wine from this fabulous range whilst you prepare her one of the expertly chosen complimentary dishes.

Fish Hoek Shiraz

This juicy red wine is a delicious addition to a number of meals. It’s a good, strong, superb wine. It’s not too tangy. Full of flavour and with not much after taste. You can taste berries. Try it with a hearty cottage pie, lasagne, or roast beef. Even better how about a delicious classic bistro Mother’s Day feast of steak, green beans and potato dauphinoise.

Banrock Station Sparkling Rose

This sparkling rose works perfectly as a standalone aperitif before a meal, or as an interesting desert choice. Best served with a light, red fruit desert such as pavlova or fruit tart. It is a good, light and refreshing wine. Perfectly fruity and with just the right amount of sweetness. One of the best Rose’s I have ever tasted.

Mother’s day is on April the 3rd. So treat her with these superb wines and some good food.

Complimentary dishes suggested by Constellation’s in-house wine expert, Sam Caporn.

Frost, Nearly a Year Later

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In October 2010 we had the Frost launch party. It wasn’t to actually launch the magazine. We had a soft launch in April and steadily built from there. Nearly a year later we are still not just going, but building every month. Our hits are in six figures and the Huffington Post have quoted us.

Vitamin Water sponsored the launch and The cast of Coming of Age; Ceri Phillips, Annabel and Joe, Jonathan Hansler, Anthony Epes, Nicholas Lezard, John Moore, John Bird,Nike Williams, Geoff Searle, Jamie Speakman, Olivia Wood, Paul Blanchard and Amy Yamazaki from Hollyoaks were among the over 300 people who came. All of our subscribers were invited.

It was held at the Club Burlesque after our original venue pulled out at the last minute. It was probably the most stressful few months of my life planning it. I was also doing a film and rehearsing a West End play at the same time. I’m surprised it didn’t kill me actually.

There were burlesque dancer’s, free drinks and a goodie bag. In fact, it was a little but like childbirth. I have nearly forgotten the pain and I’m thinking of doing another one. Let me know if you’re up for it.

Florence and the Machine backs new FOUR PAWS campaign film

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Florence and the Machine has lent its support to FOUR PAWS’ campaign calling on EU decision makers to keep their promise to ban the sale of animal-tested cosmetics, by allowing their haunting track Cosmic Love to be used as the soundtrack to a new thought provoking film, launched last week.

Animal testing for cosmetic ingredients is now banned in the EU. However, some tests for cosmetic ingredients can still be performed on animals outside the EU and those ingredients are imported for sale in EU products (until 11 Mar 2013). There is now a serious threat to this deadline which could be postponed by years.

The thought provoking and shocking film’s below and it’s worth watching.

A forthcoming European Commission decision is expected soon on whether to recommend a delay to its implementation due to alternatives not having been developed or validated in time.

“Our film is a reminder that the ugly face of animal tested cosmetics has not gone away and there can be no excuse for testing cosmetics on animals wherever in the word it takes place. We want to see an end to animal-tested cosmetics and that’s what EU politicians promised. If they break that promise by delaying the sales ban, they will be sanctioning the silent suffering of animals in countries such as the United States and China.” – Marie-Claire Macintosh from FOUR PAWS.

The new viral film has been launched across the EU in conjunction with a petition calling on EU decision makers not to delay the ban.

To sign the petition: https://www.secureconnect.at/4paws.org.uk/petition/110302/index.php

Japan Disaster – How you can help

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Relief organizations are quick to respond to the plea for help from the Japanese Government for the provision of aid to victims of Japan’s massive earthquake and tsunami. The twitter has tag being used to keep informed on developments within the country is #prayforjapan. Somehow, praying doesn’t seem to be enough and if you want to help in some way, here’s a few ways in which you can donate:

Japanese Red Cross: You can donate directly to the Japanese Red Cross from their website or from the Google resources page.

American Red Cross: The American Red Cross is collecting text donations, according to Renee Kelly, an American Red Cross spokeswoman. To contribute, send a text with REDCROSS to 90999 and $10 will be donated to the relief efforts. You can also donate on line on the American Red Cross web site.

Natori Yagawahama Before-After
Before and after the earthquake and tsunami. Above is Yuriage in Natori, below is Yagawahama. Both are in in Miyagi prefecture. © 2011 Google, GeoEye, DigitalGlobe, Cnes/Spot Image, TerraMetrics

Shelterbox: Author Maureen Johnson has launched an online fundraiser for Shelterbox, collecting money for earthquake and tsunami relief in Japan. Johnson led a similar fundraiser for earthquake victims in New Zealand, raising more than $15,000. According to the organization’s website, Shelterbox is an organization that goes into areas of the world affected by disaster with large green boxes that contain shelters and the materials needed for people to restart their lives on some level. The boxes always include a top-quality tent, and they usually include stoves, blankets, water purification systems, and tools. This is true, life-saving stuff, hand-delivered by volunteers trained in survival techniques.

Save the Children: Save the Children says it is mobilizing global resources to respond to the needs of children and families affected by the earthquake and its aftermath. The organization’swebsite reports that an international emergency team has been dispatched to assist staff in Japan.

The humanitarian agency, which is based on Westport, Connecticut, says it has been operating in Japan for 25 years along with other Pacific nations impacted by tsunamis. Donors may make charitable contributions to the group’s Children’s Emergency Fund.

GlobalGiving: This Washington, D.C.-based group has launched the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. According to the organization’s website, it will disburse donations to groups providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. GlobalGiving is working with International Medical Corps, Save the Children, and other organizations.

Convoy of Hope: Convoy of Hope, a global relief organization based in Washington, D.C., is accepting online donations. You can also text TSUNAMI to 50555 to donate $10 to the group’s disaster response efforts. According to the organization’s website, the Disaster Response team “has established connection with in-country partners in Japan who have been impacted by the damage and are identifying the needs and areas where Convoy of Hope may be of the greatest assistance.”

Salvation Army: The Salvation Army, which has had a presence in Japan since 1895, says it is mobilizing relief efforts in response the earthquake. According to a spokeswoman, the Salvation Army in Tokyo is sending an assessment team to the city of Sendai to assess damage and will begin providing basic necessities, such as food and water, beginning as soon as March 12.

You can get more information on the organization’s website, Facebook page and on Twitter. Donations are being accepted by texting JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation to the group’s relief efforts.

Give2Asia: The Give2Asia Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Fund is raising funds to support immediate relief and short-term to long-term recovery projects undertaken by the affected communities. The organization said in an email that it is working with local advisors based in Tokyo to assess the current situation and to obtain more information on the needs of survivors.

Donations to the fund can be made online. For more information, contact info@give2asia.org.

International Medical Corps: International Medical Corps is mobilizing relief teams and supplies to respond to the tsunami and earthquake in Japan. “We are communicating with local partners in Japan on the most pressing needs,” says Crystal A. Wells, a communications officer at the Santa Monica, California-based group. “We will be responding to needs on the ground, which may include sending supplies to local partners and/or deploying emergency response teams.”

People can help in the relief effort by visiting the organization’s website or texting MED to 80888 to donate $10.

For those who are worried about relatives, friends, loved ones who haven’t been able to get in touch, Google have made a person finder especially for the Japan crisis or The Foreign Office has established a crisis unit and set up a helpline for UK nationals in Japan and their relatives back home. That number is +44(0)207 008 0000.

If you can think of any resources we’ve missed off, let us know and we will add it to the list.

[via Reuters]