Monthly Archives: April 2011

Welcome to Frost Magazine’s new Bird Column!

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Are you interested in all things avian? Maybe you would like to find out more about the birds you see in your garden or on the way to work? You enjoy looking at or taking photos of our native wildlife and birds in particular? Or maybe you think wild birds really are quite boring? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, then you are in the right place!

My name is Sandra Palme – I’m a professional pet portrait artist, birding enthusiast and experienced bird photographer.  From May 1st, I am going to share some of my favourite bird photos and stories with you, tell you some interesting facts about British birds and show you why  birds around you are a joy to watch and also need your help as sadly, many species are in decline.

Birds are beautiful, birds are fun, birds are clever, birds deserve our attention – and I’ll prove it.

Robin
Robin

So I hope you’ll join me next week!

When speaking to each other, in their languages of colour and song, birds inadvertently speak to us. They include us. And we cannot help but respond – so long as we have some streak of life left in us. (Simon Barnes).

Sandra Palme
www.finepetportraits.co.uk

Lady Gaga Aplogises For Slur

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Lady Gaga and Hundreds of Others Apologise for Slur

During an interview with the British music magazine NME, American pop icon Lady Gaga called recent accusations of plagiarism “retarded.”

Ms. Gaga, an outspoken advocate for the LGBT community, has since apologized, acknowledging that her use of the word undermines the social causes with which she frequently associates.

“I consider it part of my life’s work and music to push the boundaries of love and acceptance,” said Gaga in a statement released through celebrity blogger Perez Hilton. “To anyone that was hurt, please know that it was furiously unintentional.”

She continued: “Whether life’s disabilities left you outcast, bullied or teased, rejoice and love yourself today.”

Gaga’s flippant use of “retard” is indicative of how casually the word exists in the English language. To measure how frequently it’s used would be nearly impossible, but TheSocialChallenge.org has been using one particular platform to track its use: Twitter.

Visitors to the site can see the live stream of tweets containing the word, and can send messages asking the tweeters to reconsider their choice of words in the future.

TheSocialChallenge.org has demonstrated that when engaged, like Lady Gaga, users of the word “retard” are likely to apologize.

“It’s really unfortunate when someone with as much influence as Lady Gaga uses that word,” said Holly Roos, an advocate for TheSocialChallenge.org, and a mother of two children with Fragile-X syndrome.

“But through The Social Challenge, in just over a month, we’ve actually had hundreds of people tweet back with apologies, pledging not to use the word in the future. It’s a great opportunity to make a difference, and I’m really glad to see that Lady Gaga thought better of her words, too.”

This month Gaga was an attendee at an event in Paris for the Best Buddies Association, an international nonprofit advocacy group for people with developmental disabilities.

TheSocialChallenge.org is a project that believes all people deserve the same rights and freedoms; that all individuals with developmental disabilities can be best served in the community with the right supports and services; and that advocacy can change lives.

SOURCE TheSocialChallenge.org

Doctor Who – Series 6

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Doctor Who returns tomorrow with series 6. The Impossible Astronaut starts at 6pm this Saturday, on BBC One. We wanted to give away as little as possible so we’ve just included the prequel and trailer below, along with a spoiler free review.

You can see a short prequel below.

And here is the trailer for the new series


 
Spoiler Free Review

http://www.denofgeek.com/television/837935/doctor_who_series_6_episodes_1_2_spoilerfree_review.html

 

POKER SHUT DOWN – UPDATE

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On Wednesday there was some good news for online poker players following the shutdown last Friday. The two biggest sites in the US, Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars, came to an agreement with the United States Attorney Office for the Southern District of New York. The deal means the sites get there domains back but US players will still not be allowed to play. However the agreement means that the sites are once again open for all non-US players.

Although unable to play, many US players believe this is an important first step to getting their money back. This was affirmed by FullTilt.

‘The agreement represents an important first step towards returning funds to U.S. players because it allows Full Tilt Poker to utilize its domain to facilitate the withdrawal of player funds. But, unfortunately, there remain significant practical and legal impediments to returning funds to players in the immediate future.’

Since the shutdown, poker players have exerted a substantial amount of pressure on US politicians and many believe this is the reason for the swift agreement. Well known player Andrew Robl tweeted, ‘Part of the reason for swift return of the domains is the huge public outcry. call/email your senators etc’

We can now be hopeful that US account holders will receive their money back in the future at some point.

In a statement the US attorney for the Southern District of New York stated, ‘this Office expects the companies to return the money that U.S. players entrusted to them, and we will work with the poker companies to facilitate the return of funds to players, as today’s agreements with PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker as today’s agreement demonstrates.’

See the 2+2 thread below for the poker communities reaction to the shutdown in MS Paint form!

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/29/news-views-gossip/mspaint-online-poker-players-before-after-1023686/

 

Have you paid for the Royal Wedding?

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It’s the Royal Wedding soon – 29 April 2011. Have you bought your tea towel? Have you paid £3 for a bottle of Kiss me Kate from your local Weatherspoons pub?

If you haven’t yet then you need to be quick, the economy needs you! If conservative estimates are correct, £1bn could be injected into the economy as a consequence of this wedding, but it needs you, the consumer, to get out over the bank holiday weekend and spend like your children’s centre or maternity unit depended on it.

Of course that doesn’t matter much because the wedding will cost £5bn to the economy anyway, making the whole occasion a loss to the tune of £4bn – hey but it’s worth it, right? It’ll be the most expensive day that the nation has taken off for a long time but who hasn’t taken a sneaky day off before at the expense of a day’s wages (and a taxation loss of a few hundred frontline police staff)?

I suppose it would be a bit rich to ask either of the families to pay up. The Middleton’s, despite much fuss being made of Kate’s maternal family lineage, which includes coal miners from Byker (as in Byker Grove, I cannae believe that man), are worth £30m. True, that wouldn’t be able to re-pay the loss to the UK economy for an extra bank holiday, but it could’ve at least contributed to the cheesey pineapple sticks and cocktail sausages.

And the other family, the Royal Family, the most Royal of all UK families. They have a bit of cash lying around to see that Kate and Bill’s special day is, er, special, don’t they? Prince Charles, through entrepreneurial ventures, is worth something close to £36m himself. And if that’s the case, why does it matter that in 2009 the Royal Family cost the taxpayer 7p more than in 2010. It’s not a saving, it’s an insult.

The Civil List, which effectively is the Government subsidy for the family (around £38m a year), pays for Royal staff and transport. The Crown Estate says that 70% of that sum goes on staffing costs. But how much do they cost, if you consider that it cost the taxpayer £14,756 for the Prince of Wales to take the Royal Train from London to Cumbria to launch a Red Squirrel Survival Trust. Or consider that it cost £85,700 in charter flights to get him and the Duchess of Cornwall to Italy and Germany in 2009.

Those are some significant staff costs.

But – a big but – they are worth every penny for the money they bring to the economy. The Crown Estate estimates £304m. It doesn’t say exactly how, and I’d love to see some breakdown figures. I’ll give it a guess though: tourism and trade. Though France doesn’t have a Monarchy, and they’re doing okay aren’t they?

Not just okay. France is the second largest economy in Europe, fifth largest in the world and has been growing consistently since 2009. Wow. France attracted 78.95 million foreign tourists in 2010, making it the most popular tourist destination in the world. Their tower – the Eiffel tower – is the most visited paid monument in the world.

So France can do international trade well, and receive tourists without making losses literally all over the place. I’m not liking the sound of this, but perhaps there is no point having a Monarchy. But how do we tell them that?

How To Know When Its The Right Time To Get Married.

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William_and_Kate_weddingWith royal wedding fever hitting an all time high there is a high number of women wondering if there boyfriend will pop the question. Kate waited by Prince Williams side for nearly a decade, earning herself the nickname ‘waity Katy’. It would seem that Kate, or Catherine as she now wants to be called, has had the last laugh. However, not all women want to get married, or remain undecided. While most men need quite a bit of a push in my experience. So, when is it the right time to make the commitment? What do you need to know first? Read the point below to find out if now is the right time to get married.

Are you in love?

There are many reasons why people think they should get married. Whether its peer pressure or because you have kids. Truth is, there is only one reason why you should get married: You’re in love. As long as you love someone it does not matter what life throws at you. They are the constant in your life. If you are unsure whether or not you’re in love; you’re not. If you are unsure if your boyfriend loves you, ask him or read this: How to tell if your boyfriend loves you

Are they your final emotional destination?

When you marry someone you are not just sharing your life, but also your soul and your DNA. You are forever joining together. Marriage is something to be taken seriously, do you really want to be with this person? It’s okay to have doubts, we all do. It is always possible that Angelina Jolie or George Clooney will want to marry you later, but the thing is; if you have found someone who loves you and you love them back you are blessed, people spend lifetimes trying to find the love of their lives. Don’t throw that away.

Are you just sliding into it?

Do you really want to get married or are you just sliding into it? Marriage is a mistake that’s hard to get out of unscathed – whether that be emotionally or financially. Being in a loveless marriage is something nobody should have to put up with. Don’t just get married because your mother is nagging you.

Do you just want a big day?

They say the most important day in a women’s life is her wedding day. I like to think this isn’t true, but it is still something women, and men!, buy into. After the dress, the presents and the honeymoon you will have to spend the rest of your life with this person. Not really worth one glamorous day.

Are you getting married because you (think) you are cracking on a bit?

Getting married because your nearly thirty isn’t a good enough reason. Although a women’s biological clock doesn’t work in her favour, marrying someone you don’t love – or worse, having a kid with someone you don’t love; a child ties you to that person forever- just because you feel pressure from society or your mother will never make you happy. Think of all the other thing you could do with your life; travel, focus on your career, study. There is a big world out there. You don’t need a husband (or wife) for that.

Do you know each other? Does the other person listen?

You have to know the person you are marrying. Can you communicate with them? Can you talk openly? If you tell your partner that something annoys you do they make the effort to change? If someone love you they will do anything they can to keep you around, they will care about your thoughts and feelings. You also have to accept the other person, good and bad.

And another thing…

 

Talk about finance, children, future goals together. It’s okay to be nervous, to be unsure, relationships are hard, but if you really love the person you are with, what are you waiting for?

The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity is available in print, ebook and Kindle. The Kindle version is only £2.99.

 

 

Kate & William: Get Free Glass Of Champagne At Gilgamesh

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Celebrate The Royal Wedding at Gilgamesh

To celebrate Wills and Kate tying the knot, acclaimed Camden restaurant Gilgamesh is throwing a lavish Royal Wedding Reception.

As well as screening the ceremony live, Gilgamesh will be serving an English/Pan-Asian brunch, featuring dishes themed around all things Royal.

On Friday 29 April, the renowned North London hotspot will be the perfect place to celebrate the Royal Wedding. From 11am-5pm diners can choose from fantastic dishes including Sandringham Ham with Poached Free-Range Eggs and Hollandaise Sauce, Buckingham Hot-Pot and Lady-in-Waiting Chocolate Cake.

As an added bonus, guests named William or Kate will receive a complimentary glass of Champagne on arrival, provided they show photo ID.

So head to Gilgamesh for a day that promises to keep the corks popping. For bookings contact reservations@gilgameshbar.com or call 0207 428 4922(ext 2).
GILGAMESH

Camden View

Camden Stables Market

Chalk Farm Road

London NW1 8AH

Tel: 020 7482 5757

www.gilgameshbar.com

Aston Martin launches in India

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Aston Martin has officially opened the doors to its first dealership in India today, bringing the British marquee’s luxury sports cars to the city of Mumbai.

This important move in the luxury manufacturer’s expansion plans further strengthens the company’s representation in this growing region, bringing the Aston Martin brand to India for the first time.

Aston Martin will commence its presence in India with a new dedicated facility in Mumbai in partnership with Performance Cars (a division of Infinity Cars Pvt. Ltd.), who have enjoyed a strong reputation in the Indian luxury car market for several years.

Aston Martin’s Chief Commercial Officer, Michael van der Sande said, “India represents a new opportunity for us and as part of our programme of growing the reach of the global Aston Martin dealership network this expansion brings our brand to a different audience in a new market.

“Our decision to bring the Aston Martin brand to India is driven by a strong level of interest and enthusiasm from potential customers in an emerging luxury market. We have taken our time to find the right advocates for Aston Martin and I am confident that we have selected strong partners with whom we look forward to starting a successful relationship.”

On his part Performance Cars, Managing Director, Mr. Lalit Choudary said, “Partnering Aston Martin offers us an unique opportunity to bring one of the world’s iconic brands to one of the world’s most discerning and fast growing markets. We are confident about the brand’s success in India given the range of models, the comfortable ride quality the cars offer on our roads and the exclusivity they accord.”

The Aston Martin dealership in Mumbai is located at Kemp’s Corner at the junction of the ultra-premium Peddar and Altamount Roads and will offer customers a premium boutique environment wherein they can custom specify the cars to their exacting needs. The after-sales facility in nearby Worli is a first of its kind dedicated, air conditioned workshop in the high luxury segment. The showroom and after-sales facilities have been specially designed to follow the international design elements that have timelessly identified the elegance of the Aston Martin brand worldwide.

Aston Martin customers and enthusiasts will be able to view and test-drive selected models from the entire range of V8 Vantage Coupe, V8 Vantage Roadster, V12 Vantage, DB9 Coupe, DB9 Volante, DBS Coupe, DBS Volante and the four-door sports car; Rapide. These models will also be joined by the recently launched V8 Vantage S and the new Virage.

The opening of the Aston Martin Mumbai showroom strengthens the company’s global dealership network to a total of 134 dealers in 42 countries. As part of the company’s ongoing expansion plans Aston Martin has recently entered into Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Taiwan and Turkey whilst seeking continued growth in new markets as well as emerging markets including China and the Middle East.