Author Archives: Frostie

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

 

Margarine and health, removing the confusion on dietary needs

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A big, fat confusion

We all need fat in our diet, but knowing which types can often be confusing.

The Fat Information Service (FIS) is supported by a group of expert dietitians, nutritionists, lipid experts and GPs to give the low down on the role of fats and oils in our daily diets. It aims to offer clear information to help identify good fats from bad fats and to support informed dietary choices needed for good health.

The following e-feature bulletin from FIS explains why findings published this week regarding the changing trends in the UK’s fat consumption are both concerning and potentially life-threatening.

Get to know your fats

Dietary fats are classified by their chemical composition, and can be either saturated (as found in animal products such as butter) or unsaturated (found in vegetable-based products such as spreads and  margarine).

When choosing fats, we are advised to choose unsaturated fats over saturated fats, as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle[1]. This is because clinical research clearly illustrates that risk of developing heart disease is reduced when saturated fats are replaced with unsaturated fats[2].

Sorting fact from fiction

A worrying new report suggests that Britons are increasingly shunning evidence-based advice and are choosing butter over spreads and margarine, believing it to represent a purer, more natural alternative.

Commenting on these findings, nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire from the Fat information Service (FIS) says: “Consumers should not be concerned about the notion of margarines and spreads being ‘highly processed’ or ‘packed full of additives’.

 

“The primary ingredients in margarine include vegetable or plant seed oils, water, milk and salt; all of which are naturally sourced.

 

“Processing of spreads is necessary to ensure that the natural oils are combined with other ingredients to develop a smooth consistency for spreading. The only additional step used in making margarine compared to the production of butter is the initial process of extracting the oil from seeds.

“Although spreads do contain additives, many of the colours used are natural and vitamins A and D are added by law. And whilst they contain preservatives, their use is strictly controlled and regularly reviewed to ensure they are entirely safe in the quantities consumed.

“The bottom line is that margarines, when consumed in moderation, represent a healthy, natural choice for consumers”.

Dangerous consequences

 

So what consequences might these unfounded myths regarding spreads and margarine have on the UK population if they remain unaddressed?

 

Sara Stanner adds: “With heart disease already the UK’s biggest killer[3], the recent surge in butter sales is worrying news for the health of the UK population.

 

“More than  half of the fat found in butter is saturated fat.  Scientists agree that a high dietary intake of saturated fat raises the level of total and bad cholesterol in the blood, which increases the risk of heart disease.

 

“In contrast, spreads made with vegetable oils contain less saturates and a higher proportion of heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, which help reduce cholesterol levels when substituted for saturated fat.

 

 

“At the end of the day our food choices are driven by what we enjoy, but consumers who prefer the taste of butter should be advised to use it sparingly and opt for vegetable oil blends where possible, in order to maintain good health. ”





Fat Information Service tips 


 


As in all aspects of a healthy diet, balance is key and dietary fats are no exception. While unsaturated fats (such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) offer significant health benefits, getting too much of any type of fat can be damaging to your health.


 


Whilst it’s not desirable to increase the total fat content of the diet by simply adding them to your diet, replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats will help you achieve a better balance for your heart and overall health (along with a healthy diet and lifestyle).


These tips will help show you how:


ü  Switch to lower-fat dairy products, like reduced-fat cheese, low fat yogurts, and skimmed or semi-skimmed milk to reduce your intake of saturated fats.


 


ü  Swap butter for small amounts of spread or margarine as this can help reduce your saturated fat intake. Spreads are also fortified with other vitamins and can help supplement your diet with key nutrients. Additionally, spreads made from seed oils contain essential fats, omega 3 & 6; these are fats that your body cannot make and you thus have to take in via your diet.


 


ü  Choose lean cuts of meat, poultry or oily fish rather than fatty or processed meat products. Make sure you trim any excess fat and remove the skin from chicken or turkey before cooking.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Michael Finnegan tops parent poll of most irritating nursery rhymes of all time

			
						

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Campfire singalong ‘Michael Finnegan’ has been named by parents as the most irritating nursery rhyme of all time.


The tune and its lyrics were said to be so “utterly catchy” that mums and dads found it impossible to stop humming it for the rest of the day.


It has 10 known verses but continues on a perpetual loop. Parents say this puts them in an impossible position of either starting again or ending it abruptly and sparking a tantrum.


Old MacDonald, meanwhile, was voted the nation’s parents’ favourite nursery rhyme, beating Row, Row, Row Your Boat, She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain and Pop Goes the Weasel to the top spot.


The farmyard classic was said to strike “the perfect balance” between educational benefit and adult interaction.


Unlike Michael Finnegan, which was said to wind kids up “into a frenzy” just before bedtime, Old MacDonald was found to have a surprisingly soothing and soporific effect.


The research was carried out by AudioGO to mark this week’s release of its new ‘Wheels on the Bus Singalong’ audiobook.


It polled 1,000 parents with children aged five and under, and asked them to name their 10 favourite and 10 most irritating pre-school songs.


 


The Top 10 Most Irritating Nursery Rhymes


10. Miss Polly Had a Dolly


9. Humpty Dumpty


8. She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain


7. Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary


6. Rain, Rain, Go Away


5. Pop Goes the Weasel


4. Pat-a-Cake


3. London Bridge is Falling Down


2. Polly Put the Kettle On


1. Michael Finnegan


 


The Top 10 Favourite Nursery Rhymes


10. Humpty Dumpty


9. Hey Diddle Diddle


8. Polly Put the Kettle On


7. Cockles and Muscles


6. Pop Goes the Weasel


5. This Old Man


4. Row, Row, Row Your Boat


3. The Big Ship Sails


2. She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain


1. Old MacDonald

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Five Times ASP World Champion Stephanie Gilmore Joins Roxy Surf Team

			
						

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Roxy announces five-time Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Champion surfer, Stephanie Gilmore, is joining the ROXY Surf Team. ROXY, the world’s first and leading active board lifestyle brand for women and girls, has a long history of being a pioneering force within female action sports. Stephanie is a natural fit for the ROXY brand – a world-class, trailblazing athlete, who is the only surfer to ever have won a world title in her rookie year.


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Stephanie Gilmore, 25, was born and raised in New South Wales, Australia. She was awarded ASP World Champion Titles in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012. Additional victories include three Hawaiian Triple Crown wins in 2008, 2009 and 2010. In 2011, she also won the prestigious ESPY Award, Female Action Sports Person of the Year, and was awarded the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year in 2010.


Stephanie’s move to the ROXY team is a natural transition for her. She has long admired ROXY’s position as both a leader and pioneer within women’s surfing. Of the announcement, Stephanie stated, “ROXY epitomizes the image and lifestyle I live, both in and out of competition. I’m excited to join forces with such an iconic brand during this powerful time in female surfing.”