Author Archives: Frostie

Plan early to keep holidays on budget says Loveholidays.com

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20130714-132550.jpgTravel and saving money rarely goes together but don’t let that put you off, we got Love Holidays to give us some tips. Recent media stories* have highlighted that holidays are potentially stretching the budgets of the average UK holiday maker by over £200, however loveholidays.com has the answer to keeping budgets in check.

 

The online travel agent suggests there are five easy steps to keeping a budget in check:

 

  1. Book a holiday early and pay for it in instalments
  2. Purchase holiday extras such as transfers or hold luggage at the time of booking
  3. Double check everything you do to ensure your dates, names, departure/arrival airports etc. are correct
  4. Book all-inclusive or half-board accommodation to keep down the cost of dining out
  5. Stay in hotels that are located in the centre of resorts or within easy walking distance of the beach and attractions

 

Alex Francis, MD of loveholidays.com commented: “Blowing your budget is something that really need not occur if holidaymakers are sensible in their planning and purchasing when they book.  It’s all about taking time to carefully select the most appropriate holiday and booking in advance to ensure there is time to plan and organise.

 

loveholidays.com also offers its users a ‘lowest price promise guarantee’ meaning that they are the cheapest option available for breaks to hotels and destinations featured by the company.

*Caxton FX claims: One in five Britons blows their holiday budget, with an average overspend of £211

*Thomas Cooks raised correction fees for airline tickets: £30 each way for any spelling changes made online, up from £20, and £50 over the phone. At the airport the charge is £100.

 

Crush Drums & Percussion Kits Up For UK Debut

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We know a lot of musicians read Frost so we thought we would bring you this article that caught our eye, and look at that drum! We want.

Crush_Acrylic_web_res

Sound Technology Ltd is proud to announce it has been chosen to exclusively distribute Crush Drums and Percussion in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Founded in the USA in March 2010, Crush Drums & Percussion is a young, driven company created by drummers for drummers. In the two years since its official public launch, Crush has built an impressive reputation and established itself as a leading brand in the US stores.

Terry Platt, CEO and Co-founder of Crush commented, “We are truly honoured that Sound Technology will take the lead in growing the Crush family of dealers and drummers in the UK. Sound Technology’s obvious commitment to excellence fully embodies our vision for the types of partners we want representing our instruments. We have many drummers sending us messages through our website and social media sites requesting Crush Drums in the UK. With much appreciation to Sound Technology we are on our way!”

“Crush is a brand that fits well with our strategy,” says David Marshall, Managing Director of Sound Technology Ltd. “It is a quality product, made by people who care about their craft. We are extremely proud to be representing the brand in the UK.”

Prepare to see the Crush product range in UK stores from July onwards. The line includes strictly Limited Edition kits, through to the stunning Sublime Series, and best-selling Chameleon Series.  Drummers already behind the brand include Jay Postones of British band Tesseract – described as ‘fu@@ing immense’ by Kerrang – and Rocky Gray currently of We Are The Fallen and the muscle on the likes of Evanescence’s multi-million selling Fallen.

30% rise in suicidal calls to Mind Infoline

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Sad news from Mind;

Mind, the mental health charity, today expressed alarm as new figures from its national telephone service show a 50% call increase within twelve months. The number of calls rose to over 68,000 in 2012/13[1], from 46,000 in 2011/2012.

 

The Mind Infoline has seen a corresponding shift in the nature of calls, with people presenting more acute and complex problems, many stemming from severe financial worries.  This is reflected in a concerning 30% rise in calls relating to suicide: In 2012/13 there were 1,546 calls from people who had experienced suicidal thoughts, had taken steps to end their own life, or had concerns about a loved one, this was up from the 1,185 contacts received the previous year.

 

In response to the worrying figures, Mind acknowledges the increased need for its services, and urges people not to wait until they hit crisis point before getting in touch. As the charity announces the appointment of a new celebrity ambassador, TV presenter Anna Williamson, it hopes she will help raise crucial awareness through her role to ensure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.

 

Anna Williamson, who this week starts her new summer role offering viewers advice on ITV’s This Morning,  has battled severe anxiety and panic attacks for many years. She now talks openly about her experiences and the vital first step of asking for help. Anna will play a key role as a Mind ambassador, encouraging others to seek support as soon as they need it.

 

Anna Williamson said: “I know just how scary it can be to start the conversation – worrying what friends or colleagues will think. But I also now know that opening up is the key to getting better. Since I first shared my own experiences, I’ve heard from so many others in the same position. It’s easy to forget you’re not alone, that actually 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem every year.

 

“I am passionate about raising awareness and thrilled to be joining Mind as an ambassador. Through my new role I’m determined to let people know its OK to ask for help.”

 

Paul Farmer, CEO for Mind says:

“Today many people face the stark reality of severe financial pressures, be it through employment worries, benefit cuts, increased cost of living, or a lethal combination of all three. It’s therefore no surprise that people need Mind more than ever. We urge anyone who needs our support to pick up the phone and to do it today.   

 

“We know that when people in the public eye speak out, it inspires others to seek help. We are delighted to have Anna Williamson’s support and are confident her honesty and candour will strike a chord with many others across the country and prompt them to get in touch.”

 

The Mindinfoline is a confidential telephone service providing information about mental health diagnosis, treatment, medication, local service provision and advocacy. Open from 9am – 6pm Monday – Friday, calls to the service are charged at a local rate and can be reached on 0300 123 3393.

 

New network launches to support young people inspired by recent sporting success

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sport for young peopleThe Performance Sports Network launched online this week to help aspiring and dedicated individuals aiming to become professional sportsmen and sportswomen. Anyone can make a difference by supporting young athletes and can go a step further by offering sponsorship, opportunities and special deals through the network.

Young people are encouraged to request whatever support they need for any sporting goal they are trying to achieve. That might be for equipment, training space, mentoring, coaching advice or sponsorship and they can easily post a video to show their talents. Once a request is made others can respond by making an offer directly to the individual.

“As soon as a request is created they can begin receiving support and proposals from peers, coaches, experts, organisations and sponsors,” explained network founder Chris Davis.

“As a football coach I see lots of kids who hope to make it as a professional. I know their chances are very small but I don’t believe this means they shouldn’t try. I believe that if anyone wants it enough they should have the best possible chance, regardless of their background. This network can provide everyone with access to experts, resources, opportunities and mentors to help and support them.

“We see how important Andy Murray’s backroom support is to him. Everyone from his coach Ivan Lendl to his mum and everyone in between has helped him succeed. We all need that sort of support – young children right through to college and university athletes,” Chris said.

“Very few of us may make it to Wimbledon or Wembley but there are lots of other opportunities in sport that dedicated training and learning open. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. There’s an inspiring saying I like that goes something like ‘Aim for the moon and even if you miss you’ll end among the stars.’ This is true for people wanting to get involved in professional sports. ”

As well as acting as a portal for any individuals to find help, the network has regular opportunities for training and experiences open to members. “This is a performance sports network but there is nothing exclusive about it. We want to provide everyone with equal access to quality sporting help and opportunities, regardless of background, educational level or location.”

Why did Chris start the network? “Like most kids when I was a young I wanted to be a sports star. I played most sports and at times when I was doing really well I thought it might be possible to make it as a professional,” he confessed. “But it’s hard when you are growing and moving up through the age groups. I was a good bowler and played cricket for the county, but one year I grew a few inches and suddenly my run up had to change and my bowling really dropped off. That type of set back can be enough to put an end to those dreams if the right support system is not in place.”

The performance sports network offers unique services and support tools for members “We are always looking for partnerships to offer the best possible opportunities to members. We are currently initiating a scheme to give people feedback on their own sporting videos. Video analysis can be really powerful and a great training aid, but not everyone has access to it. We invite people to share their videos and we can put them in touch with people who can give them constructive feedback and support. We hope to develop this into our own Sports App,” says Chris.

Sports coaches, personal trainers, suppliers or performance experts can offer their own expertise, products, services and expertise to help dedicated individuals. “Maintaining a career in sport often leads to coaching and related careers such as fitness or nutrition. We give people involved in sport many ways to promote themselves, their products, services, skills, courses and expertise. We want to encourage more people to give something back and share their own experiences with the next generation,” said Chris.

The Performance Sports Network helps people to achieve their sporting goals, learn new skills, overcome obstacles and achieve more. It is free for young people, organisations, experts, mentors and potential sponsors to register.

Sign up for free at http://performancesport.addmysupport.com

Made in Chelsea’s Andy Jordan and Louise Thompson attend charity surfing event in Cornwall

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Surfing world stunned by Surf Challenge for Autism 2013

Fistral Beach in Newquay was brought to a standstill this weekend as a group of autistic surfers took to the water in the Wave Project’s Surf Challenge for autism 2013.

Photograph-by-Andy-Casey---Andy-and-Louise-getting-ready-to-surf

Top-level surfers including former UK champion Russell Winter and 2012 English national champion Hannah Harding were left speechless as they watched as 32 autistic competitors dazzle on the clean 3ft waves.

 

They were joined by around 1500 spectators who gathered in glorious sunshine at Britain’s most famous surfing beach to watch the display.

 

Pro surfer Hannah Harding commented: “People watching just couldn’t believe that these competitors had a disability. They were surfing to such a high standard, it was really great to watch!”

 

The event was funded by the Big Lottery Fund, and delivered almost entirely by volunteers. Around 70 people helped support the event, including celebrity couple Andy Jordan and Louise Thompson, from E4 show Made In Chelsea, and 16 serving Royal Navy officers and junior ratings from RNAS Culdrose.

 

The judges, the contest director and all the paid competition staff waived their fees, while Fistral Surf Hire Company gave out wetsuits free of charge. The event was also supported by Newquay Surf Lifesaving Club, which offered free use of its club house and surf boards.

 

Contest organiser Joe Taylor said: “It was just amazing that so many people came to help support this event to ensure that these young people with autism had their chance to shine. It was wonderful to see so much goodwill from local people, organisations and businesses.”

 

The contest was a truly international event, with competitors coming from Wales and even the Netherlands to take part alongside surfers from the UK. The overall winner of the contest was 13-year old Thomas Koppelaars, from Zaltbommel, in the Netherlands.

 

Speaking on his behalf, his mother Marjolijn Koppelaars said: “We’re just so delighted. This has been the best experience of his life.”

Photograph-by-Dale-Adams---Andy-with-young-boy-surfing-the-waves

Second place went to 18-year old Robert Parton, from Swansea. The other two finalists were last year’s winner Robbie Turner, 16, from St Just and Joe Scammell, 10, from Liskeard in Cornwall.

 

Wave Project director Terry Stanton said: “This event shows just how relevant surfing is to disability sport. We really want to take the Surf Challenge forward now and make it even bigger and better next year.”

 

Big Lottery Fund’s Helen Bullough said: “Events like this are so important, not only in creating opportunities for people with disabilities, but also in challenging people’s perceptions of disability and what’s possible.

 

“It is wonderful that so many spectators came out to enjoy the event and make it such a success. Congratulations and thanks to all involved.”

Lovelace UK Trailer Released: Watch Now

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Frost brings you the trailer for Lovelace. Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Peter Sarsgaard, Juno Temple, Sharon Stone, Hank Azaria, James Franco

The life of LINDA LOVELACE (Amanda Seyfried) told through the production of ‘Deep Throat’, her abusive relationship with Chuck Traynor (Peter Sarsgaard) and eventual spearheading of the feminist anti-pornography movement.

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Linda Lovelace gets under the all-consuming influence of her abusive husband and self-declared manager, Chuck Traynor, who uses all means possible to persuade her to comply with his demands. The fragile woman becomes an infamous porn star, seems to be happy, but eventually breaks free from her husband and discloses the truth in order to prevent other women from getting similarly exploited.

UK release date: 23 August 2013

Directed by: Jeffrey Friedman, Rob Epstein

Released by: Lionsgate Films

Running time: 93 mins

Certificate: 18

Did you like the trailer? Will you go and see it?

The Black Clouds | Music Profile

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Black Cloud musicBand: The Black Clouds
Location: New Jersey, USA
Styles: Alternative Rock/Hard Rock/Grunge
Similar to: Toadies, Nirvana, Black Sabbath, The Stooges, The Melvins, The Vines
CD: Better Days
If you still believe the code of the D.I.Y. musician is to destroy – and rebuild – every single pillar of rock ‘n’ roll; if you believe that it’s not just a privilege, but a duty to be loud, impassioned, dangerous and not just follow the scene’s flashing lights, you owe it to yourself to immediately check out New Jersey’s Black Clouds.
Comprising of guitarists/vocalists Dan Matthews and Rob Blake, bassist Gary Moses and drummer Cory King, The Black Clouds have returned leaner and louder with their new 2012 release, “Better Days.” Produced, recorded, and funded entirely by the band, “Better Days” was recorded over the period of one
month and mixed by alternative rock legend, John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, Hold Steady). The album abides by three driving principles: Play loud. Play hard. Leave every post-modern music trend quivering in the dust. And it scores with a bullet.
The Black Clouds have maintained a D.I.Y. stance since their formation in late 2004. Also self-produced, recorded and funded, the band’s debut LP “Wishing Well” (2008) was mixed and mastered by yet another legendary rock producer, Seattle’s Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Mudhoney).
The Black Clouds played Bamboozle in 2008, and followed with a self-funded, self-booked US tour in 2009, which saw them hitting 25 shows in 30 days. Another short tour – again funded and booked entirely by the band – followed in 2010, when the they hit the road for SXSW and back.
The Black Clouds’ grueling commitment to touring has paid off, as the band plays every live show like it’s their last one standing. And “Better Days” pulls off the near-impossible feat of ensnaring the band’s blood-and-spit stage fury in a way few modern bands could even strive for, let alone achieve.
Accolades:
The Bamboozle Festival 2008, Opened For the Toadies twice (Once in 2009 and
again in 2010), Opened for Tantric in 2008, Headlined the Stone Pony
in Asbury Park numerous times, Headlined at Mercury Lounge in NYC, Played CMJ in 2008, Played at SXSW in 2010, Did a 25 show US tour around the entire country (in 30 days) in mid-2009 (self-booked and funded), Nominated for top rock band in 2008, 2009 and 2010 in the Asbury Music Awards, Nominated for best album in 2008 in the Asbury Music Awards
Members/Instruments: Dan Matthews – Guitar/Vocals, Rob Blake – Guitar/Vocals, Gary Moses – Bass, Cory King – Drums
Production: Written, produced and recorded by The Black Clouds (except “Blue Blocker” written by Lonnnie Rutledge), Mixed by John Agnello (Known
for his work with Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, The Hold Steady and Dead Confederate), Mastered by Scott Hull.
Tracklisting:
1. Prelude
2. No Reason
3. Breathing
4. Defective Mind
5. Again
6. Fray
7. Whereabouts Unknown
8. I’ll Be Gone
9. Stalemate
10. Blue Blocker
11. Seen Better Days
12. Rid of Me
13. All or Nothing
Websites:

Ada Zanditon shows her SS14 collection to great acclaim at Berlin Fashion Week

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Ada Zanditon has just returned from successfully showing her collection in Berlin, where she wowed press and buyers with her colourful, signature prints and  dramatic silhouettes.

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The SS14 collection ‘Aqualibrium’ is inspired by Zanditon’s visit to two Sea Turtle conservation projects in Sri Lanka. The turtles fascinated Zanditon for their long nomadic lives and oceanic journeys,  continuously adapting their existence on earth for over 100 million years, since the time of the dinosaurs.  Now due to human activity, all remaining seven species of turtles are either endangered or critically endangered. The shapes, textures and colours of the prints and surface inspirations come from Zanditon’s photographs and videos, from which she created drawings and watercolour paintings of the Sea Turtles and their habitats, both as newly hatchlings and as juvenile adults.

 

There are two palettes in the collection, the monochrome palette which focuses more on contrasting textures of black and the colour palette which takes inspiration from the Sea Turtles habitats from birth to maturity, bright citrus colours, white and cream sand, lavender, lilac and marine colours from sea grass beds to coral reefs.

 

Rather than change silhouette each season, Zanditon chooses to evolve signature shapes and silhouettes with classic items such as the Galaxia Trench making a welcome return. Other key items including the structural outerwear have evolved into sculptural biker jackets and summer weight capes. Inspiration in the collection also comes from forms of tribaldress from various island nations – Samoa, Tonga & Tuvalu.

 

Materials and collaborations

The collection is made from luxurious textiles including: organic cotton handwoven denim from India; Fairtrade organic cotton corduroy from India; Swiss woven organic cotton sateen; Newlife Ottoman weave recycled PET from Italy; silks chiffon & satin from Italy& India; veg tan leather from Italy; organic cotton digital print from India; silk digital print from India; upcycled Burberry raincoating from England; wool jersey woven in England; bamboo jersey woven in Belgium; upcycled linen. All dyeing processes are either natural, closed loop and/or azo free.

 

Collaborations for SS14

The swimwear collaboration Ada Zanditon x Auria London. The swimwear is made from recycled PET woven in Italy which is sourced by Auria London. Zanditon created the prints for the range whilst Auria London designed the silhouette and detailing.

 

The screen printed jeans collaboration with Monkee Genes, whose jeans are created using soil association & Gots certified organic cotton and their policy is ‘no blood, no sweat, no tears, no slave labour, no child labour.’ Monkee Genes also have a range of jeans that are made in England.

 

‘A Case Of’  upcycled accessories by Ada Zanditon & phannatiq – any usable waste fabric from Ada Zanditon and phannatiq’s studios is saved and used to create a collaborative range of unique and beautiful accessories – their signature item being a clutch bag that also functions as an ipad/tablet device case.

 

Shoes by Julian Hakes

Jewellery by Modular Minds

Sunglasses by Cutler & Gross