Monthly Archives: April 2012

Investment capital firm set to salvage Game

Posted on by

Following on from Junior Smart’s articles on Game Group going into administration, an announcement is expected from the investment group, Opcapita, that it is buying a large part of the troubled Game Group out of administration.

However many experts believe that the Game Group needs to change its approach in order to survive in this tough retail landscape.

Danny Jatania, a consumer champion and CEO and Chairman of Pockit, says, “If a company like Game is to survive, it’s imperative for it to adapt and innovate to consumer spending patterns. Currently the high street is going through a major evolution as a result of consumers using the huge savings offered by the online retailers to purchase goods. Game will have to completely rethink its strategy and will need to work in harmony with this growing trend.”

Danny concludes, “More and more retailers are using deals, vouchers, in-store and online cashback, in the face of a fiercely competitive retail environment. It is important for retailers to extend these deals to the high street to increase foot fall as part of their growth plans.”

National Geo & Nintendo Launch Photography Competition.

Posted on by

Budding photographers will have a chance to become the UK’s Nintendo 3DS photography champion.

Nintendo has teamed up with National Geographic Kids and The Royal Photographic Society to launch a UK-wide Nintendo 3DS photography competition

The competition has been launched in association with National Geographic Kids, famed for its exceptional wildlife photography, and the world’s oldest national photographic society, The Royal Photographic Society (RPS).

Competition entries are split into six dedicated categories, so no matter what you love to shoot, there’s a theme to suit you. The categories include: Animals, People, Places, Objects, Nature and Augmented Reality, which fully utilises the Augmented Reality features of the Nintendo 3DS system. The photo entries will be judged by an expert panel, including Lauren Jarvis, editor of National Geographic Kids magazine, and Dr Michael Pritchard, Director General at the RPS. The most promising photographer will win the top prize of a trip for two to Paris and a photography masterclass, while lucky runners-up will be awarded Nintendo goodies in recognition of their skill.

“We’re really excited to be working with Nintendo on this project,” says Dr Michael Pritchard, RPS. “3D photography has been around since the 19th century, but Nintendo 3DS gives people of all ages the opportunity to experiment with the technology and create their own 3D masterpieces.”

Lauren Jarvis, Editor of National Geographic Kids magazine, says, “There’s so much to be inspired by in the UK, whether you live in the city or the countryside. National Geographic Kids is all about young people getting out and exploring their world, and I can’t wait to see the 3D pictures they capture on Nintendo 3DS.”

How to enter:

Entering the Nintendo 3DS photography competition couldn’t be simpler. Take a 3D photo in-line with one of the six themes, using the in-built cameras on the Nintendo 3DS system. Once you have captured your masterpiece, upload it to the dedicated competition website www.nintendo.co.uk/3dphotocontest between 2nd April 2012 and 17th June 2012. The dedicated competition website is accessible through the Nintendo 3DS browser on the Nintendo 3DS system or through an Internet browser on a computer, and will feature galleries of all the images that have been uploaded. Each photo uploaded to the website will have its own dedicated QR Code and, by reading these QR Codes on the Nintendo 3DS system, users will be able to view their favourite images in 3D.

Recent research from Nintendo found that 60% of Nintendo 3DS owners take more than 100 photos a year* and 13% take as many as 1,000, which equates to three a day*. So say “cheese” and get capturing using the in-built cameras on the Nintendo 3DS system today!

The Nintendo 3DS features two outer-facing and one inner-facing camera, allowing you to take both 2D and 3D photos, and record up to 10 minutes of 3D video footage. Photos taken using the Nintendo 3DS cameras can be customised by adding fun and creative filters and effects. You can even draw on your photos using the Nintendo 3DS stylus to give them that personal touch.

To be in with a chance of being crowned the UK’s best photographer by the expert panel, check www.nintendo.co.uk/3dphotocontest for details on entry requirements and the full terms and conditions of entry. If you think you’ve got what it takes to take an award-winning 3D photo, then head out with your Nintendo 3DS today and get snapping!

Keep up to date with all the official Nintendo announcements and exclusive new game information by following the official Nintendo UK Twitter feed @NintendoUK

Join Cosmo’s Online Protest For Equal Pay.

Posted on by

UNITE TOGETHER AND FIGHT FOR EQUAL PAY WITH COSMOPOLITAN’S ONLINE PROTEST

CALL FOR WOMEN TO TAKE PART IN COSMOPOLITAN’S CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE WIDENING PAY GAP

Cosmopolitan, the magazine for smart spirited women, has teamed up with a host of celebrities to lead an online protest via Facebook and Twitter to highlight the current 15% pay gap and urge women to fight for their right to an equal pay packet.

Cosmopolitan and its celebrity supporters will lead the protest with the hashtag #4Kequalpay spend it YOUR way, encouraging women to retweet and comment on how they would spend the extra money. ‘4K’ signifying the average amount of money that women are missing out on each year from their salaries.

The online protest follows the controversial moves announced recently in the Budget to cut salaries of public-sector workers, meaning the pay gap is set to widen with women bearing the brunt of the government’s austerity measures.

All tweets and Facebook posts will also include a link to the Cosmopolitan Equal Pay Petition, asking everyone to sign up to make it mandatory for companies who employ 250 people or more to carry out a public, annual equal-pay audit. Over 100,000 signatures need to be collated for the petition to be taken to David Cameron later in the year.

Louise Court, Cosmopolitan, Editor, said: “With the government recently announcing further cuts to the Budget and the likelihood of the pay gap widening further, it is time for all women across the country to stand up and take positive steps in finally getting equal pay for British women.”

Follow the Cosmopolitan Twitter for updates: @CosmopolitanUK

Win a £5,000 Holiday or a Kindle.

Posted on by

Recession biting? In need of a holiday? Frost Magazine knows how you feel, so we thought we would let you know about this competition Yakult are doing.

BRITISH MEN NEED A BREAK!

(And Yakult’s £5,000 holiday giveaway is here to help)

68% of men in the UK are in need of a holiday, according to a new survey[1]. Whilst that might not be overly surprising, it is revealing to learn the extent to which British men are desperate to get away: when asked to name their one material desire for 2012, a dream holiday came only a very close second to a new car.

However, with purse strings being tightened across the country, it seems that many will be going without their longed-for break – for this year at least. 29% of men questioned stated that, due to economising, they would be cutting down on holidays abroad in 2012 – and over a third (35%) will not be holidaying abroad at all this year.

And yet a desire to discover more about the world remains as keen as ever – 68% of men questioned stated that they were curious to learn more about different countries and cultures across the globe. Despite this, over half state that they have yet to experience a ‘dream holiday’– and so it seems high time that British men got a chance to experience the break they so desire.

And that’s where Yakult’s brand new competition comes in! Showcasing the fact that Yakult is available in 32 countries across the globe, ‘Around the World with Yakult’ is offering one lucky winner the chance to jet off on a £5,000 dream holiday. Another five winners will each receive a Kindle, complete with £20 credit.

To enter this exciting competition, would-be jetsetters simply need to visit www.yakult.co.uk/world and guess the location of the ‘mystery Yakult country’.

Each month, a Yakult employee will give a personal insight into a fascinating Yakult project taking place in their particular country – and offer clues as to the location. (The competition is free to enter and no purchase is necessary.) Every month until August, one lucky winner will receive a Kindle (plus £20 credit) – and then in September, all correct entries will go into a draw for the £5,000 grand prize!

Warwick Castle Review – An Underestimated Hidden Gem!

Posted on by

School holidays are well underway and with so many various attractions prying for your attention via different media and even social networks, one could be forgiven for overlooking Warwick Castle as being far too historic for children. But to do so would be a huge mistake. As I discovered on a recent visit to the castle, it is a place of wonder, mystery and magic. A place where young girls can become princesses and young boys can pull the legendary sword from the stone and be declared King to rapturous applause. Where knights fight gallantly to defend the kingdom and where dark secrets are kept hidden away in dungeons.

Warwick Castle represents an interesting combination of a modern visitor attraction in a historic location. A real medieval castle in Warwick, the county town of Warwickshire it takes just 1 hour 15 minutes to get there directly by train from London Marylebone station and is only a 10-15 min walk from the station.

The surrounding countryside and castle are incredible to see. Built by William the Conqueror in 1068 the castle simply oozes regality and by itself represents a remarkable piece of English heritage, but to stop there would be to miss out on some of the core attractions that will keep both young and old imaginations enthused like wildfire. I have tried my best to capture some of the amazing experiences I had the pleasure of enjoying but in truth, there is more to see than is capable in one day. Nevertheless taking the little one out to Warwick castle proved an impeccable treat. Highlights included:

The Castle Dungeon

Dank, pungent and scary this was very much akin to The London Dungeon experience.

I guess the dark colours mean she isn't joking...

One bears witness to perhaps one of the most frightening times in history: 1345 a time of the plague. A period of real hopelessness and fear, a time where people suffered relentlessly and prayed for redemption. Walking though the gates you are transported into the castle dungeon, greeted by scary monks, castle cooks, decaying bodies, torturers, court room judges, execution and where you can literally got lost  in ‘the labyrinth of lost souls’. I won’t give away anything from the storyline but for me personally the final room proved the most scary, representing something from a scene of both Blair Witch and Paranormal activity, it was very unnerving. A foreboding sign outside does say ‘Not suitable for under 10′s and there was some brave children who came inside and were very brave. However, for wussies like me, I found myself covering my eyes most of the time and praying the rest of the time. It has to be said that the actors were first class professionals, truly bringing this horrible part of history to life.

Merlin: The Dragon Tower

Based on the BBC’s hit series Merlin; this real life tour gave my little one and I the chance to experience the magic of Merlin first hand. Beginning in a book shop where a young apprentice has been told to guard the secrets of the Elders’ magic we follow her to the magical mirror through which we could talk to The Great Dragon. This was a fantastic treat for all the kids and it was amazing to see their eyes light up at actually being able to interact with the character from the television show. The technology used really shone; this wasn’t some pre-scripted video we were watching the dragon asked questions of the audience, repeated a couple of people’s names and even told us our destiny; to be future warriors of the kingdom apparently. It was incredible, however I found the experience to be short-lived. It would have been great if more had happened to extend the encounter.

Warwick Warriors display –

Warwick Castle has a number of different events happening dependant on the day, the weather and the

The sword fighting is amazing

season. Rolling alternatively to the Jousting Knights is the Warwick Warriors. My advice is to always check the time of key events as you arrive and plan your day accordingly so as not to miss anything. The Warriors perform once daily and are a feast on the eyes. Why? Because they are the closest any of us will get to actually seeing a real life sword fighting display in person. Again the quality of the acting, the atmosphere, everything works together to give quite a profound experience and one where the actors will break any misconceptions that you might have had about knights and sword fighting.

The Princess Tower – 

The Princess Tower represents probably the real life dream of every young girl and maybe a few adults too. Going through what is perhaps the largest doorway I’ve seen, the little ones were enthused to actually sit in a throne and have their pictures taken. Going up a long spiral staircase took us to the tower adorned with picture frames of different princesses all over the world. Going through to an adjoining room we were greeted by a princess who taught us exactly what it means to be one. Can you feel a pea under your bed? Can you kiss a lot of frogs? Well I sure have anyway. Finally a magic mirror opens up and we get to choose a wedding dress for the princess’s bestest friend. Like all the other experiences I found the acting to be first class and if anything it is their belief in what they are doing that means the children are thrilled and follow into the fantasy.

Birds of Prey – 

There was an impressive flying demonstration of some of the most amazing birds in the castle demonstration.

The Bird display is pretty incredible - the birds get real up close to visitors...

The bird handler was knowledgeable and seemed to make even the most mundane information sound fun. I saw Harris’ Hawks, Eagles with incredible wing spans and a huge Owl that seemed to have his own diva moment. It was fun to watch and because the birds are so well-trained they get right up close and personal. To see them fly is astounding.

Food and Drink –

Next on our stop was a bite to eat and we were pleasantly surprised to find quite a few venues within easy walking distance of the main attractions all with a different range of food and drink. There are quite a few marquees within the landscaped grounds but we opted for the 18th Century Coach House, which offered a pub style menu and we were pleased to see healthy snacks shown on the menus by the ‘Healthier Choices’ logo. We were also provided with free fresh fruit salad for the children’s meals which I thought was a real nicety.

Sword in the Stone Show –

Here the legendary tale of Arthur came to life. Within the gathering crowd the forces of good and evil stirred. Was the power of Good, justice and a bright new future going to befall the kingdom or was its destiny going to be ruled by darkness?  According to the story only the new King Arthur had the pureness of character to pull the legendary sword Excalibur from the stone. Again this was another real treat for the family; the acting first class, drawing you into the world of fantasy – very good indeed.

The Kingmaker – 

This is more for the history buffs amongst you, more like a museum than anything else. Here you can find out how weapons were made, how armour was crafted and see what mediaeval life was really like through sights, sounds and even smells. Like most of Warwick Castle this is history without barriers, and without ‘do not touch’ signs; you can get right up close and personal with your experience, try on helmets and touch and hold swords that would have been used in battle.

The Towers & Ramparts – 

Taking a well deserved rest from fantasy lands full of Princesses and stories of Merlin I decided to explore and check out the tower. Outside a sign warned me ‘One Way Only’ I wish I had taken heed; there are so many steps involved in getting to the top of the castle I needed a much-needed rest. However in truth it was all worth it as the view was awesome to see and I took loads of unbelievable shots of the surrounding countryside and the rest of the tower which, it has to be said is marvellous.

The Grounds & Gardens – 

I thought I would mention this if only to reiterate the fabulous layout of the grounds. My partner and I belong to the National Trust and getting away from it all is something we frequently relish as we live in the heart of

Besides the attractions - the castle grounds too are there to be enjoyed...

London. First built in 1068 on the orders of William the Conqueror, it formed the most important part of the Norman castle’s defence system. The hill by the castle has been described as the perfect vantage point, not for defending against marauding troops but for taking in the beautiful unfolding views of these peaceful grounds.  Walking around the gardens is incredibly tremendous and peaceful. Animals such as peacocks and birds are so well-kept that they just move freely. On our visit two peacocks went into their own fashion display in getting the visitor’s attention.

Firing of the Trebuchet –

The last thing we had time for was the demonstration of the castle’s Trebuchet. Effectively an old-fashioned manpowered catapult, used to keep enemies at bay. Again brought to life by first class actors and the Duke of the Castle who was more than happy to share useful info as to how it all worked and came about.

My Verdict

In one word: incredible.Warwick Castle has earned the term The Ultimate Castle but in reality the words don’t do it justice. There is so much to see that you probably won’t fit it all in one visit. Throughout our entire trip I saw many happy faces; children fulfilling their fantasies, adults with that tell-tale look on their face and not just because they had stayed at the hotel (it’s haunted apparently). I’m not sure but it has that rare effect of tapping the imagination that the bigger parks with all their big rides and commercialism seem to miss and what’s more it does it all simply, whether that is swords, whether that is soldiers on horse back whether it is Merlin and tales of magic. All staff I met were fantastic, whether actors or working on the gate, in the cafe, or the shop, it all added to making the visit more enjoyable.

Things you need to know:

Book online 7 days in advance

If you book online 7 days in advance you can save 30% off admission fees; book 48 hours in advance and save 20%: purchase a Warwick Castle Kingdom Ticket for entrance to Warwick Castle, The Castle Dungeon (over 10s only) and Merlin: The Dragon Tower for adults from £21.42; children aged 4-11 years from £18.06

For more info check out: http://www.warwick-castle.com/tickets-and-offers/ticket-prices.aspx

or their booking line on – 0871 265 2000

Travelling by Train

It takes from as little as 80 minutes to get to Warwick Station from London Marylebone.   To book your ticket, just visit  www.chilternrailways.co.uk  and remember, when you go by train you get 2 for 1 on entry to Warwick Castle.

Double check everything – Check the timings of trains, events, costs, even the weather before you get there and plan accordingly. Some of the attractions are outside and on our day it was quite nippy – be prepared. Also some shows are not repeated so it makes sense to plan ahead.

Have some spare cash – there is only one cash-point that I saw inside, and some of the attractions you have to pay for and kids always want snaps which cost too. When you plan ahead take these costs into consideration.

If you have the guts do try to stay over – the hotel is apparently a treat for the senses (so I am told) and lets face it there is too much to do in one day.

For more info check out

http://www.warwick-castle.co.uk/

As if you needed any more convincing – you should check out the video below

http://youtu.be/BJGPTSyRGBk

Patrick Dempsey to Race Lola in the American Le Mans Series 2012

Posted on by

Dr Dreamy, Grey’s Anatomy’ star Patrick Dempsey is to race a Lola LMP2 car in the American Le Mans Series 2012. The multi-talented actor is branching out.

Dempsey Racing has confirmed plans to race in the American Le Mans Series 2012 with a Lola B12/80 LMP2 coupe chassis. Team Principal Patrick Dempsey – star of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and a number of Hollywood titles, will race the Huntingdon designed and built LMP2 coupe.

The team is gearing up for a possible debut at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in May before competing in more races in this year’s American Le Mans Series. Dempsey and his team partners Joe Foster (team principal/driver) and Henri Richard (Silicon Tech Racing) have stated it is also their intention to race at the 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours. The Lola B12/80 LMP2 coupe will be powered by Judd.

Dempsey, who established the Dempsey Racing team in 2003 has a real passion for the sport and has participated in many racing series, including ALMS and Grand-Am. The partnership between Dempsey Racing and Lola is an exciting time for the British company, who have achieved a number of accolades in recent years including taking the 2011 ALMS manufacturers title and finishing as the highest placed petrol powered car at Le Mans last year.

On the partnership with Lola, Patrick Dempsey said, “It is no secret that I really enjoyed my experience at Le Mans in 2009. Lola is a famous name throughout the world of racing. I kind of knew what they did at Indy and in sports cars from when I was a kid. I am relishing driving this brand new LMP2 design”.

Lola Executive Chairman, Martin Birrane said, “We welcome Dempsey Racing in to the Lola LMP family. Patrick, Joe and the team have shown in recent years that they are a professional and ambitious team but also one that recognises they need expertise and cutting edge technology and so have chosen to partner with Lola who will provide the very latest LMP2 design and engineering know-how for their programme. It has been a pleasure to work with the Dempsey team to make this announcement possible and we appreciate and recognise their methodical approach to racing”.

COWLEY MANOR & COUTTS TO CREATE SCULPTURE AWARD WITH THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART

Posted on by

COWLEY MANOR & COUTTS PARTNER TO CREATE SCULPTURE AWARD WITH THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART

Sculpture exhibition open to public: 3 May to 30 September 2012

London: Cheltenham’s infamous Cowley Manor and Private Bank Coutts have partnered to create a unique and inspiring sculpture competition for post graduates from the Royal College of Art. Of the 27 submitted concepts, eight have been awarded funding to bring their designs to life. The sculptures will then go on to be displayed at Cowley Manor from 3rd May through to 30 September, with the winning sculpture taking up permanent residence in the 55 acre grounds of the manors grade II listed gardens.

With an alumni boasting Tracey Emin, James Dyson, Philip Treacy and Erdem as well as David Hockney and Aston Martin designer Marek Reichman, the world-famous Royal College of Art’s post graduates are tipped for success. The winner of the award is being announced at an event to launch the exhibition in the grounds of Cowley Manor on 2nd May.

The sculptures, based on the brief: ‘Cowley Manor and its rich history, grounds and reputed contemporary design’ in the exhibition include:

o Ben Fowlers – 8ft tall wire ‘Tornado’;
o Claire Poulter – Underwater Mirrored balls;
o Cradeaux Alexander – garden plaques with a twist;
o Emma Alonze – Carrot trousers cast in brass;
o Lauren Kelly – brightly coloured geometric sculptures;
o Lucy Tomlins – Concrete Country in Blue – 2.5 metre concrete stile;
o Wonwoo Lee – 3 metre steel sign interpretation titled ‘Hey’; and
o Zoe Paul – 2.4m wide Palace of Aegae sculpted rock.

The judging panel includes many art collectors, artists and entrepreneurs hand-selected by Cowley Manor and Coutts from across Gloucestershire. With many millions of people expected to descend on the UK over the summer for the Jubilee and Olympics, and many of these expected to visit the world-known beautiful British Cotswolds, the unique exhibition is the perfect day out or mini-break hotspot just 70 minutes out of London.

Christine Wadley, Client Partner for Coutts in Cheltenham commented: “Coutts has a long-standing history of championing the creative industries, and have looked after many clients from within the art and design world for many decades. Today we recognise and support British design excellent in order to aid growth and foster future British talent. This partnership with Cowley and the RCA is further evidence of that.”

Peter Frankopan, owner and founder of ‘A Curious Group of Hotels’ including Cowley Manor commented: “In its 10th year, Cowley Manor has long been in support of emerging British talent with many original works of art, textiles and bespoke furniture created by British artists, artisans and craftsman displayed throughout the manor and its 30 bedrooms. By partnering with Coutts, the future support and awareness of young artists trained at the Royal College of Art has been made possible.”

Steve Bunn, RCA Sculpture Tutor said: “Having the opportunity to work with Coutts and Cowley Manor on this exhibition has been a fantastic experience for our students. Site specific art like this is a great way to showcase the work of some very talented young artists.”

Hotel residents, restaurant guests and picnic-goers will be able to enjoy the exhibition at Cowley Manor, Cowley, Gloucestershire, GL53 9NL. Many of the pieces will be available for private sale with the proceeds going towards the young artists.

The exhibition, featuring all of the post graduate first and second year student submissions, will open on

Thursday 3 May and run through to 30 September.

#couttscowley

BAG A FUTURE MASTERPIECE FOR A BARGAIN!

Posted on by

An incredible opportunity to buy affordable art specially chosen by experienced art critics
and be on TV

This is your chance to see and buy the work of some of the country’s best amateur and professional artists.  From thousands of applicants, the judges from the BBC2 TV series ‘Show Me the Monet’ have selected the very best artworks to appear in a one-off exhibition and sale that takes place in the capital next month (12-14 April 2012).

Hosted at the Mall Galleries, in London’s West End, the exhibition will showcase work from 36 specifically selected artists. The work includes photography, sculpture, ceramics and paintings and were chosen by the BBC2 Show me the Monet judges Charlotte Mullins, David Lee and Roy Bolton. These experienced art critics and connoisseurs have selected the very best artworks from thousands of entries to the popular TV series and amongst them could be a future masterpiece!

The exhibition will take place on Thursday 12th April from 10am – 6pm, Friday 13th April from 10am to 5pm and Saturday 14th April from 10am – 6pm. With the huge increase in the interest in affordable art, this is the perfect opportunity to get involved and with guide prices starting at around £300, you could bag yourself a bargain.

On Thursday 12th and Friday 13th April you can buy any of the work on show by sealed bid. This means that no-one will know what anyone has bid until the big reveal to the artists on Saturday 14th. Buyers may offer more or less than the guide price and the highest offer above the guide will automatically win the work. If no offers come in above the guide price then the artist will decide whether they still wish to sell their work to the highest bidder.

Be on TV! On Saturday 14th April from 10am-6pm, Show Me the Monet presenter, Chris Hollins (BBC Breakfast, Cash in the Attic, Watchdog), will reveal to artists whether or not their art has sold and if so, for how much.   This will be filmed for inclusion in the series so come along and be part of the action as Chris reveals the news (whether it is good or bad!) to the artists.  Please note that it will not be possible to bid to buy any artwork on the Saturday.

Numbers are limited for the filming on Saturday 14th so two hour entry slots must be pre-booked.  Please email us with your preferred entry time: 10am, 12 noon, 2pm or 4pm and include your name and telephone number. 

Email: exhibition@luckydaytv.co.uk (maximum 4 tickets per person).
Venue:  The Mall Galleries, The Mall, London, SW1 (near Admiralty Arch)
When:
Thursday 12th April 2012, 10am – 6pm, NO TICKET REQUIRED
Friday 13th April 2012, 10am – 5pm, NO TICKET REQUIRED
Saturday 14th April 2012, 10am – 6pm, PRE-BOOK BY EMAIL

ADMISSION IS FREE ON ALL DAYS